Rupert Neve Headphone Amplifier - Unboxing The $500 Unique Amplifier

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[@burninglcd]

Power cycling gear tends to damage caps a lot faster than leaving it on all the time. A lot of gear is actually meant to stay on 24/7. Mixing boards are basically never powered off unless it's for maintenance, and sure, some parts need to be replaced, but they still last decades between major repairs.

[@Alex55555]

This amp is more of a pro gear, it is not intended to be turned on and off all the time.

[@tonygunz21]

I don't feel it's quite fair knocking it for not having an XLR headphone out, considering it's a headphone amp for professional studio use (Although I'm sure some do, I've never been in a studio where XLR headphone cables were used, it's just not that popular in that world). This was not designed with the audiophile in mind. With few exceptions, Neve gear is and has been geared towards professional musicians and music studios. If you're looking for Neve's audiophile offering, check out the Fidelice Precision DAC. For the audiophiles that do not create music, there are far cheaper and more practical options for hifi listening than the RNHP. The RNHP is great for mix engineers who need clean-precise gain when mixing/referencing in cans.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I don't think your perception of the RNHP is quite accurate. The RN website clearly markets the amp as an audiophile kit. Although professional applications are listed first, home listening by a "music lover" is given notable attention. When a company purposefully puts itself in a particular group, it should be judged within that group. It's not fair to suggest we give RN a pass just because they typically cater to professionals, particularly in light of the marketing they use. As for "knocking it" for not having balanced--I did not do that. All I said is that it has balanced inputs so it was incumbent on them to make a balanced output, especially for the price they charge. It's simply inexcusable to not do that. The RNHP is not the most powerful amplifier on the market, doesn't have any unique sound signature, does not have additional features, and the lack of balanced output is evermore glaring in light of these facts. Granted, the build is exceptional and RN's ability to control noise without resorting to the THX nonsense is a testament to excellent engineering--but that is no excuse for the limited output option. Finally, your suggestion that audiophiles instead look at the Fidelice is totally unacceptable. Why should we spend thousands of dollars for something that should have been included in the RNHP to begin with? This goes to the typical audiophile false thinking that pricey products are better, or that to get true audiophile experience you have to spend tons of money. As pretty as the Fidelice is, there is absolutely no justification for any audiophile to buy that instead of something a mere fraction of the cost. If you have the money, you can buy whatever you want. If I had $4000 laying about and I needed to spend it, I might put it on the Fidelice. But that's an uber luxury item for such a small niche of people that it's completely mistaken to call it an "audiophile" kit. The more appropriate descriptor would be an "audiophile amplifier for the filthy rich."

[@Sams911]

This amp is my new bench mark amp for recording bass when plugged into a DI... it's absolutely the simplest and most linear amplifier I have ever heard.

[@toucan221]

I'm wondering when you remove headphones before switching off, to avoid loud noise? is this a common problem from old designs, I have the same problem with my Creek OBH 22 gives a very loud pop, if the phones are already plugged in.

[@NoThemeReviews]

You should plug after power up and before power down because some amps have caps that discharge. The RNHP has this issue, as did older amps. Unfortunately Ruper Neve Designs doesn’t mention this in the manual, and they only clarified once someone complained. Here’s a thread discussing it: www.head-fi.org/threads/rupert-neve-designs-announces-the-rnhp-precision-headphone-amplifier.804255/page-9

[@InternetUser-d7s]

I never really found the pop/click when turning on and off an issue. I just take my headphones off, put them on their stand, and turn the amp off. No big deal. On my Neve amp, the sound is also more of a "fizz" than a pop.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yeah...but the possibility of bricking your headphones is too much a danger for me.

[@ChrisGilloolyMusic]

@@NoThemeReviews audio professionals are used to unplugging things at the correct time. If you unplug a mic when your speakers are on then it has the potential to ruin the speakers. Sending phantom power to the wrong place can destroy expensive equipment. After some experience being careful with all this, it really turns into second nature. I didn’t need to read anything to know that I should unplug the earphones before doing anything with the RNHP.

[@Cujobob]

You complained about the power button being on the back, there’s very good reason for this - you don’t want AC power running all over inside of the amplifier. This is why Schiit has kept power switches in the back. There are workarounds for this, but they generally either worsen performance or raise costs.

[@NoThemeReviews]

That’s pretty silly. Where do you get the notion that adding a simple toggle switch to the front “worsens performance”?? That’s ridiculous. There are plenty of amps that have power switches on the front and your explanation isn’t reasonable whatsoever.

