Top-rated products in the Headphone amplifiers category
Here's a ranking of the top rated products in this category. To give you a quick overview, we've also added some key information about the products.
1. RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS
The ADI-2 DAC offers an improved SteadyClock, analogue circuitry tuned to perfection, the new MRC remote control, an Extreme Power headphone output and a special IEM output. It has all the features that made the ADI-2 Pro famous, first and foremost its completely transparent sound and sophisticated DSP processing with bass, treble, loudness, 5-band parametric EQ, crossfeed and much more. With its simplified operation and breathtaking design, it is the ideal centrepiece for the listener at home through to reference playback in the studio. The ADI-2 DAC is the version of the ADI-2 Pro, a studio AD/DA converter of the highest quality, optimised and adapted for home and hi-fi users. Packed with fresh ideas, innovative features and numerous useful functions, the ADI-2 DAC has quickly become a reference. Thanks to its combination of high-end DA conversion with two exceptional headphone IEM outputs and a remote control, it has received countless rave reviews for its sound, flexibility and technical capabilities. Connections 1 x SPDIF coaxial input, 1 x ADAT or SPDIF optical input, 1 x stereo RCA analogue unbalanced output, 1 x stereo XLR analogue balanced output, 1 x Extreme Power headphone output, 1 x Super Low Noise IEM output, 1 x USB 2.0 (USB 3.0 compatible).
2. Audioengine D1 24-Bit Dac
Audioengine D1 Premium 24-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) allows you to bypass your computer's soundcard or headphone output and send audio through USB or optical. D1 is the perfect digital interface between your computer and music system and will improve the sound of ALL your music.
Versatile:
The D1 accepts inputs from both USB and optical and has outputs for any audio system or headphones. The D1 DAC is the perfect way to get great-sounding music not only from your computer but also from your TV, Apple TV, DVD/BluRay player or CD player. And since it's powered by USB, D1 is also a high-quality portable computer headphone amplifier.
Designed for the Computer Audiophile:
D1 will process digital audio at any bit depth up to 24 bits and any sample rate to 192KHz. With it's high signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion the D1 delivers sound quality generally heard only in more expensive DACs. The high-performance headphone output was designed for a wide range of headphones and will satisfy even the most demanding headphone enthusiasts.
Easy Setup:
Setup is easy and no special software is needed, making D1 a true plug-and-play solution. The D1 outputs connect to any audio system or powered speakers, such as the Audioengine A5+ or A2. Power for the D1 is provided via the USB bus so there is no external power supply to connect.
See and Hear the Difference:
Audioengine designers, with their attention to audio quality as well as visual aesthetics, have created a feast for both the eyes and ears. The rounded anodized aluminum case of the D1 reflects traditional Audioengine design and the audio fidelity is typical of Audioengine's commitment to great sound at an affordable price. The Audioengine D1 continues to close the gap between your computer music and home hi-fi and even if you're not an audio enthusiast we guarantee your music will sound better!
3. TIE Headphone Amplifier 4CH
The robust and compact TIE Studio headphone amplifier can be used for up to four headphones for simultaneous monitoring of the main mix with separate volume selection. Four powerful, low-noise stereo amplifiers provide superior sound quality at any volume, whether for live or studio applications.
4. iFi Audio Zen CAN
With the Zen CAN, you can finally get the best out of your headphones. With 52 times the power and features you'd only find in high-end products, iFi Audio's amplifier is the best choice if you want to enjoy balanced, rich sound. When you connect your headphones to laptops, smartphones or digital-to-analogue converters, they are often unable to supply the necessary power. By default, such devices output power of less than 1.0 volt, which is nowhere near enough, especially for high-end models. With the Zen CAN, you can finally unleash the full potential of your headphones. The practical amplifier has the circuit design of the professional model Pro iCAN and offers you an output of up to 15.1 volts. This means that even demanding headphones are supplied without any problems. Be surprised how many beats, how many basses and how many sounds you have never perceived before. In its essence, music is always designed to be played loudly through speakers - an experience that is quickly lost when output through headphones. It's this sense of feeling the sound around you and experiencing it to the fullest that the Zen CAN's 3D sound circuitry brings back. Instead of being trapped in ear cups, you as the listener are at the centre of balanced, perfectly balanced sounds. An experience made possible not least by XBass technology. Especially with open headphones, the system compensates for their natural bass weakness, brings rich, low tones into the overall concept and integrates them playfully into your three-dimensional sound experience. Experience the sound of your headphones as you never could before. You can. The Zen CAN.
