Headphone amplifiers, often referred to as headphone amps, are audio devices designed to enhance the quality and volume of audio signals when using headphones. These compact yet powerful gadgets have gained popularity among music enthusiasts, audiophiles, and professionals seeking an improved audio experience. By providing a dedicated source of amplification, headphone amplifiers allow users to unlock the full potential of their headphones, resulting in better sound quality, greater detail, and increased volume levels. This introduction provides a glimpse into the world of headphone amplifiers and their significance in elevating the enjoyment of music and audio content.
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Chord Hugo 2 Transportable DAC Headphone Amplifier
- Chipset: Chord Electronics custom coded Xilinx Artix 7 (XC7A15T) FPGA
- Play time: In excess of seven (7) hours
- PCM support: 44.1k Hz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192kHz,...
Chord Hugo 2 is a portable digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier that has garnered significant attention in the audiophile community since its release. Priced around $2,695, it promises high-end audio performance in a compact form, but opinions on its value and usability vary widely among reviewers.
This usb dac headphone amp features a distinctive design characterized by its colorful LED indicators and robust build. While many appreciate its aesthetic, some reviewers have criticized the interface for prioritizing looks over usability, noting that the meaning of the various lights can be confusing. Additionally, the output power is powered by two rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which provide about seven hours of playback time, a feature that is both praised and critiqued for its necessity in a DAC.
Sound quality is where the Hugo 2 truly shines, with reviewers consistently highlighting its exceptional clarity and detail. The DAC employs Chord’s proprietary Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology, which allows for impressive sound reproduction. Users report that it delivers an expansive soundstage and remarkable micro-detailing, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres. The Hugo 2 is noted for its ability to elevate standard resolution audio to near high-resolution quality, making it a compelling choice for serious listeners.
However, some critiques suggest that while the Hugo 2 excels in detail and clarity, it may lack the warmth and emotional engagement found in other high-end DACs. Comparisons with competitors reveal that while the Hugo 2 offers superior soundstage and dynamics, other options may provide a more neutral and less colored sound presentation.
The desktop amps supports multiple input options, including USB, coaxial, and optical, which enhances its versatility as a portable device. However, some users have reported issues with USB connectivity, citing sensitivity to noise and the need for careful cable selection to maintain a stable connection. The headphone amplifier section is powerful enough for your headphone rig, although it may struggle with very demanding headphones at higher volumes.
Chord Hugo 2 is a remarkable piece of audio equipment that excels in sound quality and portability. It is particularly well-suited for audiophiles who prioritize detail and clarity in their listening experience. However, potential buyers should consider their specific needs, especially regarding usability and the type of sound they prefer. While it may not be the best fit for everyone, those who appreciate its strengths will likely find it a worthy investment in their audio journey. This is one of the best headphone amps in 2024.
Schiit Magni Heresy 100% Op-Amp-Based Headphone Amp and Preamp
- Magni Heresy is a 100% op-amp-based headphone amp that delivers spectacular...
- Utilizes super high quality parts, including a multiple paralleled output...
- From IEMs to hard-to-drive planar designs, Magni Heresy has the power,...
The Schiit Magni Heresy is one of the best audiophile headphones amplifier that has made a significant impact in the audiophile community since its release. It is capable of driving high-impedance headphones with ease, delivering clean, dynamic sound with an impressive level of detail and clarity across the frequency spectrum. Users have noted that it can effortlessly handle demanding headphones, making it a versatile choice for various listening setups.
The design of the Magni Heresy is straightforward, featuring a sturdy all-metal chassis with a sleek black finish and red accents. The desktop amplifier includes essential controls such as a volume knob and three gain settings, allowing users to tailor the amplification to their specific headphones.
In terms of sound quality, the dac amp is praised for its low distortion levels and flat frequency response, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres. It has been compared favorably to other amplifiers in its price range, often being described as the “value king” for its exceptional performance. The amplifier’s ability to minimize noise, particularly when used with sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs), has also been highlighted as a significant improvement over previous models.
