Headphone Amplifier Tier List!
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- Опубліковано 9 кві 2023
- If you like tier lists, we also have a headphone tier list you can check out here - • HEADPHONE TIER LIST
Below, is a list of everything mentioned for your convenience :)
S-TIER:
- SMSL SH-6 - amzn.to/3GvcOtb
- Schiit Magni - amzn.to/3zJjfVI
- Topping A90 - apos.audio/products/topping-a...
- Topping A90D - apos.audio/products/topping-a...
- Topping DX3 Pro + - apos.audio/products/topping-d...
- Schiit Magnius - amzn.to/40SP6j1
A-Tier
Xduoo TA-22 - apos.audio/products/xduoo-ta-...
FiiO K7 - apos.audio/products/fiio-k7?_...
Schiit Fulla - www.schiit.com/products/fulla-2
B-Tier
NFB-1AMP - www.audio-gd.com/Pro/Headphone...
JDS Labs Atom - jdslabs.com/product/atom-amp/
Schiit Hel - amzn.to/41c87fU
Topping DX7 - apos.audio/products/topping-d...
FiiO K9 - apos.audio/products/fiio-k9pr...
C-Tier
Lyr+ - www.schiit.com/products/lyr
EF400 - amzn.to/3mlCwJX
DX-5 - apos.audio/products/topping-d...
Darkvoice - apos.audio/products/apos-spec...
D-Tier
SA-1 - apos.audio/products/singxer-s...
XA-10 - apos.audio/products/xduoo-xa-...
ZH1ES - amzn.to/3ZTW06i
F-Tier
HDV820 - amzn.to/3Mx21CK
TA-26 - apos.audio/products/xduoo-ta-...
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🔔 / joshvalour
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Email Me - JoshuaValourYT@gmail.com
#Headphone #Amplifier #TierList
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Updated headphone tier list with DMS would be amazing, keep it in mind!! (:
There are so many headphone amplifiers, but a few a wish were included the Nitsch Schiit Piety, Drop THX One and Little Dot. Thanks for these lists, and I hope you feel better soon.
Agree on the One.
No drop thx 789? Everyone was blubbering effusively 3 years ago. I would love to see how it stands up with the test of time.
The 789 has something nothing in his list has, a signal passthrough as well. Got powered speakers? Just put the 789 after the fact and pass the signal out the 789 to the powered speakers rcas.
And the little dog is probably one of the most if not The most popular tube amp. Those 2 were big misses.
Ay bro, just wanted to let you know that the audio on your videos is consistently top-tier. Bought a pair of LCD-2's, but had some stuff to do before I could actually listen to music. Decided to listen to some youtube vids in the background while I worked, and my first "Whoa" moment with them was when one of your vids popped up in the queue. Love your content, keep doing your thing!
I'm thinking about the new RME 2/4...does this sound better than the toppings A90D? This price difference is not an issue. Have you reviewed this newer RME? I don't see that you have yet so just wondering if I missed it.
As an audiophile noob, keep the tier lists coming. It’s a HUGE help
This channel is better viewed than listened to for buying advice
I recommend the modius and magnius, It's a fantastic combo! I currently run my lcd-x and the arya's on it, they sound amazing through that stack!
Also another thing I like to point out, in the tier list he said A tier but put it in S. I guess he changed his mind while editing lol
@@parkerlewis7924 Nice humble brag to a person that literally identifies himself as audiophile noob.
@@parkerlewis7924 question for you my guy. How bright is the Aryas treble compared to the lcd-x? How about the amount of bass and vocals? Also let me know which version of each headphone you have. Arya v1, v2, stealth and lcd-x 2021 or pre2021.
Edit: I am assuming the Audeze will of course have less treble and more bass but really how much of a difference?
@CamoTurtle18 To be completely honest these headphones sound very similar but the lcd in my opinion sounds a little better, but the aryas don't hurt your head after a long session cus they're so Weightless. And like you said less trouble and more bass on the lcd.
Edit: Oh yeah one more thing. I have the stealth verison and the the lcd its 2021? The lcd has way better sound staging Compared to the Ayra stealth.
How would the IFI Zen Dac 2 compare? I know it is a DAC/AMP combo but how would it rank compared to these on the list?
