Amp For Planar Headphones

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

Look for an amp that has a recommended headphone impedance range. This can be found on the specs sheet or on their website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier was created and manufactured by hand in Great Britain. It is an amplifier with a lot of power that can drive almost every planar headphone (and some dynamic headphones) on the market regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high current and voltage output will also provide an exceptional dynamic headroom that produces an impressive sound.

In contrast to speakers, planar magnetic headphones are essentially resistive loads, making them relatively easy to drive. However, they require higher levels of drive than most receivers can achieve. To achieve their 130dB SPL, they must have 4V5-10V5 at 1mW of input. This is why solid state amplifiers in class A are the best choice for them.

The AP10H+ features an output transformer which boosts the voltage as well as a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95percent of cases. This allows the AP10H+ to deliver more than twice the amount of power to the 32 ohms of dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

If you are looking for an amp that has a tube-like warm sound signature then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can power headphones with magnetic planar design easily and has a variety of output options that can accommodate most headphone 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 uses hand-made transformers that produce exceptional sound.

The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that can deliver 6.5W of pure class A power. It can drive high-impedance headphone and is capable to handle the HiFiMan Susvara open-back planar magnetic headphone effortlessly. Its bass performance is outstanding and provides incredible dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV has a rich mid-range, smooth highs and an impressive amount detail.

The amp is comparable to the Auris Ha-2SE and the Headonia amplifier, but it's better overall because it has more clarity and precision, as well as more balanced sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when used with the correct headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is impressive, as it adds warmth and tube smoothness to the sound that's hard to find in other headphone amps.

Many enthusiasts of headphones appreciate the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. They aren't easy to operate and require a significant investment. In addition, they produce lots of heat, so it is important to select one with a strong cooling system. The Nirvana IV is a good option for discerning audiophiles, healthndream.com because it can be customised with a range of different tubes.

The Cayin Ha-6A is an excellent choice for anyone looking to experience the power and beauty of a tube amp at a low price. This amp can be used with various types of headphones and is compatible with the most well-known digital audio formats. The output switch lets you choose among three gain settings that are suitable for headphones with low, medium 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 designed (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. It has a timeless design that is reminiscent of classic tube equipment, despite the bizarre red paint job.

The IHA-1 uses a pair of 6SN7 dual triodes to power headphones. It features transformer coupling at both inputs and outputs making it compatible with almost any headphone. It's also very compact and has a clear signal path with no feedback loop.

In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a full and balanced sound that is sure to please listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience that is accompanied by lush music. It's an excellent choice for classical, alternative/indie, and Acoustic tracks. It's also a great amplifier 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. You can make up for this by rolling the tube.

In general higher-sensitivity headphones usually work well with tube amplifiers and Headphonesshop.uk the IHA-1 is no exception. We tested it with a wide selection of headphones which included the Focal Clear HiFiMan HE-560 Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 produced a full and round sound, with a lateral imaging that was impressively precise. It also gave an illusion of three-dimensional space.

The standard IHA-1 includes a pair 6SN7 Russian tubes. It is possible to upgrade it by $100 to a NOS RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is warmer than the re-issue 5Y3GT and has a more organic sound with ample bass. It also has a sweet response to the treble, which is recessed enough for the majority of listening experiences to be glorious and free of fatigue.

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

Cayin HA-6A

This affordable tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amp with a surprising amount of power. It can power headphones that are planar like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and sound great when used with dynamic headphones like the Audio-Technica's ATH-A1000X. It's also extremely adaptable, making it a great option for music lovers with different listening preferences.

The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled model with matched output transformers that offer real balanced output. The power supply has been fully controlled to minimize the ripple effect caused by voltage amplifying. The circuit is designed by hand using point to point wielding and premium wires, which results in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp comes with a premium UV meter that displays the signal strength.

HA-6A features the option of switching between triode and ultralinear modes to give you a different sound experience depending on your requirements. If you want a warm, rich sound, you can use the EL34 tubes with a medium output impedance in triode mode. On the other hand, if you require a blazingly clear and precise sound with plenty of muscle you should use a pair KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode, with a low output impedance.

HA-6A offers an optional tube rectification option for those who prefer an unison sound. This enhances the overall sonic performance of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for those who appreciate a wide range of music genres ranging from classical and orchestral, to hip-hop, EDM and other electronic music.

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

Unlike the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a bit of a tube bloom and sound stage that isn't as big or as detailed. It also has a much quicker decay time than the Vali 2+ and an overall more neutral tone. It also has a forward-looking midrange that has more detail and a higher bass in comparison to the Vali 2+. However it doesn't have as much treble.