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Headphone Amplifiers
Amplification

Headphone Amplifiers

The finest headphones in the world are only as good as the signal they receive. Our collection of headphone amplifiers is curated to provide the power, headroom, and clarity needed to truly drive your favourite pair. Whether you are seeking the organic, holographic warmth of Feliks Audio and Cayin vacuum tubes, or the high-resolution precision of iFi Audio and Astell&Kern, we have a dedicated solution for your desktop or portable setup. From the refined, studio-grade control of Luxman to compact, high-performance DAC/amps, these units bridge the gap between your music and your ears - ensuring you hear every breath, pluck, and subtle decay in stunning high-fidelity.
Keces Audio S3 Pre / Headphone Amplifier
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Keces Audio

Keces Audio S3 Pre / Headphone Amplifier

£1,890.00
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iFi Audio Go Pod Air Hi-Res Starter Kit
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iFi Audio

iFi Audio Go Pod Air Hi-Res Starter Kit

£279.00
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Preowned Save £139
Matrix M-Stage HPA1 Headphone Amplifier
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Matrix Audio

Matrix M-Stage HPA1 Headphone Amplifier

£160.00 £299.00
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Preowned Save £90
Fostex HP-A3 32bit DAC / Headphone Amplifier
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Fostex

Fostex HP-A3 32bit DAC / Headphone Amplifier

£190.00 £280.00
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Preowned Save £1,009
Burson Audio Conductor 3 Reference DAC Class A Headphone Amplifier Preamplifier
Preowned
£190.00
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Preowned Save £270
iFi Audio Micro iDSD Signature DAC and Headphone Amplifier
£390.00 £660.00
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iFi Audio Hip-DAC Portable DAC/Headphone Amplifier
£149.00
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Violectric DHA V380²
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Violectric

Violectric DHA V380²

£2,000.00
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Hifiman EF400 DAC Headphone Amplifier
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HiFi Man

Hifiman EF400 DAC Headphone Amplifier

£499.00
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Feliks Audio Echo Classic Headphone Amplifier
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Feliks Audio

Feliks Audio Echo Classic Headphone Amplifier

£699.00
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Cayin HA-1A MK3 Type UK Headphone Amplifier
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Cayin

Cayin HA-1A MK3 Type UK Headphone Amplifier

£840.00
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Enleum HPA-23RM Reference Headphone Amplifier
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Enleum

Enleum HPA-23RM Reference Headphone Amplifier

£3,300.00
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Feliks Audio Echo 2 Headphone Amplifier
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Feliks Audio

Feliks Audio Echo 2 Headphone Amplifier

£849.00
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Ferrum Oor Headphone Amplifier - Special
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Ferrum

Ferrum Oor Headphone Amplifier - Special

£1,995.00
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Violectric HPA V550 PRO
£2,950.00
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Violectric HPA V202
Violectric

Violectric HPA V202

£865.00
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Violectric DHA V226
Violectric

Violectric DHA V226

£1,380.00
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Violectric Chronos
Violectric

Violectric Chronos

£185.00
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Violectric HPA V550
Violectric

Violectric HPA V550

£2,415.00
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Violectric HPA V340
Violectric

Violectric HPA V340

£1,660.00
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Violectric Niimbus US 5
£4,740.00
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Violectric DHA V590 MK2
£2,850.00
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Common Queries & Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the "Gain" switch on my amplifier do?

Think of gain as a multiplier for the incoming audio signal. It dictates how much power the amplifier applies before you even touch the volume knob.

  • Low Gain: Perfect for highly sensitive headphones and In-Ear Monitors (IEMs). It gives you precise control over the volume dial and keeps the amplifier’s "noise floor" (the subtle background hiss) completely silent.
  • High Gain: Designed for power-hungry, low-sensitivity planars or high-impedance headphones. It boosts the base power so you don't have to crank the volume knob to the maximum just to reach a comfortable listening level.
What is the difference between Balanced (XLR/4.4mm) and Unbalanced (6.35mm/3.5mm) outputs?

Most traditional headphones use an unbalanced connection (the standard 3.5mm or larger 6.35mm jack), where the left and right earcups share a single ground wire.

A balanced output (usually a 4-pin XLR or a 4.4mm Pentaconn connection) gives the left and right drivers their own completely separate positive and negative/ground signal paths. This physically separates the channels, resulting in zero crosstalk, a wider soundstage, and a pitch-black background. Furthermore, balanced outputs on an amplifier typically bypass certain internal components to deliver double the raw power, giving your headphones significantly more dynamic punch and control.

What is "Output Impedance" and why does the 1/8th rule matter?

Output impedance is the electrical resistance of the amplifier itself. In high-end audio, we generally follow the "1/8th Rule," which states that your amplifier's output impedance should ideally be less than 1/8th of your headphone's impedance.

For example, if you have 32-Ohm headphones, your amplifier's output impedance should be 4 Ohms or less. If an amplifier's output impedance is too high relative to the headphones, it can physically alter the headphone's frequency response, often resulting in muddy, bloated bass and a loss of treble detail. Most modern solid-state amps have near-zero output impedance, but it is an important spec to check if you are buying a tube amplifier.

Do I still need a DAC if I buy a standalone headphone amplifier?

Yes. Your music exists as digital code (1s and 0s) and your amplifier only speaks analog (electrical current). Something must translate that signal.

If you buy a standalone headphone amplifier (one without digital inputs on the back), you must feed it an analogue signal. While you could run a cable directly from the headphone jack of your laptop to the amplifier, you would be relying on the computer's noisy internal DAC chip, which severely limits the sound quality. For high-fidelity sound, you should always pair a standalone amplifier with a high-quality, external Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC).

Trade-In Programme

Part-Exchange Your Existing Hi-Fi

Fast Valuations • Seamless Upgrades
01

Choose Your Model

Select any model from our catalogue above and head over to its dedicated product page.

02

Request Part-Exchange

Click the "Request a part exchange" button located right below the Add to Cart button, and enter your equipment details.

03

Fast Valuation & Upgrade

Our specialists will supply an agreed trade-in figure to deduct directly from your new equipment.

Have a collection of kit or an unusual trade-in?

Our specialists are on hand to advise on bespoke valuations and system trade-ins.

Call Us: 01592 407700
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