Headphone amplifiers are basically electronic devices used as signal boosters to enhance the low signal strength on most headphones. The better the design & specs of the amplifiers, the richer is the sound as well as the overall clarity to our ears. Headphone amplifiers can be used with various media players, smart phones, tablets, computers, CD players, mp3 players and even electric guitars.
These days headphones can be used for various things, depending on your listening activities. Most headphones come with small built-in speakers so there is need for a strong amplifier to push the speakers. This is where headphone amps come in handy as they help you get better sound quality. This is basically a tiny power amp made specifically to drive the small speakers inside the headphones.
Many think it just pumps up the volume but that is not actually true; they definitely play a role in enhancing the overall quality of the music. Headphone amps are also great for use with computers and laptops, especially if it comes with the standard sound-card.
Best Headphone Amps
Fiio E11 Portable Headphone Amp
The FiiO E11 Portable Headphone Amp provides the required power to boost the overall sound. Usually, whenever you insert new device such as an amp, between the source and the final output, the sound changes a bit. In that sense the E11 is quite neutral but brings the sound more to life.
Here are the main features of this amp:
- Compact and light weight, Easy to carry.
- Efficient low noise step-up regulator and high precision supply splitter for large signal swing.
- High current 3-channel amplifier design with low output impedance.
- Sealed ALPS analog volume control ensures low noise and excellent channel balance.
- High and Low gain settings for optimal driving of various headphones.
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If you want your headphone amp to perform as an external DAC you may want to consider more options. However, if you just want to upgrade your portable setup I can’t recommend this product highly enough! This is one of the most inexpensive products of it’s type.
The design rocks and indeed looks like quality gear. Controls are tight and sure. Input jacks feel sturdy. Volume knob (real knob, not digital) is protected from accidental gain by a functional guard (button controls can easily be bumped, causing sudden increases).
The FiiO E11 Portable Headphone Amplifier is a fantastic little amp that pairs incredibly well with most headphones, and provides two levels of EQ for more control over the sound.
V-MODA VAMP Headphone Amplifier
The V-MODA VAMP headphone amp features a 150mW x 2 amplifier, dedicated pure Digital-Analog-Convertor, VQ audio enhancements, optical audio output and backup battery, all integrated into a solid metal case that transforms any ordinary headphone into a high fidelity device.
VAMP is a portable DAC/amp primarily for the iPhone 4/4S, but you can also use other iDevices such as an iPod (including iTouch), iPhone 3GS, or iPad with VAMP via a sync extension LOD (line out dock) cable.
Features
- Integrated Headphone Amplifier (150mW x 2) for the iPhone 4/4S
- Digital to Analog Convertor (DAC) bypasses iPhone’s analog output for pure analog performance
- Two selectable audio processing modes Pure and VQ
- 2200 mAh battery doubles iPhone battery life
- Aircraft-grade brushed metal and shock-absorbing silicone protects the iPhone from impact, scratches and dents
Here are some REAL customer reviews:
Outstanding amp for the iPhone 4S
The Vamp drives my HD650 and HD700 headphones to perfection. The VQ setting is particularly good for the HD650 to tighten the bass and “brighten” them up a bit. Really wonderful sound!
Must own for any audiophile
Vamp is much more than just an amp with DAC as indicated in the product description since it also protects and charges my Iphone. I feel Vamp is a great value and really enjoy the improvement in sound quality.
Buying Links
- Buy V-MODA VAMP Headphone Amplifier
FiiO E09K High Output Desktop Headphone Amplifier
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The FiiO E09K High Output Desktop Headphone Amplifier provides great audio performance through headphones. It comes with a sleek and modern design, and is quite compact in appearance.
- PROS: Clear, punchy sound. Build quality is good. Sounds good even at loud volumes
- CONS: Need the E17 for USB playback
Features of FiiO E09K High Output Desktop Headphone Amplifier
- Three pairs of gold-plated RCA jacks – one is an aux input for external audio devices, another is a volume controlled stereo pre-out for driving power amps or active monitor speakers, and the last one is a fixed stereo line output.
- Type B USB port for directly connecting a PC or laptop (a Type A to B cable is supplied). You’ll need to dock the E17 in order to enjoy USB music playback.
- Two channel power output, low distortion and high switching rate
- Soft on/off with sealed relay protects power amplifier output
- Smooth and low noise ALPS sealed potentiometer for volume control
- Audio buffers using ultra-low distortion and low noise Burr-Brown OPA2134 op amps
The FiiO E09K has low noise and distortion, and provides enough power to drive the most demanding headphones.
