--- title: "Compare Headphones, DACs, Amps & Speakers" description: "Stuck between two pieces? 31 audiophile gear comparisons across headphones, DACs, amps, and speakers. Same chain, same listener, same reference list." url: "https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/" type: "website" author: "Jakub Charkiewicz" --- > Markdown rendering of https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/ > Canonical URL to cite: https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/ > Generated from the published page. Text and links only; see the HTML for layout. Breadcrumb: [Home](https://theaudiostuff.com/) > Comparisons # Every audio gear head-to-head, in one place. {#compare-title} 31 side-by-side comparisons across 5 categories. Because every pair ran that way, a score gap here is a real difference between two pieces, not calibration drift between reviewers on different days. Pairs are auto-selected: same category, score within 0.5, shared tags, and each review in the other's top-3 most-similar list. Skip to all 31 comparisons 31 comparisons ## [Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/headphones/) 21 comparisons {#cat-headphones} Open-back, closed-back, planar magnetic, dynamic, and IEMs. 1. [![The HIFIMAN Arya Organic on a stand, showing its wood-veneer earcups and suspension-strap headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-arya-organic-open-back-headphone-160.avif) HIFIMAN Arya Organic 9.2 ![The HIFIMAN HE1000se in side profile on a stand: a large egg-shaped open-back planar cup with a silver aluminium frame, a wood-veneer rim and the Window Shade grille, hanging below the black leather suspension headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-he1000se-full-headphone-160.avif) HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3 Near-tie](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-organic-vs-hifiman-he1000se/) Essentially level, 9.3 to 9.2, with the HE1000se just ahead. That lead costs $601 more than the Arya Organic. The reviews favour the Arya Organic on bass and the HE1000se on mids. 2. [![The grill-less Arya Unveiled with its planar driver and Stealth Magnets fully exposed - no protective grille](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-arya-unveiled-exposed-driver-160.avif) HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1 ![The HIFIMAN HE1000se in side profile on a stand: a large egg-shaped open-back planar cup with a silver aluminium frame, a wood-veneer rim and the Window Shade grille, hanging below the black leather suspension headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-he1000se-full-headphone-160.avif) HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-unveiled-vs-hifiman-he1000se/) 9.3 against 9.1: the HE1000se is 0.2 ahead on the rubric. The Arya Unveiled saves you $401, so the question is whether the gap is worth it. The reviews favour the HE1000se on build and amp matching. 3. [![The HIFIMAN Arya Organic on a stand, showing its wood-veneer earcups and suspension-strap headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-arya-organic-open-back-headphone-160.avif) HIFIMAN Arya Organic 9.2 ![The grill-less Arya Unveiled with its planar driver and Stealth Magnets fully exposed - no protective grille](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-arya-unveiled-exposed-driver-160.avif) HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1 Near-tie](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-organic-vs-hifiman-arya-unveiled/) Essentially level, 9.2 to 9.1, with the Arya Organic just ahead. The Arya Organic costs $200 less too, so score and price point the same way. The reviews favour the Arya Organic on amp matching and the Arya Unveiled on treble. 4. [![The Ananda Stealth's large egg-shaped earcup with its silver grille and three-material hybrid pad](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-ananda-stealth-egg-earcups-160.avif) HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth 8.8 ![The HIFIMAN Sundara's open-back ear cup, showing the metal grille, matte cast frame, and headband bar](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/sundara-open-back-ear-cup-160.avif) HIFIMAN Sundara 9.0 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-sundara/) The Sundara takes the score, 9.0 to 8.8. The Sundara costs $60 less too, so score and price point the same way. The reviews favour the Ananda Stealth on driver technology and the Sundara on soundstage. 