Amp For Planar Headphones
When it comes to amps for headphones with planars, you need something that has plenty of power to power them. Planar headphones require higher power and voltage than dynamic headphones, which require a small amount of current.
Find an amplifier that has a recommended range of impedance for headphones. The majority of amps will have this information on their spec sheet or on their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is built by hand in Great Britain. our source is an extremely powerful amplifier that can drive almost any planar headphone (and some dynamic headphones) available, regardless of their impedance and sensitivity. Its high voltage and current output will also offer a high-quality dynamic headroom for an outstanding sound.
Planar magnetic headphones, unlike speakers, are essentially resistive loads. They are, therefore, relatively easy to drive. They require a greater level of drive than can be achieved by the majority of receivers. To reach their rated 130dB SPL, they need 4V5-10V5 at 1mW of input. This is why solid state amplifiers of class A are a good choice for them.
The AP10H+ has an output transformer that raises the voltage to a greater degree, and includes a volume matching resistor that works with 95% of headphones. This enables the AP10H+ to provide more than twice the amount of power to a pair of 32 ohms dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
The Nirvana IV tube amp has an enveloping sound. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving magnetic headphones that are planar with ease and offers a variety of output options to accommodate the majority of headphones with different impedances. It also has a high-quality external power supply unit that delivers constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was developed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it uses hand-made transformators that provide incredible musicality.
The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that delivers 6.5W of pure class A power. It can drive a high-impedance headphone and is capable to handle the HiFiMan Susvara planar magnet open-back headphone easily. Its bass and dynamic depth are outstanding. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange, with silky highs and a staggering 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 precise and balanced sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when paired with the right headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, adding a layer texture and warmth that is hard for other headphone amplifiers to match.
Many headphone enthusiasts appreciate the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they can be difficult to use and require a substantial investment. Additionally, they generate plenty of heat, so it is essential to choose one with a robust cooling system. The Nirvana IV is a good option for discerning audiophiles, as it can be customized with a variety of different tubes.
The Cayin Ha-6A is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy the power and elegance of a tube amp at a low price. The amplifier is compatible with a variety of headphone models, and is compatible with most well-known digital audio formats. Its output switch allows you to choose between three gain modes, which are suited for low, medium and high-impedance headphone. 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. It has a timeless design that evokes classic tube equipment, despite its bizarre red paint job.
The IHA-1 can be used with any headphone as it uses dual triodes 6SN7 for driving headphones. It also has transformer coupling at both inputs as well as the outputs. It's also small and has a smooth signal path, with no feedback loop.
We've found that the IHA-1 produces a rich and balanced sound that is sure to please listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience with lush music. It's an excellent choice for classical, alternative/indie, and the acoustic genres. It's also a great amplifier for country, pop and rock R&B tracks. However, it's a bit on the warm side for high-energy genres like EDM and Metal. You can compensate for this with tube rolling.
As a rule, higher-sensitivity headphones tend to be a good match for tube amplifiers, and the IHA-1 is no different. We tried it on 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 spatial sense that was truly revelatory.
The standard IHA-1 includes a pair 6SN7 Russian tubes. It is possible to upgrade it for $100 more to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 has a warmer sound than the 5Y3GT that was reissued, but a more organic and bassy sound. It also has a lovely bass response that's not too recessed to make listening amazing and a breeze to wear.
The IHA-1's 3D soundstage is particularly evident when paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The increased sense of space allowed the Focal's previously precise lateral imaging to extend outward and forward, revealing an expansive sonic landscape. Listening to 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was like wandering around a huge hall that happened to include headphones.
Cayin HA-6A
This tube headphone amplifier that is affordable from Cayin is a portable amplifier with a surprising amount of power. It can drive headphones with a planar design, such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA easily, and it is also great with dynamic headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH A1000X. It's also extremely adaptable and is a good option for music lovers with diverse preferences for listening.
The HA-6A features a transformer-coupled design with matched outputs transformers to give a balanced output. The power supply has also been completely controlled to limit the ripple effect caused by voltage amplifying. The circuit is designed by hand using points-to-point amplification and premium wires, resulting in better quality and integrity of the signal as well as transparency. This amp has a top-quality UV meter that can display the levels of signal.
HA-6A features a switchable triode/ultralinear mode to offer a distinct audio experience based on your preferences. If you want a rich warm, warm, and melodious sound, use the EL34 tubes in triode mode, with medium output impedance. On the other hand, if require a blazingly fast and detailed sound with plenty of power you should use a pair KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode with low output impedance.
The HA-6A is a tube with an option of rectification for those who prefer an unison sound. This improves the overall sonic performance of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for people who listen to a range of genres, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.
This amp also features an enormous custom-designed transformer that has the highest-quality nickel plating. This makes the amplifier durable and robust. It also has an innovative current adjustment feature that can match the impedances of different headphones.
Contrary to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin Ha-6A has a bit of a tube-like bloom and sound stage that's not quite as large or as detailed. It also has a much faster decay time than the Vali 2+ and it has a more neutral tone overall. It has a more forward midrange with more bass and better detail than the Vali 2+, but it does not have as much treble extension.