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Best DACs & Headphone Amps 2020: USB, Portable, Desktop

by John
June 30, 2021
in Best Of
Home Best Of

Our pick of the Best DAC and Headphone Amplifier for all budgets and uses:

Not to be overlooked, a good quality DAC and amp can do wonders to any setup. We have seen huge growth in interest towards DACs and amps, so it makes sense that we put together our favourite headphone amplifiers and DACs to help make that decision easier.

Whether you want to use them with your TV, computer, laptop, smartphone or hifi system. We’ve gathered our picks for the best DACs and headphone amplifiers that you can buy!

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £100

1. Shanling UP2 – £79.99

shanling up2
Shanling UP2

The Shanling UP2 is the perfect way to bring added power and audio quality to your smartphone, tablet or computer. Using Bluetooth, the UP2 will connect wirelessly to your phone – or any Bluetooth compatible audio device – and thanks to the on board dedicated headphone amplifier and high quality Sabre DAC chip – you’ll be able to get high fidelity audio wherever you go.

READ MORE: Shanling UP2 Portable Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amplifier Review

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £200

2. JDS Labs Atom – £129.99

jds atom
JDS Labs Atom

JDS Labs has mastered the art of making high quality amplifiers and DACs at affordable prices – and the Atom is their most impressive yet. For just over £100, the Atom desktop headphone amplifier will drive any headphone you throw at it and will bring improved soundstage, depth and dynamics to your setup. All in a neat and tidy desktop design.

READ MORE: JDS Labs Atom Desktop Headphone Amplifier Review

 

3. Periodic Audio Ni (Nickel) – £199

periodic audio nickel
Periodic Audio Nickel

This one’s for the purists out there. On the outside, the Periodic Audio Ni seems like a very simple and basic headphone amplifier – plug it into your source and you’ll soon see that it most definitely isn’t simple or basic. This amp brings added power, punch and improved dynamics to whichever device it gets used with. Those that really appreciate good sound will love the Nickel.

MORE INFO: Periodic Audio Ni (Nickel) Portable Headphone Amplifier Review

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £500

4. iFi Audio xDSD – £399

ifi audio xdsd
iFi Audio xDSD

The xDSD from iFi Audio is a portable amplifier and DAC that can connect to your audio source wirelessly. So if you like to use your phone, but want to plug in some high quality headphones – then the xDSD will allow you to get the most from them, without adding more cables. The xDSD will take over the amp and DAC roles, so you will know that you’re getting the best sound no matter the source device.

MORE INFO: iFi Audio xDSD Portable Bluetooth DAC & Headphone Amplifier Review

 

5. JDS Labs Element II – £399

jds labs element ii
JDS Labs Element II

If it is a desktop option you need, then the JDS Labs Element II will not only bring an audio upgrade – it will look great too. Beautifully designed with a simple yet striking look – the Element II will fit into any setup. Historically, JDS Labs has been known for their functional design and great sound – now with the Element II, they have shown that they can make great looking equipment too.

 

BEST DAC / AMP UNDER £1000

6. iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL – £599

ifi audio micro idsd bl
iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL

For the ultimate amp and DAC solution, look no further. The 2 Burr-Brown DAC chips provide a solid foundation for the custom op-amps, which help to deliver an impressive amount of fidelity and power. Using sensitive IEMs? This amp/DAC handles these superbly, with no noise or distortion. Whether used on a desktop or on the move – the iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL does it all… really well. 

MORE INFO: iFi Audio Micro iDSD BL Portable DAC & Headphone Amplifier

 

Have We Missed Anything Out?

Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

Tags: ampamplifierbest amp 2019best dacbest dac 2019best dac and ampbest dac and amplifierbest dac/ampbest headphone ampbest headphone amplifierbluetoothbluetooth dacdacdesktopdesktop ampdesktop dacheadphone ampheadphone amplifieriFiiFi AudioJDS Labsportableportable ampportable DACshanlingwireless
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Latest YouTube Videos

JDS Labs decided to skip the Element II+ and designed the Element III from the ground up - around a different DAC Chip. They have added a digital volume attenuator along with optical input, and decided to implement changes that make an audible difference instead of chasing specs.

Buy here: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug

Full blog review: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/jds-labs-element-iii-review/

JDS Labs Blog: https://blog.jdslabs.com/2022/01/jds-labs-element-iii-official-release-benchmarks/

0:00 - Intro
0:20 - development of Element III
0:51 - Design / Features
3:19 - Sound
5:06 - Conclusion

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OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
JDS Labs Element III DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLjlXSVBfNUZiQkEw
We have carefully put together a list of our current best buys, we have selected products from different categories and items to suit all budgets. Let us know what you think of the list, and if you have any of the products listed or have any items you think we should check out. 

