Amp For Planar Headphones

You need an amp that can power planar closed back headphones headphones with plenty of power. Planar headphones require more power and voltage than dynamic headphones, which only need just a small amount of current.

Look for an amplifier that has a recommended range of impedance for headphones. This can be found on the specs sheet or on their website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier developed 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 and sensitivity. Its high voltage and current output can provide exceptional dynamic headroom for impressive sound.

Planar magnetic headphones unlike speakers, are almost exclusively resistive loads. They are therefore easy to drive. However, they require much more power than most receivers can produce. For headphone them to reach their 130dB SPL, they require 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. This is why solid state amplifiers of class A are the best planar magnetic iem option for them.

The AP10H+ comes with an output transformer that boosts the voltage as well as a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95percent of cases. This allows the AP10H+ to provide more than twice the power to a pair of 32 ohms dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

The Nirvana IV tube amp has an appealing warm sound profile. This powerful amplifier can drive planar magnetic headphones easily and offers a range of output options that can accommodate most headphones with different impedances. It also comes with a high-end external power supply unit that delivers constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it uses hand-made transformators that provide incredible musicality.

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 capable of handling the HiFiMan SUSVARA planar open-back magnetic headphone effortlessly. Its bass performance is outstanding and provides great dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange with soft highs and an amazing amount of detail.

This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE as well as the Headonia amplifier however, it's superior overall due to its greater clarity and precision with a more balanced sound. When used with the right headphones, it will reveal the hidden layers of music, and is extremely enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is impressive, bringing a layer of texture and warmth that's hard for other headphone amplifiers to achieve.

Vacuum tube amplifiers are a favorite for headphone lovers since they offer a warm sound that a lot of people love. However, they are difficult to use and require a significant investment. They also produce a lot of heat, so make sure you choose one that has a robust cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to suit the tastes of audiophiles.

The Cayin the HA-6A is a great alternative for those who want to experience the power of a tube amp with a small price tag. This amp is designed to work with a variety of headphone types and is compatible with the majority of popular digital audio formats. Its output switch allows you to select from three gain modes, which are suited for low, medium, and high-impedance headphones. It includes a remote as well as an external power source.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a serious hi-fi product. It was designed (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 equipment.

The IHA-1 is compatible with any headphone as it uses a pair 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It also features transformer coupling at both inputs and outputs. It's also quite small and has a smooth signal path, with no feedback loop.

The IHA-1 is a rich and acoustic sound that we have found to be appealing to listeners who love a rich listening experience. It's an excellent choice for classical, alternative/indie and the acoustic genres. It's also a great amplifier for pop, country and rock R&B tracks. It can be a bit warm for genres that have lots of energy, such as EDM or Metal. Tube rolling can help you to offset the warmth.

As a general rule higher-sensitivity headphones usually work well with tube amplifiers and the IHA-1 is no exception. 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 delivered a full round sound, with an impressively precise lateral imaging and spatial sense that was truly revelatory.

The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of 6SN7 Russian tubes. However, it is able to be upgraded to an original RCA GZ34 tube for an extra $100. The GZ34 has a warmer sound than the reissue 5Y3GT but has a more natural and bassy sound. It also has a sweet treble response that's recessed enough to make listening enjoyable and stress-free.

The IHA-1's amazing 3-D soundstage was particularly apparent when coupled with the Focal Utopia headphones. The Focal's already precise soundstage could expand outwards and forwards, revealing an expansive sonic landscape. Listening to 'Nublado' by Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, headphone was like being in a hall that just happened contain your headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This affordable tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amp with surprising power. It's capable of driving planar headphones such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA easily, and it is also great with headphones that are dynamic, such as the Audio-Technica ATH-A1000X. It's also highly scalable and therefore a great choice for music enthusiasts with diverse preferences for listening.

The HA-6A has a transformer-coupled construction with output transformers that are matched to ensure a balanced output. The power supply is fully regulated, which reduces the ripple effect of voltage amplifying. The circuitry is designed by hand using premium wires and point-to-point using, which results in superior transparency and signal integrity. This amp also features an ultra-high-quality UV meter that shows the signal level.

The HA-6A has an ultralinear/triode switchable mode that allows you to alter the sound to fit your preferences. If you want an enveloping, rich sound, choose the EL34 tubes with an output impedance of medium in triode mode. If you are looking for a quick and precise sound with plenty of power, then use KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear, with a low output impedance.

The HA-6A comes with an option for tube rectification for those who prefer a neutral sound. This improves the overall sonic quality of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for those who appreciate a wide range of music genres ranging from classical and orchestral to hip-hop EDM and other electronic music.

This amp also comes with a large custom-made transformer with premium nickel plating. This makes the amplifier durable and durable. It also has an ingenious current adjustment that can match the impedance of headphones.

In contrast to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a little bit of a tube bloom and sound stage that isn't as large or as precise. It has a much faster 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 as much treble extension.