Headphone amplifiers have become increasingly popular as people search to improve their listening experience. The right amplifier can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying the sound of your favorite music, movies, and shows. With so many different models and brands on the market, however, it can be hard to determine which one is the best for you. To help you make the best decision, this article will discuss the features of the best headphone amplifiers, their benefits, and how to choose the one that’s perfect for you.
Best Headphone Amplifiers
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
AudioQuest Dragonfly Red
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
EarStudio ES100
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
FiiO BTR3
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Chord Mojo
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Schiit Magni 3
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
FiiO Q5
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
DarkVoice 336SE
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Sennheiser HDV 820
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
Denon DA-310USB
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Burson Conductor V2+
|
7. 2
|
1. AudioQuest Dragonfly Red
The AudioQuest Dragonfly Red is a fantastic USB DAC for any audio enthusiast. It offers quality sound for its small size, and is compatible with both Mac and PC systems. The unit is also very easy to set up and use, with a USB connection that is plug and play. The DAC is a great value for the money, and it is perfect for listening to music on the go. The sound is clear and balanced, and the bass is deep and solid. The instrument separation is also excellent. Overall, the AudioQuest Dragonfly Red is a great choice for anyone looking for a great sounding DAC without breaking the bank.
- High-resolution digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for superior sound quality
- Compact USB stick design for maximum portability
- Native playback of up to 24-bit/96kHz high resolution audio
- 2.1-volt output for a wide range of headphones, including power-hungry over-ears
- Headphone amplifier for a customized listening experience
- Direct-stream digital (DSD) compatibility for playback of DSD64 and DSD128
- Class-leading Asynchronous USB technology for optimal performance with all devices
- USB connection also serves as a power supply
2. EarStudio ES100
I recently purchased the EarStudio ES100, and I am absolutely thrilled with the result. The sound quality is excellent, and the connection is strong and stable. The device is simple to use and set up, and I love the intuitive layout. The battery life is also phenomenal and the built-in microphone is great for making calls. All in all, the EarStudio ES100 is an excellent buy and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable Bluetooth receiver.
- 24-bit High-Resolution wireless streaming audio
- AptX Low Latency Bluetooth Transmission
- Dual-Mode Qualcomm cVc noise-canceling microphone
- Uncompressed 24-bit/48kHz audio transmission
- Up to 12 hours of battery life
- USB-C charging port connection
- Dedicated iOS and Android app
- Customizable equalizer settings
3. FiiO BTR3
The FiiO BTR3 is a great Bluetooth audio receiver for its price. It offers great sound quality, and its user-friendly interface makes it easy to use. It has an impressive battery life, with up to 10 hours of playback time. The FiiO BTR3 also supports a wide range of codecs, including aptX HD, aptX Low Latency, and LDAC for high-quality sound. It also has an integrated microphone for making calls. The FiiO BTR3 is a great device for those looking for a reliable and affordable Bluetooth audio receiver. Highly recommended.
- Hi-Res Audio Certified by Japan Audio Society (JAS)
- Supports aptX, aptX HD, aptX LL, AAC and SBC decoding
- Bluetooth 5.0 with up to 10m range
- USB Type-C port for fast charging and data transfer
- Optical port and 3.5mm AUX jack
- Can connect two devices simultaneously
- Built-in microphone with support for AAC and SBC codecs
- Dual-mode noise cancelling
- Supports iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Android devices
- 7 hours of battery life
4. Chord Mojo
I recently purchased the Chord Mojo and I am so glad that I did! The sound quality is amazing and it’s extremely easy to use. The design is sleek and modern, and I love the small size. It’s also good for travelling as it easily fits in a pocket or bag. The battery life is also great, I can go for days without having to recharge. The included app is also very helpful in setting up the device and getting the most out of it. Overall, I think the Chord Mojo is an excellent device and I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a great sounding, portable DAC/Amp.
- High-resolution audio streaming from smartphones, tablets, and computers
- Dual-mono, ultra-low noise headphone amplifier with high-performance DAC
- USB audio, coaxial, and optical inputs
- Balanced 4.4mm headphone output
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 10 hours runtime
- Robust aluminium case
5. Schiit Magni 3
I recently purchased the Schiit Magni 3 and I am incredibly impressed. The price point is incredibly reasonable and it packs quite a punch. It is incredibly simple to use and the sound quality is surprisingly good. I use it to power my headphones and I have found that it is able to power even the most demanding headphones with ease and still provide excellent sound quality. I would definitely recommend the Magni 3 for those looking for a quality amplifier at an affordable price.