5. [![The grill-less Arya Unveiled with its planar driver and Stealth Magnets fully exposed - no protective grille](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-arya-unveiled-exposed-driver-160.avif) HIFIMAN Arya Unveiled 9.1 ![The HIFIMAN Edition XS on a stand, showing its oval slatted Window Shade grille and leather headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-edition-xs-open-back-egg-grille-160.avif) HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7 0.4 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-unveiled-vs-hifiman-edition-xs/) The rubric puts the Arya Unveiled first, 9.1 to 8.7. The Edition XS is $1,030 cheaper, which is the real trade. The reviews favour the Arya Unveiled on treble and the Edition XS on bass. 6. [![The HIFIMAN Edition XS on a stand, showing its oval slatted Window Shade grille and leather headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-edition-xs-open-back-egg-grille-160.avif) HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7 ![The HIFIMAN Sundara's open-back ear cup, showing the metal grille, matte cast frame, and headband bar](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/sundara-open-back-ear-cup-160.avif) HIFIMAN Sundara 9.0 0.3 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-edition-xs-vs-hifiman-sundara/) The rubric puts the Sundara first, 9.0 to 8.7. Only the Edition XS's review singles out its amp matching and value. 7. [![The HIFIMAN Sundara's open-back ear cup, showing the metal grille, matte cast frame, and headband bar](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/sundara-open-back-ear-cup-160.avif) HIFIMAN Sundara 9.0 ![The Meze 105 Silva's hand-polished walnut earcup with its intricate radial grille and velour pad](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/meze-105-silva-walnut-earcup-160.avif) Meze 105 Silva 8.7 0.3 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-sundara-vs-meze-105-silva/) The rubric puts the Sundara first, 9.0 to 8.7. And the Sundara undercuts the 105 Silva by $200. The reviews favour the 105 Silva on driver technology and comfort. 8. [![The Ananda Nano held up, showing its very large earcups and three-material hybrid ear pads](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-ananda-nano-hybrid-ear-pad-160.avif) HIFIMAN Ananda Nano 8.6 ![The HIFIMAN Sundara's open-back ear cup, showing the metal grille, matte cast frame, and headband bar](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/sundara-open-back-ear-cup-160.avif) HIFIMAN Sundara 9.0 0.4 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-sundara/) 9.0 against 8.6: the Sundara is 0.4 ahead on the rubric. The Sundara is $200 cheaper as well. The reviews favour the Ananda Nano on driver technology. 9. [![The HIFIMAN Edition XS on a stand, showing its oval slatted Window Shade grille and leather headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-edition-xs-open-back-egg-grille-160.avif) HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7 ![The OLLO Audio X1's machined real-wood earcup and stylized X cutout faceplate](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/ollo-audio-x1-wood-earcup-faceplate-160.avif) OLLO Audio X1 8.9 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-edition-xs-vs-ollo-audio-x1/) The rubric puts the X1 first, 8.9 to 8.7. The Edition XS is $280 cheaper, which is the real trade. The reviews favour the Edition XS on soundstage and the X1 on comfort. 10. [![The Ananda Stealth's large egg-shaped earcup with its silver grille and three-material hybrid pad](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-ananda-stealth-egg-earcups-160.avif) HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth 8.8 ![The Arya Stealth on a stand, showing its blacked-out suspension-strap headband and Window Shade grille](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-arya-stealth-suspension-headband-160.avif) HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7 Near-tie](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-arya-stealth/) A single step separates them: 8.8 to 8.7 for the Ananda Stealth. The Ananda Stealth is $400 cheaper as well. The reviews favour the Ananda Stealth on tonal balance and the Arya Stealth on soundstage. 11. [![The Ananda Nano held up, showing its very large earcups and three-material hybrid ear pads](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-ananda-nano-hybrid-ear-pad-160.avif) HIFIMAN Ananda Nano 8.6 ![The Ananda Stealth's large egg-shaped earcup with its silver grille and three-material hybrid pad](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-ananda-stealth-egg-earcups-160.avif) HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth 8.8 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-ananda-stealth/) On score the Ananda Stealth leads the Ananda Nano by 0.2. Winning on both counts is rare here: the Ananda Stealth is $140 less AND scores higher. The reviews favour the Ananda Nano on soundstage and the Ananda Stealth on amp matching. 12. [![The HIFIMAN Edition XS on a stand, showing its oval slatted Window Shade grille and leather headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-edition-xs-open-back-egg-grille-160.avif) HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7 ![The Meze 105 Silva's hand-polished walnut earcup with its intricate radial grille and velour pad](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/meze-105-silva-walnut-earcup-160.avif) Meze 105 Silva 8.7 Tight call](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-edition-xs-vs-meze-105-silva/) Neither one wins the rubric - both score 8.7. The Edition XS saves you $230, and on score there is nothing to weigh against it. The reviews favour the 105 Silva on comfort. 