20 Best Dac Amp For Headphones (2023 Updated)

This ZEN DAC V2 is the same award-winning hi-res USB DAC /headphone amp as before but with added oomph! It’s ultra-capable while still being super-affordable. The ZEN DAC V2 supports PCM and DXD to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256, and MQA.

DSD remains ‘bit-perfect thanks to the True Native Burr-Brown chip design. 16 core = hardcore. Thanks to the 16 core tech, the ZEN DAC V2 is now an MQA Decoder rather than a Renderer. This enables you to playback MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.

The LED glows green or blue to indicate that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. It glows blue to indicate it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner.

MQA rendering technology (used in the original ZEN DAC among other iFi products) connects to an MQA Core signal (such as TIDAL) and completes the final unfold of an MQA file. This product will include ‘stream lock’ but is not able to decode an MQA stream or authenticate it.

Smooth and balanced.

The iFi Audio Hip-dac2 is a portable DAC and headphone amplifier that features bespoke technologies to offer crisp and natural audio conversion. The sleek and stylish design of the Hip-dac2 is very easy to transport slip into a pocket or bag for hi-res audio processing on the go with up to 12 hours of battery life.

The basis for the Hip-dac2 lies with its predecessor but it has been taken to the next level so you now get the capability of data handling up to 32-bit/384kHz. A type-A USB takes care of input whilst you gain the versatility of both a 3.

5mm and 4. 4mm balanced output to suit a wide variety of earphone and headphone types.

Designed for the discerning audiophile, mixing, and mastering engineer alike, the Apogee Groove is a 24-bit 192 kHz USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier for both Mac and PC computer systems. The DAC is powered by your computer’s USB bus and can be used with either headphones or powered monitors using a Y cable from the unit’s 1/8″ stereo output.

Small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and built in the USA from premium aluminum, the device leverages an 8-converter ESS Sabre 32-Bit DAC chip in a novel Quad Sum arrangement. Both the left and right channels of the stereo feed utilize four digital to analog converters which are summed together to lower distortion and improve dynamic range.

The device also implements a Constant Current Drive design which provides ample power at any impedance and ensures a smooth and balanced frequency response. Simply connect the unit to your Mac or PC computer via the included USB micro B cable to enhance the listening experience of your favorite DAW or music program such as iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, and more.

LED illuminated volume up and volume down/mute buttons provide hands on control of your listening experience. An integrated leash loop allows you to attach a leash to the unit to help keep it safe. It also comes with a convenient carrying pouch.

The new and super-affordable hi-res Bluetooth streamer from IFI Audio enables you to relax and chill in style. Simply connect with any Bluetooth enabled smartphone, tablet, PC or Mac. Remember, you can only achieve true Zen when totally chilled.

IFI gives you peace of mind with the Zen Blue. Whether you use Spotify, Amazon or Apple music, the Zen Blue will deliver flawless audio signal via breathtaking hi-res Bluetooth. With the Zen Blue, you can have 100% confidence in the audio quality of the Zen Blue.

IFI ensured the Zen Blue utilises the latest Bluetooth 5. 0 and the latest Qualcomm 5100 to process all received Bluetooth data. The ESS Sabre DAC chip delivers flawlessly smooth digital to analogue conversion.

Forget about the standard Bluetooth Blues with the IFI Zen Blue. The Zen Blue supports all current and future Bluetooth audio formats. This includes Qualcomm s aptX and aptX HD, LDAC and HWA, hi-res Bluetooth codecs created by Sony and Huawei respectively, AAC, Apple s favoured format and SBC, the standard Bluetooth codec.

Every possible source device is covered with the Zen, and, at the highest possible resolution. The Zen Blue s analogue outpit stage is balanced, quite a rare sight in DAC s at this price point. Balanced outs mean that less noise interference/crosstalk is apparent, resulting in much more clarity, and the audio signal is as it was intended to be.

Meaning more Zen The RCA and balanced outputs are at HiFi standard level; 2V SE and 4V BAL and as a result is compatible with both HiFi and Pro systems. All of this is finished with premium quality components such as C0G capacitors from TDK.

All of this is fed by a precision low noise power supply from Texas instruments to make this a rarity in this price bracket.

The Chord Electronics Mojo 2 Portable DAC & Headphone Amplifier is the long-awaited sequel to the original Mojo that offers high-res audio on the go. Chord Electronics has taken the original design of the Mojo and enhanced it for the modern audiophile making it better than ever.

Proprietary technology designed in the UK has gone into Mojo 2 to make it the most advanced portable DAC available on the market. Improved battery life and new USB-C connection options are just the beginning.

Mojo 2 features the world’s first lossless DSP with advanced EQ controls, so the main contender for the best portable DAC and headphone amp just got better. A new control system makes operation intuitive for new adopters of Mojo, yet familiar for those who already gain the benefits of hi-res audio on the go with the original Mojo.

