this post was submitted on 22 Nov 2023
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Headphones

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An Amp that’ll work for both Dynamic and Planar Magnetic Headphones (alien.top)
submitted 1 year ago by iNcontrL@alien.top to c/headphones@hi-fi.community
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I was too indecisive this year and decided to buy both the HD 800S and LCD-X. I currently run a Magni 3 with Modi Multibit stack and feel like I should upgrade my stack. But I’ve heard that Planars and tube amps don’t mix.

Is there an Amp out there that’ll run both headphones to their maximum potential? Or would I need to have 2 separate amps?

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[–] Gofa_Kirselph@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

But I’ve heard that Planars and tube amps don’t mix.

Yes, that is typically the case with output transformerless (OTL) tube amps and harder to drive planars. Then there’s exceptions like the Valhalla 2 being able to drive some planars just fine.

If you really want to use a tube amp with planars, you should get a transformer coupled tube amp. Doesn’t matter if it’s balanced or single ended as long as it has enough wattage. 1W into 50 ohms, which is roughly what the Magni 3 outputs, should be plenty for most planars.

Here’s an example of the Hifiman HE6se V2 being used with an Elekit TU-8200DX. One of the most power hungry planars driven loud enough with room to spare on a tube amp.