Best Portable Headphone Amplifier

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Nothing comes close to the joy of being able to listen to Soft crystal-clear music. However, most headphones don’t have the power to amplifier music without distorting it. For most of us, that’s a deal breaker, what we need is the best portable headphone amplifier. Such an amplifier would allow us to crank up the volume, and enjoy our music privately, and without introducing noise into our music.

While you can walk into any music electronics shop and order one, there is no way of knowing what to expect. You may find yourself buying a piece of junk that simply amplifiers the sounds it gets along with the accompanying electric noise. Therefore, any good amp must be able to filter out all kinds of noise, and reproduce all musical sounds it receives.

Furthermore, it should be able to reproduce stereo music patterns without distorting them to preserve their theatric sound surround effect. If you can get such an amp, then you will have found the best portable headphone amplifier. In this guide, we are going to look at some of the quality headphone amps in the market.

1. CHORD Electronics Mojo Best Portable Headphone Amp 2017

The CHORD Electronics Mojo is a DAC headphone amplifier that works with inputs such as USB, Coaxial, and optical to give out a crystal-clear amplified sounds. It black color blends well with most musical devices, making ideal for use at home, in the office, and when you’re travelling. It’s internal battery allows you to recharge it once and enjoy up to 8 hours of continuous playback.

Are you looking for the same sound quality that compares to what you would hear from a recording studio? Well, you may get it from the Mojo ultimate DAC headphone amplifier. Just connect this unit to your Android or iPhone smartphone, and you will be ready to enjoy clear and quality music for over 8 hours. Which is just enough for you to get through your working day. Moreover, if you are sitting on your desk, you can also connect it to your MAC or PC, and you will be able to enjoy quality music all day.

The Mojo is capable of playing sounds whose frequency is as low as 32 kHz and as high as 768 kHz at, 32 bits, and DSD 256. To give you the eight to ten hours of continuous play, the Mojo needs only 4 hours of charging. That allows you to charge it at night and use it the whole day without recharging. To achieve that, it uses the Li-Po battery technology, which increases the battery’s energy density.

This headphone amp is fully automatic and will remember your last settings, which makes it easy to continue playing from where you stopped. Moreover, it has two analogue 3.5mm outputs, which allow you to plug in two headphones. For those who love to share their music with loved one when travelling, it means the two of you can now use separate headphones.

The Mojo portable amp’s case if made of aluminum, which is lightweight, and helps to dissipate heat faster by acting as a heat sink. To make sure that the case can withstand harsh treatment, Chord machined it from a solid aluminum block. Overall, if you haven’t played back your music with a headphone amp before, then you should try this device.

You need to give it five seconds after you press the power button for it to respond. That applies to switching it ON and OFF.

Highlighted Features

  • Compatible USB, Coaxial, and Optical inputs
  • It’s a digital Analog Converter Amp
  • Works with PC, MAC, Android, and iPhone
  • Plays audio files ranging from 32kHz to 768kHz
  • It has two 3.5mm analogue outputs
  • Dynamic Range: 125dB -THD
  • It’s case machine from aluminum block
  • Output Power at 1kHz: -600 ohms 35mW, and -8 ohms 720mW

Pros

  • You can use it for up to 10 hours.
  • The two analogue output design allows you to share it.
  • It recharges within four hours.
  • The Mojo plays a wide range of frequencies.

Cons

  • It uses an in-built battery.

2. OPPO HA-2SE Best Portable Headphone Amp 2016

The is a digital amplifier and Digital to Analog converter that works with Apple, Android, Mac, and PC devices. You can connect them to your device using a high-resolution USB port or a regular 3.5mm port. Moreover, it comes with a portable power bank that you can use to recharge your smart phone. If you need a high fidelity amplifier, then the OPPO HA-2SE is one of those amplifiers. Its ESS Sabre32 chip is able to consistently filter noise, amplify the musical signals, and output them into your inner-earphones or headphones.

