Suggestions for pure headphone amp around $200?


I am looking for suggestions for a new to me headphone amp with a budget around $200, maybe a little more for the right unit.
I do NOT need a headphone/dac, it will be fed by RCA analog from the line out of my BAT integrated.
One requirement is that it also has RCA analog outputs, so a pass through if you like, my present el cheapo Monolith head amp has this and it is near essential in my set up right now.
My present cans are HiFiman 4xx purchased from Drop.
I may be looking at better cans for Xmas so there is that to bear in mind for the new head amp.
Thanks and stay safe!
128x128uberwaltz

Showing 1 response by soix

Following on the Darko reviews I’ll suggest the DROP + THX AAA™ 789 Linear Amp.  Yeah, it’s $299, but you said “maybe a little more” and what’s 100 bucks among audiophiles?  The review puts this unit in another league from the very good Asgard 3, so for only $100 more I know what I’d do.  And given its ability to scale with better gear it covers you more for when you upgrade your ‘phones.  Just my $0.02 FWIW, and best of luck in your search.