Why Planar Headphone Is Still Relevant In 2023

Amp For Planar Headphones

When it comes to amps for headphones designed for planar magnetic earbuds, you'll need something with plenty of power to power them. Unlike dynamic headphones that require only a tiny amount of current, planars are much more energy-intensive and require more voltage.

Find an amplifier that is within the recommended range of impedance for headphones. Most will have this listed on their spec sheet or website.

AP10H+

The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is built by hand in Great Britain. It is a beast that can power 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 also give you a dynamic headroom that is impressive sound.

Unlike speakers, planar magnetic headphones are essentially resistive loads, which makes them easy to drive. However, they require much more power than the majority of receivers can provide. To achieve their rated 130dB SPL, they must have 4V5-10V5 at 1mW of input. Class A solid state amplifiers are the best choice for them.

The AP10H+ comes with an output transformer that increases the voltage to a much higher level, and it comes with a volume-matching resistor that can be used with 95percent of headphones. The AP10H+ can deliver twice as much power to the 32 ohm dynamic headphones.

Nirvana IV

The Nirvana IV tube amp has an appealing warm sound profile. This powerful amplifier can power magnetic headphones that are planar easily and has a variety of output modes that support the majority of headphone impedances. It also has a high-quality external power supply unit that supplies constant current to the amplifier. The amplifier is made in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that produce exceptional sound.

The Nirvana IV is a single-ended amplifier that delivers 6.5W pure power of class A. It can drive a high-impedance headphone planar magnetic and is able to handle the HiFiMan Susvara open-back planar magnetic headphone easily. Its bass and dynamic depth are excellent. The Nirvana IV has a rich mid-range, smooth highs and headphone planar a dazzling amount of detail.

This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE as well as the Headonia amplifier however, it's superior overall due to its greater clarity and precision with a more balanced sound. It can reveal hidden layers in music when paired with the correct headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is especially impressive, adding a layer texture and warmth that's hard for other headphone amplifiers to achieve.

Many people who love headphones enjoy the warm sound of vacuum tube amplifiers. They can be difficult to operate and require an extensive investment. In addition, they produce plenty of heat, so it is essential to pick one with a sturdy 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 feel the power of a tube amplifier with a small price tag. This amplifier can be used with many different headphone types, and is compatible with the most well-known digital audio formats. The output switch lets you to choose between three gain settings, which are suitable 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 has serious hi-fi heritage - it was designed by (and is manufactured under the watchful eyes of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. And despite its bizarre red paint scheme, it has a timeless design that's reminiscent of classic tube equipment.

The IHA-1 can be used with any headphone since it utilizes a pair 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It also features transformer coupling at both the inputs as well as the outputs. It's also very small and has a smooth signal path that doesn't have a feedback loop.

The IHA-1 has a rich and acoustic sound that we have found to be a hit with listeners who enjoy a lush listening experience. It's an excellent choice for classical, indie/alternative, and the acoustic genres. It's also a great amp for country, pop and rock R&B tracks. However, it can be a little warm side for high-energy genres like EDM and Metal. You can make up for this with tube rolling.

As a rule higher-sensitivity headphones usually mate well with tube amplifiers and the IHA-1 is no different. We tried it on a wide selection of headphones which included the Focal Clear, HiFiMan HE-560, Grado RS-1, and Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 produced a full and smooth sound, with a side-to-side imaging that was remarkably precise. It also created a sense of three-dimensional space.

The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of 6SN7 Russian tubes. It is possible to upgrade it for $100 more to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 is more warm than the 5Y3GT reissue however it has a more natural sound with plenty of bass. It also has a smooth response to the treble, which is not too recessed to allow most listening experiences to be stunning and unflagging.

The IHA-1's 3-D soundstage becomes especially apparent when paired up with the Focal headphones Utopia. The Focal's already precise image could expand forwards and outwards and reveal a vast sonic landscape. Listening to "Nublado" from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like a walk through a vast space with headphones.

Cayin HA-6A

This tube headphone planar [read the full info here] amp from Cayin is advertised as a "Tube Rolling Paradise." It's a low-cost portable amplifier that's astonishingly powerful. It's capable of driving planar headphones such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA effortlessly, and it is also great with headphones that are dynamic, such as the Audio-Technica ATH A1000X. It's also highly adaptable and is a good choice for music enthusiasts with different listening preferences.

The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled model with output transformers matched to 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 points-to-point amplification and premium wires, which results in superior signal integrity and transparency. This amp also comes with an ultra-high-quality UV meter that displays the signal's levels.

HA-6A features a switchable triode/ultralinear mode to give you a different sound experience based on your preferences. If you're looking for a full warm, warm, and melodious sound, run the EL34 tubes in triode mode, with moderate output impedance. On the other hand, if you require a blazingly clear and precise sound with plenty of muscle, use a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode and low output impedance.

The HA-6A comes with an option for tube rectification for those who prefer a neutral sound. This enhances the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for users who listen to a range of genres, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music.

This amp also features an enormous custom-designed transformer that has premium nickel plating. This makes sure that the amplifier is rugged and durable. It also has an ingenious current adjustment that allows it to match the impedance of various headphones.

The Cayin Ha-6A, unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has a little bit of tube bloom. Its soundstage isn't as big or detailed. It also has a faster decay time than the Vali 2+ and a more neutral tone overall. It also has a forward-looking midrange, with more detail and a higher bass as compared to the Vali 2+. However, it does not have as much treble.