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?
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.