The OPPO HA-2SE comes with an inbuilt battery, which is why it’s portable. You don’t have to keep it plugged to a power source to be able to enjoy its quality amplifying features. Once you recharge it, you may take it with you anywhere, and enjoy playing amplified music from your musical devices. The OPPO HA-2SE weighs only 175 grams or 6.0oz, and measures 68 mm by 137 mm by 12 mm. That design allows you to fit in your pocket, backpack, or even hold it in your hand without discomfort.

This amplifier is capable of responding to sounds from 20 Hz to 200 kHz, and can output an audio level of 1 Vrms, and read an audio level input of 1 Vrms. You will also be able to use a headphone with impedance ranging from 16 Ohm to 300 Ohm. For you, that means that it will respond to even the lowest audio out from the playback device, amplify it, and allow you to listen to it. You can lower the volume to as low or as high as it’s safe for your ear. That makes it ideal for use in quiet as well as noise places.

The inbuilt battery allows you to carry up to 3000 mAh of power because of the lithium polymer technology. That power allows you to enjoy amplify your music for up to 13 hours when using analog devices. If you are amplifying a digital signal, you will be able to enjoy its playback for 7 hours. Moreover, it only takes an average of 1 hour and 30 minutes to recharge it fully. Overall, if you need the best headphone amp 2016, this is one of them.

Highlighted Features

  • Frequency Response of 20 Hz to 200 kHz
  • It uses a DAC Chip- ESS Sabre32
  • Powered by an inbuilt 3000 mAh lithium polymer
  • Works with a iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android Phones, Macs and PCs

Pros

  • Fast charging of about 1 hour 30 minutes
  • It’s portable.
  • Unique design that fist in your pocket.
  • Use it to recharge your phone

Cons

  • You cannot replace the inbuilt battery.

3. FiiO A5 Best Headphone Amp Under 200

The FiiO A5 is a portable headphone amplifier that is made of a sandblasted steel casing to make it more durable, and give it an appealing titanium appearance. It’s designed to provide a maximum amplifying power of 800mW at 32 Ohms, and a signal to noise ratio or SNR of 115dB. The A5 has a harmonic distortion of just 0.002%, and it includes a Low and High switch for use with various headphone sizes and designs. 

The A5 comes with an input jack and an output jack for audio input and audio output respectively. To recharge it, you need a micro-USB, and its battery lasts for as long as 12 hours. You will however find that if you use a high powered headphone or you switch to bass boost or High circuit, then the battery time shorten and you may need to recharge within four hours. The A5 battery capacity is about 880mAH, and it uses a Lithium cell battery. It has only one output audio jack, which means that only one person can use it at a time.

The high signal to noise ratio is evident once you turn it one and connect your headphone. Even before you connect a signal source such as your phone or PC, you will not hear any hiss. Even after you turn up the volume to about 60%, there hiss remains diminished. That perfect noise reduction allows you to enjoy crystal-clear music amplification from this device. You will also notice that the treble performance on the A5 is quite impressive, which allows you to enjoy a theatric experience if you have quality headphones.

The bass produced by the A5 is tight, defined and reasonably extended, at least until you turn ON the bass boost. Turning ON the bass boost will cause it to amplify signals below 150Hz, which becomes a little bit too much. Overall, expect a bass boost of up to 6dB, which is quite impressive. It’s recommended that you only switch to bass boots when you absolutely need to do that. Otherwise, the treble performance is just ideal.

Overall, the A5 will offer you a good and clear sound boost, sufficient power for your full sized earphones, and generally a good battery life. the only downside is that some may find that the volume range is a little bit limited. However, you may use the source volume to fine-tune it. With that in mind, if you need a headphone amp that suppresses noise as it amplifies your music, and gives you a longer battery life, you may want to check out the A5.

