Audiobyte Super Head Headphone Amplifier & Preamplifier

The Audiobyte Super Head is a fully balanced headphone amplifier that can also be run as a line preamplifier. One device, two roles: at the headphone stage it's the power amp for three different headphone connector types, earlier in the chain it's the preamp for a downstream power amplifier.

Audiobyte sums up the philosophy behind it as “preserve, not impress”. In other words: no artificially imposed sound character, just as unadulterated a signal path as possible from input to output.

Why the Super Head?

Because it thinks the headphone question through to its logical conclusion. 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced and 6.3 mm unbalanced – three connector types on one device, no adapter fiddling. Add to that a bandwidth from DC up to 800 kHz, far beyond the audible range, so that nothing limits you within what you can actually hear.

What you hear / get / experience

Finely graduated gain from 0 to 20 dB in 0.5 dB steps, controlled via a precision rotary encoder and touchscreen – from restrained to full-bodied, exactly to match your headphones and musical taste. The internal linear power supply design keeps the signal-to-noise ratio above 125 dB, noticeable as black silence between the notes, not just a number on the spec sheet.

Who is the Super Head suited for? (and who isn't it for)

For anyone with a demanding headphone collection who also wants to keep the option of a genuine preamplifier open. Straight talk: if you only listen occasionally with simple headphones, you won't get the best out of this effort – a simpler amplifier will do just fine there.

Our verdict

A device for people who want to solve two problems at once (headphones and preamp) with one cleanly thought-through design instead of two compromise devices. If you already have a Super Vox in the rack, the Super Head closes the loop.

Technical data

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 300 × 60 × 290 mm (incl. feet)
• Weight: 5.5 kg
• Housing: CNC-machined, sandblasted and anodized aluminum
• Finish: matte black or matte silver
• Line inputs: XLR balanced, RCA unbalanced
• Line outputs (preamp mode): XLR balanced, RCA unbalanced
• Headphone outputs: 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced, 6.3 mm unbalanced
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 125 dB (1 W / 32 Ω)
• Total harmonic distortion (THD): −118 dB (1 V RMS, line output)
• Maximum output level: 17 V RMS (100 Ω, 1% THD)
• Bandwidth: DC – 800 kHz (−3 dB at gain 1)
• Output level: adjustable, 0–20 dB in 0.5 dB steps, max. attenuation −90 dB
• Headphone output: present (XLR4, 4.4 mm, 6.3 mm)
• Controls: precision rotary encoder and IPS touchscreen
• Power supply: internal linear power supply, 40 VA
• Manufacturing: handmade in Romania

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the Super Head as a preamplifier ahead of a power amp?

Yes. Via the XLR and RCA line outputs, the Super Head works as a full-fledged preamplifier with adjustable level, independent of headphone operation. Both functions can even be used at the same time, for example listening quietly on headphones while the rest of the system keeps playing normally in the living room.

Which headphone connectors does the Super Head support?

Three common connector types directly on the device: 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced and 6.3 mm unbalanced. For most high-quality headphones you won't need an additional adapter, whether your cable terminates balanced or unbalanced – just plug in and listen.

How powerful is the Super Head as a headphone amplifier?

Gain ranges from 0 to 20 dB in fine 0.5 dB steps, controlled via a precision rotary encoder and touchscreen. This lets you dial in both sensitive in-ears and harder-to-drive studio and full-size headphones cleanly, in a controlled way and entirely without overdriving them.

Does the Super Head need an external DAC?

Yes, the Super Head has no digital input of its own – it only amplifies analog signals via XLR or RCA. As a digital source ahead of it, the Audiobyte Super Vox from the same series is the natural choice, with an identical housing concept, matching dimensions and the same I2S connection technology.

Why buy the Audiobyte Super Head at HD Zürisee?

Because we advise you not just on the device but on your whole headphone chain – from the right headphones to the right cable to the source feeding them. Call us, write to us or drop by with your question on WhatsApp, we think through the chain with you.

Goes well with

A headphone in a matching price class naturally belongs alongside it, as an analog source a D/A converter like the Super Vox. For the complete stack, it's worth a look at the HiFi rack range.