Really surprised the THX789 doesn't even get listed considering it's the only amp anyone could talk about a couple years ago...
Well, based on my limited experience of only a handful of amps, the 789 is my personal S tier seeing as it really doesn't leave me wanting anything more and it's driven me to sell/get rid of a few others that I've tried because they all sound worse. The A90D is in my sights for another clean and linear king at some point in the future. Right behind the 789 is the M17 even though it's a DAP. I use it for desktop use at work every day. I put it behind the 789 just because it lacks a tiny bit of bite (texture?) that the 789 has that I love so much. It's still clean and linear though and that's what I like.
The most disappointing amp I've tried is the FiiO K9 (AKM). It blunted the treble while still somehow adding sibilance and harshness where literally no other amp I have tried shows either trait on the same roster of headphones/IEMs. If I desired those traits then I'd rather mace myself and shove a sock down my ear canal to get the same effect. Also I hate the interface. Those puny little cheap feeling switches that require a flashlight to use, the volume knob that wobbled and felt like a paddle in mud.... It's big, heavy, and runs hot to the point that it concerned me. Hate that thing so much.
really helpful tier list! I'm curious with your opinion about some of dirt cheap amp like Douk U3 and U5, haven't really found a comparison that include this 2 amps.
@joshua valour what are the best dac/amp for 350 / 500 / 1000 euros (eachsection) fitting for arya v1? is the burson soloist 3x p still the best (even price-performance?) also can u just buy arya v2 v3 v4 and pull out the foam things to make it sound more like the v1? also can u describe the arya v1 treble a bit more? i couldnt handle dt990 for example, also what do u think the arya v1 is worth in euros/dollars rough guess in current market? thanks!
Love the list, just wish some more tube amp were included. Recently got the mt-604 and would definitely put it in S tier after about 4 months of use. Was able to get it for 100$ usd, and genuinely just sounds great (tube-ish but not over dramatic, makes eqing easier imo) with enough power to drive everything I own. Would put the khadas tea in F tier, its great for convince and has a warm neutral-ish signature, it doesnt really come close to the resolution of bt dac amps half its price (btr5 and quedelix 5k), and i didnt end up keeping it
What about the THX 789/887 that you once recommended? Which tier would they be in?
whats the opinion of the topping l30 ii? better than the smsl sh 6? im having a hell of a hard time finding any answers
I have FiiO M17 music player and I'm wondering what would be the best way to listen to it with 3 pairs of high-end headphones simultaneously? Is there like an amplifier that has 3 separate outputs with individual volume control, or is there a way to daisy chain 3 of these amps? I'm a bit of a beginner in this field, so would appreciate some insight on how to do this properly. Thanks guys.
I have a Fiio E10K-TC currently really good and does the job of powering my Moondrop Starfields and Sennheiser HD58X but I was wondering if it is worth upgrading to the Schiit Asgard 3 with the DAC card (ES9028). For the price it seems like a good upgrade and fits into the single unit DAC/AMP style I want but the E10K isn't bad and honestly just a little bit old now and less popular so I'm stumped on what to do.
@JoshuaValor I bought the SMSH SH-6 on your recommendation and love it for non balance connections but I wanted to get something balanced and ended up with the Topping L50 and and E50 stack and have been loving it with my Focal's, where would you place the L50 on a tier list?
An amp I think is heavily underrated is the iFi Zen Can (NOT the Dac). It has all the relevant features of the more expensive iFi products like xBass and 3D, it has a ton of power, balanced outs and pre-outs, and sounds super god damn clean to the point where I'm not sure why people are spending thousands on amps for headphones, or even spending big money on headphone amps in the first place. For under 200 dollars it really is a steal, and it's even built really well too. Super smooth knob and all metal chassis, not flimsy cheap metal either. I run mine with an E30 and Avantone Planars and I'll die on the hill that it sounds better than most setups costing triple what mine does. Not to mention that if your headphones have large drivers but are slightly bass shy, the xBass is really what you need to get them sounding full. It only boosts sub-bass (60 Hz and down) and does it kind of dynamically so percussion is affected more than something like a bass drone would be.
