On this page, you’ll find the best amplifiers and our recommendations of this moment. Looking for the best amplifier on the market? This ever-evolving list is your answer.
Portable Amplifiers
Astell&Kern PA10 [Added 13/04/2023]
Is there still a place for a portable headphone amplifier in 2023? For A&K it seems to be, and the PA10 is a clear statement from the brand. And if I was sceptical at first – I’m more of a DAC/Amp guy than a DAC+Amp one – I must admit that the brand has succeeded in the feat of convincing me otherwise. Sure, it’s more transportable than really nomad. Sure it‘s a complete hindrance with a smartphone and a DAC, even more than a fat DAC/Amp like the Q7 or the H7, but, once you’ve plugged your ears/headphone, and paired your DAP/DAC, everything becomes insignificant, erased by the sound’s prowess of the amp. A no-brainer, outperforming many, if not every, amp available at the time of writing – in a sub-$1500 budget. Add to that A&K’s renowned built quality, excellent ergonomics, and some nice features like the crossfeed selection, and yes, this amp goes directly into my recommendation list, and if you’re out for a TOTL on the cheap, you should definitely try this one first, or at least add it to your list.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/astell-kern-pa10-review/
Vorzuge Vorzamp Duo II
This amplifier is in the same high-end category as the Duet is. They’re very comparable but the Vorzuge doesn’t have the full balanced circuit the Duet has. On the other hand it does have an EQ system. Nathan stated: “no amp I’ve reviewed, and no amp I’ve tested, packages the DUO II’s performance with such a badass EQ system. And no amp company I’ve dealt with is so demonstrably dedicated to a platform.”
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/review-vorzuge-vorzamp-duoii-basses-loaded/
Brise Audio Tsuranagi [Added 07/01/2024]
The Brise Audio Tsuranagi portable amplifier emerges as a top-end offering in the portable high-end audio market, albeit a relatively lesser-known gem in this domain. Crafted by Brise Audio, renowned for its high-quality cables, the Tsuranagi exemplifies the company’s dedication to excellence, serving as both a test bed for its cables and a standalone masterpiece.
The Tsuranagi reveals a fantastic sonic refinement. It elevates the music-listening experience to new heights. It amplifies not just sound but the very essence of high-fidelity portable audio, offering an immersive, accurate, and engaging sonic journey for the audiophiles willing to spend that kind of cash to explore the summit in portables.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/brise-audio-tsuranagi-review/
Desktop Amplifiers
JDSLabs Atom Amp+ Hevi [Added 08/06/2023]
Once more, the Atom Amp+ (Hevi) earns my full recommendation as THE best headphone amplifier for anyone seeking a sub-$200 model. A no-brainer, outperforming many, if not every, amp available in this category at the time of writing.
Sure, the Hevi version is just a cosmetic revamp of the regular one, but for anyone sensible to that, the various additions like the aluminium top-case, or the sturdier volume control, will definitely be a worthwhile $15 invest.
Add to that JDS Labs renowned built quality and after-sales service, some nice features like the auto-mute headphone out, and yes, this amp goes directly into my recommendation list. A sure choice!
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/jds-labs-atom-hevi-review/
Topping L30 II DAC [Added 18/10/2022]
Topping has done an incredible job yet again and we are faced with a pair of products that perform well above their price tags. The sonic performance and technical capabilities of the products are truly impressive. From 8 ohms to 600 ohms, I got excellent results with all the headphones and headphones I tried.
The build quality of the device is also very good and feels solid, as we are used to from Topping. The optical and coaxial inputs and the RCA output support are also nice little details.
If you need a DAC and an amplifier, I definitely recommend that you give the Topping II and Topping L30 II a chance. Moreover, we thought it is only fair to award the E30 and L30 II stack with the HFN recommended award.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/topping-e30-ii-l30-ii-review/
Bottlehead Crack
The little Crack doesn’t need the fancy tubes to sound good. It – for a low amount of money – makes your high impedance headphones such as the 300Ohm Sennheiser HD650, HD800 and 250Ohm Beyerdynamic units sound very good. For the money it’s still going for today, the Crack probably still is the best value tube amp on the market. And not only do you get a wonderful amplifier, you get to learn about audio, DIY and soldering all in one. If you’re into higher impedance headphones, the Bottlehead crack still is THE recommended amplifier to get. In fact I don’t think you can find an amp with a better technicality than the Crack for less than $500. If you build one yourself, that means only $299, and the Crack is a steal for that price. We ordered the amp before the price increase, but even today you’re practically robbing Bottlehead for the sound you get for that little money.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/wayback-wednesday-bottlehead-crack/ & https://www.headfonia.com/bottlehead-crack-otl-addiction/
Schiit Audio Jottunheim 2 [Added 17/10/2021]
The original Jotunheim re-wrote the rules when it came to making balanced headphone amplifiers both available and affordable, and Schiit has made an even stronger case with their latest incarnation of the Jotunheim which not only sounds better, but is also easier to live with. I’d unreservedly say that the Jotunheim 2 is a knock-out product, even if you’re looking at it solely as a headphone amplifier. But it’s much, much more than simply that – the Jotunheim 2 can work as the analogue ‘heartbeat’ of your musical chain, managing far more than simply headphone playback. The fact that you can add a DAC or phono stage in the form of a $100-200 module makes for an even more enticing proposition. I’ll go one step further here than simply recommending the Jotunheim 2 as a headphone amplifier – I’ll go ahead and say that stacking the phono-equipped Jotunheim 2 with Schiit’s Bifrost 2 to create an all-in-one preamp control system is just about the best way you could spend $1,198 USD in audio. In terms of flexibility, convenience and outright sound quality, it’s an absolute winner for the format-agnostic audiophile.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/schiit-audio-jotunheim-2-review/
Schiit Audio Lyr 3
The Lyr 3 to me is a highly musical-sounding device that really gets you into the music again, where you lose all sight of critical listening and just enjoy what is in front of you. Sure, the DAC could be more resolved or create a bigger venue, but in the end it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you enjoy the music you like, and the Lyr 3 gets you as close as possible for that price.
Take into account the immense elasticity of the product, letting you configure it to your needs, and the extreme output power you will be faced with one tough decision not to get the Lyr 3 when you’re looking for a new affordable desktop amplifier.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/review-schiit-audio-lyr-3/
SMSL SP400 [Added 11/06/2021]
The SP400 is an excellent amp and therefore we are rewarding it with the HFN recommendation award. It may be the best THX amp out there with this much amount of power to play with. It can drive nearly anything on the market at the time of this writing and it offers an excellent, hiss-free experience even with sensitive IEMs. It can easily be controlled by the included remote and it offers a pretty straightforward operation. Sound-wise it is very, very good and it reflects the source as it is. It is a technically advanced unit with a very clean and clear background. On another note, it has an excellent build quality and the new glossy top cover looks amazing. Like all SMSL devices, it is built to last. I highly recommend this amplifier, try it and hear it yourself.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/smsl-sp400-review/
Burson Audio Funk [Added 31/08/2021]
It’s clear that Burson Audio has learned from their experience creating their earlier ‘Fun’ and ‘Bang’ models, and have managed to create a pretty special little device in their new Funk. As well as being both a terrific headphone and nearfield speaker amplifier, it somehow manages to be greater than the sum of its parts – it really does make a solid claim for itself as the only analogue device that deserves a seat at your desktop. I have tried finding a similar style of device to use in the past, and they’re either too large and prohibitively expensive like the Schiit Ragnarok, or have compromised headphone performance, such as the Emotiva BasX A-100 which is only really well suited to super low-sensitivity planars.
You are going to need to BYO source device with the Funk, but the fact that you can mix/match source gear does add to the Funk’s flexibility and does future proof it in that sense. And the Funk does make a solid ‘future proof’ proposition in terms of its performance as it happens to be a terrific-sounding device that pairs well with a wide range of both headphones and speakers. Throw in the fact that it looks great and is a delight to use, and it’s an absolute knock-out device in every regard. Sure, a remote and a couple of extra inputs/outputs would be nice, but at this size and price, it’s hard to complain. The Burson Audio Funk is an unreserved recommendation from us here for those of you looking to get the best out of your headphones and speakers on your desktop.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/burson-audio-funk-review/
Flux Lab Acoustics FA-22 [Added 07/10/2021]
The Flux Lab Acoustics FA-22 is a great performing full desktop amp with excellent build, user experience and sound. If you’re on the lookout for a high level desktop amp, you should definitely check this one out while considering your options.
It’s a very coherent, musical yet highly technical performer. There’s nothing in its sound that I can criticize. There are also high-end options in the market but aside from those, I think this might be the highest level before up-to-2000$ region. This is my first encounter with with Flux Lab Acoustics, but I must say I’m very impressed.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/flux-lab-acoustics-fa-22-review
Flux Lab Acoustics FA-10 [added: 21.04.2020]
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect from the FA-10. I knew Lieven is a fan of their very expensive Atlas DAC/Amp. But that didn’t mean much to me for this amp. When I took the FA-10 out of its box, I liked what I saw, but once I listened to it, I loved the entire thing.
Its biggest strength is probably the control, the dark background, and the superb imaging. All that paired with a very transparent and full-bodied sound makes the FA-10 a great proposition in today’s market and certainly a hard option to pass up in the sub $1,000 USD range.
I can only tip my head to the people behind Flux Lab Acoustics for this marvel. It is well-engineered, robustly made, and sounds bloody wonderful.
To my ears, the FA-10 is a sensational amplifier. It plays well with pretty much any headphones I throw at it and has become one of my absolute favorites.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/flux-lab-acoustics-fa-10-review
EarMen CH-Amp (+ PSU-3) [added: 31/07/2022]
The more you listen to the CH-Amp the better it gets. It’s especially noticeable when you listen to another amp for a while and then go back to it with the same headphone.
The EarMen CH-Amp is precise, clean, fast, transparent, and always musical. It works sublimely in the full EarMen stack, but you can perfectly use it with any DAC or source. The fully balanced CH-Amp comes with the PSU-3 and it sells for $1,480 USD. That might seem expensive, and it’s more than I expected it to cost, but the EarMen engineers really did their work on this one. Big sound in a small package is what you get from EarMen’s CH-Amp, and as such it’s extremely easy for me to give it our Recommended Buy award. It from now on is added to our recommended buy list.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/earmen-ch-amp-review/
Cayin Audio HA-3A [added: 30/08/2022]
At first, I was a little sad that I didn’t get to review the Cayin HA-300MK2 300B tube amp, but the Cayin HA-3A has made up for that in a big way.
The HA-3A is a little amplifier in size but it puts out such a great, big and impressive sound. I also love the HA-3A’s design: the tube lay-out, the case work, the glossy finish, the tube cage, etc it’s all very impressive.
But the Cayin HA-3A isn’t just about the looks, it also is big in performance, even with the stock set of tubes and the lower output power. The HA-3A at this price point sounds very impressive and it far surpassed my expectations. I have quite the number of tube amps in my office, but the HA-3A really stands its ground compared to much more expensive amps.
With a nice design, perfect build quality and a very high price/performance ratio, we have to present the Cayin HA-3A our Recommended Buy Award. It’s now featured on our list of Best Desktop Amplifiers, where it is in very good company. Nice job, Cayin!
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/cayin-ha-3a-review/
Ferrum Audio OOR [Added 19/08/2021]
Ever since the Ferrum Audio OOR arrived at the HFN headquarters I have been using it nonstop, together with the Hypsos power supply. The OOR is an addictive amplifier with a high technical level and all the power you’ll ever need. Ferrum has managed to make the OOR sound precise yet musical and that’s exactly what they were going for.
