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. FiiO BTR3K
The BTR3K is a compact and powerful audio transmitter that offers a variety of features for music lovers. Weighing only 23.5 grams, it is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for on-the-go use. The BTR3K supports both wired and wireless audio transmissions, making it a flexible solution for different listening needs. With a battery life of up to 11 hours, it allows for prolonged use, while the frequency range of 20 to 20,000 Hz covers a wide sound spectrum. The transmitter is equipped with a USB Type-C port that can be used for both audio input and data transfer. The 3.5 mm jack provides an easy connection to a variety of headphones and speakers.
- Signal-to-noise ratio of 118 dB for clear audio quality
- Supports headphones with an impedance of 16 - 100 Ω
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless listening
- Compact dimensions for easy portability.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. RME Audio Transducer ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition
With the ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition, RME presents a reference-class AD/DA converter. It combines multiple devices into one, featuring simple and mostly automated operation, making it ready to use immediately after unpacking. The device boasts an impressive size-to-functionality ratio, a practical design with excellent technical specifications, and two extremely powerful headphone outputs. The new ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition is equipped with the AK4493 chip, slightly improved specifications, and comes with the new extended multi-remote control.
Thanks to its numerous connections, the ADI-2 Pro offers high compatibility. On the front of the unit, there are two Extreme Power stereo headphone outputs, one of which includes an ADAT-compatible optical SPDIF I/O. A coaxial SPDIF via RCA and an AES I/O via XLR can be integrated through the cable harness. Additionally, the device features two servo-balanced analog inputs via XLR/jack combo sockets and separate balanced and unbalanced outputs as XLR and jack ports. The RME SteadyClock FS technology ensures perfect jitter suppression and stable clocking, whether internal or external clocks are used.
8. FiiO BTR17
The FiiO BTR17 is a compact Bluetooth DAC and headphone amplifier that offers top-notch wireless audio quality with the Qualcomm QCC5181 chip and Bluetooth 5.4. It supports high-resolution codecs such as LDAC, aptX Adaptive, and aptX Lossless, enabling lossless transmission in CD quality and reproducing the finest details of music. Thanks to its versatility and comprehensive codec support, the BTR17 is ideal for demanding headphones and high-quality audio output.
The BTR17 uses two ES9069Q DACs with 32-bit HyperStream architecture, which minimize distortion and deliver clear sound with a dynamic range of up to 130 dB and a total harmonic distortion of -120 dB. This is complemented by the THX AAA 78+ amplifier, which ensures powerful and precise audio playback with its fully symmetrical 4-channel architecture. In desktop mode, the BTR17 provides a high output power of up to 650 mW per channel when connected to an external power source, achieving performance typically only found in larger desktop amplifiers, making it ideal for demanding headphones.
For portable use, it features a built-in battery with a runtime of up to ten hours. Its 10-band PEQ allows for extensive sound customization. The PC/BT/PHONE switch enables flexible adaptation to different devices. Visually, the BTR17 impresses with its high-quality aluminum design and an elegant 1.3-inch IPS color display, which changes color according to the selected audio mode. The device comes with a custom-fit leather case that provides optimal protection.
With the FiiO BTR17, audiophile users receive a thoroughly thought-out device that meets the highest demands both on the go and at home. Thanks to the latest technologies, excellent sound quality, and flexible application possibilities, the BTR17 sets new standards in the field of Bluetooth DACs and headphone amplifiers.
9. FiiO K11
Dive into the fascinating world of audio enjoyment with the FiiO K11 Desktop DAC and headphone amplifier. This technological masterpiece combines perfect balance and brilliant sound quality in a sleek housing. The K11 is equipped with a variety of connections, including USB, optical, and coaxial inputs, as well as 4.4 mm, 6.35 mm, RCA, and coaxial outputs to provide a comprehensive audio experience. With a power output of 1400 mW, the amplifier can effortlessly drive HiFi headphones. The three gain levels and volume curves allow the listening experience to be tailored to headphones with different impedances. Inside the K11 is a custom-made audio circuit that delivers impressive sound quality. Precise voltage stabilization is ensured by 16 low-noise LDOs powered by an external 12V switching power supply. The timeless, sleek design of the K11 allows for flexible placement, while the non-slip silicone base provides stability. The high-quality VA display shows all relevant information. The pleasant RGB lighting of the FiiO logo provides quick visual feedback on the sampling frequency of the current audio playback. The FiiO K11 offers user-friendly control via a multifunctional knob that covers all important functions from power on/off to volume adjustment. Additionally, it supports a driver-free USB DAC mode on Windows 10 and higher systems and is compatible with consoles like the PS5 and Switch. Immerse yourself in a new level of audio enjoyment with the FiiO K11, your desktop HiFi companion.
10. iFi Audio uno
Do you 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 serve as digital sound sources—such as PCs, Macs, smartphones, tablets, or game consoles—use a built-in DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) to convert the digital signal into music that you can 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 significantly enhance your sound—every note sounds more powerful, detailed, and true to life. The sleek, curved casing of the iFi uno is small enough to fit in your palm and is made from durable, mineral-filled polymer. Inside the uno, the advanced DAC and headphone amplifier circuitry improves the fundamental audio technology of digital devices. Connect the uno via the USB-C input to your Windows PC, Apple Mac, laptop, smartphone, tablet, or game console. The uno requires no power source, as it receives both power and audio data from the connected source. Additionally, connect the uno to headphones, active speakers, or an amplifier with separate speakers, and you will experience a rich, powerful, and detailed sound. The uno features three sound modes that operate in analog rather than digital, ensuring that overall sound quality is not compromised. In Music Mode, you can enjoy the detailed and captivating sound of all your favorite artists. Movie Mode enhances the clarity of dialogues when streaming films and TV shows. Game Mode provides crystal-clear sound effects at low levels, so you can always hear when your enemies are approaching or a storm is brewing.
