Amp For Planar Headphones
You'll need an amp that can drive planar headphones with plenty of power. Unlike dynamic headphones that require only a tiny amount of power, planars are more energy-intensive and require more voltage.
Look for an amplifier that has a recommended range of impedance for headphones. It will be noted on the spec sheet or their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier developed and manufactured by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerhouse that can drive virtually all planar headphones (and some dynamic ones) available regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high-voltage and current output will also give you a dynamic headroom that is an outstanding sound.
In contrast to speakers, planar
magnet planar headphones are essentially resistive loads, making them relatively easy to drive. They require a higher amount of drive than what can be provided by the majority of receivers. To achieve their rated 130dB SPL, they need 4V5-10V5 with 1mW of input. Class A solid state amplifiers are the best choice for them.
The AP10H+ features an output transformer that raises the power to a higher level, and it has a volume matching resistor that works with 95percent of headphones. The AP10H+ can deliver twice as much power to the 32 ohm dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
The Nirvana IV tube amp has an enveloping sound. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving planar magnetic headphones with ease and has a wide range of output settings to accommodate most headphones with different impedances. It also has a top-quality external power supply unit that supplies constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier is manufactured in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that produce exceptional sound.
The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that can deliver 6.5W pure class A power. It is able to easily drive high-impedance headphones and is able to handle the HiFiMan SUSVARA planar open-back magnetic headphone easily. Its bass performance and dynamic depth are excellent. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange that is smooth with soft highs and an amazing amount of detail.
This amp is comparable to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers however, it's a better one in general, as it has a more balanced and precise sound. When it's paired with the correct headphone, it can reveal hidden layers of music and is a joy to listen to. Its balanced mode is impressive, adding a layer texture and warmth that is hard for other headphone amplifiers to match.
Vacuum tube amplifiers are popular among headphone enthusiasts because they provide a warm, cosy sound that many people enjoy. They aren't easy to operate and require a large investment. They also produce a lot heat, so choose one that has a robust cooling mechanism. The Nirvana IV is a good option for audiophiles who are more discerning, since it is able to be customised with a range of different tubes.
The Cayin Ha-6A is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to experience the power and aesthetics of a tube amplifier at affordable cost. This amp is designed to work with a variety of headphone types and is compatible with all popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you to select from three gain settings that are suited for
Headphone planar medium, low and high-impedance headphone. It includes a remote as well as an external power source.
Dragon Inspire IHA-1
The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a high-end hi-fi heritage it was created by (and is manufactured under the watchful eyes of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. In spite of its sexy red paint it has a timeless design that evokes classic tube equipment.
The IHA-1 makes use of a pair of 6SN7 dual triodes to power headphones. It also features transformer coupling on both inputs and outputs making it compatible with almost any headphone. It's also compact and has a clear signal path without any feedback loop.
The IHA-1 has a rich and acoustic sound that we have found to be a hit with listeners who love a rich listening experience. It's an excellent choice for classical, indie/alternative, and Acoustic music. It's also a great amplifier for pop, country, rock, and R&B tracks. It can be a bit warm for genres with lots of energy, like EDM or Metal. Tube rolling can help to offset the warmth.
The IHA-1 is not an exception to this rule. In general, headphones with greater sensitivity are more likely to work with tube amplifiers. We tested it with a wide range of headphone models, including the Focal Clear, HiFiMan HE-560, Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 delivered a full round sound, with an impressively precise lateral imaging and spatial sense 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 new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is more warm than the 5Y3GT reissue however it offers a more natural sound with plenty of bass. It also has a sweet response to the treble, which is recessed enough for most listening experiences to be glorious and unflagging.
The IHA-1's impressive 3-D soundstage was evident when coupled with the Focal Utopia headphones. The increased sense of space enabled the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, revealing a vast soundscape. Listening to 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to walking around a vast hall that happened to have your headphones in it.
Cayin HA-6A
This tube Headphone Planar (
Forexmob.Ru) amp from Cayin is marketed as an "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's a budget portable amplifier that's astonishingly powerful. It's capable of driving planar headphones such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA with ease and also sounds great when paired with dynamic headphones such as the Audio-Technica ATH A1000X. It's also extremely scalable, making it a good option for those with various listening preferences.
The HA-6A features a transformer-coupled design with output transformers that are matched to give a balanced output. The power supply has been fully regulated to reduce the ripple effect that is caused by voltage amplifying. The circuitry is made by hand using premium wires and point-to-point using, which results in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp comes with a premium UV meter that displays the levels of signal.
The HA-6A features a switchable ultralinear/triode mode that lets you customize the sound to fit your preferences. If you're looking for a full warm, warm, and melodious sound, run the EL34 tubes in triode mode with medium output impedance. If you are looking for a quick and precise sound with plenty of power, then use KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear and low output impedance.
HA-6A offers an optional tube rectification option for those who prefer an unison sound. This improves the overall sonic performance of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for people who listen to a range of genres, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.
The amp is also constructed with a large, custom-made output transformer that features high-quality nickel plating. This ensures that the amplifier is robust and durable. It also has an ingenious current adjustment that matches the impedance of various headphones.
Contrary to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a bit of a tube bloom and sound stage that isn't as large or as precise. It also has a quicker decay time than the Vali 2+ and an overall more neutral tone. It has an advanced midrange that has more bass and better detail than the Vali 2+, but it doesn't have the same amount of extension of the treble.