Best Headphone Amps
Introduction
If you’re investing in a pair of premium headphones, a dedicated headphone amplifier will enhance their performance significantly more than if you simply plug them into a computer, phone, or even, depending on its built-in headphone amp’s quality, a hi-fi component.
An external headphone amp is designed to sit between your source/amplifier and your headphones, serving as the foundation of a compact and efficient desktop hi-fi system. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all desktop amp, so you’ll need to find one that suits your specific needs.
So, what should you look for in a headphone amplifier? Analog inputs are the most common and allow you to connect any source with analog outputs (which is most of them). Consider balanced and unbalanced outputs, build quality, the transparent sound of the audio signal, and maximum output volume control for the ultimate listening experience.
Recently, however, the majority of headphone amps also come with built-in DACs (digital-to-analog converters) that provide digital inputs for broader compatibility – ideal if you’re listening to music stored on a computer. In some cases, you might need a separate DAC if you’re not opting for the amp combo.
Moreover, many headphone amplifiers also function as DACs (and might be labeled as such), although you can find DACs without headphone sockets. We’ve rounded up the best headphone amplifiers that money can buy, including top-budget, mid-range, and high-end options. So, are you on the hunt for a good headphone amp to meet your headphones’ power requirements? Stay tuned!
We just want to let you know that we’ll list these best headphone amp reviews in no particular order. They’ll be randomized as we don’t wish to sort them from best to worst.
Listed below are our Top 10 Best Headphone Amps:
1. Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
The Rupert Neve Designs RNHP took everyone by surprise with its exceptional performance. We were amazed at how it enhanced the sound quality of any headphones, delivering audio that was both balanced and captivating. It seemed to bring out the best in anything connected to it, with sound that was full of energy and gave real weight to the music.
This shouldn’t be surprising, though. Rupert Neve is a renowned designer of mixing consoles for recording studios. This is his company’s first headphone amp, and they’ve truly excelled in terms of sound quality. The value for money is outstanding here—this amp sounds better than much more expensive solid-state amps, like the Burson Conductor 3R.
However, the RNHP is about as straightforward an amp as you can get. It doesn’t even have a gain switch. The industrial look might make the amp sturdy, but it’s not exactly easy on the eyes. Features like overly bright input lights don’t help much, either.
It doesn’t include a DAC, so you’ll need one if you plan to use it with digital media. But it’s hard to beat Neve’s RNHP if you’re a listener who demands sincere, high-quality sound.
- Three switchable inputs (XLR, RCA, mini-jack)
- Solid steel housing
- Output impedance: 0.08 Ohm at 1KHz
- Frequency response: +/- 0.2 dB from 10 to 12,0000 Hz
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rupert Neve Designs RNHP |
2. SPL Phonitor One Headphone Amplifier
The Phonitor One is dedicated to a single task: delivering high-quality audio processing for use with headphones. The focus is on exceptional sound quality and robust performance. For signal amplification, SPL utilizes two audiophile-grade Burr-Brown OPA 2134 SoundPlus operational amplifiers along with various high-quality components.
The result is remarkably low inherent noise and an equally impressive and powerful sound image, delivered to the output via a Class A/B amplifier stage with thermally coupled field-effect transistors.
The crucial power supply features a 12 V plug-in power supply unit (1.5 amps), which is internally processed to a working current of +/-17 volts for the audio range, ensuring the necessary dynamics and power are available. In practice, even low-impedance models like the AKG K702 can be operated at sufficient levels.
Thanks to its low noise and neutral gain, the Phonitor One provides a wonderfully balanced sound output with high detail resolution, dynamics, and an intimacy rarely found in standard options. Apart from the crossfeed function, the Phonitor One performs as you would expect an amplifier to: sound-neutral, without coloration, and quick in response.
- Max. Input level: +22.5 dBu
- Noise (A-weighted, 600 O): -97 dBu
- Max. Output power (600 O): 2x 190 mW
- Max. Output power (250 O): 2x 330 mW
- Max. Output power (47 O): 2x 400 mW
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For EU Customers | For US Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPL Phonitor One Headphone Amplifier |
3. AKG HP4E 4-channel Headphone Amplifier
The HP4E 4-Channel Headphone Amplifier by AKG offers 2 stereo input and 4 stereo output channels of high-quality audio. It’s perfect for adding up to 4 headphones for mixing and recording. The front panel features convenient switches to select your preferred input.
