The Portable Equalizer For Headphones In 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
InLine AmpEQ 99201I Hi-Res Audio Headphone Amplifier and Equalizer
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: InLine AmpEQ 99201I Hi-Res Audio Headphone Amplifier and Equalizer

With its built-in Loudness switch and switch for equalizing, you're sure to enjoy your music at the best quality possible. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: GOgroove Phono Preamp EQ with 3 Band Equalizer

This device is designed to have a simple interface that allows you to easily adjust the treble, mid, and bass levels without any hassle. Read Review

3. Best Powerful: Audiopipe EQ-909X 9 Band Equalizer

This unit features individual left and right sensitivity controls for aux input and allows for adjustment of frequency. Read Review

4. Best For Bass Enhancement: Rolls EQ570 Audio Equalizer

When set properly, this device not only offers that bass but also a finer distinction between the highs, mids, and lows. Read Review

Do you sometimes feel the music sound bad? It’s not your headphones. The problem is the lack of equalization on your music player.

The lack of an equalizer means you can’t boost certain frequencies to make your music sound better. An equalizer allows you to tweak the volume output in different frequency bands, so you can hear more detail or make an unbalanced track more balanced. It also allows you to boost (or cut) different frequencies and see what effect it has on the audio signal.

Below, we will guide you through our collection of the best portable equalizers for headphones. These devices are smaller than usual equalizers, allowing you to carry them along wherever you go, and our InLine AmpEQ 99201I Hi-Res Audio Headphone Amplifier and Equalizer is a perfect choice for that.

For headphones' audio adjustment, compact amplifiers are actually more common. This is also a feature that's already in an equalizer and an amplifier work as well as an equalizer. To help you make a more informed decision, we include some of the best amplifiers as alternatives for an equalizer.

