ZEN Blue 3 Key Features at a Glance:

• Lossless CD Quality Sound – world’s first wireless DAC that can both transmit and receive lossless CD Quality with no data loss
• Has the latest Bluetooth 5.4 as well as aptX Lossless codec, LDAC & LDHC/HWA.
• Switchable Low Latency Mode – perfect for gaming sessions & streaming films/TV. This mode resolves the delay issue between video and audio, meaning they will be in sync.
• Three Function Modes – RX mode which receives Bluetooth from a source device, TY mode which transmits Bluetooth to a device or the wired DAC mode.
• Balanced 4.4mm pentaconn line output – users with a balanced audio set up rejoice! You can look forward to significantly reduced signal noise
• All New Aesthetic – in line with the Zen 3 product series, the Zen Blue 3 showcases an eye-catching two tone front panel design to help it stand out.
• Price £299.00

ZEN CAN 3 Key Features at a Glance:

• xMEMS Support – iFi Audio is proud to be at the forefront of innovation. by incorporating xMEMS support into the ZEN CAN 3, listeners have the option to try innovative speaker technology that pushes the boundaries of headphone performance
• Modern design & superior parts – The ZEN CAN 3 also gets the two-tone makeover and features premium components from top manufacturers like Panasonic, TDK, MELF, Texas Instruments, and muRata. It also includes iFi/AMR’s own ‘OV’ series op-amps for superior performance.
• Gaming and Film Modes – It’s official, the ZEN CAN 3 is built for more than just music. Featuring two new analogue EQ modes, one tuned for Gaming and the other for Films/ TV shows. Movie mode enhances dialogue clarity, while Game mode makes low-level sound effects crystal-clear to keep you one step ahead of your opponents, at all times.
• Xbass & Xspace– both still feature with the all new ZEN CAN 3. XBass+ and XSpace settings ensure precise bass and a wide soundstage.
• Unrivalled power – Perfect for difficult-to-drive headphones, the ZEN CAN 3 brings up to 2,000mW continuous output power to deliver an exceptional sound experience for almost every headphone on the market. The ZEN CAN 3 also features 0-18dB adjustable gain, with +6dB steps to perfectly match your headphones.
• Price £229.00

Interested in iFi Audio? Read more news and reviews here!

The post iFi ZEN Blue 3 & ZEN CAN 3 Out Now! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

As a result of the AKM factory fire late last year, JDS Labs had to refresh the Element II. So they initially decided to develop the Element II+ with a Cirrus Logic DAC chip. However, increasing lead times from Cirrus Logic forced them to go down the ESS Sabre route and ended up developing the all new Element III. (prototypes with a CS and ESS Chip were developed alongside each other). Due to these supply chain issues, JDS Labs decided to essentially cancel the Element II+ and focus on something completely new. Something that was audibly better, The Element III.

Volume Control

One of the main differences between the Element II & III is the volume knob. It may look the same, but it now uses a digital attenuator instead of the analogue volume pot of old. This means you get audibly perfect channel balance right down to -127.5 dBFS. In turn, this allows you to listen at lower volumes and still get the same excellent sound quality. There is a slight drawback to this though as the new Element III no longer has an analogue input due to the digital nature of the volume knob. But they have added an optical input alongside the USB. This was also done to achieve perfect channel balance and also allow them to implement auto-gain.

The Element III has both USB and Optical inputs and can still be used as a pre-amp via the RCA outputs

OLED Screen

There is a small OLED screen on the Element III that shows you some key things like the volume and output selected (HP or pre-out). This is a really handy feature that was missing from previous models.The power for the screen is also separate to the audio channels to make sure there was no impact on the audio quality. There has allowed for a menu, where you can change the brightness, timeout interval, Volume knob LED behaviour and DAC tuning. (Filters, DPLL bandwidth, S/PDIF De-Emphasis and Harmonic compensation).

Auto Gain

Auto-Gain is something really interesting with the Element III. Instead of a separate gain button the amp automatically changes to high-gain (+13.5dB) when the volume is pushed beyond the 0 dBFS threshold. At that point it also compensates volume (-13.5dB) for a near seamless transition. This means no more toggling between high and low gain to get the right listening levels.

As you can see from above, JDS Labs have implemented a lot of new features here. There are also few more geeky ones if you want to check them out (alongside measurements): JDS Labs Element II Benchmarks

Compatibility

As mentioned above, The Element III is a DAC/Amp combo that works with Optical and USB inputs. Output wise it has RCA output for connecting to an external amplifier where you can use the Element III to control the volume. Or even have it set at 0 and use it purely as a DAC. On the front it has a 6.3mm headphone output. The internal amplifier is excellent and provides more than enough output power for most headphones on the market. From sensitive IEM’s to 600Ohm hard to drive dynamic driver over-ears. The only headphones that need more power are low sensitivity planars like the HiFiMAN HE6/Susvara.