Highlighted Features

  • It comes with charging cable and an interconnect cable
  • Includes silicone stick pads
  • Weighs 168 grams and measures 124mm by 65.5mm by 14.5mm
  • Battery size of 800 mAh
  • Cross talk that’s greater or equal to 75 dB (1 kHz)
  • Amp chipset Muses02 +
  • Battery life more than 13 h
  • Charging time less than 3 h

Pros

  • Clean and neutral signature
  • Long battery life
  • Highly portable
  • Good gain and control
  • Low output impedance 0.3 Ohms
  • High power output capable of driving 300 Ohms

Cons

  • Limited volume control range

4. FiiO A3 Best Headphone Amp Under 100

The A3 headphone amp is a portable headphone amp designed to work with headphones that have an input impedance of 16 Ohms to 150 Ohms. It also includes a gain switch that you may use to match the power needs of your headphone. It uses the OPA1642 preamp and AD8397 amp to increase the Signal to Noise Ratio and deliver a clear and amplified audio signal. To give you an enhanced musical experience, you have an option to use it bass boost circuit, which will increase its output by 3.5dB at 60 Hz. You may turn of the bass boost circuit if you don’t need to use using its switch.

The aluminum casing provides a lightweight protection from mechanical forces, as well as electrical shielding. The electrical shielding protects that amp from electromagnetic noise interference. The EM shielding comes in hand if you operate this amp close to electrical devices that use transformers. Moreover, the polished aluminum body feels soft in your hands, and improves its appearance apart from making it sturdy and robust. Charging the FiiO A3 takes at most 2 hours if you are charging from the mains socket and little bit more from your laptop. You will need to use its Micro-USB cable to do charge; it’s included in the package.

The FiiO A3 is powered by a 1400mAh internal battery that’s capable of providing up to 16 hours of use. If you happen to have a busy schedule of out hiking, that is obviously a plus. When combined with items such as a backpacking solar panel, it makes this amp one of the best for hiking or trailing. It comes with a cable that you may use to connect with your iPhone or Android smartphone, as well as a rubber band. You may use the heavy-duty rubber band to strap the A3 amp onto your phone, so you can enjoy your music without having to juggle the amp and phone.

The FiiO A3 measures 91.2 mm by 56.0 mm by 13.0 mm, which makes it pocket size and ideal for use when travelling light. It’s easy to connect and use, and for its price, you will get value for money. I only wouldn’t recommend that you use it with headphone that an input impedance equal to 150 Ohms or higher. You will enjoy it best with the bass switch turned on, which allows you to listen to the low deep frequencies. The mid and high frequencies play quite well even with the boost function turned ON.

Highlighted Features

  • Comes with interconnect cable and Micro-USB
  • Bass boost of 3.5dB at 60Hz
  • Battery life of 1400mAh
  • It use the OPA1642 preamp and AD8397 amp
  • Powers headphones rated 16 Ohms to 150 Ohms

Pros

  • Easy to use and connect
  • Long battery life
  • Great performance for its price
  • Look great and is handy in size
  • Gives a nice bass sound

Cons

  • It’s isn’t meant for headphones rated over 150 Ohms

5. Creative Sound Blaster X-7 Best Headphone Guitar Amp

The Creative Sound Blaster X-7 is designed to amplify and output high resolution sounds into high-powered headphones. That makes it ideal for almost all headphone applications including amplifying your guitar sounds for your 600-Ohm headphone. It outputs up to 24-BIT 192KHZ high-resolution audio, which makes it ideal for use in amplifying musical sounds, movies, games, and musical instruments. For you that, means you get one headphone amp for all your applications, and you won’t have to compromise on quality.

You will be able to pair its 100W STEREO AMP with your headphones or even passive speakers to enjoy to enjoy crystal-clear sounds from your smartphone, guitar, or even your iPod. The inbuilt digital-analog converter (DAC) works with the inbuilt Dolby Digital Decoder to give you a true 5.1 digital surround musical experience. Whether you choose to use it with your headphone or with your bookshelf speakers, you will be able to get a distinguishable improvement in sound quality.

While most small portable amplifiers will limit you to 200 Ohms max, the Creative Sound Blaster X-7 is capable of driving up to 600 Ohms headphones and passive speakers. That’s what makes it ideal for use in amplifying your guitar sounds; you may use it with headphones when you need to or with passive speakers when necessary. Overall, when it comes to amplifying sounds, the Sound Blaster X-7 is designed to amplify sound from anything that sends out audio signals, without creating distortions.

