Solid-state Headphone Amp w/Balanced Inputs

May 24, 2025 at 4:09 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 6

FYB-2

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I'm looking for a solid-state headphone amp with balanced inputs (at least two balanced, three would be better, though I can live with 2x XLR & 1x RCA). The Pass Labs fits the bill but is limited to 2x RCA, which isn't what I want. No Chinese made products, please.
My headphones are Focal Clear MG (may be stepping up to Utopia) and Audeze LCD-4 (which may become the LCD-5).
No tubes, please.
 
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May 24, 2025 at 11:28 PM Post #3 of 6
I'm looking for a solid-state headphone amp with balanced inputs (at least two balanced, three would be better, though I can live with 2x XLR & 1x RCA). The Pass Labs fits the bill but is limited to 2x RCA, which isn't what I want.
My headphones are Focal Clear MG (may be stepping up to Utopia) and Audeze LCD-4 (which may become the LCD-5).
No tubes, please.
When you say 'at least two balanced' inputs, do you mean 1 set or 2 sets of three-pin 'L' and 'R' XLR receptacles? If 2 sets, I cannot think of any h/p/a.
 
May 25, 2025 at 1:59 PM Post #5 of 6
I'm looking for a solid-state headphone amp with balanced inputs (at least two balanced, three would be better, though I can live with 2x XLR & 1x RCA). The Pass Labs fits the bill but is limited to 2x RCA, which isn't what I want.
My headphones are Focal Clear MG (may be stepping up to Utopia) and Audeze LCD-4 (which may become the LCD-5).
No tubes, please.
Not sure of your budget FYB-2, but given the headphone level anticipated, I suggest aiming for something top tier - viz an amp that I personally am still in awe of, after proving in another league entirely over my Ferrum OOR/Hypsos combo for example - ie the Cen.Grand 9i-906 "Silver Fox" : https://www.head-fi.org/threads/cen-grand-9i-906-silver-fox.966805/
This marvel has 2x XLR inputs and 2x RCAs, with 1x 4pin XLR, 1x 6.3mm jack and 2x 3pin XLRs hp outs. And given the guy at 6 moons made it his reference hp amp, this certainly endorses its quality as far as I'm concerned lol ;) :).

Edit : ps. This amp can easily drive any headphone well, but truly excels with the lower impedance planar magnetics...and the Utopias are also quite low of course, despite being a dynamic ;)...
 
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May 28, 2025 at 11:24 PM Post #6 of 6
Thanks for the input from all. I went with a Luxman P-750u, which matches the rest of system (Luxman L-509z & E-07).
 

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