Amp For Planar Headphones

When you are looking for amps for headphones with planars, you need one with enough power to power them. Unlike dynamic headphones that require a small amount of power, planars are more power hungry and demand more voltage.

Look for an amp that is compatible with an impedance range that is recommended for headphone use. Most will have this listed on their spec sheet or on their website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier was built by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier that can be used to drive virtually any headphone planar (and some dynamic headphones) available regardless of their impedance and sensitivity. Its high voltage output and current will also provide an exceptional dynamic headroom that produces an amazing sound.

In contrast to speakers, planar magnet headphones are essentially resistive loads, which makes them easy to drive. However, they require much more power than the majority of receivers can provide. To achieve their 130dB SPL, they must have 4V5-10V5 at 1mW of input. This is why class A solid state amps are the best magnetic planar headphones option for them.

The AP10H+ has an output transformer which boosts the voltage and a volume matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95% of cases. This enables the AP10H+ to provide more than twice the amount of power to a pair of 32 ohms dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

The Nirvana IV tube amp has a warm sound signature. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving magnetic headphones that are planar with ease and has a wide range of output modes to support the majority of headphones with different impedances. It also has a high-quality external power supply unit that delivers constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was developed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it utilizes hand-crafted transformators that offer incredible musicality.

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

The amp is similar to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers, but it's a better one in general because it has a more precise and balanced sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when used with the correct headphone. It is also very enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is particularly impressive, since it adds warmth and tube smoothness to the sound that is difficult to find in other headphone amplifiers.

Vacuum tube amplifiers are a favorite among headphone enthusiasts because they offer a warm sound that a lot of people love. They aren't easy to operate and require a significant investment. They also produce a lot of heat, so make sure you choose one with a sturdy cooling mechanism. The Nirvana IV is a good option for audiophiles who are more discerning, as it can be customized with a variety of different tubes.

The Cayin Ha-6A is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to experience the power and beauty of a tube amplifier at an affordable price. This amplifier can be used with various types of headphones and it is compatible with most well-known digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select between three gain modes suitable for headphones that have medium, low and high impedance. It also has the ability to control the remote and an external power supply.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a high-end hi-fi pedigree - it was designed by (and is produced under the watchful eye of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. And despite its bizarre red paint, it has a timeless appearance that is reminiscent of vintage tube equipment.

The IHA-1 utilizes a pair dual triodes that are 6SN7 to drive headphones. It has transformer coupling on both inputs and outputs, making it compatible with virtually any headphone. It is also compact and has an unobstructed signal path, without any feedback loop.

We've found that the IHA-1 produces a full and balanced sound that will appeal to listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience with lush music. It's an excellent choice for planar Earphone classical, indie/alternative, and Acoustic music. It's also a great choice for country, pop rock, R&B tracks. However, it could be a bit on the warm side for high-energy genres such as EDM and Metal. You can compensate for this with tube rolling.

In general, higher-sensitivity headphones tend to be a good match for tube amplifiers and the IHA-1 is no exception. We tested it using a broad selection of headphones including the Focal Clear HiFiMan HE-560 Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 produced a full and smooth sound, with perspective that was astonishingly precise. It also gave a sense of three-dimensional space.

The standard IHA-1 includes a pair 6SN7 Russian tubes. It is possible to upgrade it for $100 more to a new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is more warm than the re-issue 5Y3GT however it offers a more natural sound and has a lot of bass. It also has a smooth treble response that's recessed enough to make the majority of listening experiences amazing and a breeze to wear.

The IHA-1's 3D soundstage is particularly evident when paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The heightened sense of spaciousness allowed the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, creating a vast soundscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like walking through a vast space with your headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This tube headphone amp by Cayin is marketed as a "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's a low-cost portable amplifier that's quite powerful. It can power headphones that are planar earphone like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and sound great when paired up with dynamic headphones, such as the Audio-Technica's ATH-A1000X. It's also highly scalable which makes it a great choice for music lovers who have different preferences in their music.

The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled device with output transformers that are matched to give a balanced output. The power supply has also been completely controlled to limit the ripple effect caused by voltage amplification. The circuitry is hand-crafted with point-to-point wielding and premium wires, resulting in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp also comes with a high-grade UV meter that shows the signal level.

The HA-6A has a switchable triode/ultralinear mode to offer a distinct sound experience based on your preferences. If you're looking for an enveloping, rich sound, use the EL34 tubes with an output impedance of medium in triode mode. On the other hand, if you want an exceptionally clear and precise sound with plenty of power, 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 improves the overall sonic performance of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for those who love 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 large, custom-made output transformer that features high-quality nickel plating. This makes the amplifier tough and robust. It also has an innovative current adjustment that allows it to match the impedance of different headphones.

Contrary to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin Ha-6A has a bit of a tube bloom as well as a sound stage that's not quite as wide or as detailed. It has a quicker decay time and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has a more forward midrange with more bass and better detail than the Vali 2+, but it does not have as much extension in the treble.