The Ferrum Audio OOR has an excellent price/performance ratio even though it sets you back €2K, or even €3K with the supplementary Hypsos PSU. It’s not cheap but for a high end unit, it’s actually fairly affordable and it easily plays along with even more expensive amplifiers. It’s also an excellent Pre-Amp! If you have this kind of budget available and you like this type of neutral and technically strong tuning, I wouldn’t hesitate to order the Hypsos PSU with it.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/ferrum-audio-oor-review/
Auris Audio HA2-SE+ [Added 15/08/2023]
The Auris Audio HA2-SE+ is the third version already of the HA2-series, and to my ears it is the best performing and sounding of them all.
The SE+ takes a bit of the tube warmth and smoothness of the HA2-SE and combines that with the technical performance of the SF. Actually, it has an even higher technical level than the SF has. Luckily Auris Audio never forgets that engagement and musicality are very important aspects as well, so you get a beautiful mix of everything.
The HA2-SE+ is an amplifier that works extremely well with dynamic headphones, but you can also plug in your favorite planar headphone as well. The price/quality ratio of the HA2-SE+ amplifier is very good and you will really enjoy the SE+ with most headphones. The new SE+ replaces the SF version on our list of Best Headphone Amplifiers, where all our Recommended Buys are listed.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/auris-audio-ha2-se-plus-review/
Feliks Audio Euforia evo (Added 27/04/2023)
I like how Feliks Audio keeps updating their product-line. The 3rd version of the Euforia amplifier isn’t just another update, it in fact brings a whole new tonal experience to the Euforia product range. The Feliks Audio Euforia evo is simple in design, but it’s using top quality components on the in- and outside. Because of the minimal design philosophy, using the amplifier is easy and straightforward and the added XLR connector and larger volume wheel certainly help with this even more. The Euforia evo is not a do-it-all amp if your collections of headphones features a lot of different driver types. The evo will perform best with high impedance dynamic driven headphone types, but it will pleasantly surprise you with some planar and other driver tech headphones as well.
The Euforia evo amplifier’s price tag isn’t the lightest, but I feel the asking price is fully justified for an OTL headphone amp + pre-amp of this calibre. Sound-wise there’s nothing bad to say at all, and the evo beautifully mixes a high technical level, with a good amount of body, dynamics, and musicality. We can easily and fully recommend the Feliks Audio Euforia evo if you’re looking for a high performing OTL tube amp, and as such we’re giving it our Recommended Buy Award.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/feliks-audio-euforia-evo-review
Feliks Audio Euforia Anniversary Edition (Added December 12 2019)
The AE Euforia is an amplifier that is playing with the big boys on the market, and if you’re in the market for a high-end tube amp, the AE with its €2900 price, simply is a no-brainer. The AE offers a great sound stage, both in width and depth, combined with excellent layering, timbre, extension, and speed. The detail retrieval is excellent and at the same time, the AE sounds incredibly musical. The Eufoaria AE will immerse you in your music, it’s awesome.
The original €1900 Euforia still gives you great value, performance, and musicality and if your budget doesn’t extend AE far, this still is a highly recommended amplifier. The AE, however, blows it away on all fronts with improvements everywhere.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/feliks-audio-euforia-AE-review
SAEQ Audio PDA-1b [Added 23/10/2023]
When I agreed to review this amplifier from SAEQ, I didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was I liked their VM-1a amplifier they built for SAEQ, as well as the Hyperion GE I quickly auditioned at High-End Munich last May. I took a chance but it turned out to be a really good one. Right from the start SAEQ Audio PDA-1b shows you what it is capable of and once you get used to it’s typical presentation, it’s an amplifier you don’t ever want to miss again. The PDA-1b mixes technical excellence with a high musical level and immersiveness of a live concert. It’s unique.
On top of that the PDA-1b delivers all the power you will ever need and it lets you connect 4 headphones at the same time without lack of power or diminishing sound quality. It’s an ideal amp for reviewers and headphone enthusiasts that own multiple high-end headphones and want one amp to control them all. Even though the price tag is slightly on the higher side, this amplifier for me is an easy recommendation. The SAEQ Audio PDA-1b gets our Recommended Buy award and it joins our list of Best Amplifiers, where it is in good company.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/saeq-audio-pda-1b-review/
Niimbus Audio US4+
Lake People set out to build a reference level amplifier and with Niimbus Audio and the US4+ unit, they have done exactly that. When you think US4+ you have to think: Cleanness, silence, power, extension, tightness, speed, balance/linearity (SE), and musicality. To me, the balanced output, just like with the V281 is the one to go for. It delivers the most musical, extended, spacious sound, with the best bass impact and body overall.
The Niimbus Audio US4+ is a great amp, with a reference/high-end sound and price. If you’re looking for a well-built and excellent sounding high-end amplifier with both single-ended as well as balanced in and outputs, then the US4+ will probably check all your boxes if you have the budget for it.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/niimbus-us4/
Auris Audio Nirvana
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/review-auris-audio-nirvana/
The Auris Audio Nirvana is one of those amps that performs great with every single headphone you throw at it. It seems to bring out the best of every headphone and especially the balanced output for me is really special. As said, the Auris Nirvana is the perfect mix of Auris’ previous models and it combines the best of both amps to bring you to Nirvana, a place of perfect peace and happiness. Apart from the fact that it’s maybe too powerful there absolutely isn’t a single thing I don’t like about the amplifier. It again looks stunning and the separate power supply gives it an extra classy look. It sounds like you’re in heaven with a dynamic, wide and very well layered sound with a good amount of warmth and tube smoothness. The Nirvana gets sound (and looks) just right and it simply is impossible not to like.
This is the kind of amplifier that wins awards, and I have no doubt it will get several distinctions in December when the audio world looks back at the units launched in 2018. If you’re in the market for a new headphone tube amp in this price range or if you just want one amp that does it all, then the Auris Audio Nirvana should be the first amp on your list to check out.
Feliks Audio Envy [Added 12/04.2022]
It’s always fun reviewing high end gear. The Feliks Audio Envy 300B tube amplifier is among the best on the market. It’s a truly high-end amplifier with an incredible sound. It costs a pretty penny but if you have the budget you will never ever need a different tube headphone amp ever again. The Feliks Audio Envy is a future classic already. If you have the chance listen to it, you absolutely should. And sorry about your wallet, because you’ll want one once you’ve heard what it is capable of.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/feliks-audio-envy-review/
Auris Audio Headonia
The Auris Audio Headonia is exceptionally good and wonderful. It is a top-level, reference tube amp that lets you use both your single-ended as well as your balanced headphones at the same time and it gets the absolute best out of it without any effort. If you’re in the market for a high end headphone amplifier that does it all with heaps of control and want the perfect mix of resolution, transparency and musicality with a hint of tube warmth, then this is the amp for you. Yes, it comes with a rather heavy price tag but be warned, once you’ve seen it and listened to it with your collection of headphones, you’ll be putting down your signature on the order form before the first song is finished. The Headonia is the most expensive amp that has been added to our recommended buyers’ guide, but it really has a place in our guide.
Review: https://www.headfonia.com/review-auris-audio-headonia/
Ericky
ALO Continental?
Eric
could think about portable and desktop amplifiers.
Mike
I will consider that, yes. I’m not done revising this page yet.
Ramesses
Hi Mike,
Would you recommend the WA6 over the two Schiit tubes?
I have the Asgard and want my first tube to compliment it. My music taste is broad.
The cans I have are D7000, D5000, LCD2Rev1, JH13s, T5ps (just ordered and possibly T1s if I like the T5ps!). Source is MacBook Pro 13″ 2011 to Bifrost via optical.
Thanks for your advice.
Ramesses.
Mike
Yes I would recommend the WA6 over the two Schiit tubes.
Ramesses
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the replies. Do you have any knowledge of the WA2?
I was going to get the WA6 with Princess tube upgrade. I wondered if it would be worth the extra for the WA2 with stock tubes given its supposed to pair well with The T1s. Your thoughts woukd be much appreciated. Ramesses.
Mike
I’ve never listened to the WA2, but it’s an OTL design and from experience it should be very nice with high impedance dynamic cans, especially the likes of the T1 and the HD800.
If I were to blind guess and I’ve never listened to either the WA6 or the WA2, I would definitely go with the WA2 for the T1.
Just keep in mind that with OTL designs, you may not be able to drive orthodynamic headphones very well.
Another one that is looking very nice is the Raptor:
http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/raptor
Yoon
is there any WooAudio that can?
because i remember you saying that the WA5 couldnt.
Ramesses
Thanks Mike, I think I need to give this one some more thought as most of my current cans are not likely to be good with the WA2, by default therefore I think the WA6 would be best for me at the moment. Thanks Ramesses.
Ben
Hey Mike,
I was wondering if you would recommend the WA6 for D7000/D5000 and a Senn 598 or would you recommend a solid state amp like the Asgard or Graham Slee Solo. My music tastes all over the place, Rock, Jazz, Pop, Etc. Source is a Dacport LX. I might also get a HE-400 or HE-4 but that might not be for a while.
Thanks for your advice.
Mike
Ben,
Better to go with the Asgard then. It’s a better all rounder than the Solo.
john oh
Hey Headfonia,
I hate to do this but would you considering doing a Bottlehead Crack (+Speedball) review? Its becoming quite popular as im sure you know. Supposed to pair great with the HD600/650 but i just wanted to get your opinion on that, because i value it so much 🙂
Also i was wondering about the Little Dot Amps. They seems like the ultimate budget tube amps but ive read many horror stories with those products, but good ones as well.
I already have an asgard and ive been wanting a tube compliment (Woo6, bottlehead, LD, etc). The only thing stopping me from getting the OTL right now is because it cant drive low impedance headphones which is kind of a bummer but i think i should get it anyways. haha.
Thanks,
P.s. i love reading your reviews.
Mike
Hi John,
Yes it’s quite popular and to be frank me and Lieven really wants to do a review on it. Thing is Bottlehad have been really slow to respond to our inquiries. I don’t know, perhaps they’re busy taking care of all those customer orders.
Norman Perlmutter
Why do the portable amp recommendations jump all the way from $60 to $450? Is there nothing good in between?
Mike
Yeah I try to choose products that not only has a good review, but also has a good track record with the users. It’s not very easy to come up with a product for every single price point because of that.
I’ll try to add things to the list as time goes though.
Anonymous
If it was just up to me I’d put the JustAudio µHA-120 in the list
Norman Perlmutter
In the headphones section, you recommend buying, i.e. 3 $200 headphones rather than one $600 headphone. I followed that suggestion, and I’m glad I did. Does the same sort of recommendation apply to amps? Am I better off buying 3 $60 portable amps rather than one $200 portable amp?
Mike
Hi Norman,
Good question. I think the case with amps are quite different. A good amp can drive many different headphones very well, and personally it’s not unusual for me to plug a headphone to an amp more expensive than it is.
What’s your budget, what headphones, what music?
TT
Mike, I am currently looking for a desktop amp to drive my AKG Q701. My budget is $250, and some amp that falls in that range are Objective 2, Matrix M-stage, and now the Schiit Asgard after reading your reviews. I like the mids and trebles on my Q701 so I want an amp that is not overshadowed by bass. Whats your take on these three? I read your reviews on the m-stage and asgard and they seems to be on the warmer side. The O2 seems to be cheaper and more bright from reading other reviews. Any other recommendations are also welcomed, Thanks!
