Short answer: the Rupert Neve Designs RNHP. It ranks #15 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 3.2/5, at $699. The HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 ranks #18, rated 2.4/5, at $499, $200 cheaper, not enough of a saving to outweigh the sound-quality gap.
The Rupert Neve Designs RNHP is the better-sounding pick. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 101 dB, clean enough for nearly all listening. The catch: Rupert Neve Designs does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
What the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 does well: 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. The catch: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of only 87 dB, a real audible weakness that sensitive headphones will reveal.
Buy the Rupert Neve Designs RNHP. It is rated higher, and saving $200 with the HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Rupert Neve Designs RNHP | HeadAmp Gilmore Lite Mk2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.00 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #15 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #18 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 87 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo, RCA, 3.5 mm | RCA (2 pairs) |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 6.5” x 1.9” x 4.6” (165 x 48 x 117 mm) | 5.7” x 2” x 6.7” (146 x 51 x 171 mm) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (900 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| Headphone Outputs | - | 6.35 mm |
| Balanced Output | - | No |
| Outputs | - | RCA (preamp) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
How Rupert Neve Designs RNHP compares with other leading options:
- Topping A70 Pro vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Soncoz SGA1 vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
- Little Labs Monotor vs Rupert Neve Designs RNHP
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.
The Two Amps and DACs In Full
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 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
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