The Best Budget Headphone Amplifiers and DACS
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Updates:
- 2/10/19.
- 8/16/19. Fixed typo for DAC Magic 100 to RCA Outs, not Ins.
- 11/12/20. Complete overhaul and refresh of the article.
- 11/21/20. Another refresh, with video and more phone options added. Re-ordered according to video.
2,808 word post, approx 7 min read.
Greetings Bass Heads, and Welcome aboard!!
Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions leading to a beautiful audio experience, that will make you fall in love with music … all over again.
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Video Discussion
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Before we get into the Best Budget Headphone Amplifier, grab a snack, sit back and relax because…
I’m Here To Help!
Now without further ado, let’s get rolling!!
Introduction
Choosing the best budget headphone amp doesn’t have to be complicated.
Today we’re going to keep it simple. I’ve demoed nearly 40 Amps and DACS at the time of this update, so I can confidently tell you I have a pretty good idea of which ones in the budget category are worth it. In fact, before it’s all said and done, you may not ever need to upgrade beyond this category.
I’ve spoken at length about why in many articles and videos, so we won’t get into that much here. I’ll just say this: Amps and DACS are generally way overrated. I’m not saying they all sound the same, but the differences between them are fairly minuscule if we’re being honest about it.
What is “Budget?”
In this case, we’ll mostly be looking at Amplifiers and DACS around the $100 range, some a bit above that, and some below. I will not look at anything below $75 because to me, it’s a waste of time.
I will also not go much past $200, because the closer you get to $250 and beyond, the less budget it becomes. So today we’ll try to stay below $250.
The benchmark standard for budget that I’m about to discuss is a DAC that I still use today. Let’s take a look at the others, first
#5
Creative’s SoundBlasterX G6
Price: Check Amazon!
We’ll start with an option that some people may scoff at, Creative’s SoundBlasterX G6. I too was skeptical that a product mostly geared towards casual consumers and gamers could be considered one of the best options for audiophiles in the budget category, but I truly believe this to be the case.
Why is that?
BECAUSE I SAID SO!
Just kidding. It’s because the G6 is incredibly versatile and comes power-packed with near-endless possibilities at its price point.
Use the line/optical input and output to connect to pretty much anything: separate speakers, a Nintendo Switch, your PS4, Xbox, turntable, a separate amp, a separate DAC, etc.
The unit connects to your PC via micro USB, and it has plenty of onboard features: Scout Mode, SBX, and plenty of gain for the most demanding of headphones. Creative claims it can power up to 600 Ohm headphones and I believe it.
It’s a lot of power…
Too much power, for an immature species.
It also sounds fantastic. With music, gaming, and film, you’ll be truly immersed in the experience. At 1 Ohm output impedance, it’s going to strike a perfect balance between neutral and warm. You won’t want to take your headphones off anytime soon.
But wait, there’s more!
Download SoundBlaster’s Connect App and you’ve got a fully functional, easy to use EQ feature along with many other add ons.
Video Review & Shootout
#4
iFi Zen Amp/DAC
- Price: Check Amazon!
When the iFi Zen first came out, I saw it as a new benchmark standard for what an Amp/DAC combo could achieve for the price.
I still feel that way.
This combo is priced perfectly for everything you’re getting: You can hook it up to separate speakers via it’s RCA outputs or balanced 4.4mm jack, it has a power match (gain) button and iFi’s own TrueBass, and you can run balanced 4.4mm cables with your headphones. It’s also got a standard 1/4″ jack for use with a single-ended (unbalanced) connection.
It’s also Tidal MQA compatible and can play files up to 32-bit/384kHz. It’s also DSD compatible.
Pretty incredible value for just a shade over $100.
For 95-99% of people, the Zen will be a perfect all-around solution on your desktop when you’re just starting out.
iFi has since come out with a few variations on this unit, but this is the OG. It’s a perfect starter all in one Amp/DAC combo with plenty of features and options.
Are you a budding audiophile SNOB?
Buy THIS!!
No, it’s not underpowered though.