Sound

JDS Labs know what they are doing and have implemented changes that have benefitted the sound. With the side effect of slightly better spec on paper too! (inaudible). I have been using an Element II for the last 2 years in my desktop setup. Before that I had the original Element too. They are excellent devices, and perfect for powering all different headphones without issue. they also make the perfect reference point and one that I am very familiar with.

The Element III brings things up a notch though. It still has that signature JDS Labs sound that is clean, linear and effortless but this time it feels smoother and less clinical. The perfect channel balance is something that is noticeable and a welcome addition to already excellent devices. You can now listen with even the most sensitive IEM’s and have zero hiss, zero noise and also zero channel imbalance at low volumes. Not that hiss/noise were ever issues before.

It is natural, neutral and extremely clean sounding which works wonders when it comes to feeding clean power to your headphones.

The Element III doesn’t want to impart a sound signature. It is natural, neutral and extremely clean sounding which works wonders when it comes to feeding clean power to your headphones. It doesn’t colour the sound. Nor will it flatter poor recordings or making things easier on your ear. However, pair it with a pair of headphones you truly enjoy the signature of and voila. You need to try it!

Where to use

There is a great opportunity for studio users to put the JDS Labs Element III in their system. It provides an exceptionally clean sound signature for recording and referencing work. The design is perfect for desktop users. I personally use it for listening to music and also when gaming. The volume knob is so easy to use. I also often use it as a DAC only into another headphone amplifier. And it must be said, the DAC section is very well implemented, sounding very transparent.

Interested in what else JDS Labs has to offer? See all news and reviews here.

The post JDS Labs Element III Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

What is a headphone amplifier?

Simply put, every device that allows you to plug in headphones has an amp built in. The amp takes the audio signal and boosts it, allowing us to hear sound through the headphones. Amps don’t only boost volume; they can add and improve qualities like soundstage and separation. Adding an amp to a setup can also bring extra warmth or clarity. This all depends on the quality of the amp and how it has been designed. The reality is that most people won’t need an external headphone amp. That’s not to say that they wouldn’t benefit from one, though. Smartphones are now a very common music source, and with the technology getting better and better, they do a decent job of delivering good quality sound to most portable headphones and earphones. There are plenty of headphones designed to be used with mobile phones and other low powered portable devices. These headphones generally have a low impedance of up to 32ohm, and high sensitivity of around 100db, so they are very easy to drive and are more likely to go louder. Remember though: not only do amps add extra power but they can also improve the quality of the sound. So, once you start looking at higher quality headphones, improving your amp will start to make more sense as you will want to get the most out of them. No matter how good your headphones are, the sound quality will be limited by how good the amp is.

How to choose a headphone amp

If you’ve decided to go for a headphone amp, you now need to decide which one to go for. There are many to choose from, and they go for anything between £20 to £2000 and more. Amps can be split into two main groups: portable and desktop. If you want to add some power to your phone or laptop, then you will want to look for a portable amp. These amps can be charged, and will run off batteries, making them ideal for using on the move. They are also small in size, and there are some out there (like the Shanling UP4) which can connect to the source wirelessly using Bluetooth.

If you only use your headphones at home, or intend to use headphones that are particularly hard to drive, then you will probably want to go for a desktop amp as they are generally more powerful. Not only are they more powerful, they also tend to have a larger amount of inputs and outputs, making them very versatile. They will need to be plugged it at all times, so will need a power socket to work. As amps can bring their own character to the overall sound quality, it’s worth making sure you choose wisely and pick an amp that will compliment your headphones. For example, if your headphones have a warm or bassy sound then it’s a good idea to go for a neutral or bright sounding amp. This also works the other way around; a warm sounding amp will complement bright headphones and help to balance the sound out.

Get in touch!

If you have any questions about choosing the right amplifier then please feel free to comment below! We’ll be happy to offer advice on this.

The post Headphone Amplifier Buying Guide appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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…

The post Best DACs & Headphone Amps 2020: USB, Portable, Desktop appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The Ni is about the size of a 9v battery, and looks very plain. All black but with the company branding in white on it along with white arrows showing the input/output sockets; sitting between these sockets is an LED. On the other end you have a micro-USB for charging, and that is it, no buttons or switches, just a block with sockets on it.