The Sound Blaster X-7 has different ports for connecting your audio devices whose sounds you need to amplify, and port for receiving the amplified signals. There is a port for your microphone, guitar, your DVD, DVR, and for your smartphone. You can listen to the amplified signals from your earphones, stereo speakers, passive speakers, and headphones. Overall, if you need a quality sound amplifier that works without any distortions then this is it.

Highlighted Features

  • Decodes Dolby Digital
  • Converts any input to 5.1 surround
  • Power speakers with impedance of up to 600 Ohms
  • Amplifies guitar sounds
  • It gives you numerous connection options

Pros

  • It’s easy to use, and works with all audio devices.
  • Use it to connect to your Bluetooth wireless devices
  • Limits noise in the amplified signals.
  • Provides up to 600 Ohms
  • You can hung it on your wall using its headphone stand

Cons

  • You have to keep it connected to a power source.

6. The AudioQuest Dragon Fly Red Best Portable Headphone Amp

This is an almost-flawless best desktop headphone amplifier for music lovers who want to give a hi-fi boost to their music. It is an upgraded version of the previous model and comes with a lot of enhanced features.

The Audio QuestDragon Fly Red USB DAC/ Headphone amplifier is a 32-bit SABRE DAC with a 2.1voltage output that fits on almost all headphones. Are you an Android or iOS user? You do not have to worry since the amplifier is compatible with any iOS/ Android device when paired with an adapter. Also, the DragonFly plays high-resolution files ranging from MP# files to the 96 kHz files.

It also has a glossy red design that gives it a good finish and for safe transportation. Moreover, it is an upgrade from the previous DAC version. It comes with a perfect digital volume control which gives a clear output. QuestDragon produces a rich and detailed sound for a sophisticated listen.

The AudioQuest Dragon Fly Red USB DAC/ Headphone amplifiers are the first Dragon Fly amplifiers to work with tablets and smartphones because of their lower USB power draw into the microchip controller. However, you will need an Apple camera adapter or Android OTG that will comfortably accommodate the lightning jack or micro USB of smaller devices. It is easy to set up and sound quality depends on how you set it.

Pros

  • It has a solid, subtle and sophisticated sound
  • QuestDragon is compatible with Android and iOS devices
  • It has an excellent design for easy handling and transportation
  • QuestDragon plays a wide range of music files
  • It is smartphone and tablet compatible

Cons

  • Its glossy red finish that seems to chips off easily
  • It is pricey compared to the previous models
  • Cannot play files exceeding 96 kHz

Highlighted Features

  • Has a more fine-grained premium sound
  • Compatibility with iOS and Android devices
  • Works with smartphones and tablets
  • It has a high maximum output which feeds the more demanding headphones
  • 1 voltage output
  • 32-Bit Sabre DAC
  • Works with almost all headphone types

7. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Best Desktop Headphone Amp

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional headphone is an upgraded and friendly version of the ATH-M5o headphone. It comes with interchangeable cables and produces a great sound as one of the best headphone amp under 200.

The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Professional headphones have large and over headphones. They are slightly bigger than the previous model, but this does not affect their functionality. They are made of plastic with a little ring of metal inside the metal ear cups. A band of steel reinforces the headband. It also comes with a removable cable with a standard 2.55 mm cable. However, there is no cause for concern as it comes with a 1.2 m portable cable and two longer cords that can be used in a studio or DJ booth.

It also has large ear pads that give your earlobes plenty of room. The headband then spreads the pressure all over the head. Its firm mid-grip helps hold the headphones in place. Italso has perfect noise isolation that blocks away any other noise apart from the music.

When it comes to sound quality, the headphones offer bass power with a low-end beefiness. It also produces a detailed but smooth treble for those who love to listen to gentle music. Therefore, it makes listening to music fun as long as the bass does not trample over everything else. It is one of the best headphones for gaming and movies as it brings out a great bass depth and extra power.

