Ranking of the best headphone amplifiers in 2022

Almost all gadgets - phones, tablets, players, laptops - have headphone outputs, they work and provide sound. However, it is interesting that with different amplifiers, the output is drastically different sounding at a constant volume on the same headphones. So what's the trick? A separate amplifier increases detail, changes the atmosphere of the sound, ensures maximum match with the source, and minimizes distortion.

Why you need a headphone amplifier

Replacing headphones may not always meet expectations in terms of sound quality, and connecting an amplifying device invariably guarantees a decent result.

The amplifier receives the audio signal from the source and amplifies its current and voltage to the required headphone level in order to obtain high-quality reproduction.

Hi-Res Audio

Modern smartphones are able to support such a standard, and Hi-Res is moving out of a narrow-segment niche into a big life.

The sound quality has a higher frequency than CD. The Hi-Res format is characterized by a sampling rate of 96 to 192 kHz, with a frequency of 24 bits. For CD sound, the parameters are 16 bits and 44.1 kHz.

The sampling rate is the number of times a signal is sampled per second in order to convert it to "digital" from an analog state.

• high level of sound quality;
• availability of sites for downloading in compression formats at low bitrates.

• large file size, which makes it difficult to transfer via Wi-Fi, mobile network;
• the presence of restrictions on Hi-Res audio formats for compatibility.

DAC

The digital-to-analog converter is an element of the source-DAC-headphones circuit to increase the sound quality. In headphones and speakers, sound reproduction is carried out using an analog signal. Audio CDs and the hard drive store files in digital format.

From which it follows that in order to obtain sound in the headphones, a digital-to-analog conversion must occur. The built-in DAC chip is an integral part of the amplifiers.

balanced output

A balanced audio connection uses a balanced line connection type. The zone of use was originally at concert venues, in recording studios, as it gives the advantage of connecting through long cables that do not allow external interference.

With a balanced connection, the “phase-antiphase-ground” scheme is used, which allows you to “subtract” interference while maintaining the signal.

Amplifier Selection Criteria

The size

The dimensions of the device indicate its power, which depends on the output voltage, maximum output power and resistance.

Full-sized headphones can hardly be adequately pumped by a small-sized amplifying device. The ratio of the sensitivity of the headphones to the final volume level determines their output:

1. 1 to 2 V;
2. 5 V.

The internal resistance of the headphones must match the parameters of the amplifier, otherwise the output stage will be overloaded and distortion will increase, both nonlinear and linear.

Amplifier classes

In total, there are three classes of amplifying devices:

• BUT;
• AT;
• AB.

"A" - amplifying devices of the best quality and value, without distortion and maximum linearity. The negative side of the class is overheating and low efficiency. In the final stage, the quiescent current is several amperes.
"B" - devices operate on a half-cycle, half of the wave is "quenched", but the efficiency is more than 50%.
"AB" - an intermediate class between the two above, a characteristic feature is the reduction of distortion by shifting at the beginning of the signal. The maximum value of the quiescent current is up to 150 mA.

Type of

The entire numerous range of amplifying devices for headphones is divided into 2 types:

1. stationary;
2. portable - to improve the quality of playback through the phone, without purchasing an independent device - the player.

How to choose

Almost all models have semiconductor circuitry, but there are also lamp devices.
The main task is to combine the available headphones with the purchased amplifier, or set the task of buying both devices at the same time. Headphones can be high-ohmic - from 100 ohms, and low-ohm, not every power is within the power of a "weak" model. The good sensitivity of headphones with high impedance does not directly affect the volume level.

Price

Manufacturers occupy certain price niches, the following price groups can be distinguished:

• up to 10,000 rubles;
• up to 15,000 rubles;
• several tens of thousands of rubles.
  It is difficult to decide which company the device is better for, the price ranges for both portable and stationary devices vary greatly.

Functional

Amplifiers with a built-in DAC have advanced functionality, this applies to:

1. various sound sources;
2. combination with other devices;
3. the ability to adjust the level of "bass" for metal lovers and hard rock fans;
4. having multiple entrances and exits.

Playback quality

The sound is evaluated on the following main parameters:

• detailing;
• depth and width of the stage;
• low, medium and high frequencies;
• noise level;
• purity;
• degree of proximity to the source.

Design and build quality

Well-known brands try to stick to a certain line of style and design. The desire for lightness and mobility of models remains in demand, bulky systems have sunk into oblivion.

For stationary devices, durability and reliability are a priority, for portable devices, size and thickness come out on top with the possibility of a “sandwich” configuration.

Volume

When comparing several amplifying devices in terms of loudness, voltage parameters are used, which are measured by dBV, it is the difference in voltage numbers that indicates the loudness delta in dB.