The build quality is superb, it may be made out of polycarbonate, but it sure is well put together. Tolerances are incredibly tight and the housing is very well put together, along with the fact that the 3.5mm sockets are tight and of very high quality. All of this put together makes the Ni a solid little amp that should easily be up to the task of daily use.

Features:

The Ni does not have an on/off switch or volume control, the sockets sense when a source and headphone are connected and power the amp on. Volume is controlled by the source, and the Ni has a fixed gain of 6.5dB. It will supply 150 mW into 50 Ohms, 250 mW into 32 Ohms, and 270 mW into 16 Ohms. This makes it suitable for most headphones that are used for portable use, and some harder to drive models too.

The battery charges from flat to full in only 30 minutes, and you can expect around 9hrs of battery life from a single charge. The input impedance is very high which means it almost totally bypasses the internal amp of your source. The sockets are TRRS so when you are using it with a mobile phone, mic and controls will still pass through to the phone. The Ni is also engineered to be nearly completely RF and noise interference free.

Sound:

Well Periodic have put a lot of thought into this tiny little amp, so you would hope the results pay off.

Well rest assured all that work didn’t go to waste, the Ni does exactly what it sets out to do without fault. Phone outputs are usually pretty poor, and this little amp really does bring an improvement, and not just in terms of volume.

It goes beyond that and you get a nice quiet background with very low noise, alongside an increased sense of control and responsiveness. Lows sound tighter and more articulate, the midrange sounds better separated and airy, along with effortless extension up top. Of course, a lot of this will depend on the headphones you plug in, but with the Ni you can use a wide range of earphones to headphones and get the same quality performance that a phone simple cannot give on its own.

The Ni doesn’t inject a signature of its own, it does not have any additional bells or whistles, it purely amplifies the signal. But it does so in a very clean and precise manner that is perfect for those with low powered sources or poor headphone outputs.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for a boost in power, or a step up from your phone’s headphones output, the Ni is the perfect solution for on the go use. With great battery life, quick charging time and excellent sound quality, what’s not to love?

Sound:  5/5

Features: 3/5

Build: 4/5

Value: 4/5

The post Periodic Audio Ni (Nickel) Headphone Amplifier Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The Atom is sort of built to be the new Objective2, and it sure looks better from an aesthetic point of view. The Atom is very simplistic, yet the curved edges make it look quite premium for the price. The overall finish and attention to detail is excellent, and it looks really neat sat on a desk.

The build quality is really good, it may not have a nice CNC machined chassis but everything is well finished and put together. The push buttons, volume control, inputs and outputs all feel great. I have no complaints about the build quality whatsoever.

Features:

The Atom incorporates everything the Objective2 should have had. Rear power socket and RCA inputs, front gain and input switch along with a ¼” headphone output. On the back you have both RCA and 3.5mm inputs, along with RCA outputs so you can use the Atom as a pre-amp when you don’t have headphones plugged in.

Sound:

As I have said the Atom was conceived as the next generation Objective2, so is it worthy of that title? In short, Yes, it is.

First off, we have the fact that the Atom is more powerful, nearly twice as powerful at 32 Ohms, so it can drive a wider range of headphones. But with this could come more noise, luckily the Atom shares the same black background and pure reference sound of the Objective2. The output impedance remains less than 1Ohm, so there are no issues using sensitive IEM’s with the Atom.

It is really difficult to describe the Atom, as it really doesn’t anything apart from amplify the sound. It doesn’t add its own character, and this is what JDS Labs were aiming for. Feed it with a good source and you have an excellent system on a budget. Either the EL or OL DAC would be the perfect partner for the Atom.

Lets just face the fact that the Atom does a lot right for the price, and I personally cannot pick any flaws in the design or sound of this little amp. I do not think anything comes close if you are looking for a neutral, uncoloured headphone amp under £200.

Conclusion:

The Atom sets a new standard when it comes to budget headphone amps, it has a clean and reference sound, with plenty of power on tap, it does justice to most headphones. All neatly wrapped up in a well-thought-out chassis, the Atom really is hard to beat.

The post JDS Labs Atom Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Burson have created an incredibly powerful headphone amp, in a small desktop friendly housing. The sound is simply sublime, helped by its dual mono, Class A topology which is fully discreet if used with V6 op-amps.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The Fun, much like the Play, has a more industrial look with a matte black aluminium enclosure with minimal markings. It is definitely not the most luxurious looking amp, but it is what is inside that counts. On the front you have the 6.3mm headphone out, 3.5mm analogue input, and 3.5mm microphone input, and the microphone input is a pass through to the back plate. On the back you have the 3.5mm microphone pass through output, along with RCA inputs and outputs.