Pros

  • They have great sound quality
  • Ideal for musicians and DJs
  • Have noise isolation
  • Comfortable to wear and have a good mid-grip
  • Good stereo imaging and separation

Cons

  • Noise isolation should be improved
  • It has a standard 2.5 mm cable

Highlighted Features

  • 90 degrees swiveling ear cups
  • Exceptional clarity with an extended frequency range
  • Noise cancellation
  • Designed to fully cover the ear
  • Comes with detachable cablewith three additional cables
  • Black in color

8. Sennheiser HD 598 Best Portable Headphone Amp 2017

The Sennheiser HD 598 over-ear headphone is one of the best headphone amp under 100without a microphone. The premium and audiophile open back headphones are ivory in color, lightweight, and have velour pads that are luxurious and offer extreme comfort to the wearer.

With the Sennheiser HD 598 amp, you do not have to worry about compatibility. The device connects to almost every audio device such as stereo components, laptops, tablets, and phones. It also comes with a 3.5 mm adapter plug and a 3 m cable in its packaging. The cables are detachable and can be used in any location.

With Sennheiser HD 598 being an open-back headphone, it creates an excellent listening experience for the user. It allows an ambient noise which creates a natural sound experience. However, the sound quality depends on how it is set-up. Setting up is easy and it is important to follow the instructions for a better sound output. For starters, the cable must be firmly inserted in the ear cup’s input and twist it clockwise till the connection is intact.

The headphone has an amazing finish that creates an aesthetic appeal. The ear plates have a shiny wood finish that shows off in the open ear design. It also has a beige plastic frame that gives it a retro-chic look. It is the perfect choice for music lovers on a budget.

You do not have to worry when your amplifier stops working or develops a mechanical problem since the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty on service repairs and replacements.

Pros

  • It has a funky and retro design
  • Accurate and rich audio
  • It is affordable
  • It is light and has a comfortable fit.

Cons

It must be used with the 3.5 mm adaptor on most audio devices.

Highlighted Features

  • Detachable cable and adapter plug
  • Over-ear and open back headphone design
  • Compatible with most audio devices
  • Excellent finish design

9. SianSmart Assembled 6N3 Best Portable Headphone Amplifier

The SianSmart Assembled 6N3Hifi Buffer is one of the audio best tube headphone ampwith a transformer and pre-amp kit. It has a superior frequency response that is analytic, accurate and broadened, and comes at a reasonable price. It is an all-valve amplifier with a power circuit supply that does not affect its sound quality.

The SianSmart Assembled 6N3 Hifi Buffer has several components that improve its functionality. It comes with selected 6N3 tube, special ordered high voltage out cooling capacitors, and Panasonic high voltage capacitors. Furthermore, it uses one percent tolerance metal film resistors.

It is made of a glass fiber board, green LEDs, and red soldier masks that allow the amp to glow at night. You do not have to worry about pre-wiring the kit since it comes as a pre-wired set. You can also use it without the case.

The SianSmart Assembled 6N3 Hifi Buffer has a high sound quality. However, improper installation affects the overall sound quality. You can choose to install it on your own or involve a professional.

Pros

  • It is a high-quality amplifier for music lovers on a budget
  • It has a nice,rich, and warm tone
  • Comes with a pre-wired kit
  • Easy to install

Cons

  • The instruction manual is in Chinese making it difficult for the novices during installation
  • You might need to crank the volume up to get a reasonable sound level

Highlighted Features

  • Green LED lights and red solder mask that illuminate at night
  • Glass fiber board
  • Panasonic high voltage capacitors
  • Quality sealed mini potentiometers
  • Comes with 2 PCBS
  • Broadened frequency response
  • 3 V voltage

10. Vox AP2Ac am Plug AC30 Best Budget Headphone Amp

The Vox AP2Ac am Plug AC30 is one of the best headphone amp under 50with an AUX in and headphone out connections. It is battery-powered and runs on AAA batteries. The guitar type amplifiers have a multi-effect functionality coupled with the rhythm function added to the bass type. It has a foldable mechanism with an ability to rotate 180 degrees. It also has additional features such as an auto-off function that improves its convenience and use. If you want to get serious sound in the simplest way without occupying any space, the Vox AP2Ac am Plug AC30 guitar amplifier fits the bill. It is the perfect choice for any bassist and guitarist.

