Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 Review: Ranked #10 of 19

Last updated: October 11, 2026

The Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 ranks #10 out of 19 total Headphone Amplifiers for sound quality. See all Headphone Amps and DACs rankings for every top pick.

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.

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Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 - ranked #10 of 19 Headphone Amplifiers · Editor's rating 4.7/5
Check price at Tom Christiansen Audio ($749.00) →

#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.

Balanced OutputNo
Device TypeHeadphone amp
Dimensions5.5” x 2.2” x 8.3” (140 x 55 x 210 mm)
Headphone Outputs6.35 mm
InputsRCA, XLR
Output Power (300 ohms)250 mW (manufacturer rated)
Output Power (32 ohms)1,200 mW (manufacturer rated)
SINAD119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review)
Volume ControlHardware knob (ALPS RK27 potentiometer)
Weight1.9 lbs (850 g)
Check current price at Tom Christiansen Audio ($749.00) →Search eBay for Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 →

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