Notes

7 Things You've Always Don't Know About Planar Headphone
Amp For Planar Headphones

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

Find an amplifier that comes with a recommended range of impedance for headphones. Most will have this information on their spec sheet or website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is designed and made by hand in Great Britain. It is a beast that can drive virtually any planar headphones (and some dynamic ones) available regardless of their sensitivity or impedance. Its high current and voltage output will also provide a stunning dynamic headroom to create an impressive sound.

In contrast to speakers, planar magnet headphones are almost purely resistive loads, making them relatively easy to drive. They require a greater level of drive than can be provided by the majority of receivers. To reach their rated 130dB SPL, they must have 4V5-10V5 at 1mW of input. Class A solid state amplifiers are the best choice for them.

The AP10H+ has an output transformer that raises the voltage to a much greater degree, and has a volume matching resistor that is suitable for 95percent of headphones. This allows the AP10H+ to provide more than double the amount of power to a pair of 32 ohms dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

If you're looking for tubes with a warm sound profile, then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can drive planar magnetic headphones easily and comes with a variety of output modes that support the majority of headphones' impedances. It has an external power supply unit of top quality that supplies constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier is made in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that offer exceptional musicality.

The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that can deliver 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 effortlessly. The bass response and dynamic depth are outstanding. The Nirvana IV has a rich midrange, smooth highs, and a staggering amount of detail.

The amp is comparable to the Auris Ha-2SE and the Headonia amplifier however, it's superior overall due to its greater clarity and precision with a more balanced sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when used with the correct headphone. It is also very enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, since it adds warmth and tube smoothness to the sound that is difficult to find in other headphone amps.

Many headphone enthusiasts love the warm, rich sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they are difficult to use and require a significant investment. They also generate lots of heat, so it is essential to pick one with a sturdy cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to meet the preferences of audiophiles.

The Cayin HA-6A is a good option for anyone who wants to feel the power of a tube amp but with a price that isn't too expensive. This amp can be used with various types of headphones and it is compatible with most well-known digital audio formats. The output switch lets you to choose between three gain modes, which are suitable to medium, low, and high-impedance headphones. It comes with a remote and an external power source.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is an impressive hi-fi device. It was designed (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. Its design is timeless that is reminiscent of classic tube equipment, despite the bizarre red paint job.

The IHA-1 is compatible with any headphone as it uses dual triodes 6SN7 to drive headphones. It also features transformer coupling at both the inputs as well as outputs. It's also very small and has a smooth signal path that doesn't have a feedback loop.

We've found that the IHA-1 produces a rich and balanced sound that will appeal to listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience with lush music. It's a great choice for classical, alternative/indie and acoustic tracks. It's also a great amplifier for pop, country rock, R&B tracks. However, it could be a little warm side for high-energy genres like EDM and Metal. You can make up for this with tube rolling.

The IHA-1 is not an exception to this rule. In general, headphones that have higher sensitivity are more likely to work with tube amplifiers. We tested it with 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 and 3D space perception that was truly revelatory.


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 extra $100. The GZ34 has a more warm sound than the 5Y3GT reissue, but it has a more natural and bassy sound. It also has a smooth treble response that's recessed enough to make most listening experiences enjoyable and stress-free.

The IHA-1's impressive 3-D soundstage was particularly apparent when paired with the Focal Utopia headphones. The heightened sense of spaciousness allowed the Focal's previously precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, revealing an expansive sonic landscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like walking through a large hall with headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This tube headphone amplifier that is affordable from Cayin is a portable amplifier with surprising power. It can drive planar headphone s like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and sound great when used with dynamic headphones such as Audio-Technica's ATH-A1000X. It's also highly adaptable and is a good option for music lovers 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 has been fully controlled to minimize the ripple effect that is caused by voltage amplification. The circuit is designed by hand using points-to-point amplification and premium wires, resulting in superior quality and integrity of the signal as well as transparency. This amp comes with a premium UV meter that displays signal levels.

HA-6A features an option to switch between ultralinear and triode modes to provide a different sound experience based on your preferences. If you want a warm, rich sound, use the EL34 tubes that have a medium output impedance in triode mode. If you're looking for a fast and precise sound with plenty of muscle, then use KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear with low output impedance.

If you prefer an unison sound, HA-6A has an optional tube rectification feature that enhances the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for users who listen to a variety of genres, from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.

The amp is also built with a large, custom-made output transformer that features high-quality nickel plating. This makes the amplifier tough and durable. It also features an innovative current adjustment feature that can match the impedances of different headphones.

The Cayin Ha-6A, unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has a tiny bit of tube bloom. The sound stage is also not as large or detailed. It has a much faster decay time and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has an asymmetrical midrange, with better detail and more bass than the Vali 2+, but it doesn't have as much treble extension.

Read More: https://www.headphonesshop.uk/categories/planar-magnetic-headphones