Notes

An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Choosing Your Planar Headphone
Amp For Planar Headphones

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

Find an amplifier with a recommended range of headphone impedance. This can be found on the spec sheet or their website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is designed and made by hand in Great Britain. It is an extremely powerful amplifier that can be used to drive virtually any headphone planar (and some dynamic headphones) on the market, regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high current and voltage output will also provide an exceptional dynamic headroom, which produces an impressive sound.

Planar magnetic headphones like speakers are almost entirely resistive loads. They are, therefore, relatively easy to drive. They require a higher amount of drive than what can be provided by the majority of receivers. 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+ features an output transformer that increases the voltage to a much higher level, and it includes a volume matching resistor that is suitable for 95% of headphones. The AP10H+ is able to deliver twice as much power to an earphone with a 32 ohm frequency. headphones.

Nirvana IV

If you're looking for a tube amp with a warm sound signature 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 settings to accommodate most headphone impedances. It comes with an external power supply unit of top quality that supplies constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier was made in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it makes use of hand-crafted transformators that give incredible musicality.

The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that can deliver 6.5W pure power of class A. It can drive high-impedance headphones and can handle the HiFiMan Susvara planar magnet open-back headphone effortlessly. The bass response and dynamic range are superb. The Nirvana IV has a rich midrange, smooth highs, and an impressive amount detail.

This amp is comparable to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers, but it's a better one in general because it has more precise and balanced sound. It can uncover hidden layers of music when used with the correct headphone. It is also very enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is particularly impressive, since it adds warmth and smoothness to the sound, which is hard to find in other headphone amps.

Many people who love headphones appreciate the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they can be difficult to use and require a significant investment. They also generate a lot of heat, so you should choose one with a robust cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to suit the tastes of audiophiles.

The Cayin Ha-6A is a great option for anyone who wants to experience the power and beauty of a tube amplifier at an affordable price. This amplifier is designed to work with a range of headphone models and is compatible with all popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select between three gain modes that work with 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 heritage It was designed by (and is manufactured under the watchful eyes of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. It has a timeless appearance that evokes classic tube equipment, despite the crazy red paint job.

The IHA-1 utilizes a pair 6SN7 dual triodes to power headphones and has transformer coupling at both outputs and inputs making it compatible with nearly every headphone. It's also compact and has a clear signal path without feedback loop.

The IHA-1 has a rich, harmonic sound that we've found to be appealing to listeners who enjoy a lush listening experience. It's an excellent choice for classical, alternative/indie and the acoustic genres. It's a great amp for tracks in pop country, R&B, and rock. However, it could be a bit on the warm side for high-energy genres such as EDM and Metal. go source rolling can help make up for the warmth.

The IHA-1 isn't an exception to this rule. In general, headphones with greater sensitivity are more likely to work with tube amplifiers. We tested the IHA-1 using various headphone models including the Focal HiFiMan HE-560, HiFiMan HE-560 and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 provided a full and smooth sound, with perspective that was astonishingly precise. It also gave the illusion of three-dimensionality.

The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. However, it is able to be upgraded to an original RCA GZ34 tube for an additional $100. The GZ34 has a more warm sound than the 5Y3GT that was reissued, but it has a more natural and bassy sound. It also has a lovely tone that is recessed enough to make most listening experiences enjoyable and stress-free.

The IHA-1's 3-D soundstage is particularly apparent when it is paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The Focal's already precise imaging was able to expand outwards and forwards and reveal a vast soundscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like a walk through a vast space with headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This tube headphone amp from Cayin is advertised as a "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's an affordable portable amplifier that's astonishingly powerful. It can power headphones that are planar like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and also sound great when paired up with dynamic headphones, such as the Audio-Technica's ATH A1000X. It is also highly adaptable and is a good option for those who have different listening preferences.

The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled device with matched outputs transformers to provide a true balanced output. The power supply is fully controlled, which decreases the ripple effect of voltage amplification. The circuitry is made by hand with point to point wielding and premium wires, resulting in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp also comes with a high-grade UV meter that displays signal levels.

The HA-6A comes with an ultralinear/triode switchable mode that allows you to alter the sound to fit your needs. If you are looking for a deep warm, warm, and musical sound, you can use the EL34 tubes in triode mode, with medium output impedance. On the other hand, if you want an exceptionally precise and fast sound with plenty of muscle, use a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode, with a low output impedance.

If you prefer a more neutral sound, HA-6A has an optional tube rectification feature that improves the overall sonic quality of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for people who listen to a wide range of genres, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.

This amp also features a custom-designed transformer with high-grade nickel plating. This ensures that the amplifier is rugged and durable. It also has an ingenious current adjustment that allows it to match the impedance of various headphones.

The Cayin Ha-6A unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has a tiny bit of tube bloom. The soundstage isn't as large or detailed. It has a quicker decay time and more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It also has a forward-looking midrange that has more detail and more bass than the Vali 2+. However it doesn't have the same amount of treble.

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