Top rated Headphone amplifiers
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
Versatile DAC designed for use with PC/Mac (via USB) or a TV (via Optical). The sound is converted with high quality and output through headphones or RCA.
3. TIE Headphone Amplifier 4CH
The robust and compact TIE Studio headphone amplifier can be used for up to four headphones to simultaneously monitor the main mix with separate volume control. Four powerful, low-noise stereo amplifiers ensure top-notch sound quality at any volume, whether for live or studio applications.
4. FiiO BTR7
The FiiO BTR7 offers two usage options. You can use it as a Bluetooth amplifier to turn your wired headphones into wireless ones. Simply plug your headphones into the FiiO BTR7 and pair it via Bluetooth with your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to enjoy your music in excellent, lossless quality and full bandwidth. Alternatively, you can use the BTR7 wired through its USB-C port as a high-quality USB DAC for a noticeable sound enhancement for your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Two integrated ES9219C DAC chips ensure outstanding, detailed sound reproduction. The THX amplifier design provides an exceptionally pure sound profile—background noise and distortion are minimized to an absolute minimum. The high output power of 160 mW through the 3.5 mm headphone output and 320 mW through the balanced 4.4 mm headphone output delivers a rich, energetic sound, whether you are using in-ear headphones or over-ear headphones. Functions such as skipping tracks, adjusting volume, play/pause, and answering/end calls can be controlled directly via the buttons on the BTR7.
All necessary information is clearly displayed on the BTR7's color screen. The built-in battery offers a runtime of up to 9 hours and can be quickly recharged within 1.5 hours. Wireless charging is supported by the BTR7. When the BTR7 is connected to a smartphone via cable, it draws the necessary power from its internal battery, so it does not drain the smartphone's battery. Included in the package are a stylish faux leather case, as well as a USB-C and a USB-A cable to connect Android devices and computers to the BTR7.
5. iFi Audio hip-dac 3
Le DAC/amplificateur de casque Hi-Res portable hip-dac 3 d'iFi Audio allie une élégance intemporelle à des fonctions de pointe pour porter l'expérience sonore à un niveau supérieur. The final aluminium casing is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also offers functional advantages. Deux ports USB-C pour l'audio et la charge font de la gestion des câbles un jeu d'enfant. The iEMatch technology, specially optimised for casques and ultra-sensitive intra-auricular receivers, guarantees perfect audio quality. On the inside, innovative circuits such as the new metal film condensers ensure a high frequency response. The GMT actualised circuit, combined with a new quartz oscillator, minimises phase noise and ensures a clearer sound. The hip-dac 3 is not just a question of style, but also of comfort. Compact by its size, but impressive by its performance, the hip-dac 3 glides discreetly into every hole. The Burr-Brown chipset, supported by a 16-circuit XMOS microcontroller, guarantees optimum performance and Hi-Res partenariat parfait. For the casques gourmands en énergie, the concept de circuit symétrique minimise les distorsions de signal et assure une expérience sonore captivante. The PowerMatch active gain control guarantees optimum sound performance, while the iEMatch technology reduces noise and improves the level of detail of highly sensitive speakers.XBass, an analogue function, enhances the bass without compromising the clarity of the sound - ideal for listeners and open casques. The asynchronous design guarantees a gig-free data transfer and a separate USB-C charging port allows it to be used during charging. 2 types - a 3.5 mm jack and a 4.4 mm symmetrical jack - allow different types of speakers to be connected.
6. iFi Audio hip-dac2
The hip-dac2 in vibrant orange is colorful, technically sophisticated, and a true sound professional. The hip-dac2 bypasses the DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and amplifier circuits in your smartphone, tablet, laptop, PC, or Mac, significantly enhancing headphone sound quality. Connect your playback device via USB to the hip-dac2, plug in your favorite headphones or in-ear monitors, and the hip-dac2 delivers sound that bursts with dynamics and richness of detail. The integrated Burr-Brown DAC chip was chosen for its natural, highly musical sound quality. Along with the circuits developed by iFi, the hip-dac2 provides excellent sound quality for all digital audio formats, including bit-perfect PCM, native DSD, and MQA. The 16-core XMOS chip processes data over USB, offering a high clock rate and ample memory. This enhances the overall performance of the hip-dac2, allowing it to handle full MQA decoding. A high-quality quartz clock also contributes to an exceptionally pure, clear sound. Whether you're working in your favorite café or relaxing on your daily commute, at sunrise or sunset, you'll definitely want to have the hip-dac2 with you. The amplifier stage can output 400 mW of power, ensuring compatibility with a variety of headphone types without sacrificing quality. Even high-impedance headphones are easily driven thanks to an output voltage of 6.3 V at 600 ohms (via the balanced output). With the PowerMatch feature, the gain level can be adjusted to match the load of the connected headphones, perfectly tuning the input sensitivity and thus the signal strength for your headphones.