While the desktop amp excels in power and sound quality, some users have expressed a desire for a more refined volume control mechanism, as transitioning between gain settings can lead to noticeable jumps in volume. Nonetheless, the overall consensus is that the Magni Heresy offers remarkable performance for its price, making it a compelling option for those looking to enhance their headphone listening experience. This is one of the best portable headphone amp in 2024.
iFi ZEN CAN Balanced Desktop Headphone Amp and Preamp with 4.4mm Outputs
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Do you want a headphone amplifier that is a little more stylized than the basic options? If that’s the case, the iFi ZEN CAN has a distinctive appearance that stands out from the rest of your sound system, providing vitality to your stack. However, there’s more going on here than just aesthetics. To match your score, superior engineering provides startlingly low distortion and noise via a dedicated input stage.
You can also expect to get the most out of your preferred headphones. From the softest vocals to the most thunderous percussion, the ZEN CAN will help you experience the dynamic range of your headphones. The characteristic analog signal processing creates an immersive soundstage without the need for a full sound system.
The iFi ZEN CAN is, in general, one of the top selections on this list. It is, however, one of the most expensive items on the list. Users that are familiar with headphone amplifiers will most likely get the most out of this choice. However, if you’re just getting started with audiophilia, there may be more appealing solutions.
AudioQuest Dragonfly Cobalt USB Digital-to-Analog Converter
- Native Resolution up to 24-bit / 96kHz
- DAC Chip ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip with minimum-phase slow roll-off filter for...
- Plays All Music Files: MP3 to MQA and Hi-Res
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt is a compact USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier that has gained a reputation for delivering high-quality sound in a portable format. Priced around $199, it builds upon the success of its predecessors, offering several enhancements that make it a compelling choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
Cobalt features a new ESS ES9038Q2M DAC chip, designed to provide a more natural and clearer sound compared to earlier models. It delivers a warm, engaging audio experience with good detail and control, making it suitable for various music genres. The soundstage is notably expansive, allowing listeners to appreciate the nuances in their favorite tracks. It is sleek and portable, even smaller than the DragonFly Red. It maintains a plug-and-play functionality, making it easy to use with computers and mobile devices without the need for additional drivers. The device features a simple LED indicator that changes color based on the audio file’s sample rate, providing a quick visual reference.
Cobalt also includes a 64-position digital volume control, offering a wide range of adjustment. However, some users have expressed that it may not provide enough volume for certain full-sized headphones, suggesting that it might be best used in conjunction with an external amplifier for those setups.
While the DragonFly Cobalt is praised for its sound quality and convenience, some users question whether it justifies its price compared to other DACs in the market. Despite this, many agree that the combination of portability, build quality, and audio performance makes it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to enhance their listening experience.
Burson Audio Funk
- Traditional Class-AB reigns supreme for speaker amps and the Funk is a...
- Fully discrete, Class-A, 3Wpc. Funk is also a vastly improved Burson Fun,...
- This insane size vs performance ratio is made possible by our proprietary...
Burson Audio Funk is a compact integrated amplifier that has quickly made a name for itself in the audiophile community. Priced at approximately $544 for the basic package and $744 for the premium version with upgraded opamps, the Funk combines a 3W Class-A headphone amplifier with a 45W Class-AB speaker amplifier, making it a versatile choice for both headphone and speaker enthusiasts.
Headphone amplifier delivers a robust 3W, which is more than sufficient to drive most headphones, including demanding planar magnetic models. Users have reported that the Funk excels in providing a vivid and dynamic sound, particularly with vocals, which are rendered with impressive clarity and presence. The soundstage is expansive, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in their music.
The design of the Funk is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It features a single analog input, headphone and speaker outputs, and a microphone input, making it suitable for desktop use. The unit is built with Burson’s signature “Cool Case” design, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also serves as a heatsink to dissipate heat effectively. The compact size and the option to mount it vertically with included stands make it a space-saving solution for any setup. In terms of usability, the Funk includes a high and low gain switch, accommodating both sensitive in-ear monitors (IEMs) and less efficient headphones. However, some users have noted that the absence of a remote control may be a drawback for those looking for convenience in a larger setup.
Funk utilizes Burson’s proprietary Max Current Power Supply (MCPS), which is designed to provide fast charging to capacitors, resulting in improved sound quality. Reviewers have praised the clarity and detail of the sound, describing it as open and transparent. The treble is well-defined without being harsh, and the overall presentation is engaging, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. While the Funk is primarily aimed at near-field listening, it has also proven capable in larger spaces, driving moderately powered speakers effectively. However, its 45W output may not be sufficient for high-demand speakers in larger rooms.