0:00 - Intro
0:28 - Lypertek PurePlay Z5
0:50 - Final ZE3000
1:07 - Lypertek SoundFree S20
1:26 - SoundMAGIC E11c
1:42 - Oriveti OH300
2:03 - Campfire Audio Holocene
2:22 - 64 Audio U6t
2:45 - 64 Audio tia Fourte
3:03 - Etymotic ER-4SR
3:24 - SoundMAGIC P23BT
3:46 - Final UX3000
4:04 - Sennheiser HD660s
4:27 - Audeze LCD-2 Classic
4:53 - Final D8000 
5:18 - Audeze LCD-5
5:44 - Periodic Audio Rhodium
6:08 - JDS Labs Atom Amp+
6:27 - JDS Labs Element III
6:59 - Burson Soloist 3X GT

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Blog Post - https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/best-headphones-earphones-hifiheadphones/

Earphones: 

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-pureplay-z5?
Final ZE3000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-ze3000-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black?
Lypertek SoundFree S20 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-soundfree-s20-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black?
SoundMAGIC E11c - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-e11c-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-mic-black?
Oriveti OH300 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/oriveti-oh300-hybrid-triple-drivers-iem-earphones-with-detachable-cable?
Campfire Audio Holocene - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/campfire-audio-holocene-triple-balanced-armature-drivers-iem-earphones-with-detachable-mmcx-cable?
64 Audio U6t - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/64-audio-u6t-six-drivers-universal-iem-earphones-with-detachable-cable?
64 Audio tia Fourte - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/64-audio-tia-fourte-four-drivers-universal-iem-earphones?
Etymotic ER-4SR - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/etymotic-er4-sr-studio-reference-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-replaceable-cable?

Headphones:

SoundMAGIC P23BT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-p23bt-portable-wireless-headphones-black?
Final UX3000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-ux3000-wireless-active-noise-cancelling-headphones?
Sennheiser HD660s - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/sennheiser-hd660s-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-1?
Audeze LCD-2 Classic - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/audeze-lcd-2-classic-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-and-economy-travel-case-leather-free?
Final D8000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-d8000-planar-magnetic-headphones-with-detachable-cable?
Audeze LCD-5 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/audeze-lcd-5-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-leather?

Amps / DACs

Periodic Audio Rhodium - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier?
JDS Labs Atom Amp+ - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-atom-amp-headphone-amplifier-uk-plug?
JDS Labs Element III - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug?
Burson Soloist 3X GT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/burson-audio-soloist-3x-gt-headphone-amplifier-pre-amp?

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Latest Reviews:
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OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
HiFiHeadphones Best Buys - Headphones, Earphones, Amps and DACs
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLkxvMXJUak5BV18w
Ever wondered what the difference is between Passive noise isolation and ANC (Active Noise Cancelling)? 

Well watch on as we explain the core differences and the pros and cons of each system. 

Have a preference? Let us know in the comments. 

Any other questions about tech or headphones/earphones? Do put them in the comments too and we will reply and potentially make a video about it. 

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Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
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OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
- Manfrotto 504HD/546BK Tripod
Passive Isolation vs ANC in Headphones and Earphones
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLnZORGpkZVdqZUNj

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  • @westoneaudio have just released a new range of earphones - the MACH series - ideal for professionals and audiophiles alike!

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  • @campfireaudio are known for doing things differently - their new custom IEM uses a single planar magnetic driver. These are really interesting, and sound incredible too - check out the announcement on our blog.

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Check out our handy guide on how to look after your portable audio gear - over on the blog

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  • Looking for audio on a budget, head to the blog to see our top 5 under £100 audio products to give you better audio on-the-go. 

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@lypertek 
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  • Ever wondered what our top picks are for different categories and different price ranges? 

Well wonder no more, we have put together a comprehensive best buy list over on our blog - so go check it out!

http://ow.ly/n5Fm50IsrQY

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  • Something often overlooked is the importance of eartips, they are responsible for creating an airtight seal in your ear to deliver the best sound possible - not forgetting that different designs and materials also alter the sound. 

This is often quite a complex topic, so check out our guide to eartips over on our blog: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/eartips-how-to-guide-by-hifiheadphones/

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