13. [![The Ananda Stealth's large egg-shaped earcup with its silver grille and three-material hybrid pad](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-ananda-stealth-egg-earcups-160.avif) HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth 8.8 ![The HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth on a stand, seen from the front: two large egg-shaped cups with black pads, wood-accent rims and silver frames, below the black-and-tan suspension headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-he1000-stealth-full-headphone-160.avif) HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth 8.5 0.3 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-stealth-vs-hifiman-he1000-stealth/) The Ananda Stealth takes the score, 8.8 to 8.5. The Ananda Stealth costs $760 less too, so score and price point the same way. The reviews favour the Ananda Stealth on amp matching and the HE1000 Stealth on soundstage. 14. [![The Ananda Nano held up, showing its very large earcups and three-material hybrid ear pads](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-ananda-nano-hybrid-ear-pad-160.avif) HIFIMAN Ananda Nano 8.6 ![The Arya Stealth on a stand, showing its blacked-out suspension-strap headband and Window Shade grille](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-arya-stealth-suspension-headband-160.avif) HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7 Near-tie](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-arya-stealth/) Too close to call on score - the Arya Stealth edges the Ananda Nano by 0.1. One is better, one is $260 cheaper. The reviews favour the Ananda Nano on detail and the Arya Stealth on comfort. 15. [![The Arya Stealth on a stand, showing its blacked-out suspension-strap headband and Window Shade grille](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-arya-stealth-suspension-headband-160.avif) HIFIMAN Arya Stealth 8.7 ![The HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth on a stand, seen from the front: two large egg-shaped cups with black pads, wood-accent rims and silver frames, below the black-and-tan suspension headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-he1000-stealth-full-headphone-160.avif) HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth 8.5 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-arya-stealth-vs-hifiman-he1000-stealth/) 8.7 against 8.5: the Arya Stealth is 0.2 ahead on the rubric. The Arya Stealth is $360 cheaper as well. The reviews favour the Arya Stealth on comfort and the HE1000 Stealth on build. 16. [![The HIFIMAN Edition XS on a stand, showing its oval slatted Window Shade grille and leather headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-edition-xs-open-back-egg-grille-160.avif) HIFIMAN Edition XS 8.7 ![The HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth on a stand, seen from the front: two large egg-shaped cups with black pads, wood-accent rims and silver frames, below the black-and-tan suspension headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-he1000-stealth-full-headphone-160.avif) HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth 8.5 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-edition-xs-vs-hifiman-he1000-stealth/) The rubric puts the Edition XS first, 8.7 to 8.5. And the Edition XS undercuts the HE1000 Stealth by $850. The reviews favour the Edition XS on amp matching and the HE1000 Stealth on comfort. 17. [![The Ananda Nano held up, showing its very large earcups and three-material hybrid ear pads](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-ananda-nano-hybrid-ear-pad-160.avif) HIFIMAN Ananda Nano 8.6 ![The HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth on a stand, seen from the front: two large egg-shaped cups with black pads, wood-accent rims and silver frames, below the black-and-tan suspension headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-he1000-stealth-full-headphone-160.avif) HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth 8.5 Near-tie](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ananda-nano-vs-hifiman-he1000-stealth/) 8.6 against 8.5. That is one step, so treat them as peers. And the Ananda Nano undercuts the HE1000 Stealth by $620. The reviews favour the Ananda Nano on detail and the HE1000 Stealth on build. 18. [![The Sivga Anser's solid-wood earcups, aluminium mesh grilles, and gold-trimmed 3.5mm connectors](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/sivga-anser-wood-earcups-160.avif) Sivga Anser 8.0 ![The Sivga Luan's real-wood earcup, blacked-out metal mesh grille, and silver aluminium ring](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/sivga-luan-wood-earcup-grille-160.avif) Sivga Luan 8.1 Near-tie](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/sivga-anser-vs-sivga-luan/) Too close to call on score - the Luan edges the Anser by 0.1. One is better, one is $100 cheaper. The reviews favour the Anser on bass. 19. [![The Sivga Luan's real-wood earcup, blacked-out metal mesh grille, and silver aluminium ring](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/sivga-luan-wood-earcup-grille-160.avif) Sivga Luan 8.1 ![The Verum 1's wood-finish comma-shaped earcup, metal cut-out grill, and suspension headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/verum-1-wooden-earcup-grill-160.avif) Verum Audio Verum 1 8.0 Near-tie](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/sivga-luan-vs-verum-audio-verum-1/) A single step separates them: 8.1 to 8.0 for the Luan. The Luan is $50 cheaper as well. The reviews favour the Verum 1 on bass and soundstage. 