Full compatibility is also supported with the Chord Poly that allows you to go wireless with your audio. Unrivalled performance, class-leading sound and peerless build quality make this a must-have for all audiophiles and music lovers.

The iFi GO Bar is a pocket DAC that packs a punch with ultra-low jitter support for Ultra-res PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz via USB and full MQA decoding. One end of the GO bar features a USB-C input and at the other a pair of headphone outputs adorn the chassis for versatile compatibility with various headphone types.

Four digital filtering options and two analogue processing modes with easy access offer custom shaped sound. A host of accessories including cables and a leather travel case enables use straight out the box.

The Audioengine D1 24-Bit DAC/Headphone amp is a premium 24-bit DAC and headphone amplifier for your computer, TV and more. High-performance headphone amp Stream bit-perfect 24/96 HD audio USB audio input Optical audio input Analogue audio output Plug and play Enhance your sound Perfect for providing high-quality audio to speakers or headphones, the D1 is a premium 24-bit DAC and headphone amplifier for your computer, TV and more.

The D1 connects to your computer’s USB port or optical output without any software to download, making the D1 quick and easy to set up. Premium 24-bit DAC Audioengine D1 Premium 24-bit DAC (digital-to-analogue converter) allows you to bypass your computer’s soundcard or headphone output and send audio through USB or optical.

D1 processes digital audio of any bit depth up to 24 bits and any sample rate up to 192kHz. With its high signal-to-noise ratio and low distortion, the D1 delivers sound quality generally heard only in more expensive DACs.

The high-performance headphone output is designed for a wide range of headphones and will satisfy even the most demanding headphone enthusiasts. D1 is the perfect digital interface between your computer and music system and will improve the sound of quality of all your music.

Always ready to go The D1 accepts inputs from both USB and optical and has outputs for any audio system or headphones. The D1 DAC is the perfect way to get great-sounding music not only from your computer but from your TV, Apple TV, Blu-ray player or CD player.

DirecTV and Comcast also have optical outputs for high-res audio.

For analog outputs, a 3. 5mm single-ended connector is provided for use with your regular headphones, while a 2. 5mm connector is designed for balanced headphones. Should your speaker system, amplifier, or external decoder require a digital connection, the K3 is also equipped with RCA coaxial and optical connectors.

Our hip-dac is the perfect companion for music lovers on the go. Not only will its hi-res specs make your tunes sound fabulous, but its hot, on-trend styling will make them look pretty amazing too. Smartly dressed in petrol blue with a touch of copper, the go-anywhere hip-dac was designed to slip discreetly into your pocket BUT its cool look might mean you want to keep it on display.

The FiiO Olympus2 E10K is a very powerful USB DAC headphone amplifier that connects to your computer via the USB port and works as a high-quality external sound card. The FiiO Olympus2 E10K turns listening to music from your computer’s headphones into a listening experience.

The E10K also has a digital coaxial and an analog line output to connect additional audio equipment. The Texas Instruments PCM5102 DAC chip provides a clear improvement in sound quality and the LMH6643 operational amplifier delivers excellent drive performance.

With the bass boost switch the bass can be amplified without affecting the sound field in general. The neatly crafted volume dial allows precise volume control. The FiiO Olympus2 E10K can be used at home on the desktop computer as well as on the go on the notebook.

The elegant aluminium housing is light, compact and robust. Enjoy music from your computer in the comfort of your home or on the road with much improved sound quality and much more power.

USB-C to 3. 5mm Audio, THX Certified There are a few THX AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) headphone amplifiers on the market, but none quite so affordable or diminutive as the BOLT. Note that the BOLT is THX certified, and it does not use THX-supplied AAA hardware.

Regardless, THX certification indicates an ultra-low distortion design and a focus on powerful, clear amplification, free from coloration. Hardware manufacturers must meet THXs stringent requirements to achieve this certification.

The iFi Audio xDSD Gryphon is different. Just like its mythical namesake, it is two beasts in one. From the Ultra-Res digital stage using the Burr-Brown MultiBit at the core to the PureWave analogue power section pumping out 1,000mW and other things in-between, it takes serious headphones to tame the Gryphon.

Presented by the chord electronics, mojo is an ultimate dac/headphone amplifier, designed to work efficiently with your smartphone. Just connect this portable device to your iphone, android phone, pc, or mac.

Now, plug in your earphones to experience crystal clear audio that gives you the feel of a recording studio. easy on your pocket designed and constructed in england, mojo is an ultimate dac/amp that adds studio quality sound to your audio device.

Following the guidelines of the multi-award winning hugo platform, mojo will give high quality performance at an affordable cost. Mojo is comprises of an extremely powerful headphone amplifier that provides crisp and clear audio, no matter, whether you use large studio cans or little in-ear buds, it can play almost any audio file of up to 768khz 32bit, and quad dsd 256.

