Looking for a Budget Portable Headphone Amp ($30 or less)

raccoon · 2018-08-12T16:12:01.000Z

I have had a portable headphone amp, the FiiO E6, for two years and eight months.

https://www.amazon.com/E6-Portable-Audio-Headphone-Amplifier/dp/B005HJWWW8

I think it's starting to go out on me.

Time to buy a new amp!

I'd like to spend about $30 or less.

It has to be USB powered, it has to have volume control, and I would like it to last longer than my current model.

What should I get?

power911 · 2018-08-12T16:25:28.000Z

Do you need the portable amp form or you’re ok with desktop type?

Can’t really avoid fiio if you’re on a budget
Fiio A1 or the K1 is within your reach. I like the K1 due to the DAC feature but it is just that. The K1 has no battery pack in it.

There are quite a number of chinese amp out there that will drive well with no noise. Just that the sound you get is a gamble like any chinese product with no brands

raccoon · 2018-08-12T16:34:25.000Z

I want a portable amp.

The FiiO A1 looks good, and the price is right.

raccoon · 2018-08-12T18:24:16.000Z

Alright, I did research on Amazon, and the FiiO A1 looks the best.

(That's not too surprising since it's basically a newer version of the E6.)

I have read that the A1 doesn't amplify very much, but I don't need it to do so.

Looks like I'm set.

eas · 2018-08-12T21:21:04.000Z

What kind of headphones do you have that you expect adding another device in the signal chain is going to improve the output ?

raccoon · 2018-08-12T21:33:03.000Z

My headphones are JVC HA-S680's:

https://www.amazon.com/JVC-HA-S680-W-White-phone-Japan/dp/B00FS0DFTK

I'm not trying to improve the sound quality.

I just need to increase the volume somewhat.

EDIT: I have desktop speakers hooked up to my TV, and the volume going to the headphone jack is anemic.