Best Headphone Amps
Stupendous-Sounding AudioQuest DragonFly Red USB DAC/Headphone Amp Decodes MQA, Has 32-Bit SABRE DAC, Drives Almost Any Headphones, Works with Apple and Android Playing music on your computer, laptop, stereo, smartphone, tablet, or powered speakers becomes exponentially better, more authoritative, and stunningly lifelike with the groundbreaking AudioQuest DragonFly Red DAC/headphone amplifier . Among the most exciting audio products in recent memory – and named The Absolute Sound 's Product of the Year Award (Budget Component), Stereophile 's Product of the Year (Digital Component and Budget Component) What Hi-Fi 's Product of the Year (USB DAC), and Computer Audiophile 's DAC of the Year – DragonFly Red sets new benchmarks for how much performance, portability, and flexibility is possible from an asynchronous USB DAC. 32-Bit SABRE DAC.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I discovered the audiophile world (or rabbit hole, depending on who you ask) several months ago, and have enjoyed trying various headphones + DACs/AMPs + hi-res tracks over that time. My goal is to (1) find combinations I like and stick with them vs endlessly salivating over things I don't own, (2) find good values that fit my lifestyle and make common sense (e.g. no telling my kids they can't go to college because I need new headphones, but also not fooling myself into thinking a $20 pair will somehow sound summit-fi) and (3) never become the guy who uses snooty "audio sommelier" terms I read all too often on message boards. In the DAC/AMP world I've already gone through the Fiio Q1 (was fine, but didn't really do much for me) and the OPPO HA-2 (looked super slick -- made everything louder -- but ultimately was too harsh/sterile in the treble dept). I'm playing it through an iPhone 5s connected via the Apple CCK (using Onkyo HF Player), an iPod Touch 6th Gen (through Korg's iAudioGate) and also through my Macbook Air (using Roon). If you haven't read up on Roon I'd highly recommend it --- it allows you to play higher res tracks on your Mac computer...it's a lot more fun/intuitive/exploratory than the native iTunes player...it integrates with Tidal...and it absolutely makes your music sound better. Also, there's more separation between instruments, creating the "space" that you read about, so it feels like you're in the studio surrounded by musicians rather than just being presented a wall of sound. Also, geeky cool thing that's actually helpful: the dragon on the device glows and changes colors, to tell you what sample rate your music is. I spent about a week with it, and my 100% honest-to-goodness takeaway was: I personally could not hear an audible difference between the DragonFly Red and the Mojo. And Red is 1/3 the cost, firmware upgradeable, much more discreet/portable and never requires charging (I already had one annoying instance where I sat down to listen to music, but Mojo's battery died 10 minutes later and had to be recharged for 3 hours)."
"I purchased a pair of Hifiman 400i headphones and was disappointed in the volume and overall sound quality I was getting out of my PC."
"Made my previous DAC(Which was pretty good) seem anemic."
"I am stunned at how good this Dac is for MQA."
"This was a gift for my son who is really into quality sound and he loves it."
"I also listened with brand new AKG Quincy Jones headphones and heard no difference."
DAC ChipThe internal DAC chip is a PCM5102 and can handle PCM files up to 24-bit/96 kHz while improving audio quality through via a linear internal filter, reduced delay and internal silence on changing tracks, and no phase shifts.Low Noise Floor The unit has an optimized low-pass filter and selectable bass boost circuit that are designed for a low noise floor in all states.Amplification Stage The E10K features a LMH6643 op amp, which is designed for transient response and driving power.Portable DesignA brushed aluminum shell and chassis allow for durable portable use. DAC Chip—The Internal DAC chip is a PCM102 and can handle PCM files up to 24-bit/96 kHz while improving audio quality via a linear filter, reduced delay and internal silence on changing tracks, and no phase shifts.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"It's a fine device for what it is, but it has two main limitations: lack of power in the amp, and an annoying click in the audio every time it kicks on after a period of silence. So I began my hunt for its replacement using the criteria of it being under $200, having improved sound characteristics, and with the same general layout. Now that I finally have this thing in my hands and have listened extensively to it, all I can say is I can't believe this thing is only $75. But don't let its diminutive size fool you - this thing packs a punch and will make a big improvement over generic computer audio or entry level stuff like the UCA202."
"However, on some content they would go far louder than I needed them to."
"This thing is incredible."
"But for work, I can't lug around an amp that takes external power and size matters. Another is the 1/8" jack size, I'm torn on if I like this over the 1/4" but for most headphones in the ~$100 range, it sound work ok."
"It doesn't have to control the sound through the OS and provides a smooth analog volume wheel."
"I currently have it mounted to my custom desk right underneath were I sit and the cord stays out of the way when I have my headset on and I can just move my hand down and rock the volume wheel with ease."
