Woo Audio Wa7 Electro Harmonix 6c45 Gold Plated Pins Review
Virtually listeners plug their headphones directly into their laptop or smartphone headphone jack. Simple, right?
Which begs the question, why would anyone be interested in ownership a headphone amp?
The brusk answer is the 3.5mm sound jack on computers or devices like the iPhone or iPad aren't very powerful. This means they often can't provide enough ability to drive audiophile class, higher impedance headphones.
Ability-hungry headphones volition still produce sound, but they won't be properly driven. Not simply is volume held back, just they aren't capable of producing the extreme highs and lows which demand sudden spikes in power.
And and then at that place's the issue of digital-to-analog converters (DACs), which convert digital audio (MP3, PCM, FLAC etc.) to an analog signal that your headphones can actually brand utilize of.
The congenital-in DACs of your computer or smartphone leave a lot to be desired. So to improve sound quality, audiophiles often buy a dedicated DAC unit that runs between the headphone amp and audio source. Equally, if not more than common, are headphone amp/DAC combos which combine an amp and DAC in a single unit. There are advantages and disadvantages to either arroyo.
In this list nosotros'll be taking a look at a diversity of headphone amps, including standalone ones and 2-in-1 headphone amp/DACs. To kicking things off, let's start with a dedicated headphone amp which is all the rage and one of the best ones we've ever tested.
one. Schiit Magni Heresy
The all-time affordable standalone headphone amp that goes toe-to-toe with much pricier competition.
- Type: Desktop Solid State
- Built-in DAC: No
- Output Impedance: <0.25Ω
- Inputs: RCA Phono
- Outputs: 6.3mm (1/iv inch) jack, RCA preamp
- Dimensions: v x iii.5 10 one.25 inches
Pros
Cons
Schiit was founded in 2010 by 2 audio engineers in a garage with no external investment. They shook things upward, making DACs and headphone amplifiers that stood toe-to-toe with ones that cost ten times as much. And today, they are by far and away the near talked about company when it comes to affordable audiophile headphone amps.
People have been raving most the Magni serial of standalone headphone amps for years, and in 2020 Schiit Sound unveiled the successor(due south) to the Magni three, the Magni 3+ and Magni Heresy.
The 2 models fundamentally take different approaches to amplification. The Magni 3+ and its predecessors use discrete amplification with symmetrical feedback, whereas the Heresy is an op-amp based amplifier.
Both amps are terrific, and in Schiit'south own words, "you lot really can't make a wrong choice". Nevertheless, the Heresy is a clear winner when information technology comes to sound measurements: It has a lower racket floor, less distortion and less hum. For that reason, on top of its meaner black and scarlet chassis, we recall information technology's the i to pick correct now. (That beingness said, others express personal preference for the sound characteristics of the Magni 3+).
Regardless of the model you pick, yous'll become superb sound quality with powerful bass, strong dynamics and a high level of separation. These are very bare-basic headphones amp with little more than than a book knob, high/low gain switch and an RCA output that means it tin can also be used as a preamp for powered speakers.
Notation that since this is a standalone headphone amp, digital-to-analog signal conversion will exist handled by your computer or similar device's built-in DAC. Notwithstanding, nearly audiophiles like to go for the Schiit Magni + Schiit Modi "stack" to become the best sound quality possible. The most recent Schiit Modi three+ costs the aforementioned every bit the Magni Heresy or Magni 3+, but information technology's admittedly worth it.
ii. AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt
The best truly portable DAC/headphone amp
- Type: Portable Solid Land
- Congenital-in DAC: Aye
- Output Impedance: 0.65Ω
- Inputs: USB (Male person)
- Outputs: 3.5mm (1/viii inch) jack
- Dimensions: 0.5 x 0.vii x 2.2 inches
Pros
Cons
AudioQuest'southward original DragonFly was a resounding success and the DragonFly Cherry/Black that followed were also cracking portable headphone amps. The new flagship of the DragonFly family is the DragonFly Cobalt, and it's some other miniature sized winner.
This is ane of the few truly portable headphone amps. No bigger than a USB thumb drive, you tin simply plug this into the side of your laptop or your smartphone (using a relevant adapter) and dramatically boost audio quality.
Inside the tiny housing lies the new ESS ES9038Q2M DAC fleck and ESS Sabre 9601 headphone amp. The issue is loftier allegiance, loftier dynamic dissimilarity and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The 2.1 volt output makes information technology compatible with a wide range of headphones, including those depression-efficiency models.
AudioQuest have purposefully limited Hi-res back up to 24bi/96kHz PCM, making it a USB Class 1 device with the widest possible range of host device compatibility. It is likewise one of the few native MQA renderers, making information technology an incredibly versatile, plug and play headphone amp/DAC.
