This page ranks 19 standalone headphone amplifiers, for pairing with a separate DAC or a source that already has one. Each rating combines its SINAD as measured by Audio Science Review with its rated output power into 32 ohms, the figure that decides whether it can drive demanding planar and high impedance headphones to full volume. The best are at the top.
| Select to compare | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Topping A30 Pro | $349.99 | 121 dB | 5,500 mW | Yes | Headphone amp | |
| 2 | Topping A50 III | $199.00 | 121 dB | 3,500 mW | Yes | Headphone amp | |
| 3 | Topping A70 Pro | $499.00 | 121 dB | 12,600 mW | Yes | Headphone amp | |
| 4 | Topping A90 Discrete | $599.00 | 119 dB | 6,700 mW | Yes | Headphone amp | |
| 5 | Schiit Midgard | $259.00 | 118 dB | 4,800 mW | Yes | Headphone amp | |
| 6 | SMSL VMV P2 | $999.00 | 116 dB | 6,000 mW | Yes | Headphone amp | |
| 7 | Topping L30 | $149.00 | 121 dB | 2,300 mW | No | Headphone amp | |
| 8 | Topping L50 | $169.00 | 121 dB | 2,800 mW | - | Headphone amp | |
| 9 | JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 | $129 | 120 dB | 2,650 mW | - | Headphone amp | |
| 10 | Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 | $749.00 | 119 dB | 1,200 mW | No | Headphone amp | |
| 11 | Violectric HPA V550 PRO | $3,599.99 | 111 dB | 4,700 mW | Yes | Headphone amp | |
| 12 | Soncoz SGA1 | $649.99 | 118 dB | 420 mW | Yes | Headphone amp | |
| 13 | Benchmark HPA4 | $3,499.00 | 119 dB | - | Yes | Headphone amp | |
| 14 | Little Labs Monotor | $580.00 | 109 dB | - | No | Headphone amp | |
| 15 | Rupert Neve Designs RNHP | $699.00 | 101 dB | - | - | Headphone amp | |
| 16 | Chord Alto | $4,320.00 | 85 dB | 2,100 mW | Yes | Headphone amp | |
| 17 | Fosi Audio SK01 | $79.99 | 85 dB | 2,400 mW | No | Headphone amp | |
| 18 | HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 | $499.00 | 87 dB | - | No | Headphone amp | |
| 19 | Donner EM1 | $39.99 | 68 dB | 125 mW | No | Headphone amp |
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
#1 Topping A30 Pro: $349.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. Topping rates it at 5,500 mW into 32 ohms and 840 mW into 300 ohms, enough power for nearly any headphone, with 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR and 4.4 mm balanced outputs plus RCA and XLR inputs. Pass-through outputs let it sit in a chain ahead of speakers.
Cons: It is an analog only amp with no USB or other digital input, so you need a separate DAC. The Topping A50 III rates the same with the same measured SINAD for less.
Full Topping A30 Pro review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 6.9” x 1.8” x 5.4” (174 x 45 x 138 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 840 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 5,500 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA pass-through, 6.35 mm TRS pass-through |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (870 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#2 Topping A50 III: $199.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 3.5 W into 32 ohms and 760 mW into 300 ohms from its balanced output is enough for nearly any headphone. It has 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm balanced outputs and costs less than the Schiit Midgard at the same rating.
Cons: It is an amp only, so you need a separate DAC. Its balanced input uses 6.35 mm TRS rather than XLR, and there are no line outputs for passing the signal on to speakers.
Full Topping A50 III review and specifications →
| Released | Mar 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm) |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 4.9” x 1” x 5.5” (125 x 26 x 140 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS balanced |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 760 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 3,500 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#3 Topping A70 Pro: $499.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are transparent. A rated 12.6 W balanced into 32 ohms and 1.37 W into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, through 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR outputs, and it has XLR and RCA preamp outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It is a headphone amp only, so it needs a separate DAC. The Topping A50 III matches its rating and SINAD for far less, with power that is still plenty for planar magnetics.