Best Bang for the Buck
This amp is fantastic and rivals few of the more expensive desktops that we have auditioned in the past. Good clean and natural sounding with plenty of power to spare. The sound is fantastic, a big step up from the bithead (portable) from a music detail and power standpoint. Use it to enjoy your music library.If you need a desktop amplifier for your headphones, the E09K offers high quality performance. It’s easy to set up and compatible with other devices too. Overall, a good option for your desktop audio setup.
Behringer MA400 Monitor Headphone Amplifier: Little Amp with Impressive Overall Quality
The Behringer MA400 monitor headphone amplifier is an Ultra-Compact headphone amp suited for most music applications, be it for studio and stage use. The build quality seems of the amp is pretty robust, the XLR mic input is quite handy too. You can connect a pro-quality microphone (with XLR connector) to this amp and hear with headphones or through your stereo. For the price this is a great product, with no humming or buzzing, when used at home (for personal use). You can even use it with your laptop headphones to increase the overall quality of the sound (not just volume).
- PROS: Great for listening to your personal recordings and for rehearsing
- CONS: Distorts at high volume so not really for live/stage use
Here are the main features of Behringer MA400:
- Stereo/mono switch makes it perfect for touring AND studio.
- You can add a mic and a monitor signal and hear them via headphones
- Flexible Mic In and Mic Through XLR connectors with Ground Lift switch
- Stereo Monitor input with dedicated Monitor Level control and Mono/Stereo switch
- High-power headphone output on 1/4′ and 1/8′ jack connectors
Although size matters, at times size can be misleading, especially when it comes to electronic gadgets. The same goes for this product as well; under the hood of this small box you’ll find a powerful amp. This is an excellent little amp with impressive overall quality. Its an ideal personal monitor mixer, especially for those who want a bit more.
Behringer HA400 Microamp: 4-Channel Headphone Amplifier
The Behringer HA400 Headphone Amp can power up to four pairs of headphones and up to four independent volumes. It means, four people in your studio can listen to the main mix while recording, and each listener can determine their own volume level using the dedicated output level controls. You can use this compact stereo headphone amplifier with practically any headphones.
Behringer is renowned for making recording gear, and the quality and performance of their headphone amps and the HA400 continues the fine tradition. With 4 outputs, allowing up to 4 users to plug in to the headphone amp at one time. This headphone amp is slightly bigger in size (for everyday use), but if you’re looking for a headphone amplifier to use with your console or laptop, and even as part of your recording setup, then this is a suitable solution.
- 4-channel stereo headphone amplifier for use with all types of headphones
- Four high-power stereo amplifiers
- Highest sonic quality even at maximum volume
- Output level control for each channel
- Dc 12-volt adapter included
Samson S-AMP Headphone Amp
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Review of the four channel Samson S-AMP Headphone AmpWant a portable amplifier with more inputs? Here’s an ideal solution for budding musicians and DJs alike.
This Headphone Amp from Samsung comes with four independent channels, allowing for independent volume control on each channel.
The Samson SAMP is ideal if you want to record at home or in your small studio.
Features
- 4 Channel headphone amplifier
- Four 1/4″ stereo headphone outputs
- Individual volume control for each headphone output
- Stereo 1/4″ input
- 18 Volt AC adapter included
- Ideal for home recording
To get the best sound out of this, you need to use high quality stereo cable, to avoid any sort of hum/crackle. Use a high quality stereo cable and you should have no issues whatsoever with this one.
At this price, the Samson S-AMP Headphone amp is an excellent value for money.
Pyle-Pro PHA40 4-Channel Stereo Headphone Amplifier
The new PHA40 from Pyle answers the need for a headphone distribution amplifier with professional specifications in a small package at an affordable price. The PHA40 features four headphone outputs on the front panel giving you an extremely powerful monitoring solution at an amazingly low price.
Recommended USB Headphone Amplifiers
A great headphone amplifier makes headphones sound better than they’re. A USB Headphone Amplifier is something that can be directly connected to your laptop computer for listening to music. And because they are USB-powered they don’t need to be powered separately. For your requirements, you can choose from a wide range of quality Headphone USB Amplifiers.
FiiO E17K (E17) USB Headphone Amplifier
FiiO E17K (E17) is a compact portable USB and coaxial digital to analog converter as well as an analog headphone amplifier, for driving your favorite headphones at work and on the road. The FiiO E17K (E17) Alpen 2 portable headphone amplifier USB DAC comes with with Extreme Audio 3.5mm Stereo to RCA Cable.EF2A USB Headphone Amplifier
If you’re looking for an affordable tube-driven USB Headphone Amplifier, take a look at the EF2A. This one uses a hybrid design and is apt for the discriminating music listeners who requires better performance.Topping TP D2 TP-D2 Headphone Amplifier
The Topping TP D2 TP-D2 Headphone Amplifier & USB DAC is both a headphone amplifer and USB DAC, this perfect combination for those that want to get much better sound quality out of their computer without needing to purchase an expensive high end sound card. The D2 supports 4 types of input from line out, coaxial, optical and USB.
