Op Amp is a specialized device that amplifies weak electric signals into strong signals. An operational amp can boost the audio signal to produce powerful sound in high-impedance headphones.
The remarkable features of Op headphone amps are charming sound output, a wide range of connectivity and compatibility. Moreover, the op-amp offers excellent power wattage and EQ controls.
This guide will review the top 5 Best Op amps for headphone amplifiers. In the meantime, you will know the crucial buying consideration guide for the op-amp.
Our Top Picks
- Best For Portability– Pyle 500W Karaoke Wireless Amplifier
- Best for Ultra-compact design– Behringer MICROAMP Headphone Amplifier
- Best for professional grade sound– PreSonus HP4 4-Channel Headphone Amplifier
- Best for Noise Isolation– Pyle 4-Channel Portable Headphone Amplifier
- Best for advanced Bluetooth connectivity– Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier
Top 5 Best op-amp review
There is a wide range of off-amps in the market. However, not all brands and models are suitable for headphone amplifiers. We have researched several op amp models from different brands. The good news is that only six out of a wide range of op amps have incredible performance.
1. Pyle 500W Karaoke Wireless Amplifier
Specification
- Dimension: 10.71 x 12.99 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 9.64 pounds
- Power Output:500 Watt MAX
- Amplifier Design: 4-Channel
- Impedance: 4-8 Ohms
Pyle is a decent-quality op-amp for headphones. It comes with transparent sound, affordable price and sturdy construction. High power wattage, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple audio inputs and equalizer control options are the best attractions of this headphone amp. Moreover, its portable design has greatly increased its acceptance by everyone.
Key Features:
- This 4-channel op-amp has 500-watt peak power to produce high-quality audio for headphones and home theater.
- Pyle is designed with wireless Bluetooth connectivity. So, compatibility with all the latest smart devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops becomes easier.
- It is built to receive input signals from various devices like built-in FM radio, USB, micro-SD, AUX playback and microphone.
- The specialized talk-over button allows the user to temporarily turn off the playing music. This feature is amazing for making voice over, paging and announcement.
- Featured on equalizer controls for volume adjustment and remote control for distance audio control
Pros:
- Multiple input options, compatibility and wireless connection
- Included a remote control and FM antenna for a better experience
Cons:
- Some customers are concerned about built quality
- It is capable of 4-channel and 8 analog speakers
SEE HERE : Get more Bluetooth Headphones
2. Behringer MICROAMP Headphone Amplifier
Specification
- Dimension: 4.08 x 2.25 x 1.83 inches
- Connectivity Technology: Auxiliary
- Amplifier Design: 4-Channel
- Weight: 13.1 ounces
- Voltage: 240 Volts
Behringer MICROAMP is an impressive amplifier dedicatedly designed for headphones. It is a nice combination of ultra-compact design and affordable price. Besides, this allows us to listen to the playback music altogether in concert. Even, this amplifier has an excellent monitor distribution system. So, everyone in the group can hear music from their own headphones and control their preferred volume.
Key Features:
- Behringer 4-channel op amp is compatible with almost all types of headphones.
- It can produce outstanding audio quality at maximum volume
- Easy to use with four individual pairs of headphones with separate volume control
- The attractive silver color appearance is adaptable to all musical environments
Pros:
- The ultra-compacted design makes it convenient to set up small space
- It is designed for different output-level control
- Behringer is far more affordable than another headphone amplifier
Cons:
- Some customers have complained about underwhelming gain level and louder sound output.
3. PreSonus HP4 4-Channel Headphone Amplifier
Specification
- Dimension: 5.5 x 1.75 x 5.5 inches
- Power Source: Corded electric
- Amplifier Design: 4-Channel
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Output wattage: 130 Watts
PreSonus has become a popular choice among music enthusiasts. The PreSonus amp will be your best buddy if you feel the strain of hearing from your headphones. The PreSonus is cute-looking, light in weight, sturdy in construction and perfect for performance. Besides, its improved features and conveniences make it an awesome choice for headphone users.
Key Features:
- The compacted 1/3 of a standard space is easy to set up on a tabletop or rack.
- It has a line output to connect with a larger HP4 or larger HP60 headphone amplifier.
- A simple four-headphone output design allows for preferred music adjustment.
- Producing professional-grade pure sound from the headphones is a great operational amp.
Pros:
- Available in different style and pattern
- Comes with return, refund and replacement within 30 days
- Compacted size and quietest 98dB noise level
- Great for studio work or sharing a movie or show
Cons:
- It has a limited 130 watts power output
- It is not ideal for the larger audio system
4. Pyle 4-Channel Portable Headphone Amplifier
Specification
- Dimension: 4.3 x 2 x 5.8 inches
- Power Source: Corded electric
- Amplifier Design: 4-Channel
- Weight: 10.4 ounces
- Power Supply Included: DC 12V/150mA
Pyle 4-Channel is designed to get outstanding audio performance from headphones. The speciality of this amplifier is holding 4 stereo headphones and producing clear sound in noisy environments. Besides, it is featured on the rotary volume control and monitor distribution system. Moreover, it becomes felicitated for an extremely affordable price.