Build quality is excellent; you get a sturdy metal chassis with a metal volume knob too. There are rubber feet on the bottom, and all the inputs and outputs feel excellent. You can take the top of the case off easily to roll op-amps, and you can even install it into a PC tower.

Features:

The Fun is mainly a headphone amp, using Class A dual mono circuitry for maximum sound quality. It also features fully discreet components if purchased with the V6 series of op-amps. If not, you can always install them in at a later date.

The Fun is incredibly powerful for its size, powering all but the most power-hungry headphones out there. It also features RCA outputs to be used as a pre-amp- this feature makes it a perfect match with the Bang power amplifier.

There is a microphone pass through which doesn’t touch the internal components but tidies up the cables on your desk if used with gaming headphones.

Sound:

The Fun with V6 Vivid op-amps packs a punch. With most headphones, you won’t need to crank the volume up much to get good listening levels. What is noticeable here is the sheer clarity of the amp: it is focused and controlled, yet the lows hit with incredible authority and power. The midrange is detailed and airy, but not upfront and intimate as some people prefer.  The treble has tons of sparkle and extension, but it never comes across as bright or harsh. The V6 Vivid op-amps make this amp a lot of fun to listen to, and it is incredibly engaging, but it never sounds like there are peaks and dips added to the frequency response to make it this way.

This amp is balanced with maybe a hint of added body and sparkle, the soundstage is wide and the separation is superb. There is air between instruments, and the dynamism is really impressive.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a powerhouse of a headphone amp, a great pre-amp or just something engaging and enjoyable to listen to, the Fun with V6 op-amps should be high on your list. What it does for the price is truly incredible. We highly advise you to come down to our demo room to test it out, especially with the new Sennheiser HD820.

The post Burson Fun V6 Vivid Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The Play is the perfect all in one solution for PC audiophiles, and avid gamers! With a powerful headphone output, super clean DAC section and mic input it has all you need.

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The Play is a more industrial looking unit, with a simple black aluminium casing that feels sturdy and well finished. It is not a fancy looking unit, but it is functional and the size is excellent for desktop use. The LED display on the front looks great, and the volume knob fits in well with the overall design.

Build wise all the sockets are high quality and everything clicks into place tightly, there are sturdy RCA outputs on the back along with the power input. Burson offer a 5-year warranty on their products, so you know this is a unit that is built to last.

Features:

The Play is a DAC/Amp, it only has a USB input so you cannot hook up analogue sources unfortunately. On the upside, you can mount the Play in a PC tower by removing the case. It also has a Molex power connector to hook it up to your PC power supply and a backplate with the RCA outputs on it for use as a pre-amp.

The Play has a mic input on the front, which is not a simple pass through but it contains a high-quality pre-amp inside along with an ADC so it shows up as an input when plugged in via the USB. The quality of the mic input is really impressive, super detailed and quiet too.

Sound:

The Play with the V6 Vivid op-amps is one super combo, the Vivid op-amps are like the name would suggest. They inject a dynamism into your music and gaming experience like no other amp, and yet it doesn’t sound overly coloured either. The Play has an incredibly powerful class-A output stage that will drive the majority of headphones on the market with ease; it isn’t the best match for sensitive earphones though, and favours full-size headphones.

The sound is crisp, clean, and above all punchy. It has an engaging and highly enjoyable sound without becoming fatiguing. There is a tiny bit more body down low, but nothing that is excessive and the midrange is not affected by this. The same with the treble, there is a tiny bit more sparkle but without becoming harsh, as the sound is very natural.

With the Play you can roll op-amps to your heart’s content, but if you are looking for a great all rounder that injects a little fun into your listening, the V6 Vivid model is perfect.

Conclusion:

The Play with V6 Vivid is a versatile and powerful DAC/Amp that fits into a PC tower and includes a great mic pre-amp. Burson know how to make an excellent sounding and well built DAC/Amp, the Play is really an excellent piece of kit for the price.

The post Review: The Burson Audio Play V6 Vivid appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Shanling UP Portable Headphone USB DAC and Amplifier

Up your portable audio game with the Shanling UP, with excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage, a must have for the audiophile on the go.

Pros:

• Clarity
• Size
• Value for money

Cons:

• None for the price

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Shanling UP is a tiny little device, the size of a memory stick, with a glossy black front and matter black rear. It has a USB tybe C socket on the top and a 3.5mm headphone jack output on the bottom, on the front an LED will light up telling you the device is on and what sample rate is playing. It is so simplistic and elegant it will fit into any system with ease.

