Desktop amps are designed to power high demand headphones properly with minimal distortion. They are also equipped with an input for connecting your personal music player so you can listen to your tunes through your favorite cans at their best possible fidelity.
These models are specially designed to be used with headphones and have a higher wattage than any standard amp. This is because your average headphones require a lot more power to reach high volume levels without distorting the sound.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
Retain the Class A amplifier:
You should look for models that have a Class A circuit with a specific power output of 30-100 watts per channel. These amps are specifically designed to provide pure, rich, and heavy bass.
Find the right amount of power:
Look for amplifiers that have at least 10 watts per channel. You want an amp that will reach your average headphone volume with plenty of volume left over for all your favorite tunes. An amplifier with at least 10 watts per channel should provide enough juice to power even the most powerful headphones.
Find the right number of channels:
You should look for an amp with multiple channels so you can use it with all your favorite headphones without needing to switch channels.
Look for channel control:
Many amplifiers today allow you to control the volume of each channel so you can enjoy your favorite songs through your headphones at different volumes. This feature is especially valuable if you plan on using different types of headphones at one time, or if you’d like to enjoy your music at different volumes.
5 Best Desktop Headphone Amplifiers Reviewed
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Monolith 124459 Desktop Headphone Amplifier and DAC with THX AAA Technology (Dual AKM 4493 Dacs & Dual AAA-788 Modules)
- The worlds most linear amp technology: the THX achromatic audio amplifire (THX AAA) ensures the ultimate no-compromise Headphone audio experience
- True balanced operation: Each THX stereo amp module operates in a bridged configuration to maximize output power for each channel, each DAC operates...
- Dual AKM 4493 DACs: new flagship 32-bit stereo premium DAC. It supports PCM inputs up to 768kHz and a direct stream digital input of 2. 8/5. 6/11. 2...
- Balanced & single ended Headphone output: Compatible with all headphones and items
- Tailor your sound: Use the powerful digital tools to tailor the sound to your personal preference. Does your headphone have a little sibilance? Set a...
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Monolith 124459 is one of the most powerful desktop headphone amplifiers you can buy. It provides up to 130 watts per channel, 10 channels with volume control on each, and an input for connecting your headphones.
Pros:
- Simplified user interface with 9-band graphic equalizer for easy adjustment of bass, mid, and treble levels.
- Channel control for each channel so you can adjust the volume of each headphone individually.
- Amplifier has a removable plate so it can be used in different locations. Features gold-plated terminals so it easily connects to your headphones or other electronic equipment.
Cons:
- No internal grounding means you will need a separate audio cable.
2. Nobsound NS-08E Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier Hi-Fi Valve Headphone Amp Stereo Audio Preamplifier
The Nobsound NS-08E is a high quality and powerful vacuum tube headphone amplifier. It provides up to 50 watts per channel and contains a 24 bit DAC for high fidelity sound. The amplifier also has an internal equalization control, an input for connecting your personal music player, and external grounding terminals.
- NS-08E is a Hi-Fi tube headphone amp. It can offer >=1100mW at 32Ω and can drive 18~600 ohm headphones & headsets.
- New version adopts 6J3 vacuum & valve tube, which has warmer tube sound and more replaceable tubes.
- Upgrade circuit can ensure lower background noise, more powerful bass and more brilliant treble.
- It can also be used as a stereo preamplifier for other amplifiers and active speakers. For better preamp function, we recommend NS-10P (ASIN:...
- CNC Aluminum shell with super mini size. Very solid workmanship. Prompt and courteous customer service. For any questions, please contact us on...
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros:
- Top panel is a high quality aluminum with a durable and attractive design.
- Unique vacuum tubes provide an accurate sound reproduction. Many tube amps have a sound quality that is best described as warm and full. This amp is capable of producing a warm, rich tone.
- The amplifier has buttoned meters that will help you determine the output power of each speaker.
- The amplifier has an external grounding terminal.
Cons:
- Amplifier is not made with the best materials. It is easy to scratch when you’re using it in areas where it may be exposed to dust, rocks, and other small objects.
3. S.M.S.L SD-793II Optical Coaxial DAC Digital to Analog Converter Built-in Headphone Amplifier Black
- SMSL SD-793II decoder uses the top digital receiver chip DIR9001, it can receive 24bit/96K signals at the highest.
- SMSL SD-793II uses the classic match DIR9001+PCM1793+OPA2134 classic match, can reach a good sound
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The S.M.S.L SD-793II is an optical converter that will provide high quality sound to your headphones while you’re streaming music from your personal music player or computer. The amplifier also has an internal circuit that provides a detailed and powerful sound.