No adapters are needed for headphones, as the front panel includes both a 1/8″ and a 1/4″ headphone output and volume control for each channel. Built with a sturdy chassis, the HP4E is an ideal headphone amplifier for any recording session. If you’re looking for a dedicated headphone amplifier with excellent sound quality, this is the one for you!
The AKG enhances the bass just enough, providing a pleasing weight and warmth. There’s no EQ on it, so no coloration is added by the unit. What this box does well is amplify your instrument accurately—in stereo—making it easy to achieve an ideal analog sound from your instrument. You can also use the outputs directly with your PC soundcard.
All controls, inputs, outputs, and channel selections are easy and logical to use. The sonic quality? It’s outstanding! Crystal clear and completely silent, with all the volume any home or professional recordist would ever need. This compact headphone amp can power many headphone types—even Bluetooth headphones will gain more punch!
- 4-channel professional headphone amplifier
- 4 independent high-power stereo amplifiers onboard
- 1/4″ and 1/8″ stereo outputs per channel
- Rugged metal 1RU half-rackspace chassis
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| AKG HP4E 4-channel Headphone Amplifier |
4. ART HeadAmp 4 4-channel Headphone Amplifier
The HeadAmp4 from ART is a high-quality four-channel headphone amplifier, perfect for band rehearsals, home theater, or any situation where you need multiple headphone connections. It delivers solid performance with very detailed sound quality.
This stackable steel unit features both 1/4″ and 1/8″ input connectors, allowing you to receive a stereo signal from a mixer, tape deck, iPod, and more. Each of the four output channels also has a 1/4″ and a 1/8″ connector, enabling you to connect up to eight sets of headphones or in-ear monitors.
The front panel has four large knobs for controlling the level of each channel, and a green LED light indicates that power is reaching the unit. For top-quality, low-distortion audio in a slim and affordable design, the HeadAmp4 is an excellent choice. It’s compact, about the size of a few smartphones stacked together, and the power output is ideal.
This product is recommended as an in-line amp to boost the signal and performs perfectly with very low noise, essentially no noise at all. If you own high-impedance headphones, a high-power amplifier is necessary, and this unit pairs with them exceptionally well.
- Volume control for every channel
- Line-input 6.3 mm stereo- and 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack
- With external power supply
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART HeadAmp 4 4-channel Headphone Amplifier |
5. Apogee Groove
It’s puzzling why the Apogee Groove would need an instruction booklet, as it couldn’t be simpler to use. It features a mini USB port for input from your computer, a headphone output, and two rubber buttons—one to increase the volume and one to decrease it.
After all, this is a headphone amp and DAC designed for those interested in home recording and production. In terms of detail, the Groove offers enough to be satisfying. In our humble opinion, it stands out as the best portable headphone amp on the list.
The Groove is Apogee’s “entry-level” portable DAC-AMP, created for audio professionals who need a convenient tool they can easily carry and connect to their laptops on the go. It provides high-quality sound consistent with Apogee’s more advanced equipment, like the Apogee Symphony, which the same customer is expected to use regularly in their studio.
The reconstruction filter is impressive, but the most crucial aspect is the frequency response graph, which remains wonderfully linear well into the 60KHz range. This is why, when playing FLACs sampled at 96KHz, the Apogee Groove delivers clarity and spatial reconstruction that is audibly superior to what it delivers from 44.1KHz files—where performance is already a significant step above standard budget options.
- 4 DACs per channel for highest dynamic range
- Multi-color LED for status and level display
- A-Synchronous Clocking
- USB Bus-Powered
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apogee Groove |
6. Little Labs Monotor 2-channel Headphone Amplifier
Headphones are everywhere these days, which is why accurate, low-fatigue headphone reference monitoring is crucial for professional audio engineers. The Monotor features a purist circuit design with a state-of-the-art active stage per channel; the rest of the circuit path is straight-wire passive.
It includes individually amplified twin 1/4″ and 1/8″ headphone jacks, along with a single volume control. Little Lab understands the importance of evaluating your mixes in mono, so the Monotor offers left-plus-right, left, right, and left-minus-right settings for checking phase and analyzing artifacts in compressed digital data.
Additionally, there’s a monitor-mode selector, managed by a larger knob next to the volume control. The mode selector has six distinct positions: reverse stereo (R/L), regular stereo (L/R), summed mono (L+R), left-channel to both ears (L), right-channel to both ears (R), and difference to both ears (L−R).
