Headphone amplifiers
Every amplifier on this page has headphone outputs: eight single-ended tube models from 2 W to 30 W per channel and two solid-state models with a built-in DAC, Bellerophon (class AB) and Hades (class D). Each has a 6.3 mm and a 4-pin XLR headphone output beside its loudspeaker terminals and is built to order.
The models
Demograf Audio
Solaria
45 triodes, 2 W: a faster, harder-hitting bass for instrumental, rock and electronic music on sensitive headphones.
from $27,800
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Demograf Audio
Eurybia
2A3 triodes, 2 W: a dense bass and a slightly darkened, fatigue-free picture for late-night listening.
from $26,600
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Demograf Audio
Tantal
3C24 triodes, 3 W: a STAX-type electrostatic output built in beside the 6.3 mm and 4-pin XLR sockets.
from $20,500
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Demograf Audio
Atlas
300B triodes, 5 W: colour and warmth for low-impedance dynamic headphones.
from $24,200
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Demograf Audio
Helios MkII
Single-ended triodes, 15 W: headroom for hard-to-drive planars such as the HiFiMAN HE-6 or Audeze LCD-3.
from $22,900
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Demograf Audio
Endymion
845, 211 or 805 triodes, 15–25 W: drives demanding planar magnetic headphones with a wide, deep stage.
from $36,200
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Demograf Audio
Ether
Transmitting tubes, 25 W: real timbre on voices and acoustic instruments, against a black background.
from $42,300
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Demograf Audio
Tantal Senior
4E27 tantalum-anode pentodes, 30 W, no negative feedback: a soft, natural sound, with a STAX-type electrostatic output.
from $56,800
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Demograf Audio
Bellerophon
Class AB transistors and a built-in DAC, from 25 W: hard-to-drive planars without tubes to warm up.
from $18,700
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Demograf Audio
Hades
Class D and a built-in DAC, 5–70 W into headphones, for demanding dynamic and planar models.
from $14,500
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Who these amplifiers are for
For listeners who keep two systems, loudspeakers for the evening and headphones for late hours, and want one chassis for both. A loudspeaker amplifier with a headphone output has power in reserve for planar magnetic headphones that are hard to drive, and its output transformer serves low-impedance dynamic headphones well.
Owners of electrostatic headphones choose Tantal, with its built-in STAX-type output, or an electrostatic output fitted to another model. Those who want a DAC in the same box and no tubes to replace choose Bellerophon or Hades.
One amplifier for headphones and loudspeakers
Each model has a 6.3 mm and a 4-pin XLR headphone output beside its loudspeaker terminals. Depending on the model, further connectors are fitted to order: 2.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm Pentaconn, dual 3-pin XLR or an electrostatic output.
Headphones and loudspeakers ask different things of an amplifier: power, voltage and output impedance. Our guide explains what each headphone type needs and how one chassis serves both.
The models compared
| Model | Design | Power per channel | Electrostatic output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solaria | Single-ended, 45 triodes | 2 W | To order |
| Eurybia | Single-ended, 2A3 triodes | 2 W | To order |
| Tantal | Class A, 3C24 tantalum-anode triodes | 3 W | Built in (STAX type) |
| Atlas | Single-ended, 300B triodes | 5 W | To order |
| Helios MkII | Single-ended, G-811 triodes | 15 W | To order |
| Endymion | Single-ended, 845, 211 or 805 triodes | 15–25 W | To order |
| Ether | Single-ended, GM-70 Triode / GK-71 Pentode | 25 W | To order |
| Tantal Senior | Single-ended, 4E27 tantalum-anode pentodes | 30 W | To order (STAX type) |
| Bellerophon | Class AB transistors, built-in DAC | From 25 W | To order |
| Hades | Class D, built-in DAC | 70 W (up to 1 kW to order) | — |
Electrostatic headphones
Electrostatic headphones need a high bias voltage and a high-voltage drive signal, which an ordinary headphone output cannot supply. Tantal has a STAX-type output built in, for headphones such as the STAX SR-007 / SR-009 or the Sennheiser HE 90. On the other tube models and on Bellerophon an electrostatic output can be fitted to order.
Electrostatic headphone amplifiers: models and connections
Headphone questions
Which headphone socket should I choose?
A 6.3 mm plug carries both channels on one shared return wire; a 4-pin XLR or 4.4 mm Pentaconn socket gives each channel its own pair of wires up to the headphone. Most current headphones take detachable cables, so choose the socket that matches the cable you already own. Every model has the 6.3 mm and 4-pin XLR sockets as standard.
Which model for planar magnetic headphones?
Many planar magnetic headphones are not very sensitive and need real current. Helios MkII was designed with the HiFiMAN HE-6 and the Audeze LCD-3 in mind; Endymion, Ether, Bellerophon and Hades also have power in reserve.
Tube or solid-state for headphones?
A single-ended tube amplifier adds mostly low-order harmonics, which many listeners hear as density and texture, and its output transformer gives it a firm grip on low-impedance headphones. Bellerophon and Hades have lower output impedance and noise and more power, with no tubes to warm up or replace.
Owners’ impressions of headphones
Tell us which headphones and loudspeakers you use, and we will suggest the amplifier and the outputs that suit them.