What is a Headphone Amplifier
A headphone amplifier (amp) is a dedicated power amplifier for headphones. Integrating an amplifier between the audio source and headphones enhances sound quality and refines the system's tonal signature, a widely accepted practice among audiophiles. Particularly for premium headphones costing over a thousand yuan, the improvement in sound quality is noticeably audible.
While most audio sources (e.g., CD players) include a headphone output jack, the circuitry and components behind it are often mediocre. For example, CD players typically use basic op-amps like 4556 or 4558 for amplification, costing only a few yuan—sound quality is predictably poor. Even higher-end CD players rarely feature headphone amplification circuits meeting 'audiophile' standards.
Some flagship CD players priced over ten thousand yuan still employ basic chips like JRC4558 for headphone output. While sufficient for most dynamic headphones, they fall short by high-fidelity standards and fail to unleash the full potential of premium headphones. Some mid-to-high-end sources, like Marantz CD17 and above, omit headphone jacks entirely to preserve sound quality, necessitating an external amplifier.
Functions of a Headphone Amplifier
A headphone amplifier is specifically designed to drive mid-to-high-end high-impedance headphones. Standard headphones typically have an impedance of 16-32 ohms. Hi-Fi audiophile headphones often use high-density coil long-excursion designs for better low-frequency response, resulting in DC impedance ranging from 200-600 ohms.
Standard portable players or amplifiers are designed for low-impedance output. Driving high-impedance headphones drastically reduces output power and distorts frequency response, as the output stage operates outside its linear region. Headphone amplifiers accommodate these high-impedance loads. They also increase output power while allowing tonal adjustments for personalized sound.
Recommended Headphone Amplifiers
1. SPL Phonitor 2730
Matched Headphones: Sennheiser HD800
Reference Price: 18,000 yuan
The SPL Phonitor 2730 is a top-tier balanced input/output headphone amplifier manufactured by the veteran German studio monitor company SPL. It features multiple adjustment functions to match different headphones and impedances. As a fully balanced design, both source input and headphone connections require balanced interfaces.
2. Beyerdynamic A1
Matched Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT880, DT990, T1
Reference Price: 9,900 yuan
Is there a perfect headphone amp? The Beyerdynamic A1 sets the benchmark. While its components aren't extravagant, its overall performance and sonic quality surpass renowned amps like Lehmann and SOLO, especially when paired with Beyerdynamic's DT series high-end headphones. Driving the flagship T1 yields exceptional sound quality.
3. O1 Overseas Version
Matched Headphones: AKG K701, DT990
Reference Price: 4,500 yuan
The O1 Overseas Version is a headphone amplifier with a built-in DAC module, offering a high-value, streamlined solution. It includes optical and coaxial inputs for connecting PCs or CD players. Its amplifier section excels, particularly in reproducing classical symphonic music.
While most audio sources (e.g., CD players) include a headphone output jack, the circuitry and components behind it are often mediocre. For example, CD players typically use basic op-amps like 4556 or 4558 for amplification, costing only a few yuan—sound quality is predictably poor. Even higher-end CD players rarely feature headphone amplification circuits meeting 'audiophile' standards.
Some flagship CD players priced over ten thousand yuan still employ basic chips like JRC4558 for headphone output. While sufficient for most dynamic headphones, they fall short by high-fidelity standards and fail to unleash the full potential of premium headphones. Some mid-to-high-end sources, like Marantz CD17 and above, omit headphone jacks entirely to preserve sound quality, necessitating an external amplifier.
Functions of a Headphone Amplifier
A headphone amplifier is specifically designed to drive mid-to-high-end high-impedance headphones. Standard headphones typically have an impedance of 16-32 ohms. Hi-Fi audiophile headphones often use high-density coil long-excursion designs for better low-frequency response, resulting in DC impedance ranging from 200-600 ohms.
Standard portable players or amplifiers are designed for low-impedance output. Driving high-impedance headphones drastically reduces output power and distorts frequency response, as the output stage operates outside its linear region. Headphone amplifiers accommodate these high-impedance loads. They also increase output power while allowing tonal adjustments for personalized sound.
Recommended Headphone Amplifiers
1. SPL Phonitor 2730
Matched Headphones: Sennheiser HD800
Reference Price: 18,000 yuan
The SPL Phonitor 2730 is a top-tier balanced input/output headphone amplifier manufactured by the veteran German studio monitor company SPL. It features multiple adjustment functions to match different headphones and impedances. As a fully balanced design, both source input and headphone connections require balanced interfaces.
2. Beyerdynamic A1
Matched Headphones: Beyerdynamic DT880, DT990, T1
Reference Price: 9,900 yuan
Is there a perfect headphone amp? The Beyerdynamic A1 sets the benchmark. While its components aren't extravagant, its overall performance and sonic quality surpass renowned amps like Lehmann and SOLO, especially when paired with Beyerdynamic's DT series high-end headphones. Driving the flagship T1 yields exceptional sound quality.
3. O1 Overseas Version
Matched Headphones: AKG K701, DT990
Reference Price: 4,500 yuan
The O1 Overseas Version is a headphone amplifier with a built-in DAC module, offering a high-value, streamlined solution. It includes optical and coaxial inputs for connecting PCs or CD players. Its amplifier section excels, particularly in reproducing classical symphonic music.