Headphone amplifiers are 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.
Most headphones come with small built-in speakers. A tiny power amp made specifically to drive these small speakers can help you get better sound quality.
Not only do these amps pump up the volume, they play a role in enhancing the overall quality of the music as well. 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.
![FiiO E11 Portable Headphone Amplifier](https://www.keytarhq.com/wp-content/uploads/fiio-e11-portable-headphone-amp.jpg)
The Fiio E11 is compact and features High and Low gain settings for optimal driving of various headphones. Controls are tight. 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).
![FiiO E11 Portable Headphone Amplifier](https://www.keytarhq.com/images/fiio-e11-portable-headphone-amplifier.jpg)
V-MODA VAMP Headphone Amplifier
The V-MODA VAMP headphone amp is a portable DAC/amp that 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.
Digital to Analog Convertor (DAC) bypasses iPhone’s analog output for pure analog performance. Aircraft-grade brushed metal and shock-absorbing silicone protects the iPhone from impact, scratches and dents
FiiO E09K High Output Desktop Headphone Amplifier
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.
The FiiO E09K has low noise and distortion, and provides enough power to drive the most demanding headphones. Clear, punchy sound. Build quality is good. Sounds good even at loud volumes.
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.
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.
![Fiio E09K Desktop Headphone Amp](https://www.keytarhq.com/images/fiio-e9-desktop-headphone-amp.jpg)
Behringer MA400 Monitor Headphone Amplifier
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).
![Buy Behringer MA400 Amplifier.](https://www.keytarhq.com//images/behringer-ma400-amp.jpg)
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 HA400 Headphone Amp](https://www.keytarhq.com/wp-content/uploads/behringer-ha400-headphone-amp.jpg)
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.
Samson S-AMP Headphone Amp
The four channel Samson S-AMP is a portable amplifier with more inputs, ideal for budding musicians, DJs, or if you want to record at home or in your small studio.
This Headphone Amp from Samsung comes with four independent channels, allowing for independent volume control on each channel.
![Samson S-AMP Headphone Amplifier](https://www.keytarhq.com/images/samson-s-amp-headphone-amplifier.jpg)
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.
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.
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.
![Best headphone amp](https://www.keytarhq.com/images/best-headphone-amp-2.jpg)
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.
![Types of Headphone Amplifiers](/images/headphone-amp-types.jpg)
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 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
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.
Useful Links
Pro Headphone amps on Zzounds
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.
Related Posts
- Best Headphones for Digital Pianos & Keyboards
- Play guitar through Headphones: Various ways
- Best studio headphones for recording
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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