Here at Audio46 we like to review headphones. It’s what we do. But sometimes a piece of audio equipment comes along, and it’s so cool that we HAVE to drop everything and review it. This time around, it’s the AKG HP4E – a four channel amplifier allowing for dual input. The great things about this amp? Versatility and simplicity at a $99 price point.

AKG HP4E Review

Get Yours Here

Well acquainted with portable amps and heavy desktop models, it took me a minute to get used to the idea of the HP4E. For one thing, amps like this already exist, in that they allow output for up to four headphones. What’s really different about this new amp from AKG is the dual input option, and an easy-to-use switch placed beside each headphone jack. Four headphones can be demoed between two different audio sources at one time.

The build quality on this amp isn’t to be scoffed at, either. With a heavy-duty all-metal housing, it feels solid enough to handle anything short of a nuclear blast. Four little rubber stoppers adhere to the bottom of the unit, so it won’t slide and scratch up whatever surface it’s resting on. The plugs included allow the supplied power supply to work with any outlet in the world.

As far as sound is concerned, the output is standard 20-20000 hertz, but it has the power to drive even high-impedance models like upper-echelon HifiMan, Sennheiser, and Beyerdynamic.

Is there anything negative I can say about this amplifier? Not really. I wish more people knew about it (hence this review), because it seems to be a godsend for those who don’t just love to A-B test headphones, but audio sources as well.

At any rate, if you’re looking for an economical studio amp, or if you’re searching for a desktop amp that will allow you to compare different headphones and audio sources without time wasted plugging in and unplugging numerous cables, the HP4E is a $99 god send.

See more of the AKG Store at Audio46!