Amp For
planar earphones Headphones
When you are looking for amps for
magnetic planar planar headphones, you want one with enough power to drive them. Planar headphones require more voltage and power than dynamic headphones, which only need just a small amount of current.
Find an amplifier with a recommended range of impedance for headphones. This can be found on the specs sheet or on their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier was built by hand in Great Britain. It is an extremely powerful amplifier that can power almost any planar headphone (and some dynamic headphones) on the market, regardless of their impedance and sensitivity. Its high voltage and current output will give you a dynamic headroom that is impressive sound.
In contrast to speakers, planar magnet headphones are almost purely resistive loads, which makes them easy to drive. However, they require much higher levels of drive than most receivers can produce. In order to achieve their 130dB SPL rating,
magnetic planar they require either 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. Class A solid state amplifiers are the best choice for them.
The AP10H+ features an output transformer that increases the voltage and a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95% of cases. This allows the AP10H+ to provide more than twice the amount of power to 32 ohms dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
If you love a tube amp with a warm sound, 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 headphones' impedances. It also has a high-quality external power supply unit that supplies constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it utilizes hand-crafted transformators that offer incredible musicality.
The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that delivers 6.5W of pure class A power. It can drive high-impedance headphone and can handle the HiFiMan Susvara open-back
planar closed back headphones magnet headphone with ease. Its bass performance is excellent and has incredible dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange, with silky highs and a staggering amount of detail.
The amp is comparable to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers however, it's a better one in general, as it has more precise and balanced sound. It can uncover hidden layers of music when paired with the correct headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, adding a layer warmth and tube smoothness that is difficult for other headphone amplifiers to achieve.
Vacuum tube amplifiers are a favorite for headphone lovers since they have a warm and enveloping sound that many people enjoy. However, they are difficult to use and require a substantial investment. They also generate a lot of heat, so you should choose one with a sturdy cooling mechanism. The Nirvana IV is a good choice for those who are discerning about their audiophiles since it is able to be customized using 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 amp at a low price. This amplifier can be used with various types of headphones and it is compatible with most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select between three gain modes that work with headphones with medium, low or high impedance. It comes with a remote and an external power source.
Dragon Inspire IHA-1
The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is an impressive hi-fi device. It was created (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. It has a timeless appearance that is reminiscent of classic tube equipment, despite the bizarre red paint job.
The IHA-1 is compatible with any headphone because it uses a pair 6SN7 dual triodes for driving headphones. It also has transformer coupling at both the inputs as well as the outputs. It's also compact and has a clear signal path without feedback loop.
We've found that the IHA-1 produces a rich and balanced sound that will please listeners who like a full listening experience with a rich and enveloping music. It's an excellent choice for classical, alternative/indie, and acoustic tracks. It's also a great amplifier for pop, country and rock R&B tracks. It may be a bit warm for genres with lots of energy, such as EDM or Metal. Tube rolling can help compensate for the warmth.
The IHA-1 is not an exception to this rule. In general, headphones that have higher sensitivity are more likely to work with tube amplifiers. We tested the IHA-1 on various headphone models, including the Focal, HiFiMan HE-560, and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 delivered a full round sound, with an impressively precise lateral imaging as well as a 3D space perception that was truly amazing.
The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. It is possible to upgrade it by $100 to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 has a warmer tone than the reissue 5Y3GT but it has a more natural and bassy sound. It also has a sweet bass response that's not too recessed to make most listening experiences glorious and fatigue-free.
The IHA-1's 3-D soundstage becomes especially apparent when paired up with the Focal headphones Utopia. The more spacious sound allowed the Focal's previously precise lateral imaging to extend outward and forward, creating a vast soundscape. 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 just happened to contain your headphones.
Cayin HA-6A
This tube headphone amplifier that is affordable from Cayin is a portable amplifier with surprising power. It's capable of driving headphones with a planar design, such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA with ease and is also great with dynamic headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH A1000X. It's also extremely adaptable, making it a great choice for music enthusiasts with different preferences in listening.
The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled design with output transformers that are matched to provide real balanced output. The power supply is fully controlled, which minimizes the ripple impact of voltage amplification. The circuit is designed by hand using point to point wielding and premium wires, which results in superior quality and integrity of the signal as well as transparency. This amp also features an ultra-high-quality UV meter that displays signal levels.
The HA-6A has the option of switching between triode and ultralinear modes to offer a distinct sound experience based on your preferences. If you want a warm, rich sound, choose the EL34 tubes that have a medium output impedance in triode mode. On the other hand, if want an exceptionally clear and precise sound with plenty of power you should use a pair KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode, with a low output impedance.
If you prefer an unison sound, the HA-6A comes with an optional tube rectification feature that improves the overall sonic quality of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for those who listen to a range of genres, from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.
This amp also features a custom-designed transformer with high-grade nickel plating. This makes sure that the amplifier is robust and durable. It also features an innovative current adjustment that allows it to match the impedance of various headphones.
In contrast to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a little bit of a tube bloom as well as a sound stage that isn't as big or as precise. It has a quicker decay time and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has an asymmetrical midrange, with better detail and more bass than the Vali 2+, but it doesn't have the same amount of extension in the treble.