Creative Sound BlasterX G5
- Country Of Origin : China
- Immersive 3D Pc Gaming Audio
- Best-In-Class Console Gaming Audio
This amplifier has everything you need to start listening to sound signature right away, including native 7.1 surround sound capability and immersive 3D PC gaming audio. This “audiophile-grade” amplifier, according to Creative, has the best-in-class console gaming audio. It also works with Windows and Mac computers, as well as the PS4 and a variety of other consoles.
The Sound BlasterX is best described as “standard.” It essentially accomplishes what you need without being overly complicated. This headphone amplifier is exceptionally easy to operate, even in the dark, thanks to its lighted volume controls and volume indication.
Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M Stereo Digital to Analogue Converter DAC Preamp
- ✓ AMAZING SOUND CONVERSION. DacMagic 200M performs the...
- ✓ ARTIST APPROVED AUDIO. DacMagic 200M is Cambridge Audio’s first...
- ✓ POWERFUL PROCESSING. Inside is a pair of extremely high-quality ESS...
Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M is a versatile and well-equipped digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that delivers impressive performance for its price point. Priced at around $499, it builds upon the legacy of the DacMagic line, offering a range of features and connectivity options that cater to both desktop and hi-fi setups. It features a sleek and sturdy design, with a compact steel chassis and a thick aluminum faceplate. Its front panel includes a volume knob, a 6.3mm headphone output, and a USB input, while the rear offers a variety of digital inputs (USB, coaxial, optical) and analog outputs (RCA and XLR). The device also supports Bluetooth with aptX codec for wireless connectivity. It can handle PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD256, and MQA decoding, making it suitable for high-resolution audio playback. The inclusion of MQA support is particularly noteworthy at this price point.
The DAC also offers three digital filters (Fast, Slow, and Short Delay) that allow for some sonic customization, although the differences are relatively subtle. Additionally, the DacMagic 200M can function as a USB sound card for computers, providing a convenient way to upgrade the audio quality of your desktop setup. DacMagic 200M delivers a smooth, detailed, and dynamic sound that is characteristic of Cambridge Audio’s products. It has been praised for its ability to present a clean and articulate midrange, with a rich and punchy low-end and a pleasingly present high-end.
The DAC handles a wide range of genres with ease, from delicate classical pieces to energetic electronic tracks. It maintains coherence even in busy soundscapes and has enough transparency to make the most of high-resolution audio files. The headphone amplifier is also powerful enough to drive demanding headphones with authority.
Chord Mojo 2
- 1x Micro USB 768kHz/32-bit Capable Input
- 1x 3.5mm Jack Coaxial 768kHz/32-bit Capable Input
- 1x Optical TOSLINK 96kHz/24-bit Capable Input
The aptly called Mojo 2 is the much awaited, redesigned successor to the original, which was introduced in 2015 and quickly established new standards in the still-emerging field of portable DACs and headphone amps. While those who are familiar with Chord’s most entry-level device will notice from this review’s accompanying photographs that the appearance hasn’t exactly been revamped for the sequel, major advancements have been made elsewhere to maintain its status as the best portable DAC.
While the Mojo 2 can confidently improve the performance of a hi-fi system, some people seeking a system boost may logically prefer a dedicated system option with better connections, such as the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M (below). However, we believe the choice to buy a Mojo 2 or not to buy a Mojo 2 is much simpler for those looking for a portable or desktop DAC solution in this price range (and who cannot triple their budget to Chord Hugo 2 territory). How about current Mojo owners? Since Chord has given us no other option, we must advise the update.
The “UHD DSP,” billed as the first lossless digital signal processor in the world, is located inside the aluminum casework and is the main advancement. The term “lossless” is being used more frequently than ever in today’s digitally savvy world as more hardware and software companies work to reproduce digital music bits-perfectly. In this case, the lofty promise is customizable digital-to-analog conversion that doesn’t degrade sound quality along the way.
In fact, the Mojo 2 now supports a variety of new features thanks to Chord’s new proprietary 104-bit processor, including tonal adjustments across the frequency range (each of its lower bass, mid-bass, lower treble, and high treble bands now has 18 steps of adjustment), as well as a four-setting crossfeed that aims to replicate a more dimensional, loudspeaker-like soundstage.
