A guide to headphone amplifiers

Headphone amplifiers for all kinds of budgets. 

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned vinyl lover, a dedicated headphone amp can transform your listening experience. While it’s possible to plug your headphones directly into some phones or laptops, the built-in amps on most devices just don’t unlock the full potential of your high-quality headphones.

The headphone amp works like a turbocharger for your sound system: it’s not about cranking up the volume but about providing more power and control over your music. It’ll give richer bass, crisper highs, and an overall improvement in clarity and transparency.

What’s the difference between a headphone amp and a preamp?
A preamp boosts the signal from your turntable to your main amp, but a headphone amp is built specifically to drive headphones. The preamp gets your signal to line-level and a headphone amp takes it a step further, delivering higher-quality audio directly to your ears.

For vinyl lovers, a headphone amp is an essential upgrade, especially if you’re looking for a high-quality listening experience on a compact setup. If you pair it with a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), you’ll get even better sound. A DAC turns digital audio files into analogue sound, giving your music that warm, full-bodied feel. Bonus points if your headphone amp has a built-in DAC—less gear for better sound.

When shopping for a headphone amp, keep these tips in mind:

Connection types: Most headphones use 3.5mm or 1/4″ unbalanced plugs, but some fancy models need a balanced connection to reduce distortion.

Impedance: Low-impedance headphones don’t need a ton of power, but high-impedance ones need a stronger amp to really flex their muscles. Match the impedance to the amp’s output for optimal sound.

Compatibility: Most modern phones have ditched the headphone jack, but don’t worry — laptops and computers still come equipped with one! Just make sure your amp connects to your source device (whether USB, Bluetooth, or good ol’ 3.5mm).

The beauty of headphone amps is that they let you experience audiophile-level sound without the need for a full stereo system. If you’re living in a small space or you just want to keep things quiet for the neighbours, headphone amps are a game-changer, delivering deep, detailed sound in a compact package.

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Audioquest Dragonfly Red USB DAC + Headphone Amp

Price: £150

Pros: Ultra-portable, USB stick-sized design. Dramatically improves audio quality, especially for computers. Compatible with MAC, PC, Android, and iOS devices. Easy plug-and-play setup.

Cons: Limited to USB connections – requires adapters for non-USB devices. No physical volume control. Lacks a dedicated power switch or on/off button.

Verdict: The DragonFly Red is a tiny powerhouse that dramatically upgrades your audio quality on the go. It’s portable, powerful, and perfect for audiophiles everywhere!

The DragonFly Red is a game-changer for those on the go. This USB stick-sized DAC instantly upgrades sound quality, delivering fuller, brighter audio with impressive power. It’s compatible with everything from PCs to smartphones and easily drives even power-hungry headphones. With improved 32-bit DAC chips and a sleek, portable design, the DragonFly Red is the perfect solution for anyone craving high-fidelity sound without the bulk.

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iFi AUDIO ZEN CAN Signature MZ99

Price: £250

Pros: Precision ActivEQ, four gain settings, speaker-like soundstage with low distortion.

Cons: Optimized for Meze 99s, ActivEQ may be unnecessary for non-Meze users,

Verdict: The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 supercharges the Meze 99s and any headphones that plug into it with gorgeous sound. A sonic secret weapon for audiophile bliss!

The ZEN CAN Signature MZ99 turns the Meze 99 Classics and any other headphones into a music lover’s dream, enhancing every note with rich bass and radiant highs. With its special ActivEQ tuning, this amp adds just the right amount of sparkle to Meze headphones, like seasoning on a favourite dish. It’s also versatile —PowerMatch lets you find the sweet spot for any headphones, and its balanced design keeps distortion ultra-low. For Meze 99 fans, the MZ99 button is like flipping a magic switch, making the music feel big, bold, and beautifully detailed.

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Music Hall ph25.2

Price: £300

Pros: Combines tube warmth with solid-state precision, High-quality, hand-assembled components, Beautiful design with versatile input/output options

Cons: Larger, bulkier size, Premium price tag

Verdict: The Music Hall ph25.2 is a match made in audio heaven, blending tube charm and solid-state precision.