The Monotor uses an advanced, full-voltage low-noise linear regulation system with a large capacitance that provides power on demand for each rail. Compared to most headphone amps, this results in a dramatically improved dynamic range.
Another advantage is that the Monotor can drive high-impedance headphones to full volume with ease, and without any noticeable hiss, even when the volume is turned all the way up.
- Ideal for checking phase and analyzing artifacts in compressed digital files
- Internal cutting-edge, full-voltage low-noise internal linear regulation system
- Audiophile circuit topology with one state-of-the-art active stage per channel
- Remainder of circuit path is straight-wire passive
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | For US Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Labs Monotor 2-channel Headphone Amplifier |
|
7. Whirlwind PW-1 Personal Wedge Headphone Amp
We’ve all been there: you and your bandmates take the stage with excitement, fully prepared to showcase everything you’ve been working on while building your reputation. But just seconds into your first song, it hits you—you can’t hear a thing! With the Whirlwind PW-1 Personal Wedge Headphone Amp, worries about deafening stage volumes and out-of-tune playing can be put to rest.
The PW-1 Personal Wedge Headphone Driver from Whirlwind is a hardwired driver designed for use with on-stage, in-ear monitoring systems. It features left and right balanced line-level XLR inputs as well as a stereo 1/8″ input. To protect your hearing, it includes a peak limiter with an adjustable threshold. For compatibility with mono sources, the PW-1 has a stereo/mono switch.
Whirlwind equipped the PW-1 with both 1/4-inch and 3.5mm headphone jacks, ensuring compatibility with your standard in-ear monitors or studio headphones. And with the built-in adjustable limiter, audio peaks are a thing of the past. Enhance your live performance game with the Whirlwind PW-1 Personal Wedge Headphone Amp!
- Compact headphone amplifier with belt clip
- Stereo XLR inputs and 3.5mm TRS line-in handles audio sources of all kinds
- Adjustable limiter prevents unwanted peaks
- Stereo/mono switch
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | For US Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whirlwind PW-1 Personal Wedge Headphone Amp |
|
8. PreSonus HP2 Personal Headphone Amplifier
Designed for musicians and performers who need mobility without sacrificing audio quality, the PreSonus HP2 personal headphone amplifier is an excellent choice for driving wired in-ear monitors (IEMs) as well as headphones.
PreSonus HP-series headphone amplifiers have long been popular for their loud, clean, clear sound and durable build quality. The new HP2 offers these features in an affordable, stereo device, ensuring you hear every note and beat clearly, no matter where your music takes you.
Portable and compact, the HP2 provides everything you need to drive your headphones or in-ears without complicating your setup. It comes with two XLR line-level inputs and one stereo 1/8-inch headphone output with volume control. You can switch the operation between stereo and mono, and a Pan knob is included.
If you’re playing an extra-long show or two shows back-to-back, stopping to change batteries in your headphone amp is a hassle you don’t need. No worries! HP2 stands for “Has Power 2 Spare.”
The HP2 can be powered by an external DC power supply or a nine-volt battery that lasts more than seven hours and includes an LED battery indicator. So you can play those extra-long gigs and hear your monitor mix perfectly, all night long.
- Large volume and panorama control
- Output: TRS stereo jack (3.5 mm)
- Frequency range: 30 Hz – 20 kHz (±2 dB)
- Maximum input level: +4 dBV
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PreSonus HP2 Personal Headphone Amplifier |
9. Mackie HM-4
The ultra-compact Mackie HM-4 4-Way Headphone Amplifier features a 1/4” stereo input and four 1/4″ headphone outputs, each with individual volume controls. It’s perfect for studios or at home when up to four people need to listen together.
Each output is controlled by a dedicated level knob, allowing for different listening volumes for each person. The compact, heavy-gauge metal chassis offers rugged durability and includes a handy power-status indicator on the front panel. Use the included 12 VDC power supply to power the HM-4.
Whether you need to expand your home studio headphone monitoring capabilities or add robust cue mix distribution, the affordable HM Series provides the sound quality, reliability, and flexibility you need to enhance your setup.
The ultra-compact HM-4 offers a simple yet effective way to split a single stereo signal into four pairs of headphones. It’s perfect for quickly splitting a phone’s mix in the studio or even gathering around a tablet to watch a movie at home.