No, it’s not distorted. It’s the song and how it was recorded that gives you that perception. Trust me, I have 12 amps and dacs here and listen to the same tracks on all of them. I know what I’m talking about.
So please, close your browser tabs and listen to music for once in your life. You might not get so worked up over useless measurements that have no bearing on the reality of an actual listening experience!
If you believe this Amp is underpowered, your ears are damaged, plain and simple. I don’t need to push the dial past 1 or 2, nor would I ever want to. It’s simply much too loud.
In addition to great sound and a roughly 1 Ohm output impedance (similar to the G6), you can also output to separate speakers via its RCA Analog outs. There’s also a balanced 4.4mm output.
I would describe the sound as clear and detailed with a hint of warmth, iFi’s house signature.
Video Review
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#3
FiiO K5 Pro
- Price: Check Amazon! | Check Apos Audio!
What can be said about the K5 Pro that hasn’t already been said a thousand times?
This is perhaps the most versatile unit I’ve come in contact with and did replace the Audioengine D1 in this article for that very reason.
I can do basically anything with it:
- Hook it up to studio monitors/speakers and use it as a preamp.
- Use it as a dedicated Amp/DAC on your desktop for music or gaming.
- Output it to a separate Amp via it’s RCA Analog Outs.
- Hook it up to your PS4 via its optical input.
- Hook it up to anything in your home theater via its Coaxial input.
- Use it in conjunction with pretty much any DAC via its RCA inputs. Just make sure the DAC in question has RCA Analog Outputs.
- Use it with your turntable via its RCA inputs.
Add to that it sounds fantastic and has plenty of power. What more could you possibly ask for?
Like the G6, you can use it in a plethora of different ways: output to a separate amp, use the inputs from a separate DAC, connect to a turntable, game on your console via its optical input, hook it up to studio monitors and use it as a preamp, use it with anything in a home theater that outputs coax, etc.
Add to that you’ve got plenty of power with its 3 gain stage and 1.5W total at 32 Ohm.
The sound of the K5 pro definitely leans towards warm, perhaps even warmer than both the Zen and G6.
Video Comparison to the K3
#2
JDS Labs Objective 2 or ATOM.
- Objective 2: Check JDS!
- ATOM: Check JDS!
The JDS ATOM/Objective 2.
Yep. Still relevant, even despite the barrage of Amps and DACS that have flooded the scene over the last few years.
But why are they still relevant, Stubear?
Because reasons.
Outside of the #1 super budget option, this is basically all you need if you want to hear music as it was intended (i.e. clean and neutral, with a low output impedance).
Whether or not you go with the ATOM over the O2 really comes down to build. The ATOM is quite a bit flimsier feeling in your hand, while the Objective 2 is built like Thanos.
I personally believe that both of these Amps sound roughly the same, although there are some snobs who would disagree.
With either, you will need some sort of DAC to pair as both are standalone amplifiers only. I would recommend JDS’ own OL DAC, but a wide array will work here and I’ve used many different combinations.
Like the Zen and the K5 Pro, you can output to separate speakers with the ATOM.
The Objective 2 affords you some nifty customization as well. I’ll leave a link to both in the description.
Absolutely love the neutral, clean signal these provide to my headphones. It sounds crisp and alive, with startling detail and clarity. As of 11/12/20, JDS has discontinued the combo, but you can still purchase the O2 as a standalone unit.
I’ve paired both the ATOM and O2 with many different DACS. Let’s take a look.
- DAC Magic 100 (discussed below). You will need this RCA to 3.5mm or something similar to make the connection. I used these from Evergreen. I liked it paired with the Modi as well, but not quite as much. I would say that overall I have enjoyed the O2 the most out of the entry-level amps I’ve tried.
- E10K/K3. Great cheaper option. If you first bought the E10K and wanted to upgrade the Amp, this combo would be perfect as it sounds pristine.
- DragonFly Red. At around $199, this is starting to venture out of range, but I had to mention it here because of how much I love the Red as both a DAC and a DAC/Amp. Highly versatile!
- Schiit Modi. My first DAC. Not much else to say. Does the job.
