Why Planar Headphone Is Still Relevant In 2023

Amp For Planar Headphones When it comes to amps that are suitable for planar headphones, you want something that has plenty of power to power them. Planar headphones require more voltage and power than dynamic headphones, which require only a a small amount of current. Look for an amplifier that is within the recommended range of headphone impedance. This will be listed on the spec sheet or their website. AP10H+ The NVA AP10H+ headphone amplifier is built by hand in Great Britain. It is a powerful amplifier that can drive virtually all planar headphones (and some of the more dynamic ones) available, regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high voltage output and current will also provide an exceptional dynamic headroom that produces an impressive sound. In contrast to speakers, planar magnetic headphones are essentially resistive loads and thus relatively easy to drive. However, they require much more power than most receivers can produce. To reach their 130dB SPL rating they require either 4V5 or 10V5 input at 1mW. This is why solid state amplifiers of class A are a good choice for them. The AP10H+ comes with an output transformer which boosts the voltage and has a volume matching resistance that is suitable for headphones in 95percent of cases. The AP10H+ can provide twice the power of an earphone with a 32 ohm frequency. headphones. Nirvana IV The Nirvana IV tube amp has an enveloping sound. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving planar magnetic headphones effortlessly and has a wide range of output options to accommodate most headphone impedances. It is equipped with an external power supply unit of top quality that delivers constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier was designed in Serbia by Milomir Trosic, and it utilizes hand-crafted transformators that offer extraordinary musicality. The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that delivers 6.5W of pure class A power. It is capable of driving high-impedance headphones and is capable of handling the HiFiMan SUSVARA planar open-back magnetic headphone with ease. Its bass performance is excellent and offers excellent dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange, with smooth highs and an impressive amount of detail. This amp can be compared to the Auris Ha-2SE and Headonia amplifier, but it's better overall since it offers more clarity and precision with a more balanced sound. When it's paired with the correct headphone, it can reveal hidden layers of music and is a joy to listen to. Its balanced mode is impressive, since it adds warmth and smoothness to the sound that's hard to find in other headphone amps. Vacuum tube amplifiers are a favorite with headphone lovers because they have a warm and enveloping sound that a lot of people love. 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 strong cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to meet the needs of audiophiles. The Cayin Ha-6A is a great option for those looking to enjoy the power and elegance of a tube amplifier for a low price. The amplifier is compatible with many different headphone types and it is compatible with most well-known digital audio formats. Its output switch allows users to choose between three gain modes, which are suitable for low, medium 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 designed (and manufactured) by Dennis Had, founder Cary Audio. It has a timeless appearance that is reminiscent of classic tube equipment, despite its bizarre red paint job. The IHA-1 is compatible with every headphone as it uses a pair 6SN7 dual triodes to drive headphones. It also has transformer coupling on both inputs as well as outputs. It's also compact and has a clear signal path without feedback loop. In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a rich and acoustic sound that will please listeners who like a full listening experience with a rich and enveloping music. It's an excellent choice for classical, indie/alternative, and Acoustic music. right here 's also a great choice for pop, country rock, R&B tracks. It can be a bit warm for genres with high 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 are more likely to work with tube amplifiers. We tested the IHA-1 on a variety of headphone models, including the Focal, HiFiMan HE-560 and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 provided a rich, rounded sound with impressively precise lateral imaging as well as a 3D space perception that was truly amazing. The standard IHA-1 comes with a pair of Russian 6SN7 tubes. It is possible to upgrade it by $100 to a brand new RCA GZ34. The GZ34 has a warmer sound than the 5Y3GT reissue, but a more organic and bassy sound. It also has a lovely response to the treble, which is sufficiently recessed for the majority of listening experiences to be awe-inspiring and fatigue-free. The IHA-1's 3D soundstage is especially apparent when paired up with the Focal headphones Utopia. The more spacious sound enabled the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to extend outward and forward, creating a vast sonic landscape. Listening to the track 'Nublado' from Sera Una Noche [MA Recordings, 16/44.1], for instance, was akin to walking around a vast hall that happened to have your headphones in it. Cayin HA-6A This tube headphone amp by Cayin is marketed as an “Tube Rolling Paradise.” It's an affordable portable amplifier that's quite powerful. It can drive planar headphones such as the HiFiMan SUSVARA easily, and it also sounds great when paired with dynamic headphones such as the Audio-Technica ATH A1000X. It's also highly adaptable, making it a great option for those who have diverse preferences for listening. The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled design with matched output transformers that provide true balanced output. The power supply has been completely controlled to limit the ripple effect resulting from voltage amplification. The circuitry is handcrafted using premium wires and point-to-point handling, resulting in greater transparency and signal integrity. This amp has a top-quality, UV meter to display signal levels. The HA-6A has an ultralinear/triode mode switchable that lets you customize the sound to fit your needs. If you're looking for a full warm, warm, and melodious sound, use the EL34 tubes in triode mode using moderate output impedance. If you're looking for a fast and precise sound with plenty of muscle, then use KT88 tubes set to ultra-linear with low output impedance. The HA-6A is a tube with an option of rectification option for those who prefer a neutral sound. This enhances the overall sonic quality of the amplifier. This feature is ideal for those who listen to a variety of genres, ranging from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music. This amp also comes with a large custom-made transformer with premium nickel plating. This makes sure that the amplifier is durable and robust. It also has an innovative current adjustment that matches the impedance of different headphones. The Cayin Ha-6A, unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has a little bit of tube bloom. The soundstage isn't as big or detailed. It also has a quicker decay time than the Vali 2+ and an overall more neutral tone. It has an advanced midrange that has better detail and more bass than the Vali 2+, but it doesn't have as much extension of the treble.