Best Headphone Amps for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: February 5th, 2024
Last Updated: May 25th, 2024

🎧Thinking about upgrading your audio game? If you’re serious about sound, a dedicated headphone amplifier can make a world of difference. Whether you’re deep into gaming, an audiophile, or just love crisp, clear audio, a good headphone amp can boost clarity, depth, and volume like you wouldn’t believe.

These little devices can do what your regular setup just can’t. Here are our top headphone amp picks for 2024, tailored to different budgets and needs.

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Overall Best: Creative Sound Blaster X G6

Sound BlasterX G6 Hi-Res 130dB 32bit/384kHz Gaming DAC, External USB Sound Card with Xamp Headphone Amp, Dolby Digital, 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound, Sidetone/Speaker Control for PS4, Xbox One 130 dB DNR at 32-bit / 384 kHz

Our overall best pick, the Creative Sound Blaster X G6, excels in both versatility and performance. This headphone amp and gaming DAC can significantly upgrade your audio quality, particularly for gaming consoles. With a 32-bit 384kHz DAC, it ensures pristine sound fidelity, while the Xamp amplifier module with adjustable gain control can drive both in-ear monitors and high-end over-ear headphones. Notably, the G6 also supports 7.1 virtual surround sound, providing an immersive experience for your PlayStation, Xbox, or Switch. Additional features like Scout Mode, which amplifies in-game audio cues such as footsteps, give gamers a tactical advantage. Combining high-quality sound, comprehensive connectivity, and gaming-focused features, the Creative Sound Blaster X G6 is an unbeatable choice for any audio enthusiast.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$86.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Sound BlasterX G6 Gaming DAC? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How does the Sound BlasterX G6 improve audio quality compared to onboard sound?
If you're looking to boost your audio quality beyond what your computer's built-in sound can offer, the Creative Sound BlasterX G6 is a pretty solid choice. It's got an external DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and amplifier that really ups the ante in terms of sound quality. You'll notice richer audio and a more precise sound compared to your standard onboard sound. The manufacturer describes it as being versatile due to its USB connectivity, so it works across different devices like PCs, [PS4](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dps4%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)s, and even other consoles. While it doesn't specifically mention [PS5](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dps5%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), from what we've gathered, many folks have managed to get it working with a PS5 by using a microUSB for power and an optical cable for audio. Why consider something like the G6? Onboard sound systems generally just don't have the power or range that something like an external DAC offers. The G6 can really help with sound clarity and depth, offering features like high-resolution audio playback and a powerful headphone amplifier for that immersive experience. That said, setting it up can be a bit of a journey. According to our research, switching between different consoles and PCs might need some tweaks, like keeping drivers updated and fiddling with settings. Some users mentioned it took a bit of trial and error to get everything running smoothly, so Creative's support might be helpful if you hit a snag. All in all, the Sound BlasterX G6 is a big step up from the usual onboard sound—great for everything from games to music and movies. If you're looking for a noticeable improvement in your audio, it's worth considering.
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What headphones work well with the Sound BlasterX G6?
If you're looking to pair some headphones with the Sound BlasterX G6 for better audio, there are plenty of options out there. The G6 Hi-Res Gaming DAC is pretty versatile. It works on various platforms like PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PCs, so it doesn't matter whether you're playing on a console or a computer. According to the manufacturer's product description, the G6 is all about boosting your audio. It's got hi-resolution audio support up to 32-bit/384kHz, a cool discrete Xamp headphone amplifier, and something called Scout Mode. These features are awesome for catching little audio details in games, like footsteps, which can give you a leg up. If you're wondering which headphones would go well with the Sound BlasterX G6, here are a few suggestions: 1. **[Sennheiser HD 660 S](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dsennheiser%2Bhd%2B660%2Bs%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)**: These are known for a balanced sound profile that really brings out the details, perfect for the G6's high-res audio. 2. **[Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dbeyerdynamic%2Bdt%2B990%2Bpro%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)**: They have an open-back design, giving you a wide soundstage, so they're great for picking up game cues when paired with the G6. 3. **[Audio-Technica ATH-M50X](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Daudio-technica%2Bath-m50x%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)**: Famous for their clear sound and strong bass. When you use them with the G6, you get an immersive experience with clear mids and highs. While the G6 is fantastic for gaming, our research found that in some complex setups, like those with RAID controllers, there might be occasional connectivity issues. So, if you're dealing with a lot of data transfers, keep that in mind. Also, even though the G6 is awesome for gaming audio, it's not the best for professional audio editing. If gaming with some casual audio work is your main thing, then it's a solid choice. In the end, the Creative Sound BlasterX G6 can really up your gaming audio game. Just think about which headphones fit your gaming style and setup to make the most of the G6's audio features.
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How do you set up and configure the Sound BlasterX G6?
Setting up the Sound BlasterX G6 for your [PlayStation 5](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dplaystation%2B5%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) is pretty straightforward. Basically, you just need to connect it to your console with a USB cable, and you're good to go. According to the manufacturer's product description, it works with other devices like the [PS4](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dps4%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Xbox One](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dxbox%2Bone%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), [Nintendo Switch](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dnintendo%2Bswitch%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), and [PCs](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dpcs%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) too. The G6 is designed to provide high-res audio support up to 32-bit / 384kHz, which means you'll get amazing sound quality. One of the highlights we found in our research is its Xamp discrete headphone amplifier. This feature really boosts the clarity and detail of the audio, especially if you’re using good headphones. Plus, it offers 7.1 virtual surround sound for a more immersive experience, be it gaming or watching movies. To get the most out of your G6, you might want to connect it to a PC first. Our research indicates that doing this could help you with software tweaks and firmware updates that optimize its performance before you hook it up to your PS5. The manufacturer offers software to adjust things like EQ profiles and audio effects to make sure you get the best sound possible. So, while it's mostly plug-and-play with USB, taking a little extra time to fiddle with settings on a PC can unlock all of the G6's potential. Whether you're diving into intense gaming sessions or kicking back with some music, the Sound BlasterX G6 can seriously upgrade your audio experience.
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Runner-Up: Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M

Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M - MQA HiFi DAC and Headphone Amplifier with Bluetooth - PC/MAC Support with USB Connection - Handle Digital Files up to 24/768 or DSD512 - Special Edition Black

Securing the runner-up spot, the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M offers an impressive fusion of a DAC and a headphone amplifier. Twin ESS ES9028Q2M DACs and advanced audio upscaling enhance the quality of your streaming services, delivering a richer audio experience. Versatile connectivity options, including digital optical, digital coaxial, USB inputs, and Bluetooth aptX, allow it to fit seamlessly into any audio setup. The 6.3mm headphone output on the front ensures compatibility with most high-end headphones. With its exceptional sound quality and premium build, the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M is the perfect upgrade for any audio enthusiast.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$499.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M DAC and Headphone Amp? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🎧
How does the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M handle MQA files?
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M does a solid job handling MQA files, which is great if you're into high-res audio. As per the manufacturer's description, it supports MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) tech. This allows it to stream super high-quality recordings from platforms like [Tidal](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DTidal%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which is pretty sweet if you're chasing that studio sound. If you're using it with a [Mac](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DMac%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), things should go smoothly. It connects through USB, so you can handle lots of different audio files, even those really high-quality ones like 32bit/768kHz or DSD512. According to our research, it's pretty much plug-and-play with Macs, which is a plus. For Tidal users, known for MQA tracks, getting it going should be hassle-free. However, you might need to tweak a few things in the Audio MIDI Setup app on your macOS. This ensures the DAC and your computer are on the same page for the best sound performance. Once you've got it set up right, it should be smooth sailing between your Mac and the DacMagic 200M. One thing to keep an eye on is using certain [iPhone](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DiPhone%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) models with [Lightning adapters](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DLightning%2Badapters%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). This can sometimes be tricky, though this doesn't impact Mac connections thanks to their different setups. Most folks won't find these tweaks too daunting, especially if you're used to fiddling with audio settings on a Mac. All in all, the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M is great for MQA files, blending advanced tech with easy compatibility on Macs. It really steps up the audio experience, especially if you're streaming from services that emphasize sound quality like Tidal.
🎧
What are the connectivity options for the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M?
The Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M gives you quite a few options to connect it to your audio gear. It has a USB input, which is great if you're mainly using it with a computer. This USB connection supports high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/768kHz, according to the manufacturer's product description, so you can expect really detailed sound quality. From our research, while the USB connection generally produces great sound, there can be some minor hiccups. For instance, the DAC goes into sleep mode after about 30 minutes of not being used. When this happens, your computer might switch to a different audio output until you reactivate it. You can turn off the sleep mode to avoid this issue, but if your computer also sleeps and wakes up, you might need to unplug and replug the USB cable to get the DAC working again. Aside from USB, there are also coaxial and optical inputs, making it compatible with things like [TVs](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dtvs%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) and [gaming consoles](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dgaming%2Bconsoles%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) too. So, it's pretty flexible with what you can connect it to. The DacMagic 200M can also handle high-res audio formats like MQA and DSD, which is a big plus if you're into high-fidelity audio. Despite some quirks with the sleep mode, it seems to deliver solid audio performance overall. If you’re looking to keep your connection smooth and uninterrupted, it’s a good idea to tinker with the sleep mode settings beforehand. But if superb audio is what you’re after and you need a DAC with flexible connectivity, this one’s definitely worth considering.