Video Comparison
Here I compare the Objective 2 and the ATOM. Don’t forget to subscribe!
#1
FiiO E10K/K3
- E10K/K3: Check Price on Amazon!
My regular readers and viewers are probably sick to death of me talking about this thing, but it’s still relevant to me. Why? Because I’ve demoed close to 40 Amp/DACS and the E10K still sounds just about as good as the majority of them. That’s right, you heard me correctly: Amps and DACS are incredibly overrated. I don’t know how much more plainly I can put it.
If you don’t have much to spend but want the most bang for your buck, the E10K is the way to go. It can power a good chunk of headphones without issue and will improve sound quality tremendously from your crappy Soundcard’s output. What is a Soundcard?
It has a great build, clean character, and provides up to 200mW of total power. Yeah homie, this beast is ready and willing. It comes with coaxial out, line out, and USB input. So when you feel like you need to upgrade the Amp portion of your chain, you can simply use the line out feature and hook it up to an Amp like the JDS Labs Objective 2 or ATOM.
It also has a gain switch and bass boost for your music enhancement pleasures. Is this the best value for under $100? I would say most certainly. It’s an incredibly easy purchase and will instantly improve the sound of all of your headphones – even the ones that don’t necessarily need amplification. Keep in mind this is strictly for your desktop and runs off of bus power.
A good upgrade from this would be to simply purchase a JDS ATOM or Objective 2 and a 3.5mm interconnect cable. You can also use a 3.5mm to RCA if you want as well.
FiiO has since come out with the K3, and it does sound a bit more refined than the E10K. Get it if you run DSD or plan to use balanced cables with your headphones. Because the E10K supports 24/96, it will play master files inside Tidal, but the color won’t change. With the K3, it will. Just make sure to set Tidal to exclusive mode first to see those colors.
Outside of that, the K3 is essentially the same DAC with a more modern aesthetic.
My Video Comparison to the K3
In a nutshell, the K3 has a bit less power unbalanced but can play higher-quality source files and DSD.
Phone Option #1
Audioquest Dragonfly Red.
- DF Red: Check Price on Amazon!
The DF Red and Black are Amp/DAC combos that can also be used on your desktop with a separate amp if you want. Like the E10K, you’ll just use a 3.5mm interconnect or 3.5mm to RCA for the connection. With your phone, but you’ll need this adapter.
I would buy this instantly without hesitation if I had $200 lying around. It’s going to provide enough power for the majority of headphones and sounds fantastic with my HD600.
In fact, if you’re starting out this will be all you need for a while, until you get the upgrade-itis itch which is pretty much inevitable. That said, I love how portable this thing is. You’ll be ecstatic at the fact that you can simply put it in your pocket or laptop bag with absolutely zero hassle.
The reason I chose the DF Red out of the rest is that its ESS Sabre DAC chip does sound better to my ears than some AKM or burr brown varieties. It’s open, cool, and crisp sounding, with slightly better Soundstage and depth.
A small difference, but still noticeable.
Video Shootout
For those interested in the Cobalt
Phone Option #2
FiiO’s BTR3K
- Price: Check Amazon!
I didn’t include this one in the video, but I should have.
If the G6 and K5 Pro are the swiss army knives for your desktop, the BTR3K is most certainly that as far as portability goes.
Not only can you use it on your desktop with the supplied USB-C cable, but it’s also a wireless Bluetooth DAC that you can use with your phone in a snap.
Most of my readers and subscribers know that I don’t really like strapping DACS to my phone while I’m on the go.
The BTR3K is the perfect compromise. I can attach it to my belt loop using the supplied clip and listen to music quite easily when I’m out and about. No wires are necessary. Just plug your headphones into the DAC and pair it with your phone. It also makes a great mate with something like the Koss KPH30i.
If you do need some extra power, the BTR5 is your homie. The 3K should only be used with lower impedance, high Sensitivity cans like the Philips SHP9500/9600, etc.
