As for price, they typically are around $50-$100, but can get pretty pricey the more high-end you go. Just make sure you have something that will fit in a carry-on if you travel with gear often, or something super lightweight for a backpack. Headphone amps are usually smaller and battery-powered, so they’re easy to carry. Portability & PriceĪnd lastly, portability and price. If you want some distortion, go with a tube amp. Tubes are warm and natural, and solid state amps are more precise. A key difference between solid state amps and tube amps are sound and power output.

Each amp uses a different technology to produce sound and tonal qualities.

If you’re familiar with headphone amps, you know there are several types that influence the sound quality, including solid state, tube, and combo (or hybrid) amps. As for power, make sure that the higher-powered amps you’re looking at can drive higher-impedance headphones. In order for your headphones to work, they must match the output impedance of the amp. Impedance levels vary, and you want to make sure your headphone amp is compatible with the impedance of your current headphones. The first 2 things would be impedance and power. Here are some helpful tips that’ll help you on your buying journey. Some even have added features like a built-in DAC. They differentiate by the type of amp it is (solid state or tube), impedance, portability, and more. There are several things to consider when shopping for a new headphone amp. BUY ON SWEETWATER Best Headphone Amps Buyer’s Guide

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