20. [![The HIFIMAN RE800 Silver's small aluminium earbud-style shell, fixed cable, and metal 3.5mm plug](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-re800-silver-earbud-cable-160.avif) HIFIMAN RE800 Silver 8.0 ![The Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite's semi-transparent blue shells exposing the balanced-armature drivers inside](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/kiwi-ears-orchestra-lite-transparent-shells-160.avif) Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite 8.0 Tight call](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-re800-silver-vs-kiwi-ears-orchestra-lite/) A dead heat: both land on 8.0. The RE800 Silver is $150 cheaper, which is the real trade. The reviews favour the RE800 Silver on comfort and the Orchestra Lite on mids. 21. [![The Sivga Anser's solid-wood earcups, aluminium mesh grilles, and gold-trimmed 3.5mm connectors](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/sivga-anser-wood-earcups-160.avif) Sivga Anser 8.0 ![The Verum 1's wood-finish comma-shaped earcup, metal cut-out grill, and suspension headband](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/verum-1-wooden-earcup-grill-160.avif) Verum Audio Verum 1 8.0 Tight call](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/sivga-anser-vs-verum-audio-verum-1/) A dead heat: both land on 8.0. The Anser is $150 cheaper, which is the real trade. The reviews favour the Anser on amp matching and the Verum 1 on soundstage. ## [Speakers](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/speakers/) 3 comparisons {#cat-speakers} Bookshelf, floorstanding, active and passive, studio monitors. 1. [![The Diora Acoustics Chors 5's gloss-white cabinet wearing its black magnetic fabric grille with the Diora Acoustics logo](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/diora-chors-5-grille-cabinet-160.avif) Diora Acoustics Chors 5 8.5 ![Close-up of the gold horn-loaded TZ2550 tweeter set in its mirror-like chrome waveguide on the chestnut front baffle](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/triangle-australe-ez-tweeter-160.avif) Triangle Australe EZ 8.1 0.4 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/diora-acoustics-chors-5-vs-triangle-australe-ez/) The Chors 5 takes the score, 8.5 to 8.1. The Chors 5 costs $2,500 less too, so score and price point the same way. The reviews favour the Chors 5 on treble and the Australe EZ on connections. 2. [![The Diora Acoustics Chors 5's gloss-white cabinet wearing its black magnetic fabric grille with the Diora Acoustics logo](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/diora-chors-5-grille-cabinet-160.avif) Diora Acoustics Chors 5 8.5 ![The BR09's 25mm silk dome tweeter with its vertical Efficient Flow System phase plug, recessed into the partial horn](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/triangle-borea-br09-tweeter-160.avif) Triangle Borea BR09 8.0 0.5 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/diora-acoustics-chors-5-vs-triangle-borea-br09/) The Chors 5 takes the score, 8.5 to 8.0. That lead costs $1,400 more than the Borea BR09. The reviews favour the Chors 5 on treble and the Borea BR09 on mids. 3. [![Close-up of the gold horn-loaded TZ2550 tweeter set in its mirror-like chrome waveguide on the chestnut front baffle](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/triangle-australe-ez-tweeter-160.avif) Triangle Australe EZ 8.1 ![The BR09's 25mm silk dome tweeter with its vertical Efficient Flow System phase plug, recessed into the partial horn](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/triangle-borea-br09-tweeter-160.avif) Triangle Borea BR09 8.0 Near-tie](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/triangle-australe-ez-vs-triangle-borea-br09/) 8.1 against 8.0. That is one step, so treat them as peers. The Borea BR09 is $3,900 cheaper, which is the real trade. The reviews favour the Australe EZ on connections and the Borea BR09 on amplifier needs. ## [DACs](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/dacs/) 5 comparisons {#cat-dacs} Desktop, portable, R-2R ladder, and delta-sigma DACs. 1. [![The Henry Audio DA 256 seen from the front and side: a low brushed aluminum box with the engraved Henry Audio logo, a solid wood base underneath, and one tiny LED beside a USB-C port on the front plate](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/henry-audio-da-256-full-unit-160.avif) Henry Audio DA 256 8.2 ![The SMSL DO100 PRO's front display showing the 44.1kHz sample rate, beside its stepped control knob](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/smsl-do100-pro-front-display-160.avif) SMSL DO100 PRO 8.0 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/henry-audio-da-256-vs-smsl-do100-pro/) On score the DA 256 leads the DO100 PRO by 0.2. One is better, one is $1,511 cheaper. The reviews favour the DA 256 on tonal balance and the DO100 PRO on connectivity. 