Full Topping A70 Pro review and specifications →
| Released | May 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.9” x 6.9” (222 x 48 x 176 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR/6.35 mm TRS combo |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,370 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 12,600 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs (1,270 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#4 Topping A90 Discrete: $599.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6,700 mW into 32 ohms and 1,000 mW into 300 ohms from the balanced outputs is enough for nearly any headphone. It offers 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm and 4-pin XLR outputs, a relay volume control with remote, and RCA and XLR preamp outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It is a headphone amp only, so it needs a separate DAC. The Topping A50 III rates the same and measures slightly cleaner at 121 dB for far less. The Topping A70 Pro rates the same with more rated power for less.
Full Topping A90 Discrete review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 1.8” x 6.3” (222 x 45 x 160 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,700 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR (preamp) |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (relay R2R) and remote |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Schiit Midgard
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Topping A70 Pro
- Topping A90 Discrete vs SMSL VMV P2
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Topping A30 Pro
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Violectric HPA V550 PRO
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Soncoz SGA1
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Little Labs Monotor
- See all 10 comparisons
#5 Schiit Midgard: $259.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 118 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 4.8 W into 32 ohms and 750 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone. It offers 6.35 mm and 4 pin XLR balanced outputs, RCA and XLR inputs, and passes the signal through to RCA and XLR outputs.
Cons: It costs more than the Topping A50 III, which matches its rating and measured slightly cleaner at 121 dB. It has no 4.4 mm balanced jack, so many portable balanced cables need an adapter. It is an amp only and needs a separate DAC.
Full Schiit Midgard review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9” x 1.5” x 6” (229 x 38 x 152 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 750 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 4,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2 lbs (907 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#6 SMSL VMV P2: $999.00 Linsoul eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 116 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 6 W balanced into 32 ohms and 700 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, including demanding planar magnetic and high impedance models. It offers 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4 pin XLR headphone outputs plus RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, so it can also work as a preamp.
Cons: It has only analog inputs, so you need a separate DAC to play music from a computer or phone. The Topping A50 III earns the same rating and measured cleaner for a fraction of the price, and the Topping A70 Pro publishes about twice the power for less. At 3.25 kg it is a large desktop unit.
Full SMSL VMV P2 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR pre out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 11” x 2” x 9.3” (280 x 51 x 235.7 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 700 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 6,000 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 116 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 7.2 lbs (3.25 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#7 Topping L30: $149.00 Apos Audio eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 121 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 2.3 W into 32 ohms and 280 mW into 300 ohms drive nearly any headphone, including planar magnetic and high impedance models. It also has RCA preamp outputs and a compact footprint.
Cons: It has only RCA analog inputs, so you need a separate DAC. There is no balanced headphone output, and the only jack is 6.35 mm. The JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 earns the same rating and publishes more power for less.
Full Topping L30 review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2020 (6 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 3.9” x 1.3” x 5.3” (100 x 32 x 134 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | RCA |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 280 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,300 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA (preamp) |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#8 Topping L50: $169.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 121 dB, so the amp adds no audible noise or distortion. A rated 2,800 mW into 32 ohms and 540 mW into 300 ohms is enough for nearly any headphone, including demanding planar magnetic and high impedance models. It offers a 4-pin XLR balanced headphone output and accepts balanced 6.35 mm TRS or RCA inputs.
Cons: It has no DAC, so it needs a separate source with line outputs. The Topping A50 III rates slightly higher with more rated power for a little more, and the passthrough outputs only work while the amp is switched off.
Full Topping L50 review and specifications →
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.5” x 1.6” x 5.1” (166 x 41 x 129 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR |
| Inputs | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS balanced |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 540 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,800 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, 6.35 mm TRS (input passthrough, active only when the amp is off) |
| SINAD | 121 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.2 lbs (545 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#9 JDS Labs Atom Amp 2: $129 JDS Labs eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 120 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. A rated 2,650 mW into 32 ohms and 286 mW into 300 ohms drives nearly any headphone, and it offers both 6.35 mm and 4.4 mm outputs. It matches the rating of the Topping L50 for less and adds RCA preamp outputs for powered speakers.
Cons: It has no DAC, so you need a separate source. Its inputs are RCA and 3.5 mm only, with no balanced XLR input, and the Topping A50 III rates slightly higher for a bit more.
Full JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 review and specifications →
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 5.7” x 1.3” x 5.2” (145 x 34 x 131 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Inputs | RCA, 3.5 mm |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 286 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,650 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA |
| SINAD | 120 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1 lbs (454 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#10 Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1: $749.00 Tom Christiansen Audio eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and the amp is effectively transparent. A rated 1,200 mW into 32 ohms handles most planar magnetic headphones, with 250 mW into 300 ohms for high impedance dynamic models. It accepts both RCA and XLR inputs and uses a simple ALPS analog volume knob.