The build quality is excellent with the glass front and the rest of the body being aluminium. Both sockets feel tight, and there is nothing on it to go wrong.

Accessory wise all you get is various cables, which is all that is needed. You get a lightning to USB C, USB C to USB C, Micro USB to USB C and a regular USB to USB C cable, so it covers most phones and PC use.

Ease of use

The UP does not have an internal battery, it just plugs into your device and runs as a DAC/Amp. It should work with most android devices that support OTG accessories, iPhones with lightning port and also PC’s. With the new Windows 10 creators update you no longer need to install drivers.

The devices has no buttons, thus you control the volume level via your phone or PC, I had no issues getting it to work with a Samsung phone, and a regular Windows 10 PC. It is recommended you use the Hiby music app when using the UP.

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READ MORE: NuForce uDAC5 Portable Headphone DAC/Amp Review

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Sound Quality

The UP is so clean, so clear it is hard to go wrong for the price. I am a DAP user, and don’t use my phone for music as I like having files stored locally. But the trend to not want to carry an extra device nowadays has grown and also Apple did away with the headphone jack so the market for portable DAC/Amps is booming.

There are plenty out there, but few that offer full DSD support and an ES9018 DAC chip for this price. The Shanling UP may only be able to output 35mW @32 Ohms, but it gets loud and driver easy to medium hard to drive headphones.

From IEM’s to portable full-size headphones you will be guaranteed to get much cleaner and better separated sound with the UP.

• Bass

The bass is tight and controlled, with precise kick and good body to back it up, the bass notes also decay as they should.

• Mids

There is no added body to the lows, this means the midrange is allowed to shine and it does, with vocals coming across clean with excellent detail retrieval. There is also plenty of air around notes which allows you to pinpoint each and every part of the recording.

• Treble

The treble is well extended without any harsh metallic tone to it, what is best about the highs is their imaging, the placement within the soundstage is critical and this little device has managed to get it spot on.

Conclusion

The Shanling UP is a superb High Resolution DAC/Amp for portable use, if you have some good headphones, you are not hearing their full potential out of a phone. This will change that, the UP with give you the clarity, detail and soundstage that your phone simply cannot.

Even being used with a PC there is a substantial upgrade from the on-board audio, so this can be used on your morning commute with your phone, then plug it into your PC at work and enjoy the same quality of music.

The post Shanling UP Portable DAC / Amplifier Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

NuForce uDAC5 Mobile DAC/Amp Review

The Optoma Nuforce uDAC5 is an excellent little DAC/Amp that cannot be beaten in size or sound for the price. It is a solid unit with a slightly smooth sound that is sure to please.

Pros:

• Size
• Build
• Sound

Cons:

• None for the price

Aesthetics, Build Quality and Accessories

The Nuforce uDAC5 is a tiny little thing, that looks great with a clean metal housing and good sized volume knob. The casing is all metal with a LED light on the front indicating it is on, along with the volume knob and headphone socket, inputs and outputs on the back and that is it.

Built quality is excellent, with the all metal case and solid sockets this little thing is built to survive. The volume pot moves smoothly and everthing feels well put together, the finish of the case is impeccable.

Accessories are not really included, all you get is the DAC, USB cable and quick start guide. I would have like to have seen some rubber feet included, maybe a pair of RCA cables too. But most people already have interconnects so not a huge issue.

Ease of use and Features

The uDAC5 is simple and easy to use, with the latest Windows 10 update, it is plug and play with no need to install drivers. Otherwise the drivers are available from the Nuforce website, I had no issues getting the DAC to work and it just started playing music instantly.

The RCA outputs are controlled by the volume pot, and not a fixed line out. This means you can use this with active monitors, but if you are going into an external amp set the volume to 100%.

It can also be used to convert USB signal to a coaxial for use with an external DAC that has no USB input.

Sound Quality

First off I will say the headphone output has fairly high gain and can drive the Beyerdynamic DT990 600 Ohm with ease, it also worked well with less sensitive IEM’s but won’t be the best match with very sensitive IEM’s unless you lower the volume in windows.

Out of the headphone output the uDAC5 has excellent sound throughout the range, it is not bright and clinical yet still brings out the detail in music. It is a big step up from on board audio out of a PC/Laptop, the sound is sightly warm and euphoric with good separation. I do find the internal amp to be fine for casual listening with easy to drive headphones, but you will notice a difference when going to a full size desktop amp with harder to drive headphones.

Everything is well placed in the mix, the lows hit hard and dig deep, vocals have a sweetness to them that is quite pleasing and highs have good definition and extension, lacking only the micro detail and air that higher end equipment offers.

