Rega Ear Headphone Amp

Description

The Rega EAR is a dedicated analogue headphone amplifier designed to bring increased musicality, power, and refinement to headphone listening from a line‑level source. Built by British hi‑fi specialist Rega Research, the Ear blends the company’s amplifier design traditions with a purpose‑built headphone stage that’s more capable and engaging than relying on the headphone output on most integrated amps.

Unlike standalone headphone DAC/amps with digital pipelines, the Ear takes a simple analogue approach: it connects to the tape‑ or line‑out of a preamp/amplifier and amplifies that clean signal to drive a wide range of headphones. It’s compact yet robust, with a custom extruded aluminium case finished to visually match other Rega components.

Inside, Rega uses a cascaded emitter‑follower output design with complementary Darlington output transistors and quality passive components, delivering strong drive capability and low noise. The result is a headphone amp that emphasizes musical flow, tonal richness, and a relaxed presentation, rather than clinical measurement‑focused engineering.

🗣️ What Reviewers Say

• Hi‑Fi News praised the Rega Ear for its build and sound:
  “The Rega Ear is lovely, in so many ways. It is beautifully made, stylish and has all the facilities you really need, plus a delightful sound that stirs the soul regardless of whatever music you put through it. Wonderfully expansive and big hearted, it makes listening a pleasure… even an iPad sounds good via the Rega!”

• Other descriptions from user communities and sellers highlight the Ear’s warm, musical output and suitability for long listening sessions with dynamic headphones. While not the most powerful or spec‑heavy amplifier in the category, it earns respect for its natural midrange and ease of listenability, particularly with well‑recorded sources.

📌 Key Features

• Purpose‑built analogue headphone amplifier designed to provide better drive and fidelity than typical headphone outputs on amps.

• Classic Rega design ethos: simplicity, quality components, low noise, and a musically engaging sound.

• Stylish extruded aluminium case with high‑gloss fascia to match Rega electronics.

• Easily integrates into systems via tape‑out/line‑out on hi‑fi amplifiers.

📊 Technical Specifications

Here’s a clear breakdown of the Ear’s measured performance and electro‑acoustic specs as published:

• Maximum Output (various loads):
  • 25 Ω: 775 mW • 32 Ω: 685 mW • 50 Ω: 530 mW
  • 100 Ω: 320 mW • 600 Ω: 60 mW

• Open Circuit Voltage: 6 V

• Input Impedance: 20 kΩ

• Gain: 28 dB

• Frequency Response: 12 Hz – 37 kHz

• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): ~0.003 %

• Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio: –100 dB (ref. max output, 22 Hz – 22 kHz)

• Power Supply: External 24 VAC @ ~225 mA

• Dimensions: ~178 mm × 155 mm × 45 mm

🧠 Summary

The Rega Ear isn’t about headline‑grabbing numbers or digital features — it’s designed for audiophiles who want musical engagement, smooth tonality, and quality headphone drive from a simple analogue setup. Reviewers admire its build quality and inviting sound, especially when paired with dynamic headphones and a decent source. If you’re seeking a refined headphone experience with a classic hi‑fi flavour, the Ear delivers thoughtfully within its niche.