Aside from that, the 3K sports FiiO’s traditional house sound: crisp and detailed, with a hint of warmth – similar to the Zen and G6. I absolutely love it on my desk or on the go, and YOU WILL TOO.
Video Review & Comparison To BTR5 and DF Red
Anything more than these and you’re going to get overwhelmed. The important thing to remember about Amp/DAC solutions is not to get carried away in choosing one. They all get the job done. They all sound great. The differences between them are subtle and almost marginal, negligible, etc., etc. (insert term here).
Yes, higher-end Amp/DACs will sound better especially with more expensive headphones. But if you’re just starting out, all of the above should be on your radar.
If you’re interested in checking out what I’ve demoed or what I have coming up, check out my Amps & DACS page!
Some of them are:
LOL.
Final Word
If I had to choose only one from this list, I would most certainly invest in a FiiO K5 Pro. It sits at an unbelievably good price point for what you’re getting and will prove most valuable for years down the road. I don’t plan on getting rid of mine ever!
Well, that’s about it for today folks! I hope you’ve enjoyed this article on the best budget headphone amplifiers and dacs, and came away with some valuable insight.
What do you think about these? Which are you likely to go with? Let me know!!
Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Let me know in the comments below or Contact me!! I would love to hear from you..
Until then, all the best and God bless..
-Stu
Can’t decide which headphones to purchase? Interested in a complete buyers guide outlining over 40 of the best options on the market? Click on over to the best audiophile headphones to learn more!!
Be sure to also check out my Reviews and Resources page for more helpful and informative articles!
[Full Guide] The 10 Best Headphone Amplifiers For Your Desktop
The Best Headphone Amp For The Sennheiser HD 800 | REVIEW + OPTIONS!
iFi Neo iDSD Amp/DAC Review – Is It Worth $700?!
About The Author
Stuart Charles Black
Stu is determined to help you make sound decisions, and strives to deliver the best and most in depth content on the internet! In his spare time, he likes to fish, paint, play guitar, pray, rap, make beats, take photos, record videos, graphic design, and more. His sense of humour, coupled with a knack for excellence and strict attention to detail are what allow him to stand out in an crowded industry.
Great page, looks professional, and you have good content. My kids are into all thing audio, so I will definitely show them this one, when they need to know something.
Your explanation regarding the amps and voltage was very helpful to me because I never have understood it before.
Thank You
Thanks Fev!
Let me know if you ever need a hand..
-Stu
Awesome, I use the Audioengine D1 24-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter as well and can recommended too. I have a few other Audioengine products from including the Audioengine A2+ Powered Desktop Speakers. They make really good durable products at a fair price. Great stuff indeed.
What are your favorite headphones for the home studio? I do a lot of mixing.
Hey John how are you liking the A2’s? And have you heard the LSR 305’s from JBL? Love the D1 for gaming though and you’re right; it’s really rock solid as far as build. Really a great solution for PC and Console gamers alike.
As for studio headphones? Love the Sony MDR V6 for an entry level and the Sennheiser HD600 as an all around open back. Both phenomenal sounding cans. You may give the AKG K553 a go as well. It’s a bit more laid back than a V6 and is probably the logical step up.
Let me know if you need a hand in deciding!
I love watching movies and listening to music and I’m trying to build a mini home theatre in my room. I already looked at getting a projector to get the movie playing on the wall, but now I’m thinking a headphone amplifier would really bring my home theatre experience to a whole new level. I think something around $100-$200 would suit my budget perfectly. Thanks for this helpful review!
Hey Kent to start what about trying the Audioengine D1? It’s a great investment and will improve the sound and clarity of your headphones tremendously! Let me know your thoughts..
hi Stuart / All
Thanks for the great website (found through metal571 channel link btw).
What I’m struggling with is selecting a dac/amp.
I’ve read your reviews above (and elsewhere on the website). Very informative.
I’ve purchased (but can return) the dragonfly red (“DR”).
– I DIDN’T find it improved my audio experience with my samsung S8 (believe it or not).
– I definitely was getting direct output to the DAC from my player (using UAPP and HibyMusic players).
– I was testing with sennheiser jubilee hd58x headphones, which I consider reasonable quality.