[@Cujobob]

No Theme Reviews here’s a part of a post on head fi that might help clear it up for you: “Running wires with AC power from the back of the amp (where the power cord is) to the front of the amp (where a power switch could be located) could cause audible interference in the amplifier. If the AC wiring is parallel to the signal wiring, you will get interference. I am not sure of the mechanics of this, but AC wiring is something that has to be handled carefully in amps. There is a workaround, but it would probably add at least $30 - $50 (maybe more?) to the total cost of the amp, as well as possibly increasing the size (though just a little). They can put a DC relay at the back with a power button (not switch) at the front. This is a great solution to the problem, as the wires going to the front of the amp don't carry any AC power, all the AC power lines are minimal and out of the way.” Also, Schiit has also said they prefer the aesthetics of keeping the front cleaner, so there are multiple factors. They push using one of those switches that turns everything on for you. A company can add in a relay or some other way of controlling the power, but it does add to the cost. Schiit is also all USA made. I’m not defending Schiit, I personally prefer front panel switches, however... my preferences do not necessarily take into account the engineering issues and costs associated. I have a Topping L30 I control in the front and it performs exceptionally well, but it’s made in China and they’re not known for the most reliable products typically.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Quoting me someone’s personal opinion based principally on Schiit’s excuses isn’t clarifying anything. A simple relay switch increases the cost by $50? On what planet? Are these the same people who whine about inaudible noise measurements?

[@Cujobob]

No Theme Reviews that’s not personal opinion. Accounting for AC in a design is a big deal. You can choose not to believe that, but it doesn’t make it less factual. Do you think the creator of this headphone amp just wanted the power switch in the back to make it less convenient? In the case of Schiit, most of their products are inexpensive (and again, made in America where costs have to be kept minimized to compete). Adding even a few dollars to a $100 product is quite a lot. In the $500 product you reviewed, perhaps they could have added in the option without detrimental effects, maybe they had to spend that budget somewhere else or maybe they simply didn’t have the proper space to put it where they wanted.

[@NoThemeReviews]

It’s not “factual” just because you repeat what someone else says. What measurements are you relying on to promote such claims? You’ve mentioned some Headfi post like that’s authority-and it isn’t. Companies often say they can’t do something because of cost and it’s rarely a valid excuse. Schiit is no different. The prices of their gear creeps up every generation and they can’t implement a switch on the front? Why? Because you and some other people without measurements proclaim it’s a bad idea? That’s nonsensical. It’s lazy and poor customer attention for Schiit to disregard this very small request from their users. And it’s pretty annoying when you keep repeating the same broken record and won’t provide any science-based testing. If you don’t have measurements to back up such claims, then don’t expect people to buy into them.

[@lordhades9455]

Perhaps I am blind but I dont see the mentioned Loxjie P20 review in your video list. Happen to have a link?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Ehhh. That’s because apparently KZbin deleted the video! I’ll re-upload it.

[@TheMrgonzalo05]

Is this the same as the new Fidelice line headphone amp?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yes. Specifications are the same. Why there’s a huge price difference is beyond my understanding

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

You are my first audio mentor. THANK YOU for your detailed guidance. I almost wept like a toddler (I did internally) as I listened with my new Austrian Audio Hi-X55 for hours last night, to simple "details" provided by the KZbin-Music. It was lovely. Now that I am slightly adjusted to the sound, I will begin mixing with them next week. My question to you (as my self-designated guru), are there any expected detall benefits to be had by applying amplifiers on low impedance headphones such as the Hi-X55? P.S. Thanks for reviewing this Neve Amp... I was considering this heavily until viewing this.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Lol. I'm flattered, thanks. I'm glad you like the x55--it's not a headphone for everyone, but clearly it is a very unique product. As for an amp...it really depends. Honestly, I don't think you'll eek out materially improved performance with an amp on something like the x55. Dynamic drivers are usually easy to power, even those with high impedances. For example, the HD650/6xx is 300 ohms, but even the diminutive Fiio M3 Pro can drive them. But, for PEAK performance, those headphones need more power than what the M3 has. When you turn to something like the x55 or the Fidelio M1 Mk2, they're designed to work with any source. You can't say the same for the LCD1, however, even though it has low impedance like the x55 and M1. The planar driver is the culprit there. Assuming you're using your phone or your motherboard, or even an audio interface, the x55 should work just fine. The real difference, I think, is with the dac. In my experience, dacs in phones and motherboards are quite sub-par, typically sound harsh. Consequently, even when your PC or phone might have sufficient power to drive the x55, the dac may cause the x55 to sound harsh or undetailed. I don't know what your current setup is, but if you're happy with the x55 with your present gear, then I wouldn't rush out and buy a dac/amp. The only potential "improvement" you might get for the x55 is a dedicated dac. This, of course, is assuming you don't already have a dedicated source other than your phone or interface or motherboard.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

@@NoThemeReviews So, I do have a Steinberg "UR22 MKII", and should be picking up the replacement on monday which will be a universal audio "Apollo Twin USB". However two things I would love: 1.) A reliable portable DAC solution for my android devices 2.) A 5.1 (perhaps even 7.2) DAC to route via SPDIF cable to to my consumer grade receiver, for my PC in the living room) as I am looking to do some rudimentary surround sound video monitoring until I can actually afford a surround monitoring solution... (it will not be for professional purposes, so I hope that it won't think that it'll be a huge deal.)

