When you looking for amp dac for headphones, you must consider not only the quality but also price and customer reviews. But among hundreds of product with different price range, choosing suitable amp dac for headphones is not an easy task. In this post, we show you how to find the right amp dac for headphones along with our top-rated reviews. Please check out our suggestions to find the best amp dac for headphones for you.
Best amp dac for headphones
1. FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier (Black)
Feature
DAC ChipThe Internal DAC chip is a PCM102 and can handle PCM files up to 24-bit/96 kHz while improving audio quality via a linear filter, reduced delay and internal silence on changing tracks, and no phase shifts.LOW NOISE FLOOR The unit has an optimized low-pass filter and selectable bass boost circuit that are designed for a low noise floor in all states.
CONNECTION VARIETY The variety of connections include a front-panel 1/8 headphone jack, a rear-panel 1/8 line output, and a rear-panel coaxial digital output, which allows you to send your digital audio to another destination.
USB CONNECTION Connects to your laptop via its micro USB connection, which also provides it with power.
PORTABLE DESIGN A sleek, brushed aluminum shell and chassis allow for durable, portable use.
Description
The E10K USB DAC high resolution Headphone Amplifier from Fiio is customizable and designed to improve your laptop's audio output quality via its PCM5102 DAC chip and is capable of handling PCM files in up to 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution. It features a selectable bass boost and low-pass filter, both with circuitry optimized for a low noise floor when engaged, allowing you to customize the sound of your audio to your tastes.The unit connects to your laptop via its Micro USB connection, which also provides it with power. It offers a variety of connections, including a front-panel 1/8" headphone jack, a rear-panel 1/8" line output, and a rear-panel coaxial digital output, which allows you to send your digital audio to another destination. DAC ChipThe internal DAC chip is a PCM5102 and can handle PCM files up to 24-bit/96 kHz while improving audio quality through via a linear internal filter, reduced delay and internal silence on changing tracks, and no phase shifts.Low Noise Floor The unit has an optimized low-pass filter and selectable bass boost circuit that are designed for a low noise floor in all states.Amplification Stage The E10K features a LMH6643 op amp, which is designed for transient response and driving power.Portable DesignA brushed aluminum shell and chassis allow for durable portable use.2. AudioQuest DragonFly Black v1.5 Plug-in USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp
Feature
32-bit ESS 9010 Sabre DACOffering tremendously enhanced sound, higher value, and significantly lower power consumption than the original award-winning DragonFly
Works with Apple and Android phones and tablets when paired with a simple adapter
This versatile DAC improves everything detail, transparency, immediacy, richness, tone associated with your music
Plays everything from MP3s to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution files
Description
From the get go, all of us were instant fans of the AudioQuest DragonFly USB DAC, and the way it improved the sound of our computer music. While the original DragonFly defined the market for micro-DACs, its USB power draw made it compatible with computers only. But a lot of us music lovers have wished and craved a more portable versionone that could be reliably used and work with Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. Well, we got our wish. The DragonFly Black now delivers that same clear, dynamic sound with Apple or Android mobile devices. Convenience and performance are no longer mutually exclusive. With DragonFly Black, any computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please. The design gurus at AudioQuest not only gave the Black a far more energy-efficient design ideal for portable use but they even managed to enhance its performance. The DragonFly Black is the best ever value AudioQuest DAC. The new price point makes it more affordable than ever and the ideal accompaniment for your smartphone or tablet. Despite the price drop, the sound quality has been improved by fitting a high-spec ESS 9010 DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter). Better known for their use in top-end AV electronics, this 32-bit DAC provides stunning realism and dynamics. With lower power consumption than before, the Dragonfly Black is now suitable for use with smartphones and tablets without undue battery use. Simply fit a USB adaptor to suit your device and connect up to an Apple or Android smartphone or tablet for a massive improvement in sound quality. Whether you listen to music on your smartphone, tablet, Mac, PC or laptop, the audio quality can easily be improved. Whether you use headphones or have your device connected dir ... ... ... AudioQuest and DragonFly designer Gordon Rankin worked alongside Microchip Technology to develop a new high-performance, full-speed USB microcontroller solution that delivers improved signal-to-noise ratio and significantly lower power consumption. Drawing 77% less current than the previous microcontroller, the new Microchip PIC32MX microcontroller enables true compatibility with Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad and Android smartphones/tablets. At the heart of DragonFly Black is a 32-bit ESS Sabre 9010 DAC that uses a sophisticated minimum-phase digital filter to provide more naturally detailed and dynamic music. This high-performance DAC is typically found in today's higher-end CD and Blu-ray players. DragonFly Black will accept almost any audio you want to play on your computer and make it sound dramatically better, whether your listening pleasure is iTunes or streaming music services such as Pandora, Spotify, Amazon, or Tidal. Despite its tiny size, the Dragonfly will play a wide variety of music files. Twin clocks ensure perfect playback of 44.1 kHz (CD quality), 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz. As a final neat touch, the dragonfly logo glows various colours to indicate the file frequency: green for CD (44.1 kHz), blue for 48 kHz, amber for 88.2 kHz and magenta for 96 kHz. Make the most of your music on the move, with the AudioQuest DragonFly Black - don't leave home without it!3. Micca OriGen G2 High Resolution USB DAC and Preamplifier - 24-Bit/192kHz PCM
Feature
Studio master grade digital audio playback with supports high resolution PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHzStereo analog line level and combination optical S/PDIF digital output, powerful built-in headphone amp supports 16-600 ? headphones
Selectable USB or Optical S/PDIF digital input for flexible source connection.