5. iFi Audio ZEN One Signature
With the iFi ZEN One Signature you have finally found the perfect digital to analogue converter you need for your setup. Enjoy perfect sound from any of your devices - easily via Bluetooth, USB or S/PDIF. As much as we benefit from the easy music playback of our mobile devices today, smartphones and the like are not designed for high-quality sound. They are small all-rounders, but lack the specialisation for perfect sound, especially for audiophiles. Even the familiar CD player can only manage the minimum standard. This is precisely why you need a good digital-to-analogue converter. This is specially designed to convert digital data into analogue signals for your output devices. The advantage: you get a much higher quality, more balanced and clearer sound. With its USB, S/PDIF and Bluetooth connectivity options, the iFi ZEN One Signature is not only easy to pair with all your favourite devices, but also has an increased range thanks to its antenna. Simply place, pair and experience pure sound from any source throughout your home. Better sound quality, but what does that mean? The quality of a music file is usually determined by its sampling rate. For a standard CD, this is 44.1 kHz. The ZEN One Signature supports Bluetooth signals with up to 96 KHz as well as DSD256 - which means that the sampling rate is 256 times better than that of a CD. In addition, the D/A converter delivers PCM up to 384 kHz and MQA decoding. These files in particular are a special highlight for enthusiasts, as they are certified by studios and allow you to listen to music exactly as it was intended for listeners. For you, this means that you swap standard playback for razor-sharp, unique sound that you will never want to miss again.
6. iFi Audio uno
Want better sound quality for your music, movies, games, podcasts and YouTube videos? Then the iFi uno is just right for you. All devices that act as digital sound sources - for example, PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet or game console - use a built-in DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) to convert the digital signal into music that you can then listen to through speakers or headphones. External DACs sound much better than the standard DACs built into these devices. The uno from iFi Audio is such an external DAC and will clearly audibly improve your sound - every note sounds more powerful, detailed and lifelike. The iFi uno's handsome, curved enclosure is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and is made from robust, mineral-filled polymer. Inside the uno, advanced DAC and headphone amplifier circuitry enhances the basic audio technology of digital devices. Connect the uno to your Windows PC, Apple Mac, notebook, smartphone, tablet or game console via the USB-C input. The uno does not require a power source as it receives both power and audio from the connected source. In addition, connect the uno to headphones, powered speakers or an amplifier plus separate speakers and you get a voluminous, powerful and detailed sound. The uno has three sound modes, which are analogue rather than digital, so they don't affect the overall sound quality. Music mode lets you hear the detailed and immersive sound of all your favourite artists. Movie mode improves the clarity of dialogue when streaming movies and TV shows. Game mode provides crystal clear sound effects at low levels. So you can always hear when your enemies are coming or a storm is brewing.
7. iFi Audio ZEN Air CAN
Get the most out of your headphones with the ZEN Air CAN. With plenty of power and top features, the amplifier from iFi Audio is the best choice if you want to enjoy balanced, rich and voluminous sound. At the back of the ZEN Air CAN, connect your PC, CD/DVD player, TV, streamer, notebook, smartphone, tablet or game console to the two RCA connectors or the 3.5 mm jack input and be amazed at how many beats, how much bass and how many sounds you've never heard before. On the front of the ZEN Air CAN there is a 6.3 mm and a balanced 4.4 mm jack for your headphones. Using the gain switch on the ZEN Air CAN, you can select the gain that best suits your headphones. The volume can be precisely adjusted via the rotary wheel. With the ZEN Air CAN, you can finally unleash the full potential of your headphones. An experience made possible not least by the XBass technology. You can adjust the bass according to the headphones you are using and your taste and enjoy rich, deep tones. With the XSpace function, you can also add more spaciousness - almost like at a live concert. Experience the sound of your headphones like you never could before.
