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 updated ADI-2 DAC uses AKM's AK4493 in a special circuit variant developed by RME engineers that allows the chip to perform at its best. Be it noise ratios of 123 dBA, distortion lower than -120 dB, or THD+N of -117 dB, the device delivers outstanding measured values. Even the IEM output, with -118 dBu already the world's lowest noise headphone output, improves to a sensational -120 dBu. In addition to all this, there is 4 dB digital headroom, so that even high intersample peaks do not produce any audible distortion. Finally, the device now also offers a clear reserve in the volume setting. +2.5 dB result in a still undistorted analog output signal.
All these improvements are completely transparent in the previous menu navigation. There are no changes to the predecessor in operation, features and behavior, which is why neither appearance nor name have changed. The only difference: with 'Low Dispersion' another digital filter is available for selection. Explanations for this filter can be found in the detailed manual of the ADI-2 DAC.
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. FiiO K3
With the FiiO K3 USB DAC headphone amplifier you can improve the sound of your computer or notebook. The FiiO K3 is connected to a Windows or Macintosh computer via the included USB cable and you can enjoy your music in high-quality, lifelike HiFi quality. The music can be output to headphones, earphones or speakers. The K3 is equipped with a XMOS USB chip and decodes PCM up to 384 kHz / 32 Bit and Native DSD256. The two crystal oscillators ensure that each digital audio signal is fed to the integrated DAC absolutely correctly, resulting in a clearly improved sound quality. The digital-to-analog conversion is performed by a high-quality AKM AK4452 DAC, which is able to output the signal fully balanced thanks to separate outputs. Together with the built-in operational amplifiers OPA926 and OPA1612 from Texas Instruments, the FiiO K3 delivers a high-resolution, powerful and voluminous sound. For the USB connection, FiiO has used the USB Type C standard, which is particularly reliable and stable. In order to adjust the volume accurately and avoid channel imbalances between left and right, an analog ADC volume control was used. So you always hear exactly the volume you want, on exactly the same level on both sides. The low or high gain switch ensures that the FiiO K3 can be used with a wide range of headphones while delivering a satisfactory volume. The FiiO K3 has both a standard 3.5 mm and a balanced 2.5 mm headphone jack. With the Bass Boost switch the low frequencies can be additionally amplified and the sound gets a nice extra portion of punch. The FiiO K3 has been equipped with the USB Audio Standards 1.0 and 2.0 to meet different requirements. The USB standard can be changed by a switch. When using USB Audio 1.0, no driver installation is necessary, the FiiO K3 is automatically recognized by the computer, is ready to use and decodes audio files up to a sample rate of 96 kHz. If you want to benefit from decoding up to 384 kHz or DSD256, set the switch on the FiiO K3 to USB 2.0 and install the driver provided on www.fiio.com . The FiiO K3 is equipped with a wide range of connectors: it has a 3.5 mm line out, an optical output and a coaxial output. The K3 is therefore compatible with many speakers and external amplifiers and can be integrated into the audio system at home if required. With its compact palm-sized dimensions, the FiiO K3 is also very well suited for use on a notebook on the go. The aluminium case has been CNC machined and sandblasted to make it durable and comfortable to hold. With the FiiO K3, you can enjoy music from your computer or notebook at home or on the go in clearly improved sound quality and with a good deal more power.