This amp offers the best of both worlds: tube preamp warmth with solid-state power. Its high-end components and sleek design make it a standout in any audiophile setup. Whether you crave rich tube textures or a clean, punchy sound, this hybrid amp delivers, making every track feel alive and personal.

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Pre BOX S2 Digital

Price: £329

Pros: Improved power isolation, Enhanced audio clocks for lower jitter, Higher Class A output

Cons: Limited cabinet size may restrict advanced features, Still impacted by chip availability

Verdict: The Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital Edition 2023 packs big, clean sound into a pocket-sized package, proving that great things come in small, aluminium cases.

The Pre Box S2 Digital Edition 2023 is like a techy time capsule for audiophiles. With upgraded power filtering and crystal-clear clocks, it takes jitter and noise to new lows. The new Class A output stage makes low-impedance headphones sing, and it’s so energy-efficient that it’s practically sipping power. Handcrafted in Europe, this little wonder puts performance first—no frills, just pure sound quality in a design built to last.

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MOFI ELECTRONICS UltraPhono Phono Stage Preamp w/ Headphone Amplifier

Price: £499

Pros: Exceptional clarity with studio-grade circuitry, Adjustable gain and loading for perfect cartridge pairing, Built-in, rich-sounding Class A headphone amp

Cons: Toggle switches on the underside may require some finesse, Expensive, aimed more at serious audiophiles

Verdict: UltraPhono’s combo of studio-level clarity and customizability is vinyl magic! With a pro-calibre phono stage and rich headphone amp, it’s pure groove-heaven in a box.

This headphone amp is the secret sauce for vinyl heads who want their sound as clear as the night sky. This little box digs up every hidden gem in your LPs. The adjustable gain and loading settings make dialling in your sound a breeze, while the Class A headphone amp adds extra intimacy for headphone sessions.

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Chord Electronics Mojo 2 DAC Headphone Amp

Price: £500

Pros: Exceptional sound quality with powerful FPGA processing. Multiple connection options for flexibility. Simultaneous listening with two headphone outputs.

Cons: Small but pricey. Might be overkill for casual listeners.

Verdict: The Mojo 2 is a portable powerhouse, delivering studio-quality sound with cutting-edge tech. It’s the perfect companion for audiophiles who want superior sound on the go.

With two decades of British innovation, the Mojo 2 is designed to give you world-class sound on the go. Whether you’re connecting via USB-C, optical, or Micro-USB, it delivers unmatched detail, clarity, and power. Plus, it lets two people listen at once.

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Audiolab M-DAC+

Price: £850

Pros: High-end DAC. Supports DSD formats. User-selectable filters for fine-tuned sound.

Cons: Not as portable as smaller DACs. Larger footprint may not suit all setups.

Verdict: The M-DAC+ is a top-tier DAC that combines sleek design, superior sound, and customisability, delivering audiophile-quality performance for those who demand the best.

With upgraded circuitry, the headphone amp on this thing offers flawless sound quality and versatility, supporting everything from 32-bit/384kHz audio to DSD files. The user-selectable filters let you fine-tune your listening experience, while the upgraded power supply ensures minimal interference. Whether you’re enjoying high-res files or everyday music, the M-DAC+ elevates your system to pro-level sound.

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Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition

Price: £2299

Pros: Rich streaming options and multi-room capability. Effortless switch between three headphone connections. Works with AirPlay 2 and Chromecast for full integration.

Cons: High price, suited for serious audiophiles. Bulky for travel.

Verdict: Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is your personal escape pod into sonic bliss. Plug in, stream endlessly, and tune out the world—no computer required.

Uniti Atom Headphone Edition offers effortless streaming, versatile connections, and audiophile quality in one sleek box. Swap between up to three headphones, stream your favourite tunes from Spotify, TIDAL, or Qobuz, or go multi-room for full house vibes. The Focal & Naim app unlocks options galore—perfect for turntable lovers or USB devotees.

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