Amp For Planar Headphones

When it comes to amps that are suitable for headphones with planars, you need one with enough power to drive them. Planar headphones require more power and voltage than dynamic headphones, which require only a only a tiny amount of current.

Find an amplifier that comes with a recommended headphone impedance range. Most will have this information on their spec sheet or on their website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier was built by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerhouse that can drive almost any planar headphones (and some dynamic ones) available regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high voltage and current output can offer a high-quality dynamic headroom for an impressive sound.

Planar magnetic headphones like speakers are almost exclusively resistive loads. They are therefore relatively easy to drive. However, they require higher levels of drive than most receivers can achieve. For them to reach their 130dB SPL rating they require either 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. This is why solid state amplifiers of class A are the best option for them.

The AP10H+ features an output transformer that raises the power to a greater degree, and has a volume matching resistor that can be used with the majority of headphones. The AP10H+ can provide twice as much power to the 32 ohm dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

If you're looking for a tube amp with a warm sound signature then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can power magnetic headphones that are planar easily and has a variety of output modes that support the majority of headphone impedances. It is equipped with an external power supply unit that is of high quality that delivers constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that provide exceptional musicality.

The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that produces 6.5W pure class A power. It is able to easily drive high-impedance headphones and is able to handle the HiFiMan SUSVARA planar magnetic speakers open-back magnetic headphone effortlessly. Its bass performance is excellent and provides great dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange with soft highs and an amazing amount of detail.

This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE as well as the Headonia amplifier however, it's superior overall since it offers more clarity and precision with a more balanced sound. When it's paired with the correct headphone, it can reveal the hidden layers of music, and is a joy to listen to. Its balanced mode is impressive, adding a layer warmth and smoothness that is hard for other headphone amplifiers to match.

Many people who love headphones appreciate the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they can be difficult to use and require a significant investment. Additionally, they generate a lot of heat, so it is important to pick one with a sturdy cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to meet the needs of audiophiles.

The Cayin Ha-6A is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy the power and elegance of a tube amplifier for affordable cost. The amplifier is designed to work with a range of headphone models and is compatible with most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you choose between three gain settings suitable for headphones that have medium, low and high impedance. It also comes with the ability to control the remote and an external power supply.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a serious hi-fi product. It was created (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. And despite its bizarre red paint it has a classic design that is reminiscent of vintage tube equipment.

The IHA-1 is compatible with every headphone as it uses a pair 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It also has transformer coupling on both inputs as well as the outputs. It's also quite compact and has a clear signal path that doesn't have a feedback loop.

The IHA-1 is a rich and acoustic sound that we have found to be appealing to those who appreciate a full listening experience. It's an excellent choice for classical, indie/alternative and acoustic music. It's an excellent amp for tracks in pop country, R&B, and rock. However, it can be a bit on the warmer side for genres with high energy like EDM and Metal. You can compensate for this with tube rolling.

As a rule, higher-sensitivity headphones tend to mate well with tube amplifiers and the IHA-1 is no different. We tested it with a wide range of headphone models which included the Focal Clear, HiFiMan HE-560, planar headphones Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 produced a full and round sound, with lateral imaging that was impressively precise. It also gave the illusion of three-dimensionality.

The standard IHA-1 comes with two Russian 6SN7 tubes. It is possible to upgrade it for an additional $100 to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is warmer than the 5Y3GT that was reissued, but it has a more natural sound with ample bass. It also has a lovely response to the treble that is not too recessed to allow the majority of listening experiences to be awe-inspiring and free of fatigue.

The IHA-1's remarkable 3-D soundstage was particularly apparent when it was paired with the Focal Utopia headphones. The Focal's already precise image was able to expand forwards and outwards, revealing an expansive soundscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like a walk through a vast hall with your headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This budget-friendly tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amp with an impressive power. It's capable of driving headphones with a planar design, such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA with ease, and it also sounds great when paired with headphones that are dynamic, such as the Audio-Technica ATH-A1000X. It is also highly scalable and therefore a great option for those who have diverse preferences for listening.

The HA-6A has a transformer-coupled construction with matched outputs transformers to provide a true balanced output. The power supply is fully controlled, which minimizes the ripple effect of voltage amplification. The circuitry is handcrafted with the finest wires and point-to-point wielding, resulting in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp comes with a premium UV meter that displays signal levels.

The HA-6A has an ultralinear/triode switchable mode that allows you to alter the sound to suit your preferences. If you want an enveloping, rich sound, choose the EL34 tubes that have moderate output impedance when in triode mode. On the other hand, if require a blazingly clear and precise sound with plenty of muscle, use a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode and low output impedance.

The HA-6A comes with an option for tube rectification feature for those who prefer a neutral sound. This enhances the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for people who listen to a variety of genres, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.

The amp is also constructed with a huge, custom-designed output transformer that offers high-grade nickel plating. This ensures the amplifier is durable and robust. It also has an innovative current adjustment that can match the impedance of various headphones.

The Cayin Ha-6A unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has a tiny bit of tube bloom. The soundstage isn't as large or detailed. It has a much faster decay time and more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has an advanced midrange that has more bass and detail than the Vali 2+, but it doesn't have as much extension in the treble.