4. FiiO New K3
Improve the sound of your computer or notebook with the New K3 from FiiO. The New K3 is connected to a Windows or Macintosh computer via the included USB cable and you can enjoy your music in high quality, lifelike HiFi quality. The music can be output to headphones, earphones or speakers. The New K3 is equipped with an XMOS USB chip and decodes PCM up to 384 kHz/32 bit as well as native DSD256. Digital-to-analog conversion is performed by a high-quality ESS ES9038Q2M DAC, which is able to output the signal fully balanced thanks to separate outputs. Together with the two built-in OPA926 operational amplifiers from Texas Instruments, the New K3 delivers a high-resolution, powerful and voluminous sound. In order to adjust the volume accurately, an analogue ADC volume control was used. This means that you always hear your music at exactly the volume you want, and at exactly the same level on both sides. The low or high gain switch ensures that the New K3 can be used with a wide range of headphones and earphones, while also delivering satisfying volume. The Bass Boost switch can be used to further boost the low frequencies, giving the sound a nice extra dose of punch. The New K3 has both a 3.5 mm and a balanced 2.5 mm headphone jack. It also has a 3.5 mm line out, an optical output and a coaxial output. This makes the K3 compatible with many speakers and external amplifiers and allows it to be integrated into the home audio system. With its palm-sized dimensions, the New K3 is also very suitable for use on the go with a notebook. With the New K3 from FiiO you can enjoy music from your computer or notebook at home or on the road in clearly improved sound quality and with a lot more power.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. iFi Audio hip-dac2
The hip-dac2 in hip orange is colourful, tech-savvy and a real sound pro! The hip-dac2 bypasses the DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) and amplifier circuits in your smartphone, tablet, notebook, PC or Mac, greatly improving headphone sound. Connect your playback device to the hip-dac2 via USB, connect your favourite headphones or in-ear earphones and the hip-dac2 delivers sound that is bursting with dynamics and detail. The integrated Burr-Brown DAC chip was chosen for its lifelike, highly musical sound quality. Together with iFi's proprietary circuitry, the hip-dac2 delivers outstanding sound quality for all digital audio formats, including bit-perfect PCM, native DSD and MQA. The 16-core XMOS chip, which processes data via USB, offers a high clock rate and plenty of memory. This improves the overall performance of the hip-dac2, so that it can even handle full MQA decoding. A high-quality quartz clock also contributes to a particularly pure, clear sound. Whether you're working in your favourite café or chilling on your daily commute, sunrise or sunset, you'll definitely want the hip-dac2 with you. The amplifier stage can output 400 mW of power, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of headphone and earphone types without sacrificing quality. Even high-impedance headphones are easily driven thanks to an output voltage of 6.3V into 600 ohms (via the balanced output). The PowerMatch function allows the level of amplification to be matched to the load of the connected headphones by perfectly adjusting the input sensitivity and thus the signal strength for your headphones.
8. RME Audio ADI-2 DAC
To better appeal to home and hi-fi users, RME replaced some of the studio features with typical hi-fi features. RME now presents the ADI-2 DAC, equipped with an adapted as well as an extended range of functions and a simplified operation. This is based on the technology, concept and functions of the ADI-2 Pro, but focuses on high-end DA conversion combined with two exceptional headphone and IEM outputs, and a remote control.
9. RME Audio Transducer ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition
With the ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition RME presents an AD/DA converter of the reference class. It combines several devices in one, with a simple and in most cases automated operation, and is therefore ready to use right out of the box. The unit features an impressive size-to-feature ratio, a practical design with excellent technical specifications, and two extremely powerful headphone outputs. The new ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition features the AK4493 chip, slightly improved specifications, and comes with the new enhanced Multi Remote Control (MRC).
Thanks to the numerous connectors the ADI-2 Pro shows a high compatibility. At the front of the chassis two Extreme Power stereo headphone outputs have been installed, one of which has an ADAT compatible optical SPDIF I/O. A coaxial SPDIF as RCA as well as an AES I/O via XLR can be integrated via the cable whip. Furthermore the unit offers two servo-balanced analog inputs via XLR/jack combo jack and separate balanced and unbalanced outputs as XLR and jack port. The RME SteadyClock FS technology provides perfect jitter suppression and stable clocking, no matter if internal or external clocks are used.
Headphone amplifiersavailable in a few days
CHF1465.–
RME Audio Transducer ADI-2 Pro FS R Black Edition
USB-DAC, Display
10. 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.