Errors when choosing

The main erroneous calculations can be called:

• incorrectly selected device power;
• their mutual inconsistency;
• lack of necessary inputs, outputs and cords, connections in the configuration;
• insufficient functionality;
• weak battery:
• sound quality.

The best headphone amplifiers

Portable models

FiiO

The company entered the world market in 2007 and won the trust of customers, first of all, with a product from a series of headphone amplifiers. The ideal price-quality ratio has become decisive in taking a leading position. The company regularly releases new products and is distinguished by the rapid growth of consumer demand segments. The innovative ideas of the developers are based on the experience gained in production. The priority areas are quality, ergonomics, creativity, and practicality. One of the brand's latest breakthroughs has been a quadrupling of production capacity. The company has also strengthened the sector for quality control and testing of finished products.

FiiO Q1 Mark II

A stereo amplifier from China with a power of 0.112 W, with a built-in battery, belongs to high-definition gadgets.

FiiO Q1 Mark II
Channels, number	2
front channel. Power, W	0,112/0,075
Playback frequencies 3.5 output. Range, Hz	5:55000
Playback frequencies of the balanced output. Range, Hz	6:80000
DAC	AK 4452
Accumulator, built-in, mAh	1800
Full charge, t, h	4
T (time) of work from one charge, hour	10

• excellent detail;
• decent bass boost without loss;
• compactness;
• balanced output with a connector diameter of 2.5 mm;
• line output, excluding DAC, in the "amplifier" mode;
• no interference from the volume control;
• high build quality, characteristic of FiiO;
• the kit includes rings for fastening;
• provides an increase in the volume of the scene;
• when switching the bass and volume amplifiers at the same time, the headphones are pumped to the maximum;
• good clarity and assertiveness of sound;
• the level of low frequencies does not prevail against the general background;
• the presence of two LED-regulators;
• optimal price-quality ratio;
• the ability to create a "sandwich" with an amplifier and a smartphone on the ties in the kit and a silicone gasket with the existing cords;
• good battery charge;
• a noticeable increase in sound with an amplifier in relation to the "own" sound of the smartphone;
• the possibility of purchasing on Aliexpress;
• supports all resolutions up to 384 kHz-32 bit, DSD256;
• maintaining the price at the level of the first generation Q1;
• the presence of a sticker and a scratch strip on the package to control originality;
• the kit includes a Lightning cable for iOS devices;
• stylish "refined" design with gold accents - "roll call" to Grundig.

• fast discharge of a smartphone when headphones are connected through it and Wi-Fi to a computer;
• without Android USB cable;
• without protection of the volume control in the "sandwich" placement.

FiiO Q5

The stereo amplifying device for headphones with two outputs, built-in DAC, has become the flagship.A balanced circuit that reads all XMOS formats, as well as wireless Bluetooth 4.2 (aptX), brought the brand to a whole new level.

FiiO Q5
Channels, number	2
front channels. Power, W	0,47/0,23
Playback frequencies 3.5 output. Range, Hz	5:50000
Playback frequencies of the balanced output. Range, Hz	5:50000
DAC	AK 4490EN*2
Bluetooth	CSR8670
Accumulator, built-in, mAh	3800
Weight, kg	0.2
T (time) of work from one charge, hour	25

• the presence of 2 outputs, including balanced;
• the presence of optical, coaxial and line input, plus USB;
• the kit includes rings, a silicone gasket for separation, an iOS connection cable, a cable for connecting to a PC and charging, adapters, an analog wire;
• mobile and portable amplifier with low quality “drawdown”;
• a full battery charge is 3.2 hours;
• stable communication without interference in the wireless interface;
• the presence of an indicator strip between the amplifier unit and the main body, informing about the charge level and the active input;
• gain and lows switches;
• the power button is “surrounded” by a red branded ring;
• tight volume control with smooth, silent circuitry, no channel imbalance;
• three-dimensional scene with perfect nuances at mid frequencies and in-depth “bottoms”, without excessive mass, “tops” are moderate;
• large power reserve for a wide range of headphones.

• without connecting to Bluetooth, there is no indication of charging;
• not all high-impedance earphones pump.

Shanling UP2

The amplifying device with Bluetooth and DAC from a Chinese manufacturer is a popular model in the budget class.

Shanling UP2
Channels, number	2
Signal/noise ratio, dB	116
DAC	+
Bluetooth	+
Bitness, depth, Bit	24
Weight, kg	0.26
Output power, mW/ohm-W	67/32

• support for all popular codecs;
• Hi-Res-Audio format is provided by Qualcomm CSR8675 chip with stable long distance connection and minimum latency;
• case LED informs about the active codec;
• decent stage width;
• convenient location of USB and mini-jack connectors at different ends of the case;
• digital signal transmission to ES921P DAC with low distortion analog conversion and 116 dB signal-to-noise ratio;
• Availability of Knowles SiSonic microphone, version 8.0 cVc noise suppression;
• multifunctional wheel provides full control;
• volume control has 64 steps;
• the ability to answer calls and control playback through the wheel;
• standby mode 200 hours, battery life 10 hours on UP2 battery;
• stylish design, sophisticated shape;
• PC compatible for standalone DAC mode;
• full charge period 120 minutes;
• purchase on Aliexpress.

