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Suggestions for pure headphone amp around $200?

I am looking for suggestions for a new to me headphone amp with a budget around $200, maybe a little more for the right unit.
I do NOT need a headphone/dac, it will be fed by RCA analog from the line out of my BAT integrated.
One requirement is that it also has RCA analog outputs, so a pass through if you like, my present el cheapo Monolith head amp has this and it is near essential in my set up right now.
My present cans are HiFiman 4xx purchased from Drop.
I may be looking at better cans for Xmas so there is that to bear in mind for the new head amp.
Thanks and stay safe!
128x128uberwaltz
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Pinwa.
Many thanks for your post and contribution.
Nobody is going to flame you I assure you.
All good stuff and interesting so no worries.
Enjoy the music and stay safe!
audite84
110 posts
 
Since you mentioned Aune, I suggest you look into the Little Dot amps and see if any of them is a worthy candidate. They offer tube, hybrid and SS headphone amps. Their products are well-reviewed.

About 3 years ago, I got a Little Dot MKIII tube amp for my HD600. It sounds decent, responds to tube rolling and is definitely a good value. I still have it. 
dougeyjones's avatar
dougeyjones
163 posts
 
This is the absolute maximum performance you’re getting for $200, probably for $500, and maybe more: 

https://drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one-linear-amplifier/story
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dougeyjones's avatar
dougeyjones
163 posts
 
If you want something with the same extremely high SINAD performance but with balanced headphone jack as well as balanced inputs here you go: 

S.M.S.L SP200 Headphone Amp THX AAA 888 Technology XLR RCA Balanced Headphone Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZJ6S1DX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_bbbnFbA83BZ01
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