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.
Find an amplifier that has a recommended range of impedance for headphones. Most will have this listed on their spec sheet or on their website.
AP10H+
The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier designed and manufactured by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier 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 output and current will also provide an exceptional dynamic headroom that produces an impressive sound.
Planar magnetic headphones like speakers are almost entirely resistive loads. They are, therefore, relatively easy to drive. They require a much higher amount of drive than what can be provided by the majority of receivers. To achieve their 130dB SPL, they must have 4V5-10V5 at 1mW of input. Class A solid state amplifiers are the best choice for them.
The AP10H+ has an output transformer that increases the voltage as well as a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 85% of cases. The AP10H+ is able to deliver twice as much power to a pair 32 ohm dynamic headphones.
Nirvana IV
If you love an amp that has a tube-like warm sound signature then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can drive planar magnetic headphones effortlessly and offers a variety of output modes to support the majority of headphones with different impedances. It also has a top-quality external power supply unit that supplies constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it uses hand-made transformators that provide exceptional musicality.
The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that can deliver 6.5W pure class A power. It can drive a high-impedance headphone and is able to handle the HiFiMan Susvara open-back planar magnetic headphone with ease. The bass response and dynamic range are superb. The Nirvana IV has a rich midrange, smooth highs, and an impressive amount detail.
This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE as well as the Headonia amplifier but it's more effective 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 the hidden layers of music and is extremely enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, since it adds a layer of warmth and smoothness to the sound that's hard to find in other headphone amplifiers.
Vacuum tube amplifiers are very popular with headphone lovers because they offer a warm sound that people appreciate. They can be difficult to operate and require a significant investment. They also produce a lot heat, so make sure you choose one with a sturdy cooling mechanism. The Nirvana IV can be customized to meet the preferences of audiophiles.
The Cayin Ha-6A is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy the power and elegance of a tube amplifier at an affordable price. This amp is designed to work with a range of headphone types and is compatible with most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you choose between three gain modes that work with headphones that have medium, low and high impedance. It comes with a remote and an external power source.
Dragon Inspire IHA-1
The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a serious hi-fi product. It was designed (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. And despite its crazy red paint job it has a classic design that is reminiscent of vintage tube equipment.
The IHA-1 makes use of a pair of 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It also features transformer coupling at both outputs and inputs, making it compatible with nearly any headphone. It's also small and has a smooth signal path, with no feedback loop.
In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a rich and acoustic sound that is sure to please those who want an immersive listening experience with a rich and enveloping music. It's a great choice for classical, indie/alternative and the acoustic genres. It's also a great amp for pop, country, rock, and R&B tracks. It can be a little warm for genres that have a lot of energy, such as EDM or Metal. Tube rolling can help make up for the warmth.
The IHA-1 is not an exception to this rule. In general, headphones with higher sensitivity tend to pair well with tube amplifiers. We tested it using a broad range of headphone models including the Focal Clear, HiFiMan HE-560, Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 provided a full and smooth sound, with perspective that was astonishingly precise. It also created an illusion of three-dimensional space.
planar closed back headphones -1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. It can be upgraded for an additional $100 to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is warmer than the 5Y3GT reissue and has a more organic sound with ample bass. It also has a smooth response to the treble, which is sufficiently recessed 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 increased sense of space allowed the Focal's previously precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, revealing an expansive soundscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like walking through a vast space with your headphones.
Cayin HA-6A
This tube headphone amp by Cayin is advertised as a "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's a low-cost portable amplifier that's quite powerful. It's capable of driving headphones with a planar design, such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA effortlessly and is also great with dynamic headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH A1000X. It's also extremely scalable which makes it a great option for those with a variety of listening preferences.
The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled design with output transformers matched to offer true balanced output. The power supply has been fully regulated to reduce the ripple effect resulting from voltage amplifying. The circuitry is handcrafted using premium wires and point-to-point handling, resulting in greater transparency and signal integrity. This amp comes with a premium UV meter that can display signal levels.
The HA-6A features a switchable ultralinear/triode mode that lets you customize the sound to meet your needs. If you want a rich warm, warm, and musical sound, you can use the EL34 tubes in triode mode with moderate output impedance. On the other hand, if you desire a precise and fast sound with plenty of power make use of a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode and low output impedance.
If you prefer an unison sound, the HA-6A comes with an optional tube rectification feature that enhances the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for users who enjoy an array of music genres from classical and orchestral to hip-hop, EDM and other electronic music.
This amp is also designed with a huge, custom-designed output transformer that offers high-grade nickel plating. This ensures that the amplifier is rugged and durable. It also has an innovative current adjustment that allows it to match the impedance of different headphones.
The Cayin Ha-6A unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has a tiny bit of tube bloom. Its soundstage isn't as big or detailed. It also has a faster decay time than the Vali 2+ and it has a more neutral tone overall. It has a forward midrange that has more detail and more bass as compared to the Vali 2+. However it does not have the same amount of treble.