The guitar amp comes in various models ranging from the class rock to the blues. It produces different sounds based on the available models. For instance, the bass model is tailor-made for low frequencies and offers a wide-range of responses. The metal model gives you anextremely high sound gain.

It has an extended battery life of up to 15 hours. You do not have to worry about your guitar going silent on you in the middle of your performance or practice session. Also, Vox AP2Ac am Plug AC30 produces a great bass sound when used with a standard pair of headphones. If you love playing your guitar in the middle of the night, you are lest assured that your neighbors will not hear any noise.

Pros

  • It is the perfect guitar amp for guitarist
  • User friendly
  • It is an ultra-compact size making it portable
  • Produces some excellent guitar sounds
  • It has an extended battery life of up to 15 hours
  • You can play late at night without causing disturbance
  • Produces a great bass sound using a standard headphone

Cons

  • Some users felt it did not meet the manufacturer’s specifications

Highlighted Features

  • 100 percent analog circuit design
  • 15-hour battery life
  • Triple-A battery powered power supply
  • Quick and easy to set up
  • Two easy connections: Headphone out and AUX in
  • Auto-power off functions
  • It has nine selectable effects with three reverbs, delay, and chorus

Choosing the Best Headphone Amplifier

A headphone amplifier offers an enhanced listening experience without the music become necessarily loud. It makes the sound come out clear and in a controlled manner. However, you choose the music to be as loud as you please.

Headphones are synonymous with music lovers who love to get lost in their own world. However, if you have a pair of portable headphones, they could work well with headphone appliances. You can listen to music on the go with the best sound quality.

Headphone amplifiers do not need any special equipment to work. For starters, they are easy to install and greatly enhance the sound output. All you need to do is plug it in, turn on the device, and wait for the music to start. What if you need to increase the bass level to a certain level? Worry not! The headphone amp might appear as a small device but increases the volume and detail of the song.

How do you know that you have picked the right amp based on your needs? The world of headphone amps is deep and technical and it might be overwhelming to novices., We all want something that is simple to use and that gives us the satisfaction that we crave for. The amp should make your audio life better with minimal or no hassle at all. However, that does not mean that you go for low-quality and sub-standard headphone amps.

What should you look for in a headphone amplifier besides an enhanced listening to your music?

Portable vs. Stationery

The best headphone amplifiers come in different designs and styles. Some of them are portable and others are heavier making them ideal for studio or DJ booth use. The portable ones have a USB that allows you to listen to music even when you are on the move. The portable headphone amplifiers should be compact enough and easy to carry around.

Headphone Impedance

It is important to consider the impedance rating of each amplifier. Different models have different rates. Therefore, before making a purchase, check all the stats of the models that appeal to you.The headphone impedance is the figures provided in the manual or packaging of the headphones. Moreover, the figures are listed in ohms. To find the pairing of the headphone, you should use the impedance value attached to the headphone and then ten times the value of the amplifier being used. For instance, a 300-ohm headphone would work well with a 30-ohm amp.

Sound Enhancement Features

What other feature would you want your headphone amp to possess that will enhance your music output? Does it have the gain control feature? Is it compatible with your other devices? How is its voice control?

User Requirements

Assess your requirements as a user. Do you want headphones for gaming or listening to music? Depending on the intended use of the headphones, you will need to consider a few aspects. If you want headphones for watching a movie or listening to music and need to block the noise around you, you are best suited investing in a headphone amp that blocks the noise from the outside.

Budget

Your budget matters a great deal. Some high-quality headphone amps cost below $100. However, they may lack some features found in the high-end models. Also, there are some high-quality headphone amps that will not cost an arm and a leg.

Power Output

Power output should be a primary concern when choosing an amplifier as it determines the maximum volume your headphone can reach. The best amplifier should range from 50-200mw per channel.

Sound Quality

Another important aspect to consider is the sound quality. It should not produce too much bass or a shrieking soprano. It should create a reasonable balance that will enhance the music experience. After all, no one wants to ruin their ears and hearing capacity by using headphones with terrible and unbalanced sound quality.

Headphone Sensitivity

How sensitive are your headphones? Sensitivity ratings are measured in decibels levels per milliwatt. Anything above 100 DB at 1mw is enough to produce an ample volume without an external amplifier. However, others might need a higher decibel value for better sound output.

