Notes

The Reason Why Planar Headphone Is More Dangerous Than You Thought
Amp For Planar Headphones

When it comes to amps that are suitable for planar headphones, you want something with plenty of power to drive them. Unlike dynamic headphones that require very little current, planars are more energy-intensive and require more voltage.

Look for an amplifier that comes with a recommended headphone impedance range. The majority of amps will have this information on their specifications sheet or on their website.

AP10H+

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

In contrast to speakers, planar magnet headphones are essentially resistive loads, making them relatively easy to drive. They require a greater level of drive than that which can be provided by the majority of receivers. In order to achieve their 130dB SPL rating, they require 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. Class A solid state amplifiers are the ideal choice for them.

The AP10H+ features an output transformer which boosts the voltage as well as a volume matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 85% of cases. The AP10H+ can provide twice as much power to a pair 32 ohm dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

If you are looking for tubes with a warm sound profile, then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can power magnetic headphones that are planar easily and comes with a variety of output options that can accommodate the majority of headphones with different impedances. It also has a top-quality external power supply unit that provides constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that produce exceptional sound.

The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that can deliver 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 has incredible dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange, with smooth highs and an impressive amount of detail.

The amp is similar to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers however, it's a superior one in general because it has a more balanced and precise sound. It can uncover hidden layers of music when used with the right headphone. It is also very enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, as it adds warmth and smoothness to the sound, which is hard to find in other headphone amps.

Many enthusiasts of headphones appreciate the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they are difficult to use and require a significant investment. They also produce a lot heat, so make sure you choose one with a sturdy cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to suit the tastes of audiophiles.

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

The IHA-1 utilizes a pair 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It also includes transformer coupling on both outputs and inputs, making it compatible with nearly every headphone. It's also compact and has a clean signal path, with no feedback loop.

In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a rich and balanced sound that will please listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience with a rich and enveloping music. It's an excellent choice for classical, alternative/indie, and acoustic tracks. It's an excellent amp for pop country, R&B, and rock. It can be a bit warm for genres that have a lot of energy, like EDM or Metal. You can make up for this with tube rolling.

As a rule higher-sensitivity headphones usually mate well with tube amplifiers, and the IHA-1 is no different. We tested the IHA-1 using a variety of headphones, including the Focal, HiFiMan HE-560 and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 provided a rich and rounded sound with astonishingly precise lateral imaging and 3D space perception that was truly revelatory.

The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of 6SN7 Russian tubes. It is possible to upgrade it for $100 more to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is more warm than the re-issue 5Y3GT, but it offers a more natural sound and has a lot of bass. It also has a sweet treble response that's recessed enough to make listening glorious and fatigue-free.

The IHA-1's 3D soundstage is particularly apparent when it is paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The Focal's already precise image could expand outwards and forwards, revealing an expansive soundscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like walking through a vast hall with headphones.

Cayin HA-6A


This tube headphone amplifier that is affordable from Cayin is a portable amp with surprising power. It can drive headphones with a planar design like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and sound fantastic when paired with dynamic headphones such as Audio-Technica ATH-A1000X. It's also extremely scalable, making it a good option for those with a variety of listening preferences.

The HA-6A has a transformer-coupled construction with matched outputs transformers to ensure a balanced output. The power supply is fully regulated, which reduces the ripple impact of voltage amplifying. The circuit is designed by hand using points-to-point amplification and premium wires, which results in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp comes with a premium UV meter that can display signal levels.

HA-6A features the option of switching between triode and ultralinear modes to give you a different sound experience depending on your requirements. If you're looking for an authentic, warm sound, choose the EL34 tubes that have a medium output impedance in triode mode. On the other hand, if you desire a precise and fast sound with plenty of power, use a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode with low output impedance.

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

This amp is also designed 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 feature that will allow you to match the impedances of different headphones.

The Cayin Ha-6A, unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has a little bit of tube bloom. Its sound stage is also not as big or detailed. headphones shop has a faster decay time and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It also has a forward-looking midrange that has more detail and more bass as compared to the Vali 2+. However, it does not have the same amount of treble.

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