The Reason Planar Headphone Will Be The Hottest Topic In 2023
Amp For Planar Headphones You need an amp that can drive planar headphones with plenty of power. Planar headphones require more power and voltage than dynamic headphones, which require only a just a small amount of current. Find an amplifier that is compatible with a recommended range of impedance for headphones. This can be found on the specifications sheet or on their website. AP10H+ The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier was built by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier that can drive almost any planar headphone (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 impressive sound. Unlike speakers, planar magnetic headphones are essentially resistive loads and thus relatively easy to drive. However, they require much more power than the majority of receivers can provide. To achieve their 130dB SPL, they must have 4V5-10V5 with 1mW of input. planar magnetic drivers is why class A solid state amps are the best choice for them. The AP10H+ features an output transformer which boosts the voltage as well as a volume-matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 85% of cases. The AP10H+ can deliver twice as much power to a pair 32 ohm dynamic headphones. Nirvana IV If you are looking for tubes with a warm sound signature then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier can power planar magnetic headphones easily and has a variety of output modes that support the majority of headphone 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 utilizes hand-crafted transformators that offer incredible musicality. The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that can deliver 6.5W of pure class A power. It is able to easily drive high-impedance headphones and can handle the HiFiMan SUSVARA planar open-back magnetic headphone easily. Its bass performance is outstanding and has incredible dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange that is smooth with soft highs and an amazing amount of detail. The amp is comparable to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers, but it's a better one in general because it has more precise and balanced sound. It can uncover hidden layers of music when paired with the correct headphone. It's also enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is particularly impressive, adding a layer of warmth and tube smoothness that's hard for other headphone amplifiers to match. Vacuum tube amplifiers are popular for headphone lovers since they have a warm and enveloping sound that people appreciate. However, they can be difficult to use and require a significant investment. They also produce a lot of 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 because it can be customized using a variety of different tubes. The Cayin Ha-6A is an excellent option for those looking to experience the power and beauty of a tube amp at a low price. This amp can be used with many different headphone types, and is compatible with the most popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you choose between three gain modes that work with headphones with medium, low or high impedance. It also includes a remote control as well as an external power supply. Dragon Inspire IHA-1 The Dragon Inspire IHA-1 is a serious audio heritage – it was designed by (and is produced under the watchful eye of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. And despite its crazy red paint job it has a classic design that is reminiscent of vintage tube equipment. The IHA-1 utilizes a pair 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It also has transformer coupling at both outputs and inputs making it compatible with virtually any headphone. It's also compact and has a clear signal path without feedback loop. We've found that the IHA-1 produces a full and harmonic sound that is sure to please listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience with a rich and enveloping music. It's an excellent choice for classical, alternative/indie and Acoustic tracks. It's also a great amplifier for pop, country, rock, and R&B tracks. It can be a bit warm for genres that have a lot of energy, like EDM or Metal. Tube rolling can help you compensate for the warmth. As a rule higher-sensitivity headphones are likely to be a good match for tube amplifiers and the IHA-1 is no different. We tested the IHA-1 using a variety of headphone models including the Focal, HiFiMan HE-560 and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 delivered a full and rounded sound with astonishingly precise lateral imaging and a three-dimensional sense of space that was truly enthralling. The standard IHA-1 includes a pair 6SN7 Russian tubes. It is possible to upgrade it for $100 more to a NOS RCA GZ34. The GZ34 has a warmer tone than the 5Y3GT that was reissued, but a more organic and bassy sound. It also has a smooth bass response that's not too recessed 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 increased sense of space enabled the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, revealing an expansive sonic landscape. Listening to 'Nublado' by Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to being in a hall that just happened have your headphones in it. Cayin HA-6A This affordable tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amp with a surprising amount of power. It can drive headphones with a planar design, such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA easily and also sounds great when paired with headphones that are dynamic, such as the Audio-Technica ATH A1000X. It's also highly adaptable, making it a good choice for music lovers with various listening preferences. The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled design with output transformers that are matched to offer real balanced output. The power supply has also been fully regulated to reduce the ripple effect that is caused by voltage amplifying. The circuitry is designed by hand with the finest wires and point-to-point wielding, resulting in superior clarity and signal integrity. This amp also features an ultra-high-quality UV meter that displays the signal's levels. The HA-6A features a switchable ultralinear/triode mode that lets you customize the sound to fit your preferences. If you're looking for an authentic, warm sound, use the EL34 tubes with an output impedance of medium in triode mode. On the other hand, if desire a precise and fast sound with plenty of muscle make use of a pair of KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode, with a low output impedance. HA-6A offers an optional tube rectification feature for those who prefer a neutral sound. This improves the overall sonic quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for those who appreciate a wide range of music genres, from classical and orchestral to hip-hop EDM and other electronic music. The amp also has an enormous custom-designed transformer that has premium nickel plating. This makes the amplifier tough and robust. It also has an innovative current adjustment that can match the impedance of headphones. The Cayin Ha-6A, unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has a tiny bit of tube bloom. Its sound stage is also not as large or detailed. It also has a faster decay time than Vali 2+ and it has a more neutral tone overall. It has a more forward midrange with more bass and better detail than the Vali 2+, but it doesn't have the same amount of extension of the treble.