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Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality and tank-like construction, backed by a 20-year warranty
- More robust and flexible than any built-in headphone amplifier heard
- Operates in Class A, providing a clean and detailed sound signature and a neutral sound without being edgy or bright
- Enough power to drive demanding headphones
- Versatile connectivity with balanced (XLR), unbalanced (RCA), and mini-jack inputs, as well as balanced and unbalanced headphone outputs
Product Considerations
- May not pair perfectly with high-sensitivity in-ear monitors due to a faint hum/buzz
- Requires adequate ventilation to prevent thermal shutdown
- Preamp output level seemed uncomfortably high in comparison with other preamps, so all adjustments were made in the first 15 or 20 degrees of rotation with balanced inputs, even on the low output toggle
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bottlehead Crack Headphone Amplifier, the Bryston BHA-1 offers a cleaner sounding and more detailed presentation than tube amplifiers
- Vs Pass Labs HPA-1, the Bryston BHA-1 is cleaner sounding, provides more detail, and adds no coloration with easier-to-drive planar headphones
- Vs AURALiC Taurus, the Bryston BHA-1 tends to be a bit clearer, crisper, more dynamic and spacious, while the Taurus has a slightly warmer and fuller sound
- Vs Questyle CMA800R, the Bryston BHA-1 is generally clearer, while the Questyle is a tad fatter in sound
- Vs Musical Fidelity M1HPA, the Bryston BHA-1 provides greater presence and lower noise
- Vs Woo Audio WA22, the Bryston BHA-1 offers superior versatility and value, and the Woo Audio WA22 has a different balance—a little warmer and even more dynamic—while not quite as clean and resolute in the bass
Takeaway: The Bryston BHA-1 is a well-built and versatile headphone amplifier that delivers a clean, detailed sound and can drive a wide range of headphones. Its robust design and features make it a solid choice for audiophiles seeking a high-quality and reliable listening experience.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
BHA-1
reviews
[{"title":"Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amplifier Review | Audiophilepure","link":"https://audiophilepure.com/2024/01/08/bryston-bha-1-headphone-amplifier-review-2","source":"Audiophilepure","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amplifier: Review","link":"https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/bryston-bha-1","source":"Ecoustics","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"High End Headphone Amp Group Test Shootout! Bryston BHA-1, Graham Slee Solo SRGII, Graham Slee Solo Ultralinear Diamond Edition, Musical Fidelity M1HPA and Woo Audio WA22 headphone amplifiers. Review By Phil Gold","link":"https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/1212/headphone_amplifier_shootout.htm","source":"Enjoy the Music","datePublished":"2012"},{"title":"Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amplifier The Bryston BHA-1 is one heckova high-end Class A headphone amplifier. Review By Ron Nagle","link":"https://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0514/bryston_bha_1_review.htm","source":"Enjoy the Music","datePublished":"2014"},{"title":"Everything Audio Network: Audiophile Review!Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amplifier:“A Superb Class A Amp at A Bargain Price","link":"https://everythingaudionetwork.blogspot.com/2012/12/audiophile-review-bryston-bha-1.html","source":"Everything Audio Network","datePublished":"2012"},{"title":"BRYSTON BHA-1 REVIEW (2019) – The Headphoneer","link":"https://www.headphoneer.com/bryston-bha-1-review","source":"The Headphoneer","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"Bryston Audio BHA-1 headphones amp","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzF0lOL9HRo","source":"Hi-Fi Insider","datePublished":"2013"},{"title":"Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amp/Preamp Reviewed - HomeTheaterReview","link":"https://hometheaterreview.com/bryston-bha-1-headphone-amppreamp-reviewed","source":"Home Theater Review","datePublished":"2013"},{"title":"Bryston BHA-1 Review: Unveiling High-End Audio Excellence","link":"https://homestudiobasics.com/bryston-bha-1-review","source":"Infinity Home Studio Basics","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"El Hefe HiFi Reviews: The New Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amp / Pre Amp: A Class of Its Own","link":"https://notanotherhifiblog.blogspot.com/2015/06/bryston-bha-1-headphone-amp-pre-amp.html","source":"notanotherhifiblog.blogspot.com","datePublished":"2015"},{"title":"SoundStage! Solo | SoundStageSolo.com - Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amplifier","link":"https://www.soundstagesolo.com/index.php/equipment/amplifiers/414-fostex-th616-headphones-2","source":"SoundStage! Solo","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amplifier","link":"https://www.tonepublications.com/review/bryston-bha-1-headphone-amplifier-2","source":"Tone","datePublished":""},{"title":"Bryston BHA-1 and Audeze LCD-2 (pre-fazor) as well as Audeze LCD-XC 2021","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7hC88ZqFos","source":"TylersEclectic","datePublished":"2022"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Dimensions: 17 or 19 W x 2.71 H x 11.10 D inches
- Weight: 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
- THD+N (20Hz-20kHz @ Rated Power): <0.005%
- Power Output (per channel): 2W @ 32Ω
- Input Impedance: Unbalanced 10KΩ, Balanced +15kΩ/-5kΩ
- Sensitivity HI (approx 20 dB): 70mV in = 100 mW out into 50 Ω (500mV in = 5V out)
- Sensitivity LO (approx 14 dB): 140mV in = 100 mW out into 50 Ω (500mV in = 2.5V out)
Description
Advancing our tradition of unmatched audio performance and functionality, the Bryston BHA-1 balanced headphone amplifier delivers the finest listening experience from a vast array of headphone types. Functionally a miniature power amplifier, our engineers applied the same robust design elements to the BHA-1 that have made our full-sized amps legendary worldwide.
Advancing our tradition of unmatched audio performance and functionality, the Bryston BHA-1 balanced headphone amplifier delivers the finest listening experience from a vast array of headphone types. Functionally a miniature power amplifier, our engineers applied the same robust design elements to the BHA-1 that have made our full-sized amps legendary worldwide. Unique to the BHA-1, six class A, fully discrete operational amplifiers generate up to 2 watts of power for exceptional dynamic range. The BHA-1 offers both balanced outputs and single-ended outputs for traditional headphones, as well as a pair of rear-mounted XLR outputs that enable users to operate the BHA-1 as a high-quality analog preamplifier. Hear the best your headphones have to offer by powering them with a Bryston BHA-1.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Bryston offers an exceptional 20-year warranty (5-year for digital) on their products, demonstrating confidence in their long-term reliability and durability - a significant differentiator in the high-end audio market.
- Bryston bridges the gap between pro audio and audiophile markets, with industrial-grade build quality and overload protection features stemming from their experience catering to professional recording studios and touring rigs.
- They prioritize quality parts, discrete Class A circuits, and minimize both internally generated and externally sourced noise (RFI, EMI), resulting in exceptionally quiet and transparent audio reproduction.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
137
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Brand Popularity
50
of 900+
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Top 50 Brand
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Products Listed
15
Founding Year
1973
Our take on the brand
Bryston, recognized for exceptional reliability, offers 20-year warranties—the longest in the industry. Drawing from its pro audio background, the brand specializes in high-performance solid-state amplifiers and DACs used in professional and studio settings. They remain a favorite among cost-conscious enthusiasts.
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What if you spend more?
McIntosh
MHA200 (75th Anniversary Edition)
2800
2800
/
8
Reviews
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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Product Strengths
- A lovely, lush sounding performance that's hard to dislike and sounds smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
- A sympathetic performer, it prefers to play to its inferior partnering equipment's strengths than overly expose their weaknesses, as many hifi audio examples tend to do
- It can cater for a wide range of headphones and connections and it is a benchmark product that's highly recommended
- Zero musical flaws to report and is nearly perfect in execution
- A stunning design to the eye and ear, it is overall a wonderful addition for the perfectionist who wants the very best performance at home or even in the studio
Product Considerations
- The volume control operation lacks linearity, making it hard to make subtle changes in level
- No input selector, so one should only connect one type at once
- On some samples, the volume control is loose and wiggles in its chassis housing
- The octal AC socket is a bit of an odd choice, considering most users might prefer IEC
- The depth, snap and weight of the low end was dynamic and exciting on some recordings and less than stellar on others
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Musical Fidelity M1 HPA—the MHA200 has a lush warmness to the music that brings strings to life in a way that makes the M1 HPA sound somewhat sterile in comparison
- Vs EAR Yoshino HP-4 reference—the MHA200 was a touch brighter than the reference, though only slightly
Takeaway: The MHA200 is an enjoyable product with a rich, balanced, and powerful sound, that's more forgiving than most rivals and can be enjoyed for years to come. This headphone amp is perfect for personal listening, design, and operation that will work its magic.
Video review
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Product Page
Product Page
McIntosh
MHA200
2800
2800
/
6
Reviews
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lovely, lush-sounding performance that is hard to dislike, described as smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
- Creates an astonishing space and three dimensionality to the sound, reminiscent of high-end systems
- Features a rich, balanced, and powerful sound that is more forgiving than most rivals
- Superbly made and engineered with solid casework
- Largely unphased by most headphones and can drive a wide range of headphones
Product Considerations
- Volume control operation lacks linearity, making subtle changes in level difficult
- Really needs a balanced source and headphones to deliver its best performance
- Has no input switching, so balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs cannot be used simultaneously
- Lacks a remote control for volume adjustment
Takeaway: The MHA200 is a well-built headphone amplifier that delivers a refined and musical listening experience with a spacious soundstage. It is ideal for users who want a dedicated headphone amplifier and appreciate the rich sound of tubes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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ampsandsound
Kenzie OG
2659
2659
/
2
Reviews
The outstanding performance of the Kenzie headphone amplifier is made possible with custom wound ultra-high quality output transformers providing amazing frequency extension. The Kenzie does not use a voltage network, and has more than enough power to drive even the most difficult headphones. We chose 32 ohms and 600-ohm output taps to allow use with the widest variety of headphones; everything from Grado Labs, HiFiMan, Audeze, MrSpeakers, Sennheiser, and Beyerdynamic.
The Kenzie showcases the transformers on the chassis to frame in the unique 1626 single-ended tubes. We have included an Alps volume pot to allow attenuation and simplify the signal path. The Kenzie is one of the sweetest-sounding headphone amplifiers on the market. The 1626 is commonly referred to as the "Poor Man's 300B"; offering a similar level of warmth, texture, and soundstage depth. The 1626 is a WWII-era tube that was used as a transmitter tube in radar installations. The design is shy on pure output, but offers layers of texture and drive, and is paired with a massive choke and robust output transformers for ultra-quiet operation. As with all of our products, parts selection was crucial during this build and each chosen not for price, but for best quality and synergy.
Generation 2 of the Kenzie OG The close of 2021 has brought out more than 18 months of a global pandemic. During these challenging times, we at ampsandsound strengthened our development efforts resulting in new generation of our classic amps. 2022 adds the ability to chose 8/100 or 32/300 for output impedances when ordering. Though octal input tubes provide a romantic character that had defined the ampsandsound house sound, reminiscent of 1950s HiFi, the downside to this approach is a reduced noise floor and dwindling NOS options. With ampsandound moving to a 9pin front end, performance has been increased, NOS tube rolling has become nearly limitless, and yet we were able to enhance the sweetness and tone we are known for. The 9pin front end allows vastly increased options for tone rolling to find your balance and preference. With our front end's new development, we have improved our amps further, including both subtle and significant changes alike. Notable takeaways include increased power output, reduced noise floor across all our amps, increased bandwidth.
ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
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Product Strengths
- Unique 'tube character' enhances the sound in a positive way
- Known for sweetness, euphony, and richness of tone
- Enhances microdynamics, drawing attention to finer nuances of volume
- Creates a more involved and textured soundstage
- Is a completely neutral headphone amplifier, as long as the output impedance synergy is observed
- Inputs and outputs are located on the back of the unit, which can be inconvenient
Product Considerations
- Not suitable for very inefficient planar headphones like the HE6 or Audeze LCD-4
- Not generally recommended for IEMs
- Can be susceptible to interference from Wi-Fi signals or other electronic components
- Depending on the headphone used, the environment, and the output being used, the unit may produce some noise floor
Takeaway: The Kenzie is a special tube amp that makes music sound sweet and detailed, improving the listening experience with many headphones, assuming the right setup is used. It's a good option for those who want to go beyond solid-state amps.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
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Naim
Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
3799
3799
/
24
Reviews
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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Product Strengths
- Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
- Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
- Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
- Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
- Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to
Product Considerations
- The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
- The front display is not a touchscreen
- Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
- The HDMI ARC connection is absent
- The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
- As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
- Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200
Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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What competes at this price?
Gustard
H26
1149
/
Released
2024
Gustard is a hifi brand known for integrating advanced clocking systems in their DACs, including atomic clocks, and developing custom digital filters that bypass standard ESS Sabre filters for a more tailored sound. The brand stands out for offering high-end audio performance at relatively affordable prices, with products featuring modular designs that allow for easy upgrades and customization.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very refined sound signature
- Outstanding output power
- Pleasingly smooth and refined tonal quality with a strong focus on spatial detail, all delivered within a very spacious presentation
- Presents wonderful PRaT (Pace, Rhythm and Timing), injecting loads of dynamics and rendering complex passages with ninja-like speed of attack
- Plenty of I/O options for both source and third-party power amplifiers
Product Considerations
- Non-linear volume curve for demanding headphones
- Beefy desktop amplifier requiring significant table or rack space
- Has only 0.1R O/P impedance on the headphone socket, while the line O/P impedance is still 100R
Takeaway: The Gustard H26 is a high-performing headphone amplifier and preamplifier that provides refined sound and plenty of power. It could be a great addition to a hifi system because reviewers are overwhelmed by the performance compared to the price.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gustard is a hifi brand known for integrating advanced clocking systems in their DACs, including atomic clocks, and developing custom digital filters that bypass standard ESS Sabre filters for a more tailored sound. The brand stands out for offering high-end audio performance at relatively affordable prices, with products featuring modular designs that allow for easy upgrades and customization.
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iFi
iDSD Diablo 2
1299
/
Released
2023
Surging with infernal power. Sporting cutting edge xMEMS and Lossless Bluetooth technology, the flagship iDSD Diablo leads the charge with future-proof features and raw power - take your most demanding headphones wherever you go, we dare you.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
- Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
- A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
- Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
- The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
- Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
- The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
- Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
- Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound
Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Ferrum
OOR
2094
/
Released
2021
OOR will redefine the category of headphone amplifiers. OOR will drive any headphones effortlessly to the max of their potential, while preserving the essence of the music it amplifies.
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size compared to competitors, allowing for easy integration into desktop setups
- The OOR outputs 8 watts of power at 60 ohms and 1.6 watts at 300 ohms, making it one of the most powerful headphone amplifiers ever made
- Low gain setting is silent with sensitive IEMs
- Employs a fully discrete class AB amplifier; there are no op-amps used
Product Considerations
- Simultaneous use of the balanced and single-ended preamp outputs with the main headphone output is an inconvenience
- The unit gets quite warm after a few hours of use—recommending a well-ventilated area
- Powering on the unit requires going from balanced to single-ended
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Benchmark HPA4, OOR felt considerably more alive, fleshed out, and natural sounding
- Vs Flux Volot, the reviewers felt that the OOR was more visceral sounding
- Compared to Fluxlab Acoustics, the OOR is a warmer and more soul-infusing amplifier and it never wants to be linear or flat
- Vs Flux Lab Acoustics Volod, it was easily bigger sounding, easily more impressive sounding, just more layered
Takeaway: The Ferrum OOR is a powerful amplifier in a small package, and it is built with great attention to detail. It has an engaging sound with a touch of warmth.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
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Linear Tube Audio
Velo
2100
/
Released
2024
The Velo carries on the legacy of David Berning's microZOTL circuit and LTA's MZ2, bringing significant enhancements to this world-class headphone amp and preamplifier. We've taken everything learned about building ZOTL amplifiers and started from scratch to reimagine our foundational product and create the best sounding, most enjoyable, and most reliable headphone amplifier/preamplifier possible.
Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Wonderfully enjoyable and transparent sound, described as smooth, resolving, and engaging, enhancing music without coloration
- Open design makes it easy to swap out the tubes
- It opens the soundstage in depth and width, increasing the ability to hear the placement of instruments, and micro details and spatial cues become more accessible
- Versatile, the Velo works well with different headphones (low/high impedance, dynamic/planar)
Product Considerations
- Not particularly powerful, the Velo might require more volume dial rotation compared to other amps to reach desired listening levels
- Bass might sound a little too rounded and lacking texture compared to some setups
- Lacks balanced XLR features
- The included switching power supply is not at the same performance level as the upgraded linear power supply
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Linear Tube Audio MZ3: The MZ3 is more resolving and detailed, while the Velo is richer and smoother, the MZ3 is more technically engaging, but the Velo is more emotionally engaging
- Vs Burson Soloist 3X-GT: The Soloist 3X-GT has more power and greater resolution/clarity with a balanced cable, but the Velo is more intimate and relaxing
- Vs Oliver Sayes Type 26 DHT preamplifier: The Velo strikes a nice middle ground between the overly 'emotional' tube stage and the 'straight' sounding TVC mode
- Vs Eddie Current Zana Deux SE OTL: Unlike the Zana Deux, it doesn't go too far in warmth to the point of sounding mushy
Takeaway: The Velo is a versatile tube amplifier that provides a wonderful and enjoyable listening experience by being transparent and smooth. It's designed for music lovers who value emotional engagement with their music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
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Mytek
Liberty THX AAA Amp
1495
/
Released
2022
Liberty THX AAA™ Headphone Amplifier provides ultra precision sound with almost unmeasurable distortion from the most demanding headphones. The sound along with the HPA other features make the Liberty HPA the reference tool for music listening and production.
Mytek Digital, a brand favored by New York City's recording studios, was among the first to release DACs capable of natively decoding DSD material and was first-to-market with MQA-certified DACs. Their Brooklyn DAC+ exemplifies their design philosophy by combining multiple components (DAC, headphone amp, analog preamp, and phono preamp) in a single compact chassis, while their R&D process uniquely involves co-designing companion converters to ensure the highest transparency.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact form factor with a massive choice of connections and functions, including 4 headphone outputs: 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4mm balanced jack, 6.35mm, and 3.5mm
- Very clean, neutral sound with a lot of dynamics, slam, and punch
- Plenty of power to drive any pair of headphones with ease
- Very detailed and resolving sound, exacting and precise about its reproduction, revealing of the DAC plugged into it
- Well-designed and built with durable feel
Product Considerations
- The input selector does not remember the previous setting
- Higher noise floor compared to competitors, making it less suitable for extremely sensitive headphones and most IEMs
- The pre-out and the headphone out work at the same time, so be careful
- The LED, even though it's only white, is not super bright, but its brightness cannot be changed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Mytek Liberty THX is more exacting, detailed, resolving, and more neutral than HeadAmp GSX Mini, and the GSX Mini rounds things a little bit more and has a slightly bit more of warmth to things
- Mytek Liberty THX is better than the Topping A90, music is more alive and better articulated, more detailed, and the background is blacker
- With HE1000v2, Mytek Liberty THX is exceptionally clear and tight-sounding—imaging is probably the best it sounds
Takeaway: The Mytek Liberty THX AAA HPA is a powerful and compact headphone amplifier delivering very clean, neutral, and detailed sound suitable for a wide range of headphones. It could be a reference-grade, exacting amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Mytek Digital, a brand favored by New York City's recording studios, was among the first to release DACs capable of natively decoding DSD material and was first-to-market with MQA-certified DACs. Their Brooklyn DAC+ exemplifies their design philosophy by combining multiple components (DAC, headphone amp, analog preamp, and phono preamp) in a single compact chassis, while their R&D process uniquely involves co-designing companion converters to ensure the highest transparency.
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