C-MEDIA CM6631A USB 2.0 High Speed 480Mbps audio controller and Wolfson WM8740 stereo D/A converter
Advanced audio stream interface support includes both ASIO and WASAPI Push/Event output modes
Description
The Micca OriGen G2 USB audio DAC and preamplifier is a studio master grade digital audio playback device that supports high resolution PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. Its powerful preamp and headphone amplifier makes the OriGen G2 especially well suited in a compact desktop computer audio system together with powered monitors and headhpones. Use the OriGen+ to bypass a computer's sound card and unlock the full sonic potential of your music library.Digital Finesse
The digital circuitry of the OriGen G2 consists of a C-MEDIA CM6631A USB 2.0 High Speed 480Mbps audio controller and a Wolfson WM8740 stereo D/A converter. This capable combination provides asynchronous decoding and conversion of PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. Advanced audio stream interface support includes both ASIO and WASAPI Push/Event output modes.
Analog Brawn
The analog section of the OriGen+ provides switchable line-level or headphone output, using JRC NJM4556 op amps with two output gain levels of 5.6Vrms and 1.7Vrms. The selectable gain design provides excellent drive capability into any downstream amplifiers with enhanced signal strength, low noise, and low interference. The headphone outputs are similarly powerful, with only 0.5 Ohm output impedance and able to drive 16-600 Ohm headphones.
Solid Construction
Starting with a steel tub chassis, the OriGen G2 is capped with an anodized aluminum top plate and finished with a solid machined aluminum volume knob. The TOCOS sealed potentiometer used for volume control offers long operating life and a smooth weighted feel. The all-metal construction makes the OriGen G2 exceptionally durable and helps shield against unwanted interference.
Hearing is believing, try the OriGen+ risk free with your own music. If you are not absolutely delighted with the OriGen's performance, simply return it for a refund.
4. HIDIZS Portable Headphone Amplifier Type C USB DAC Headphone Amp for Android Smartphone and Laptop(Mark II)
Feature
Fully enhance the sound quality of mobile phones while providing excellent headphone drive capabilityIt improves the signal-to-noise ratio to 114DB, and the sound quality is improved 3 times than your ordinary mobile phones.
HIDIZS Sonata HD DAC cable passed the Hi-Res certification. Its DAC chip helps your mobile phones achieve 24bit/192kHz Hi-Res output capability.
Pure quad-core copper wire, precision construction and quality materials let the Hidizs Sonata HD cable provides wide-frequency and high resolution sound.
A perfect audio solution for all your type C phones and Laptops. Compatible with Windows/MacOSX/Android system.( iPhone&iPod excluded)
Description
HIDIZS Portable Headphone Amplifier USB DAC Headphone Amp for Android Smartphone and Laptop(2nd Black)Hi-Fi Quality Sound
Fully enhance the sound quality of mobile phones while providing excellent headphone drive capability, it improves the signal-to-noise ratio to 114DB, and the sound quality is improved 3 times than your ordinary mobile phones.
Hi-Res DAC Performance
Hidizs Sonata HD DAC cable II passed the Hi-Res certification. Its DAC chip helps your mobile phones achieve 24bit/192kHz Hi-Res output capability. Enjoy Hi-Res audio has never been so easy.
Hi-Fi Headphone Cable
Pure quad-core copper wire, precision construction and quality materials let the Hidizs Sonata HD cable II provides wide-frequency and high resolution sound.
Unique Design With High Compatibility
A Perfect Audio Solution For All Your Type C Phones And Laptops. Compatible With Windows/MacOSX/Android system( iPhone&iPod excluded).
