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

Showing 4 responses by fuzztone

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.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 
I looked at the Aune X7. At 11 ohms output it is only suitable for high impedance cans.
The Drop is not available for at least 8 months.
They are suspect anyway. When the sold Grados, the Grado company said they didn’t front them any.
Where the hell did they get ’em?
Much stuff NO warranty.
The S.M.S.L. amp I have doesn't sound as good as either Schiit I am using.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 
You could always up your game:
https://fidelice.com/shop/precision-headphone-amp
Although at that price point I'd lean towards the Quicksilver.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 
Good luck and happy hunting.
More to discover