Amp For Planar Headphones
You need an amp that can power planar headphones with plenty of power. Unlike dynamic headphones that require very little power, planars are more energy-intensive and require more voltage.
Look for an amplifier that is compatible with an impedance range that is recommended for headphone use. The majority of amps will have this information on their spec sheet or website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is designed and made by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier that can power virtually any pair of planar headphones (and some of the more dynamic ones) available regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high current and voltage output will also provide a stunning dynamic headroom that produces an amazing sound.
Planar magnetic headphones, unlike speakers, are almost entirely resistive loads. They are, therefore, relatively easy to drive. They require a much higher level of drive than can be achieved by the majority of receivers. For them to reach their 130dB SPL, they require either 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. Class A solid state amplifiers are the best option for them.
The AP10H+ features an output transformer that increases the voltage and a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 85% of cases. The AP10H+ can provide twice as much power to a pair 32 ohm dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
The Nirvana IV tube amp has a warm sound signature. This powerful amplifier can drive headphones with magnetic planar design easily and comes with a variety of output modes that work with most headphones with different impedances. It also has a high-quality external power supply unit that supplies constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was made in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it makes use of hand-crafted transformators that give incredible musicality.
The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that produces 6.5W pure class A power. It can drive high-impedance headphone and is able to handle the HiFiMan Susvara planar magnet open-back headphone effortlessly. Its bass performance is excellent and offers excellent dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV has a rich mid-range, smooth highs and a dazzling amount of detail.
This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE as well as the Headonia amplifier, but it's better overall because it has more clarity and precision, as well as more balanced sound. It can uncover hidden layers of music when used with the right headphone. It is also very enjoyable to listen to. moondrop venus planar magnetic headphones balanced mode is particularly impressive, since it adds a layer of warmth and smoothness to the sound that is difficult to find in other headphone amps.
Many headphone enthusiasts love the warm, rich sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. However, they can be difficult to make use of and require a significant investment. They also produce a lot heat, so you should choose one that has a robust cooling system. The Nirvana IV is a good choice for those who are discerning about their audiophiles since it is able to be customized with a variety of different tubes.
The Cayin the HA-6A is a great alternative for those who want to enjoy the power of a tube amplifier with a small price tag. This amp can be used with a variety of headphone models and is compatible with most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you select among three gain settings that work with headphones that have medium, low and high impedance. It also has the ability to control the remote and an external power supply.
Dragon Inspire IHA-1
The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a serious hi-fi heritage it was created by (and is manufactured under the watchful eyes of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. And despite its bizarre red paint, it has a timeless appearance that is reminiscent of vintage tube gear.
The IHA-1 makes use of a pair of 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It features transformer coupling on both outputs and inputs making it compatible with nearly every headphone. It is also small and has an unobstructed signal path, without feedback loop.
In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a full and balanced sound that will appeal to those who want an immersive listening experience with lush music. It's a great choice for classical, indie/alternative, and Acoustic music. It's also a great choice for country, pop and rock R&B tracks. However, it could be a bit on the warmer side for genres with high energy like EDM and Metal. It is possible to compensate for this by rolling the tube.
The IHA-1 is not an exception to this rule. In general, headphones that have higher sensitivity tend to pair well 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 offered a full, rounded sound with impressively precise lateral imaging and a three-dimensional sense of space that was truly amazing.
The standard IHA-1 includes a pair 6SN7 Russian tubes. It can be upgraded for $100 more to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is more warm than the 5Y3GT reissue however it offers a more natural sound with ample bass. It also has a smooth treble response that's recessed enough to make listening enjoyable and stress-free.
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, revealing an expansive soundscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like wandering through a large hall with headphones.
Cayin HA-6A
This budget-friendly tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amplifier with an impressive power. It can drive headphones with a planar design like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and also sound fantastic when paired with dynamic headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-A1000X. It is also highly adaptable and is a good option for those who have different preferences in listening.
The HA-6A features a transformer-coupled design with matched outputs transformers to provide a true balanced output. The power supply has been fully regulated to reduce the ripple effect that is caused by voltage amplifying. The circuitry is hand-crafted with point to point wielding and premium wires, resulting in better clarity and signal integrity. This amp comes with a premium UV meter that displays the signal strength.
The HA-6A comes with an ultralinear/triode switchable mode that allows you to customize the sound to meet your preferences. If you want a warm, rich sound, you can use the EL34 tubes with moderate output impedance when in triode mode. If you are looking for a quick and detailed sound with lots of muscle then you should use KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear, with a low output impedance.
The HA-6A comes with an option for tube rectification option for those who prefer an unison sound. This improves the overall sonic performance of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for people who listen to a range of genres, from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.
This amp also features a large custom-made transformer with the highest-quality nickel plating. This makes the amplifier tough and robust. It also has an innovative current adjustment which will allow you to match the impedances of various headphones.
In contrast to the Schiit Vali 2+, the Cayin HA-6A has a little bit of a tube bloom as well as a sound stage that's not quite as large or as detailed. It also has a faster decay time than Vali 2+ and an overall more neutral tone. It has an advanced midrange that has more bass and better detail than the Vali 2+, but it does not have the same amount of treble extension.