Comfortable Fit

It does not matter if you want the over or on-ear headphones, they should be a comfortable fit. They should have a strong mid-grip so that it does not fall off. Also, they should not feel too tight or loose on the ears. Fortunately, most of the ear pads can be easily adjusted to a comfortable position.

Identifying the Best Selling Headphones Amplifiers Brands

With the many headphones amplifier brands in the market, how do you identify the best amp to suit your needs? Factors such as the price and features available might influence your purchasing options. However, customer reviews, feedback and rating is one of the recommended ways of identifying reputable brands.

  • Customer Feedback, Ratings,and Reviews

What are other customers saying about the different brands of headphone amplifiers? Customer feedbacks, ratings, and advertisements are some of the best and recommended ways of identifying some of the best brands. Read through the product reviews and see what people who have purchased the products experienced. It is also important to ensure that you get a warranty that covers any service repairs and replacement services.

Headphone Amplifier Benefits: Why Should I Get One

  • For sound enhancement features

There is nothing exciting about listening to music in a limited voice and poor sound quality. Regular headphones tend to have lower impedance rating that might interfere with the sound output. The headphone amplifier has a much higher impedance rating with a high-quality sound output.

  • People with hearing problems

Are you someone who struggles with hearing within certain ranges? Thanks to the headphone amps, it improves the hearing ability transforming the listening experience for the best.

Taking Care of Your Headphone Amplifiers

  • Quality

Always go for quality headphone amps. Expensive does not always translate to quality and durability. Read reviews, seek recommendations from others, or go for well-known brands with a notable reputation.

  • Plastic Housings

Headphones with metal and wood housings tend to have a better sound output compared to plastic housings. However, not all plastic housings have a terrible sound quality. The problem with plastic housing is that it breaks easily when dropped. If possible go for braided, fabric, or hard rubber cables too. They tend to be long-lasting if they are taken care of properly.

  • Protection

Get a protective case for your headphones as you carry them around. There are numerous options ranging from the soft/hard cases to the pouches.

Other General Tips for Caring for the Headphones Include:

  • Never tug or pull out the cable especially when it is tangled
  • Do not yank it off roughly from your laptop or phone. Pull it gently as you hold close to its edges
  • Do not use your headphones in the rain, water, or humid conditions
  • Fold your cables in a continuous eight shape to avoid tangling them
  • Before plugging in your amp into your laptop or phone, always turn down the volume.
  • It might get damaged when it suddenly exposed to high volume settings.
  • Regularly clean your on-ear cushions with a light and slightly damp cloth or some wet wipes
  • Always store your headphones in their protective case whenever they are not in use

Headphone Amplifier Trends to Look Out For

Manufacturers are constantly upgrading their headphone amplifiers to suit the market demands. They are continually introducing features that enhance the efficiency of the headphones. For instance,the AudioQuest Dragon Fly Red USB DAC/ Headphone amplifier is one of the best headphone amps that is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. Also, the noise cancellation feature is continually being improved to block any external noise.

Conclusion

Headphones amplifiers have become a huge business and people are spending a lot of money to acquire them. Before making a purchase, consider the requirements you need to meet. For instance, do you want your amp to listen to music or plug it into your guitar? Such decisions will influence factors such as the noise cancellation aspect. Sometimes, you may need to block noise from the external environment. Also, using an amp with a noise cancellation feature might not be a good idea if you decide to go jogging. The user also needs to take care of the headphone amps so that they effectively serve their purpose and extend their longevity.

Based our best portable headphone amplifier review above, we recommend the AudioQuest Dragon Fly Red USB DAC/ Headphone. It is an improved version of the previous models and is equipped with large over-head headphones with a comfortable fit. Moreover, it has large ear pads that give the earlobes plenty of room. It has an excellent sound quality too. However, one aspect that stands out is its compatibility with smartphones and tablets. It is one of the best headphones amplifiers that is supported by both Android and iOS devices. Enjoy a wide array of music with a rich and detailed sound anywhere and at any time.

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