1. Inputs: USB, optical, and line-level inputs for maximum versatility
2. Discrete Amplifier: Builds on the award-winning Schiit Fulla 2 design with a discrete, fully-complementary, dual-rail output stage
3. Damping Factor: Excellent damping factor of greater than 1000
4. Powerful Outputs: Delivers up to 10W into 32 ohms, enough to drive most headphones
5. High-Performance Preamp Output: Delivers up to 1.3V RMS into 50 ohms, with less than 0.05% THD+N
6. FiiO Q5
I recently purchased the FiiO Q5 and I’m so glad I did. This device is a great portable audio-DAC/AMP that works with all kinds of audio sources, from smartphones to computers. It’s small, lightweight and easy to carry around, yet it packs a lot of features. It has a balanced output and a range of inputs, including USB, optical, coaxial and Bluetooth. The sound quality is excellent and it has a wide range of sound settings that can be adjusted to suit your listening preferences. The battery life is also impressive, lasting up to ten hours on a single charge. Overall, the FiiO Q5 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high quality, portable audio DAC/AMP. Highly recommended!
- High-performance DAC and headphone amplifier
- Qualcomm aptX HD Bluetooth
- 2x 3.5mm headphone outputs
- 3.5mm output for 2.5Vrms line-out
- Full-size USB Type-C input
- Compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows devices
- USB Type-C to Type-A adapter included
7. DarkVoice 336SE
The DarkVoice 336SE is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a tube amp. It offers great sound quality and a wide range of features. It features two 6N1 tubes and three 12AX7 tubes, giving it plenty of power and flexibility. The sound is warm and the controls are easy to use. The built-in reverb is especially nice, adding a nice touch to the overall sound. I highly recommend the DarkVoice 336SE for anyone looking for a great tube amp.
- 3 pre-amp tubes providing up to 40 dB of gain
- 2-band EQ and Mid-Cut switch
- Studio-grade Digital Reverb with adjustable parameters
- Variable Mic/Line Level control
- Balanced XLR & 1/4” outputs
- Aux Input for CD/MP3/Tape players
- Full metal casing for durability
8. Sennheiser HDV 820
I recently purchased a Sennheiser HDV 820 headset and it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made. The sound quality is incredible and the headphones are extremely comfortable. The noise cancelling works great and I can even adjust the settings to my liking. I also love that it comes with a detachable cable, so I can switch it out for a longer one or shorter one depending on what I need. The build quality is also great and it feels like I can use it for years to come. Overall, I’m very pleased with the Sennheiser HDV 820 and would highly recommend it!
- High resolution digital audio with extended frequency response (up to 48 kHz)
- 2 custom-made audio transformers providing a dynamic range of up to 140 dB
- Supremely low-noise, low-distortion sound
- High-quality amplifier circuitry to ensure pure, distortion-free sound
- Automatic gain control for easy level adjustment
- Robust, fully balanced connections for high-quality audio
- Compatible with most professional audio systems
- High-quality construction for reliable and long-lasting performance
9. Denon DA-310USB
The Denon DA-310USB is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality CD player at an affordable price. It has a sleek design and easy-to-use controls, making it a great choice for home or office use. The CD player features a high-resolution DAC (digital-analog converter) to give you the best sound quality possible. Additionally, the DA-310USB has a USB port to plug in digital music devices. This CD player also offers an auxiliary input and a headphone jack, making it even more versatile.
It has a nice feature set and attractive design, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to listen to music at home or on the go. The sound quality is excellent, and it is easy to use. The price point makes it a great value for your money. Highly recommended for those who are looking for a great CD player.
- USB type-B port with up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio resolution
- 2 RCA inputs for analog audio sources
- Coaxial and optical S/PDIF inputs for digital audio sources
- Headphone jack for private listening
- RCA stereo outputs for connecting to external devices
- USB Host port for connecting and powering external USB devices
- Compatible with Mac, PC and other popular audio formats
- High-resolution OLED display for easy navigation
- Remote control for easy operation
10. Burson Conductor V2+
I recently bought the Burson Conductor V2+ and it has been one of the best investments I’ve made. It is an incredibly powerful device and provides an amazing audio experience. The sound quality is exceptional, with a wide soundstage and great clarity. I have used it with headphones and speakers and it works great with both. The sound is more detailed, with more depth and nuance than before. I’ve also found it to be easy to use with no lag or distortion. The build quality is also very good and I feel confident that it will last me a long time. Overall, I am very satisfied with the Burson Conductor V2+ and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent audio experience.
:
- Cavalli Audio True Multibit (TM) DA Converter
- Completely Discrete Design with no op-amps
- Dual Burr Brown OPA1612 OPA1622 Operational Amplifiers
- 2x Class A Balanced Headphone Outputs
- Compatible with 6.3mm and 4.4mm Headphones
- Burson V5i Dynamic Gain Control System
- 4 High-Grade Inputs (2x Optical, 2x Coaxial)
- 2 High-Resolution Outputs (1x RCA, 1x Balanced)
- High-Grade ALPS Potentiometer with 45-Stage Gain Control
- Dual-Mono Configuration with Separate Power Supplies