SPECIFICATIONS. Dimensions WxHxD: 2.7x5.375x0.5 inches, 68x137x12 mm. Weight: 6.2 oz, 175 grams. Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 200 kHz. Audio-in Level: 1 Vrms. Line-out Level: 1 Vrms. Headphone Impedance: 16 Ohm - 300 Ohm. Max Headphone Output Power: 300 mW into 16 Ohm, 220 mW into 32 Ohm, 30 mW into 300 Ohm. Headphone Amplifier Output Impedance: 0.5 Ohm. Output Jacks: 3.5 mm stereo headphone, 3.5 mm stereo line-out, Input Ports. Analog: 3.5 mm stereo audio-in. Digital: USB A for iPod / iPhone / iPad; USB micro-B for smartphones with USB OTG feature and computers. INCLUDED ACCESSORIES. Power Supply Unit (Rapid Charging Charger). USB A - USB micro-B data and rapid charging cable. USB A - Lightning data cable (for Apple devices). USB micro-B to micro-B data cable (for Android and other smartphones). 3.5 mm - 3.5 mm stereo audio cable. Silicone rubber band (2 pieces). User guide and warranty documents. Enter your model number to make sure this fits.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Here are my impressions of this wonderful dac/headphone amp after using it for about a month at this point: - Fit and finish is excellent, the machined aluminum is iphone-quality and the size is roughly the same as the iphone 7. Every aspect to the sound was massively improved, and I felt as if my iphone was FINALLY a legitimate high end digital source. The sound out of the Oppo is very pure, pristine, and detailed, which is no surprise given that these are pretty much the signature characteristics of the ESS Sabre 9028 chip used. However, what IS astonishing is that the Oppo provides the sense of complete neutrality across the audio entire spectrum, transparent, clean, clear, and exquisite in its presentation, never harsh. I don’t have any experience with the predecessor to this model, the HA-2, but I’ve read that the HA-2SE provides a much lower noise floor in addition to qualities from the new ESS Sabre chip. - After 100+ hours of burn in, I found that the sense of transparency and neutrality was still the dominant sonic signature, but with more extension at the extremes and less digital glare. I picked up a 6” Zeskit lightning to USB 90-degree cable off of Amazon for $17, which I found to be a really great deal given the sound quality it offers. I also bought a slightly longer 1 foot Anker cable for a little more versatility and found it wasn’t quite up to the delicacy and nuance provided by the Zeskit…though with 25 hours of burn in it did begin to step up (perhaps with more run-in it may get there)."
"I started digital hi-fi journey long ago with the nuForce udac2 then upgraded to Schiit Modi/Magni stack then to the JDS Labs Objective DAC/amp combo, but the Oppo blows them all out of the water in terms of sound quality and personal preference. First of all, the provided Lightning to USB cable drops connection constantly, and at random (in the middle of a song, end of a playlist, when notification pops up, etc. I tried replacing the provided cable with the official Apple one, and while the crazy connection flicker was gone, it would still disconnect at odd times. But I just don't understand why Oppo would make such a beautiful product and trash their reputation by including a garbage cable in order to what... save $0.75? But the worst part of it all was that I wrote to Oppo describing the problem, and their response was to the effect of... Yep, it may disconnect at various times, so just keep doing what you're doing. Their nonchalant attitude aside, I find that this defeats the purpose of it purported portability feature, for which I'm paying a premium. I'm willing to deal with the clumsy method of wrapping of the unit with my iPhone with silicone rubber bands but I find it intolerable having to have to stop every few minutes, dig it out of my pocket and reboot or rewire the setup. Besides, Sony unit lacks in the battery life department while the Oppo is absolutely stellar (it can even charge your phone! On the strength of my first impression, I immediately purchased their PM-3 headphone which pairs well (perfect match in fact); 3) It's versatile, as it can connect to my Mac, Surface, iPad and iPhone (theoretically)."
"Problems: - there is a bug currently where if you listen on iPhone through the Music app the music playback will cut out if you use the lightning cable. Don't complain to Oppo about the problem, it's on Apple's end since iOS 10."
Best Headphone Cases
The Plantronics Voyager Legend Charge Case is the perfect accessory for storing, protecting and recharging your Voyager Legend Bluetooth headset while on the go. Plantronics Voyager Legend Bluetooth headsets not included with this product and must be purchased separately.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I went to my Amazon orders and saw they had a customer support button. I already loved my charge case."
"Don't skimp on just the cable and get this case."
"I have owned a variety of earpieces over the years (mostly from the Plantronics line), and have always struggled with storing them without damaging them. The most recent earpiece I owned from the Plantronics line was the Voyage 975, and it comes with a storage case that doubles as a portable charger...just like this one. Unfortunately my Voyager 975 didn't last too long, and I had to send it back on 2 occasions to Plantronics (customer service is great by the way). My newest earpiece was the Motorola Sliver which has a very small form factor, extremely comfortable, and a charger / case combo unit. A storage case and portable charger in one (like the Motorola Sliver) that stores and protects the Voyage Legend earpiece."
"I plug the charge case up to the Laptop when at work & not using the bluetooth. When at home, I just plug it up using the electrical cord only about once a week."
