Amp For Planar Headphones

When it comes to amps that are suitable for headphone planar headphones with planars, you need something with plenty of power to power them. In contrast to dynamic headphones, which require only a tiny amount of power, planars are more energy-intensive and require more voltage.

Look for an amp that has an impedance range that is recommended for headphone use. It will be noted on the spec sheet or their website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier that was designed and hand made in Great Britain. It is an amplifier with a lot of power that can be used to drive virtually any headphone planar (and some dynamic headphones) on the market, regardless of their impedance and sensitivity. Its high voltage output and current can also give you an outstanding dynamic headroom to create an amazing sound.

In contrast to speakers, planar magnetic loudspeakers magnetic headphones are essentially resistive loads, making them relatively easy to drive. They require a higher level of drive than that which can be produced by most receivers. In order to achieve their 130dB SPL, they require either 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. Class A solid state amplifiers are the ideal option for them.

The AP10H+ has an output transformer which boosts the voltage and a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 85% of cases. The AP10H+ is able to deliver twice as much power to a pair 32 ohm dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

The Nirvana IV tube amp has an appealing warm sound profile. This powerful amplifier can power headphones with magnetic planar design easily and offers a range of output modes that work with most headphone impedances. It also has a high-quality external power supply unit that delivers constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that provide exceptional musicality.

The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that delivers 6.5W of pure class A power. It is able to easily drive high-impedance headphones and is capable of handling the HiFiMan SUSVARA open-back magnetic headphone effortlessly. Its bass performance is excellent and has incredible dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV has a rich mid-range, smooth highs and a dazzling amount of detail.

This amp is comparable to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers, but it's a better one in general because it has a more balanced and precise sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when paired with the right headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is impressive, adding a layer of warmth and smoothness that is hard for other headphone amplifiers to match.

Many enthusiasts of headphones appreciate the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they are difficult to use and require a substantial investment. They also generate a lot of heat, so make sure you choose one with a strong cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to meet the preferences of audiophiles.

The Cayin HA-6A is a good choice for anyone looking to experience the power of a tube amplifier at a low cost. This amplifier is designed to work with a variety of headphones and is compatible with all popular digital audio formats. Its output switch allows users to choose from three gain settings, which are suited for low, medium and high-impedance headphone. It comes with a remote and an external power source.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is an extremely high-end product. It was designed (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. And despite its crazy red paint scheme it has a classic look to it that's reminiscent of classic tube gear.

The IHA-1 makes use of a pair of 6SN7 dual triodes to power headphones. It features transformer coupling at both inputs and outputs, making it compatible with virtually any headphone. It is also small and has an uncluttered signal path that does not have feedback loop.

In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a full and acoustic sound that will appeal to those who want an immersive listening experience with lush music. It's a great option for classical, alternative/indie and the acoustic genres. It's an excellent amp for pop, country, R&B, and rock. However, it could be slightly warm side for high-energy genres such as EDM and Metal. Tube rolling can help you make up for the warmth.

The IHA-1 isn't an exception to this rule. In general, headphones with higher sensitivity are more likely to work with tube amplifiers. We tested it using a broad selection of headphones which included the Focal Clear HiFiMan HE-560 Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 provided a full and round sound, with a perspective that was astonishingly precise. It also created a sense of three-dimensional space.

The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of 6SN7 Russian tubes. It is possible to upgrade it for an additional $100 to a NOS RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is warmer than the re-issue 5Y3GT however it offers a more natural sound and has a lot of bass. It also has a lovely tone that is recessed enough to make the majority of listening experiences enjoyable and stress-free.

The IHA-1's 3D soundstage is particularly apparent when it is paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The Focal's already precise imaging could expand outwards and forwards to reveal an expansive sonic landscape. Listening to 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to wandering around a huge hall that just happened have your headphones in it.

Cayin HA-6A

The tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is billed as an "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's an affordable portable amplifier that's astonishingly powerful. It can drive headphones with a planar design like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and also sound great when used with dynamic headphones such as Audio-Technica's ATH A1000X. It's also highly scalable and therefore a great choice for music enthusiasts with different listening preferences.

The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled device with output transformers that are matched to give a balanced output. The power supply has been fully controlled to minimize the ripple effect that is caused by voltage amplifying. The circuitry is designed by hand with the finest wires and point-to-point handling, resulting in greater transparency and signal integrity. This amp has a top-quality, UV meter to display the signal strength.

The HA-6A has a switchable triode/ultralinear mode to give you a different audio experience based on your preferences. If you're looking for a warm, rich sound, you can use the EL34 tubes with a medium output impedance in triode mode. On the other hand, if want an exceptionally clear and precise sound with plenty of muscle you should use a pair KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode, with a low output impedance.

If you prefer more neutral sound, HA-6A has an optional tube rectification feature that improves the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for people who listen to a variety of genres, from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.

The amp is also built with a large, custom-made output transformer that offers high-grade nickel plating. This makes the amplifier rugged and durable. It also has an innovative current adjustment that allows it to match 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 precise. It has a faster 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 doesn't have as much extension of the treble.