Cons: It costs several times more than the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2, which matches its rating with more than twice the rated power into 32 ohms. The only headphone output is a single 6.35 mm jack, so balanced headphone cables are not supported.
Full Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 2.2” x 8.3” (140 x 55 x 210 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (ALPS RK27 potentiometer) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (850 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Violectric HPA V550 PRO
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Soncoz SGA1
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs SMSL VMV P2
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Little Labs Monotor
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Schiit Midgard
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Topping A70 Pro
- See all 9 comparisons
#11 Violectric HPA V550 PRO: $3,599.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Violectric rates it at 4,700 mW into 32 ohms and 1,450 mW into 300 ohms, enough to drive nearly any headphone, and Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 111 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It offers 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs, RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, and a 256-step relay volume control with a remote.
Cons: The Topping A50 III rates higher and measured cleaner in Audio Science Review’s tests for a small fraction of the price. It is an analog amp only, so you still need a separate DAC.
Full Violectric HPA V550 PRO review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 11.4” x 3.1” x 9.8” (290 x 80 x 248 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | 2 x RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 1,450 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 4,700 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 111 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (256-step relay attenuator, remote) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#12 Soncoz SGA1: $649.99 HiFiGo eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured 118 dB SINAD, so its noise and distortion are inaudible. It offers 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR and 4.4 mm balanced headphone outputs, RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, and a stepped electronic volume control, with 840 mW into 300 ohms for high impedance headphones.
Cons: It is an analog only amp with no digital inputs, so you need a separate DAC. Soncoz rates it at 420 mW balanced into 33 ohms rather than 32, which drives most headphones but is modest next to the Topping L30, a higher rated amp that costs far less.
Full Soncoz SGA1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 9.8” x 2.2” x 8.9” (250 x 55 x 225 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 840 mW (manufacturer rated, balanced) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 420 mW (manufacturer rated at 33 ohms, balanced) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 118 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Electronic stepped volume (MUSES72320) |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs (2,000 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Benchmark HPA4
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Violectric HPA V550 PRO
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Little Labs Monotor
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Soncoz SGA1 vs SMSL VMV P2
- Soncoz SGA1 vs HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Topping A90 Discrete
- See all 10 comparisons
#13 Benchmark HPA4: $3,499.00 Benchmark Media Systems eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so the amp is transparent. It has a 4-pin XLR balanced headphone output, XLR and RCA line outputs for use as a preamp, and a 256 step relay volume control with IR remote. It is rated for 441 mW into 300 ohms, ample for high impedance headphones.
Cons: Benchmark does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so its output into low impedance planar magnetic headphones is unconfirmed. It costs far more than the JDS Labs Atom Amp 2, which rates higher with similar measured cleanliness. It has no built in DAC.
Full Benchmark HPA4 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | Yes (4-pin XLR headphone, XLR line out) |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 8.7” x 3.9” x 8.3” (220 x 99 x 212 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | 2 x XLR, 2 x RCA |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 441 mW (calculated from manufacturer rated 11.5 Vrms into 300 ohms) |
| Outputs | XLR, RCA |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (256-step relay attenuator, IR remote) |
| Weight | 7.9 lbs (3,600 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#14 Little Labs Monotor: $580.00 Sweetwater eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 109 dB, clean for nearly all listening. It has two 6.35 mm and two 3.5 mm headphone outputs, XLR/TRS combo, TRS and 3.5 mm inputs, and a stepped attenuator for precise volume matching.
Cons: Little Labs doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, and there are no balanced headphone outputs. The JDS Labs Atom Amp 2 rates higher, measured cleaner and is rated at 2,650 mW into 32 ohms for far less.
Full Little Labs Monotor review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Headphone Outputs | 2 x 6.35 mm, 2 x 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo, TRS, 3.5 mm aux |
| SINAD | 109 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Stepped attenuator knob |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Little Labs Monotor vs Benchmark HPA4
- Little Labs Monotor vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Little Labs Monotor vs Chord Alto
- Little Labs Monotor vs Soncoz SGA1
- Little Labs Monotor vs Fosi Audio SK01
- Little Labs Monotor vs HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2
- Little Labs Monotor vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Little Labs Monotor vs Topping A90 Discrete
- See all 9 comparisons
#15 Rupert Neve Designs RNHP: $699.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 101 dB, clean enough for nearly all listening. It accepts an XLR/TRS combo input, RCA and 3.5 mm sources, making it easy to connect studio or home gear.