Pros:
- The amplifier is simple to assemble and adjust. All you need to do is connect your headphones, plug it in, and turn it on to start enjoying all your favorite songs.
- The amplifier has an output that is compatible with most digital music players and computers.
- Its stereo output and optical coaxial digital output provide better quality sound than most music sources. It’s capable of providing high definition sound through your headphones.
- A CD receiver is also built in which will allow you to listen to your CDs while you’re streaming audio from other devices.
Cons:
- Not all headphone are supported by this amp.
4. Syba USB 24 Bit 96 KHz DAC Digital to Analog Headphone Amplifier 2 Stage EQ Digital / Coaxial Output and RCA Output SD-DAC63057
- Operation Amplifier: TI LM358 x1 powered by USB Port
- Sampling Rate for DAC: 24bit/96KHz (Max.)
- Integrated De-pop Function for Suppress Pop Noise During PC Power-up and Shutdown
- Support 3.5mm or 1/4" Jack headphone jack
- Easy Plug and Play. No Driver or Software Installation Required (Except for S/PDIF output)
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Syba USB 24 Bit 96 KHz DAC Digital to Analog Headphone Amplifier has an adjustable external EQ with a maximum power output of up to 50 watts. It also has external grounding terminals and bass boost circuitry.
Pros:
- The amplifier is compatible with Mac and PC computers as well as your iPhone, iPad, Android, and other MP3 devices. This means you only need to plug it in and start enjoying all your favorite songs.
- The amp has a headphone output and an external RCA output so you can take advantage of the many headphones on the market today.
- A USB port is also included so you can connect your USB music player or computer directly to the amplifier. This allows you to enjoy all your favorite tunes without using any additional cables.
Cons:
- Requires an external power source.
5. XtremPro Desktop USB DAC Headphone Amplifiers – Black (65003)
- Desktop USB DAC headphone amplifiers
- It would quickly be a desktop DAC headphone amplifier
- Various interfaces make it very convenient to connect with other equipment
- Input Supports aux in, USB in ( pc dace) , output Supports headphone output; line out
- Chipset: TI Audio IC
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The XtremPro Desktop USB DAC Headphone Amplifier provides high quality sound through your headphones. It has a bass boost circuitry to adjust the clarity of your music. The amplifier also has an external grounding terminal so you can easily connect it to any device.
Pros:
- High quality amplifier with a maximum power output of up to 50 watts per channel. You can use this amp in any room or area where you’ll enjoy listening to your favorite songs in great sound quality.
- The amplifier has an external grounding terminal so you can use it with many of your electronic devices. It also has a bass boost button if you want to adjust the clarity level of your music.
- Inputs include a USB, MicroUSB, or MicroSD port so you can easily connect it to any device that’s playing music.
Cons:
- Amplifier does not have an internal grounding port. It requires an external cable for connecting it to other cables or electronics that may be grounded.
Conclusion:
There are many headphone amplifiers on the market today. Researching and comparing all of them can be a bit challenging so we’ve created this guide so you can choose the right amplifier for your needs.
We hope you can find what you’re looking for with this review and the products included in the guide.
FAQ:
Q: Which headphone amplifier is the best?
A: Schiit Magni 3 Heresy. At a first glance,the Schiit Magni 3 Heresy headphone amp is really nice to look at. … FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier. In terms of design,FiiO did not hold back on this little powerhouse. … Behringer Microamp HA400. … VOX AP2AC amPlug 2 AC30 Guitar/Bass Headphone Amplifier. … Objective2 Headphone Amplifier. …
Q: Do I need portable amplifier with my headphones?
A: When the maximum output of your source device is lower than what your headphones require for a good listening level, then and only then do you need an amplifier. Bluetooth headphones won’t need an amplifier because power management is integrated into the headset, and getting an amp will not change anything about your experience.
Q: What are the best computer headphones?
A: Arm your little rockers with the best kid’s headphones Best Sony headphones deals: Sony WH-1000XM4,WH-1000XM3 and more Best Bose headphones deals: Bose QC35 II,Bose 700 Noise-Cancelling Best Beats headphones deals: cheap Beats Solo Wireless3 and more Best AirPods deals: Save on Apple’s iconic earbuds
Q: What does amplifier DO for headphones?
A: You’ve gone and done it: you cooked your ears and now you’re hard of hearing Your headphones are broken Your source can’t satisfy the power requirements of the headphones