Headphone Amplifiers: What Is It and Do You Need One?

Most of the time, you normally plug your headphones directly on your laptop or smartphone for listening. But no matter how expensive or technologically advanced your headphones are, you may not get the best listening experience that you deserve. Investing in a headphone amplifier like IFI IDSD black label could be your best solution. 

However, not everyone knows what a headset amplifier is. You may also have no idea if you need one. In this article, you will understand more information about headset amplifiers and how to pick the best one that will suit your needs.

What is a Headphone Amplifier?

Headphones require a power source to work. Normally, they get this power from a headphone amplifier. All types of devices like smartphones and laptops with a headphone jack come with a built-in headphone amp. 

However, the built-in headphone amp is usually tiny and weak. If you purchase expensive, high-quality headphones, you need a more powerful amp to maximize its features.  

Who Needs a Headphone Amplifier?

If you must enhance the power output of your headphone’s source to a higher level than what you need, you must look for a high-quality headphone amplifier like the IFI IDSD black label. It is also necessary if you want to listen to music and want to have the best listening experience. 

The most common indicator that you need to invest in a headphone amplifier is the inability of the sound source to satisfy the headphone’s power requirements. If this situation happens, you must head to your go-to audio device shop and look for the right headphone amplifier. 

How to Shop For the Right Headphone Amplifier?

If it’ll be your first time buying a headphone amp, here are several factors to help you look for the right device for your most enjoyable listening experience. 

#1: Choose Between Portable and Desktop Varieties

One of the first decisions that you must make when buying a headphone amp is to select whether you need one you can keep on your desk or if you need something to take anywhere. 

Desktop headset amps work perfectly with your computers and laptops. It usually gets its power source from your wall plug at home. On the other hand, a portable headphone amp does not need to be plugged all the time. Yet, it requires a stable Bluetooth connection and a reliable battery life that you must replenish using rechargeable batteries. 

The portable option is handier and smaller than the desktop version. So choose which one is ideal for your situation.   

#2: Ideal Sound Quality

The main goal of headphone amps is to enhance the quality of your headphones’ sounds. It aims to replace the mediocre amplifier circuitry featured in various gadgets like laptops, tablets, and smartphones. 

If you aim to experience the best service out of your investment, you must look for a device that will provide an instant boost in the sound quality of what you need to hear. You may do a headphone test to know the quality of sound coming from your headphone attached to your chosen headphone amp. 

#3: Find a Headphone Amp With Built-in DACS

If you like to listen to all types of digital audio, like songs played from a streaming platform, you need an analog sound converter to enjoy the sound. If you cannot play the file, you need a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) to make it work. 

So look for an amplifier for headphones that come with a DAC. It should also decrease the noise floor and provide more refined musical detail and better micro-dynamics when playing the sound. 

Investing in headphone amplifiers may not be a common practice among listeners. But if you are very discerning about the sound that you want to hear all the time, it is necessary to invest in these devices to enjoy your favourite sound.