7. iFi Audio Zen Can 3
L'iFi Audio ZEN CAN 3 is a remarquable amplifier de casque qui se distingue par son circuit discret de classe A, directement repris du produit phare d'iFi, le iCAN Phantom. Celui-ci ensures a pure and clear audio output, supported not least by the innovative xMEMS micro high-frequency technology. The amplifier delivers an impressive output power of up to 2,000 mW and can be used with a wide variety of speakers, from intra-aural speakers sensitive to powerful magnetostat speakers. The polyvalence is complemented by a wide range of connectors such as 6.3 mm and 4.4 mm casques, 3.5 mm and RCA entries, a 4.4 mm symmetrical entry and a 4.4 mm symmetrical exit. À cela s'ajoute le réglage de gain finement ajustable de 0 à 18 dB, qui permet une adaptation optimale à différents types de casques. The integrated analogue equalisation modes XBass+ and XSpace enhance the listening experience by reducing bass frequencies and widening the soundstage of the recordings. The ZEN CAN 3 also has special modes for games and films that improve the audio experience during games and film viewing by enhancing the subtle sound effects and increasing the intelligibility of speech. These features, combined with a high signal-to-bounce ratio and low distortion, make this amplifier the ideal companion for audio enthusiasts. The design of the ZEN CAN 3 reflects a modern aesthetic and is characterised by its bicolour design and high quality materials, which give it an exclusive appeal. Associated with the iFi fourni power supply unit, this amplifier offers solid and durable performance that is both technically and aesthetically pleasing.
8. iFi Audio Zen CAN
With the Zen CAN, you can finally get the most out of your headphones. With 52 times more power and features typically found only in high-end products, the iFi Audio amplifier is the optimal choice for enjoying balanced, rich sound. When connecting your headphones to laptops, smartphones, or digital-to-analog converters, these devices often lack the necessary power to drive them. Typically, such devices output less than 1.0 volts, which is simply not enough for high-end models. With the Zen CAN, you can finally unleash the full potential of your headphones. This practical amplifier features the circuit design of the professional model Pro iCAN and provides an output of up to 15.1 volts. This ensures that even demanding headphones are powered effortlessly. Prepare to be surprised by how many beats, how many bass notes, and how many sounds you have never noticed before. At its core, music is always meant to be played loudly through speakers—a sensation that is often lost when listening through headphones. The 3D sound circuitry of the Zen CAN brings back that feeling of experiencing sound all around you. Instead of being trapped in ear cups, you, as the listener, are at the center of balanced, perfectly harmonized sounds. This experience is made possible in part by XBass technology. The system compensates for the natural bass deficiency of open headphones, introducing rich, deep tones into the overall concept and integrating them seamlessly into your three-dimensional sound experience. Experience the sound of your headphones like never before. You can. The Zen CAN.
9. iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature
Through optimised circuitry and the use of audiophile components, the ZEN CAN Signature sets new standards in terms of performance and sound quality. The dual-mono circuit of the ZEN CAN Signature is particularly outstanding. It allows the amplifier to deliver a substantial 1890mW (11.0V) at 64-ohm loads and even over 15V at 600-ohm or higher loads. This power is delivered via the amplifier's balanced output, allowing for unmatched sonic precision and dynamics. The main motivation behind the ZEN CAN Signature is to provide more power for high-quality headphones. When you connect this amplifier to your laptop, smartphone or DAC and use headphones, you will finally experience the sound quality that meets your needs. The outstanding performance of the ZEN CAN Signature goes hand in hand with exceptional sound. This is the result of balanced circuitry with discrete Class A technology that ensures precise reproduction. The ZEN CAN Signature is also adaptable. Using the PowerMatch function, you can choose between four gain settings: 0 dB, 6 dB, 12 dB and 18 dB. This function allows for optimal matching of headphones with different sensitivities, from sensitive in-ear headphones to powerful over-ear headphones. The XSpace and XBass analogue processing modes are designed to optimise the soundstage and bass response of your headphones and intensify your listening experience. Overall, the ZEN CAN Signature offers an impressive combination of performance, sound quality and adaptability. With its ability to drive demanding headphones while delivering rich and detailed sound, it's the perfect choice for audiophile enthusiasts and music lovers who want to take their listening experience to the next level.
10. iFi Audio ZEN CAN Signature HFM
Do you love your Hifiman headphones? Then the ZEN CAN Signature HFM analog headphone amplifier is just right for you. iFi Audio has optimized the ZEN CAN Signature for seamless interaction with Hifiman headphones to bring out the best in these already remarkable headphones. The ActivEQ feature combines active and passive components to create a specific EQ curve for a particular headphone. This is done in the analog domain without additional noise or distortion. The ZEN CAN Signature HFM features an ActivEQ specifically tuned for Hifiman's planar magnetic headphones. Hifiman headphones are known for their remarkable transparency and expansive soundstage. The ZEN CAN Signature HFM enhances the texture of the deep bass and adds more presence to the upper midrange. By pressing the HFM button on the ZEN CAN Signature HFM, the signal is calibrated to complement the headphone's frequency response across the entire frequency range. This optimizes the device's performance for collaboration with Hifiman headphones. The ActivEQ function can be turned on or off. When ActivEQ is not activated, the performance of the ZEN CAN Signature HFM is cleverly balanced to extract the best from all other headphones and in-ear monitors. The circuitry of the ZEN CAN Signature HFM features a symmetrical dual-mono design—a topology typically reserved for high-end headphone amplifiers. The amplifier delivers excellent drive performance of 1600 mW (7.2 V) at 32 ohms via the unbalanced output and over 15V at loads of 600 ohms or more via the balanced output. The ZEN CAN Signature HFM is characterized by extremely low distortion, high detail richness, and plenty of dynamics, as well as the ability to drive all types of headphones with ease. It is a force of nature.