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READ MORE: Grado SR80e Audiophile Headphone Review

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As a pure DAC the uDAC5 is clean and clear without any real flaws, it works really well in any system providing a big step up from on-board audio. I feel there is still a slight smoothness to the overall sound which does get rid of any potential harshness but can slightly hide some micro detail.

Conclusion

For the price the Nuforce uDAC5 is an excellent piece of kit, it would be perfect for a coffee shop setup, or a small office rig, it is also perfect as a DAC for active desktop monitors and to feed an external amp at home.

It is not for driving really demanding headphones to their full potential, it is for casual listening and getting better sound out of a PC on a budget, and for this purpose it is a no brainer.

The post Optoma NuForce uDAC5 Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

One question we get asked a lot is ‘do I need a headphone amplifier?’ This article will inform you of the benefits of adding an amplifier to your existing setup, or buying an amplifier with your new headphones.

When you’re buying some new headphones it’s always good to think about what your source will be; whether it’s an iPhone, Laptop, DAP (Digital Audio Player), your home HiFi or a bit of everything, figure out which has the lowest output and if it can drive your chosen headphone. So if you use a mobile phone as your main source and you’ve decided on some Shure SE535 earphones which are hard to drive, you will need a headphone amp to add some extra power so you can get the most from your new purchase.

There are plenty of headphones designed to be used with mobile phones and other low powered portable devices; these headphones generally have low impedance (up to 32ohm) and high sensitivity (100db and over) so they are very easy to drive. This doesn’t mean that you won’t benefit from an amp; not only do amps add extra power but they can also change the sound by improving sound stage, separation and depending on the amp add warmth or brightness.

Another benefit of getting a headphone amp is that some of them have EQ settings on them, so you can adjust the amount of bass you want depending on what you’re listening to.

If you have decided to go for a headphone amp you now need to decide which one to go for, there are many to choose from and they go for anything between £20 and £1500. Amps can be split into two main groups, portable and desktop. If you are going for a portable amp then you could go for something like the FiiO E12 which is powerful enough to drive most portable headphones, it is a good size and has a bass boost setting. If you require more power then you could go for the OPPO HA-2 or the Cypher Labs Picollo. Both of these amps can drive most headphones and they will also improve the sound quality, with the HA-2 being slightly warmer than the Picollo. For the harder to drive headphones there is the Cypher Labs Duet. This amp has adjustable gain settings and provides a less distorted, more accurate sound with plenty of power.

If you only use your headphones at home then you should go for a desktop amplifier as they are generally more powerful. There is a much larger range of desktop amplifiers and you really should know what headphone you will be using before choosing the amp, for example if your headphones have a warm/bassy sound then it’s a good idea to go for a brighter/detailed amplifier. This also works the other way around; a warm sounding amp will compliment bright headphones and balance the sound out.

If you have any questions about choosing the right amplifier then give us a call at Hifi Headphones on 01903 768 910 or you can send an email to support@hifiheadphones.co.uk – we will be more than happy to help.

The post Do I Need A Headphone Amplifier? – Buying Guide appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The Beyerdynamic A2 Headphone Amp is now available to purchase from our on-line store. (please call 01903 768910 for further information.

The A2 is Beyerdynamic’s new addition to their range of audiophile headphone amplifiers. Newly developed from scratch and already awarded with the renowned”Red Dot Award: Product Design 2014″, the A2 headphone amplifier does not only impress with its unbelievably natural and powerful airy sound, but also with its clear and high-quality design.

Main Features

• Discrete electronics for best audio reproduction
• Amazingly natural and brilliant sound reproduction with an excellent resolution and spatiality
• Two parallel headphone outputs for two listeners to enjoy music simultaneously
• Convenient remote control for all functions
• Slide switches for selectable gain and impedance
• Headphone stand included (can be mounted to the A2) for compact storage of headphones
• Elegant design with transparent glass cover enabling you to look at the illuminated interior

The post Beyerdynamic A2 Headphone Amp appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Enter the world of the professional audio decoder FiiO E18 with the convenience of listening to music from Smartphones, and the pleasure of high fidelity audio.

Reference quality digital-to-analogue audio conversion for music played via compatible Android smartphones. FiiO E18 is compatible with Samsung Galaxy S3/S4/Note2, HTC One, and other Android devices with USB OTG and USB digital audio output capabilities.

FiiO E18 can be used USB DAC and amp as replacement of the on-board soundcard on computers and laptops. FiiO E18 serves as a dedicated headphone amplifier when connected to portable audio players.