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

@@NoThemeReviews I'm liking the M3 price tag. But, as a Wookie standing 6'4" with circus clown size hands, the interface would drive me to hurl myself into the Atlantic. LOL Which device would you recommend on par with this device's audio quality, with the additions of "sasquatch friendly interface", wifi, and bluetooth (and "hopefully" "reasonable" price difference for these upgrades? LMAO... "Reasonable", the hope alone seemed ludicrously laughable as I typed it.

[@fei19317]

Hi. I wonder if this amp can drive Monolith M1070 (RCA input)?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yes

[@zanza_the_rewolverine]

I purchased the Audeze mm500 but my Apollo Twin X doesn't have enough headphone output for them, which headphone amp do you recommend?

[@NoThemeReviews]

The Schiit Magni will provide plentiful power. If you really want more, look at the Magnius/Midgard

[@zanza_the_rewolverine]

@@NoThemeReviews thanks a lot

[@ChrisGilloolyMusic]

Don’t let the numbers in the manual fool you - the RNHP can drive some high impedance headphones with no problem.

[@petermartin9494]

This is not perfect, but in terms of value I don't see what beats, it. I am very happy to live with any minor shortcomings in return for the excellent sound quality this product provides. The turn on pop may be annoying but it is not going to damage any headphones or anyone's hearing. And you didn't mention what I see as the biggest blemish on this product. The bright light.

[@NoThemeReviews]

I’m used to bright lights with amps. Although you’re right. It is pretty annoying

[@kumarsaurav9905]

so in case of power cut, I may end up damaging my hearing with loud pop? keeping it always ON is not a justification as there is a thing called power cuts in many country. Looks like designer and manufacturer only intended to sell it in US.

[@NoThemeReviews]

In the US we have power cuts, too. We're only a 1st World Country by name--we can't take care of our poor, have little to no community development, and are becoming increasingly totalitarian. But I don't think Rupert cares. I think his design concepts are VERY dated, and he doesn't know how people now want to use their gear. If you go to the RNHP website there's a section telling you how you can use the amp...and it's pretty funny. Rupert flaunts this webpage like the RNHP does something special...it doesn't.

[@nicktan4530]

How does it compete with thx 789 ?

[@NoThemeReviews]

Both are neutral. But the 789 has a lot more power. The RNHP is proof positive that the THX hype is marketing mumbo jumbo--the signal is noiseless on both, and you wouldn't be able to tell which one is more silent.

[@nicktan4530]

@@NoThemeReviews But here is the thing. 789 and 887 is both cheaper. Balance and power and for giggles, better measurements. But i need to check

[@NoThemeReviews]

@@nicktan4530 Yup. I think you buy the RNHP for the name and uniqueness. It does nothing better than the 789 or 887, and except for the power output, does nothing worse.

[@nicktan4530]

@@NoThemeReviews Looking forward for comparison review. But either way, wonder which is better in terms of measurement, SINAD.

[@jekeydaniel7276]

When using the RNHA with low impedance headphones (more than 300 Ohm) it is well worth using the C input to get a higher gain input as that has got 15dB more gain. Did you try your Argon with that input? Anyway, great review, thanks. In my opinion the RNHP s closest competition is the Little Labs Monotor. Both are aimed at professional use cases. A comparison video would be great :)

[@mr.c0stell0]

You dont turn it off 🙄

[@wagstaff6135]

Glad you're doing this one. I hope when you run comparisons you can do a chunk of them on your Focal Clears. I say that because of certain kinds of hype I've read where the purported-superiority of this thing over the THX amps as purportedly purported.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Lol. Yeah the answer is very simple: it’s not better especially at its current price. Anyone who says otherwise is full of shit.

[@pronewbofficial]

It looks like the power switch was an after thought. Like you said, it's small and hard to use. Most of your problems seem to be with turning it on / off. I wouldn't be surprised if adding the switch was a last-minute decision.

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yup. It’s not a big deal. In all other respects, the RNHP is solid.

[@jaquesgelee7429]

Do you have ever heard of Always On Devices? 😅

[@NoThemeReviews]

Yes. I also get an electricity bill.

[@darrellharwood6600]

Some people, like me (and likely Rupert Neve Designs), leave their DAC and amp on 24/7, even if the PC is off. I understand your points at the end, but I'm an impractical asshole. :D

[@NoThemeReviews]

Lol. Or you are far more reasonable than me and don't have 20 amps plugged in.

[@darrellharwood6600]

Lol. Fair.

[@FatTool12]

This product sounds like a terrible value. After owning the smsl sp200 I struggle to find a cleaner, stronger and better value amp.

[@NoThemeReviews]

On paper, yes its value is dubious. But plenty of people want the RN name, and honestly it is a good amplifier. You just have to accept its shortcomings.