Per cuffia

Per cuffia

A headphone amplifier is a device dedicated to driving headphones with the voltage and current they require. The headphone output on smartphones, computers, and many integrated amplifiers is often a secondary circuit: with demanding headphones, it can sound dull, compressed, or unclear. A dedicated headphone amplifier restores dynamics, bass control, and background silence. In this category, you'll find compact desktop headphone amplifiers, models with integrated DACs, and high-end amplifiers, including tube-based ones.

Headphone impedance and sensitivity

The choice starts with your headphones. High-impedance models require mostly voltage, while low-impedance, low-sensitivity models, like many planar headphones, require mostly current. A good headphone amplifier should have enough power for your model while also maintaining a low noise floor with the most sensitive headphones. Some amplifiers have gain or output impedance selectors to accommodate different headphones; these are useful if you use more than one. Compare the headphone specifications with those of the amplifier in the product description.

Balanced outputs

In addition to the classic 6,3mm jack, many headphone amplifiers offer balanced outputs, either on a 4-pole XLR connector or a 4,4mm jack. The balanced connection drives the two sides of each earcup separately and can offer more available power and better channel separation. To use it, you'll need a balanced cable that matches your headphones. Balanced XLR inputs are also a plus if your source or DAC has them.

With integrated DAC or analog only

A headphone amplifier with a built-in DAC connects directly to your computer via USB or to TVs and players via digital inputs: it's the simplest solution for a complete listening setup. If you already have a good DAC or use analog sources, an analog-only model allows you to focus your budget on amplification. Many headphone amplifiers can also serve as a preamplifier for active speakers or a power amplifier.

The headphone amplifiers you find at Audiocostruzioni

Our selection of new headphone amplifiers includes industry specialists SPL and Lehmannaudio, along with Gold Note, LAiV, Pro-Ject, Rotel, and McIntosh. Among our customers' favorites are the SPL Phonitor xe, Lehmannaudio Linear, Gold Note HP-10, and Pro-Ject Head Box S2. If you're still choosing headphones, check out our selection of hi-fi headphones.

Audiocostruzioni It's a hi-fi store with a showroom and listening room in Carpi (MO), where you can try headphone amplifiers live, and we also sell and ship them online. For advice on matching your headphones, email us, and if you'd like to upgrade your amplifier, we'll gladly consider a trade-in.