Headphone Amplifiers

Desktop and portable headphone amplifiers that give your headphones more power, control and detail than a phone or laptop output.

Choose a compact desktop amp such as the FiiO GIGAS 1 for your desk, or a portable amp such as the Astell&Kern PA10 to pair with a hi-res player. Pair them with our headphones, hi-res players and DACs and streamers.
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How to choose a headphone amplifier

Match the power. Check your headphones' impedance and sensitivity; harder-to-drive headphones need more output.

Check the inputs. Make sure the amp connects to your source, whether that is a DAC, a hi-res player or a line output.

Headphone Amplifiers FAQs

Q: Do I need a headphone amplifier?

A: You will hear the biggest difference with high-impedance or low-sensitivity headphones that a phone or laptop struggles to drive. Easy-to-drive headphones gain less, but an amp can still add control and headroom.

Q: What is the difference between a DAC and a headphone amp?

A: A DAC turns digital audio into an analogue signal; a headphone amp boosts that signal to drive your headphones. Some units do both, while a dedicated amp pairs with a separate DAC or player.

Q: Desktop or portable?

A: Desktop amps run from mains power and suit a fixed setup. Portable amps run on a battery and pair with a hi-res player or phone on the move.

Q: Can I get advice on matching an amp to my headphones?

A: Yes. Tell us your headphones and source and we will suggest a suitable amplifier.

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