Amp For Planar Headphones
When you are looking for amps for headphones with planars, you need one with enough power to power them. Unlike dynamic headphones that require very little current, planars are much more energy-intensive and require more voltage.
Find an amplifier that comes with a recommended headphone impedance range. This will be listed on the spec sheet or their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier developed and manufactured by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier that can be used to drive virtually every planar headphone (and some dynamic headphones) available, regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. the full details and voltage output can also give you an outstanding dynamic headroom, which produces an amazing sound.
Planar magnetic headphones, unlike speakers, are almost entirely resistive loads. They are therefore easy to drive. They require a higher amount of drive than what can be provided by the majority of receivers. To achieve their rated 130dB SPL, they must have 4V5-10V5 with 1mW of input. This is why class A solid state amps are the best option for them.
The AP10H+ has an output transformer that increases the voltage and has a volume matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95% of cases. The AP10H+ is able to deliver twice the power of an earphone with a 32 ohm frequency. 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 can power headphones with magnetic planar design easily and comes with a variety of output options that can accommodate the majority of headphones' impedances. It has an external power supply unit of high quality that delivers constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier is made in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that provide exceptional musicality.
The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that produces 6.5W pure power in class A. It can drive high-impedance headphones and can handle the HiFiMan Susvara open-back planar magnet headphone with ease. Its bass and dynamic range are superb. 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 however, it's a superior one overall because it has a more precise and balanced sound. It can uncover hidden layers of music when paired with the right headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is impressive, bringing a layer of warmth and tube smoothness that is difficult for other headphone amplifiers to achieve.
Vacuum tube amplifiers are a favorite for headphone lovers since they offer a warm sound that people appreciate. However, they are difficult to make use of and require a significant investment. Additionally, they generate a lot of heat, so it is essential to choose one with a robust cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to suit the tastes of audiophiles.
The Cayin Ha-6A is an excellent option for those looking to experience the power and beauty of a tube amplifier at an affordable price. The amplifier is compatible with various types of headphones, and is compatible with the most well-known digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select between three gain settings that work with headphones with medium, low or 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 developed (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. It has a timeless appearance that evokes classic tube equipment, despite the crazy red paint job.
The IHA-1 is compatible with any headphone since it utilizes the 6SN7 dual triodes for driving headphones. It also has transformer coupling on both inputs and outputs. It's also quite small and has a smooth signal path, with no feedback loop.
The IHA-1 has a full, harmonic sound that we have found to be appealing to listeners who enjoy a lush listening experience. It's a great choice for classical, alternative/indie, and Acoustic tracks. It's also a great amplifier for pop, country and rock R&B tracks. It can be a bit warm for genres with lots of energy, such as EDM or Metal. Tube rolling can help you compensate for the warmth.
As a rule higher-sensitivity headphones are likely to work well with tube amplifiers, and the IHA-1 is no different. We tested the IHA-1 on a variety of headphone models including the Focal, HiFiMan HE-560 and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 created a rich and round sound, with lateral imaging that was impressively precise. It also created an illusion of three-dimensional space.
The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. However, it is able to be upgraded to an original RCA GZ34 tube for an additional $100. The GZ34 is warmer than the 5Y3GT reissue however it has a more organic sound and has a lot of bass. It also has a sweet response to the treble that is sufficiently recessed for most listening experiences to be glorious and fatigue-free.
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 an expansive sonic landscape. Listening to the track 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to being in a hall that just happened include headphones.
Cayin HA-6A
This tube headphone amp from Cayin is billed as a "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's an affordable portable amplifier that's astonishingly powerful. It can power headphones that are planar like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and also sound great when paired up with dynamic headphones such as Audio-Technica's ATH A1000X. It is also highly scalable and therefore a great option for those who have diverse preferences for listening.
The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled device with matched outputs transformers in order to provide a true balanced output. The power supply has been completely controlled to limit the ripple effect caused by voltage amplifying. The circuitry is made by hand with point-to-point wielding and premium wires, resulting in better quality and integrity of the signal as well as transparency. This amp also comes with a high-grade UV meter that shows the signal level.
HA-6A features the option of switching between triode and ultralinear modes to provide a different sound experience based on your preferences. If you want a warm, rich sound, use the EL34 tubes with a medium output impedance in triode mode. On the other hand, if you want an exceptionally precise and fast sound with plenty of muscle you should use a pair KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode and low output impedance.
The HA-6A is a tube with an option of rectification for those who prefer an unison sound. This enhances the overall sonic performance of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for those who listen to a wide range of genres, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.
The amp also has a large custom-made transformer with high-grade nickel plating. This makes the amplifier durable and robust. It also has an ingenious current adjustment that matches the impedance of headphones.
The Cayin Ha-6A unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has some tube bloom. The sound stage is also not as detailed or large. It also has a much faster decay time than Vali 2+ and a more neutral tone overall. It has a forward midrange that has more detail and more bass, than the Vali 2+. However it doesn't have the same amount of treble.