Mike
TT,
I probably would pair the O2 with the K701/Q701 yes. Somehow the O2 has a similar direction as far as sound signature is concerned. Clean, good separation, spacious. The Asgard and Matrix are warmer, yes.
TT
Thanks for your reply, I would go with the O2.
Rashid
Hi Mike,
Just wondering as to why the Dacmini is not on the recommendations list/ Your take on the Dacmini vs the HA-160D is one of the very few head-to-heads I have seen, and from your writings it seems they are both of high and equal quality, albeit mildly different strengths. Therefore, just wondering why the dacmini did not have the grade, thanks much!
Mike
Good question.
Yes, sometimes a product would do well on a review, but somehow it’s was not well received by the crowd. In the case of the Dacmini, I think most people I know think that it’s a little too dry and a tad bright for music listening through headphones. In that aspect the less resolving Dacport actually makes for a much more enjoyable gear to listen to (hence you’ll find the Dacport on the source recommendations).
Rashid
Hmm. thanks for the response. Almost makes me want to pair the dacport LX with the Burson stand alone HA-160 headphone amp, to get the best of both worlds to pair with my HD-650s. The LX with its better clarity and resolution, and the Burson with its weight, bass impact and musicality might me a match made in heaven. What do you think? Thnaks
Mike
Yes you can do that, but it’s worth mentioning that the DAC on the Burson HA160D/DS have a special synergy with the amplifier section.
Stephen Zhang
Hi Mike, have you tried the O2 amp, it seems very interesting at 150$, and also being compared to amps 4 or 5 times the price?
Mike
Hi Stephen,
Yes I’m working on an O2 review. It’s very nice, but amps 4 to 5 times the price? I think that’s far too ambitious.
Minh Le
Would love to see the O2 review. I’ve been jumping all over the place finding an amp/dac under $200 – $250 (if possible), to pair up with a new set of headphones I might buy.
All the best Mike,
Mike
Alright, we’re working on it. 🙂
Baby Milo
Hey Mike,
I love your work here, it’s been very helpful for me as a newbie. I recently purchased the M50 as my first step but I feel like I’m not getting the most out of it. I’ve read that buying an amp would be the next step for improvements so I am looking at the O2 and E17. My budget is around $150-200 (even though I’m tempted by the Asgard and M-stage) and I listen to mostly pop and rock. Currently my headphone is hooked up to a X-Fi Xtremegamer sound card that I got for free – I’m a casual gamer but gaming is not the purpose here.
Portability of the amp isn’t a priority for me, I don’t plan on carrying it around. Would buying a dac/amp combo show greater improvements than just buying a dedicated amp in my case (considering the sound card setup)?
L.
The M50 is a good headphone and it improves a little with an amp but not that much imo. I’m afraid it wouldn’t be worth the investment, but that’s just my idea
Mike
If you can afford $250, I’d go with the Asgard and stock with the stock sound card for now.
Isaiah Mackler
If on the lookout for a budget amp, lets say under $200, would you go with the Objective 2 with the HD650 or something else? Thanks!
Mike
Under $200. Well you can actually go with a Cmoy, should be powerful enough for the HD650.
Ville Söderberg
Hi,
What amp under $300 would you recommend to me? I have the Pro 900, D2000, HD25-1 II and the Sennheiser IE80. I’m also considering putting down some money on the DT990 Pro 250 Ohms..
So far, the Schiit Asgard, O2, FiiO E9 and Headstage Arrow seem interesting. I’ve already got an E11 (for portability) and E10 (will be used as a DAC in the future – note: NOT impressed with it’s bass enhancing). Portability is not a requirement at all, I only kept the Arrow in there because it has tone controls, which is a plus but not a requirement either. A good control of an authoritive bass is however a requirement.
Thanks.
Mike
Go for the Asgard. It’ll be good for your big full size cans.
Ville Söderberg
Thanks! Aiming for Asgard then. 🙂
Rogier Schreurs
Hey Mike,
Found that the Musical Fidelity X-can V8P pairs up the best with my DT990 250, probably because the tubes work miracles with the low mids in the Beyer. Which amps compare the most to the MF?
Greetz
Mike
Rogier,
I’ve listened to the V8P briefly.. very brief so I’m not very familiar with the sound.. but from what I recall it wasn’t extremely tubey or mid-centric.
Rogier Schreurs
Hey Mike,
sorry I see I’ve said it works well with the low mids, what i meant was that the curve of the DT990 is a bit of a smiley, hence I called the mids ‘low’.
In comparison with the HD 600 and 650 the V8p struck me as being quite neutral in sound(not that I have a lot of experience with different amps and cans). The thing is I haven’t heard any other ‘neutral’ amps that brought out the mids in my headphone so well as this one. I’m looking for an al-round good amp that can lay a bit of a thicker mid-body under my headphone as compared to the bass and treble, and this made me scope out the Tiny Tube Dac. Do you reckon this might be a good choice for me?
Mike
Sorry for the slow reply, Rogier.
If you want more mid-body, the Tiny Tube would help with that yes.
Rogier Schreurs
Hey mike,
never mind the delay, thanks for your reply. I think I’m going to get one; can’t seem tot get a decent Mu-Fi for a nice price around here anyway. Cheers!
Victor Yu
Hi Mike,
How would you compare the Asgard, WA6 and Burson 160, in terms of mid-range and bass? I use only AT headphones, 2 woodies, 1 bass head and 1 open, which amp you think will match them some, I listen to all kind of musics except hip hop, reggie and soul. Thanks
Victor Yu
Hi Mike,
How would you compare the Asgard, WA6 and Burson 160, in terms of mid-range and bass? I use only AT headphones, 2 woodies, 1 bass head and 1 open, which amp you think will match them some, I listen to all kind of musics except hip hop, reggie and soul. Thanks
m.rezadwiarianto
Mike im currently have hd 650 jdslabs o2 and dacport lx,and i want to upgrade my amp,because i think o2 is sound thin,my budget is around $300-400(i live in indonesia),what desktop amp do you recommended that sound warm and thick? I already think to buy schiit asgard,is it good? Or should i buy another amp
Thx mike
Mike
Warm and thick, Schiit Asgard yes.
John123John
oo comparison?
Mike
Asgard and the Crack?
I think the Crack is the better amp for Senns. Much better clarity and soundstage, good weighty sound, very clean, I love it.
For instance I wouldn’t use the Asgard for my HD800.. but I can totally live with the Crack with the HD800.
Here is my first impression on the Crack:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/headfoniacom/bottlehead-crack-first-impression/387463131298390
L.
Maybe a Bottlehead Crack? 😀
M.Reza Dwi Arianto
Mike
I have hd 650 and dacport lx,i listen to music like beatles,rolling stones,pink floyd and other classic rock stuff
What amp is better with my music ,im looking for schiit asgard and graham slee solo srg ii(because there is a guy in local forum who sell this amp at just $370)
Thanks mike
Mike
I think the Solo SRG II is great for classic rock. Warm, smooth and punchy when needed.
Danilas Cercovas
I find good price for LITTLE DOT MK III. Is this amp would fit for
Fidelio L1? How it would be compared to Objective 2, E17 and Shiit
Asgard?
Ruben Torres
I just bought the Dacport LX and it sounds amazing. I was going to get the Burson Soloist but I found a deal on an HA-160D. So should I get the Soloist or just get the HA-160D instead and get my money back on the LX?
Cary D
Hi Mike, thanks for all the fantastic reviews and informative comments here! Would love to know what you feel would pair best (desktop or portable) with the ATH W3000ANV I have on order?
I listen to a variety of music from Sinatra, jazz, classical, opera to Loreena McKennitt, Deva Premal, Irish folk, spiritual music to Maroon 5, Adele, pop, dance, current and 80’s alternative; and occasional reggae, rap, hard rock and metal.
Other headphones I enjoy: ath-esw9a, akg k550, considering d5000.
Loved your ALO Continental write-up, by the way! (Would this be a good option? What about the BH Crack?)
Thanks in advance
Mike
Cary,
I have yet to listen to the W3000ANV, but from the W1000X I would try to find a good tube amp for the ATH.
Victor Yu
I used Wa6SE and Asgard for the W3000 and are fantastic, especially the Woo, just bring out the best vocals of it.
Alan Tan
Hi Mike, my current setup is as this:
DacPort LX -> Bravo v2 hybrid tube amp -> DT770 250 ohm, so wondering any good amp that can truly reflect the beauty of the DT770?
Mike
I don’t have too much experience with the DT770 amp pairing. I think it’s designed mostly as a neutral monitoring headphone. I would imagine that the Bravo would add fuller and smoother mids to it. But if you ask me for a recommendation with the DT770, I honestly am not that experienced.
Alan Tan
if i say i prefer something that shows music as it is, no colouration on the music by the amp, and let the cans convey their sound too, is it even possible? 😡
Trent_D
I’m sure it is, but that might need to be filed under the “be careful what you wish for” category.
Mike
The problem is that that idea of an amp that shows no coloration and shows emotions are only an idea in the head. Usually, colorless amps = dry to the human ears. While musical amps = colored.
Hendra
Have you heard the Ultrasonic Oblivion tube amplifier from Sweden?
Stephen Loke
Hey,
I have the HD25-1 II, V-Moda M-80 and other portable headphones. I was wondering what portable setup should i get for around 300USD-450USD. I want a good combo and also a setup which works well with portable headphones which don’t have too high impedance.I don’t really mind whether it’s a DAC & Amp in one or whether the DAC is one item & the Amp is one item.
I listen to mostly: Pop, rock and Alternative
Thanks.
Isaiah Mackler
Hey Mike,
I have the HD650 and HD600, one for office (85% of listening), one for home; I’ll probably rotate them occasionally. I recently got a used AHA-120 for around $400 and am really impressed by it. Its better than both Fiio E9 and O2, at least with the HD600, 650. It works good as transportable between the home and office. My question is if I could could get a better desktop amp for like $300 than the portable AHA-120; If I could, I’d keep the O2 for the occasional home/portable use and keep the desktop amp in the office. You said some really positive things about the AHA-120. But can I beat it in a desktop for around $300? If not, I’ll probably keep it! (DIY is kind of out of the picture for me…)
Thanks!
Mike
The AHA is very nice and I think the quality of portable amps are getting better and they are quite competitive with $300 desktops these days. Another amp that you want to try is the ALO National. I just took it to the local Jaben store yesterday and we paired it with a lot of different headphones, all with very good results including some hard to pair headphones like the Sony SA3000, Beyer T70, and Denon’s D2000.
http://www.headfonia.com/the-sequel-alo-audio-the-national/
Isaiah Mackler
Thanks for the response, Mike!I’ll keep an eye out for the national! As it stands right now, you don’t see me losing out on sound quality by not getting a $300 or so desktop amp over the aha-120?
Mike
Yes I don’t think that a $300 desktop would be better than the AHA-120.
Stephen Loke
Hey Mike,
Would you recommend the Continental over the National for IEM? Is it worth the extra couple hundred dollars?
Thanks.
Mike
Ummm the question here is not going to be over power output, but rather the sound quality.
The Continental is the more refined amp with much better treble, mids and soundstage. The National is more fun, to me, primarily due to the fuller bass body and impact.
Victor Yu
Hi Mike, how would u compare RSA The Predator VS the RSA-71A on the amp session, also is the DAC good?
Mike
Victor, I don’t think that the Predator would stand a chance to the 71A. The 71A IMO is still Ray’s best portable amp.
