Amplifier Recommendations

The rule that I use is that the bigger the size of the headphone, the bigger the need for amplification. Of course factors like driver sensitivity and impedance will matter, but the general rule of thumb is, use a dedicated headphone amplifier for a full size headphone. Even a portable amplifier can be enough, depending on the type of the headphones. Also remember that open back headphones usually require more amplification power (from A Guide to Headphones).

 

Portable Amplifiers

JDSLabs Cmoy
This great sounding portable amp at a great price is becoming a very consistent recommendation for all sorts of headphone listeners. For $60, you can get into the portable amp bandwagon and see what the fuss is all about. The JDSLabs’ sound quality don’t disappoint either. Open and spacious with smooth mids and a very musical overall sound. It also comes with a bass boost feature that bumps up the bass significantly. If you decide to order, it’s recommended to ask if you can also have the recharging circuitry built into the amp.
$59.99 from JDSLabs | $60 Pack of Awesome: JDSLabs Cmoy

Electric Avenues PA2V2
One of the oldest portable amp in existence is also another great entry level portable amp. The sound signature is more forward and engaging than the JDSLabs Cmoy, making it a better choice for Rock. The PA2V2, however, doesn’t come with a bass boost switch. It’s also another highly recommended items, and if you ask me to choose between the PA2V2 and the JDSLabs, I really would just get both of them since they are so affordable. $60 including US shipping from Electric Avenues.
$60 from Electric Avenues (gary@electric-avenues.com) | Electric Avenues PA2V2 

RSA SR71A
Despite the advancement in portable amps with the newer digital volume control and balanced topologies, I still think that the SR-71a, with the signature dark and weighty lows of RSA is still one of the most desirable portable amps in the market, the only downside being non rechargeable batteries.
$450.00 from Ray Samuels Audio | The Usual Suspects

ALO Rx Mk2
Although there are a lot of portable amp in the market, the ALO Rx Mk2 is one of the most popular amp around with its thin form factor, digital volume control, clean, open, and spacious sound with great bass impact makes this an easy amplifier to like. Suitable for anything from IEMs to hard to drive full size headphones.
$449.00 from ALO Audio | The Usual Suspects

 

Desktop Amplifiers

Schiit Asgard
Frankly, the initial hype surrounding the Asgard sort of puts me in a sceptic mode. Is this going to be another over-hyped item? After all, how good can a sub-$300 solid state amp sounds? After doing a review of the Asgard, Valhalla, and Lyr, I was truly impressed with the sound and performance of the Asgard that it deserves a spot in Headfonia’s recommendation list. So here it is, an entry level solid state amp with a slight warm sound and a superb musicality. Truly a high value/dollar product that I’d highly recommend to people without a desktop amp as well as those who already has a higher-dollar desktop amp.
$279 from Amazon.com (free shipping)| Triple Schiit: Asgard, Valhalla, and Lyr

Woo Audio WA6
The mid-level, single-ended-triode, class-A amp from Woo audio delivers a clean and grainless sound with good bass impact. One of the most popular mid-fi tube around, the WA6 is a lively and open sounding amp without the slightest hint of mellow or “tubey” sound. Best build quality in the business too. Output transformer coupled design means that it handles both low impedance and high impedance headphones.
$620.00 from Woo Audio | WooAudio6 Tube Amplifier

Burson HA-160
The Burson HA-160 is a mid-level solid state amplifier that offers all the good thing normally associated with solid states. Most notably is one of the best bass impact among any desktop amps, as well as a clear articulation, full midrange and a fast-paced warm sound signature.
$695.00 from Amazon.com | Burson HA-160 Review

Graham Slee Solo SRG II
These two solid sounding mid-hi level desktop amplifier from Graham Slee don’t quite have the buzz that the other components I listed has, but here are two very likable sounding amp for those of you looking for a mid-hi level desktop amplifier.
£434.00 with PSU1 power supply; £314.25 standard unit | Graham Slee Desktop Amps: Novo, Solo SRG II, Solo Ultra Linear

 

Only list the most popular products are listed here. If you feel it to be too limited, feel free to browse the reviews on the Amplifier Category:

 
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  • 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

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike
      • 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

        • http://www.headfonia.com 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

            • http://www.headfonia.com 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.

            • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 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.

  • http://www.facebook.com/su.inspire.5 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.

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      Best audition it yourself?

  • http://www.facebook.com/cameleondragoon 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)

    • http://www.headfonia.com 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.

      • http://www.facebook.com/cameleondragoon Alan Tan

        actually the thing i want is just an amp that needs not recharging, and is small for my small table

        • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=692862021 Nick Tam

          … so a desktop amp? I don’t recall desktop amps running off batteries (except for the Pan Am)

          • http://www.facebook.com/cameleondragoon 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

        • http://www.headfonia.com 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.

          • http://www.facebook.com/cameleondragoon Alan Tan

            funny thing is i used to have the cmoy from jdslabs.. :D time for a return trip to jds? alternatives? maybe the highly debated o2? it can run without batteries, right?

            • http://www.headfonia.com 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.

              • http://www.facebook.com/cameleondragoon Alan Tan

                what are the sound character of an o2? very transparent? not much colouring to music?

                • http://www.headfonia.com 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

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ 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 :-P

        • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

          I don’t know about the V200 but the way you compare the Burson’s bass is spot on IMO.

        • http://www.headfonia.com/ 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.

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ 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

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  • 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.

      • http://www.headfonia.com/ 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?

          • http://www.headfonia.com 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(:

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ L.

      You’re right but it’s a question of “having time”

  • http://www.facebook.com/mirela.anghel.boteanu 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.

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ 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!

    • http://www.facebook.com/nonesfk 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.

    • http://www.headfonia.com 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.

        • http://www.headfonia.com 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?

    • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

      The Fiio E7K and E9K combo is great for the X1

  • http://www.facebook.com/lesegal Eli Segal

    Hi

    Is it possible that the C421 feels warmer and fuller than the SR-71A
    (I just got it last week)

    • http://www.headfonia.com/ 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

      • http://www.facebook.com/lesegal 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

        • http://www.headfonia.com Mike

          They’re both just as warm

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