Key Features:
- High-powered amplifier with superior audio and output level adjustment
- The rotary volume control allows to adjust the volume from individual headphone users
- The monitor distribution system allows to control of 4-pair headphones together
- Dedicated output level controls make the volume control from each person
- Equipped with w/ ¼” TRS source input and w/ 4 ¼” stereo headphone TRS output connector
- 4 high-powered stereo amps ensure sonic audio at maximum volume
Pros:
- LED power indicator is easy to access in this amp
- Portable design is convenient to transport
- Extremely budget-friendly headphone amp
Cons:
- It has a downside, including poor quality control
5. Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier
Specification
- Dimension: 7.1 x 4.1 x 7.9 inches
- Power Source: Corded electric
- Amplifier Design: Dual-channel
- Weight: 1 pound
- Power: 110/220V Voltage Selector, 50/60Hz
Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier is one of the latest wireless Bluetooth amps for headphones. Its version 5.0 Bluetooth range is around 40 plus fit. However, it also has a 3.5mm to RCA jack converter to connect with any audio device.
Its Treble, bass, and volume control functions allow you to get the exact audio output from this amplifier. Moreover, this op amp has excellent features of multiple audio device connectivity, LED indicator and EQ controls.
Key Features:
- Offers a wide range of connectivity with tuner, VCR to the RCA, tape deck, camcorder and CD DVD player.
- Dual channel with 2×40 watts peak power allows you to enjoy music from w/ 4 8 ohms impedance headphones.
- The LED indicator on the power switch ensures that the amp is turned on. It also keeps this professional op amp safe.
- Push-type speaker terminal design is easy to connect with the speaker wire
- The rotary knob control function allows you to adjust the bass and treble.
Pros:
- Available in two styles, 240 and 80 watts
- Power switch buttons are crisp and responsive
Cons:
- There is no return option even in case of a faulty product
The Buying Consideration for Op-Amp for Headphone
Op amps are specialized devices to improve the hearing experience with headphones. But what features make an op-amp ideal for headphones? Let’s know the considerations before purchasing.
Portable VS. Desktop:
If you are used to spending more time at the home studio, then a desktop op-amp is a good choice. On the other hand, a portable op-amp works like a desktop amp. But portable devices have added conveniences to carry anywhere with you.
Cheap VS. Expensive:
Price isn’t directly related to the main functions of a headphone amp. But expensive amp always comes with some extra features, strong built and conveniences. Besides, a pricy amp provides more outputs, internal DACs and noise cancelling for surround sound.
Sound Quality:
It is the core consideration when choosing a headphone amp. A headphone op-amp is designed to boost headphone sound quality. But you should check the sound quality before buying whether you go for an affordable or expensive one.
DACs Feature:
If you hear music from streaming services, then the DACs feature isn’t required. But having a DAC (Digital to analogue converter) is important when using an analogue audio system. It’s good to know that all the latest OP headphone amps have DAC features.
Bluetooth and Wireless Connection:
Most of the headphone amp comes with Bluetooth function. If you feel the hassle of using a cable, then go with a Bluetooth-functioned op-amp. Generally, a portable headphone amp comes with a Bluetooth system. The desktop version comes with a wired connection.
A wired connection is better than Bluetooth to reproduce the original sound. If you are using your headphones at home, a wired amp would be a great choice. However, you can get some op amp with wired and wireless connectivity. It would be excellent if you choose an op amp with multiple connectivity.
Gain Switches:
There are several headphones that come with gain switches. Gain refers to the signal-increasing power of an amplifier. Looking at an op amp headphone amplifier circuit can clear the confusion among an amp’s gain level and sound level. But gain and volume are different things in the amplifier. Users can adjust their preferred sound quality by switching between low and high gain. In this case, the best way is to choose a headphone amp with a gain knob.
Best Op Amp for Headphone Amplifier Reddit
We have researched the real user experience of the op-amp on Reddit. So, there are different opinions from different users. However, they agree with the basic features of an ideal op amp for headphones. For example, an op-amp would have enough gain, sound quality, wireless and wired connectivity and more. Here are some of the best op amps for headphone amplifiers from Reddit suggestions.
- Op-amp Burr-Brown OPA2132PA
- Op-amp NE5532 and LM4562 A07
- Opa1688 and opa 1612
Read : Best Budget Sennheiser Headphones
Final Words:
Here we are ending this review guide. We hope you got all the information about the best op-amp headphone amplifiers. We already mentioned the top five op amps for headphones. So, you can choose one from the above list. Besides, there is a detailed buying consideration guide that will help to get the best op-amp.