Amplifiers

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Written by: Geoffrey Morrison

Created: 01 September 2024

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When it comes to headphone amps, I’m looking for something specific. Sure, I want something powerful enough to easily drive whatever headphones I’m using. A good DAC is vital as well. But I also want something that, well, looks good. Headphone amps are rare products that will draw the eye of anyone curious. So looking cool is certainly not a requirement, but at the very least it’s a strongly requested bonus.

Read more: HiFiMan EF400 Headphone Amplifier–DAC

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Written by: Geoffrey Morrison

Created: 01 July 2024

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This is one of the stranger products I’ve reviewed for SoundStage! Solo. iFi Audio’s Go Pod ($399, all prices USD) is a pair of Bluetooth receivers and amps designed to attach to high-end wired earphones, converting just about any ’phones with detachable cables into true wireless earbuds. So instead of carrying around a portable amp or device with a headphone jack, you can use your audiophile earphones with any Bluetooth source.

Read more: iFi Audio Go Pod Bluetooth DAC–Headphone Amplifier

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Written by: Killain Jones

Created: 15 April 2024

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Measurements can be found by clicking this link.

Much like with stock picking, key to selecting an audio component is researching the company behind it. Among my selection criteria are brand reputation and the length of time the company has been in business. Equally important, of course, is researching the component itself. When selecting a headphone amplifier, I try to find out its true power ratings, design goals, sound signature (I like my amplification slightly on the warm side of neutral), and the likelihood it could soon be supplanted by a newer model. What complicates matters is the sheer variety of designs, shapes, and sizes of headphone amplifiers and their abstruse specification sheets, which confound even seasoned audiophiles at times.

Read more: Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amplifier

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Written by: Geoffrey Morrison

Created: 15 February 2024

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The hunt continues for some great, affordable headphone amps. A few weeks ago I checked out the Aiyima T8, a “no name” Amazon special, and I found it to be surprisingly decent for $120 (all prices USD). This week we go up in price slightly, to the Schiit Audio Magni. Base price is the same as the T8, but if you include a built-in USB DAC, the price goes up to $189. Those prices are for the black finish—add $10 for the brushed-aluminum silver version.

Read more: Schiit Audio Magni Headphone Amplifier–DAC

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Written by: Geoffrey Morrison

Created: 01 February 2024

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I don’t know what it is, but once the weather gets cold and there’s sunlight for 30 minutes a day, I crave some warm colors and a cozy glow. Tube amps, in other words. You might be thinking, “But, Geoff, you live in Los Angeles. Surely there’s no winter?” And I would say, “Winter is a state of mind, friend.” While the irony of complaining about winter from Southern California while writing for an outlet based in Ottawa, Canada, is not lost on me, I would like to say that I had to put on a sweatshirt to go outside today, and that is unacceptable.

Read more: Aiyima T8 Headphone Amplifier-DAC