Information technology might be tempting to jump to the conclusion that the DragonFly accept had to compromise the sound performance in order to brand information technology and so pocket-size, simply that's only non the case. However, the DragonFly Cobalt isn't cheap, so information technology makes most sense for those who won't always be using their audiophile headphones in the same place.
3. iFi Micro iDSD Black Label
The best sounding desktop headphone amp with built-in DAC for the money
- Blazon: Desktop Solid Land
- Built-in DAC: Yes
- Output Impedance: <1Ω
- Inputs: USB OTG, SPDIF optical, SPDIF coaxial
- Outputs: half-dozen.3mm (1/4 in) jack, iii.5mm (1/viii in) jack, RCA phono
- Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 2 inches
Pros
Cons
iFi are a British sound engineering science visitor who take created many award-winning headphone amplifiers. The iFi Micro iDSD Blackness Label is their height-rated DAC amp, capable of producing some of the best sound you can discover while simultaneously beingness transportable.
They don't call information technology the world's most powerful, bombardment powered DAC and headphone amp for a reason. Capable of producing a maximum output ability of 10V/4000mW @ sixteen Ohm, this meaty headphone amp has absolutely no problem driving loftier impedance headphones like the Sennheiser HD-650 or HifiMan HE-6. Measurements and listening tests by AudioScienceReview were incredibly positive, earning it the highest possible recommendation.
Not merely is the DAC inside the Micro iDSD Black Label very skillful, it can also perform native playback in DSD and MQA, which is frequently a feature missed past contest. Further factoring in its optional XBass+® and 3D+® 'sonic enhancements' to bass and spatiality, information technology's clear that this is a very characteristic-rich headphone amp that volition immediately boost anyone'south audio setup.
iv. Chord Mojo
A fantastic sounding portable headphone amp from Chord
- Type: Portable Solid State
- Congenital-in DAC: Yep
- Output Impedance: 0.7Ω
- Inputs: Micro USB, optical, coaxial
- Outputs: ii x iii.5mm (one/8 in) jack
- Dimensions: 82 x 60 x 22 mm
Pros
Cons
Few companies are every bit iconic as Chord, and the Chord Mojo is revered by many. It's footprint is barely the size of a pack of playing cards, merely it nevertheless manages to produce sound you'd wait from a 4-figure headphone amp
Chord are known for doing things differently. Different almost every other manufacturer who simply throw in off-the-shelf DACs coming from the likes of ESS or AKM, Chord practise all FPGA programming in firm.
With the DAC, analog phase and headphone amp working in tandem, we're left with sound packed with detail and a wide and clear soundstage. Peculiarly notable is the fantabulous instrument separation and natural sounding vocals that is often absent in its competition.
This isn't just a loftier-end portable DAC/headphone amp, it'south a Chord DAC/headphone amp. Too the amazing sound reproduction, you get its trademark quirky pattern and open yourself to an ecosystem of accessories – for instance the Chord Poly which transforms it into a fully fledged wireless music player.
If you don't feel a sense of connection with Chord's charm, rich history and peculiar mode, the other options in this listing represent improve blindside-for-cadet, but there's unquestionably something special almost this DAC/headphone amp.
5. FiiO Q5s
The all-time portable bluetooth headphone amp
- Type: Portable Solid Country
- Congenital-in DAC: Aye
- Output Impedance: <1Ω
- Inputs: USB, optical, coaxial
- Outputs: iii.5mm jack, two.5mm balanced, four.4mm balanced
- Dimensions: 124 × 64 × 16 mm
Pros
Cons
The Q5s is one of FiiO's more expensive offerings and not exactly priced similar their 'budget' headphone amps that made them famous, only it still offers splendid value for coin thank you to an impressive list of features.
Its main selling point is its aptX Bluetooth that makes it an excellent portable headphone amp for your phone. Unlike the Chord Mojo or AudioQuest DragonFly, you don't need a cable running between the headphone amp and smartphone. Instead, you simply pair the 2 devices over bluetooth.
Streaming sound over Bluetooth limits yous to lossy codecs, but when you're back home you can go wired and savour PCM 32bit/768kHz as well as native DSD512 audio.
This isn't the best sounding portable Bluetooth headphone amp for the money. The iFi xDSD takes that spot. But the FiiO Q5s gets many other things right. It's smaller, features a nice grip at the back and has a longer battery life. Plus, information technology'southward considerably cheaper. Overall, it'south a very solid amp for those on the become.