Here’s a video of a USB Headphone Amplifier:Integrated Amps
Music streamers like Spotify, Sonos and Apple are quite popular nowadays, giving you access to an entire world of music (literally at your fingertips). Almost everybody has a portable mp3 player nowadays (its part of most smartphones nowadays) and use them for most of their music needs. There are many who also use a iPod dock as speakers for their iPods.
However, the components in these devices aren’t made to deliver terrific audio qualities. And though they serve the purpose adequately, if you’re looking for even better sound, you need to use a combination of an integrated amp along with a pair of small bookshelf speakers. Integrated amplifiers are designed to deliver high-performance audio.
Integrated amps are basically devices that can power speakers, but they can also take inputs from popular devices such as iPods or your computer.
- They can pack a lot of performance (depending on what specs you choose)
- They are compact and can help you setup a compact audio system.
- You can use it in office or your private den
- It will play all your digital audio much better than without it.
Here’s a video that shows an integrated amplifier used to power speakers:Checkout these integrated amps that you can use along with some good bookshelf speakers to setup an amazing audio system.
Headphone Amp: Buying Guide
Want better sound quality from your headphones? Use a compact power amp to better drive the small speakers inside the headphones. These not only pump up the volume, they also enhance the overall sound quality. Studio headphone amps are also available that can track multiple musicians at a time, or if everyone in a group wants to listen to a playback, get a headphone amp with a built-in monitor distribution system…
Headphones are not used just for listening to music, they are also used in offices, for chatting on skype, for listening to eBooks, and more.Besides, some use them more while exercising, jogging, walking or while commuting. In such cases the ones with ear buds are the more preferred ones as they stay in place, especially when you are on the move. They are also more comfortable on the ear.
Then there are the ones that are to be used over the ears, especially used if you want to get rid of noise (come with noise reduction features & better sound quality) that are useful for music producers. People working near factories and busy areas use these headphones to reduce/cut off the external noises.
Most Modern headphones focus on MP3 players and smartphones, because these are popular gadgets; there are many who listen to music, and also talk on these, using headphones. Some of these, however, have average quality built-in speakers (they are cheaper as well). And that is why these brands also sell headphone amplifiers for those who are looking for a better quality MP3 audio playback.Besides providing a higher volume, these amps increase the resonance, provide clarity in the treble area, and adds depth to the bass, thereby increasing the quality of the playback.
Headphone Amp: Does it Really Make a Difference?
Headphone Amp: Does it Really Make a Difference? Here are advantages of using one.
Why Buy One?
Is a Headphone Amp really worth it and does it really make any difference to the overall sound, besides just the volume?- It actually depends on what headphones you are using and the source material (Crappy headphone out jack? Line out? CD? low bitrate mp3?).
- It also depends on what kind of sound are you looking for, what kind of music do you like. Are you a big fan of bass or do you prefer a more neutral sound?
Most consumer-grade headphones do not require a dedicated amp to be driven to their full potential. However, if you’ve got a pair of headphone with a nice set of drivers on them then a good headphone amp can help them reach their best audio output.
Where Is It Useful?
The speakers that come with headphones are usually smaller in size, and if you buy an inexpensive one, they provide an average sound quality overall. So even though you may have bought a a pair of earphones considering your budget at that particular time, you can always buy an amp later to drive those, whenever you have spare cash.These external amps come with a stronger amplifier which not only pump up the volume, but also helps you get a better quality sound (increased resonance, better depth of bass, better clarity in the treble spectrum).
In case you are fond of playing games or listening to music on your laptop computer, you can always make the sound quality better, as most built-in sound-cards are of lower quality.
Built-In Headphone Amplifiers vs External Headphone Amplifiers
Space Constraint
Integrated headphone amplifiers (the ones that come built-in to the gadget) are not extensively designed for quality performance; one of the reasons being they are designed for portability and so leaves less space to incorporate a high performance power amplifier inside it.Power Constraint
Besides, most of these media players are battery-operated compact devices, whereas the high performance headphone amplifiers require more power, which cannot be provided by the smaller batteries powering most popular media players.Price Constraint
Considering the fact that most media players are popular gadgets, manufacturers need to keep the pricing competitive, which means it leaves little scope for them to introduce high performance audio amplifiers inside these compact media players.Do You Need a Headphone Amp If You Own a Stereo Amplifier?
Do you really need a headphone amp if you already own a stereo amplifier at home? Is there any specific advantages to owning a headphone amp?
