Notes

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

You need an amp that can power planar headphones with plenty of power. In contrast to dynamic headphones, which require very little current, planars are much more energy-intensive and require more voltage.

Look for an amplifier with a recommended range of headphone impedance. Most will have this listed on their spec sheet or website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is built by hand in Great Britain. It is a beast that can drive almost any planar headphones (and some of the more dynamic ones) available regardless of their sensitivity or impedance. Its high current and voltage output will also provide a stunning dynamic headroom, which produces an amazing sound.

Planar magnetic headphones, unlike speakers, are essentially resistive loads. They are, therefore, relatively easy to drive. They require a greater amount of drive than what can be produced by most 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 option for them.

The AP10H+ has an output transformer that boosts the voltage to a much greater degree, and has a volume matching resistor that can be used with 95% of headphones. The AP10H+ can deliver twice as much power to a pair 32 ohm dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV


The Nirvana IV tube amp has a warm sound signature. This powerful amplifier can power planar magnetic headphones easily and offers a range of output modes that work with most headphones' impedances. It also comes with a high-end external power supply unit that delivers constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier is manufactured in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that provide exceptional musicality.

The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that delivers 6.5W of pure class A power. It can drive high-impedance headphones and is capable to handle the HiFiMan Susvara planar magnet open-back headphone effortlessly. Its bass performance is excellent and provides incredible dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange that is smooth with silky highs and a staggering amount of detail.

The amp is comparable to the Auris Ha-2SE and the Headonia amplifier, but it's better overall because it has more clarity and precision with a more balanced sound. When it's paired with the correct headphones, it will reveal hidden layers of music and is extremely enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is impressive, since it adds a layer of warmth and smoothness to the sound, which is hard to find in other headphone amplifiers.

Vacuum tube amplifiers are a favorite among headphone enthusiasts because they have a warm and enveloping sound that many people enjoy. They can be difficult to operate and require a large investment. They also produce a lot heat, so choose one that has a robust 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 enjoy the power and elegance of a tube amplifier for an affordable price. The amplifier is designed to work with a range of headphone models and is compatible with the majority of popular digital audio formats. Its output switch allows you to choose between three gain settings that are suited for medium, low and high-impedance headphones. It also has the ability to control the remote and 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. And despite its crazy red paint job it has a timeless appearance that's reminiscent of classic tube gear.

The IHA-1 is compatible with every headphone because it uses a pair 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It also has transformer coupling at both inputs as well as outputs. It's also very compact and has a clean signal path with no feedback loop.

In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a full and acoustic sound that will please listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience with lush music. It's a great option for classical, indie/alternative, and acoustic music. It's also a great choice for country, pop rock, R&B tracks. monoprice planar headphones can be a little warm for genres with a lot of energy, like EDM or Metal. You can make up for this by rolling the tube.

As a general rule higher-sensitivity headphones usually mate well with tube amplifiers and the IHA-1 is no different. We tested the IHA-1 with various headphones, including the Focal HiFiMan HE-560, HiFiMan HE-560 and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 created a rich and rounded sound, with side-to-side imaging that was remarkably precise. It also gave a sense of three-dimensional space.

The standard IHA-1 comes with two Russian 6SN7 tubes. However, it is able to be upgraded to a NOS RCA GZ34 tube for an additional $100. The GZ34 is more warm than the 5Y3GT reissue however it has a more natural sound with ample bass. It also has a smooth treble response that's recessed enough to make listening amazing and a breeze to wear.

The IHA-1's remarkable 3-D soundstage was evident when it was paired with the Focal Utopia headphones. The heightened sense of spaciousness enabled the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to extend outward and forward, creating a vast soundscape. Listening to 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to walking around a vast hall that just happened include headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This tube headphone amp by Cayin is billed as a "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's an affordable, portable amplifier that's surprisingly powerful. It can drive planar headphones such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA effortlessly and also sounds great when used with dynamic headphones like 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 is a transformer-coupled design with output transformers matched to provide true balanced output. The power supply is also fully controlled, which decreases the ripple effect of voltage amplifying. The circuitry is made by hand with point to point wielding and premium wires, which results in better clarity and signal integrity. This amp also features an ultra-high-quality UV meter that shows the signal level.

The HA-6A has an ultralinear/triode switchable mode that allows you to customize the sound to meet your needs. If you're looking for an enveloping, rich sound, you can use the EL34 tubes with moderate output impedance when in triode mode. 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 low output impedance.

HA-6A offers an optional tube rectification for those who prefer a neutral sound. This enhances the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for users who listen to a range of genres, from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.

The amp also has an enormous custom-designed transformer that has high-grade nickel plating. This makes the amplifier tough and robust. It also features an innovative current adjustment that will allow you to match the impedances of various headphones.

Contrary to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a bit of a tube bloom as well as a soundstage that's not as large or as detailed. It has a much faster decay time, and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has a forward midrange, with more detail and more bass, than the Vali 2+. However it does not have as much treble.

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