Our Top Picks

  • 2x 3.5 mm stereo jack input line-in.
  • Headphone Amplifier with 3-band equalizer
  • 1x 3.5 mm stereo jack output headphones.
  • Loudness switch and switch for equalizer
TOP Choice #2 GOgroove Phono Preamp EQ with 3 Band Equalizer
Our Score:
9.6
GOgroove
  • RCA & DIN CONNECTION hooks up to your record player , mixer or recording unit for smooth audio | PLUG YOUR HEADPHONES directly into the 1/4 headphone port and adjust sound with the monitor level knob
  • TOP OF THE LINE CIRCUIT boost your turntable's phono audio level up to a more speaker/stereo line level, giving you better volume and increased sound quality
  • 3 BAND EQUALIZER makes this a 2-in-1 product (preamplifier and equalizer) for your record player. A simple interface allows you to easily adjust sound levels with the treble, mid and bass controls
  • INPUT GAIN allows you to control the level of the sound going into the preamp helping eliminate sound distortion | POWER INDICATOR LIGHT lets you know when the preamp is turned on/off
  • CUSTOM SOUND LEVELS are great for all genres of music including rock , rap , jazz and more | FILTER BUTTON rolls off the low end and helps eliminates turntable rumble | 3 YEAR MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY
TOP Choice #3 Audiopipe EQ-909X 9 Band Equalizer
Our Score:
9.4
Audiopipe
  • Audiopipe 9 Band Equalizer
4 Rolls EQ570 Audio Equalizer
Our Score:
9.3
Bellari Audio
  • THD: .003% @ 1KHz
  • Input Impedance: 47k
  • Power supply included
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz to 154kHz
  • Output Impedance: 47 ohms
  • Loki Mini+ uses LC filtering for very low hiss, but the inductors may pick up hum from other electronics. If you run into hum problems, move Loki Mini+ away from other electronics and try it with a different source.
  • Loki Mini+ transforms your system without getting in the way, or making itself known. Uses a single, discrete, current-feedback gain stage, coupled to passive LC filters for 3 bands, plus a gyrator for the bass.
  • Includes a USA power adapter intended for use ONLY in countries with 115VAC wall voltage such as the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Adapter will not work in 230VAC countries.
  • Designed and built in the USA.
  • Loki Mini+ helps you adjust for imperfections and/or tune your system to the way you want it to sound. Bands: 20Hz, 400Hz, 2kHz, 8kHz. Adjustment: +/-12dB at 20Hz and 8kHz, +/-6dB at 400Hz and 2kHz. Includes a 100% passive bypass setting to offer the transparency and flexibility you need.
6 Fosi Audio Q4 Headphone Amplifier
Our Score:
8.9
Fosi Audio
  • Mini Compact D/A converter, stream bit-perfect 24bit/192KHz HD with low jitter, with output protect circuit, safe for your expensive audio system
  • Easy to set up, no special software, app, or driver to install, a true plug-and-play digital audio adapter
  • Come with 5V USB power supply cable, optical cable, USB type B cable and 18-month warranty; Full metallic shell to ensure high quality
  • 160mW RMS(32 ohms, 20 Hz - 20 KHz, 0.01% THD), with bass and treble control can be used as preamp or volume controller for your PC/MAC/Computer
  • Fosi Audio Q4 is designed with PC-USB/optical inputs and coaxial and RCA/3.5MM headphone outputs can fit with most home audio system.(Q4 do not support Microphone). RCA output can be connected to amplifier or powered speakers on your desktop; Built-in Hi-Fi headphone amp chip can drive most 16 Ohm to 200 Ohm headphones
  • HI-RES AUDIO: ESS ES9018 DAC, ES9601C headphone driver, and CT7601 USB audio bridge.
  • WHAT’S INCLUDED: D1 DAC, USB cable, setup guide, microfiber product bag.
  • WARRANTY: Stellar US based customer support and 3 year product warranty is included. Based in Austin, TX, Audioengine has been changing the way people listen to music since 2005. We believe in the power of music and our passion is to inspire you to listen every day.
  • LEVEL-UP YOUR LISTENING: You deserve better sound. Play high-resolution music from Apple Music, Amazon Music and Tidal with stunning clarity you'll notice immediately. An external DAC allows you to hear the detail in music the way the artist intended. The D1 is a premium digital-to-analog converter (DAC), headphone amplifier and preamp that’s perfect for your desktop or on the go.
  • TRULY USEFUL FEATURES: USB and optical audio inputs for all your sources, computer/phone/tablet support, RCA line-output, precise front panel volume control, and audiophile-quality components inside and out. The D1 can be powered by a phone or tablet yet still drives high-performance headphones.
  • Bluetooth 5.0 (QCC3034) supporting APTX-HD lossless transmission. PC-USB (CM6642) supporting 24bit 192KHz and compatible with Windows/Mac/Linux system, matching well with many audio devices such as iPod, Phone, MP3 players, TV, Blu-ray players, Echo Dot, CD players, etc.
  • With 3 kinds of audio input(Bluetooth/USB/RCA) and 2 kinds of output(RCA/3.5mm headphone), P1 can be used as HiFi tube Preamp, USB DAC or headphone amp with HiFi clear, warm, dynamic, sweet tube sound, bringing extremely high-quality listening experience.
  • Adopting NE5532 op amp+classic 47 headphone amp architecture which can drive 32-300 ohms headphones, and a bypass switch is specially designed to turn on/off the tone control, more convenient to enjoy original sound or obtain more delicate sound with treble and bass control knob, adding much fun and higher playability.
  • Exquisite appearance with proper size, blue and orange light decorating vacuum tube, makes it fashionable and attractive, bringing wonderful auditory and visual enjoyment, very suitable for home and desktop audio system.
  • Douk Audio P1 Preamp has been acclaimed by countless audiophiles worldwide, now we upgrade 6J5 to JAN5654 / GE5654 tubes according to many audiophiles' feedback, the sound quality will be greatly improved.
  • Multifunctional: Unique earphone monitoring function, connect your bluetooth earphone, you can enjoy the charm of music alone.With bass/treble adjustment design help to create HiFi sound quality.
  • Small and powerful: 2.0 CH, 200watt. Compact design make it portable like a mini tablet, bur have enough power to amplify the music. Upgraded chip improves the sound quality by 40% compared with the most amps using TPA3116 and 3118 chips on the market, sure HIfi sound quality for you.
  • Safety and stability: Optimized circuit design delays product life and stability, and can protect matching speakers. Best for bookshelves/computers/desktops/speakers in your home.Drive 4ohm-16ohm speakers (only for passive speakers, not support active speakers.)
  • Simple operation: Equipped infrared remote control can remotely control the volume. (Note: cannot control the volume of external equipment, only control the volume of this amplifierbe and cannot select songs in the AUX state)
  • Bluetooth 5.0: Ensure the stability of the connection, No pop, no audible noise during the connection and up to 50ft range with low latency, even in broad place, reach 12M.
10 DYNASTY PROAUDIO UA2D USB Phono Amplifier
Our Score:
8.3
DYNASTY PROAUDIO
  • ✅Can be used as a Phono preamp for any vinyl playback system, amplifies the signal from your turntable to levels that allow you to connect it to your sound system.
  • ✅The Dynasty ProAudio UA2D has the ability to be connected with all kinds of turntables with moving magnet (MM) cart- ridge or line level audio devices (tape recorders etc. ), easily transfer and convert from your favor albums vinyl records to your computer or laptop into a digital format file for organization.
  • ✅The Dynasty ProAudio comes with USB audio driver technology that ensures latency free operation to a new level, which supports 48/44. 1 KHz sampling rate for both monitoring and recording.
  • ✅High performance USB audio interface Integrated, built-in with a premium circuit technology and components phono preamp that allow you to amplify an RIAA equalized low noise Phono and Line level audio signals. Simply connect it to your desktop and laptop computer’s USB port for recording with true-to-original sound and no quality loss.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buying Guide and Tips for better purchase of portable equalizer for headphones

Merchandise is much more than a physical item. It's the result of someone having an idea, working on it, and making it a reality. When you go out to buy, these would be the factors you should know once looking for portable equalizer for headphones.

