Amp For Planar Headphones
When you are looking for amps for headphones with planars, you need something with plenty of power to drive them. Unlike dynamic headphones that require very little current, planars are much more energy-intensive and require more voltage.
Find an amplifier that comes with a recommended range of impedance for headphones. This will be listed on the specs sheet or on their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier developed and hand made in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier that can power almost any headphone planar (
take a look at the site here) (and some dynamic headphones) on the market regardless of their impedance and sensitivity. Its high current and voltage output will also provide an exceptional dynamic headroom that produces an amazing sound.
In contrast to speakers, planar magnet headphones are essentially resistive loads and thus relatively easy to drive. They require a much higher amount of drive than what can be produced by most receivers. To reach their 130dB SPL, they need either 10V5 or 4V5 input at 1mW. This is why solid state amplifiers of class A are the
best planar magnetic headphones choice for
headphone planar them.
The AP10H+ has an output transformer that boosts the voltage and has a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95percent of cases. This enables the AP10H+ to provide more than twice the power to 32 ohms dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
If you are looking for tubes with a warm sound signature then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can drive headphones with magnetic
planar earphone design easily and offers a range of output modes that support the majority of headphones with different impedances. It comes with an external power supply unit that is of high quality that supplies constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that offer exceptional musicality.
The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that delivers 6.5W pure power in class A. It is capable of driving high-impedance headphones and is able to handle the HiFiMan SUSVARA open-back planar magnetic headphone with ease. Its bass quality is superb and offers excellent dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV has a rich mid-range, smooth highs and a dazzling amount of detail.
The amp is similar to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers however, it's a superior one in general, as it has more balanced and precise 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 particularly impressive, adding a layer warmth and tube smoothness that's hard for other headphone amplifiers to achieve.
Many people who love headphones love the warm, rich sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they are difficult to use and require a significant investment. They also generate a lot of heat, so you should choose 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 alternative for those who want to enjoy the power of a tube amplifier with a small price tag. This amplifier can be used with a variety of headphone models and is compatible with most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select between three gain modes that are suitable for headphones with medium, low or high impedance. It also has the ability to control the remote and an external power supply.
Dragon Inspire IHA-1
The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is an extremely high-end product. It was designed (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. And despite its crazy red paint, it has a timeless design that's reminiscent of classic tube gear.
The IHA-1 is compatible with every headphone since it utilizes the 6SN7 dual triodes for driving headphones. It also features transformer coupling on both inputs as well as the outputs. It is also small and has an uncluttered signal path that does not have feedback loop.
The IHA-1 has a full, harmonic sound that we've found to be a hit with listeners who enjoy a lush listening experience. It's a great option for classical, alternative/indie and acoustic tracks. It's also a great amplifier for pop, country and rock R&B tracks. It can be a little warm for genres with high energy, such as EDM or Metal. You can compensate for this by rolling the tube.
In general higher-sensitivity headphones usually be a good match for tube amplifiers and the IHA-1 is no different. We tested it using a broad selection of headphones, including the Focal Clear, HiFiMan HE-560, Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 created a rich and rounded sound, with lateral imaging that was impressively precise. It also created an illusion of three-dimensional space.
The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. However, it can be upgraded to a NOS RCA GZ34 tube for an additional $100. The GZ34 is warmer than the 5Y3GT reissue and has a more natural sound and has a lot of bass. It also has a smooth response to the treble that is recessed enough for the majority of listening experiences to be awe-inspiring and free of fatigue.
The IHA-1's 3-D soundstage becomes particularly evident when paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The heightened sense of spaciousness 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) was like a walk through a vast hall with your headphones.
Cayin HA-6A
This tube headphone amplifier that is affordable from Cayin is a portable amplifier with an impressive power. 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 is also highly scalable and therefore a great choice for music enthusiasts with different preferences in listening.
The HA-6A has a transformer-coupled construction with matched outputs transformers to ensure a balanced output. The power supply has also been completely controlled to limit the ripple effect caused by voltage amplification. The circuitry is hand-crafted with point to point wielding and premium wires, resulting in superior quality and integrity of the signal as well as transparency. The amp also has a high-grade UV meter that displays signal levels.
The HA-6A comes with a switchable ultralinear/triode mode that allows you to alter the sound to meet your needs. If you are looking for a deep warm, warm, and melodious sound, run the EL34 tubes in triode mode using moderate output impedance. If you want a fast and detailed sound with plenty of muscle and power, then choose KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear with low output impedance.
The HA-6A comes with an option for tube rectification feature for those who prefer an unison sound. This improves the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for users who enjoy a wide range of music genres from classical and orchestral, to hip-hop, EDM and other electronic music.
The amp is also constructed with a huge, custom-designed output transformer that features high-quality nickel plating. This makes sure that the amplifier is durable and robust. It also comes with an innovative current adjustment which can adjust the impedance of various headphones.
In contrast to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin Ha-6A has a bit of a tube-like bloom and sound stage that isn't as wide or as precise. It also has a much faster decay time than the Vali 2+ and it has a more neutral tone overall. It also has a forward-looking midrange with more clarity and more bass than the Vali 2+. However, it does not have the same amount of treble.