– I actually felt some separation was better with the phone on its own.
– Other times maybe higher frequency stuff e.g. cymbal taps sounded better or more ‘real’ with the DR.
– I think the DR can be a touch bright and some tracks sound rather lean in the bass (though I guess that might be to do with the mastering or possibly use of foobar with ASIO4ALL or WASAPI output).
– I suspect some of the DR precision is down to its treble.
NOTE: my S8 is the UK version with the exynos chipset (which a reddit thread claims has a better DAC than its snapdragon brother – I wouldn’t know) AND upsamples to 192khz (not clear when though – this is reported by the devs of UAPP – perhaps when android audio API is being used). Just trying to account for why it sounds pretty decent IMO.
HOWEVER, the DR definitely improved my PC mobo audio (realtek 892 chip).
My usage on my PC is music and gaming.
I’m thinking I need a headphone amp because of my 150ohm hd58x.
I’m confused about whether to go down the audiophile DAC/AMP route or towards a soundcard with perhaps an audio/music bias.
My thoughts:
– I could maybe go upto a mojo but it would be a massive indulgence (moneywise).
— it seems widely regarded as just awesome though
— if my primary usage is going to be PC, I don’t necessarily need something portable / battery supported (but I guess having the option would be nice, especially if it sounds as good as people say).
— will it improve my S8 sound though?
— will I get annoyed by it potentially running out of juice if I do end up using it with my phone a lot
— I also don’t like reports I’ve heard about it getting hot when charging and using. Heat doesn’t help component longevity.
– I know you like the audioengine D1 – how does that compare, say, to the:
— JDS objective2 / ODAC combo
— mayflower arc (for the mic input)
— Cambridge audio dacmagic PLUS (which i believe to be a combo too)?
— iFi Audio Nano iDSD black label
— Schiit modi / magni 3 (balanced DAC)
— Sound BlasterX G-6
— sennheiser GSX1000
– I mentioned the dacmagic PLUS as a possible alternative to your objective2 / dacmagic 100 solution, as it might be tidier (though I don’t know if your setup sounds better).
– btw I like the objective2 / ODAC as it has a mic option (just means I can disable my mobo audio completely). A mic input is not essential (as I can just use my mobo audio) but
Hope you can help
Cheers,
Gary
Hey Gary!
Thanks so much for the love! Really enjoy Metal’s reviews 🙂
What are your source files? I think that has more to do with sound quality than the DragonFly Red or your phone. Even the sample rate won’t really matter all that much. I’d say bit depth is much more important. Are you using 24-bit files?
That’s interesting about the Fly vs. your phone. I always tell people in my articles and otherwise to try their phone first because a lot of the newer phones do have really good DACs. Glad you mentioned that actually because it’s not always advantageous to even purchase something separate.
If it were me, I’d go with a DAC/Amp because it’s much more convenient. There will be some people who swear by Soundcards but I’ve never been that guy. I don’t have anything against it though. It’s just not practical for me. I’d rather have something on my desktop and just prefer being able to physically handle it and what not. Personal preference I guess.
If you want to bypass all the lower tiered stuff and make a true upgrade, the Mojo will deliver on that front tremendously well and will sound better than your S8. I’ve always said that the differences between Amps and DACs are extremely subtle but with a Mojo you can definitely tell a fairly substantial one. It’s more lush, warmer, more realistic, and the Instrument Timbre is almost mind blowing. Vocals are no exception either. It kind of makes you feel like she’s singing in front of you which feels really strange but also incredible. I’m not going to say “It’s like you’re there!” but for headphones it’s probably about the closest you’ll get to that. I was using a MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed and was just blown away. I will truly never forget that moment.
With an Objective 2, you’re pretty much all the way there as well. Definitely my favorite budget desktop and it sounds sublime. It kind of also gives off this sense that you’re listening in a studio space rather than just hearing a recorded track. There’s a lot of nice air and separation going on. JDS Labs is a no BS company and this amp proves that you don’t need to spend heaps of money to get the best sound. In fact I could really go on a rant but I won’t. Lol.