Spec:
Output Power:2x60mW @ 32Ohm
PCM:6/24 bit,44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 KHz
OutputCurrent:50mA
Accessories:Type C to USB A adapter
5. EarStudio ES100-24bit Portable High-Resolution Bluetooth Receiver/USB DAC/Headphone Amp with LDAC, aptX HD, aptX, AAC (3.5mm Unbalanced & 2.5mm Balanced Output)
Feature
24bit Bluetooth receiver designed to deliver studio-quality sound through your ears WIRELESS - using your existing wired headphones, earphones or even speakers.Dimension 1 x 2 x 0.5 inch / Weight 20g / 14 hours of continuous playback / Dedicated app featured with 10 band EQ and Ambient mode / USB audio playback / device firmware update
Including 2 independent Hi-fi DACs and Amplifiers (Asahi Kasei AK4375a) - the optimal Dual DACs/AMP design for both single-ended and full-differential outputs
Analog volume control allows to keep the optimal audio performance even at low volume level using Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) which is known for the best way to control the volume/ Built-in microphone supports answering calls while using earphones without a microphone
Max. Output Power (No load): 1.1Vrms (3.2V peak-to-peak) at 3.5mm unbalanced output/ 2.2Vrms (6.4V peak-to-peak) at 2.5mm balanced output [Output Impedance: Approximately 1-ohm]
Description
EarStudio supports Qualcomm's aptX HD codec, which allows you to stream 24bit hi-res music wireless. EarStudio automatically enhances 16bit music into 24bit sound. We use CSR 8675 Qualcomm Chip and 2x DACs of AK4375a.
Noise free, jitter free.
EarStudio ES100 reproduces sound over Bluetooth through Radsone's patented DCT technology which reduces subtle digital noise and cleans the jitter from Bluetooth streaming.
Dual DACs with analog volume control
EarStudio has optimized circuit architecture, proprietary DualDrive technology, using 2 independent Hi-Fi DACs and Amplifiers. Unlike other dual DAC audio systems, the fully differential audio signal path directly goes to the output jack, with NO switch components in the way, delivering pure signal without any loss or distortion, and with enough power. Moreover, 2 selectable operating modes support 2x current or 2x voltage, as needed by depending on the type of connected headphones. Then, we took a further step for details by adopting an analog volume control. Digital volume adjustment has the downside because it scales down PCM audio sample before the D/A conversion, resulting in harsh sound and the loss in sound detail, SNR, as well as THD. EarStudio offers analog volume control to keep the optimal audio performance even at low volume level using Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) which is the best way to control the volume.
Full Balanced and single ended output
EarStudio offers two outputs: A single-ended/double current 3.5mm jack and full-balanced/double voltage 2.5mm Jack.
Note: For headphones with the high impedance over 200~600-ohm, ES100 may not be able to deliver enough sound pressure level, especially with 3.5mm unbalanced output. Please note the maximum output power level of ES100 for your high impedance head units.
6. NextDrive Spectra Portable USB DAC - The Worlds Smallest 32-bit DAC Headphone Amp for Truly Mastering Your Sound On-The-Go (USB C)
Feature
PREMIUM QUALITY DAC - Enjoy matchless portable Hi-Fi sound from ESS Technology's SABRE 9018Q2C which supports PCM audio files up to 32 bits / 384 kHz and DSD up to Quad-rate 11.2 MHzRAVE REVIEWS - Professional reviews around the web praise its price, size, soundstage and great sound across bass, mids and treble
GREAT COMPATIBILITY - USB, Micro USB and USB-C versions available for plug-and-play connections to Mac, Linux and Android (driver download required for Windows; iOS devices MUST purchase USB A version; micro USB and USB-C Spectra are not compatible with Lightning adapters.)
ULTRA PORTABLE - No batteries and slim design lets you connect to your smartphone or tablet and take it anywhere (adapter may be required, sold separately)
IMPORTANT - Not all micro USB / USB-C work with this device. Please be sure your adapter fully supports USB OTG before purchasing. If you have questions about this, please contact the seller for assistance.
Description
Welcome to the next milestone in the audio revolution: The Spectra from NextDrive. Play high resolution audio files up to 32-bit PCM or quad-rate DSD directly to your headphones or speakers, bypassing your device's stock audio hardware. The Spectra packs plenty of power with enough output to drive all but the most demanding headphones, and its ESS Sabre 9018Q2C chip delivers sound quality previously assumed to be impossible in a form factor this size.The revolution starts now.