- Share a single stereo source with up to 4 headphone pairs
- Dimensions: 51 x 109 x 58 mm
- Weight: 200 g
- Includes 12V power supply
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | Amazon Store | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mackie HM-4 |
Best Headphone Amps – Latest Additions
10. SPL Phonitor 3
The Phonitor matrix uses analog circuitry to compensate for the unnatural stereo image created by headphones. By adjusting the crossfeed, angle, and center controls, you can replicate your ideal stereo-monitoring image.
The Phonitor 3 DAC supports USB, AES, optical, and coaxial inputs, offering a conversion rate of up to 32 bits at 768 kHz. This provides audiophiles and professionals with a variety of connectivity options. Additionally, the polarity function allows for M-S monitoring, enabling you to focus on either the mid or side of the signal.
Based on SPL 120V technology, the Phonitor 3 DAC delivers the same high-quality monitoring on both loudspeakers and headphones as found in large SPL mastering consoles.
The Phonitor Matrix is an analog mixer and mastering system that facilitates mixing and mastering on headphones at the highest quality. It offers the same spatial perception of the stereo stage as achievable with loudspeakers.
- Frequency range: 10 – 100,000 Hz
- Dynamic range: 134.5 dB
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 278 x 100 x 300 mm
- Weight: 4.15 kg
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | For US Customers | For EU Customers |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPL Phonitor 3 |
Things To Think About When Searching For The Best Headphone Amp
Headphones are essentially two powered speakers attached to your head, and these speakers need electrical current to convert signals into vibrations, ultimately producing the sound waves you recognize as music. A headphone amplifier does exactly what its name suggests: it amplifies the low-voltage signal that the headphones convert.
If your first thought is that this just means you’ll hear something louder, the answer is both yes and no. A headphone amp is less about volume and more about quality. It’s less about increasing sheer loudness and more about addressing the resistance of the transducer.
Headphone amps aren’t just trying to make your headphones louder to the point of distortion; they’re designed to provide the voltage or current needed for the headphones to operate more efficiently, allowing them to sound dynamic at lower decibel levels.
A simple guideline: The higher the “impedance rating” of your headphones, the more they can benefit from, or even require, an amp. Even a $100 pair of headphones can achieve better balance with the right amount of power.
Do I need a DAC?
Nowadays, we often listen to music from digital sources, such as streaming through a smartphone or a dedicated player. To convert these digital signals (1s and 0s) into an analog signal for wired headphones, a DAC, or digital-to-analog converter, is required.
The DAC could be integrated into the headphone amplifier or be a standalone device. While all DACs perform the same basic function, they don’t all do it in the same way. If you plan to exclusively listen to old records and cassettes, a DAC might not be necessary. However, if digital music is a part of your life, a DAC could be essential.
A Cost-Efficient Step Into High-End Audio
If you’re worried about an amp adding value to your headphone setup, consider this: a high-quality headphone rig is one of the most cost-effective paths to audio nirvana. They’re relatively affordable compared to a high-end stereo system.
Additionally, they’re neighbor- and apartment-friendly. They don’t take up much space, and you can listen whenever you want, as loudly as you want (just remember to give your ears a break—prolonged exposure to loud music can damage your hearing).
Conclusion on Headphone Amplifiers
If you’re looking for a dedicated headphone amp and DAC combo to enhance the volume and audio quality of your audiophile headphones, this article will be helpful to you.
There are many types of headphone amps with different technologies, such as Solid State headphone amps, Tube headphone amps, combined amps with DACs, portable headphone amps, USB input amps, and more. While we didn’t delve deeply into the technical aspects of these amps, our focus was on the quality they deliver.
We believe we have provided some great options for your headphones, and we’re confident you’ll find one of these amps to your liking. If you have any questions related to the topic, please feel free to let us know in the comment section below.
What do you suggest for a desktop 4-channel headphone w indiv vol knobs..knows…
amplifier with a DAC a high quality sound? Budget 500.00
No need for “more me” function.
Would prefer NO 1/8 mini Jack’s.
I have 1/4″ bal TES and unbal TS cables.
Sennheiser HD280 and AKG 240 Phones currently.THANK YOU!
Hi Steve,
Unfortunately, most multi-channel amps do not have DAC included in them. For this reason, you will need to go separately with amp + DAC. The AKG 4 channel amp is a good starting point if you are after the channels and the Apogee one if your priority is in the DAC. Hope this helps!