Notes

15 Planar Headphone Benefits Everyone Needs To Be Able To
Amp For Planar Headphones

When it comes to amps that are suitable for planar headphones, you want one with enough power to drive them. Contrary to dynamic headphones which require a small amount of current, planars are much more energy-intensive and require more voltage.

Find an amplifier that is within the recommended range of impedance for headphones. It will be noted on the specifications sheet or on their website.


AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier that was designed and hand made in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier that can drive almost any pair of planar headphones (and some dynamic ones) available, regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high-voltage and current output will give you a dynamic headroom that is an outstanding sound.

In contrast to speakers, planar magnet headphones are almost purely resistive loads, which makes them easy to drive. They require a higher level of drive than that which can be produced by most receivers. To reach their rated 130dB SPL, they must have 4V5-10V5 with 1mW of input. This is why class A solid state amps are the best choice for them.

The AP10H+ comes with an output transformer that increases the voltage to a higher level, and it has a volume matching resistor that works with 95percent of headphones. The AP10H+ is able to deliver twice the power of an earphone with a 32 ohm frequency. headphones.

Nirvana IV

If you are looking for tubes with a warm sound, then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can drive magnetic headphones that are planar with ease and offers a variety of output options to accommodate the majority of headphone impedances. It also comes with a high-end external power supply unit that supplies constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that offer exceptional musicality.

The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that produces 6.5W pure power of class A. It can drive high-impedance headphones and is able to handle the HiFiMan Susvara planar magnet open-back headphone with ease. Its bass and dynamic range are superb. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange that is smooth with soft highs and an amazing amount of detail.

This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE as well as the Headonia amplifier however, it's superior overall due to its greater clarity and precision with a more balanced sound. When paired with the right headphone, it can reveal hidden layers of music and is a joy to listen to. Its balanced mode is particularly impressive, as it adds warmth and smoothness to the sound that's hard to find in other headphone amps.

Vacuum tube amplifiers are very popular for headphone lovers since they have a warm and enveloping sound that many people enjoy. However, they are difficult to use and require a substantial investment. They also generate a lot of heat, so it is important to select one with a strong cooling system. The Nirvana IV is a good option for audiophiles who are more discerning, since it is able to be customized with a variety of different tubes.

The Cayin Ha-6A is a great choice for anyone looking to experience the power and beauty of a tube amp at a low price. The amplifier is compatible with a variety of headphone models and is compatible with most 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 also includes a remote control and an external power supply.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a high-end audio heritage It was designed by (and is manufactured under the watchful eye of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. Its design is timeless that evokes classic tube equipment, despite its bizarre red paint job.

The IHA-1 is compatible with any headphone as it uses dual triodes 6SN7 for driving headphones. It also has transformer coupling on both inputs as well as outputs. It's also quite compact and has a clear signal path that doesn't have a feedback loop.

We've found that the IHA-1 produces a full and harmonic sound that will appeal to listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience with lush music. It's an excellent choice for classical, indie/alternative and acoustic music. It's a great amp for tracks in pop country, R&B, and rock. However, it's slightly warm side for high-energy genres such as EDM and Metal. monoprice planar headphones can compensate for this by rolling the tube.

The IHA-1 is not an exception to this rule. In general, headphones that have higher sensitiveness tend to be compatible with tube amplifiers. We tested it using a broad selection of headphones including the Focal Clear HiFiMan HE-560, Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 provided a full and rounded sound, with lateral imaging that was impressively precise. It also created the illusion of three-dimensionality.

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

The IHA-1's impressive 3-D soundstage was evident when it was paired with the Focal Utopia headphones. The increased sense of space allowed the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, revealing a vast sonic landscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like walking through a large hall with your headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This budget-friendly tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amp with a surprising amount of power. It's capable of driving planar headphones such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA with ease and is also great with headphones that are dynamic, such as the Audio-Technica A1000X. It's also extremely scalable making it a great option for those who have different preferences in their music.

The HA-6A has a transformer-coupled construction with matched outputs transformers to give a balanced output. The power supply has been fully controlled to minimize the ripple effect resulting from voltage amplifying. The circuitry is designed by hand using premium wires and point-to-point handling, resulting in greater transparency and integrity of the signal. This amp features a high-grade UV meter that displays the levels of signal.

The HA-6A comes with an option to switch between ultralinear and triode modes to provide a different sound experience depending on 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 want an exceptionally clear and precise sound with plenty of muscle make use of a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode with low output impedance.

If you prefer a more neutral sound, HA-6A has an optional tube rectification 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 also features an enormous custom-designed transformer that has high-grade nickel plating. This ensures the amplifier is durable and robust. It also has an ingenious current adjustment that can match the impedance of headphones.

Unlike the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a little bit of a tube-like bloom and sound stage that isn't as large or as detailed. It has a faster decay time and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has an asymmetrical midrange, with more bass and detail than the Vali 2+, but it does not have the same amount of extension in the treble.

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