In fact, this is not about how much it costs and what other people think of it, but whether it will suit your requirements and last long enough even for users to have your money's worth out of it. This article will inform consumers about how and why you buy portable equalizer for headphones.

Bands

You can achieve finer control with more bands. Every band corresponds to a specific frequency, however, it is important that you know which frequencies each one represents, since it may vary depending on your equalizer. The definition of a middle-range in an equalizer may differ from the one used by another.

Spectrum Analyzer

They are used on higher-end equipment as they provide real-time measurement of the audio signal. These allow you to see the frequencies of your frequency.

Filters

Some frequency ranges can be amplified, passed or reduced by audio filters. This is done by using a frequency-dependent amplifier circuit. An audio equalizer can adjust your music and remove or modify certain sounds with the filters.

Adjustment Range

Decibels are often used to measure ranges. The higher the range, the greater the ability to reduce or increase certain ranges.

Sound Processors

The equalizer also has a higher end part that adjusts its settings based on noise in your car.

Parametric Equalizers

These equalizers are a step beyond the more standard graphic equalizers. They allow for more adjustment in terms of bandwidth control and primary frequency.

Crossovers

These controls control lower and higher frequency that could disrupt music. You can reach more frequencies if the decibel range is larger.

Bipolar Switching

The unique system uses twice the number of quadrants than traditional systems to increase voltage output.

FAQs

Do I Need An Audio Equalizer?

It's a difficult question that will be influenced by how obsessed you are about music. While the average person won't think about equalizing music, audiophiles may. A newbie should take it slow, particularly if creating or recording music or mixing songs. A slight tweak can make a huge difference in the sound and it may not be for the best.

What Is The Physical Size Of The EQs?

Although this may sound obvious, I have seen many people make the same mistake. If you have a rack case or console, make sure it has sufficient space for the new EQs. Make sure you measure the equipment before buying. Then compare the measurements to your rack/console. Engineers these days are working on a tight budget and needing minimal equipment so any additional weight or size can be problematic.

Will This EQ Be Rack-mounted Or Used On A Console

You can buy all of the PMQs listed above in rack-mountable 1U or 2U models. You can purchase multiple units of this type at one time, but it will cost more. However, you could order a customized-fitted box and put them all together. There are two types of MBCs: analog or digital. Make sure that your console can support an analog model. Although not essential, it is best to purchase equipment that works well together.

Do I Need To Equalize With Expensive Speakers?

You don't have to buy the most expensive speakers to use your audio equalizer. You can get just as much value from middle-range speakers as you will with high-end ones. Be careful with equalizing. If you aren't careful, your equalizer could cause damage to your speakers. You could damage your speakers if you have accidentally set the output level to the wrong place. You can check for damage by playing the sound through your speakers at a higher volume. The speaker may be damaged if the volume is too low. Modern speakers are capable of handling short-term distortion. Listen carefully.

Should I Use The Presets?

Presets are great for novice users. The presets allow you to choose between rock and metal as well as any other musical style. These are not meant to be used for guidance when first using an equalizer.

What Is My Budget?

Graphic equalizers are available for purchase from $50 to $25,000, depending on the number of channels and features included. The price of graphic equalizers will rise significantly if you require more channels than 8. You will also need to have the ability to adjust all your parameters (high pass, low pass, volume, etc.) using your console without having to move faders. Expect to spend between $200 and $25,000

What Is Equalization?

Equalization, from a musical perspective, is the act of changing the frequencies and sounds of a song. You've likely heard most of these frequencies at one time or another. Sound frequencies can be described as terms such as bass and treble. There are many instruments that can be found in any musical composition. The music might sound fantastic to the casual listener, but it could sound off for professionals. Audio equalizers are used to remove or filter certain frequencies in order to create a perfect harmony.

Conclusion

portable equalizer for headphones are usually made of high-quality materials, come with a warranty in case something goes wrong, and have a lot of positive customer feedback. If you want to buy the best commodity for your necessities, you must first understand what characteristics or qualities constitute an "ideal" item.

You can also look into Monolith 124460 Portable Headphone Amplifier as an alternative to the options listed above. We hope that this list of excuses why investing in the best is worthwhile will assist you in making an informed decision when shopping online.


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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.