Audiophile reviewers around the web agree, the NextDrive Spectra simply cannot be beat in terms of price versus audio quality, tech specs, portability, construction quality, ease of use and overall wow factor. Thanks to its ESS Sabre 9018Q2C chip, the Spectra delivers exceptional bass speed and clarity, well-balanced mids slightly forward, smooth treble without a trace of harshness.
iPhone and other iOS devices, as well as devices with USB C connectors, are not compatible with the Micro USB version; users of these devices should purchase the regular USB A version of the Spectra. A separate adapter will also be required, sold separately.
Important notes
- Always check volume level before use!
- Works best with high resolution recordings and high-end headphones or other audio equipment
- Output up to 13.3 mW @ 300 Ohms; very high impedance headphones may require additional amplification
- Inline controls such as play/pause, vol. control or handsfree microphones are not supported
- Slight clicks might be heard when starting/stopping music on devices with USB power saving functions
Specifications
Audio DAC/Amp: ESS Sabre 9018Q2C
Dynamic range: 121dB / THD +N: 0.001%
Max output: 13.3 mW @ 300 Ohm / 49 mW @ 32 Ohm
PCM: 32-bit/384kHz / DSD: Quad-rate @ 11.2 MHz
3.75" x 0.44" x 0.44" / 95 x 11.2 x 11.2 mm
Total length: 9.25 in / 23.5 cm long
7. Creative Sound Blaster E5 High-Resolution USB DAC 600 ohm Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth
Feature
A DAC with 120dB signal to noise ratio (SNR) that supports up to 24-bit/192kHz can deliver bit-perfect, true-to-original audio reproduction, just as it was mastered in the studiosAudiophile Grade, Best-in-class headphone amplifier enables you to power all the headphones in the market with clarity and details
Portable Digital Connectivity with Mobile Devicesallows you to stream high quality, lossless audio digitally from your mobile devices while on-the-go
The fully customizable SBX Pro Studio suite of technologies gives you unprecedented audio realism when playing back compressed audio; turn off when listening to lossless audio so that you can enjoy bit-perfect audio
Features built-in NFC technology for one-touch, fuss-free Bluetooth pairing. Simply tap and connect your Bluetooth device and enjoy high quality wireless digital audio streaming.
Comes with built-in dual microphones that automatically detect and react to landscape or portrait orientation, allowing high-quality recording to smartphones and tablets.
Connectors : Headphone-out : 2x 3.5mm Stereo jacks, Audio-input : 1x 3.5mm (Line-in / Mic-in / Optical-in), Audio-output : 1x 3.5mm (Line-out / Optical-out), Charging/Streaming : 1x micro USB , 1x Type-A USB(Host)
Charging : via from PC/MAC or external USB power adapter
Description
The Sound Blaster E5 is a 24-bit/192kHz high resolution USB DAC and portable headphone amplifier. Built with precision audiophile components, a best-in-class 600 ohm headphone amplifier and apt technology for Bluetooth, the Sound Blaster E5 is the perfect audio component for music lovers - whether they are on the move or beside their PC/Mac.8. Apple & AudioQuest Preferred Bundle: DragonFly Red (USB Preamp, Headphone Amp & DAC) and Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter (CCK 3.0)
Feature
At AudioQuest, we recommend iPhone users use the Apple Lightning-to-USB 3 Camera adaptor. A very small percentage of iPhone users have experienced a "clicking" when using the Apple Lightning to USB 2.0 Camera Adapter - this adapter has a single input port. Upon investigating/dialogue with Apple, we at AudioQuest discovered that this problem is resolved when using the Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter. This adapter has two input ports on one end and a Lightning connector on the other end.To connect the DragonFly Red to any Apple iOS device, We [AudioQuest] highly recommend Apple's Lightning-to-USB 3 Camera Adaptor. This device sounds better and is more reliable in this application than Apple's slightly less expensive Lightning-to-USB 2.0 Camera Adaptor, while it also adds the ability to charge your iOS device during playback.
For greater overall performance, the DragonFly Red also incorporate improved 32-bit ESS Sabre DAC chips - the higher-performance 9016 is in the DragonFly Red - employing minimum-phase filtering for naturally detailed, more authentic sound. DragonFly Red includes the latest ESS headphone amp and a bit-perfect digital volume control that resides on the 9016 DAC chip itself-a sophisticated implementation that ensures maximum fidelity, dynamic contrast, and signal-to-noise ratio.
DragonFly Red is a USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp. Small, affordable, easy to use, and remarkably effective, it plugs into your USB port to bypass the computer's compromised audio circuitry and deliver cleaner, clearer, more naturally beautiful sound to headphones, powered speakers, and complete audio systems. Now, any computer, tablet, or smartphone can be used as a true high-fidelity music player, allowing music lovers to enjoy beautiful sound wherever they go, whenever they please.
