Finally decided to register in order ask this question. What is the best portable amp for HE400se? Budget under $100

[datobe]

After reading different reviews and rankings I got so confused that Finally decided to register and ask this question to the experienced people. I am waiting to receive HE400se, I also have Kiwi ears melody. I will be thankful if you recommend me headphone AMP that provides decent bass, that I can use both on desktop and outside if needed. Under $100.

 

[asrUser]

Qudelix 5k + bass shelf EQ

 

[MAB]

After reading different reviews and rankings I got so confused that Finally decided to register and ask this question to the experienced people. I am waiting to receive HE400se, I also have Kiwi ears melody. I will be thankful if you recommend me headphone AMP that provides decent bass, that I can use both on desktop and outside if needed. Under $100.

Welcome!
Have you read the ASR review on your incoming HE400se?

Hifiman HE400SE Review (Headphone)

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Hifiman HE400SE open back planar magnetic headphone. It was sent to me by online seller, Linsoul and costs US $149. The HE400Se doesn't look fancy: It is however quite comfortable given its thick and large pads. Weight is a bit on the high...

www.audiosciencereview.com

They look like great headphones. They are certainly deficient in bass. They also have a notch in the response just below 2kHz.

To be clear, you need an amp with PEQ to address the deficient bass and enough headroom to handle a bass shelf. And along the way deal with the dip just below 2kHz.

Like that Qudelix 5k mentioned above!

Qudelix-5K Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amp

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Qudelix-5K USB DAC and balanced headphone amplifier with Bluetooth receiver. I purchased this myself but a member kindly donated one third of the cost. The Qudelix 5K costs US $110 on Amazon including shipping. The Qudelix comes in a nice...

www.audiosciencereview.com

It has 20-band EQ.

Equalizer

20-Band PEQ/GEQ (64-bit double precision) The embedded pro-grade equalizer is a vital benefit of 5K DAC/AMP over other similar products. It processes every incoming audio from everywhere: Youtube, Apple Music, Spotify, iOS, Android, PC, Bluetooth(all Codecs), and USB. 5K DAC/AMP supports...

www.qudelix.com

 

[datobe]

@MAB Yes, I did read. Thank you guys. What you think about DC03 Pro? Or MOONDROP Dawn Pro
each of them I could get it for $50 on Taobao, which seems great price.

 

[asrUser]

@MAB Yes, I did read. Thank you guys. What you think about DC03 Pro? I could get it for $50 on Taobao, which seems great price.

It can't store EQ settings and got no battery. You would need to use Equalizer Apps on your cellphone and PC then.

 

[datobe]

It can't store EQ settings. You would need to use Equalizer Apps on your cellphone and PC then.

Ah, nice to know about that feature.

 

[asrUser]

Dongles such as DC03 will drain your cellphone on the go. The internal battery and bluetooth on Qudelix makes you even more mobile.

 

[datobe]

Maybe there are non portable cheap headphone amps for desktop?

 

[Dunring]

The Tanchjim Space is the best measuring, but the Apple 3.5 to USB is best value. It has all the power you need for the he400se, they power my He5xx just fine.

 

[Oso Polar]

Apple 3.5 to USB is best value. It has all the power you need for the he400se

Hmm, this sounds doubtful to me. Qudelix-5K is barely adequate for HE400se with stock unbalanced cable and Oratory EQ applied (which uses -9.3 DB preamp).