Amp For
Best Planar Magnetic Iem Planar Headphones
When it comes to amps for headphones with planars, you need something with plenty of power to power them. Planar headphones require higher voltage and power than dynamic headphones, which require a small amount of current.
Find an amplifier with a recommended range of headphone impedance. This will be listed on the specifications sheet or on their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier designed and manufactured by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerhouse that can power virtually any pair of planar headphones (and some of the more dynamic ones) on the market regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high-voltage and current output will also provide exceptional dynamic headroom for impressive sound.
Planar magnetic headphones unlike speakers, are essentially resistive loads. They are therefore easy to drive. However, they require much higher levels of drive than most receivers can achieve. To achieve their 130dB SPL, they need 4V5 to 10V5 at 1mW of input. Class A solid state amplifiers are the ideal option for them.
The AP10H+ features an output transformer that boosts the voltage to a much greater degree, and has a volume matching resistor that can be used with the majority of headphones. This enables the AP10H+ to deliver more than twice the power to a pair of 32 ohms dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
The Nirvana IV tube amp has an enveloping sound. This powerful amplifier can drive magnetic headphones that are
planar magnetic driver easily and offers a range of output options that can accommodate the majority of headphones with different impedances. It also has a top-quality external power supply unit that delivers constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was developed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it makes use of hand-crafted transformators that give extraordinary 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
Best Planar Magnetic Iem magnetic headphone effortlessly. The bass response and dynamic range are superb. The Nirvana IV has a rich mid-range, smooth highs and a dazzling amount of detail.
This amp is comparable to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers, but it's a better one in general because it has a more balanced and precise sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when used with the right headphone. It is also very enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is impressive, bringing a layer of texture and warmth that is hard for other headphone amplifiers to achieve.
Vacuum tube amplifiers are very popular among headphone enthusiasts because they offer a warm sound that many people enjoy. However, they are difficult to use and require a substantial investment. They also produce a lot of heat, so you should choose one with a strong cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to suit the tastes of audiophiles.
The Cayin Ha-6A is an excellent option for anyone who wants to experience the power and aesthetics of a tube amp at an affordable price. This amplifier is designed to work with a variety of headphone models and is compatible with the majority of popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you choose between three gain modes that are suitable for headphones with medium, low or high impedance. It includes a remote as well as an external power source.
Dragon Inspire IHA-1
The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a high-end hi-fi pedigree - it was designed by (and is produced under the watchful eye of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. Its design is timeless that is reminiscent of vintage tube equipment, despite the bizarre red paint job.
The IHA-1 is compatible with any headphone as it uses the 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It also features transformer coupling on both inputs and outputs. It's also very compact and has a clear signal path that doesn't have a feedback loop.
The IHA-1 is a rich and acoustic sound that we have found to be a hit with listeners who enjoy a lush listening experience. It's an excellent choice for classical, indie/alternative and the acoustic genres. It's an excellent amp for tracks in pop, country, R&B, and rock. However, it's slightly warmer side for high-energy genres such as EDM and Metal. It is possible to compensate for this with tube rolling.
As a general rule higher-sensitivity headphones are likely 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 delivered a full, rounded sound with impressively precise lateral imaging as well as a spatial sense that was truly enthralling.
The standard IHA-1 comes with two Russian 6SN7 tubes. It is possible to upgrade it for $100 more to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is warmer than the 5Y3GT that was reissued however it has a more natural sound with ample bass. It also has a smooth response to treble that is sufficiently recessed for the majority of listening experiences to be awe-inspiring and unflagging.
The IHA-1's 3D soundstage is particularly evident when paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The more spacious sound enabled the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to extend outward and forward, revealing a vast soundscape. Listening to 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to wandering around a huge hall that happened to have your headphones in it.
Cayin HA-6A
This tube headphone amp from Cayin is advertised as an "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's a budget, portable amplifier that's surprisingly powerful. It's capable of driving planar headphones such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA with ease, and it also sounds great when paired with headphones that are dynamic, such as the Audio-Technica A1000X. It's also extremely adaptable and is a good option for music lovers with different preferences in listening.
The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled model with matched output transformers that give true balanced output. The power supply has also been fully controlled to minimize the ripple effect resulting from voltage amplification. The circuitry is made by hand with the finest wires and point-to-point handling, resulting in greater transparency and signal integrity. This amp also comes with a high-grade UV meter that displays signal levels.
The HA-6A has an ultralinear/triode mode switchable that allows you to customize the sound to suit your needs. If you are looking for a deep, warm, and musical sound, use the EL34 tubes in triode mode with medium output impedance. If you want a fast, detailed sound, with plenty of power and power, then choose KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear and low output impedance.
The HA-6A comes with an option for tube rectification option for those who prefer an unison sound. This improves the overall sonic performance of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for those who love an array of music genres ranging from classical and orchestral, to hip-hop, EDM and other electronic music.
The amp also has a custom-designed transformer with premium nickel plating. This ensures that the amplifier is robust and durable. It also features an innovative current adjustment that will allow you to match the impedances of various headphones.
The Cayin Ha-6A is different from the Schiit Vali 2+ has some tube bloom. Its soundstage isn't as big or detailed. It also has a quicker decay time than the Vali 2+ and an overall more neutral tone. It also has a forward-looking midrange with more clarity and more bass, as compared to the Vali 2+. However, it does not have the same amount of treble.