The DAC, I’m not so sure since it’s quite old already.. I’d probably put my money on the newer DACs.
Leonard Glennaldy
Hei mike, hv u ever tried amp named Marshall model MG15cfx? My friend’s dad wanna sold it cheap for me. But idk is it good with my Senn 598 and my Ipad2 as my Dap? Worthed or not?
Mike
Hi Leonard,
Sorry I haven’t.
peter baker
I am purchasing the Sennheiser 598’s soon, and have decided on these finally (unless you have something that will blow them out of the water for a similar price) and have been looking for the best amp to pair with these headphones for under $200. I listen on my laptop as well as on my iPod, and I need something that can cater to both of these. I have been looking for a long time, and need a reply that doesn’t have ten suggestions in it. Thank you. (I listen to mainly Indie/Acoustic stuff, some rock, classic rock and a variety of other genre’s).
Mike
Peter,
How much is the Sony MA-900 in your area? I think it’s extremely good for the price that it sells here (about the same as the 598s), and I can see more people liking it than the 598.
Mike
Disclaimer: I happen to be selling the MA-900 on my headphone store (though not internationally), so do check it out yourself and see if you like the MA-900.
nan
hello mike, im ordering the sennheiser hd800 for my dad and im looking for a portable usb DAC/amp for him since he has most of his music on his laptop.
what would you recommend?
NubTAM94
Perhaps the Dacport LX paired with an extremely powerful mobile amp like the Continental or the L3. Assuming that your dad has the HD800, the prices of these shouldn’t be too far from his reach 🙂
These are the best you can get for mobile amping really
Mike
Nan,
I really would’t recommend running from a portable.
But if you must, the Matrix Mini Portable is nice. http://www.headfonia.com/the-320-portable-dacamp-matrix-mini-portable/
Guest
Hello Mike, i managed to convince him out of a portable solution for the HD800. whats DAC/Amp would you recommend. I was having a look at the Burson HA-160DS, also you said u prefer tube amps with the HD800, anything u can recommend under $1000?
Mike
The HD800 works incredibly well out of the Bottlehead Crack actually, just add external DAC.
The ALO Pan Am comes with an external DAC but I’ve yet to try it with the HD800.
nan
Just had a look at the Bottlehead Crack, since its a DIY its a no go. I prefer something already built, Another thing also is that the voltage requirements would not work since we use 220 v. WHhat do u think of the HD800/ Burson HA-160DS combo. Im open to any other suggestions you have
Mike
I think the HD800 works best with tubes. Perhaps the ALO Pan Am, but let me try it with the HD800 first.
nan
will be looking forward to ur review on that
Mike
Tried the HD800 with the PanAm all afternoon today, and while it’s not as impressive as the big $5K tube amps, I think the pairing is smooth and nice. The two works quite well together, the HD800 of course best for classical and stuff like audiophile Jazz, but still the PanAm is not quite like a $3K WooAudio WA5. With the LCD-2 however the opposite is true. The PanAm is much better than the WA5.
Will try the HE-500 tomorrow.
Trent_D
If your choices were the PanAm or the Bottlehead Crack?
L.
Value for money, the crack is pretty hard to beat imo, by any amp. Let’s see what Mike says
Mike
For the HD800, the Crack actually.
For the LCD-2 the PanAm is really hard to beat even by bigger amps.
Mike
I think a few people is asking me about the PanAm + HD800 combo so I’ll make time to get some listening time.
Gerald Chow
Hi Mike,
I am what you would call a beginner at this audio appreciation stuff.
Currently, I have a GoVibe Mini-Box 2012 Edition and am looking for an upgrade.
I am also currently using the Audinst HUD-MX1.
The headphones that I have are the AKG K420 and Alessandro MS1i. Planning to get either the ATH-AD700 or AD900 in the future.
I am considering the followings;
1) JDSLabs Cmoy
2) Audinst AMP-HP
3) ALO The National
The music genres that I listen to most of the time are J-Pop, R&B, piano music and orchestra.
Should I jump straight to the heavy-weight (The National) or start off with something light (AMP-HP)?
Thanks for your time and advice.
Mike
If you can afford it,
Go with the National.
It’s one of the best portables around currently.
Gerald Chow
Thanks for the advice.
I went and got The National. My wallet is still crying but my ears are enjoying every moment with The National.
#–#
Just a quick question; In reference to your Rule #3 for headphones, does it apply to amplifiers as well?
I am considering to audition the Graham Slee Voyager (if Jaben SG still has one) to hear the difference between it and The National.
I am hoping to hear what an analog and tube sound sounds like from the Voyager.
Will having difference sets of amplifiers expand the genre bandwidth without the need for more headphones?
Or, will having too many amplifiers be a bad thing?
Mike
Enjoy the National!
The #3 rule, I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to own more than 1 amps.. but I’ll be lying if I don’t say that one amplifier is better at one music than the next.
Michael Mercer
I couldn’t stop listening to the ALO Rx Mk3 this weekend. Typically, I’ll listen to my headphone rig while writing, then go listen to the reference stereo system in the media room. Last Saturday I was so enraptured by the combo of my Audeze LCD3’s + ALO Rx Mk3 (my Ipod Touch as source, via Moon Audio’s LOD3 cable into the ALO) that I listened until the sun came up. Been a LONG time since I had an all-night sesh like that!!!!
Kristanto Siswanto
Hi Mike,
I am looking to buy portable amp + dac for my edition 8 head phone, my usual source would be from Iphone or Ipod and I travel quite a bit thus i need a compact size portable amp… could you give me some recommendation that would suit my edition 8 ?
Thank you
Mike
For the DAC you can go with either the CLAS or the Fostex HP-P1.
http://www.headfonia.com/the-fostex-hp-p1/
http://www.headfonia.com/revolutionary-the-cypher-labs-algorhythm-solo-clas/
The amp, there are plenty to choose from:
http://www.headfonia.com/category/amps/portable-amps-amplifiers/
Kristanto Siswanto
Hi Mike,
Thanks for the info, should i go with amp only or amp + sac? sorry this question might sound silly but i am a newbie in this stuff.
So Fostex HP-P1 not too large to carry around or travelling? or does a cheaper amp like JDSLabs CmoyyBB would do good when paired with Edition 8?
Thank you again
Mike
Kris,
I suggest you spend a little time reading the articles, that would give you a better idea of what to get.
Kristanto Siswanto
Mike, I read so many articles and get more confused 🙁 thats why i just wanted to know what is a good amp + dac to have for edition 8, thanks for your input
Mike
If you’ve narrowed down your choice to the Fostex HP-P1 and the JDSLabs Cmoy, then I can tell you easily that the Fostex is the better product and the price reflects it too.
Nick Tam
Assuming that you want the Fostex HP-P1 mainly because you have an iDevice, then go for it. With other mobile amps, you’re amping the signal from the iDevice’s analogue out processed by it’s onboard DAC chip. You should really read the “source recommendations” and FAQ sections first.
Su Inspire
Hi Mike, I am thinking to get a local made Objective 2 amp,I am recently listening to vocal sound,is the o2 amp fullfill my need? and listen to some of the violin as well. Thanks.
Mike
Best audition it yourself?
Alan Tan
Yo Mike,
Im looking for a headamp that is small, has enough power for beyerdynamic 250 ohm can, and does not run off batteries or need recharging, currently my dac using dacport LX, so something that can reflect sound of the wonderful beyer will be great.. not much budget around, USD 200 tops (i think)
Mike
Should be pretty easy these days to find an amp that can power the 250Ω Beyers. If you get the standard Dacport with the amplifier, that would do. There are so many choices out there. The difficulty is finding a desktop amp (that’s what you want, right) under USD$200.
Alan Tan
actually the thing i want is just an amp that needs not recharging, and is small for my small table
Nick Tam
… so a desktop amp? I don’t recall desktop amps running off batteries (except for the Pan Am)
Alan Tan
actually any size amp will do, just want it small and cable powered, has power for 250 ohm beyer, worth around or below usd 200
Mike
Actually the Cmoy for $60, add in a power adapter and you’re all set. No need to go to $200. For a “real” desktop amp, the cheapest I can recommend is the Asgard and that’s a bit over $200. You can find some desktop amps for less than $200 on eBay but I’m not so sure of their quality.
Alan Tan
funny thing is i used to have the cmoy from jdslabs.. 😀 time for a return trip to jds? alternatives? maybe the highly debated o2? it can run without batteries, right?
Mike
The O2 would do too. If you plug in the AC adapter then it shouldn’t matter if you have batteries or not, in effect it’ll be a “desktop” amp.
Alan Tan
what are the sound character of an o2? very transparent? not much colouring to music?
Mike
Yes very transparent for the price.
sling5s
Was the Violectric v200 a consideration for desktop recommendation. Maybe over or instead Burson HA-160? Any reason you picked the Burson over Violectric v200
L.
I Choose the Violectric over the V200 because of the warmer sound and bass. The Burson is very nice too but is more neutral sounding and doesn’t have the bass impact of the Violectric. I think we hadn’t test it when we recommended the Burson. In my personal opinion both are recommended depending on your preference in sound sig.
We should probably do another update to all these pages Mike 🙂
Vern
Perhaps the DAC portion makes a difference… but having owned the Burson HA-(160D) before I got my V200, I thought the complete opposite about how L described the bass impact of these two amps. I think the bass impact was greater on the HA-160D, but the V200 bass definitely sounds more refined (likely due to its warm nature). The HA-160D also had a much shorter decay.
I think you guys should do a side by side comparison of the HA-160D vs. the V200 with the Planar Magnetics… The difference in sound quality is not subtle, in favor of the V200 😛
Mike
I don’t know about the V200 but the way you compare the Burson’s bass is spot on IMO.
L.
And I stick to my point about the Burson bass impact compared to the V200 on the LCD2. I’ve listened to the Burson several times, even last sunday and each time that’s my conclusion. The Dac part I didn’t use as a matter of fact. Anyhoo, V200 is best if you prefer a warmer sound.
sling5s
Thanks. I knew your preference for warmer would make you choose Violectric over Burson. Have you compared the Mjolnir or Pan Am with Violectric v200? I’m assuming the Mjolnir would not suit your taste but you guys seem to love the Pan Am. Hoping your favorite is still the violectric v200.
L.
I was listening to the Pan Am last sunday. Also a good amp, very clear and light sounding. To me missing some body ans bass slam, but an awesome result from such a tiny device
Regis
Hello there, I have ultrasone edition 8 cans and would like to know what amp you would recommend for them. Im currently looking at either the o2, c421 or the schiit asgard.
Thank you.
John123John
Hey guys,
I just received an opportunity to audition the He-500 and Audeze LCD-2 only to realize i dont really have high end amps. well…
I currently have the Bottlehead Crack, CMoyBB(DIY) and the Audioengine D1. Is this sufficient or would i need to get something else.
If the latter, what would you recommend on a budget?
Trent_D
Well, the Fiio e11 or e12 would be able to drive them. The Schiit asgard should be decent. I know the Crack won’t drive them, and even if the cMoy is modified for higher current, I don’t know if that would be enough.
L.
Honestly I wouldn’t even go for the E11 or e12
John123John
fudge…..
How about the Fiio e9k? Honestly, im probably going to return the amp after im done using it.. im a horrible person
Actually what about an O2?
looking for something around… $150 max.
Thanks guys.
Trent_D
Well, in Mike’s review, he said the e12 could drive the HE-6, which is maybe the hardest headphone there is to drive.. As a result, it should have no problem driving the he-500 or the lcd-2, but I can’t guaranty it will be a good pairing.