8. ART HeadAMP 4
The HeadAmp4 offers 1/8" and 1/4" inputs and outputs as well as less noise, less distortion and more output in a new custom extruded stackable metal enclosure. Ideal for virtually any home or project studio, the ARTcessories HeadAmp4 easily adds additional headphone outputs to any mixer, computer audio interface, workstation, iPod, media player or laptop without adding to the existing headphone source. Individual level controls for the four headphone outputs, 1/4-inch and now 1/8-inch connectors allow the HeadAmp4 to connect to virtually any source and control any headphone configuration, including studio phones, in-ear monitors or custom earphones, or a combination of the above.
9. FiiO KA11
The FiiO KA11 is an innovative portable audio device. It redefines the standards of size and performance in the world of portable DACs and amplifiers. The KA11 is equipped with the DAC CS43131 and is characterised by excellent performance while consuming very little energy. It is therefore the ideal companion for audiophile adventures on the move. Its ability to charge receivers of different power ratings and to deliver a power output of up to 245mW+245mW guarantees users a powerful and richly nuanced sound, regardless of the type of receiver. The use of very pure and oxide-free cuivre filaments, covered with a layer of palladium, reduces impedance and favours rapid signal transmission, effectively eliminating external interference. The technological sophistication of the KA11 is enhanced by the ability to handle high-resolution audio formats such as 384 kHz/32 bits and DSD256. Users therefore always have access to the highest quality music. The Hi-Res Audio certification confirms the excellent sound quality of the KA11, achieved thanks to a sophisticated hi-fi circuit design and high quality components on an imprinted or immersed circuit. The KA11 offers exceptional sonic purity and clarity with a THD+N below 0.0006% and a signal/bruit ratio of 125 dB. The design of the device is not only characterised by its functionality, but also by its visual appeal. The aluminium and magnesium alloy housing ensures stability and elegant appearance. The bicolour design in black and silver offers a real eye-catcher. Connection to Apple devices is possible thanks to the fixed Lightning cable.
10. FiiO BTR7
The FiiO BTR7 offers two uses at once. You can use it as a Bluetooth amplifier and upgrade your wired headphones to wireless headphones. Simply plug your headphones or earphones into the FiiO BTR7 and pair it via Bluetooth with your smartphone, tablet or notebook to enjoy your music in superb, lossless quality and full bandwidth. Alternatively, use the BTR7 wired via its USB-C port as a premium USB DAC for a clearly audible sound enhancement for your smartphone, tablet or notebook (USB cable for Android and computer included). Two integrated ES9219C DAC chips provide superb detailed sound reproduction. The THX amplifier design ensures a particularly pure sound image - noise floor and distortion are reduced to an absolute minimum. The high output power of 160 mW via the 3.5 mm headphone output and 320 mW via the balanced 4.4 mm headphone output ensure a voluminous energetic sound regardless of whether you use in-ear earphones or over-ear headphones. Functions such as skipping tracks, adjusting volume, play/pause, and answering/ending calls can be controlled directly from the BTR7's buttons. All the information you need is clearly visible on the BTR7's color display. The integrated battery provides up to 9 hours of battery life and can be quickly recharged within 1.5 hours. Wireless charging is supported by the BTR7. When connected to a smartphone via cable, the BTR7 draws the power it needs from its internal battery and does not discharge the smartphone's battery. Included in the delivery is a noble leatherette case as well as a USB-C and a USB-A cable to connect Android devices and computers with the BTR7.
