Notes

Say "Yes" To These 5 Planar Headphone Tips
Amp For Planar Headphones

When it comes to amps that are suitable for headphones designed for planar, you'll need something with plenty of power to power them. In contrast to dynamic headphones, which require very little power, planars are more energy-intensive and require more voltage.

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

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is created and manufactured by hand in Great Britain. It is an extremely powerful amplifier that can be used to drive virtually any planar headphone (and some dynamic headphones) available regardless of their impedance and sensitivity. Its high voltage output and current will also provide a stunning dynamic headroom to create an amazing sound.

In contrast to speakers, planar magnet headphones are almost purely resistive loads and thus relatively easy to drive. However, they require higher levels of drive than the majority of receivers can provide. To reach their rated 130dB SPL, they need 4V5 to 10V5 at 1mW of input. Class A solid state amplifiers are the best choice for them.

The AP10H+ has an output transformer which boosts the voltage and has a volume matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 85% of cases. The AP10H+ is able to deliver twice the power of a pair 32 ohm dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

If you love a tube amp with a warm sound, then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving planar magnetic headphones effortlessly and comes with a range of output modes to support most headphones with different impedances. It has an external power supply unit that is of high quality that delivers constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier was made in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it makes use of hand-crafted transformators that give exceptional musicality.

The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that delivers 6.5W pure class A power. It can easily drive high-impedance headphones and is capable of handling the HiFiMan SUSVARA planar open-back magnetic headphone effortlessly. Its bass quality is superb and offers incredible dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV has a rich midrange, smooth highs and an impressive amount detail.

The amp is similar to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers, but it's a better one in general because it has more balanced and precise sound. When it's paired with the correct headphones, it will reveal the hidden layers of music and is very enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, since it adds warmth and smoothness to the sound that's hard to find in other headphone amplifiers.

Many headphone enthusiasts enjoy the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they can be difficult to use and require a significant investment. They also produce a lot heat, so make sure you choose one that has a robust cooling mechanism. The Nirvana IV can be customized to meet the preferences of audiophiles.

The Cayin the HA-6A is a great alternative for those who want to feel the power of a tube amp but with a price that isn't too expensive. The amplifier is designed to work with a variety of headphone types and is compatible with all popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select between three gain modes suitable for headphones with low, medium and high impedance. It includes a remote as well as an external power source.

Dragon Inspire IHA-1

The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is an extremely high-end product. It was created (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. And despite its crazy red paint scheme, it has a timeless look to it that is reminiscent of vintage tube equipment.

The IHA-1 is compatible with any headphone since it utilizes dual triodes 6SN7 to drive headphones. It also features transformer coupling at both the inputs and outputs. It's also quite small and has a smooth signal path, with no feedback loop.

We've found that the IHA-1 produces a rich and acoustic sound that is sure to please those who want an immersive listening experience with a rich and enveloping music. It's an excellent choice for classical, indie/alternative and acoustic music. It's also a great amp for country, pop and rock R&B tracks. It may be a bit warm for genres that have a lot of energy, like EDM or Metal. It is possible to compensate for this by tube rolling.

As a rule higher-sensitivity headphones are likely to be a good match for tube amplifiers and the IHA-1 is no different. We tested the IHA-1 on various headphones, including the Focal, HiFiMan HE-560, and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 provided a full and smooth sound, with a side-to-side imaging that was remarkably precise. It also gave an illusion of three-dimensional space.

The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of 6SN7 Russian tubes. It can however be upgraded to an original RCA GZ34 tube for an extra $100. The GZ34 is more warm than the re-issue 5Y3GT, but it has a more natural sound with plenty of bass. It also has a smooth response to the treble that is not too recessed to allow the majority of listening experiences to be awe-inspiring and fatigue-free.

The IHA-1's impressive 3-D soundstage is particularly evident when coupled with the Focal Utopia headphones. The Focal's already precise image could expand forwards and outwards and reveal a vast sonic landscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like wandering through a vast space with your headphones.

Cayin HA-6A


This budget-friendly tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amp with surprising power. It can power headphones that are planar like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and also sound great when used with dynamic headphones such as Audio-Technica's ATH A1000X. It's also extremely scalable which makes it a great option for those who have different preferences in their music.

The HA-6A has a transformer-coupled construction with output transformers that are matched to ensure a balanced output. The power supply has also been completely controlled to limit the ripple effect that is caused by voltage amplification. The circuit is designed by hand using point to point wielding and premium wires, which results in superior quality and integrity of the signal as well as transparency. This amp comes with a premium, UV meter to display the signal strength.

HA-6A features a switchable triode/ultralinear mode to offer a distinct audio experience based on your needs. If you're looking for a full warm, warm, and musical sound, use the EL34 tubes in triode mode using moderate output impedance. On the other hand, if you want an exceptionally clear and precise sound with plenty of power you should use a pair KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode and low output impedance.

If you prefer a more neutral sound, the HA-6A comes with an optional tube rectification feature that improves the overall sonic quality of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for users who listen to a wide range of genres, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.

learn more features a large custom-made transformer with high-grade nickel plating. This makes the amplifier rugged and robust. It also has an innovative current adjustment that can match the impedance of headphones.

Unlike the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin Ha-6A has a bit of a tube-like bloom and sound stage that isn't as large or as precise. It has a faster decay time and more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has an asymmetrical midrange, with more bass and detail than the Vali 2+, but it doesn't have as much extension of the treble.

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