Say "Yes" To These 5 Planar Headphone Tips
Amp For Planar Headphones
You need an amp that can power planar headphones with plenty of power. Planar headphones require higher power and voltage than dynamic headphones, which only need only a tiny amount of current.
Look for an amp that has an impedance range that is recommended for headphone use. This will be listed on the spec sheet or their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier designed and hand made in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier that can power almost any headphone planar (and some dynamic headphones) on the market, regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high-voltage and current output will also provide exceptional dynamic headroom for an outstanding sound.
Planar magnetic headphones unlike speakers, are essentially resistive loads. They are therefore relatively easy to drive. However, they require much more power than most receivers can produce. To reach their rated 130dB SPL, they must have 4V5-10V5 with 1mW of input. This is why solid state amplifiers of class A are a good choice for them.
The AP10H+ has an output transformer that boosts the voltage and has a volume matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95% of cases. The AP10H+ can deliver twice as much power to the 32 ohm dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
The Nirvana IV tube amp has a warm sound signature. This powerful amplifier can drive planar magnetic headphones effortlessly and offers a variety of output settings to accommodate the majority of headphones with different impedances. It also comes with a high-end external power supply unit that supplies constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was developed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it makes use of hand-crafted transformators that give exceptional musicality.
The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that delivers 6.5W of pure class A power. It can drive high-impedance headphone and can handle the HiFiMan Susvara open-back planar magnet headphone easily. Its bass performance is excellent and offers incredible dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV has a rich midrange, smooth highs, and a staggering amount of detail.
The amp is comparable to the Auris Ha-2SE and the Headonia amplifier however, it's superior overall because it has more clarity and precision as well as more balanced sound. When it's paired with the correct headphones, it will reveal hidden layers of music and is very enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, as it adds warmth and tube smoothness to the sound that is difficult to discover in other headphone amplifiers.
Many enthusiasts of headphones love the warm, rich sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. They aren't easy to operate and require an extensive investment. In addition, Headphone Planar they produce lots of heat, so it is essential to choose one with a robust cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to meet the needs of audiophiles.
The Cayin the HA-6A is a great option for anyone who wants to experience the power of a tube amplifier but with a price that isn't too expensive. This amplifier can be used with a variety of headphone models, and it is compatible with most well-known digital audio formats. The output switch lets you choose 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 a serious audio heritage - it was designed by (and is manufactured under the watchful eye of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. It has a timeless appearance that evokes classic tube equipment, despite the bizarre red paint job.
The IHA-1 makes use of a pair of 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It has transformer coupling on both outputs and inputs, making it compatible with nearly any headphone. It is also small and has an unobstructed signal path, without a feedback loop.
In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a full and harmonic sound that will appeal to those who want an immersive listening experience with lush music. It's a great option for classical, alternative/indie, and Acoustic tracks. It's a great amplifier for tracks in pop, country, R&B, and rock. However, it's a little warmer side for genres with high energy like EDM and Metal. It is possible to compensate for this by rolling the tube.
As a rule higher-sensitivity headphones are likely to work well with tube amplifiers and the IHA-1 is no exception. 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 produced a full and smooth sound, with perspective that was astonishingly precise. It also gave the illusion of three-dimensionality.
The standard IHA-1 comes with two Russian 6SN7 tubes. It is possible to upgrade it by $100 to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 has a more warm sound than the 5Y3GT reissue, but has a more natural and bassy sound. It also has a sweet response to treble that is recessed enough for the majority of listening experiences to be awe-inspiring and unflagging.
The IHA-1's 3-D soundstage becomes particularly evident when paired with the Focal headphones Utopia. The Focal's already precise imaging was able to expand forwards and outwards to reveal an expansive 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
The tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is billed as an "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's a budget, portable amplifier that's surprisingly powerful. It can power headphones that are planar like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and also sound great when used with dynamic headphones, such as the Audio-Technica ATH-A1000X. It's also highly scalable, making it a good 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 has also been completely controlled to limit the ripple effect caused by voltage amplifying. The circuitry is handcrafted with premium wires and point-topoint wielding, resulting in superior transparency and integrity of the signal. The amp also has an ultra-high-quality UV meter that displays the signal's levels.
HA-6A features a switchable triode/ultralinear mode to provide a different audio experience based on your requirements. If you want a warm, rich sound, choose the EL34 tubes that have a medium output impedance in triode mode. On the other hand, if require a blazingly fast and detailed sound with plenty of muscle, use a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode, with a low output impedance.
HA-6A offers an optional tube rectification option for those who prefer an unison sound. This enhances the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for people who listen to a variety of genres, from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.
This amp also comes with a custom-designed transformer with high-grade nickel plating. This makes the amplifier durable and durable. It also has an innovative current adjustment that can adjust the impedance of different headphones planar.
The Cayin Ha-6A, unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has a tiny bit of tube bloom. The sound stage is also not as detailed or large. It also has a much quicker decay time than the Vali 2+ and it has a more neutral tone overall. It has a forward midrange, with more detail and a higher bass in comparison to the Vali 2+. However it doesn't have as much treble.