With the latest li-po technology, the user can fully charge this device in only four hours, however, it can be used continuously for eight to ten hours. features: mojo was designed for the music loving smartphone owner.

it is powerful, but small and comfortable to carry. it works with your iphone or android phone. mojo is also compatible with your mac or pc mojo has three digital inputs – usb, coaxial, and optical. mojo charges in just 4 hours to provide up to 10 hours use.

you can use any pair of headphones with mojo, from 4 to 800. with two 3. 5mm analogue outputs you and a friend can listen too! mojo plays all files from 32khz to 768khz and even dsd 512. mojo is fully automatic and remembers its last used settings.

its case is precision machined from a single solid block of aluminium. mojo is entirely designed and manufactured in great britain.

The Monolith USB DAC brings out the best in your headphones and digital music files. Small and easy to use, it instantly upgrades the sound quality from your computer with its internal 32-bit, 384kHz ESS Sabre DAC.

Simply plug it into a USB port on your computer or laptop and experience your music collection like never before. With the Monolith USB DAC, you can turn any computer or laptop into an audiophile playback device!.

Next-Generation DAC for unrivalled internals. The K5 Pro ESS employs the flagship portable ESS DAC, the ES9038Q2M with more outstanding performance and richer audio details. Compared to the last gen, the distortion has reduced by 50%, the crosstalk for LO has increased by 6dB with greater channel separation, and the dynamic range has increased by 3dB.

768K and native DSD512 support The XMOS XUF208 USB decoding chip equipped with the clock matching management system, allows decoding up to a sample rate of 768kHz and native DSD512.

The iFi Diablo was designed to be the best transportable DAC/AMP for signal purists. It forgoes the sonic tweaks found on some iFi devices and instead focuses on pure power and performance for your headphones.

It features dual Burr-Brown DAC chips and the new 16-core XMOS chip to process the data received via the USB and S/PDIF digital inputs, and keeps your audio bit-perfect. It also includes MQA and iFi’s full balanced PureWave technology.

Don’t forget about that red finish as well.

With THX’s patented feed-forward error correction topology, the AAA amps have low distortion, high power and a pure, uncolored sound. You’ll experience subtle details and shocking swings in your music effortlessly with the AAA amp in the Q3.

Multiple interfaces headphone jacks. The Q3 is equipped with 4. 4mm/2. 5mm balanced and 3. 5mm single-ended outputs, allowing you to connect all kinds of headphones.

Devilishly brilliant. The iDSD Diablo with its sleek new design and fiery red finish sits proudly at the top of the range of portable/transportable DAC/amps. It is built for purists the true headphone enthusiasts who crave pure unadulterated sonic performance.

Just like a racing car designed for uncompromising speed the iDSD Diablo sets aside sonic tailoring as well as Bluetooth connectivity to focus on pure sonic power. Prepare for a riveting ride as it will drive any headphone on the planet with aplomb.

Put simply the iDSD Diablo is iFi’s best ever transportable amplifier designed to deliver reference-level sound. ‘Bit-perfectly’ wicked iFi uses two Burr-Brown DAC chips and the new 16-core XMOS chip to process the data received via the USB and S/PDIF digital inputs.

This means the iDSD Diablo can handle up to PCM 768 DSD 512 2xDXD. Both PCM and DSD remain ‘bit-perfect’.

Building on the success of the highly regarded Xduoo XD-05—a DAC/amp that changed the game with its versatile desktop-to-pocket portability—the Xduoo XD-05 Plus keeps old favorites while adding a host of new features.

New on the XD-05 Plus are an AK4493EQ DAC and XMOS XU208 USB chipset to improve sound quality, as well as onboard USB-C ports to update connectivity. Another new feature is the lithium 5000mAH battery, which is capable of 13 hours of playback via USB, 21 hours via SPDIF, and 40 via aux in.

Also upgraded is the power output: The XD-05 plus boasts an impressive 1000 mW at 32 ohms—ideal for even the most demanding headphones. Like its predecessor, the XD-05 Plus allows you to change out op amps without soldering to suit your listening preferences.

TheMonolithTHXDesktopHeadphoneAmplifierandDACfeaturescuttingedgetechnologytobringoutthebestinyourheadphones, playbackdevice, andmusiclibrary. FeaturingdualTHXAAA788amplifiermodulesforbestinclassamplification, anAKM4493DACforanexceptionallymusicalexperience, andDiracSensaroundIIdecodingforanout-of-your-head, largerthanlifesoundstage, theMonolithamplifierisengineeredforthefinestinmusicreproduction.

Ahostofinputsandoutputs, includingbalanced, unbalanced, anddigital, ensuresthatyouhaveplentyofwaystoconnectyouraudiodevices.