Amp For Planar magnetic iem Headphones

You need an amp that can drive planar headphones with plenty of power. In contrast to dynamic headphones, which require only a tiny amount of current, planars are more demanding in terms of power and require more voltage.

Find an amplifier with a recommended range of impedance for headphones. It will be noted on the specs sheet or on their website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier that was designed and manufactured by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier that can power almost any planar magnetic loudspeakers headphone (and some dynamic headphones) available regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high voltage output and current can also give you an outstanding dynamic headroom, which produces an amazing sound.

Planar magnetic headphones like speakers are almost exclusively resistive loads. They are therefore relatively easy to drive. However, they require more power than most receivers can achieve. To achieve their rated 130dB SPL, they require 4V5-10V5 with 1mW of input. This is why solid state amplifiers of class A are the best choice for them.

The AP10H+ comes with an output transformer that boosts the power to a greater level, planar magnetic iem and it has a volume matching resistor that works with 95% of headphones. The AP10H+ can deliver twice as much power to the 32 ohm dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

If you're looking for an amp that has a tube-like warm sound profile, then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can drive planar magnetic headphones effortlessly and offers a variety of output options to accommodate most headphone impedances. It also comes with a high-end external power supply unit that supplies constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier is made in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that produce exceptional sound.

The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that produces 6.5W pure class A power. It can drive high-impedance headphone and can handle the HiFiMan Susvara open-back planar magnetic headphone with ease. Its bass performance is excellent and has great dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV has a rich mid-range, smooth highs and an impressive amount detail.

This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE and Headonia amplifier, but it's better overall due to its greater clarity and precision with a more balanced sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when paired with the correct headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is particularly impressive, bringing a layer of warmth and smoothness that's hard for other headphone amplifiers to achieve.

Vacuum tube amplifiers what are planar magnetic drivers a favorite among headphone enthusiasts because they provide a warm, cosy sound that many people enjoy. They aren't easy to operate and require an extensive investment. They also generate a lot of heat, so choose one with a sturdy cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to suit the tastes of audiophiles.

The Cayin Ha-6A is a fantastic option for those looking to experience the power and aesthetics of a tube amp at affordable cost. This amp is designed to work with a range of headphone models and is compatible with most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you to select from three gain settings, which are suited for low, medium and high-impedance headphone. It includes a remote as well as an external power source.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a high-end hi-fi heritage It was designed by (and is manufactured under the watchful eyes of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. And despite its crazy red paint job, it has a timeless appearance that evokes classic tube gear.

The IHA-1 is compatible with any headphone because it uses a pair 6SN7 dual triodes for driving headphones. It also features transformer coupling at both the inputs and outputs. It's also compact and has a clear signal path with no feedback loop.

The IHA-1 is a rich and acoustic sound that we've discovered to be appealing to listeners who enjoy a lush listening experience. It's a great option for classical, indie/alternative, and acoustic music. It's a great amp for pop, country, R&B, Planar magnetic iem and rock. However, it can be a bit on the warm side for high-energy genres such as EDM and Metal. It is possible to compensate for this by tube rolling.

The IHA-1 isn't an exception to this rule. In general, headphones with higher sensitivity tend to pair well with tube amplifiers. We tried it on a wide selection of headphones which included the Focal Clear HiFiMan HE-560 Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 provided a rich round sound, with an impressively precise lateral imaging and a three-dimensional sense of space that was truly revelatory.

The standard IHA-1 includes a pair 6SN7 Russian tubes. However, it can be upgraded to an original RCA GZ34 tube for an additional $100. The GZ34 has a warmer tone than the 5Y3GT reissue, but a more organic and bassy sound. It also has a smooth treble response that's recessed enough to make listening enjoyable and stress-free.

The IHA-1's amazing 3-D soundstage is particularly evident when coupled with the Focal Utopia headphones. The Focal's already precise imaging was able to expand forwards and outwards to reveal an expansive sonic landscape. Listening to the track 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was like walking around a vast hall that happened to include headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This tube headphone amp by Cayin is billed as an "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's an affordable portable amplifier that's quite powerful. It can power headphones that are planar like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and also sound great when used with dynamic headphones like the Audio-Technica's ATH A1000X. It's also highly scalable which makes it a great option for those with a variety of listening preferences.

The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled design with output transformers that are matched to give real balanced output. The power supply has also been fully regulated to reduce the ripple effect resulting from voltage amplifying. The circuitry is made by hand with the finest wires and point-to-point using, which results in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp also features an ultra-high-quality UV meter which displays signal levels.

The HA-6A comes with the option of switching between triode and ultralinear modes to provide a different sound experience based on your requirements. If you're looking for a full warm, warm, and melodious sound, run the EL34 tubes in triode mode, with moderate output impedance. If you are looking for a quick and detailed sound with plenty of power, then use KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear and low output impedance.

For those who prefer more neutral sound, the HA-6A comes with an option of tube rectification that enhances the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for users who enjoy an array of music genres ranging from classical and orchestral to hip-hop EDM and other electronic music.

This amp also comes with an enormous custom-designed transformer that has the highest-quality nickel plating. This makes the amplifier tough and robust. It also comes with an innovative current adjustment feature that can adjust the impedance of different headphones.

Contrary to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a little bit of a tube-like bloom and sound stage that isn't as big or as precise. It has a much faster decay time and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It also has a forward-looking midrange that has more detail and more bass as compared to the Vali 2+. However, it does not have as much treble.