John123John
“Strangely though it powers the Audez’e LCD-2 and Fostex T50RP (and its derivatives like the Mad Dog headphone) just fine, I didn’t feel the synergy to be there.”
Turn off….
dalethorn
It sure sounds like a power issue mainly. Wouldn’t a medium priced amp like the Schiit Lyr be better, with the extra power it has?
Mike
It’s not the ideal HE-500 or LCD-2 amp but the E9K can drive the two yes.
John123John
Okay I basically reread all the amp reviews from the $100 to $300 range and it seems like none of them can really bring out the potential of the he-500 and lcd-2…. sad day.
Im looking at the e07/e09 combo, e11, e17, e17,e09 combo, c421 and maybe the audinst mx1. The butte too but i cant find it anywhere…
Mike, could i get your impressions of the orthos on the e17 and mx1 and and your opinions of the amp choices.
Sorry im being annoying.
Trent_D
Try the Asgard?
John123John
I had the asgard! and i liked it!
not sure why i got rid of it…
Remus
Mike, I really think that you should spend some time to update the buyers guide section. It seems really outdated , especially the amp section since you have reviewed many amps recently. I would very much like to see amps you like alot like the apex glacier and national/continental being updated onto the recommendation list. Just a suggestion to make headfonia a better and more informative read(:
L.
You’re right but it’s a question of “having time”
Mirela Anghel
Hi there! My husband is a professor and he lately had a major surgery at this vocal cords. He is still teaching, though he cannot be heard that much. Could you please help me and recommend a set of microphone and amplifier that are portable and easy to use. I mostly appreciate.
L.
Hi Mirela, I’m afraid we don’t have much experience with microphones and their amplifiers. We focus on headphones and their amplification, a whole different thing. Good luck with your search!
Sam Pascoe
Depends on your price range. I would recommend a countryman e6 omni, for the mic. There are cheaper options though.
Damián Bonadonna
Hi Mike,
My next step is to get a desktop Amp + DAC, I want an all in one solution cause I basically hate cables… it must have USB input and I would like to use it with some speakers later.
What do you recommend for SRH1840 and future HD650, HE400/HE500 and maybe some 2 channel speaker setup. I don’t really know price range now, I guess something around 1K, but I would like to know all the options in a kind of rating. If it really justifies to expend more maybe I would.
Thanks as always.
Mike
The Burson Conductor is the best along all the all in ones I’ve tried.
Including
Grace m902, Benchmark, Lavry, and a few others.
Damián Bonadonna
Have you tried the Grace m903 or Benchmark D2? 1800 USD is a big step from my current set up.. so I really need to nail on this :). Some other guy recommended the V200 with the USB option.. but it seems a little rustic to me.
Mike
Sorry haven’t tried either. While the Grace should have a much more improved DAC over the predecessor, the amplifier section is IMHO inferior to the Burson.
JamesLoh
Hi Mike, I would get my new Philips Fidelio X1 in coming weeks, my current headphone amp is Fiio E10, I would like to upgrade my amp, any recommendation?
Mike
The Fiio E7K and E9K combo is great for the X1
Eli Segal
Hi
Is it possible that the C421 feels warmer and fuller than the SR-71A
(I just got it last week)
L.
That sounds about correct from what I’ve read about the SR-71A. Mind that the C421 is no longer being sold as it’s been replaced by the C5
Eli Segal
I thought it should be warmer as it supposed to have a better bass impact and a darker sound rsa is known for
Mike
They’re both just as warm
John123John
Hey Mike,
This pertains to a bit older stuff but Butte or M-Stage Matrix? I listen to a wide variety of music (Rock, Jazz, Hip hop, EDM) as well at shows and movies. Current headphones are HD650 (might sell *gasp*), Momentum, DT880. Might get something new but not really important.
Maybe a pros and cons list or something of the sort.
Thanks,
Yongky
Hi Mike, can u suggest an desktop/portable amp that similar character with RSA SR-71A?of course with internal charging. or maybe u had sumtin in mind?Im looking for strong bass impact (tight and punchy, not boomy), fast paced, realistic and good treble.
Mike
Intruder. Was just listening to the two this afternoon
Yongky
sorry i forgot to mention the price range, maybe around the same price with alo rxmk3. more than that will be out of budget.
what’s the difference between SR-71A and intruder?i heard that intruder is mellow and slow paced?
Yongky
mike, how about alo international?more closer character to SR71A or u still defend the intruder?
Dave Ulrich
Have you read the International review? They are compared.
Mike
The Intruder, 71A, and International are all relatively dark. We just did a comparison last week and I thought that the Intruder has the smoothest sound with the weightiest lows and that’s probably the modern equivalent of the 71A. The International however is extremely popular with the local crowd at the moment as it handles different headphones and different genres beautifully.
Eli Segal
How is the intruder compared with PanAm for HD650?
which would be a better combination?
Mike
I like it better with the Intruder
Eli Segal
Including the DAC?
Mike
The PanAm DAC is better but overall the synergy with thr Intruder is better
Eli Segal
I’ve read in head-fi that there’s some imbalance when using the SE output. Did you notice something like that?
Mike
Nope. No problems with IEMs too
Mike
And your wallet wished you never asked that question ;p
HZE
Hi Mike, after I read your review on ALO Panam,I got an impression that it is the best amp for LCD-2 that you have ever heard so far. So, is the Panam better than beta22 when paired with LCD-2?
Mike
The last time I compared the Beta22 was to the Burson HA-160 which I felt is a slightly better amp for the LCD-2 than the Beta.
Interestingly the PanAm beats the Burson Soloist (I don’t have the HA-160 around anymore) not only in things like midrange quality which tubes always have an advantage on but also dynamics and soundstage.
Now recently some local friends and also Lieven are saying that the Vio V200 is a better LCD2 amp and though I don’t agree to that statement, you may want to check out the Vio as well. The Vio has a bigger soundstage and fuller bass but the midrange and soundstage image is fuzzier, the sound less clean and less clear, and the soundstage depth is shallower — plus minus in all.
HZE
I will try to audition them when I have a chance. Thank you for you recommendation.
I love this site 🙂
Mike
You’re welcome 🙂
HZE
With all of the high end amp that you have tried, can we say that the pan am can be near “end game” for LCD-2?
Mike
I can’t quite say that since there are tons of $2K++ amps I haven’t tried. The formula with ALO and Audez’e have been working quite successfully, however, with people now saying that ALO amps are naturally good performer for Audez’e headphones (I understand the two are working quite closely together). For a $1K price bracket, however, the PanAm is a very strong recommendation.
L.
So far I stick to the Violectric ss amps myself for the LCD-s. the Pan Am was good but not my sound. Shows again audio is personal 🙂
HZE
The sound that I want is good separation and layering with full midrange and great bass slam, a bit more air is also appreciated.
From the review here, both of the Panam with mullard tube and V200 have the characteristic that I want. That is why I can’t decide between those two.
But which one has better based on the sound that I want above?
And unfortunately there is no place to audition around here.
I read somewhere that Apex Peak also works great with LCD-2. Is the Panam/Vio better than the Peak?
Reus
Hi Mike, I’ve a question: does the source matter when it’s connected with amp and dac? Sooner or later I’ll probably buy an amp and dac so I want to know if there will be any difference between listening from laptop or from dap.
Dave Ulrich
Yes, the source makes a difference.
Mike
Yes transport quality makes a difference
Aakshey
Hi Mike,
I have a question. Between Matrix M Stage and Asgard 2, which is the better one? Especially as a preamp? Particularly for mids and clean/transparent sound? What are the pros and cons of each against each other? And how do these two compare to Lyr?
Thanks in advance
Aakshey
Mike
Hi Aakshey,
I think the M Stage is a better amp than the original Asgard, but I haven’t listened to the Asgard 2 as Dave did that review. Also I was using the M Stage mostly as a headphone amp and never as a preamp.
If you want clean mids and transparent sound you’ll be better off with tubes even $300 ones tend to have a cleaner mid and more transparent than solid state equivalents. The solid states win in bass usually.
Aakshey
And how does Marrix Mstage compare to Lyr?
Mike
The MStage is darker, more grainy. Lyr brighter, cleaner.
Aakshey
Could you please just answer this question.
Between, Asgard 1 or 2, and Matrix M Stage: Which is more transparent and clean and clear sounding?
Mike
Asgard 1 vs mstage: a bit more transparent on the M Stage. Just a bit.
Asgard 2: haven’t heard
Aakshey
All the comparisons and differences you told me so far:
Did you compare the first lot Asgard 1 to Matrix? Or did you compare the revised lot of Asgard 1 to the Matrix? Because I hear there is a big difference between the two.
Mike
The two versions of the Asgards are still roughly in the same “camp” in terms of sound to the Matrix so the comparison would still apply.
Joe Sandoval
Hello Mike, I really need help. I am in process of upgrading my HTC smartphone to a portable DAP. I only use IEM and pico slim. I’m new to HiFi and don’t know about better options. I want to construct a portable rig with Awesome sound. Please help. Budget is under 500.00 USD.
Joe Sandoval
dalethorn
As a long time user of Apple 64 gb DAPs, I didn’t find anything satisfactory to me less than the A-K 100 or 120. That’s because my Apple player with 44k WAV tracks sounds great, and adding a DAC like the Verza makes it even better. You might find one of the HiFiMan players will work OK for you, but you’ll struggle with memory, and the sound will not be as good as a small cheap netbook computer with Dragonfly, Microstreamer etc. DAC/amp. If high quality DAPs were selling in large numbers it wouldn’t be so bad, but they’re not being made en masse so the price for a reasonable data capacty is $1000 or more.
Mike
Joe the AK100 is the best selling player in my store and people seems to like it very much.
Personally I think the HM60x players are still competitive in terms of SQ and even sounds more analog to my ears but people like the AK100 for their build, touch screen, overall qualities of the player.
Joe Sandoval
Thanks Dale, I have been eyeing the AK100 , I was kind of skeptical about its sq, I think I just might shell out the the extra loot for their AK100.
Bradford
I have the HD 650s. I really hear so many great things about the Bottlehead Crack
pairing well with it. It’s just so big! In addition, I’d need to buy an DAC.
How much of a difference in sound is there between the JDS Labs C5 and
the Bottlehead Crack for the HD650’s? You are welcome to email privately as well.
L.
Huge difference. Tubes vs portable ss. I suggest reading our reviews about the C5, the Carck and the HD650 from Dave, I think you’ld get a good idea 🙂
Dave Ulrich
I don’t remember reviewing the Carck… 😉
Dave Ulrich
Wouldn’t you need a DAC for the C5 as well?
Bradford
What DAC should I get for this combo? I’ll mainly be playing it from USB source.
Dave Ulrich
Well, L says the e10 is a very enjoyable combo with the Crack. Mike has said he thinks the e7k is Fiio’s best DAC, so that might be worth a look. I like a really clean sounding DAC with the Crack (or everything really), so I recommend the Dacport LX. I tried the MS2+ the other day and wasn’t really impressed with it. The Dacport retails for 250 from Centrence.
Steven
Mike, get your hands on the Pico Power and review it!
Mike
I do have one on the store. Not liking the sound. Forward but harsh mids and congested on the middle. Very solid state, very dry. I really rather not write a review on it.
Steven
Is that a specific comparison or in general based upon your vast experience,
or a matter of system synergy?
I have the Pico Power but do not worry, not seeking validation or anything :p
Am pairing PP with the Clas -dB. Find the PP to be neutral / un-coloured. Bass is clean and tight.