Cons: Rupert Neve Designs does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown. There is no balanced headphone output listed. The Topping L50 rates much higher, measures cleaner and is rated for 2,800 mW into 32 ohms for far less.
Full Rupert Neve Designs RNHP review and specifications →
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.5” x 1.9” x 4.6” (165 x 48 x 117 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo, RCA, 3.5 mm |
| SINAD | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 2 lbs (900 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Chord Alto
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Little Labs Monotor
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Fosi Audio SK01
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Soncoz SGA1
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Topping A90 Discrete
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Topping A70 Pro
#16 Chord Alto: $4,320.00 Headphones.com eBay
Pros: Chord rates it at 2,100 mW into 32 ohms and 281 mW into 300 ohms, enough for most planar magnetic headphones and high impedance models alike. It has 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced and 4-pin XLR balanced headphone outputs, plus RCA, XLR and 4.4 mm inputs and RCA and XLR outputs for use as a preamp.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 85 dB, a real audible weakness, especially with sensitive headphones. It costs far more than the Sennheiser HDV 820, which rates higher and measured much cleaner, and its inputs are all analog, so you need a separate DAC for digital sources.
Full Chord Alto review and specifications →
| Released | 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | Yes (4.4 mm, 4-pin XLR, XLR line out) |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 1.8” x 8.5” (200 x 44.5 x 215 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm, 4.4 mm balanced, 4-pin XLR balanced |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR, 4.4 mm balanced |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 281 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,100 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | RCA, XLR |
| SINAD | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs (2.2 kg) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#17 Fosi Audio SK01: $79.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: A rated 2,400 mW into 32 ohms gives plenty of drive for most headphones, including many planars, from 3.5 mm and 6.35 mm outputs. Bass, mid and treble tone controls let you adjust the balance without software. It is compact at 121 mm wide and costs little.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 85 dB, a real audible weakness that can show up as noise or hiss, especially with sensitive in-ears. It accepts only a 3.5 mm analog input, so it needs a separate source and has no balanced output. The Loxjie D30 rates higher and measures far cleaner for a little more.
Full Fosi Audio SK01 review and specifications →
| Released | Jul 2023 (3 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Balanced Output | No |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 4.8” x 2” x 1.7” (121 x 51 x 43 mm) |
| Equalizer | Yes (bass, mid, treble tone controls) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm, 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | 3.5 mm analog |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 2,400 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| Outputs | 3.5 mm line out |
| SINAD | 85 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs (290 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#18 HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2: $499.00 HeadAmp eBay
Pros: It offers two pairs of RCA inputs, a 6.35 mm headphone jack and an RCA preamp output for feeding powered speakers, in a compact desktop chassis.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 87 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive headphones will reveal. HeadAmp doesn’t publish a power figure into 32 ohms, there are no balanced outputs, and the Little Labs Monotor rates higher and measured much cleaner for a similar price.
Full HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 5.7” x 2” x 6.7” (146 x 51 x 171 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm |
| Inputs | RCA (2 pairs) |
| Outputs | RCA (preamp) |
| SINAD | 87 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
#19 Donner EM1: $39.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: It is a compact, inexpensive battery powered amp rated for about 12 hours per charge. Its XLR and 6.35 mm TRS combo input accepts a feed from a mixer or interface, and a rated 125 mW into 32 ohms is enough to drive most headphones.
Cons: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 68 dB, a level where noise and distortion become a real audible weakness, especially with sensitive in-ears. There is only a single 3.5 mm output with no balanced option. The Topping A50 III costs more but rates far higher and measured transparent at 121 dB.
Full Donner EM1 review and specifications →
| Balanced Output | No |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 12 hours |
| Device Type | Headphone amp |
| Dimensions | 1.6” x 1.6” x 4.1” (41 x 40.7 x 103.4 mm) |
| Headphone Outputs | 3.5 mm |
| Inputs | XLR/6.35 mm TRS combo |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 125 mW (manufacturer rated) |
| SINAD | 68 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Weight | 0.2 lbs (95 g) |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples