Shanling M3X
Portable Hi-Res player with balanced headphone output
The 2001 invention of iPods was a brilliant thing. Suddenly you were able to listen to your own music library on the go. With the appearance of smartphones and their ability to store your music library, this kind of specialised portable music player initially disappeared from the shelves. For some years now, however, they have been made a comeback, offering a wealth of technical possibilities that are almost as good as home stereo systems, focusing on increased sound quality. Has the portable music player's time come again?
SPL Phonitor xe
Audiophile stationary headphone amplifier with Voltair technology
The flagship model among the SPL's headphone amplifiers is the Phonitor xe. In contrast to the similarly priced Phonitor x, which with its balanced output can also be used as a preamplifier for a power amplifier and loudspeakers, the Phonitor xe is a pure headphone amplifier for the most demanding applications. You can choose between a version with or without an integrated D/A converter, which has been further improved compared to the other models in the Phonitor series.
Sennheiser HDV 820
Audiophile, stationary headphone amplifier with XLR outputs
With the HD 800 S and HD 820 models, Sennheiser offers first-class headphones aimed at demanding music lovers. Naturally, the corresponding headphone amplifier is not missing from the range of products offered by the Lower Saxony-based manufacturer:
The HDV 820 is housed in a stylish, flat, black anodised casing with an internal power supply unit and so visually it is a matching partner to the HD 800 S.
SPL Phonitor se
Audiophile, stationary headphone amplifier
SPL Phonitor One
Headphone amplifier with crossfeed function
For smartphones and inexpensive stationary audio devices, but also in the studio, one should refrain from making overly high demands on integrated headphone amplifiers. They are part of an overall cost calculation for the product and often, in a sense, more of an accessory than a selling point. Accordingly, a dedicated headphone amplifier can certainly improve your listening experience, since it is a piece of technology that devotes its full attention to precisely this task. This is the case with the Phonitor One from SPL.
Sennheiser BT T100
Bluetooth audio transmitter for connection to TVs, stereo systems and PCs
Connecting Bluetooth headphones to your TV or home stereo system can sound easier than it actually is. Especially when it comes to synchronicity between picture and sound, it becomes apparent that classic wired headphones still can't be topped. Sennheiser wants to change that for good and with the BT T100 adds a Bluetooth transmitter in its range that seeks to minimise the picture-sound offset thanks to Qualcomm aptX Low Latency Codec. Will this “strike a blow for freedom" and succeed on the sofa at home?
Creative Super X-Fi Headphone AMP
Miniature mobile headphone amplifier/ DAC with Super X-Fi certification
Creative's Super X-Fi Headphone Amp is ultra-portable but supports high impedances up to 600 ohms and is powerful enough to drive high-impedance headphones on mobile devices. The Super X-Fi technology can also be used to create a personalised, spatial sound experience for games, movies and music listening via an app.
Audiolab M-DAC nano
Portable DAC headphone amplifier with Bluetooth
The transmission of audio signals via Bluetooth is undoubtedly practical but, at the same time, there are plenty of headphones and other speakers that work wired. The M-DAC Nano is designed to bridge the gap between these devices as well as enhance the sound.
Focal Arche
Audiophile Stationary Headphone Amplifier
Ultrasone Panther
Audiophile Headphone Amplifier/DAC for mobile use