2. [![The Henry Audio DA 256 seen from the front and side: a low brushed aluminum box with the engraved Henry Audio logo, a solid wood base underneath, and one tiny LED beside a USB-C port on the front plate](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/henry-audio-da-256-full-unit-160.avif) Henry Audio DA 256 8.2 ![The SMSL RAW-MDA1's front: tempered-glass LCD, stepped knob, and 1/4-inch plus 4.4mm headphone outputs](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/smsl-raw-mda1-front-display-160.avif) SMSL RAW-MDA1 8.0 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/henry-audio-da-256-vs-smsl-raw-mda1/) On score the DA 256 leads the RAW-MDA1 by 0.2. One is better, one is $1,491 cheaper. The reviews favour the DA 256 on bass and the RAW-MDA1 on connectivity. 3. [![The SMSL DL100's front panel: display, volume knob, and 1/4-inch plus 4.4mm headphone outputs](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/smsl-dl100-front-panel-160.avif) SMSL DL100 8.2 ![The SMSL DO100 PRO's front display showing the 44.1kHz sample rate, beside its stepped control knob](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/smsl-do100-pro-front-display-160.avif) SMSL DO100 PRO 8.0 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/smsl-dl100-vs-smsl-do100-pro/) The rubric puts the DL100 first, 8.2 to 8.0. Only the DL100's review singles out its measured noise and value. 4. [![The SMSL DL100's front panel: display, volume knob, and 1/4-inch plus 4.4mm headphone outputs](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/smsl-dl100-front-panel-160.avif) SMSL DL100 8.2 ![The SMSL RAW-MDA1's front: tempered-glass LCD, stepped knob, and 1/4-inch plus 4.4mm headphone outputs](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/smsl-raw-mda1-front-display-160.avif) SMSL RAW-MDA1 8.0 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/smsl-dl100-vs-smsl-raw-mda1/) The DL100 takes the score, 8.2 to 8.0. The DL100 costs $60 less too, so score and price point the same way. The reviews favour the DL100 on connectivity. 5. [![The SMSL DO100 PRO's front display showing the 44.1kHz sample rate, beside its stepped control knob](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/smsl-do100-pro-front-display-160.avif) SMSL DO100 PRO 8.0 ![The SMSL RAW-MDA1's front: tempered-glass LCD, stepped knob, and 1/4-inch plus 4.4mm headphone outputs](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/smsl-raw-mda1-front-display-160.avif) SMSL RAW-MDA1 8.0 Tight call](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/smsl-do100-pro-vs-smsl-raw-mda1/) Level on score at 8.0. The reviews favour the DO100 PRO on connectivity and the RAW-MDA1 on tonal balance. ## [Headphone Amps](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/headphone-amps/) 1 comparison {#cat-headphone-amps} Desktop headphone amps and DAC/amp combos, tube and solid-state. 1. [![The HIFIMAN EF499's glossy black front with gold HIFIMAN branding, golden knobs, and the High/Low Gain NOS/OS selector legend](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-ef499-front-panel-160.avif) HIFIMAN EF499 8.1 ![The matte-silver HIFIMAN EF500 standing vertically beside its box, with its gain/oversampling selector, volume knob, and headphone outputs](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/hifiman-ef500-front-panel-160.avif) HIFIMAN EF500 8.2 Near-tie](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/hifiman-ef499-vs-hifiman-ef500/) Essentially level, 8.2 to 8.1, with the EF500 just ahead. That lead costs $250 more than the EF499. The reviews favour the EF499 on features and the EF500 on measured noise. ## [Speaker Amps & Preamps](https://theaudiostuff.com/reviews/speaker-amps/) 1 comparison {#cat-speaker-amps} Power amps, integrated amps, and line preamps for loudspeakers. 1. [![The AD-1PA+'s brushed-aluminium front panel with its red-lit standby button ringed by an LED status indicator](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/tonewinner-ad-1pa-front-panel-160.avif) Tonewinner AD-1PA+ 9.0 ![The Tonewinner AD-2PRO+ from the side: its silver-and-black chassis flanked by the large black heatsink fins that run the full depth of the unit](https://theaudiostuff.com/images/thumb/tonewinner-ad-2pro-chassis-heatsinks-160.avif) Tonewinner AD-2PRO+ 8.8 0.2 pt gap](https://theaudiostuff.com/compare/tonewinner-ad-1pa-plus-vs-tonewinner-ad-2pro-plus/) 9.0 against 8.8: the AD-1PA+ is 0.2 ahead on the rubric. The AD-2PRO+ saves you $476, so the question is whether the gap is worth it. The reviews favour the AD-1PA+ on build and the AD-2PRO+ on features. No comparison matches your filter. Try a brand - **HIFIMAN** or **Triangle** - or a model name. [Search everything instead](https://theaudiostuff.com/search/) - reviews, guides, tools