The Unknown Benefits Of Planar Headphone
Amp For Planar Headphones
When it comes to amps for headphones with planars, you need one with enough power to power them. Contrary to dynamic headphones which require only a tiny amount of power, planars are more power hungry and demand more voltage.
Look for an amplifier with a recommended range of headphone impedance. It will be noted on the specifications sheet or on their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier developed and hand made in Great Britain. It is a beast that can drive virtually any pair of planar headphones (and some of the more dynamic ones) available, regardless of their sensitivity or impedance. Its high voltage and current output will give you a dynamic headroom that is an outstanding sound.
Planar magnetic headphones like speakers are almost entirely resistive loads. They are, therefore, relatively easy to drive. However, they require higher levels of drive than the majority of receivers can provide. For them to reach their 130dB SPL rating they require either 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. Class A solid state amplifiers are the best choice for them.
The AP10H+ features an output transformer that boosts the voltage and has a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95% of cases. This allows the AP10H+ to provide more than double the amount of power to the 32 ohms of dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
The Nirvana IV tube amp has a warm sound signature. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving planar magnetic headphones effortlessly and comes with a range of output settings to accommodate the majority of headphones with different impedances. It also has a top-quality external power supply unit that provides 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 is a single-ended amplifier that produces 6.5W pure class A power. It is able to easily drive high-impedance headphones and can handle the HiFiMan SUSVARA planar open-back magnetic headphone effortlessly. Its bass performance is excellent and has excellent dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange with silky highs and a staggering amount of detail.
This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE and Headonia amplifier, but it's better overall because it has more clarity and precision, as well as more balanced sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when used with the right headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen. Its balanced mode is particularly impressive, since it adds warmth and smoothness to the sound that is difficult to discover in other headphone amplifiers.
Many enthusiasts of headphones enjoy the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they can be difficult to use and require a significant investment. They also generate lots of heat, so it is important to pick one with a sturdy cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to meet the preferences of audiophiles.
The Cayin HA-6A is a good option for anyone who wants to enjoy the power of a tube amp but with a price that isn't too expensive. headphones shop is designed to work with a variety of headphone types and is compatible with the majority of popular digital audio formats. Its output switch allows users to choose between three gain settings that are suited for medium, low, and high-impedance headphones. It includes a remote as well as an external power source.
Dragon Inspire IHA-1
The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is an impressive hi-fi device. It was created (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. And despite its bizarre red paint scheme it has a timeless appearance that is reminiscent of vintage tube equipment.
The IHA-1 uses a pair of 6SN7 dual triodes to power headphones. It features transformer coupling on both the inputs and outputs, making it compatible with almost every headphone. It is also compact and has an uncluttered signal path that does not have any feedback loop.
We've found that the IHA-1 produces a full and balanced sound that will appeal to listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience that is accompanied by lush music. It's a great choice for classical, indie/alternative, and the acoustic genres. It's an excellent amp for pop, country, R&B, and rock. However, it could be a little warmer side for genres with high energy such as EDM and Metal. Tube rolling can help you make up for the warmth.
The IHA-1 isn't an exception to this rule. In general, headphones with greater sensitivity are more likely to work with tube amplifiers. We tested it with a wide range of headphone models, including the Focal Clear HiFiMan HE-560 Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 delivered a full and rounded sound with astonishingly precise lateral imaging and 3D space perception that was truly revelatory.
The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. It is possible to upgrade it by $100 to a NOS RCA GZ34. The GZ34 has a more warm sound than the reissue 5Y3GT but it has a more natural and bassy sound. It also has a sweet response to the treble that is sufficiently recessed for the majority of listening experiences to be awe-inspiring and unflagging.
The IHA-1's impressive 3-D soundstage is particularly evident when it was paired with the Focal Utopia headphones. The increased sense of space allowed the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, creating a vast sonic landscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like a walk through a vast hall with headphones.
Cayin HA-6A
This tube headphone amplifier that is affordable from Cayin is a portable amplifier with surprising power. 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 ATH-A1000X. It's also highly scalable making it a great option for those with various listening preferences.
The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled design with matched output transformers that give true balanced output. The power supply has also been fully controlled to minimize the ripple effect that is caused by voltage amplification. The circuit is designed by hand using point-to-point wielding and premium wires, resulting in better clarity and signal integrity. This amp features a high-grade, UV meter to display the signal strength.
HA-6A features the option of switching between triode and ultralinear modes to provide a different sound experience based on your preferences. If you're looking for a warm, rich sound, choose the EL34 tubes with moderate output impedance when in triode mode. If you're looking for a fast, detailed sound, with plenty of power, then use KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear, with a low output impedance.
For those who prefer a more neutral sound, the HA-6A comes with an optional tube rectification that enhances the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for those who appreciate the wide variety of music genres from classical and orchestral to hip-hop EDM and other electronic music.
The amp is also constructed with a huge, custom-designed output transformer, which features premium nickel plating. This makes the amplifier rugged and durable. It also has an innovative current adjustment which can match the impedances of different headphones.
Unlike the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a little bit of a tube bloom and sound stage that's not quite as big or as precise. It has a faster decay time and a more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has an asymmetrical midrange, with better detail and more bass than the Vali 2+, but it does not have the same amount of treble extension.