#CHEAP ZEN FOR 2K PORTABLE#

It really felt like it brought the best out of whatever we plugged into it. We couldn't believe how good it made our headphones sound, with audio quality that was both balanced and engaging. The Rupert Neve Designs RNHP surprised the hell out of us. What We Don't: Looks like something you'd see installed in a university physics lab. What We Like: Incredible, life-changing sound. You’re welcome.īest Solid-State Headphone Amp 3.

#CHEAP ZEN FOR 2K PORTABLE#

This issue aside, we genuinely think the K3 is a huge leap forward for portable amps: an affordable, lightweight piece of gear which offers outstanding value. That’s not a black mark-the K3 would need to be much bigger to provide for them, compromising the portability.

Another thing to note: high-impedance cans (such as those over 150Ω) aren’t really suitable here. That’s unusual, given that the tiny amp offers multiple gain settings to play with. We found that with some earbuds-like those from Moondrop and Simgot-the K3 was a little fussy, not always offering the oomph we needed. If you listen to IEMs, however, you may want to approach with caution. And at 2.9 ounces, you’ll barely notice the little guy in your pocket. We still think those amps offer more functionality for daily listening, but if you’re on the go, you can’t beat the K3. Matched up with desktop models, like the Schiit Magni or the iFi Zen Can, it provides equally solid sound quality. It’s an amp that is light years ahead of amps like our previous portable pick, the FiiO BTR-5. The K3 is their best yet: a portable amp that matches terrific sound quality with a sleek design. What We Don't: Fussy with IEMs, not great with high-impedance headphones.įiiO-a Chinese company specializing in tiny headphone amps-have made their name by continually refining their gear, refusing to settle. What We Like: Sleek design, exceptional sound for such a tiny package. However, if you want customization options, included DACs, or multiple connections, look further down the list.īest Portable Headphone Amp 2. If you want something a bit more powerful, the company makes plenty of other amps (like the Magnius, below), but this is by far our top pick. Our only criticisms are the large, wall wart power supply and the fact that you'll need a separate DAC (see our buying advice below for more on this). It is dead-simple to operate, provides incredibly smooth sound, looks fantastic, and will power just about everything. No matter what kind of headphones you own, be they $5,000 monsters or $10 earbuds, you need the Magni+. We prefer the +, which has slightly sweeter sound.

There are different Schiit variations to choose from, some of which feature different internal circuits. For hardcore audiophiles, it's practically a throwaway purchase - one that will keep you coming back again and again. For beginners, it will be the thing that kicks your music up a notch, and gets you addicted to this hobby. What are we doing, putting a $139 amp at the top of a list filled with four-figure monsters? But no headphone amp has impressed us more for the price than the Magni line, with the '+' being the latest rendition. What We Don’t: Large wall wart, you’ll need a separate DAC. Best Amp for Tweaking the Sound: Burson Conductor 3 Referenceīest Overall Headphone Amp 1.The Amp With the Best Included DAC: JDS Labs The Element III.Best High-End Headphone Amp: Linear Tube Audio microZOTL MZ3.Best Tube Headphone Amp: Monoprice Monolith Liquid Platinum.Best Solid-State Headphone Amp: Rupert Neve Designs RNHP.Best Overall Headphone Amp: Schiit Audio Magni+.And to complete your system, check out our list of the best high-end headphones and best DACs. The good news is that you don't have to spend big to get one whatever you're looking for, we can help. These little devices will drive the signal from your music player and increase both its volume and detail. But what if you don't just want to listen to your music? What if you truly want to hear it? You'll need something to increase the level of signal that reaches your ears: a good headphone amp. You plug them in, turn your device on, and music comes through. You wouldn't expect headphones to need any special equipment to work.

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