Amp For planar Earphone Headphones

You'll need an amp that can power planar headphones with plenty of power. Contrary to dynamic headphones which require a small amount of power, planars are more demanding in terms of power and require more voltage.

Look for an amp that is compatible with a recommended range of impedance for headphones. Most will have this information on their spec sheet or website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier that was designed and made by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier that can power virtually any pair of planar closed back headphones headphones (and some of the more dynamic ones) available, regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high-voltage and current output will offer a high-quality dynamic headroom for impressive sound.

In contrast to speakers, planar magnetic headphones are almost purely resistive loads and thus relatively easy to drive. They require a higher level of drive than can be achieved by the majority of receivers. In order to achieve their 130dB SPL rating, they require either 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. This is why solid state amplifiers in class A are the best option for them.

The AP10H+ comes with an output transformer that boosts the voltage and a volume matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 85% of cases. The AP10H+ can deliver twice the power of the 32 ohm dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

The Nirvana IV tube amp has a warm sound signature. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving planar magnetic headphones with ease and offers a variety of output modes to support the majority of headphones with different impedances. It comes with an external power supply unit that is of high quality that supplies constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it uses hand-made transformators that provide exceptional musicality.

The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that can deliver 6.5W of pure class A power. It can easily drive high-impedance headphones and is capable of handling the HiFiMan SUSVARA planar open-back magnetic planar headphones headphone with ease. Its bass performance and dynamic depth are excellent. The Nirvana IV has a rich midrange, smooth highs and a staggering amount of detail.

This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE and the Headonia amplifier but it's more effective overall since it offers more clarity and precision, as well as more balanced sound. It can uncover hidden layers of music when used with the right headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is particularly impressive, bringing a layer of warmth and tube smoothness that is difficult for other headphone amplifiers to match.

Vacuum tube amplifiers are a favorite for headphone lovers since they offer a warm sound that people appreciate. However, they can be difficult to use and require a significant investment. They also generate lots of heat, so it is important to choose one with a robust cooling system. The Nirvana IV is a good choice for those who are discerning about their audiophiles because it can be customized with a variety of different tubes.

The Cayin Ha-6A is a great option for anyone who wants to experience the power and beauty of a tube amplifier at an affordable price. This amplifier is designed to work with a variety of headphone models and Planar earphone is compatible with the majority of popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you to choose between three gain modes, which are suited for medium, low and high-impedance headphone. It also comes with a remote control and an external power supply.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a serious audio heritage - it was designed by (and is manufactured under the watchful eye of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. Its design is timeless that evokes classic tube equipment, despite the bizarre red paint job.

The IHA-1 can be used with any headphone as it uses the 6SN7 dual triodes for driving headphones. It also features transformer coupling on both inputs and outputs. It's also compact and has an unobstructed signal path, without feedback loop.

The IHA-1 has a full and acoustic sound that we have found to be appealing to listeners who enjoy a lush listening experience. It's an excellent choice for classical, indie/alternative, and the acoustic genres. It's also a great amp for country, pop, rock, and R&B tracks. It can be a little warm for genres that have lots of energy, such as EDM or Metal. Tube rolling can help make up for the warmth.

In general, higher-sensitivity headphones tend to be a good match for tube amplifiers, and the IHA-1 is no different. We tested it with a wide variety of models for headphone including the Focal Clear HiFiMan HE-560 Grado RS-1, planar earphone and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 created a rich and round sound, with a lateral imaging that was impressively precise. It also created the illusion of three-dimensionality.

The standard IHA-1 comes with two Russian 6SN7 tubes. It is possible to upgrade it by $100 to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is more warm than the 5Y3GT reissue and has a more organic sound with plenty of bass. It also has a smooth response to treble that is not too recessed to allow the majority of listening experiences to be awe-inspiring and fatigue-free.

The IHA-1's 3-D soundstage becomes particularly evident when paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The Focal's already precise image could expand forwards and outwards and reveal a vast sonic landscape. Listening to the track 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to wandering around a huge hall that happened to contain your headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This tube headphone amp by Cayin is billed as a "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's an affordable portable amplifier that's astonishingly powerful. It can drive headphones that are planar like the HiFiMan SUSVARA with ease and is also great with dynamic headphones such as the Audio-Technica ATH-A1000X. It's also highly scalable which makes it a great choice for music lovers with a variety of listening preferences.

The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled design with output transformers that are matched to offer real balanced output. The power supply has also been fully regulated to reduce the ripple effect that is caused by voltage amplifying. The circuitry is made by hand with points-to-point amplification and premium wires, which results in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp has a top-quality UV meter that displays signal levels.

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

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

The amp also has a custom-designed transformer with premium nickel plating. This makes sure that the amplifier is robust and durable. It also has an ingenious current adjustment that allows it to match the impedance of headphones.

The Cayin Ha-6A is different from the Schiit Vali 2+ has some tube bloom. Its soundstage isn't as detailed or large. It has a faster decay time and more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has a forward midrange that has more detail and more bass as compared to the Vali 2+. However it does not have the same amount of treble.