Top 5 Headphone Amplifiers

For many music lovers, headphones have long been an inseparable part of their lives. They are used everywhere - at home, on a run or on a long journey. However, the headphones, due to their technical features, are not able to fully reveal the sound of their favorite tracks and qualitatively convey low and high frequencies. Especially for this, headphone amplifiers were created, which opened up new facets of sound, making it clean and truly powerful. At first, the market took portable amplifiers as a novelty, but the true connoisseurs of sound, and even more so professionals, appreciated the device.

Top 5 best headphone amps

Listening to music through headphones from a home speaker system and from a smartphone, the difference in sound becomes obvious. Through the acoustics or a good mp3 player, a clearer and clearer sound is transmitted. This is achieved thanks to the built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC), which is included in their stuffing. The quality of the sound depends largely on the DAC chip used, the more powerful it is, the better the sound in the headphones.

Few people know that the most top models of headphones, the same Beats or Meizu, are initially designed to work with sound amplifiers, without which they simply cannot reach their full potential. A portable amplifier is an optimal solution that allows you to feel the full power of your headphones, regardless of signal source. There are also hybrid models on the market that combine a high-quality external DAC and an amplifier, such a harmonious combination is only a plus - due to the lack of additional wires between these two devices, the path is shortened, and the sound becomes as clear as possible. Based on user reviews, we collected only the best models of headphone amplifiers in the rating, making a small review for each device.

5 HiFiMAN HM-101

HiFiMAN HM-101 is the best option available to any user. The device combines the functionality of USB-DAC and headphone audio amplifier, offering a rather high output power - 26 mW with a load of 150 ohms and 62 mW at 36 ohms, and all this for quite a reasonable price.

Thanks to the built-in converter, the amplifier is capable of receiving a 16-bit stereo stream, so it can be used as a sound card for a simple laptop or computer. The headphone amplifier is incredibly compact, its weight is only 27 grams, so it is very mobile - it is convenient to take it with you for a walk or a business trip. The device ideally complements any gadget and squeezes the most out of your favorite music tracks. Alas, one cannot do without a fly in the ointment - the amplifier is optimal for low-power headphones (up to 50 Ohms), for more advanced models it is better to choose a device more powerful.

4 Questyle CMA-800R

According to reviews of music industry professionals, Questyle CMA-800R is also among the best headphone amplifiers. A unique feature of the gadget is the current gain, which minimizes the distortion of the reproduced sound. This technology is used in video processing and high-speed communications, the American manufacturer was not taken aback, and adapted it for audio technology, having patented the new issue under the Questyle brand.

This headphone amplifier belongs to the luxury models, this is echoed by the cost, inaccessible to most users. But the price is quite justified - the gadget works with headphones with any impedance, producing a very powerful, incomparable sound. Of course, the amplifier will give the maximum return only in a pair with premium-class headphones with highly sensitive speakers. For professionals and true music lovers - this is the best amplifier that has no analogues.

3 Onkyo DAC-HA200

DAC-HA200 is a new offspring of the largest manufacturer of Hi-Fi technology, characterized by unparalleled quality and unprecedented practicality. Onkyo is renowned for its use of high-end premium technology in manufacturing products, producing the most reliable products, gradually gathering a large number of positive reviews from around the world.

Onkyo DAC-HA200 is a portable device that combines a headphone amplifier and a DAC, so the user gets a powerful, lively sound output. The device is designed for all headphones, it converts the sound from any gadget, be it a smartphone or tablet.

The amplifier has a Lightning connector and works great in conjunction with devices on the iOS platform, revealing the musical possibilities of the iPhone, iPod and iPad. In addition, on board the DAC-HA200 are: a 30-pin connector for connecting portable audio players, a USB Micro-B port for connecting to a computer, and a USB-A input to connect to AOA 2.0-compatible Android devices. This model has a high output power, low-distortion audiophile amplifier and two-phase headphone gain (impedance from 8 ohms to 600 ohms). New Onkyo has gained popularity in many parts of the country and is considered one of the best amplifiers for headphones.

2 FiiO E18 Kunlun

The Chinese portable stereo headphone amplifier FiiO E18 Kunlun confidently found its niche among popular models and became the best-selling among analogues. In addition to the original appearance and excellent technical characteristics, the device pleases music lovers with its accessibility. However, the democratic price is not the only advantage, the amplifier is loved by users for its versatility and excellent sound, which is indicated by laudatory reviews and independent reviews.

FiiO E18 eliminates the connection to the iPhone, as it has only Micro-USB input on board and works exclusively with Android devices. In the same way, the amplifier is interfaced with a computer. On the PC, the device is displayed as a digital S / PDIF output, thanks to which the mixer built into the OS transmits data bit by bit, producing a clear, unmixed sound. On the case of the device there is a separate Micro-USB for charging, it is also used for the “reverse” charging of the mobile device. This is one of the few DACs that can be used in several modes - as a headphone amplifier for a smartphone, a sound card for a computer, or as an external battery for a phone.

1 OPPO HA-2SE

Recently, the popular American company OPPO announced the release of a new model of a portable DAC amplifier for headphones HA-2SE. The device is presented in an interesting case, resembling an aluminum flask in a solid skin, so that the new product looks like a luxury gadget.

The headphone amplifier has a built-in dual-channel DAC, which is capable of processing the PCM signal in the highest quality (up to 380 KHz / 32 bit), producing a powerful sound output that opens all facets of music.

The device is equipped with a large number of connectors, which indicates its incredible ergonomics. Two 3.5 Line Out and Line In ports provide the user with the choice of sound quality — when connected to the first, the DAC capabilities are not activated, music sounds without any processing, and using the second input you can pump any track and feel the full power of the converter.The case also contains a microUSB connector (for Android devices) and a full-sized USB port (for a USB flash drive, PC, or Lightning cable). In general, a very decent model, the best among headphone amplifiers.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of headphone amplifiers?
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OPPO

FiiO

Onkyo

Questyle

HiFiMAN

Total votes: 9

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