WTB: Budget headphone amplifier

[Rayman30]

Looking for something decent and a low price.

FOUND, thanks to everyone who replied.

 

[Dunring]

It depends on the budget and headphones you need them for, but there's some in the 100 range you can't go wrong with. The Schiit Magni Hersesy or JDS Atom amps are terrific. On eBay or Mercari they can be found for $80 plus shipping usually, or $99 plus shipping new direct.

 

[solderdude]

Looking for something decent and a low price.

What Budget.
What needs to be driven (power/imp range)
What must be decent ? Performance (and what do you consider decent), longevity, functionality (gain, power, connectivity), size (it matters)

 

[Rayman30]

S

What Budget.
What needs to be driven (power/imp range)
What must be decent ? Performance (and what do you consider decent), longevity, functionality (gain, power, connectivity), size (it matter

$50-$100

LCD-X, LCD-2 Closed, Focal Clear MG, HD650

Good power, can’t be Schiit (They keep failing on me)

SE connection is fine, the more power the better, preferably >1W @32 Ohms

Eye balling liquid spark on eBay. This is for the living room so its not super high priority.

 

[solderdude]

S


$50-$100

LCD-X, LCD-2 Closed, Focal Clear MG, HD650

Good power, can’t be Schiit (They keep failing on me)

SE connection is fine, the more power the better, preferably >1W @32 Ohms

Eye balling liquid spark on eBay. This is for the living room so its not super high priority.

That doesn't leave many options other than some Chinese offerings or maybe JDS labs or some second hand stuff.

 

[Rayman30]

That doesn't leave many options other than some Chinese offerings or maybe JDS labs or some second hand stuff.

Seems like springing for a Topping L30 ii would be worth the extra money

Edit: Found a Liquid Spark for $75 on eBay. Thanks though!

 

[cubanmetalguy]

SMSL SH-6 Mini Desktop Amp is a great little amp.

SMSL SH-6 Mini Desktop Amp

The SMSL SH-6 is a desktop amplifier that packs incredible performance into a minimalistic user experience. With 2.6W x 2 of output power and THD+ as low as 0.00006%, it’s an ultra-clean and powerful budget amp that’s perfect for beginner audiophiles.

apos.audio

 

[odarg64]

SMSL SH-6 Mini Desktop Amp is a great little amp.

SMSL SH-6 Mini Desktop Amp

The SMSL SH-6 is a desktop amplifier that packs incredible performance into a minimalistic user experience. With 2.6W x 2 of output power and THD+ as low as 0.00006%, it’s an ultra-clean and powerful budget amp that’s perfect for beginner audiophiles.

apos.audio

What makes it "Hi-Res Audio Certifed?"

Classic toggle switches as a feature...

 

[FrantzM]

What makes it "Hi-Res Audio Certifed?"

Classic toggle switches as a feature...

Can't see the forest for the trees? Sometimes one needs to brush off the marketing-talks...
This is a superb amplifier if we are to believe SMSL specs, which have been close to tested//reviews. it should be capable of driving most headphones:

• 2.6W x2 16Ω
• 1.3W x2 32Ω

is plentiful power and at <$110!! Actually, any price.

Another recommendation. I recently bought new open box, on eBay, a THX AAA789 at $150.oo. A superlative amp. At that price, a no-brainer, it is comfortably driving the amp-killer, HifiMan HE6-SEv2...

Peace