Am *considering* picking up the Alo MK3B+ just for the hell of it, but down the line when my wallet recovers. Originally demoed the -dB and MK3B together and was wowed. But got distracted by the PP…
Mike
I tried it with a few set ups, I don’t know, I don’t like the sound. Glad you’re enjoying it though, that’s all that matters.
Guest
Hi Mike do you do export of the ALO Six to Singapore ? Please guide me. Tks.
Nikola Matečić
Hi, could you give some advice for picking some portable amp or amp/dac combo for Shure se535ltd for using with ipod classic? thx
Mike
Nikola,
I don’t spend too much time with the SE535LTD but in general my experience with IEMs is that they rarely need amping and that you’ll be better off upgrading your source.
Steven
Mike, do you know anything about Orb Jade to go portable amp?: http://www.orb-audio.jp/english/collection2.htm
Was researching Just Audio AHA-120 and stumbled across a UK website selling only Orb and JH portable amps…
Mike
I tried those. Pretty good warm sound. It’s an easy to enjoy sound. Soft and relaxed.
Steven
Guess I have to go on a site visit and demo the Orb Jade to go and AHA-120 then!
How do you expect synergy with Clas -dB -> [the above two] -> Senn HD600?
Mike
I think either amp pairs well with the HD600.
John Junior
What warm sounding amp would you suggested within O2 amp price? My Aune T1 + HD 600 can be too bright sometime and I read
that the amp is the culprit. Thinking of changing to warmer one. Change
tube, or get amp?
L.
Something from Fiio like the E12, JDSlabs C421 or C5. Not the O2 😉
John Junior
May I know why C421 or C5 sir?
L.
Cause they’re good and dark like a Senn needs 😉
Read the reviews 🙂
John Junior
Well, after reading some review I’d been a bit confuse between those 3 JDS. How about Shonyun 306a? Or still those JDS are better?
BTW, both C421 and C5 sound and looks good. But which one would be the best paired with HD600?
L.
I’d go for the C421. No idea about he Shonyun
Mike
C421 is in production again?
John Junior
I thought replaced by C5 right? And only used unit available?
Mike
The Fiio E09K is a good amp
John Junior
Thanks… Will make consideration. Ever tried Little Dot MK III?
Kukuh Setiadi
What dac/amp would you guys suggested for Sony SA3000, price range about $200 and can be found on local store(Indonesia) ?
SA3000 is a bright sounding headphone and I want just a little more bass and more warmer mid (not as bright/thin)
many thanks 🙂
Mike
Budget?
Mike
Or you can get the MA900 it really is a warmer SA3000 with better bass and more accurate timbre
Kukuh Setiadi
so do you suggest me to change the cans? I like SA3000, its very comfortable to wear. I never heard Sony MA900. My budget is about $200, and I can find dacport (dac/amp) 2nd hand for $180 🙂
Mike
I don’t think the Dacport pairs nice with the Sony.
And yes the MA900 is even more comfortable. I sold both MA900 and SA3000 at my previous store.
kuse
oh maybe it will make SA3000 too bright?
how about topping d1 mk2, i read on the review that it has good bass?
or maybe schiit asgard?
Kukuh Setiadi
mike, what do you think about pairing SA3000 with topping D1 mk2?
Mester Mink
I need a desktop amp for my phillips x1, i’m listening to rap/hiphop, dance and a little pop so a little bass boost will be fine. I was looking at the fiio 10. Do you have amy suggestions? my price range is 300 at the max
Mike
Mester, do you think you can up the budget for the E09K? It’s a much better desktop amp than the E10.
Michael
Are there any portable amps that are really going to made the Audeze LCD-2s sound their best for under $400? If not I’m willing to go with a desktop amp. Buying used is an option too so I could maybe get something that usually costs over $400 for a little less.
dalethorn
What will the amp (also DAC?) be connected to on the source end?
Michael
My computer or, if I get a portable amp, my iPhone as well. Should I get an dedicated soundcard as well? My motherboard has a soundcard but I know it’s not as good as a dedicated one.
dalethorn
For the computer I’d suggest an external DAC and headphone amp together in one enclosure, to eliminate cables and connectors and wiring. Whether that DAC could also service the iPhone, that narrows the choices since Apple licenses the USB data and just a few manufacturers buy it. Portable amps have a possible advantage in sound insofar as there is no AC transformer or line noise etc. So if it were me I’d take a long look at the Theorem 720, and maybe up the budget if necessary.
Mike
Under $400, try the ALO National
Michael
If I upped it to like $550 could I get anything substantially better?
L.
see above, there’s a 15% discount now on aloaudio.com
L.
Best portable amps to me still is the ALO RX MK3 (which now is $551.65), and the Theorem. maybe the new Cypherlabs Duet will be awesome, I’ll find out in a few days but it’s a bit more expensive
Guest
Mike-I’m looking for a couple of amp/dac recommendations. First, I’m looking portable AMP to use with my Fostex TH600s around the house. My source is an iPod Classic with ALAC files. I have narrowed my choice down to either the Fostex HP-P1 or the CEntrance HIFI-M8. Which would you recommend? Second, I’m looking for an inexpensive and highly portable USB DAC/headphone amp to use with my Macbook Pro and Mac Mini with high res 24/96 ALAC and FLAC files. Was thinking of either the Audioquest Dragonfly, AudioEngine D3 or CEntrance DacPort. Any recommendations (would use the TH600s with this setup as well as my Westone ES2 Customs). Thanks.
Dave Ulrich
As seems to be the rage, maybe try the Cypher Labs Theorem. It works as a high quality USB dac and has a good built in am. It also works as a Dac/amp for ipods.
Mike
1. HP-P1 or M8. The M8, though I am not a fan of it. It should handle the TH600 with plenty of power left. 2. I haven’t spent enough time with the D3 or the Dragonfly, sorry.
Richard Zeddun
Thanks for the input everyone. May have to look at the Theorem too. I’m open to other portable USB DAC Headphone Amp combos for the th600s too so long as self powered for using around the house or traveling. So if you have any other recommendations besides what I mentioned I’d love to hear them.
Matthew
Hi, super helpful article/website. I’m looking to buy a good Amp/DAC to use with an iPhone and my HD600 headphones. Source files are usually compressed AAC. Two choices are the new Sony PHA-2 (can get sent from Japan via eBay) or the Versa VAMP. Both about $600. Any thoughts between the two? Other contenders I should consider? Thank you!
dalethorn
I had the v-moda Verza for a few months, and sent it off to Marcus in the Philippines, so you could google him and see if he’s reported on it yet. I wrote a favorable review but it doesn’t say much about the sound except that it’s about as good as you’ll get with CD quality tracks (which isn’t bad). I’m not familiar with the Sony, but if I were looking beyond the Verza, I would take a very long look at the Theorem 720 (and then promptly buy it).
Mike
The VAMP is better.
The PHA-2 is still a hit and miss IMO.
Matthew
Thanks for your response. I see others here recommend the Theorem, but that is way too big for my needs. The only other contender is the Fostex HP-P1, but that also is not as slim/sleek as the VAMP. Do you still recommend the VAMP over the Fostex?
dalethorn
I had the Verza. I wish I had the Theorem instead.
Mike
Ignoring size, the Theorem is currently my #1 preference. The Vamp is a close second.
L.
I can’t say it enough: Cypher Labs Theorem!
Diego
Hey Mike, great and informative website. I bought myself now the first expensive iem (westone 4r) and I search now a portable amp. I will use it also for my desk. So I read all your reviews and now I have the problem that I stay where I began. I searching something between around 400$. I listen any kind of music, but most hiphop. I hope you can help!
Best regards from n’ keep it up!
L.
I can fully recommend the Duet as well
Mike
Hi Diego,
With IEMs, a better source is what I’ll go for first.
Roey
Mike, need your expertise on running the He-6 from an vintage amp via speaker taps. Which one would you recommend, Marantz or Pioneer? Also, where in Jakarta would you recommend I can get a vintage amp repaired or check-out before plugging in speakers/headphones into them.
L.
The HE6 does great with vintage gear. both are really good, give them both a listen.
Mike
Can’t say which brand.. Vintage Marantz tend to be warm and blindly that’s the brand I’d go for but ultimately you have to test and listen.
Get in touch with this guy to get the amp checked and repaired:
http://www.kaskus.co.id/thread/000000000000000001463781/jerusalem-audio/
STARSTERN
which amp that been reviewed here would be closest to the quality sound wise of this amp HEADAMP GS-XMK2 ?
Mike
Sorry I have no idea.
Raskoln
Hi, can you recommend an amp, desktop or portable, to pair with Senn 598s? Very wide listening tastes.
Raskoln
Recommend Audinst HP or Fiio E12 for above?
Mike
The Audinst
Raskoln
Thanks.
Gabriel
Hello!
I have a Sony MDR-X10 (among others), Sony Xperia Z Ultra and a FiiO E11. I do not need portability so I am looking into a better amp at no more than $150..maybe the Little Dot I+, or the Magni or maybe you have another suggestion?
Thanks!
One thing that concerns me is the Bass Boost of the FiiO as I like to use that since the sound from my phone seems to lack bass on some songs.
Vishal Singh
I have read your several reviews and I know your are not a big fan of diymod. However, I have got one and I want your help in buying an amp which will complement my diymod well. I have Arrow 3G but it does not go well with the diymod. Help please.
L.
I have no clue concerning the imod (diymod), sorry
Vishal Singh
Its just an imod with blackgate capped lod. It has abundant bass in them as it is and adding arrow 3g with it just makes it to bass heavy and to dark for my taste.
L.
Arrow 3G is a good amp though. In that case get a nice neutral amplifier? Or one with adjustable bass like the JDSlabs C5
Vishal Singh
I was wondering that myself. Thanks.
Tommy
Mike & Lieven, what do you think is the most neutral portable amp under $200? If possible it also have great technicalities as well..
L.
do you consider the O2 to be portable?
Tommy
Nope.. I prefer smaller size, pocket size.. Even better if it under $100..
L.
under $100? I’m not very much familiar in that price range I’m afraid.
dalethorn
FiiO E07k – excellent sound and under $100.
Giacomo
hi there!im looking for an headphone (fidelio x1) amp to connect to my asus xonar dx (used as a dac)…any advise? around 100/150 $ thanks 😉
dalethorn
For under $100 USD, the FiiO E07k (amp only) or the PA2V2 would be good. Above $100 but under $150 the O2 (assembled) is good. I don’t know of any amp only (no DAC) above $150 that’s better until it gets to almost $400.
Giacomo
many thanks for reply! i already read only good things on the O2…but compared to schiit magni which is better? but you mean fiio e09k? i was thinking that 07 is a dac (sorry for my english anyway 🙂 )
dalethorn
I don’t know, but the Magni review on Headfonia describes it well, and the Amazon price is good, so maybe check the review and see what you think.
Alton Britt
Dalethorn—recently received fiio e11 and fiio e07k, both of which sounded great, but each had a connection short or similar problem which shorted out sound in right ear-cup of HF. Jiggling the cords made sound on right come and go. Bothe can be returned, but what should I get? Should I get both replaced, get the fiio e17, or perhaps go with the schiit magni or vali/modi combination. Trying to stay under $250 or so! What advantage does a yube amp give?
Dave Ulrich
sounds more like a headphone problem. You sure the problem was with the amp?
