Choosing a DAC/Amp
Desktop Simplicity
So you don't want to give up a lot of desk space, but you want better sound. Good news! We have plenty of one-box options. Or go for a "stack" (separate amp stacked on top of DAC) for more flexibility.
Fulla E, $109. Fulla plugs into virtually any computer and drives most headphones with ease. It also provides a microphone input, so it is perfect for gaming or home office use.
Choose Fulla E for:
Home office or gaming
Most bang for the buck
Most headphones
Hel 2E, $199. Hel 2E ups the game with much higher power output than Fulla E. It also provides automatic UAC1/2 switching for console compatibility, optical input for monitor and console compatibility, and stereo microphone input, so it is also an ideal choice for for gaming or home office use.
Choose Hel for:
Home office or gaming
Much higher power, optical input, gain switching
Most headphones
Asgard 3, from $249. Asgard 3 is an insanely affordable, configurable amp or amp/DAC that works with pretty much any headphone. With 500mW of Class A bias and 3500mW RMS power output, it delivers great sound, and tons of power.
Choose Asgard for:
Excellent performance for virtually any headphone
Single-box desktop solution with an added DAC card
No obsolescence—modular and upgradable for the future
Jotunheim 2, from $399. Jotunheim 2 is a fully balanced amp that works perfectly with pretty much any headphone—balanced, single-ended, IEM, planar, whatever. Plus, it can be customized with an ES9028 DAC, or MM phono preamp.
Choose Jotunheim 2 for:
End-game performance for both balanced and single-ended sources and headphones
Tons of power and a very low noise floor, ideal for any headphone
No obsolescence—modular and upgradable for the future
Stack, $238-4,498. If you're looking for something different—tubes, multibit DACs, etc, you can also create your own system by choosing a separate amp and DAC from our broad line and stacking them on top of each other. Fair warning: at the top end, the stacks are big and not exactly desk-friendly!
Choose a Stack for:
Ultimate in flexibility to mix and match
Advanced needs, such as tubes, multibit DACs, or phono
See Magni Headphone Amp
See Modi DAC
See Loki Mini EQ
See Mani Phono Preamp