2. headphones
  3. 159246-90127

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
dbtom2
382 posts
 
There's a series of reviews being done right now on the Darko Audio website. The amps reviewed thus far seem to meet your criteria.

https://darko.audio/2020/08/starting-points-pro-jects-head-box-s2/

Good luck.


dougsat
368 posts
 
Hmmm 

How about a Schiit Magnius at $199 ?
https://www.schiit.com/products/magnius

I haven’t heard this amp - I just think Schiit makes great bang for the buck products.

Doug 

uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Excellent stuff, both posts point towards Schiit gear.
Either the Asgard 3 or the Magnius both priced bang on $199.
Reading to do.
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz OP
13,381 posts
 
Anything else besides Schiit at this price point worth considering?
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 
 I like my Schiit Vali 2 with a 6GC7.
Less than $200 all in. The 15 day audition won't tell you much. The stick tube blows and so does the Russki 6922 I tried next.

More to discover