Alton Britt
I was mainly using the Beyer DT 990Pro, but I’ll try it with others. When I jiggle the cords, the right-side sound is in and out. I really appreciate your response; you guys are awesome!!
dalethorn
Yeah, like Dave said – unlikely both amps would have the same very unusual problem.
Tsuneharu Renji
Hello there! Recently i just bought a Sennheiser HD 8 DJ headphone and
currently looking a better amp that gives a good detail sound or a
little flat and portables from these brand like Fiio E17k or the Hippo
cri cri + (Price range = $150<) . I couldn't decide on which one
should i get and can you give a thought about it or suggest a better
amp? Thnks..cheers~
dalethorn
I would choose the E17, to get the most power and flexibility.
Tsuneharu Renji
thnks @dalethorn:disqus!! now i can buy with confidence~ cheers~
john doe
hi. I just bought the hifiman 500s and can’t afford a quality headphone amplifier at this time. how much am I losing by using the headphone jack on my home stero amp. it sounds pretty good to my untrained ears
L.
I don’t know how your stereo amp sounds so that’s hard to tell. there are some really good stereo integrated old school receivers but a fair bet would be you’re not getting the best of of it
john doe
thanks for your reply. time to start saving my pennies!
SoundEskimoo
WA6 … is the synergy good enough for Sennheiser HD650?
L.
Are you playing me man? I replied to your eskimo account more than enough. We don’t think the 6 is a good match as its no OTL. you just refuse to see that it seems 🙁
Yuri Sirotin
Mike, L, I asked for advice for relatively budget amplifier for HE-500 in comments for Fiio E11K. I thought it’s better to move my question here.
Do you think that Duet, Theorem or Solo SRG II would suit HE-500 better than Lyr or EF-5
(with OP627 mod), despite the huge gap in power at the comparable price?
What about the highly praised Geek Out 1000 or cheaper iFi iDSD micro?
I listen
mostly to EDM, pop and rock music. So I prefer a little punchier than
flat bass (not a bass head though), thus aggressiveness of Burson or something similar may
come in handy.
L.
I’m not a fan of the LYR. I haven’t heard the ifi yet. Duet and Theorem do really good with the HE500
Toby
Hey guys! Just got a pair of LCD-2s and I have one question. What would be the best all-in-one amp/dac for it under the $1,000 price range? I heard the Resonessence Labs Concero HP is pretty good.
Headfonia_L.
That and Theorem probably.
Dan
Hello! I have a question on the Amp/Dac I should use with my headphones (Audio-Technica ATH-m50’s, and Shure SE353). I am interested in the iFi ican Micro. What are your thoughts on the amp/dac I should use?
dalethorn
What devices and/or computers would the amp be used with?
Dan
Well it all depends.. If the “perfect” amp is portable, than I may use it on my iPad, and/or iPhone. Other than that, the amp will be stationary hooked up to my computer. If the amp is a desktop amp, then I will only be using it with my computer.
dalethorn
I see that the iFi Nano iDSD works with iPhones etc. and computers also. There may be others as well.
Headfonia_L.
I was pleasantly surprised with the ifi performance and sound. Micro iDSD review coming up over the next few months. Very clear sound, good detail, power. Maybe a bit dry sounding but really good
Marc
If only the amp section sounded more fluid… I find the DAC to be superb.
Headfonia_L.
Exactly. but some people prefer the dryer sound
Marc
I guess the synergy of both DAC and amp could be considered neutral, theoretically the best of both worlds. It’s an all rounder/jack-of-all-trades kind of sound.
Can’t wait for the review, Lieven!!
Marc
I’m hearing great things about the LCD-XC/Micro iDSD pairing’s performance. In the local forum here, this pairing was chosen over and enjoyed more than the LCD-XC/Chord Hugo pairing.
This is a suggestion in case you haven’t tried the combination!!
Headfonia_L.
Oh I have, but I can say I fully prefer the Hugo pairing wih the XC
Marc
Which review is coming out first? Also, Is the Micro iDSD worthy of a comparison with the Hugo or is the Hugo still a league above?
Headfonia_L.
Hugo probably. To me it’s still a league above.
Marc
Thanks!!
hypebeast88
Hey, what headphone usb headphone amplifier would you recommend with the HD598’s? Thank you so much, preferably under 200
dalethorn
From what source/device to the amp?
hypebeast88
From my MacBook air to the DAC/amp to headphones , what do you think is better than the fiio e10k I want a nice desktop Amp in 100-200 range
dalethorn
FiiO E17 is good. The mini-DACs like the Dragonfly or Microstreamer don’t have enough power in my opinion. But if it were me on a limited budget, I might get the JDS O2-plus-ODAC in one enclosure, and spend a little more. If you don’t like the O2, look through the amps here and find something comparable – ALO Island, or something by Schiit.
Headfonia_L.
The new E17K is coming out soon. there’s also the JDSLabs C5D but that is around $250
dalethorn
Good idea – forgot the C5D – I’d definitely save up the extra $50 for the C5D.
hypebeast88
Hey i just pulled the trigger on a Yulong U100 Amp/DAC got it a really great price, now I was wondering which headphones to pair it with, do you think the HE-400’s are nice or the HD598’s
dalethorn
No idea about the comparison of those 2 headphones. I would probably get the HE400 – just taking a chance, because to me that’s the future and the HD598 is the past. Sennheiser has been glutting the market with a lot of headphones that are all over the map in sound, and very few that are any good. But HiFiMan, even though they haven’t been 100 percent consistent, are genuinely pursuing better sound.
hypebeast88
Hey i just pulled the trigger on a Yulong U100 Amp/DAC got it a really great price, now I was wondering which headphones to pair it with, do you think the HE-400’s are nice or the HD598’s?
Jenna Felton
Awesome page! Sometimes it can be hard to find a good pair of earbuds, especially when most of us have a limited budget! I learned a lot from your article. I just ordered myself the #3 top selling earbuds under $50 and I can’t wait to get them! Thanks again! http://bit.ly/1wuTdkl
Headfonia_L.
thanks for posting 🙂
BattousaiX26
ifi idsd micro or theorem 720 in terms of DAC section? 🙂
Headfonia_L.
ifi: analytic & dryer sound
720: Musical and dynamic
I prefer the 720
Anonymous
Hey guys, I’m thinking of getting a portable amp or amp/Dac and I need some suggestions….I use an iBasso dx90 and headphones are fidelio l2,aedle, beyerdynamic the 88 year edition (forgot the model), grado sr series(forgot the model too), and I’m thinking of getting an Audeze lcd xc. So suggestions? Thanks.
Headfonia_L.
If you stick with the DX90 I would just get an amp like the Duet or Vorzuge and use the DX90’s DAC
Anonymous
Ok great thanks! What about if I’m using my phone?
Headfonia_L.
Then you need something like cypherlabs or centrance
Vaibhav Pisal
hello headfonia,
I am shortlisting amplifiers for purchase and looking for your recommendation.
Which is best solid state for under $500 for best soundstage depth and image?
If its a amp-dac combo, then even better.
Your recommendations in past have been very helpful. I am looking forward to driving easy to drive dynamics with low impedence and iems.
Jojo Feliciano
Hi Headfonia,
I’m currently using a Cayin C5 and iFi iDSD Nano combo though I’m not really into mobile use. As source I plugin my laptop or cellphone playing flacs, dsds etc. Or I sometimes just plug my cd player to the C5. Now I’m looking at a good budget desktop amplifier not because I find the C5 lacking, quite the contrary in fact because I really love the C5 sound! My reason is I keep forgetting to charge it and I really hate it when the Cayin dies on me in the middle of a listening sesh.
My eyes are set on the Rega Ear amp though I find the lack of online reviews uninspiring. Is it a good match for the iDSD? I really need some guidance on this guys. Thanks in advance.
PS: BTW the headphone I’ll be suing is my trusty Grado 225i.
Headfonia_L.
I have no clue about the Rega, sorry
tjmetcalf
I’m looking for a recommendation on a good headphone amp. The gear I’m using is a PS Audio Perfectwave DAC thru a vintage McIntosh receiver, so I have no need for a amp/DAC combo. I’ve been looking at Beyer A20, Music Hall ph25.2 and (for tubes) Woo Audio W6. The amp would be used with Beyerdynamic DT 880 (250 Ohms), AKG K712 (62 Ohms I believe), and Audio Technica ATH-M50x. Thanks in advance for your help.
Headfonia_L.
With those headphones I would go for the A20
tjmetcalf
Thanks. I’ve already taken your advice and placed the order.
Headfonia_L.
Let us know what you think of it!
Ankit
Hi! I’m looking for a clean spacious portable amp with a 1/4″ output to drive the oppo PM1s. What would you recommend?
Headfonia_L.
I think the new Bakoon will be great. Or the Centrance
Ankit
Thank You. The HiFi M8 seems to fit what I want perfectly.
Ethan Chan
Hi, I’m looking for a headphone amp that would really boost the sound and the stoundstage of my ATH-M50X’s! What would you recommend? (Under $250)
dalethorn
Music source to drive amp?
Ethan Chan
MacBook Pro Retina (Late 2013), thanks
dalethorn
HRT Microstreamer. There are a plethora of these mini-DACs on the market, but the Microstreamer has a quality sound, well-suited to the M50, plus it has a line out so you can add a different amp to the MS’s DAC if you wish.
Zach
I’m looking at portable headphone amp/dac for my beyerdynamic DT770s and my ASG 2.5 IEMs. I’ve been looking at the Fiio E17k, iBasso D-Zero MK2 or the JDS C5D. Looking in that price range and my source is my macbook or iPhone 320 mp3s.
dalethorn
Wasn’t the FiiO E18 made for lowest noise with IEM’s? Then high-gain mode for regular headphones? It should have more power than the E17.
Zach
Don’t need power, just looking for better SQ
dalethorn
I mentioned the E18 because you need power for the headphone you specified, plus a low-noise capability for the IEM.
Zach
Oh woops I forgot to mention I have the Beyerdynamic DT770 32 Ohms
dalethorn
Maybe some of the other guys will have a suggestion – I thought the E18 would be a good starting point…
Zach
I’d love to hear other peoples’ opinions!
Headfonia_L.
Budget setups would indeed include The Fiio gear. Dac/amp wise you have the E17K (listening to it now), Something like the GEEK (I don’t like them), the HERUS, C5D, DZero, etc
I think you can go many ways
Zach
I think I might get the iBasso D Zero MK2 because it is reviewed as better than the E17k and I can get it cheaper. Do you think this will improve my SQ on a MacBook or iPhone using the a lightning to USB camera cable so it goes through the DAC?
Dreamriser Kit
Anyone try Aune B1 yet? I’m curious whether it worth to switch Fiio E12A with this amp. I use DX90 and noticed that pairing it with E12A + ALO Green Line + Yuin PK1 made vocal a little bit thin compare to DX90 internal amp. Any suggestion will be appreciated.
nish
Hi, please any recommendation for a portable amp that can properly drive the beyerdynamic DT 990 pro 250 Ohms? I have the beyerdynamic a100p, which I use with my macbook air and htc one m8. But aside from being able to raise the volume (getting a louder sound), I don’t notice any significant improvement in sound quality. So, I’m really disappointed. Any help?
derSchallhoerer
Aune B1 or Cayin C5. Those are the two that came to my mind. Both of them have enough Power to drive the DT990 Pro.
