Portable Headphone Amplifier

[Good Vibes]

Looking to maybe buy a portable headphone amp for when I'm out and about, could also be used sometimes at home with the computer.

Any advice would be useful, as I know bugger all about this side of Hi Fi (what's good and bad), my price range is up to £125 new, or maybe for that I can get something for double that 2nd hand perhaps!

Thanks

Mark

 

[roob]

Here you go

http://epiphany-acoustics.co.uk/products-page/headphone-amplifiers/ehp-o2-portable-headphone-amplifier/

 

[Maverick]

what source? if mp3 then everything is a waste of money IMHO

but your budget?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-Rechargeable-HiFi-Tube-value-vacuum-headphone-amplifier-amp-battery-SIL-/400540815337?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item5d4217cfe9

use hammersnipe to bid low if you fancy one

I have non portable headphone amp from these guys, damned good for £12 bid!!!!!

 

[MUJI]

I have only heard the JDS Labs version of O2 and for around USD100, they were the best in class to me.

 

[banjoman]

Fiio does a bunch of really portable DAC plus Head amps which are very good value for money. Check their website. Though you do need to check how much power you need for your headphones

 

[Guest]

I'm currently reviewing the Epiphany . It drives my UE Triple-fi with consummate ease in fact dangerously so. As in it will keep going without distorting long after your ears have exploded Build quality is very good . 2 gain settings so this weekend I plan to do some lengthy listening with my Senn 600's in situ . Keep em peeled

 

[Strider]

I've got a Fiio E07 (Andes). I love it!

Manufacturer's Description

The FiiO E7 portable headphone amplifier and DAC improves sound quality, volume and battery life of your MP3 player, PC or Mac.

Simply connect the FiiO E7 between a PC or Mac and your headphones for the ultimate mobile listening experience at home or on the move. What's more, the FiiO E7 also reduces battery drain on portable devices, which means you can enjoy your music for longer.

The E7 headphone amplifier and DAC is a pocket sized audio device designed to enhance your sound experience on-the-go, at home or in the office. With the FiiO E7 you can ensure you are getting the best out of your portable audio setup. The E7's pre and power-amp offers high performance, excellent resolution, low distortion, and powerful output. The most practical and headphone amp and DAC available at this price.

Connect via the USB DAC on your PC or Mac, or via standard 3.5mm stereo line-in jack for portable amplification from a conventional analogue audio source. The flexible FiiO E7 has dual 3.5mm headphone output jack sockets, for that makes it easy to share music between two listeners.

FiiO E7's sound signature adds depth to the bass and enhances detail of trebles; it boosts the volume and makes it even clearer, making the E7 a worthy upgrade to any mobile audio system.

Let FiiO enhance your sound, your music, your experience.

Product Description

FiiO E7 USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier The Fiio E7 is a great little device that is designed to give your PC sound card an extra kick! Ever noticed a lack in quality even though you have high end headphones!? The Fiio E7 has the answer! Your Fiio E7 has the ability to decode your audio amplify it and output a better quality audio for you to listen to! Acting as a professional headphone amplifier and an external USB soundcard your FiiO E7 bumps up your audio quality in an instant - Plug it in and your off! Main Features： USB audio decoding and output for PC functioning as a high quality external USB soundcard*; Texas Instruments' PCM2706 serves as USB receiver. For better sound quality a Wolfson WM8740 serves as digital-to-analog convertor (DAC) pairing with a high performance operational amplifier from ADI for the DAC circuit; Build-in headphone amplifier utilizing AD8692 and Texas Instruments' TPA6130A as pre- and power-amp for high performance good resolution low distortion and powerful output; Standard 3.5mm stereo line-in jack for portable amplification with conventional audio source; Dual 3.5mm headphone output jack. Convenient design makes it easy to share music between two listeners; World's first portable headphone amplifier with dual colors OLED display; Easy to use digital volume control function with great precision and channel balance; Build-in EQ for 3 levels of Bass Boost; Build-in rechargeable 1050 mAH Li-ion battery for 80 hours of continuous operation**; Specialized dock for connecting E9*** to experience an even higher performance; Quality anodized aluminum satin finish case design small and compact ideal to be wrapped together with digital audio player; User selectable USB charging function to help prolong battery lifespan and lower distortion from power supply circuit; User definable startup volume memory and maximum volume limiter to protect user from hearing damage due to loud volume; Automatic keylock feature; User definable sl

 

[gazar]

One of my mates has the FiiO E7. It,s pretty good but keep in mind that that when you connect it to your phone via 3.5 mm jack, it,s only the amp section you are benefitting from ( unless you have a digital out on your portable device)., The DAC comes into play when you connect via USB to your PC/mac via USB.

I have a Headstage Arrow that is very small and light and may be available second hand within your budget. Try Head-fi for second hand portable amps.