Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music are booming. And vinyl has made an incredible comeback. Music fans really are spoilt for choice nowadays. Old favourites and new discoveries are literally just a button press away. While the return of records has made listening to albums a fun, hands-on experience for a whole new generation.

However you like to listen, you’re going to want your tunes to sound great. That’s where a headphone amp comes in. But what is that? What does it do? And do you really need one? Let’s find out…

What is a headphone amplifier?

It’s not really any different from a normal amplifier. Except in this case, it amplifies – or drives – the sound of your headphones, instead of a guitar. This small, compact device is placed between the source of your music (like your turntable or laptop) and your headphones. It then boosts your audio signal so you can hear everything better and at a louder volume. Bass will boom. Drums will crack. And you’ll hear every word of the vocals. You’ll be able to really appreciate each part of the recording.

What types of headphone amplifier are there?

They come in a few different shapes and sizes. A dedicated headphone amp will usually look like a sleek, slim box. It’ll have a few controls on the front, like volume and gain, and an input to plug in your headphones.

Some are portable, while others are designed to sit on your desk. A portable one will probably be battery powered and can fit in your pocket. It’s a great choice for on-the-go listening. On the flip side, desktop headphone amps are a bit bigger. And they need to be plugged into a power socket. But they’ll provide much better sound quality than their smaller cousins.

And many bits of tech (like your smartphone or tablet) will have a built-in headphone amp as well. Although, these are nowhere near as powerful or useful as a standalone headphone amplifier.

How does a headphone amplifier work?

This can get a bit science-y, so bear with us.

A headphone amp takes the low-voltage signal from your headphones. This gets boosted by the amp, making it easier for your headphones to convert the signal into sound waves. The sound that’s produced is then louder and fuller. Especially when compared to listening without a headphone amp.

Just make sure you’re careful when setting your volume. You’ve only got one pair of ears, so always keep your music at a safe level.

Do I need a headphone amplifier?

That all depends on how serious you are about your music. If you love to listen carefully and really dig into what makes a song tick – looking at the production, the instruments used etc – then it’s a no-brainer. The same goes for if you produce your own music. After all, you want to make sure every element is right while you craft the perfect track.

It’s also worth saying that you don’t really need a headphone amp for wireless or Bluetooth in-ear headphones. You’ll get the most out of one by using it with a wired pair.

Here’s just a few reasons why you should pick one up:

• Better sound quality – a good headphone amp will make songs sound sublime. Every track will sound richer, more detailed, and bigger in scope. Even on lower quality headphones.

• Improved volume control – you’re listening to your playlist. One song ends and the next one starts. But it’s a fair bit louder than the last track. So, you’ve got to lower the volume. But then you’ve got to adjust it again on the next song. That can be a right pain. But with a headphone amp, you don’t have to do this. With more control over the volume, just set your levels once. Then sit back and relax with perfectly balanced audio.

• Premium headphones – do you have a high-end set of headphones? Some of the more expensive pairs need more power to work correctly. And if they’re not working properly, they’re not going to sound loud enough. But a headphone amp can give them the juice they need. That way, you’ll be getting the most out of them – and really taking advantage of their great sound quality.

Not sure what headphones you should buy? Need to hear more about headphone amplifiers? Head over to ShopLive. Our in-store audio experts can help you make a sound choice on some great audio gear. And what’s more, you can do it all from the comfort of your sofa.