Monoprice Monolith Liquid Platinum
- LUMINOUS TUBES. THE POWER OF SOLID STATE. SPECTACULAR SOUND. As an embedded...
- SINGLE ENDED and BALANCED INPUTS and OUTPUTS: With multiple inputs and...
- KEEPS ITS COOL. The Platinum is ventilated with two long, screened slots on...
It’s not the match we were anticipating. Alex Cavalli and Monoprice, a maker of ultra-squares, are working together? Okay, men. The Monoprice Monolith Liquid Platinum, the end result, has a great sound in addition to a fantastic moniker. The amp is surprisingly forgiving, bringing out the best in even less expensive headphones. The twin tubes create bass that really makes an effect. The Liquid Platinum checks all the boxes for a tube amplifier: warm tone, easily swappable tubes, and contemporary features like balanced outputs.
If there is one thing we would change, it would be that we believe the highs could be a little better. The lows and mids are warm, gooey, and delicious, but they come at the expense of the highs, which can occasionally be a little brittle. The amp is still a great, albeit unappreciated, product at a reasonable price (far lower than it used to be), and it will definitely stay on our list for the foreseeable future. Beware: you’ll need to provide your own DAC since there is none provided.
Both the analog inputs and the outputs have positive and negative features. The small light on the front that turns white when the tubes have warmed to an appropriate operating temperature falls into the same type. The Liquid Platinum includes a delayed startup phase that lasts for roughly 40 seconds and ensures that the electronics and tubes are functioning properly. We appreciate how useful that is. The front of the device has a button that switches between line inputs, but it distinguishes between them by using a dot and a dash. Although it’s a minor issue, we found it to be incredibly, unreasonable aggravating.
Rupert Neve Designs RNHP Headphone Amplifier
- 24V Stereo Headphone Amplifier with +4dBu Line
- 1/8" Stereo Inputs
- RCA
We were blown away by the Rupert Neve Designs RNHP. We were astounded by how fantastic it made our headphones sound, with balanced and interesting audio. It truly seemed to get the best performance out of anything we connected into it. The music had significant weight to it because of the powerful tone. That’s not very unexpected, though. The renowned mixing console designer for recording studios is Rupert Neve. This is his company’s first headphone amplifier, and they really nailed the sound quality. Furthermore, this has a considerably higher sound quality per dollar spent than much more expensive solid-state amplifiers like the Burson Conductor 3R.
The RNHP, however, is about as straightforward an amp as you can find. Not even a gain switch is present. And it’s pretty nasty. The amp’s industrial appearance may make it robust, but it’s not exactly attractive. Super-bright input lights are another factor that makes things difficult. Additionally, it lacks a digital audio converter (DAC); if you’re searching for an amp in this price bracket with one, check out the JDS Labs The Element II below. The Element is a one-box solution even though its sound quality isn’t nearly as good as the RNHP’s. However, if sound quality is what you’re looking and you don’t mind the RNHP’s unappealing appearance, give it a try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need a Headphone Amp?
You may need a headphone amplifier if you have headphones that require more power to reach their full potential or if you want to improve the audio quality from your audio source, such as a smartphone, computer, or music player.
What is a headphone amplifier?
A headphone amplifier, often referred to as a headphone amp, is a device designed to enhance the audio quality and volume of audio signals when using headphones. It provides more power to drive headphones, resulting in better sound quality and increased volume.
What types of headphones benefit from an amplifier?
High-impedance headphones (typically 100 ohms or higher) and some planar magnetic headphones often benefit the most from headphone amplifiers. Low-impedance headphones may not require an amplifier.
How do I connect a headphone amplifier to my audio source?
Most headphone amplifiers connect to audio sources using a standard 3.5mm or 1/4-inch headphone jack, RCA, or digital inputs (like USB or optical). You simply plug your source into the amplifier’s input and connect your headphones to the amplifier’s output.
What is a DAC, and do I need one with a headphone amplifier?
A DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) converts digital audio signals into analog signals that can be amplified and played through headphones. Some headphone amplifiers include a built-in DAC, but if your source has a poor-quality built-in DAC, an external DAC can improve audio quality.