Amp For Planar Headphones
When it comes to amps that are suitable for headphones designed for planar, you'll need something with plenty of power to power them. In contrast to dynamic headphones, which require very little current, planars are much more power hungry and demand more voltage.
Look for an amplifier that comes with an impedance range that is recommended for headphone use. This will be listed on the spec sheet or their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is created and manufactured by hand in Great Britain. It is a beast that can drive almost any planar headphones (and some of the more dynamic ones) available, regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high voltage and current output can 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. However, they require much more power than most receivers can produce. For them to reach their 130dB SPL rating, they require either 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. This is why class A solid state amps are the best choice for them.
The AP10H+ comes with an output transformer that boosts the voltage and a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 85% of cases. This enables the AP10H+ to provide more than double the amount of power to the 32 ohms of dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
If you're looking for a tube amp with a warm sound, then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can drive planar magnetic headphones effortlessly and has a wide range of output options to accommodate the majority of headphones with different impedances. It also has a high-quality external power supply unit that provides constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was developed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it makes use of hand-crafted transformators that give exceptional musicality.
The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that can deliver 6.5W of pure class A power. It is capable of driving high-impedance headphones and is capable of handling the HiFiMan SUSVARA open-back planar magnetic headphone with ease. Its bass performance and dynamic depth are excellent. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange with smooth highs and an impressive amount of detail.
This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE and Headonia amplifier, but it's better overall because it has more clarity and precision as well as more balanced sound. When used with the right headphones, it will reveal hidden layers of music and is very enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, adding a layer warmth and smoothness that's hard for other headphone amplifiers to match.
Vacuum tube amplifiers are popular with headphone lovers because they offer a warm sound that a lot of people love. They can be difficult to operate and require a large investment. Additionally, they generate plenty of heat, so it is important to pick one with a sturdy cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to meet the needs of audiophiles.
The Cayin HA-6A is an excellent choice for anyone looking to feel the power of a tube amplifier with a small price tag. This amp is designed to work with a range of headphones and is compatible with all popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select among three gain settings that are suitable for headphones that have medium, low and high impedance. It also comes with the ability to control the remote and an external power supply.
Dragon Inspire IHA-1
The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a serious hi-fi product. It was developed (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. In spite of its sexy red paint scheme it has a timeless appearance that is reminiscent of vintage tube gear.
The IHA-1 is compatible with any headphone as it uses dual triodes 6SN7 to drive headphones. It also features transformer coupling at both inputs and outputs. It's also very compact and has a clear signal path, with no feedback loop.
In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a full and balanced sound that will appeal to listeners who like a full listening experience with a rich and enveloping music. It's a great option for classical, indie/alternative, and Acoustic music. It's also a great choice for pop, country rock, R&B tracks. However, visit the following website can be a bit on the warm side for high-energy genres such as EDM and Metal. Tube rolling can help to offset the warmth.
As a rule higher-sensitivity headphones are likely to be a good match for tube amplifiers, and the IHA-1 is no different. 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 offered a full and rounded sound with astonishingly precise lateral imaging and a 3D space perception that was truly amazing.
The standard IHA-1 includes a pair 6SN7 Russian tubes. It is possible to upgrade it for $100 more to a new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is more warm than the 5Y3GT that was reissued, but it has a more natural sound with plenty of bass. It also has a lovely treble response that's recessed enough to make most listening experiences amazing and a breeze to wear.
The IHA-1's remarkable 3-D soundstage was evident when it was paired with the Focal Utopia headphones. The more spacious sound enabled the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, creating 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 from Cayin is advertised as an "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's an affordable portable amplifier that's astonishingly powerful. It can drive planar headphones like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and sound great when paired up with dynamic headphones, such as the Audio-Technica's ATH A1000X. It's also extremely scalable, making it a good option for those who have different preferences in their music.
The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled design with output transformers that are matched to provide real balanced output. The power supply is also fully regulated, which reduces the ripple effect of voltage amplifying. The circuitry is designed by hand using premium wires and point-to-point wielding, resulting in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp has a top-quality UV meter that can 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 want an authentic, warm sound, use the EL34 tubes that have an output impedance of medium in triode mode. If you want a fast, detailed sound, with lots of muscle and power, then choose KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear and low output impedance.
If you prefer a more neutral sound, the HA-6A features an optional tube rectification that improves the overall sonic quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for those who appreciate the wide variety of music genres, from classical and orchestral to hip-hop, EDM and other electronic music.
This amp also comes with a custom-designed transformer with the highest-quality nickel plating. This makes the amplifier durable and durable. It also has an ingenious current adjustment that allows it to match the impedance of different headphones.
Unlike the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a little bit of a tube bloom and soundstage that's not as wide or as precise. It has a quicker decay time, and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. 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 in the treble.