The user-friendly volume knob design with symmetrical volume roller is resistant to accidental bumps, yet easy to adjust. When used as power source, the automatic cut-off and self-recovery function of charging current limiter IC on the E18 protects the phone. The 3500mAh Li-polymer battery achieves 25 hours playtime when used as amplifier only, and 12 hours utilising the DAC and amp combination.

• Performs reference quality digital-to-analogue audio conversion for Android smartphones
• Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S3/S4/Note2, HTC One and Android devices
• USB DAC functionality for computers and laptops
• Works with laptop and desktop computers at up to 24-Bit / 96kHz high definition audio
• High-end op-amp audio output circuitry with ultra low distortion and noise
• 3500mAh battery for up to 25 hours of use as an amp-only, or up to 12 hours as DAC+amp
• Charges in 4 hours with optional 2A USB adapter

To purchase the unit, please visit our website:

Buy FiiO E18 Kunlun Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier

The post FiiO E18 Kunlun Portable USB DAC & Headphone Amplifier – Announcement appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

For many a year, we’ve had great fun at the expense of the music fan on the move; what about those roller skaters with half a coconut over each ear? Then of course there’s the Atlas figure with a ghetto blaster and curvature of the spine, and who can forget that legion of listeners with those white buds of mediocrity?

“Darn these Confederate batteries!”

For some however, no compromise is acceptable; great sound quality just has to be paramount. A lump in the trousers causes no embarrassment in such cases. So who exactly is trying to get these big things in our pants?

There’s a wide selection of portable bits and bobs as we all know; with the more static listener, there’s known to be an entry or ‘low’ end of the market and a high end. Portable devices, by the nature of who they’re generally aimed at, are mostly built around price and convenience; some of them only accepting MP3s or similarly lossy file formats.

Apple’s recent impact on the portable audio market is well known, and although their products have a fair reputation for out-of-the-box audio quality, it’s very difficult to satisfy all scrumpers. Due to the success of Apple’s fruits, other manufacturers deem it worthwhile designing ways to improve the sound quality of these devices.

It’s well known that a low-cost cable can be attached to a 30-pin connection which provides a line-out signal; a signal which bypasses the internal amp of the iDevice, to be fed into an external amplifier. This can give sound quality a boost, certainly where less sensitive headphones are involved. Line-out lightning connectors for newer devices are available via Apple, but they ain’t giving them away.

However, this cuts little ice with those who strive for their jive – Apple’s DAC is still doing the conversion to analogue. Perhaps understandably, Apple would not have such a marketable product if all components were as high-spec as possible, and the DAC is no exception. It’s to get the job done adequately.

Apple has been protective in the past when aftermarket manufacturers wanted to get in between their rind and pips; indeed a hefty royalty has been required should anyone want their product to truly interface with the iDevice’s software. This has affected the price of available gadgets greatly; hopefully this is changing.

Fostex’s HPP1 is one example of a DAC which will decode music on an iDevice, but here we will compare two high-end arrangements provided by Cypher Labs and Just Audio.

..The Theorem 720 with iPod Touch

On one side we have the new Theorem 720 from Cypher Labs; an all-in one solution providing both digital-to-analogue conversion and amplification. On the other, we have the Cypher Labs Solo -R, with separate amplification provided by Just Audio’s A-Class AHA-120. How do these compare, and is the extra bulk of a separate amp (and extra connections) worth it?

The headphones I used for this are at a similar level – the effortless Beyerdynamic T1. Being a semi-open headphone, these are not the first choice for portable use but are excellent for judging the subtle differences in sound quality between high-end rigs, and for  illustrating how powerful the amps are.

The Theorem 720 blew me away with its accuracy and power, but the latter depends on the mastering of the recording. For instance Aha’s ‘Take On Me’ (what better to test this against the AHA-120?) was blisteringly loud, but Queen’s ‘Another One Busts the Dust’ needed more headroom. Of course, the T1 headphones are rated at 600 Ohms with 102 dB sensitivity, so the bar’s unrealistically high for portable power requirements. It gives a good comparative impression though.

Bass was present and under good control. The mids had great detail and strength, and the highs were crisp and clean. Soundstage and separation were very immersive, and I was very impressed with what I heard. However, specialist interconnects such as those supplied by ALO Audio were not used, just the standard 30-pin to Micro-B USB connection provided with the Cypher Labs unit.

It’s not hard to imagine that a plethora of high quality interconnects will be available soon for the Theorem.

