I've recently changed my set up, and am looking for a headphone amplifier and phono pre-amp set-up. Preferably for $1000AUD or under. 

 

I'll be matching them with a Rega P3 turntable, Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge and Meze 99Neo headphones. 

 

I've never made a headphone set-up before, so was hoping someone with more experience could lead me in the right direction. 

 

At the moment, I'm considering pairing a Rega Fono MM MK5 with something like a Schiit Magni. But am very open to suggestions!

 

Cheers, 

inpress

 

 

Edited August 23, 2025Aug 23 by inpress

Schiit is a good brand and you should be happy with the results.  I've owned one before, I forget which model, and I was very happy with it.  Your Meze's are easy to drive, I use a pair of the Classic 99's for my PC and also off my phone when I'm out walking.

 

Having said that, if it were my money I'd PM Mark @mwhouston, he's been making headphone amplifiers for years, excellent quality and locally made so you won't get better value for money in your price range.

3 minutes ago, Kaynin said:

Schiit is a good brand and you should be happy with the results.  I've owned one before, I forget which model, and I was very happy with it.  Your Meze's are easy to drive, I use a pair of the Classic 99's for my PC and also off my phone when I'm out walking.

 

Having said that, if it were my money I'd PM Mark @mwhouston, he's been making headphone amplifiers for years, excellent quality and locally made so you won't get better value for money in your price range.

Thanks for the kind comments. Yes I have SS tube ones ready to go. 

Thanks so much for the info Kaynin! I appreciate it. 

 

In that case, I get a Schiit headphone amp like a Magni.

I appreciate the MW Houston recommendation, but really would prefer something quite small, and without tubes. 

 

Now, to just decide if I want a Schiit pre-amp, or a Rega one....

The rega phono preamp and schiit headphone amp are both good choices and in your price bracket there are many choices. Xduoo have some very good choices. For the equipment you are looking to buy I would certainly recommend looking at second hand and the classified stereonet site is a good place to start. You mention that your headphones are meze 99 classics. I owned a pair of these at one time and found them to be good from my phone but when I used them with a dedicated headphone amplifier the bass was overpowering. 

Thanks for the information. Yes, I think I'll eventually change the Meze headphones as I've had them for around 5-6 years now. But I'm curious to hear how the bass sounds through a headphone amp! For reasons to do with space, I've decided to pair up a Schiit headphone amp with a Schiit phono pre-amp. At the moment, I've got my eyes on a Mani 2 and a Magni. And, am keeping an eye out on listings here.