BTW: Don’t expect a huge difference in Sound. In the end, they are just Amplifier and “amplify” the signal.
nish
thanks @derschallhoerer:disqus! If I am able to have a louder clear sound, doesn’t this mean that I have no power issue? Because, right now my disappointment is with the sound quality which remains the same.
dalethorn
Let me say more clearly about the A200p: If you plugged the much cheaper Dragonfly (or Microstreamer, or other mini-DACs) into your computer you would get a much better sound than with the A200p. The A200p is not a good amp, and its only merit was being an Apple-compatible DAC when there were very few such options. Even though the mini-DACs are much cheaper, they are far better with computers. Why suffer with “phone” sound when using your computer?
nish
I get your point now (as it relates to the computer). Now I’m thinking maybe the A200p isn’t just worth it because when I tried it with an iPhone 6 and DT 990 Pro, the sound can only get louder (still clear) but no better quality. To be clear: the sound quality is fine, it’s just not better as I’d expect.
dalethorn
Another possibility today is to use a Jitterbug if it cleans up the portable sound any. It helped with my HA-2 and iPhone.
derSchallhoerer
If you dont like the current sound, an amp won’t help. Invest in a better DAC or a better pair of headphones. Of course there are amplifier that colour the sound, but that is usually not what you want.
nish
Actually the current sound is fine. I was just expecting it to be better. Maybe this whole thing has to do with my initial expectations. But as @dalethorn:disqus suggested, I will try to get my hands on a mini-DAC first and see if it makes any difference (quality wise) with my computer.
dalethorn
You will get different results with any amp that runs off of the computer and the phone. You’ll need a decent DAC for both – you certainly don’t want to run an amp from a headphone jack, unless that jack is re-purposeable as from a Dragonfly etc. Now instead of compromising my sound on the computer with my Oppo HA-2, I use the Dragonfly 1.2 on the computer, and the Oppo with the phone. But if I had to have one DAC/amp do everything, I would maybe choose the Hugo, or for less money, maybe a Theorem 720 etc.
nish
thanks @dalethorn:disqus! Yes, I meant the A200p. Actually, what happens is with it plugged in the USB port I can get pretty high volume, but the sound quality is quite similar to what I get without it (both on the laptop and phone).
svfoo123
Right Now I have been using a PB1 and DB1 to run my LCD2 headphones Balanced. Would you recommend a portable set up such as a
Cypher Labs Solo -db and ALO Rx Mk3-B
or a desktop set up such as a Matrix Audio M stage HPA-3 and a Schiit Gungnir?
Thank you
Dave Ulrich
Well, I haven’t heard the LCD-2/M-Stage combo myself, but I have heard they make a good pairing. However, and I know L will agree with me on this, the LCD’s make a great pairing with the violectric amps. Anything from the G109 to the V281. Also, I think L really likes the LCDs with the Cypher Labs Theorem.
Headfonia_L.
I agree.
Alan Chow
Hi there,
I am now in selection of a headphone amp for home use.
My Headphone: AKG K612 pro
I like the flexibility of portable amp but also like the power of desk amp (very contradictory)
My music source were mostly CDs so i need to connect the headphone amp to my CD player for listening at late night. I have also a network player that could go through music files and connected by optical if needed.
Selection list:
Pioneer XPA-700
Pros: USD 250, switches for different features such as hi lo gain, upsampling etc, opt out
Cons: lack of power (but 100mA x2 in 32 ohm should be enough for my 612?)
Teac P50/ Onkyo HA200
Pros: Good power, nice look, USD 200, opt out
Cons: Just hi lo gain switch, DAC function is not as good as XPA-700
Schiit Asgarrd
Pros: Good power, nice look
Cons: Just RCA out, no DAC function, not easy to find in my place
Jonathan “falvern” Sutedja
hi guys i have ath m50x and i was wondering what kind of amplifier will be good for it
source usually asus laptop iphone5 and ipod mp3 player
i dont know if its better to get portable or desktop amp
if the sound quality of desktop amp will be far more better than portable i think i will get the desktop one
and my budget is around 50-200$
but if u guys want to recomend something outside the price range its ok but tell me what so god about it hahaha thank you very much
dalethorn
New DragonFly for laptop only – $200. New DragonFly for portable (laptop too) – $100. The main difference is power. The extra power for $200 is not for louder volume playback, it’s for dynamics and transients.
Arttt
Hi from Sweden!
i got hifiman he560 and beyerdynamic A1 to drive it. I am not sure if its a good match, since A1 was designed to drive high Ohms headphones like T1 …
I heard that planar headphones are current hungry, but how do i see current output on my A1 and how much current output do you need to drive he560 correct ?
Thanks
Benjamin Fong
Hi, I need some advise. I m a poor study student n I have a very tight budget n small room . But want to find a small desktop amp with or without dac, for easy to moved about n for small room. My source is my laptop or my iPhone. I have a t1 n aedle hp n a centrance m8.
I come across concero hp n graham slee solo ultra linear diamond version n a old 8 year darkvoice figaro tube amp.
So please do give me some advise. A lot of things I don’t know n not sure. I try to max my money for the the best choice. Thks.
Headfonia_L.
we need more info. Headphones, DAC, portability, budget, etc
Benjamin Fong
Hi ,
I thought I mention I have a t1 n aedle headphone n centrance m8.
Now trying to find a decent desktop amp for my t1. I happen to see graham slee solo ultra linear diamond version , a beyerdynamic A1, concero hp n old darkvoice figaro tube amp for sale. Due to my limited budget I am seek advise from you to see which is a better choice.
Budget is a bit flex but limited. Ratio. Lowest cost with best sound. :p poor man ratio.
dalethorn
A good amp for T1 is not for the poor. I’d be looking for a tube amp in the range of $1500.
Benjamin Fong
Actually , I am quite incline to the old darkvoice Figaro tube amp connect with my centrance m8 as dac. The price is cheap. But am afraid to be troublesome if the tube spoil. Then I think maybe concero hp which is a amp/dac. But the price is ex n don’t know if it can support iPhone as source. Then the graham slee solo ultra linear diamond n beyerdynamic A1. Both connect with my m8 for Dac. Since I m new ,it is a very hard decision to made since my knowledge is very limited. So I sincerely hope you may able to help me by giving me some advise. All the set I mention are second hand set. I can’t afford new set. Thks.
Benjamin Fong
Woo A7 vs meridian prime ? Which is better ? Which better suit with t1
Headfonia_L.
Go for tubes!
Benjamin Fong
Thks. I will get the Wa 7
Edward
What amplifier would you recommend to someone who listens mostly to classical music and appreciates clarity, smooth and sweet mid and treble, deep bass and open and truthful soundstage? I have the Senns HD650s and I’ve been going back and forth between Woo Audio WA3, WA6, Burson Soloist SL, Bottlehead Crack (but having to build it puts me off) or Schiit Asgard 2 or Valhala 2?
Thanks in advance
aroesli
hi , any suggestion for best amp for audeze lcd 2.2, deckard, mojo, wo7, lyr 2, and any suggestion for replacement cable , thx u
Lee Sweeney
Linnenberg Maestro headphone amp or violectric V281
Ega
Hi headfonia,
Since headfonia already give good rating for more recent amp like cypher picollo and lake people G109, Is the list still relevant?
Please give me advice, best amp under $1K for my RS1 and centrance dacport (as my dac). Most of the time i listen to pop and rock music, never classic.
Thank you
Gregg
I’m just getting into the more audiophillic life but have ordered a set of HD558’s. As im away from my home country I just have a laptop as a source so no dedicated sound card, is it worth buying a amp for these or would I not see much difference?
If so could you recommend a portable one I could use on the go for less than $100. I’ve read through a lot of reviews but can’t seem to make my mind up.
Great site, good work!
dale thorn
The DragonFly Black is the best for under $100 USD, and since the 558 impedance is 50 ohms, it should work good. But a more powerful self-powered amp might be even better, if you choose carefully.
Vish
Hi Headfonia,
I have some AKG K712 pros which I would like to use for mixing/mastering in a home studio.
The source will be a focusrite 212 scarlett 2nd generation.
Could you suggest and amp that would adequetly power the headphones without colouring the sound and maintaining soundstage. Budget about £/€100.
Many thanks
Max
Hi Headfonia,
I have a AK380, HD800, D7000. If I would like to use AK380 as source. Would you please recommend a good amp. Thanks very much.
Paul Morrell
Just got a pair of Aeons (planar 14-ohm) which I really like, but now my sources are outclassed and underpowered. I’ve got a player (AK jr), so with $400-$600 to spend should I go for a DAC/AMP using the USB outlet or (a better) headphone amp with the headphone jack? Specifics: I might use it at times for a pre-amp. Not crazy about tube amps for my rock/blues/bluegrass/jazz listening. I listen at concert levels. 96/24 is probably adequate for my library. Strong solid clear tight bass a must (no millennial bass excess), and over-detailed treble probably not a problem with the Aeons. $200 into balanced cables seems unbalanced.
Using the AK jr DAC, The headphone amps I’m considering are: Lake People G109S or AMP RS02; Arcam rHead. Using the AK jr USB with a DAC/amp: Jotunheim or Parasound Zdac V2; or Corda Rock plus some separate DAC. All advice welcome.
Danni Veng
Lieven, why is the La Figaro 339 not on the list? Is it the price-performance ratio that is not good – after having read many of your articles where you explicitly mention the La Figaro 339, I just find it strange that it’s not on the list.
Lieven
You’re right, I don’t know why it isn’t in their. I’ll add it right away
Mark Whitaker
Real amps : Eddy Current, DNA, Apex, Glenn, Viva Audio
Krit
Hi, i’m using a Denon AH D-7200 and a Grado RS2e with an iFi iDSD micro BL. I want to get a new desktop setup using a Primare NP30 as source and am looking for an appropriate amplifier. Of course it should be an improvement to my current setup.
Should I be looking for f.i. The Schiit Valhalla, a Lakepeople RS02, a Burson soloist SL, the Lehmann Drachenfels? Or should I even go up to f.i. a Lehmann Linear or Violectric V100
Oliver Lahr
Hi Headfonia Teram,
First of all thanks a lot for your continuous great reviews.
Do you have any amp suggestion for the Hifiman He-1000SE?
Listen mainly to jazz and currently using the Mojo and Ifi idsd micro.
Budget is up to $3000.
Thanks! Oliver
kash
Mcintosh MHA 150, it’s beast of an amp.
Floyd L. Oaks
Really like these new suggestions, which I have not heard before like Headfonia. Can’t wait to implement some of these as soon as possible.
Max
Hi Guys,
Thanks very much for the helpful review. I bought my Meze Audio Empyrean after I read you review. Now comes my second question,
If you choose between Auris Audio HA2-SF and Feliks Audio Euforia Anniversary Edition to go with my Empyrean, which one should I choose? I love big sound stage and warmer sound. Thanks very much.
Best,
Max
Lieven
The AE is the one to go for 😉
Hendra
Hi Lieven, I recently bought Audeze 4z and it has 15 ohm impedance. I love tube sounds and I love big sound stage. Is there any tube amplifier that you can suggest to me? Thank you very much.
Regards,
Hendra
Lieven
Auris 2A3 Headonia , Feliks Euforia AE
Markus Li
Hi Team,
I am very happy with my Meze Elite. But I willing to upgrade my amp from Topping A90. Earmen CH-Amp really catch my attention and your review said those two are perfect match. Do you think I can feel the upgrade from A90 to CH-Amp or I should save my money to get a more high end amp? Thanks guys!!
Best regards,
Markus
Lieven
I would recommend the CH-Amp or the new ST-AMP
eggy car
I am very satisfied with the AMPLIFIER RECOMMENDATIONS – HEADFONIA, it’s really great