"Until I found this case, I was about ready to find another headset because I was tired of having to buy *and wait* on a new charging cable every time I wore one out, broke one, or lost one."
"I love that it is a sturdy protective case that charges my earpiece."
"Does not fit tight on the ear so it can and will fall off or get knocked off if you are not careful with it."
"I was unsure if I would need this but since my headset can drain power quickly when listening to music as well as phone calls, this makes for a very handy way to charge while on the road."
Best Headphone Adapters
Size: 4 Feet (1.2 Meters). 3.5mm male-to-male stereo audio cable transmits audio in stereo format.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"(my biggest complaint of the V-moda's). The plastic sheathing is nice and flexible, although it looks to be made of a vinyl based resin and are not reinforced or jacketed, instead of silicone based, so I don't know how long they will last."
"Hate to say it, but the end covering (the chrome piece on the picture) ace loose from the cord itself."
"I use these in my older car with an older stereo that does not have Bluetooth."
"I bought this about a year and a half ago."
"Good length, I can connect to my tv and lay in bed."
"Bought it for my 2014 VW Jetta TDI, after the MDI adaptor broke."
"I normally need to replace audio cables after a month or two."
"Like several other reviews the silver coating that says "Amazon basics" unglued and slides back but now that it's been just over six months all of the wiring came exposed... Maybe it was just a defective item that I received but for the little use I gave it I would've expected a much longer duration."
Best Headphone Earpads
Earpad cushion is made of premium quality leather, perfect for lost worn-out earpads, same quality as original , ideal for music lovers looking for replacement earpads that look as good as original. Material: Made of High Quality ultra soft comfortable leather, internal soft memory foam padding, durable & flexible, better seal for noise cancelling and hours of comfortable listening.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"First things first - these pads are fairly easy to install though they do require a little persistence to get them to snap into place. The inner foam and cloth shield that covers the electronics is easy to install but I had trouble with the double-sided tape that holds them in place - the adhesive did not want to release the cover strip and I had real difficulty peeling that strip away without ripping the actual cloth. More noticeable, though, is that the pads are not as effective as the originals for passive noise canceling. I would not say the difference is enough to render the earphones' ability to cancel noise completely compromised, but they are definitely not the same. The difference in noise canceling ability is most noticeable when working in an environment with reverb."
"There were cheaper ones on Amazon but to be on the safe side chose these. They've lasted longer than the original Bose cushions and I've been using them more frequently than the originals."
"Mind you these are not deal breakers in my opinion as they still feel great on my ears hence why I gave them 5 stars."
"After looking at all of the options and reading a lot of different customer reviews, i kade up my mind to buy the ITIS brand."
"I bought these quite a while ago but was afraid to put them in because I was worried I would do something wrong."
"These ear pads appear to be adequate to replace the Bose originals at half the cost."
"Although, I should mention they sit closer to your ears given the less padding, if your ears tend to be larger this might result in your ears touching the inside of the headphones."
Best Headphone Extension Cords
![AUX Cable iVanky [2-Pack, 4ft - Copper Shell, Hi-Fi Sound Quality] 3.5mm Auxiliary Audio Cable, Aux Cord for Car / Home Stereo, Headphones, iPhone, iPod, iPad, Echo Dot, Sony, Beats & More - Black](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71pIHJOKmML._SS600_.jpg)
Notice - Incompatible devices. indlude: Beats Executive, Beats Studio (Beats Studio 2.0 Wireless), Beats Solo, Skullcandy Crusher, SkullCandy Hesh 2, V-MODA Crossfade, B&O Beoplay H6 2nd. Pure copper shell of this stereo audio cable ensures reliable performance and reducing signal loss.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Check out the video if you have time, Either way I am sure you wont be disappointed, and keep in mind they offer a 100% unconditional lifetime guarantee should you have any issues, which I doubt you will."
"I'm so surprised how amazing the quality of the wire was...thick and unbreakable ..very flexible and also have compact jack plug housings, so fit into the phone headphone socket even with a protective cover on the phone..worth the price!!!"
"I've had many bad experiences with aux cords in the last two years (they constantly break/stop working). I found ivanky's super affordable price and fairly good reviews and gave them a shot."
"I had to keep my phone, MP3 player, or iPad really close to the speaker system to enjoy blasting my music, which meant I could easily drop my devices or that I was tethered to the speakers. The length is perfect to enjoy my music while I'm lying in bed at the end of the day. No more frequent trips to the speakers just to enjoy my music - I can stay stationary."
"FWIW, my cat was attracted to the nice new toy and spent a few minutes busily chewing on a cable without any apparent damage to either the cable or the cat."
"I finally got a new car and I couldn't use the auxiliary tape deck that I've been using for 12 years anymore so I had to upgrade to something new to play my music besides bluetooth (which sounds awful)."
"I rather wish that the cords offered in the package were of 2 different length, as the length offered is quite a bit longer than I really wanted or needed, and it would be nice to have a choice of varied lengths."
"They're cables; if they plug in and they work, they're great, right?"