6. Rupert Neve Designs RNHP Headphone Amplifier
The cleanest, most authentic standalone headphone amplifier for the money
- Blazon: Desktop Solid Country
- Built-in DAC: No
- Output Impedance: 0.08 Ω
- Inputs: three.5mm (1/viii in) jack, RCA phono, XLR & TSR balanced
- Outputs: 6.3mm (1/four in) jack
- Dimensions: half-dozen.v x 4.6 x 1.nine inches
Pros
Cons
An electronics engineer behind some of the all-time recording equipment in history, Rupert Neve is a legendary proper noun in audio. Rupert personally designed the RNHP aslope his squad, and information technology truly is an engineering science marvel.
Resembling something you lot'd find in a high school physics lab, you can bet this performs well in objective testing. It has precision in the name, and the amp really is i of the cleanest and nigh precise sounding ones out in that location. It is astonishingly clear beyond the entire spectrum of frequencies, pregnant you tin can distinguish the subtle details in the high-mids amidst the thick and total depression finish.
This is a standalone headphone amp meaning yous'll need a separate DAC. With 3 separate selectable inputs (balanced XLR, unbalanced RCA, and unbalanced 3.v mm), it will hands fit into any audio setup and bring out the best in your headphones and DAC.
Overall, this is a fantastic ~$500 selection for your desktop. We'd consider the iFi Micro iDSD Black Label over it given its college power output and the fact it has a solid DAC already born. Withal, provided you don't have an specially hard to drive pair of headphones and own a dainty DAC, sound doesn't get much improve than this.
vii. Benchmark HPA4
The best headphone amp… where money isn't a business concern
- Type: Desktop Solid State
- Congenital-in DAC: No
- Output Impedance: near 0Ω
- Inputs: two x RCA phono, ii ten balanced stereo
- Outputs: i x unbalanced stereo, 1 x balanced stereo, 1 x counterbalanced mono
- Dimensions: 8.65 10 iii.88 x eight.33 inches
Pros
If price isn't an obstacle then it'southward difficult to find a headphone amp better than the Benchmark HPA4.
Based on the THX-888 amplifier blueprint, this amplifier has it all. Make clean power that doesn't distort at higher output levels, a bandwidth that extends from 0.01 Hz to over 500 kHz,fantastic dynamic range and perfect aqueduct matching with depression headphone output impedance.
Benchmark have used every trick in the volume to deliver the cleanest headphone amp to the marketplace. iv independent 256-step attenuators, 64 precision relays and gold plated contacts throughout.
Capable of delivering 11.9 Vrms into 300 Ohms and half-dozen Watts into sixteen Ohms, they've even implemented several protective systems to brand sure all that power doesn't harm your headphones or the headphone amp itself.
At that place's no doubting that the HPA4 was made for a very small-scale minority of audiophiles. Its price alone makes it inaccessible to many, and the audible divergence between this and a expert headphone amp costing a 10th of its price won't be huge. With all that said, it's nice to see a company like Benchmark pushing the boundaries.
8. Bravo Sound V2
Your first tube amp
- Blazon: Tube
- Born DAC: No
- Output Impedance: North/A
- Inputs: 3.5mm jack, RCA phono
- Outputs: 6.3mm jack
- Dimensions: 1.7 10 3.1 x iii.1 inches
Pros
Nigh headphone amplifiers are solid-state, just vacuum tube technology is as well often used. Tube amps have characteristics such every bit more distortion and gyre-off at the farthermost frequencies. The result is a sound many people deem to be more organic and pleasing to the ears.
The Dauntless Audio V2 is a great way to go started with tube amplification. Every tube amp adds a dissimilar color to the audio, and the V2'due south stock Shuguang 12AU7 tube produces audio all-time described as soft and warm.
The exposed design lays bare the tube and surrounding engineering, which makes it all the more than satisfying to look at while your headphones are plugged in. The blue which lights up the tube from beneath is also a nice touch.
This is a unproblematic headphone amp with trivial more than than RCA and headphone jack for inputs, a headphone out and proceeds control, but it makes for an interesting auditory experience without breaking the bank. While we would recommend the Schiit Magni Heresy for audiophiles on a tight upkeep, the Bravo V2 is a cheaper alternative which brings a unique set of characteristics.
9. Woo Audio WA7 Fireflies
A stunning tube headphone amp with a built-in DAC
- Type: Tube
- Built-in DAC: Yes
- Output Impedance: 10Ω
- Inputs: USB, RCA phono
- Outputs: 3.5mm jack, 6.3mm jack, RCA (for D/A mode)
- Dimensions: 4.viii x 4.8 x five.1 inches
Pros
Cons
With loftier-end tube amps costing four or five figures, it would be wrong to merits that the WA7 is the all-time tube headphone amp out there. Merely, for those of united states of america don't want to take out a second mortgage, it doesn't get much improve than the Woo Audio WA7 Fireflies.
