NEED TO KNOW

What is a headphone amplifier? Like a stereo amplifier, it converts the signal from your source (computer, smartphone, turntable) for use with quality headphones. They also include a DAC which converts your digital files into analogue music and offers significantly better sound than your computer or smartphone can manage on its own.

Do I really need one? If you’ve invested in a pair of high-quality wired headphones, even a cheap headphone amplifier will power them more effectively and present new levels of depth and detail in your favourite recordings.

Will it improve audio quality? Absolutely, but the quality of the source material is vital. Compressed MP3 tracks can sound terrible, so you’ll need to play hi-res music files, Cdquality (16 bit – 44khz) or ideally higher (24bit – 96khz/192khz, lossless FLAC, WAV, ALAC or DSD) to hear the greatest benefit.