Short answer: the Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1. It ranks #10 of 19 headphone amplifiers by measured performance, rated 4.7/5, at $749. The Rupert Neve Designs RNHP ranks #15, rated 3.2/5, at $699, $50 cheaper, which does not close the gap in measured performance.
The Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 is the better-sounding choice. Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 119 dB, so its noise and distortion are inaudible and the amp is effectively transparent. Watch for: 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 case for the Rupert Neve Designs RNHP: Audio Science Review measured a SINAD of 101 dB, clean enough for nearly all listening. Watch for: Rupert Neve Designs does not publish a power figure into 32 ohms, so its ability to drive demanding headphones is unknown.
Buy the Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1. It is rated higher, and saving $50 with the Rupert Neve Designs RNHP does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphone Amps and DACs rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 | Rupert Neve Designs RNHP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $749.00 | $699.00 |
| Ranked | #10 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers | #15 of 19 in Headphone Amplifiers |
| Device Type | Headphone amp | Headphone amp |
| SINAD | 119 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) | 101 dB (measured by Audio Science Review) |
| Output Power (32 ohms) | 1,200 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Output Power (300 ohms) | 250 mW (manufacturer rated) | - |
| Headphone Outputs | 6.35 mm | - |
| Balanced Output | No | - |
| Inputs | RCA, XLR | XLR/TRS combo, RCA, 3.5 mm |
| Volume Control | Hardware knob (ALPS RK27 potentiometer) | Hardware knob |
| Dimensions | 5.5” x 2.2” x 8.3” (140 x 55 x 210 mm) | 6.5” x 1.9” x 4.6” (165 x 48 x 117 mm) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (850 g) | 2 lbs (900 g) |
Related Amp and DAC Comparisons
More top alternatives to Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1:
- Topping A30 Pro vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Topping A70 Pro vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Topping A90 Discrete vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- Schiit Midgard vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
- SMSL VMV P2 vs Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1
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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The Two Amps and DACs In Full
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 Topping A90 Discrete
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Topping A70 Pro
- Tom Christiansen Audio HPA-1 vs Topping A30 Pro
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 Topping A90 Discrete
- Rupert Neve Designs RNHP vs Topping A70 Pro