If looks are of import, you but tin can't do much better than the WA7. An aluminium housing with absolutely no screws showing and glowing tubes that really do resemble fireflies, you'll spend more than time focusing on its beauty than the music you're listening to.
This is a pure tube, grade-A transformer coupled amp that features a built-in 24/384 ESS SABRE DAC. Its stock Electro Harmonix 6C45 tubes produce a warm, mellow sound with a less emphasized treble. If you want a more balanced audio, y'all tin can replace them with the Electro Harmonix Gold Pin tubes which might fifty-fifty be a bit also 'solid-state' for some.
With its stunning design, quality born DAC and tubes that pleasantly color the sound, the Woo Sound WA7 is the perfect gateway tube headphone amp that might stop upwardly turning you into a tube aficionado down the line.
Headphone Amp Buying FAQs
Do Standalone Headphone Amps Need An External DAC?
Technically speaking, no. Yous tin can connect a standalone headphone amp to your estimator'due south sound carte or smartphone'south headphone jack. In this example, your computer or smartphone's congenital-in DAC will perform digital-to-analog conversion.
Yet, this is far from platonic for 2 reasons. First, if yous're going to the effort of buying a headphone amp y'all'd want to be using a better DAC than the one congenital into your audio source. Second, your computer or smartphone is already performing amplification, then yous end up boosting a noisier bespeak. (Note that some computer sound cards take a line out which bypasses the born amp. In this example, the 2nd signal does non apply).
Solid State Amps Vs Tube Amps
In that location are two types of amplifier, solid land and tube (a.k.a. valve amplifiers). Solid country amplifiers employ semiconductor devices to dilate the betoken, whereas valve amplifiers employ calorie-free-bulb-like vacuum tubes. Some 'hybrid' amps (like the Brave Audio V2) use a combination of the two technologies.
Earlier the silicon transistor, tube amps were widespread. However, solid state amplifiers slowly replaced them in the 60s and 70s. They were cheaper to manufacturer, more reliable and produced less distortion. They could amplify the signal with amend precision, accuracy and detail.
Yet, some of the most expensive amplifiers use vacuum tube technology. The reason is because tubes color the sound with unique characteristics. There is more roll-off at the highest and lowest frequencies, the audio can be mellow or harsh depending on the tube, etc. Many people find this colored sound to be more pleasing to the ear.
With guitar amps, valve amps are almost ever considered superior. They give off that natural, bulky and distorted sound that solid state guitar amps actually try to replicate. Just with headphone amps, in that location is no such consensus. Many people believe it is non a headphone amp'due south job to colour the sound. Rather, they believe the amp should perfectly reproduce the sound which was already colored during recording and mastering.
Will The Headphone Amp Be Powerful Enough For My Headphones?
Many people become worked up over whether or non the headphone amp volition be powerful enough to drive their headphones. In practice, most of these external headphone amps will exist fine, especially at book levels that won't cause hearing loss.
However, there are ability-hungry headphones that really do need powerful amps. So, permit's talk nearly which headphones fall into that category.
A common misconception is to merely assume high impedance headphones need more power. However, that'due south just one-half the equation. Alongside impedance, we too have to factor in sensitivity/efficiency. For example, the Hifiman HE-6 have an impedance of 50 Ohm, but their 83.5dB sensitivity puts them among the hardest to bulldoze headphones.
To further complicate things, impedance ratings are non constant across the unabridged frequency range (for dynamic headphones). The 600 Ohm Beyerdynamic T1 can hit impedance spikes of 1400 Ohms, and are far more than enervating than your average pair of 600 Ohm headphones.
The best thing to practise is to do your ain inquiry around your ain headphones. Showtime observe out whether they are considered to be notoriously hard to bulldoze, and if so narrow downwardly your search to the more powerful amps.
What Is Impedance Matching?
Impedance matching is making sure your headphone's impedance and your headphone amp's output impedance are compatible. Sound quality tin can suffer when the headphone amp'southward impedance approaches the impedance of your headphones.
The safest affair to practice is to follow the one/8th rule. This simply ways your headphone amp's output impedance should be no higher than an eighth of your headphone'southward. For case, if your headphones are 32 Ohm, you don't want an amp with an impedance of greater than 4 Ohms.
Fortunately, most solid state amps are rated around 0-five Ohms, which means you're unlikely to come across issues with impedance matching. With tube amps, all the same, yous take to exist more than conscientious.
Are Desktop Amps Meliorate Sounding Than Portable Amps?
Desktop amps are bigger, affording them more inputs and outputs, and typically more than output ability, since battery life and size is not a consideration. However, they don't necessarily sound better. A good portable headphone amp like the AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt can audio better than a poor desktop amp, provided the headphones are not likewise ability hungry.
Source: https://www.soundmanual.com/best-headphone-amp/
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