For another system I think is good; this is some oldschool shit, but a setup I remember super fondly was the original HD800's paired with a DNA Stratos tube amp and a Matrix something or other (maybe Xsabre?) DAC. This was back in 2013, when the go-to option for high end headphones was the original HD800, which was famously amp-picky. However it paired fabulously with the DNA Stratos, made every song I played through it sounded like I was in a concert hall, crazy width but without losing any detail. I will say that the width was artificial, it was definitely not there if you played the same song through some highly accurate monitoring headphones, but I've never heard another set of headphones sound as much like speakers as that set.
As for amps I think are not good... anything costing huge money unless it's bringing some special feature to the table. I can understand why speaker amps are expensive: high power + high precision is very expensive to achieve unless you have GaN class D, and even that costs thousands. However with a headphone amp you could have pure class A if you wanted to because your transient peaks are at like what, 15, 20 watts even for hard to drive headphones? I am of the opinion that a pure headphone amp (no auxiliary features) should not be costing more than 2k for any reason. I'll extend that up to 4k if it has features or an integrated DAC or something like that.
Hey do you think the iFi Zen DAC + CAN is okay for Hifiman Arya? Thank you
@@merovech7 Hi, I got last month the Signature HFM AMP +DAC for my Hifiman Edition XS and I can say that it sounds spectacular
Yeah, I've got the Ifi Zen Can paired with Ifi Zen Dac Signature V2 and man, this thing smashes the bass out of my Edition XS headphones. Love it! It is a bit dark sound, but this can be easily fixed with some EQ 🤘🤘🤘
@@4epa1012 Plus I bet that dark sound is mostly due to the Hifimans. To me the amps are very neutral sounding, for example with my ie600's it sounds quite bright on the high and with crazy bass on the low end.
@@CockatooDude Yeh, the bass on this thing is massive lol. I tried the Gustard H16 amp, returned it immediately, it just cannot match the bass that I am getting out of my Zen Can. I like to listen music at low volume and feel the bass. I was thinking to buy some of the Topping amps, but now I am not sure whether this is a good idea.
I’m curious, just how much tube rolling did you try on the Dark Voice? It’s still in my rotation and I’m playing with 30k of gear.
HI i have an JDS Element III and wanted to try a tube combo for my ZMF Atrium Open and Closed. Do you think the TA-22 is a worthwhile upgrade ? Thanks
I have the chance to get Topping A90 for $300, but still dont have the DAC. What DAC do you recommend to be paired with Topping A90 with price around $200 max?
Great to hear your personal preferences! Seeing you compare such a huge range of headphone amps is really useful to me. Thanks! If I were to select an S Tier headphone amp - maybe my Nitsch Piety or my Geshelli Labs Archel 2,5 XL. F Tier - xDuoo MT602.
Hello Mr. Valour. Please, I have question. Can Topping DX1 theoretically damage Tygr 300 R when maxed out?
I have the Topping A30pro & the Sabaj A20d, love both of them, would put them in A tier for sure, love the the styling on the Sabaj, feel better soon and keep doing what you do ;-)
@Joshua Valor did you test the IFY Zen DAC V2, curious to hear you're input if you're able to test it.
hey, i was looking for an amp for my headphones (sennheiser HD 560s) and i was undecided between the fulla 4 and gsx 1000 second edition i saw you didn't mention it what do you think? better fulla or gsx 1000, mostly game, but i like listening to music and movies.
Quick question to all the pros. Should I get the Xduoo TA-22 or the Fiio K9 Pro ESS to drive my He1000v2, thanks.
For PC editing and DT990 pro, what amp/dac would you pick?
how would you rate the Zen Can Signature?, you made a review about it some time ago. I have it with my Senn hd660S and with the eq activated sounds fantastic to me
Thanks for the updated list! I’m curious where you think something like a GSX Mini would fall. I’m currently running an A90 and Modius, but am considering upgrading both. I’m looking at the Mini and Schiit Bifrost 2/64, but don’t know if the significant cost would yield a comparable upgrade in quality. Would love your thoughts!
A90 is "S tier". (I've got one myself and can vouch for that)
Hey Josh. A few months ago you mentioned you were working on a video on gaming audio. Did I miss that, or did it just not come to fruition?
Finally a video joshua keep them coming plz
Should I replace the normal pro for the plus one? It's worth it? Does it make sense?
