Headphone amps


Hello there again, curious everyone’s thoughts on the following headphone amps?
Pass Labs HPA1, Benchmark HPA4, and the SPL Phonitor xe ? I know there are many options. I listen to a variety of music overall but enjoy rock most of the time. Also open to other options, thanks again.

shtr74sims

I have the Quicksilver Headphone Amp, it's quite good.   Plus it's a Quicksilver so it is built like a tank.  Huge value in my experience.   

@oddiofyl +1

I have both the Quicksilver headphone and integrated amps - both of which delivery excellent sonics at a very competitive price point.  As stated, build quality is also top notch.  My end game headphone amp may be the Pass Labs HPA-1 (at 3x the price), but frankly, I'm in no hurry to get there.

Doesn't look like many people answered your question about those particular amps. I wish I could answer but I've not heard them. I've heard some of the others mentioned, but that's not what you asked! 😁

I listened to the earlier Phonitor and it like all SPL gear is great.   It was a while back but you should try to demo one.   I bought my RME DAC from a local professional sound dealer and they had many SPL products there.   They are nice.   

Luxman is great too.   I like their new stuff.   

So is Benchmark.  Another great company.  I remember back in 06 or 07 I did a tradeshow and everyone was crowded around the new Benchmark DAC 1 trying to listen through phones.   I credit Benchmark with more or less igniting the Headphone /DAC craze.   Not sure if they were the "first" but in my opinion it was the first headphone amp / DAC worth buying 

Audition if possible or at least have a return priviledge ,  it's really a matter of taste with headphones.