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How does the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M compare to other DACs in sound quality?
If you're checking out the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M, it's got quite a strong reputation for sound quality. Our data shows that it's built around dual ESS ES9028Q2M DAC chips, which help it handle high-resolution audio files up to 24-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512. So, if you're really into getting great sound from different audio formats, this one could be up your alley. A couple of things to highlight: it has balanced XLR outputs and Bluetooth with aptX support, which gives you some nice setup flexibility and wireless streaming options. But, if you're planning to primarily use it as a headphone amplifier, the feedback is a bit mixed. It seems the built-in headphone amp is decent for casual listening. However, if you're after top-tier headphone sound, you might want to consider adding a [dedicated headphone amp](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Ddedicated%2Bheadphone%2Bamp%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to really max out the performance. Just a heads-up—some folks have mentioned software quirks, like needing to reconnect it after your computer wakes up from sleep mode. It's not a huge deal, but worth considering. Overall, compared to other DACs, the DacMagic 200M brings a lot to the table with its feature set and sound quality. If superior audio is what you're after, especially as part of a home audio system, it's a solid option. But if you're all about those headphones, pairing it with an external amp might be the way to go.
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💾
Budget Pick: iFi Zen Blue

For those on a budget, the iFi Zen Blue offers exceptional performance without breaking the bank. This Bluetooth DAC provides high-quality audio streaming, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious audiophiles. Despite its affordable price, it doesn’t compromise on sound quality, ensuring you get a rich and immersive audio experience. Whether you’re streaming music or enhancing your home audio setup, the iFi Zen Blue delivers unbeatable value for money.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

Best Portable Option: iFi Hip-dac 3

iFi hip-dac3 - Portable Hi-Res DAC/Headphone Amp - True Balanced Circuit, 400mW Output, Dual USB-C, PCM 384kHz/DSD256/MQA Decoding, XBass Analog Enhancement, PowerMatch, iEMatch & up to 12hrs Playtime

If portability is a priority, look no further than the iFi Hip-dac 3. This compact and lightweight headphone amp delivers superior sound quality on the go. With two outputs and a USB input, it offers versatile connectivity, while iFi's PowerMatch mode optimizes audio delivery for different headphones. The XBass feature provides a bass boost, making it ideal for travelers or anyone wanting to enhance their portable audio setup. The iFi Hip-dac 3 combines portability, performance, and convenience, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles on the move.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$199.00 at Amazon

Best Value: Topping DX3 Pro

Topping DX3pro+ LDAC Headphone Amplifier - ES9038Q2M XU208 NFCA Bluetooth5.0 Audio Decoder USB/Opt/Coax DAC AMP Pre Amplifier with Remote Control (Black) Black-01

The Topping DX3 Pro stands out as the best value pick, offering premium sound quality at an accessible price. This desktop headphone amp and DAC boasts high-end features like hi-res audio support, Bluetooth connectivity, and a digital display, all packaged in a sleek design. Its versatile nature accommodates various audio setups, delivering exceptional performance without the hefty price tag. For those seeking great sound quality and feature-rich functionality without overspending, the Topping DX3 Pro is a fantastic option.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$199.00 at Amazon
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