Amp For Planar Headphones
You want an amp that can drive
how do planar magnetic headphones work headphones with plenty of power. Unlike dynamic headphones that require a small amount of power, planars are more energy-intensive and require more voltage.
Find an amplifier that has an impedance range that is recommended for headphone use. Most will have this listed on their spec sheet or website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is created and manufactured by hand in Great Britain. It is an extremely powerful amplifier that can power almost any planar headphone (and some dynamic headphones) available, regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high-voltage and current output will also offer a high-quality dynamic headroom for an impressive sound.
In contrast to speakers, planar magnetic headphones are almost purely resistive loads and thus relatively easy to drive. They require a much higher amount of drive than what can be achieved by the majority of receivers. To achieve their 130dB SPL,
Planar closed back headphones they require 4V5-10V5 at 1mW of input. Class A solid state amplifiers are the ideal choice for them.
The AP10H+ features an output transformer which boosts the voltage as well as a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 85% of cases. The AP10H+ is able to deliver twice as much power to an earphone with a 32 ohm frequency. headphones.
Nirvana IV
The Nirvana IV tube amp has a warm sound signature. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving
Planar Closed Back Headphones magnetic headphones with ease and has a wide range of output modes to support most headphones with different impedances. It is equipped with an external power supply unit of top quality that supplies constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier is manufactured in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that offer exceptional musicality.
The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that can deliver 6.5W pure power of class A. It is able to easily drive high-impedance headphones and can handle the HiFiMan SUSVARA planar open-back magnetic headphone with ease. Its bass performance is outstanding and offers excellent dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange, with silky highs and a staggering amount of detail.
This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE as well as the Headonia amplifier but it's more effective overall because it has more clarity and precision as well as more balanced sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when paired with the right headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, adding a layer warmth and smoothness that is difficult for other headphone amplifiers to match.
Many enthusiasts of headphones appreciate the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they can be difficult to use and require a substantial investment. They also produce a lot of heat, so you should choose one that has a robust cooling mechanism. The Nirvana IV is a good choice for those who are discerning about their audiophiles since it is able to be customized with a variety of different tubes.
The Cayin Ha-6A is an excellent option for those looking to experience the power and aesthetics of a tube amp at an affordable price. This amplifier is designed to work with a variety of headphones and is compatible with most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select between three gain settings suitable for headphones that have medium, low and high impedance. It includes a remote as well as an external power source.
Dragon Inspire IHA-1
The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is an extremely high-end product. It was created (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. It has a timeless design that is reminiscent of classic tube equipment, despite the crazy red paint job.
The IHA-1 utilizes a pair dual triodes that are 6SN7 to drive headphones. It features transformer coupling on both the outputs and inputs, making it compatible with virtually every headphone. It's also quite compact and has a clear signal path with no feedback loop.
In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a rich and harmonic sound that is sure to please listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience that is accompanied by lush music. It's a great choice for classical, alternative/indie, and acoustic tracks. It's a great amp for pop country, R&B, and rock. 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 variety of models for headphone which included the Focal Clear HiFiMan HE-560, Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 delivered a full and rounded sound with astonishingly precise lateral imaging and spatial sense that was truly amazing.
The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. It can however be upgraded to a NOS RCA GZ34 tube for an extra $100. The GZ34 has a warmer tone than the 5Y3GT reissue, but it has a more natural and bassy sound. It also has a lovely response to the treble, which is recessed enough for most listening experiences to be stunning and free of fatigue.
The IHA-1's remarkable 3-D soundstage is particularly evident when paired with the Focal Utopia headphones. The Focal's already precise image was able to expand forwards and outwards and reveal a vast sonic landscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like wandering through a large hall with headphones.
Cayin HA-6A
The tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is advertised as an "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's a budget portable amplifier that's quite 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 which makes it a great choice for music lovers with a variety of listening preferences.
The HA-6A features a transformer-coupled design with matched outputs transformers in order to ensure a balanced output. The power supply has been fully controlled to minimize the ripple effect caused by voltage amplifying. The circuit is designed by hand using point to point wielding and premium wires, which results in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp comes with a premium UV meter that displays the signal strength.
The HA-6A features an ultralinear/triode switchable mode that allows you to customize the sound to meet your needs. If you're looking for a full warm, warm, and melodious sound, use the EL34 tubes in triode mode with medium output impedance. On the other hand,
planar closed back headphones if desire a fast and detailed sound with plenty of muscle make use of a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode with low output impedance.
HA-6A offers an optional tube rectification feature for those who prefer an unison sound. This enhances the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for those who listen to a wide range of genres, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.
This amp also features a custom-designed transformer with the highest-quality nickel plating. This ensures the amplifier is rugged and durable. It also has an innovative current adjustment which will allow you to match the impedances of different headphones.
The Cayin Ha-6A, unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has a little bit of tube bloom. Its sound stage is also not as large or detailed. It has a faster decay time and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It also has a forward-looking midrange that has more detail and a higher bass than the Vali 2+. However it doesn't have as much treble.