and glossary terms. ## Buying guides: skip the guesswork, start with the shortlist. {#home-guides-title} Curated "best of" lists where every pick is one of our scored reviews - ranked by what actually sounds best on the chain, never by who paid. No "top 10" filler. [All 13 guides](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/) - Sources [Best Audio Sources](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-audio-sources/) 5 scored picks Top pick: Denafrips Hermes 12th Anniversary 8.9 - Headphones [Best Budget Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-budget-headphones/) 4 scored picks Top pick: Sivga Anser 8.0 - Headphones [Best Budget IEMs](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-budget-iems/) 4 scored picks Top pick: Kiwi Ears Belle, Cadenza II, Orchestra II 8.1 - DACs [Best DACs](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-dacs/) 8 scored picks Top pick: Denafrips Enyo 15th Anniversary 9.1 - Headphone Amps [Best Headphone Amplifiers](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-headphone-amplifiers/) 4 scored picks Top pick: HIFIMAN Serenade 9.3 - Headphones [Best Headphones Under $500](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-headphones-under-500/) 12 scored picks Top pick: HIFIMAN Sundara 9.0 - Accessories [Best Hi-Fi Accessories](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-hifi-accessories/) 13 scored picks Top pick: Synergistic Research PowerCell 14 9.2 - Headphones [Best IEMs](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-iems/) 7 scored picks Top pick: HIFIMAN RE2000 PRO Silver 8.8 - Headphones [Best Open-Back Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-open-back-headphones/) 14 scored picks Top pick: HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3 - Headphones [Best Planar Magnetic Headphones](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-planar-magnetic-headphones/) 11 scored picks Top pick: HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3 - [Best Reference-Grade Audio Gear](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-reference-grade-audio-gear/) 10 scored picks Top pick: HIFIMAN HE1000se 9.3 - Speaker Amps & Preamps [Best Speaker Amps and Preamps](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-speaker-amps-and-preamps/) 3 scored picks Top pick: Tonewinner AD-1PA+ 9.0 - Speakers [Best Speakers](https://theaudiostuff.com/guides/best-speakers/) 6 scored picks Top pick: Diora Acoustics Chors 5 8.5 ## How these comparisons work. {#compare-hub-faq-title} How a pick is decided, what a score gap is worth, and why a matchup you expected might be missing. 1. ### How do you decide which one to pick? {#compare-hub-faq-how-do-you-decide-which-one-to-pick} One rule, applied identically to every comparison, so it is a policy rather than an opinion per page. Two or more steps apart on the score, the higher-scored piece wins outright. Exactly one step apart and the cheaper piece saves a material amount, the cheaper piece wins for most buyers. Level on score, the cheaper piece. No usable prices, the rubric alone decides. "Material" means at least 15% of the cheaper piece and at least $50, so a percentage cannot make $8 significant on a cable and a flat figure cannot make $60 significant on an amplifier. 2. ### How much does a 0.1 score difference actually matter? {#compare-hub-faq-how-much-does-a-0-1-score-difference} It is the smallest difference the scale can express, so treat two pieces one step apart as peers and let price, fit and character decide. That is why a one-step pair is labelled "Near-tie" here rather than shown with a winner and a gap. It still means one placed above the other on the rubric, tested on the same chain by the same listener - it is a real ordering, just the narrowest one we can report. 3. ### Why is the comparison I wanted not on this list? {#compare-hub-faq-why-is-the-comparison-i-wanted-not-on} Usually one of four reasons. The two pieces are more than 0.5 apart, which puts them in different brackets rather than in a cross-shop. One of them scores below the floor we generate pages at. They are not actually the same kind of thing - a preamp is never paired against an integrated amp, an in-ear never against an over-ear. Or one of them is a round-up review covering several products at once, which cannot be one side of a head-to-head because there is no single price or single product to compare. When a pairing is missing, both reviews still carry their own score ladder, which shows exactly what sits directly above and below each one. 4. ### Do these comparisons change? {#compare-hub-faq-do-these-comparisons-change} Yes, and pages can disappear. Pairs are regenerated on every build from the live catalogue, so a new review can displace an existing pairing from a shortlist and retire its page. When that happens the URL redirects to the more useful of the two reviews rather than 404ing. The scores themselves also move when a new piece resets what a number means in its category, which is the point of anchoring them to a published reference list rather than to the date they were written.