..Just Audio AHA-120 with the Solo –R and iPod Touch

So then I popped on the T1s with the same 30-pin iPod – now with a Cypherlabs Solo -R, and the Just Audio AHA-120 headphone amp. There was an ALO Audio interconnect between the iPod and Solo -R, and an iBasso 3.5mm to 3.5mm between
the Solo -R and AHA-120. This rig has a slight advantage here.

The bass was a little more present, but by no means excessive. Mids were more recessed than with the Theorem, and high frequencies not so clinically accurate. The soundstage was a little narrower too.

But for all that, I far prefer the Solo -R/AHA-120 combo as it sounds so effortless and natural. The difference is like that of spandex and silk. Spandex is functional, comfortable and easily cared for. Silk on the other hand reqiuires a little more TLC and is expensive. But all that trouble seems unimportant when hitting the town with my silk shirt on – the pleasure of wearing ultra-stylish, comfortable and cool fabrics makes all that seem unimportant.

And so it is with the Solo -R/AHA-120. Even the sound of fingernails scraping the surface of a blackboard would create a large smile across my face when heard through this rig.

The post Cypher Labs Theorem 720 Vs. Solo -R / Just Audio AHA-120 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

First Impressions

The Theorem comes in much the same packaging as its recent predecessors; good for getting the product to you, but likely to turn dog-eared before long if used for storing the item between sessions. There’s a booklet with a few FAQ-type questions and answers, perfect for those who like to get stuck in. I had this unit for the weekend, but was unable to charge it – it is distributed within the UK along with its default 2-pin US plug. Any orders from hifiheadphones.co.uk will of course be shipped with an extra UK-specific power supply.

As luck would have it though, the battery was well charged enough already and I was able to sample the unit both as an DAC with an iPod, and as a PC DAC. The unit comes with connectors for use with the Apple iPhone 5, iPhone 4(s) and some Android devices; depending on software the Theorem can be a DAC for HTC and Samsung models, for instance. I tried to get some functionality on my Huawei handset, but the recommended software is not compatible with my firmware so that was that. Indeed, for supported devices there is a charge for the full version of the suggested app on the Google play store.

The Theorem is built very well and like other Cypher Labs products, it feels as if it wouldn’t be out of place clipped to the side of an Abrams tank. I was careful not to drop it for fear of damaging the floor.

Uses & Features

Now that amplification is a part of what Cypher Labs does, I was looking forward to trying the Theorem as a plain headphone amp with my Walkman before delving any deeper. However there is no ‘Line-in’ socket which was a tad disappointing, and I returned to the office ipod to provide the audio.

There are 3 gain settings (L,M & H) but with my Phonak PFE 232s, I found myself stuck between the lower two settings. Admittedly the 232s have a 49 ohm impedance which is an unusual number, but the lowest gain setting had me wishing for more headroom, and the medium gain hardly allowed any movement of the volume pot before it got too loud. Also the gain selector switch stands proud slightly – I would feel nervous if using in-ear headphones on the street, it’s easy to imagine the switch getting knocked inadvertently.

The USB input is on the same end of the Theorem as the headphone socket which is a good improvement; should the rig go into a pocket or bag, the cables will not be such a problem.

Sound Quality

With my Phonak PFE 232s the presentation was certainly on the cool side for me, at least with the grey filters in the 232s. I exchanged these for the green filters which cut down a bit on the higher frequencies and tamed the sound. There was an unattractive ‘edge’ to the mid-frequencies which needed attention. Other than this, the presentation was very involving and there was a good amount of soundstage for in-ear headphones.

Leaving the 232s, I tried my old AKG K240 DF studio monitors with a very flat frequency response. I have found these headphones indispensable for mixing and arranging, but generally they aren’t the most fun to listen to. However the Theorem made them sound incredible and brought them up to a decent volume for me. Perhaps a little more headroom would be nice for those quieter recordings, but given that these headphones feature 600 ohms of Austrian intransigence, this is very good going for the Theorem.

Finally I tried the HifiMAN HE-400s which really is a superb match. The relative brightness of the amp (for me) complimented the HE-400’s warm character, and there is more than enough power to drive these orthodynamic headphones to their full potential.

Verdict

An excellent choice for those who will accept no compromise when on the move, and who have headphones which will reveal the extra information which the Theorem can glean. Big pockets are still needed to afford the device and carry it about, but given that it does the same work that two units did formerly, those pockets needn’t get too frayed.

Pros

• One unit instead of two
• Headphone cable/USB connections at the same end of the device
• Good and powerful

Cons

• Gain selector switch can be knocked accidentally
• No 3.5mm Line In socket
• Android devices require a separate app which is not free

The post Cypher Labs Theorem 720 DAC & Headphone Amplifier – Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.