I was a bit disappointed xduoo mt-604 was not included. Would love to know how it compares to ta-22 if it's worth it to get an all in one vs. separate dac and amp
Separate dac and amp would be more versatile. I have the mt-602 and ta26s. Both are nice. mt604 would be great for balanced, but tube rolling gets to be more of a pain with 4. Basically, you may want to try other dacs with your tube amp, and then a built in dac may also go out of style before too long. Separate amps are more resistant to tech advancements and obsolescence
love it man, please do a combo dac-amp tierlist! :D
What do you recommend for 250 ohm headphone mixing and mastering purpose?
Do you need a DAC and an AMP or a combo or what to drive a good set of planar headphones?
What amp would you recommend to drive the Abyss AB-1266 Phi TC?
Thanks for the upload Joshua! Could you review the zoom UAC-2?
Have you tried the Fostex HP-A4BL? If yes, where would you place it?
I wish I could hear your opinion about L50. It's not fully balanced (like L70), but still it has a really low noise floor and 3.5W @ 16Ω. Sure, it's not A90[D], but does it have a place in A tier?
where would you rank something like the Topping A30 Pro since it's the A90s little brother for half the cost that isn't far off in terms of performance?
Could you do a video about the Topping Pre90 and whether it makes sense to use it - or another preamp device - as an additional power factor in the Topping A90/D90 setup to improve the sound?
I use the D90 in pre-amp mode depending on the genre I'm listening to. From my subjective sound experience some genres benefit greately by using the pre-amp mode but it can take the short little details away. So I'm wondering that if you let the dac just do his thing and incorporate an additional device into the mix, maybe you can keep all the details but end up with an even stronger performance.
If you have the A90 there is no real need to insert a Pre90 in the chain unless you have loads of inputs. .
I sense bias against tube amps? Any tube you would recommend for the S list?
Awesome sound mate, how do you process you audio?
Looking for a dac/Amp in the $100 to $200 range for my Grado SR-325e. A tubish sound to warm them a bit is my goal. Any recommendation?
I have the Abyss 1266 with a XIAudio HP amp rig. What tube amp would you recommend with that short of the WA33?
Great content as usual! I've got to ask, where would the WA7 fall in this tier list in your opinion? I'll be testing out the Diana MR and Empyrean II on that amp (along with a few others) and would love to know if it's maybe A or S tier for you. Thanks!!
Hi Josh, nice up!
What's your tier ranking for Gustard H16? Just curious. Thanks!
Nice video appreciate the Tier List Josh :)
I own the Schitt Magni/Modi and Magnius/Modius and LOVE THEM!!! You said in the video Magnius/Modius is A teir but notice it is actually listed in S Teir? Do you stand by S Tier?
I have Senn. HD 560s, HD58X, Beyerdynamic DT 177x GO, HiFiman HE-4XX and a few others along with some IEMs as well Dunu Vulkan, Dunu Falcon Pros. My Daily drivers are HD 560S and Dunu Vulkans.
I do listen to some music but really mainly use it for PC Gaming mostly FPS games and for amazing positional awareness in games, like HUNT Showdown (LOVE IT)!!
Would there be any reason for me to go to Topping A90 or A90D from what I have?
My current setup is Hifiman Edition XS and Fiio k7. Is it worth to get EF400?
Thank you this came in perfect timing!!
Xduoo TA-22 or Schiit Modius stack? Which one would be a better choice?
Where would you rank the SMSL C200?
I am looking for a good Dac/amp which has XLR for the mic and a 3.5 for the headphones. I want something that that has optical to run to my sound card in my pc. I wanna keep the cost under 700-750 range. Any good recommendations? Thank you in advance.
Did you use the jumper mod on the SA-1?
You didn't say anything about the Drop 789? Is that because it is no longer available, or ?
What do you think of "XDUOO XD05 Pro Portable Full Balanced DAC Headphone Amplifier Double Screen 4.4 Balanced USB XMOS XU316 AMP Decoder" and how would you rank it. And is "SENNHEISER HD 820 Over-the-Ear Audiophile Reference Headphones" a good match for the XDUOO? Thank you.