• no oleophobic coating;
• plastic clip.

Sony PHA-2A

A portable stereo device with a built-in DAC and support for popular formats produces very high quality and clear sound.

Sony PHA-2A
Channels, number	2
Headphones, resistance, Ohm	8:600
DAC	ESS Saber ES9018S
Discretization, frequency, kHz	384
Frequencies, range, Hz	10:100000
iOS mode kHz/bit	48/24
Optical input mode kHz/bit	192/24
Weight, kg	0.23
Output power, mW/Ohm-W	100/32
Output power - balanced, mW / Ohm-W	320/32

• high output power;
• balanced output;
• high-quality construction of the stage in width and length;
• the quality of high frequencies and mids, the bass is elastic;
• the presence of two modes of amplification;
• with software amplification of sound by means of a switch;
• the volume is conveniently regulated by the rotation knob and is protected by a case increase;
• stylish techno design;
• high quality assembly;
• DSEE HX system from the manufacturer for listening in high-quality MP3 format.

• high price;
• standard balanced cables do not fit due to connectors, additional purchase is required;
• Charging is done only in shutdown mode.

OPPO HA-2

Portable amplifier with stereo sound has a USB connection to a PC.

OPPO HA-2
Channels, number	2
Connector, mm	3.5
DAC	+
Frequencies, range, Hz	20:200000
jacks	USB, Micro-USB
Power, mW/Ohm	300/16; 220/32; 30/300
Weight, kg	0.175

• beautiful design with black leather and contrast stitching;
• sound quality with good clarity and detail;
• the ability to connect various sources;
• Full charge takes less than 60 minutes;
• with low battery indicator.

• the upper range is not “colored” enough.

Stationary amplifiers

Sennheiser GSX 1000

Solid state stereo amplifier for PC has good sound and wide functionality, perfect for computer games.

Sennheiser GSX 1000
Channels, number	2
Headphones, max resistance, Ohm	150
Headphones, min resistance, Ohm	16
Control Panel	sensor
Headphone output, quantity	1
Weight, kg	0.39
Output power, mW	1000

• round touch panel for adjusting parameters;
• the ability to record settings;
• the presence of a touch backlight sensor, goes out after the end of the settings;
• in constant mode, the volume sensor is active;
• black strict design;
• tilting of the body is possible with the help of a built-in stand;
• the presence of microphone, USB - inputs, outputs for headphones and speakers;
• production materials - aluminum and high-quality plastic.

• 150 ohm limit.

FiiO Olympus 2-E10K

Small-sized stereo amplifier from a Chinese manufacturer - the flagship of the budget group.

FiiO Olympus 2-E10K
Channels, number	2
Frequency range, kHz	20:20000
Voltage, corridor, V	7.39
DAC model	Texas Instruments PCM 5102
Signal-to-noise ratio, dB	105
Headphone outputs, mm	3.5+coaxial+linear
Weight, kg	0.78

• ideal price-quality ratio;
• the presence of a switch with high and low gain Gain;
• suitable for frequent transfer and connection to mobile device. With an agreed high level of energy consumption;
• with built-in power supply;
• the presence of a bass boost function.

• not suitable for high-ohm models, as there is no 6.3 mm jack;
• the Hi Fi quality level is not reached.

S.M.S.L M3

A stationary stereo sound device with a built-in DAC, high quality and at an affordable price has a lot of positive reviews.

S.M.S.L M3
Channels, number	2
Connector, mm	6.3
DAC	+
Signal-to-noise ratio, dB	over 120
Discredit, frequency, USB, kHz	32/384
Sampling, frequency, coaxial, optical, kHz	32/192
Weight, kg	0.6

• works in USB-DAC mode;
• Hi Fi class converter;
• small size and discreet design;
• high-quality and durable assembly of aluminum construction;
• TRS connector, there is a 3.5 mm adapter;
• democratic price.

• no gain (coefficient);
• weak headphones run the risk of going to maximum volume without "nano" settings.

Despite the abundance of amplifying devices, their manufacturers, price and functional lines, you can find a lot of examples of the wrong choice on the Internet. Hopes for quality, loudness, power, playback control are not justified.It is the abundance of offers and insufficient technical training of the user that sometimes leads to waste. In the case of choosing a headphone amplifier, the proverb becomes especially important: "Measure seven times ..."