Organic, Dynamic, Precise - RNHP Review

I’ve heard lots of great things about the RNHP (Rupert Neve Headphone Amplifier)--to the point that I thought I needed to actually try it for myself. So, is it that good? Yeah… it’s pretty good, but that also comes at a pretty price. Watch the review to see how I think it fairs compared to the Schiit Magnius.
Interest in some other solid state amp options? Check out this shootout I did with several amps from $100-$200:
Solid State Amp Comparison Video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pn_InZmAmKier5o
Links (some are affiliate):
RNHP: amzn.to/38Sdgkr
660s: amzn.to/3eR4xTq
SU-8 DAC: amzn.to/3bMaspQ
As usual, I’d also recommend looking for used options at:
Head-Fi: www.head-fi.org/
HifiGuides: forum.hifiguides.com/

[@BlackthorneSoundandCinema]

Really liked the comparison with the Magnius.

[@jymnmer]

This review surprises me. I agree that the difference between expensive gear and mid-fi gear is slim. You're paying for small but mostly substantial improvements to those with an interest in audio. I've been a big fan of my Schiit Asgaard (despite its reasonable cost) with Hifiman HE 500/Sennheiser 598/580/B&W P5. I've found much to appreciate with them using either the Schiit (or my Oppo 105 headphone amp). But when I plugged in the RNHP for the first time yesterday, I was not prepared how wonderful the unit sounded. The bass is no longer just notes but there's a visceral, almost organic feel to it. There's a sub-bass that, while listening to the Beatles Revolver remixes, I had to take off the headphones to check my subwoofer hadn't magically turned on. After 50 years of being an audio enthusiast, I've never had anything close to that happen. The HE 500, which has aggravated me for years with its weight and disappointing sound, felt almost weightless as I played one album after another. It was as if I'd never heard the 500 before. (The difference is much greater with the 500 than with the Senns but still substantial). I still haven't even got to the mids and highs, but it's only been a day. It usually takes me weeks, if not months, to gain appreciation for top-class audio. But this is a whole new ballgame. It's like the cues I've always followed with audio have been thrown out the window. Which makes me want to hear the Magnius. It must be spectacular to be so close in excellence of the RNHP. $200? I'm snapping one up. Then perhaps I'll be in a dual sonic headphone nirvana.

[@dalvarez]

Very interesting amp.....good work. Cheers from Argentina

[@Sams911]

I just got the Neve to use in my home studio for bass guitar ... with my Beyer Dynamics DT1990's this is a reference sound combo... I can honestly say about as linear and transparent as you can get without listening to the bass thru the my Aguilar DT751 and speakers cabinets themselves.

[@TC-bz8sm]

Great review as always Mr Ayrit ! Does it improve soundstage ?

[@MrAyrit]

Sorry, been too long. Kind of been itching for to try it again though.

[@AA0011.]

Nice comparison, not expected and well put to similar written reviews. Up next Lake People G111 or G103? :D

[@MrAyrit]

I haven’t had the chance to hear those units, but they are on my radar.

[@MrAyrit]

@@nhatlam96 you didn’t hear a difference between any of them?

[@MrAyrit]

@@nhatlam96 well, I’d say you’re fortunate. You can save yourself a ton of money on amps. I’d imagine you’ve had a similar experience with DACs?

[@gramblor1]

I hope to see you review the Elex! How does it compare to Elegia?

[@MrAyrit]

I'll definitely do a review of the Elex in the near future (although I've got a couple of others to do first). I'd say the Elex matches the Elegia in detail, but brings a lot more energy to the music. The Elex seems better controlled (bass-wise) to me than the Elear was, and more precise. However, I'm basing all that on memory, so take it with a grain of salt.

[@vaksilvaksil9939]

It seems an honest review, which dac you connect to the magnius / neev

[@MrAyrit]

Oh man, it’s been awhile. I can’t remember if it was the Modius ir the Bifrost 2 at that time. I think it would have been one if those.

[@vaksilvaksil9939]

@@MrAyrit do you think that ares2 will be good match to it and also to singxer sa1 headphone fostek th900 pearl addition

[@MrAyrit]

@@vaksilvaksil9939 The Ares II is one that I haven't heard yet, but I imagine it would be quite good with those amps based on what people say about it.

[@michaelgreco8614]

Can this amp driver planar magnetic 13 ohm headphones?

[@MrAyrit]

I would imagine so, what model are you wondering about?

[@michaelgreco8614]

@@MrAyrit Dan Clark drop open x

[@iNeedDrums]

Why were you disappointed that a headphone output was not balanced? Why is that brought into the conversation at all? I'd love to see Mr. Neve respond to this review. Why review products and describe concepts you don't understand. The confidence in your bs analysis gave me a good laugh.