Amp For Planar Headphones
You want an amp that can drive 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 amplifier that is within the recommended range of headphone impedance. Most will have this information on their specifications sheet or on their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier was designed and made by hand in Great Britain. It is a beast that can power virtually all 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.
Unlike speakers, planar magnetic headphones are essentially resistive loads and thus relatively easy to drive. However, they require much more power than the majority of receivers can provide. To reach their rated 130dB SPL, they must have 4V5-10V5 with 1mW of input. Class A solid state amplifiers are the best option for them.
The AP10H+ features an output transformer that raises the power to a higher level, and it comes with a volume-matching resistor that works with 95percent of headphones. The AP10H+ can deliver twice the power of a pair 32 ohm dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
The Nirvana IV tube amp has an appealing warm sound profile. This powerful amplifier can power headphones with magnetic planar design easily and has a variety of output options that can accommodate the majority of headphone impedances. It also comes with a high-end external power supply unit that supplies constant current to the amplifier. visit the following webpage is manufactured in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that produce exceptional sound.
The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that produces 6.5W pure power in class A. It is able to easily drive high-impedance headphones and can handle the HiFiMan SUSVARA open-back planar magnetic headphone effortlessly. Its bass performance is outstanding and offers excellent dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange that is smooth with smooth highs and an impressive amount of detail.
The amp is comparable to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers, but it's a better one overall because it has more balanced and precise sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when paired with the correct headphone. It is also very enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, since it adds warmth and tube 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 people appreciate. They aren't easy to operate and require a significant investment. They also produce a lot heat, so choose one with a strong cooling mechanism. The Nirvana IV is a good option for discerning audiophiles, since it is able to be customised with a range of different tubes.
The Cayin the HA-6A is a great choice for anyone looking to feel the power of a tube amplifier at a low cost. This amplifier is designed to work with a variety of headphone models and is compatible with most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you to select from three gain settings, which are suited for low, medium and high-impedance headphone. It also includes a remote control and an external power supply.
Dragon Inspire IHA-1
The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a serious hi-fi heritage It was designed by (and is manufactured under the watchful eye of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. Its design is timeless that is reminiscent of classic tube equipment, despite the bizarre red paint job.
The IHA-1 makes use of a pair of dual triodes that are 6SN7 to drive headphones. It also includes transformer coupling at both outputs and inputs which makes it compatible with virtually every headphone. It's also compact and has an unobstructed signal path, without any feedback loop.
The IHA-1 is a rich, harmonic sound that we have found to be a hit with those who appreciate a full listening experience. It's an excellent choice for classical, alternative/indie, and the acoustic genres. It's a great amplifier for tracks in pop country, R&B, and rock. However, it could be a little warm side for high-energy genres such as EDM and Metal. You can compensate for this by tube rolling.
The IHA-1 is not an exception to this rule. In general, headphones with higher sensitiveness tend to be compatible with tube amplifiers. We tested it with a wide 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, rounded sound with impressively precise lateral imaging and a 3D space perception that was truly enthralling.
The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. It can however be upgraded to a NOS RCA GZ34 tube for an additional $100. The GZ34 is more warm than the 5Y3GT that was reissued, but it offers a more natural sound with ample bass. It also has a lovely treble response that's recessed enough to make listening 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 heightened sense of spaciousness enabled the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to extend outward and forward, revealing a vast sonic landscape. Listening to 'Nublado' by Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to walking around a vast hall that just happened to have your headphones in it.
Cayin HA-6A
This budget-friendly tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amplifier with surprising power. It can power headphones that are planar like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and sound fantastic when paired with dynamic headphones such as Audio-Technica ATH-A1000X. It's also extremely scalable which makes it a great option for those with various listening preferences.
The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled model with output transformers that are matched to give true balanced output. The power supply is also fully controlled, which minimizes the ripple impact of voltage amplification. The circuitry is hand-crafted with point-to-point wielding and premium wires, which results in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp comes with a premium, UV meter to display the levels of signal.
The HA-6A comes with a switchable ultralinear/triode mode that allows you to alter the sound to meet your preferences. If you're looking for an authentic, warm sound, use the EL34 tubes which have a medium output impedance in triode mode. On the other hand, if you desire a clear and precise sound with plenty of power make use of a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode with low output impedance.
The HA-6A comes with an option for tube rectification option for those who prefer an unison sound. This enhances the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for those who love an array of music genres, from classical and orchestral to hip-hop, EDM and other electronic music.
The amp is also constructed with a large, custom-made output transformer that offers high-grade nickel plating. This makes the amplifier durable and robust. It also has an innovative current adjustment that allows it to match the impedance of headphones.
Contrary to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin Ha-6A has a bit of a tube bloom and sound stage that isn't as big or as precise. It has a faster decay time and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has a more forward midrange with more bass and better detail than the Vali 2+, but it does not have as much extension in the treble.