5 Arguments Planar Headphone Is Actually A Great Thing

Amp For Planar Headphones You'll need an amp that can drive planar headphones with plenty of power. Unlike dynamic headphones that require only a tiny amount of current, planars are much more power hungry and demand more voltage. Look for an amplifier that is within the recommended range of headphone impedance. This can be found on the specifications sheet or on their website. AP10H+ The NVA AP10H+ is a headphone amplifier developed and made by hand in Great Britain. It is an extremely powerful amplifier that can power almost every planar headphone (and some dynamic headphones) on the market regardless of their impedance or sensitivity. Its high-voltage and current output will offer a high-quality dynamic headroom for an outstanding sound. Planar magnetic headphones unlike speakers, are almost exclusively resistive loads. They are therefore easy to drive. However, they require higher levels of drive than most receivers can achieve. To achieve their rated 130dB SPL, they require 4V5-10V5 with 1mW of input. This is why solid state amplifiers in class A are the best choice for them. The AP10H+ comes with an output transformer that raises the voltage to a greater level, and it includes a volume matching resistor that is suitable for the majority of headphones. The AP10H+ can provide twice the power of an earphone with a 32 ohm frequency. headphones. Nirvana IV If you're looking for a tube amp with a warm sound, then the Nirvana IV is the one for you. This powerful amplifier is capable of driving magnetic headphones that are planar with ease and comes with a range of output modes to support the majority of headphone impedances. It is equipped with an external power supply unit of top quality that supplies constant currents to the amplifier. The amplifier is manufactured in Serbia by Milomir Trosic and uses hand-made transformers that provide exceptional musicality. The Nirvana IV has a single-ended design that delivers 6.5W of pure class A power. It can drive high-impedance headphones and is capable to handle the HiFiMan Susvara open-back planar magnetic headphone easily. Its bass performance is outstanding and provides excellent dynamic depth. The Nirvana IV also provides a rich midrange with soft highs and an amazing amount of detail. The amp is similar to the Auris ha-2SE and Headonia amplifiers however, it's a superior one in general, as it has a more balanced and precise sound. When paired with the right headphone, it can reveal the hidden layers of music and is extremely enjoyable to listen to. Its balanced mode is particularly impressive, as it adds warmth and smoothness to the sound, which is hard to find in other headphone amps. Vacuum tube amplifiers are popular for headphone lovers since they provide a warm, cosy sound that people appreciate. They can be difficult to operate and require a large investment. They also generate a lot of heat, so you should choose one with a strong cooling system. The Nirvana IV can be customized to suit the tastes of audiophiles. The Cayin HA-6A is a good choice for anyone looking to feel the power of a tube amp at a low cost. The amplifier is designed to work with a range of headphones and is compatible with the majority of popular digital audio formats. The output switch lets you to choose between three gain settings, which are suited for medium, low, and high-impedance headphones. 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 high-end audio heritage it was created by (and is manufactured under the watchful eyes of) Dennis Had, founder of Cary Audio. It has a timeless appearance that evokes classic tube equipment, despite its bizarre red paint job. The IHA-1 is compatible with every headphone as it uses the 6SN7 dual triodes for driving headphones. It also has transformer coupling on both inputs and outputs. It is also small and has a clear signal path without feedback loop. In our experience, the IHA-1 produces a full and harmonic sound that will appeal to listeners who prefer an immersive listening experience with a rich and enveloping music. It's an excellent choice for classical, indie/alternative and Acoustic music. It's a great amp for pop country, R&B, and rock. However, it's a little warmer side for genres with high energy such as EDM and Metal. Tube rolling can help compensate for the warmth. In general, higher-sensitivity headphones tend to mate well with tube amplifiers, and the IHA-1 is no different. We tested the IHA-1 on various headphone models, including the Focal, HiFiMan HE-560 and Grado RS-1. Speakers Alpha Prime. The IHA-1 delivered a full round sound, with an impressively precise lateral imaging and 3D space perception that was truly revelatory. The standard IHA-1 includes a pair of 6SN7 Russian tubes. However, it is able to be upgraded to a NOS RCA GZ34 tube for an extra $100. The GZ34 is more warm than the 5Y3GT reissue however it has a more natural sound with plenty of bass. It also has a lovely response to treble that is not too recessed to allow the majority of listening experiences to be glorious and unflagging. The IHA-1's amazing 3-D soundstage was evident when paired with the Focal Utopia headphones. moondrop venus planar magnetic headphones heightened sense of spaciousness enabled the Focal's already precise lateral imaging to expand outward and forward, creating a vast soundscape. Listening to “Nublado” from Sera Una Noche (MA Recordings 16/44.1) was like walking through a vast space with headphones. Cayin HA-6A This budget-friendly tube headphone amplifier from Cayin is a portable amp with a surprising amount of power. It can drive planar headphones like the HiFiMan SUSVARA and also sound great when paired up with dynamic headphones like the Audio-Technica's ATH A1000X. It's also extremely adaptable, making it a great option for those who have diverse preferences for listening. The HA-6A is a transformer-coupled model with output transformers that are matched to offer real balanced output. The power supply is also fully controlled, which decreases the ripple effect of voltage amplification. The circuitry is made by hand with point-to-point wielding and premium wires, resulting in better clarity and signal integrity. This amp features a high-grade, UV meter to display signal levels. The HA-6A comes with an ultralinear/triode switchable mode that allows you to customize the sound to fit your needs. If you're looking for a warm, rich sound, choose the EL34 tubes that have an output impedance of medium in triode mode. On the other hand, if desire a fast and detailed sound with plenty of muscle you should use a pair KT88 tubes in ultra-linear mode, with a low output impedance. If you prefer an unison sound, HA-6A has an option of tube rectification that improves the overall sound quality of the amplifier. This feature is perfect for people who listen to a wide range of genres, from hip-hop and EDM to classical and orchestral music. The amp is also built with a huge, custom-designed output transformer, which features premium nickel plating. This makes sure that the amplifier is rugged and durable. It also features an innovative current adjustment that allows it to match the impedance of different headphones. The Cayin Ha-6A, unlike the Schiit Vali 2+ has some tube bloom. The soundstage isn't as large or detailed. It has a much faster decay time and more neutral sound than the Vali 2. It has an asymmetrical midrange, with more bass and detail than the Vali 2+, but it doesn't have as much treble extension.