Posts with tag "headphone amplifier"

The Luxsin brand has introduced the intelligent Luxsin X8 DAC and headphone amplifier, which became the second model in the manufacturer’s lineup, released just nine months after the launch of the first one – the Luxsin X9. According to the developers, the combination of powerful analogue hardware and an artificial intelligence-driven sound tuning system makes the Luxsin X8 a solution for listeners who value both reference-grade sound quality and modern software-based control.

Senna Sound has introduced the Sunstone headphone amplifier (€3,600), which the company classifies as reference level. The newcomer features a fully discrete circuit topology operating in pure Class A. The Sunstone delivers up to 4.5 W per channel into 50 Ohms - sufficient to effortlessly drive virtually any headphones. The Sunstone suits both planar magnetic and high-impedance dynamic headphones.

Schiit Audio has introduced the third generation of its popular headphone amplifier, predictably named Jotunheim 3. The completely redesigned amplifier circuit debuts the Prime topology and Continuity A output stage, delivering 6 W into 32 Ohms headphones and 20 V RMS for high-impedance models. Noise levels are virtually non-existent - even with sensitive IEMs.

Chord Electronics has updated its beloved portable DAC and headphone amplifier Mojo, now designated Mojo 2 (£395). The update introduces a 4.4 mm Pentaconn balanced output and USB-C charging. One of the two 3.5 mm outputs from the original has been replaced with the Pentaconn connector, opening the Mojo 2 to a much wider spectrum of headphones while retaining the standard single-ended 3.5 mm output. Both headphone outputs feature independent volume memory, allowing precise level adjustment for different headphones.

The Imersiv D-1 HDR-A DAC from Millennia Music & Media Systems promises a revolution in digital-to-analog conversion. According to the developers, the signal-to-noise ratio and distortion levels are up to 100 times better than the finest contemporary DACs. The technology, called HDR-A - High Dynamic Range Audio, opens a new horizon in audio reproduction.

FiiO has released a new digital-to-analog converter with headphone amplifier FiiO K13 R2R. The new product is based on a discrete R2R resistor ladder circuit and is equipped with digital inputs only. Both unbalanced analog RCA and balanced XLR outputs are provided for connection to the amplifier.

The new Pass Labs HPA-1c headphone amplifier is introduced. As you can see from the model index, the new product is based on the previously released HPA-1 - and offers accurate volume control, wide bandwidth and a direct coupled MOSFET output stage.

Pro-Ject has released an entry-level headphone amplifier model - Pro-Ject Head Box E is available for 119 euros, and the small dimensions of the model allow you to easily place the device even on a heavily cluttered table.

Topping has released a truly powerful headphone amplifier – the Topping A900 model develops 2 x 22 W of power into a 16 Ohm load and achieves revolutionary performance – a dynamic range of 151 dB, a signal-to-noise ratio of 151 dB, and a THD+N distortion level across the entire frequency band (90 kHz BW) of 0.00003%!

D&A (Digi & Aesth) has introduced a relatively inexpensive ($699) digital-to-analog converter with headphone amplifier D&A Alpha PRO. Alpha Pro was developed on the basis of the flagship ESS Technology ES9039MSPRO chip, it supports signals up to PCM 32/768, DSD512 and hardware decodes MQA.

For its centennial anniversary, Luxman has released a limited edition of the fully balanced audiophile headphone amplifier Luxman P-100 Centennial. The heart of the amp is the patented New Amplified Feedback Engine (LIFES) technology, which significantly improves on the previous ODNF (Only Distortion Negative Feedback) solution.

Schiit Audio has released a new version of the Valhalla headphone amplifier - Schiit Audio Valhalla 3. The model is ready to “pump up” even complex high-impedance headphones and operates in pure Class A with a triode amplification mode.

Musical Fidelity has developed a new digital-to-analog converter with headphone amplifier Musical Fidelity M8x DAC. In its development, the company relied on its proprietary approaches that have been developed over the years – such as the use of Class A output stages, the absence of an information display to reduce electromagnetic interference (indication is displayed using LEDs), as well as the avoidance of wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.

For the first time in its 60-year history, Rotel has released a headphone amplifier – the model is called Rotel DX-3 and will be available at the end of March 2025 for $1,499 / €1,499. The amplifier can operate with a wired connection of headphones, both in analog and digital versions (there is an unbalanced 6.35 mm jack on board, as well as a Pentaconn 4.4 mm for a balanced connection).

FiiO SnowSky Retro Nano is the latest portable digital-to-analog converter and headphone amplifier, presented in the SnowSky series and distinguished by its appearance stylized as a compact cassette (or tape) player. The model is equipped with a 0.96" TFT 80 x 160 bezel-less display and displays animation of tape playback during operation.

American company Orchard Audio has introduced a new headphone amplifier Valencia. The new product is made in a balanced circuit design and operates in class A/B. The Valencia project is also the first result of Leo Ayzenshtat’s collaboration with experienced headphone reviewer Steven Ciofalo.

Woo Audio has unveiled the anniversary version of the Woo Audio WA24 20th Anniversary Edition reference tube headphone amplifier. Each element of the WA24 20th Anniversary Edition has been carefully selected to achieve the highest sound quality. The amplifier is based on four custom-made 3A/109E vacuum triodes with medium gain and direct heating, chosen for their low noise and durability. The single-ended topology of the amplifier provides the highest gain, and the oversized output transformer - the highest power and dynamic range for even the most complex headphones.

FiiO presented a new DAC with a built-in streamer and headphone amplifier FiiO K17 at CES 2025. The device's arsenal includes a parametric 31-band equalizer inherited from the K19 model and a precision digital-to-analog converter based on an assembly of AKM AK4191 + AK4499EX x 2 chips.

The second generation of the HiFiMAN Serenade digital-to-analog converter with headphone amplifier has become $200 cheaper and received a Wi-Fi module. The new HiFiMAN Serenade DAC is based on the proprietary Hymalaya Pro Ladder engine, which is an updated version of the first generation Hymalaya DAC, originally released in 2021.

Aune has introduced a new headphone amplifier, the Aune S17 Pro EVO. The model is suitable for headphones with a nominal impedance of 32 to 600 Ohms and is equipped with balanced outputs.