Do you NEED a dac as well? Only a few options are a combo, the rest seem to be amps with the option of adding a dac. Looking to get some dt 990 pros
I really apriciate that you have linked every product in the description :) Keep up the great work 😊
Dx3 pro + is amazing price vs. performance... definitely a great buy and it sounds right there with the best topping makes plus it's feature loaded. At $200 it's hard to beat... On sale it's crazy.
that's IF you like the clinical sound topping makes, I've compared it with the K5 pro and it's definitely harsher sounding though more resolving whereas the k5 has a slight heft to the bass. imo the jds labs atom stack sounds the most linear - bass is not as flat as the topping but also doesn't add any warmth like the k5 did, that's my reccomendation but to each of their own i guess
K7 is a direct competitor, and based on sonic preference and required features, may be better.
@@JohnSmith-oe4bw wow the K7 really does look like a great piece of gear...👍🏼
it also doesn’t like 16ohm headphones
Would something like that work with a beyerdynamics 250 ohm? What spec do you look for on an amp to make sure it can power your headphones?
Planning on getting a pair of HD 6XX. Entertaining level enthusiast wanting to get into the hobby. Do you think it would be better to buy a Topping DX3 Pro +, or a Schiit Magni paired with a Schiit Modi+.
Both around the same price. What would you recommend…
So I should get the Topping DX3 Pro+ over the Fiio K7?
I know there are 1000s of amp/DACs out there, but do you have an opinion on the Fostex HPA4-BL?
The Zen air and Uno are $20 apart, which do you suggest between the two?
I use Sennheiser 560s And 58x, and mostly game and watch videos.
Great video and tier list! Because of one of your reviews, almost a year ago I bought the sh6, and man, I love it. A few months ago I paired it with the su6 just because they look the same and I didn't want to pair with a different looking dac. Before I had the creative soundblaster g3 gaming dac, so I had to improve. Every sound comes out from an HD599. I'm very happy with my setup. I'm thinking on buying a pair of speakers, something like the kanto yu2 because I don't want bigger speakers on my desk. Any suggestions? Cheers!
where would mayflower arc mk2 be on the list ? whats the best dac for iem and mic ? if money is no object in 500bucks range ?
Josh I think to me the Mal Valve Head Amp MK-IV would be an excellent choice on the S-tier list. It is one of the few headphone amps that is designed to accommodate both electrostatic and dynamic type headphones in one chassis and enough connections (for most) to enhance your musical enjoyment.
really nowadays with fast internet and all everything is alot easier
@12:13 which Dac/Amp Combo is he referring to for a bit more money than the Schiit Fulla? Audiophile noob here looking to grab his first Dac/Amp and looking to not spend too much
What would be the best for the dt990s 80 ohms for gaming?
Was hoping to upgrade from my DX3 Pro+ next month, taking advantage of a trip to the US. But having trouble finding something that’s significantly better, which might be a good problem. Thoughts Josh?
Dx3pro+ is my newest amp, and Tbh, if you like clean sound, only an A90 or A90d would make sense, or a soloist 3xp. My opinion is that to get a tangible upgrade to the dx3pro+ AS AN AMP you kinda need to go that high, it really is that good. Get something dirtier instead, maybe tubes or something with meatier bass, and it will give you something different for cheaper instead of better for way more money
if you want a very natural headphones and speakers amp together, my benchmark hpa4 can be a good choice without considering the price. but for a headphone amp only,a90 and a90d is like 90% versions of hpa4 with 1/6 the price
I have hd560s on a fiio k3. Im considering moving up to fiio ft3 on topping dx3p+. Worth it?
Im new and very inexperienced. Feedbacn welcome!
Silly question but can the Topping DX7 Pro have a Shure microphone attached into it to use as an audio interface with a PC?
I’m very confused on why you ranked the TA-26 as F, in your review you seemed to like it more than the dark voice?? Also there’s a new S version with 4.4 balanced and a better volume potentiometer that doesn’t skyrocket the volume as fast
I guess just for lulz :) tier lists are stupid anyway...
Joshua can you do a audiogd master 19 review? Cause many people i know say it’s really good but I’ve never have the occasion to try it
What would you rank the Monolith 124459? You recommended it in the past.
I vaguely remember joshua mentioning a budget combo for hiphop/rap, i believe it was hd6xx + an amp. Anyone knows or any other recommendations?
