Amp For planar headphone (
qooh.me) Headphones
You want an amp that can drive planar headphones with plenty of power. Planar headphones require higher voltage and power than dynamic headphones, which require a small amount of current.
Look for an amp that comes with a recommended headphone impedance range. Most will have this information on their spec sheet or 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 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 to create an impressive sound.
In contrast to speakers, planar magnet headphones are essentially resistive loads and thus relatively easy to drive. They require a higher level of drive than can be produced by most receivers. For them to reach their 130dB SPL rating they need either 10V5 or 4V5 input at 1mW. This is why solid state amplifiers of class A are the
best magnetic planar headphones choice for them.
The AP10H+ has an output transformer that boosts the voltage and a volume matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95% of cases. The AP10H+ can deliver twice as much power to an earphone with a 32 ohm frequency. headphones.
Nirvana IV
If you love tubes with a warm sound, then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can drive planar magnetic headphones with ease and offers a variety of output settings to accommodate the majority of headphone impedances. It also has a top-quality external power supply unit that provides constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier is made in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that offer exceptional musicality.
The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that delivers 6.5W pure power in class A. It is capable of driving high-impedance headphones and can handle the HiFiMan SUSVARA open-back planar magnetic headphone effortlessly. Its bass performance and dynamic depth are excellent. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange, with silky 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, as 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, adding a layer texture and warmth that's hard for other headphone amplifiers to achieve.
Vacuum tube amplifiers are popular among headphone enthusiasts because they offer a warm sound that people appreciate. They aren't easy to operate and require a significant investment. In addition, they produce plenty of heat, so it is important to pick one with a sturdy cooling system. 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 an excellent alternative for those who want to experience the power of a tube amp with a small price tag. The amplifier is compatible with many different headphone types,
planar headphone and is compatible with the most well-known digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select between three gain settings suitable for headphones with low, medium and high impedance. It also has a remote control 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 scheme it has a classic appearance that evokes classic tube equipment.
The IHA-1 is compatible with every headphone as it uses the 6SN7 dual triodes for driving headphones. It also has transformer coupling on both inputs as well as outputs. It's also quite compact and has a clean signal path with no feedback loop.
The IHA-1 is a rich, harmonic sound that we have found to be appealing to listeners who enjoy a lush listening experience. It's a great option for classical, indie/alternative and the acoustic genres. It's a great amp for tracks in pop country, R&B, and rock. It may be a bit warm for genres that have high energy, such as EDM or Metal. Tube rolling can help you compensate for the warmth.
In general higher-sensitivity headphones usually 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, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 produced a full and round sound, with lateral imaging that was impressively precise. It also created a sense of three-dimensional space.
The standard IHA-1 includes a pair of 6SN7 Russian tubes. It can be upgraded for $100 more to a NOS RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is warmer than the re-issue 5Y3GT however it has a more natural sound with ample bass. It also has a lovely response to the treble that is recessed enough for the majority of listening experiences to be awe-inspiring and unflagging.
The IHA-1's 3-D soundstage becomes particularly evident when paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The Focal's already precise soundstage could expand outwards and forwards and reveal a vast sonic landscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like walking through a large hall with headphones.
Cayin HA-6A
This tube headphone amp by Cayin is marketed as an "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's an affordable portable amplifier that's quite powerful. It can drive
planars headphones with a planar design like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and also sound great when paired up with dynamic headphones, such as the Audio-Technica ATH-A1000X. It's also extremely scalable which makes it a great choice for music lovers who have different preferences in their music.
The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled design with output transformers matched to offer real balanced output. The power supply has been fully regulated to reduce the ripple effect that is caused by voltage amplification. The circuitry is designed by hand with the finest wires and point-to-point wielding, resulting in superior transparency and signal integrity. This amp also features an ultra-high-quality UV meter that displays signal levels.
The HA-6A has an ultralinear/triode switchable mode that allows you to customize the sound to fit your preferences. If you are looking for a deep warm, warm, and melodious sound, you can use the EL34 tubes in triode mode, with moderate output impedance. On the other hand, if you require a blazingly fast and detailed sound with plenty of power, use a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode and low output impedance.
For those who prefer more neutral sound, the HA-6A features an optional tube rectification feature that enhances the overall sound 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.
This amp also features a large custom-made transformer with high-grade nickel plating. This makes the amplifier tough and robust. It also has an ingenious current adjustment that allows it to match the impedance of headphones.
In contrast to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a bit of a tube-like bloom and soundstage that's not as wide or as detailed. It also has a much faster decay time than the Vali 2+ and an overall more neutral tone. It has a more forward midrange with more bass and better detail than the Vali 2+, but it does not have as much treble extension.