Simply plug your headphones into your smartphone, tablet, or computer to use them. The headphone amplifier is already present in each of the aforementioned gadgets. What makes an external headphone amplifier necessary, then? An external headphone amplifier will provide music of higher quality and with more nuance. High-end headphones have a higher impedance, therefore an external amplifier will be able to drive them with greater power. Find the top headphone amplifier for under $100 with our assistance.
The good news is that getting a headphone amplifier does not have to cost a fortune if you want to improve your listening experience. For both newcomers and more seasoned users, there are some excellent headphone amplifiers for around $100.
Table of Contents
List of the 6 Best Headphone AMPs Under $100 in 2023
6. The FiiO E10K USB DAC and Headphone Amplifier is the first
One reputable business that creates some of the greatest headphone amplifiers is FiiO. Most of this company’s headphone amplifiers are quite reasonably priced and provide high-caliber audio.
Aluminum construction gives the FiiO E10K Headphone amp combination its strength and durability. There is an off/on bass switch, a volume knob, and a 3.5mm headphone port (1/8″ headphone jack) on the front. A USB power port, a line out port, a high and low gain switch, and a coaxial out port are all located on the back of the device.
A word of caution: It lacked the power to drive headphones with a 300 Ohm impedance. It’s definitely the greatest headphone amp under $100 we can suggest, and it works great with headphones with lower impedance.
Also check: Top 5 Best Wireless Headphones under $100 in 2023
5. The Plug-in USB DAC + Preamp + Headphone Amp by AudioQuest DragonFly Black v1.5
In 2012, the initial Dragonfly DAC/headphone amplifier was released. In 2014, two years later, they released the Dragonfly v1.2 (discontinued). The AudioQuest Dragonfly v1.5 is now available.
It has a lightweight design that easily slips into your pockets. In terms of construction quality, the housing is comprised of metals and has a soft rubbery finish. An LED that displays the sampling rate of the music files the DAC/Headphone amp is processing is also a feature.
A USB port is perfect for boosting your PC or laptop’s audio because of its compact factor. It’s possible to use with cellphones, android, and iOS. However, you will require a few adapters that are not provided.
The DragonFly Black produces 1.2 volts of power. In case you require more power, the DragonFly Red offers a higher power output of 2.1 volts and a higher price tag of roughly 200 dollars. One of the top headphone amplifiers under $100 is this one.
4. Fosi Audio Q4, a little stereo gaming DAC and headphone amplifier
The unit is compact and has a fully metallic exterior for a premium appearance. The Fosi Audio Q4 has a ton of inputs on the rear. Coaxial, optical, and USB inputs are all included. The 5V DC input, which is necessary for functioning, is also located on the back. On your PC, two RCA audio outputs can be connected to powered speakers or amplifiers.
There are three knobs on the front: one for volume, one for treble, and one for bass. In order to quickly adjust the sound without downloading any drivers, software, or altering the sound settings. The input switch with three possibilities and the headphone output port are also on the front.
Also check: Top 12 Best Headphones Under $50 in 2023
3. Syba Sonic 24bit USB DAC Stereo Headphone Amplifier
Syba was established in 2001 and, in its own words, operates under three simple tenets: “excellent product quality, competitive yet accessible pricing, and outstanding customer service.”
This device has digital (optical and coax) and analog (RCA) outputs, is driver-less, and can be powered via USB. Line-in, mic-in, and two jack outputs (1/4″ & 1/8″) are all located on the front. A switch that switches between the three hardware EQ modes—bass boost, default or direct, and treble boost—is also located on the front of the device. You can quickly control the level thanks to the sizable volume wheel on top.
Gamers may find the Syba Sonic 24bit intriguing because it works with PCs and PS4 consoles.
2. Vacuum tube headphone amplifier Nobsound NS-08E
The majority of audio consumers may now get high-quality items from Nobsound (Douk Audio) at affordable costs. For high-quality amplification, the NS-08E employs both tubes and transistors; the tubes are utilized to pre-amplify the audio, while the solid-state portion of the amp produces the output.
The amp is well-made; CNC aluminum was used to make the case. Its small size allows it to fit in your palm. The identical model 6J3 as well as the 6J4, 6J5, 6K4, and numerous more types can be used to replace the two tubes that protrude from the top.
Headphones with impedance values ranging from 24 ohms to 600 ohms can be powered by the Nobsound NS-08E headphone amp. which is fantastic considering how expensive this amplifier is. The Nobsound NS-08E will also look fantastic on your desk as an added bonus.
1. Portable USB-C DAC/AMP from HELM Audio
This USB-C device is really intriguing and nearly made the list, but its price of $109 puts it above our $100 cap. However, it’s conceivable that you can find it for less than $100 during certain times of the year.
Due to the product’s small size, you might mistake it for a straightforward USB-C to 3.5mm adaptor. Make no mistake, the HELM Audio Bolt is a highly portable DAC and amplifier that works with Android and iOS cellphones as well as PCs and Macs.
This little device supports MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) audio and is THX certified. To indicate the type of audio you are listening to, the LED changes color. Magenta for MQA audio, Blue for SD audio, and Red for HD audio.
Conclusion
Numerous DACs, amplifiers, and preamplifiers are offered at various price points. You may hopefully choose your next amplifier more easily now that you have this list of headphone amplifiers under $100.
As always, before purchasing a headphone amplifier, establish your spending limit, look into the brand’s reputation, impedance, and other details, and read user reviews.