IFI Zen Can with true bass maybe
Just a heads up your link for the Topping A90D links to the A90
I have a MacBook Air m1 and want it to connect to the amp(FiiO k7)
What wire do I need to use to do this
Any chance you could recommend a dac amp for me im using the beyerdynamic dt 990 pro 250 ohm for gaming. I have no clue what im doing and i can tell they need a better amp. Im using a knox 4 channel that came with it. Budget under 200 if possible?
Topping A90D for sure - purchased based on your recommendation, mated with SMSL SU-9 Pro. Nice! But I have to say, Im really enjoying the Chord Mojo2 dac/amp- sweeeeet!
I don't know anything about audio. But the audio that comes out of my pc. Not only for music, but also for social networks and games its horrible. What AMP do you recommend for this case? I was thinking that Fiio K7 might be a good option. I read you guys. Great video!
I‘ve just started the audiophile journey with the Topping DX 3pro + & Hifiman HE400se as well as Hifiman Sundara. I’m more than happy at the moment and I‘m curious to discover more within the upcoming months and years. Thx for the great job as well as the for Tier list! That will help for further selections!
Is it really neccessary to get an AMP with the HiFiMan Sundara 2020?
The HiFiMan Sundara 2020 has a fairly low impedance of 37 ohms, which means they are not extremely hard to drive.
For example, I have onboard Realtek S1200A 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC on my motherboard. Surely that will be enough to drive the headphones?
I need an amplifier to use with a bass amp. The bass has a headphone out. I do not know if left and right channel headphone amps can be used. I have hd 600 headphones.
Wonder in which tier would you put the xDuoo XD05 PRO?
I would like to power a Headset (Beyerdynamic MMX 300gen 2) and a Soundsystem (KRK Subwoofer S8G4 + Rokit 5 G3) from one Device, Price shouldn't exceed 3-400€ what would someone experienced recommend ?
Just curious where you'd put the most recent Jotenheim? I love it but I also only run balanced so 🤷🏼♂️
Have you had a look at the Topping E70/L70 Stack?
what is the stand under the A90 during its segment showcase?
What about the monolith by monoprice DAC/AMP?
Curious why you ranked Fiio K7 A and Topping Dx3 pro plus S-- doesnt fiio have higher power output via balanced? Is it just because of BT and remote?
I personally think the K7 has a more complete/filled out sound compared to the DX3 Pro+. I think pound for pound, they are on par. Both S or A tier.
Would the Magni Heresy also be in S-Tier same as the OG Magni?
Love me some Tier lists! Thanks!
Where would you place the Jotunheim 2?
hey Josh. i wanted to get ifi zen air dac and air can with hifiman sundara, but upon research on forums i found air dac outputs sound with 1 second delay. im not sure if ifi fixed the issue or should i get another dac to pair with the air can. since gaming is big part of my life, that 1 second delay is a big turn off
Sundara needs plenty of power to sound right. Do you already own the Air Can?
@@mattrismatt not yet. current plan is to get topping e50 with air can
@@Pringa On a budget (sub-$300 total) and if you're not going to worry about balanced connections, I'd recommend the Topping E30 II DAC + Topping L30 II amp: a well-reviewed, matching 'stack'.
If you're willing to spend more, I can offer other recommendations... perhaps a cable and/or pad-swap. I owned the Sundara and am very familiar with these headphones. You already own the Sundara, right?
Consider keeping this list a live list, published online and updated every time you get an amp .. though you may need different categories like build quality vs sound. Would be immensely useful for someone 4 years down the line who found a thing on used market and wants to know if it was any good.
Well then he can't make revision videos every year.
Isn't that just hifiguides?
What would you recommend for the Sennheiser Hd800?
spl
Josh when he's sick is just something else, man. 😂
What about the ifi pro ican? It's ifi so it isn't stale and plenty of power, so why not listed? S tier?
I think that this list says more about your preferences than it does about the actual equipment. Your list seem to be an outlier relative to others I’ve seen.
Thanks for the list. I was surprised you didn't mention a single iFi product and that some amplifiers were also DACs. Hybrids disqualify as Amplifier in my opininon, unless they have also a line-in option (so you can bypass the DAC). If i buy an amp, i just want an amp :)