Notes

How Planar Headphone Can Be Your Next Big Obsession
Amp For Planar Headphones

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

Look for an amp that has an impedance range that is recommended for headphone use. It will be noted on the specs sheet or on their website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is built by hand in Great Britain. It is an amplifier with a lot of power that can drive almost any headphone planar (and some dynamic headphones) available regardless of their impedance and sensitivity. Its high voltage output and current will also provide an exceptional dynamic headroom to create an amazing sound.

Unlike planar magnetic technology , planar magnetic headphones are almost purely resistive loads and thus relatively easy to drive. They require a higher level of drive than that which can be provided by the majority of receivers. To reach their 130dB SPL rating they need either 10V5 or 4V5 input at 1mW. This is why solid state amplifiers of class A are the best choice for them.

The AP10H+ features an output transformer that increases the voltage to a much greater degree, and includes a volume matching resistor that can be used with the majority of headphones. This allows the AP10H+ to provide more than double the amount of power to 32 ohms dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

The Nirvana IV tube amp has an enveloping sound. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving planar magnetic headphones with ease and offers a variety of output settings to accommodate most headphone impedances. It has an external power supply unit of top quality that supplies constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed 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 provide 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 planar magnetic headphone easily. Its bass quality is superb and provides excellent dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange, with smooth highs and an impressive amount of detail.

The amp is comparable to the Auris Ha-2SE and the Headonia amplifier but it's more effective overall because it has more clarity and precision as well as more balanced sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when used with the right headphone. It is also very enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is particularly impressive, as it adds a layer of warmth and tube smoothness to the sound that's hard to discover in other headphone amplifiers.

Vacuum tube amplifiers are popular for headphone lovers since they provide a warm, cosy sound that many people enjoy. They aren't easy to operate and require a large investment. Additionally, they generate a lot of heat, so you should pick one with a sturdy cooling system. The Nirvana IV is a good option for audiophiles who are more discerning, as it can be customised with a range of different tubes.

The Cayin Ha-6A is an excellent option for those looking to experience the power and beauty of a tube amp at a low price. This amp can be used with a variety of headphone models, and is compatible with the most well-known digital audio formats. The output switch lets you to select from three gain settings that are suited to medium, low and high-impedance headphone. It also comes with a remote control as well as an external power supply.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a serious hi-fi product. It was designed (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. It has a timeless design that is reminiscent of classic tube equipment, despite the crazy 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 at both the inputs as well as outputs. It's also compact and has an unobstructed signal path, without any feedback loop.

We've found that the IHA-1 produces a full and balanced sound that will please those who want an immersive listening experience with a rich and enveloping music. 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 a bit on the warmer side for high-energy genres like EDM and Metal. Tube rolling can help make up for the warmth.

The IHA-1 isn't an exception to this rule. In general, headphones with greater sensitivity tend to pair well with tube amplifiers. We tested it using a broad variety of models for headphone including the Focal Clear HiFiMan HE-560, Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 provided a rich round sound, with an impressively precise lateral imaging and three-dimensional sense of space that was truly revelatory.

The standard IHA-1 includes a pair of 6SN7 Russian tubes. It can be upgraded for an additional $100 to a NOS RCA GZ34. The GZ34 has a warmer tone than the 5Y3GT that was reissued, but a more organic and bassy sound. It also has a lovely treble response that's recessed enough to make most listening experiences amazing and a breeze to wear.


The IHA-1's 3-D soundstage is particularly apparent when it is paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The more spacious sound allowed the Focal's previously precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, creating a vast soundscape. Listening to the track 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was like being in a hall that just happened to have your headphones in it.

Cayin HA-6A

This affordable tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amplifier with a surprising amount of power. It can drive headphones that are planar like the HiFiMan SUSVARA effortlessly and also sounds great when used with dynamic headphones like the Audio-Technica A1000X. It's also extremely adaptable and is a good option for music lovers with different listening preferences.

The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled model with output transformers that are matched to provide true balanced output. The power supply is fully controlled, which minimizes the ripple impact of voltage amplification. The circuit is designed by hand using points-to-point amplification and premium wires, resulting in better signal integrity and transparency. This amp also features a high-grade UV meter that displays signal levels.

The HA-6A has a switchable triode/ultralinear mode to give you a different audio experience based on your preferences. If you're looking for an authentic, warm sound, you can use the EL34 tubes which have moderate output impedance when in triode mode. On the other hand, if you require a blazingly precise and fast sound with plenty of power you should use a pair KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode and low output impedance.

If you prefer more neutral sound, the HA-6A comes with an option of tube rectification that improves the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for users who listen to a wide range of genres, ranging 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 ensures that the amplifier is durable and robust. It also features an innovative current adjustment feature that will allow you to match the impedances of various headphones.

Unlike the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a little bit of a tube bloom as well as a sound stage that's not quite as large or as precise. It also has a faster decay time than Vali 2+ and a more neutral tone overall. planar headphones explained has an asymmetrical midrange, with more bass and better detail than the Vali 2+, but it does not have the same amount of extension in the treble.

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