Headphones always plug into a device that generates an audio signal, and most of the time that device has an amplifier built in that provides the power to drive your headphone speakers. If your headphones have a volume control built in, that control just increases/decreases the signal provided by the amplifier (most of these headphones usually do not have a means of amplifying it).
So if you plug the headphones into your home stereo system, you shouldn’t need anything more.
However, here are some cases where you may need a headphone amp:
- Someone gifts you an Mp3 player but you are not happy with the overall sound
- Someone gifts you an electric guitar but you want a smaller (portable) practice amplifier
In general, you want something that will make the overall sound much better (not just louder) and want that device to be portable
In such cases, a headphone amplifier definitely makes more sense.
Types of Headphone Amplifiers
Depending on your requirements, you may choose from different types of headphone amps. Here are the various types of Headphone Amplifiers.
The three more common types of headphone amplifiers for home use: digital to analog converters (DACs), desktop headphone amplifiers, and portable headphone amplifiers.
Digital to Analog Converters (DACs)
- Headphones are built for analog signals, and a digital to analog converter can be used to convert the digital audio files stored on computers to a format best heard with headphones.
- Computers have DAC built in, but they’re really not built for the serious audiophile who requires a far better sound quality.
- The DAC provides an interface between the computer and headphones for the best translation of audio files.
- DAC = Digital to analog converter
- Audio music files (mp3, wav, flac, etc,) are in the digital format (0’s and 1’s)
- Music file goes to a DAC to become an analog waveform
- Waveform is sent to an Amplifier to gain power
- The amplified waveform is sent to speakers / headphones where the waveform is converted into sound
Video of a Portable Amplifier and USB DAC:Desktop Headphone Amplifiers
These can be used with stereo systems, home theater systems, as well as computers (and not just with desktop computers). These amps provide a better/clearer sound quality for home and studio listening.Portable Headphone Amplifiers
A portable headphone amp gives you flexibility of use as you can use it with your desktop computer, or with your mp3 player, and depending on the model you choose you may even be able to use it as part of your recording setup.Most media players (such as iPods, Smartphones) and laptops do not have enough output power to provide the best sound quality. A portable headphone amplifier boosts the signal to the headphones and provides a ‘better than usual’ sound for the music listener on the go. These are compact and fit in a pocket, and provide high fidelity sound anywhere.
Some of these are super portable with plenty of EQ options. If you are looking for more options and okay to forego some portability, you can choose models with broader EQ and Gain options and with better volume control.
Here’s a video of a Portable Headphone Amp:Useful Links
Pro Headphone amps on ZzoundsHow to Solder & Build a Headphone Amp
Here’s a nice video that shows how to solder and build an excellent Chu Moy (CMoy) headphone amp. It sounds great, but is also quite cheap to be given away as holiday gifts.
On the subject of solid state vs tube amps, I think its all about your personal preferences. There are some amazing solid state amps, and excellent tube amps as well.
Usually, people use tube amp for guitar or bass, solid state amp for acoustic amplification. Even for PA, many prefer using solid state. Its more about individual tastes and the intended use, so choose accordingly.
Another point is about iPods, the problem with their internal amp is that they are not powerful enough and also compromise the sound quality to some extent. So it’s better to connect it via the line out using a Line Out Dock (LOD). You can attach the LOD to the cmoy in the same manner as shown in the video, but now you’ll have noticeably better sound quality. So avoid connecting your cmoy to your ipod through the headphone jack.
How to Connect a CD / MP3 player, Smartphone to a Headphone Amp?
Here’s how to connect a cd / MP3 player to a headphone amp, specially useful for those who are musicians.
First install the 9V battery, then plug the guitar or the smartphone or the mp3 player (depending on what amp it is) into the source jack, and headphone into the headphone jack. Most amps turn on automatically when you plug the smartphone / mp3 player into it.
You can select the buttons to choose between clean or distorted sounds, and for distorted sounds, you can choose between light and heavy distortion. Adjust volume as needed.
And if you want to play along with an MP3 track, you can plug the headphone out from the MP3 player to the AUX in jack of the headphone amp, using the appropriate stereo cables.
Here’s a video that shows how to get a better Audio from Smartphones and MP3 players:
Closing Thoughts
Headphone amplifiers are basically electronic devices used as signal boosters to enhance the low signal strength on most headphones. The better the design & specs of the amplifiers, the richer is the sound as well as the overall clarity to our ears. Headphone amplifiers can be used with various media players, smart phones, tablets, computers, CD players, mp3 players and even electric guitars.
Headphone amps amplify the sound with very little distortion and coloration. Depending on your requirements, you may choose from various types of headphone amps.
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