As for the Mojo getting hot? Yes, it gets fairly hot but I was told by reliable sources at Audio Advice and I believe some reps back in October that it’s normal and won’t hurt anything. It can be alarming when you put your hand on it but I wouldn’t worry about that too much. I’ve written a bit about how Chord designed the unit and why the sound is so much better, but I can’t remember what article it was. I do know off top that they didn’t use a traditional DAC chip to obtain the sound which explains a lot.
Also, yes. It is super annoying when it loses a charge as I’m not really used to having to charge an Amp. I ran into this issue with the iFi xDSD as well and it was really irritating. If you treat it like your phone and charge it a lot you should be okay. When in doubt, charge it. I do a lot of music listening and Gaming and tend to forget to turn it off. That was really one of my only gripes with the unit actually.
The D1 is a great Amp/DAC and the differences in sound between the Objective 2 aren’t really noteworthy. It’s got a slightly warmer tilt to it but that’s about it. Still very detailed and clean. Love that one.
Haven’t heard the Mayflower or DAC Magic Plus. I want to say the DAC Magic 100 with the Objective 2 was ever so slightly cleaner than the Modi but that could totally be my imagination. When you know something is $100 more it kind of programs your brain into a bias towards the “better” unit. If you were to get the Objective 2 I’d just get the combo from JDS Labs and be done with it. Fantastic amp.
I haven’t heard the Nano but I do want to get my hands on that one soon.
Used to own a Magni 2 but haven’t heard the 3. I would imagine it’s about the same. Don’t quote me on that though. It does have a lot more power but in all honesty the 2 had plenty. My opinion is that they just made it to compete with other similar units that started coming out. I don’t really like the sound of the Magni anymore now that I’ve heard other stuff. It’s not as clean as an Objective 2 and honestly pales in comparison.
Haven’t heard the Sound BlasterX or Senn GSX1000.
Honestly, the Objective 2 + ODAC is a great choice but if you want a true upgrade in sound, the Mojo does provide that.
Hope that helps! Keep me posted man..
-Stu
Hi Stu
Thanks for the great reply.
I typically have 320bit MP3 converted from WAVs, sampled from CDs. Or FLAC from WAVs from original CD. I’m pretty sure that means 16-bit 44.1khz audio. My understanding is i guess i could rip to 24-bit, if my audio system permitted, but it’s about the mastering quality and the medium limitations, which is 16-bit (as it’s CD audio).
I’ve been thinking increasingly about the Mojo because just everyone speaks highly of it, particularly in comparison the Hugo, which is 3 times the price. I just don’t like heat and its detrimental effect on electronic components.
Thanks for the reassurance about JDS labs. I’ve heard from 3rd parties they’re the biz, so it’s good to hear the same from you.
On my research travels, I’ve heard good things about Topping. It’s surprising/frustrating, when one delves, as to how many audio manufacturers there are out there. Ahhhhhhhhh!!!
Cheers,
Gary
Ah okay, nice! So yeah I do think the Mojo is a worthy investment and the best I’ve heard outside of a Bryston BHA-1. It really does sound better than anything priced lower and I’m of the mindset that most Amps and DACs sound about the same (So that should tell you how I feel about the Mojo). There’s way too much hype surrounding them and there are also too many of them. The market is currently over saturated and it’s really irritating to me.
I think new companies want a piece of the ever growing proverbial pie, and are taking advantage of the fact that people are just never satisfied. Now we have this influx of them and it’s completely unnecessary and also confusing for the average person who just needs something to amplify the sound a bit and also improve audio quality. So I know exactly how you feel as I feel the same way. I honestly can’t stand it. It grates my nerves to no end.
The Hugo is also not even close to being worth that much when you consider a Mojo sounds basically identical with regard to detail. The Hugo is just trying too hard to be more detailed and while it kind of is, it doesn’t sound as enjoyable to me. Definitely not wroth that price jump. Check out my article: Chord Mojo vs. Hugo 2.
Keep me posted as well with any other questions!
-Stu