With its higher 2.1-volt output, DragonFly Red will be compatible with a wider range of headphones, including power-hungry, low-efficiency models. Whether you're listening to Spotify, YouTube, Tidal, ripped CDs, or state-of-the-art high-resolution files, DragonFly will deliver a more emotionally compelling and enjoyable experience. Most importantly, DragonFly is designed to honor the music you already own and love.
Description
2.1 voltsDirect-Coupled, High output - With a combination of power, beauty, and finesse, DF Red delivers greater overall impact, momentum, and grip than either DF 1.2 or DF Black, while also surpassing their excellent senses of touch, texture, and nuance. In addition, Red's high (2.1v) output means that it can easily drive the widest range of headphones. When used as a line-level device (volume set to 100%), DF Black's 1.2 volts provide enough power to drive all preamplifier, integrated amplifier, or receiver inputs.
Microchip PIC32MX
The Microchip PIC32MX (USB 2.0 compliant) is a full-speed isochronous USB audio solution. Compared to other controllers, the Microchip microcontroller offers extremely low power consumption (77% lower than the TAS1020b and 95% lower than the most efficient XMOS solution), 32-bit architecture, and the option for software upgradibility (via a desktop application provided by AudioQuest). In addition, the Microchip's ultra-low-noise power supply minimizes the sound-degrading effect of high-frequency interference on the critical audio signal.
ESS 9016 32-Bit
Like the ESS 9010, the 32-bit ESS 9016 uses a sophisticated minimum-phase digital filter to provide more naturally detailed and dynamic music, but surpasses the 9010 in overall performance.
Includes Apple MK0W2AM/A Adapter
With the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, it's easy to transfer photos and videos from your high-resolution digital camera to your iPad Pro. After you connect the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, your iPad Pro automatically opens the Photos app, which lets you choose photos and videos to import, then organizes them into albums.
9. AudioQuest - DragonFly Red USB DAC/Headphone Amplifier
Feature
32-Bit SABRE DAC2.1v Output Drives Almost Any Headphones
Works With Apple and Android devices when paired with a simple adapter
Plays everything from MP3s to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution files
This versatile DAC improves everything - detail, transparency, immediacy, richness, tone
Description
Stupendous-Sounding AudioQuest DragonFly Red USB DAC/Headphone Amp Decodes MQA, Has 32-Bit SABRE DAC, Drives Almost Any Headphones, Works with Apple and Android Playing music on your computer, laptop, stereo, smartphone, tablet, or powered speakers becomes exponentially better, more authoritative, and stunningly lifelike with the groundbreaking AudioQuest DragonFly Red DAC/headphone amplifier . Among the most exciting audio products in recent memory - and named The Absolute Sound 's Product of the Year Award (Budget Component), Stereophile 's Product of the Year (Digital Component and Budget Component) What Hi-Fi 's Product of the Year (USB DAC), and Computer Audiophile 's DAC of the Year - DragonFly Red sets new benchmarks for how much performance, portability, and flexibility is possible from an asynchronous USB DAC. Offering tremendously enhanced sound, higher value, and significantly lower power consumption than the original award-winning DragonFly for a lower price, DragonFly Red even works with Apple and Android phones and tablets when paired with a simple adapter. Most importantly, this versatile DAC improves everything - detail, transparency, immediacy, richness, tone - associated with your music. MQA decoding ability, ideal for TIDAL listeners, is also part of its feature set. And Red plays everything from MP3s to 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution files with spectacular simplicity and ease of use. Lest we forget, it doubles as a serious headphone amplifier and comes with our 100% Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee . "In my desktop system and through headphones, the Red upped the ante in every sonic criterion." -Robert Harley, The Absolute Sound "DragonFly Red and Black are the finest examples of everyman hi-fi to ever grace these pages. Their value quotients explode the dial." - John Darko, DigitalAudioReview10. Sony PHA1A Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amplifier, Silver
Feature
Compact and lightweight for easy portability and use, Hi-Res audio DAC/amplifier supports up to PCM 192kHz/24 bit, Direct Digital Connection for smartphones, DMPs, iOS devices, and PCs, Solid Sound: Wolfson DAC w/separate operational & headphone ampsSleek and durable aluminum enclosure for dependable performance, Built-in Lithium-ion battery for up to 6 hours battery life, Charge the PHA-1A and a Walkman while listening (requires cable, sold separately)
Selectable gain supports headphone impedance from 8 to 600 Ohm, Includes: Micro-USB and digital cables for Walkman and Xperia, Securely fasten portable devices with included silicone belts (x2)
