Audiobyte - SuperHEAD headphone & pre-amplifier
The SuperHead is Audiobyte’s flagship headphone amplifier and preamplifier unit, designed to bring high-end amplification and control to headphone listening and line-level output alike. It fits into Audiobyte’s “Super” product line (alongside products like SuperVox, SuperHub) as an advanced, premium offering for discerning audiophiles
| Merk: Audiobyte |
| Product Type: Hoofdtelefoonversterkers, Pre-Amplifiers |
Audiobyte Superhead
Advanced Headphone Amplifier & Line Preamplifier
The SuperHead is aimed at listeners who want more than “just” headphone amplification: those who want the same clean, high fidelity signal for line-level output (to power amps or active speakers). Because of its preamp capability, it can simplify a system: one device for both headphone listening and for feeding other parts of the stereo rig.
| Shortest Route. Fewest Compromises. | The SuperHEAD was designed around an obsession with simplicity in the signal path. Every additional component between source and ear is a potential source of coloration — a subtle smearing of the original intent. A shorter, more deliberate path means less opportunity for the signal to be altered, and a greater chance that what reaches the listener is precisely what was recorded. |
| Active Devices Chosen for the Task. | The active components in the SuperHEAD were selected on the basis of their technical parameters. The goal was not simply to find good individual devices, but to identify components whose specific technical characteristics complement one another — each contributing a distinct strength, and together forming a circuit that performs beyond what any single element could achieve in isolation. |
| Precision Through an Array, Not a Single Large Device. | Rather than relying on large, bulky power transistors, the SuperHEAD output stage integrates a carefully matched array of smaller, high-precision devices working in concert. This approach yields a more linear, better-controlled output stage — one that maintains composure and authority across all headphone impedances, from low-impedance planars to high-impedance dynamic drivers. |
| Power Is a Tool. Subtlety Is the Goal. | High power output figures are easy to achieve and easy to advertise. The much harder engineering challenge is to preserve — at all volume levels — the micro-dynamics, spatial cues, and harmonic textures that transform a listening session into an experience. The SuperHEAD was cooked slowly, with care, to serve exactly that purpose. |
Everything considered.
Nothing superfluous.
Touchscreen Interface
A clean, high-contrast display provides at-a-glance control — volume level, input selection, and operational mode — without cluttering the front panel or the experience.
Rotary Encoder
Tactile, precise volume control via a custom-weighted rotary encoder. Physical interaction with audio equipment matters — and we designed this one to feel as good as it sounds.
Dual-Mode Operation
The SuperHEAD operates with equal elegance as a dedicated headphone amplifier and as a high-quality line preamplifier — seamlessly integrating into any analog chain.
Super Series Integration
Designed alongside the SuperHUB, SuperVOX, and SuperRACK — the SuperHEAD closes the analog loop of the Super ecosystem with an aesthetic and electronic coherence that is unmistakably Audiobyte.
AUDIOBYTE Superhead
"We did not set out to build the most powerful headphone amplifier on the market. We set out to build the most truthful one."
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Audio Performance | |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (1 W / 32 Ω) | > 125 dB |
| THD (1 V RMS, line out) | −118 dB |
| Maximum Output (100 Ω, 1% THD) | 17 V RMS |
| Bandwidth at Gain 1 | DC – 800 kHz (−3 dB) |
| Maximum Attenuation | −90 dB |
| Gain Range | 0 – 20 dB (adjustable in 0.5 dB steps) |
| THD vs. Load & Output Power — Balanced Output | ||||||
| Load | 0.1 W | 0.25 W | 0.5 W | 1 W | 2.5 W | 5 W |
| 16 Ω | −115 dB | −113 dB | −110 dB | −106 dB | −103 dB | −100 dB |
| 32 Ω | −117 dB | −114 dB | −113 dB | −110 dB | −103 dB | −100 dB |
| 50 Ω | −117 dB | −116 dB | −112 dB | −108 dB | −100 dB | −92 dB |
| 82 Ω | −113 dB | −113 dB | −109 dB | −104 dB | −94 dB | − |
| 100 Ω | −112 dB | −112 dB | −108 dB | −102 dB | −92 dB | − |
| Connectivity | |
| Line Inputs | XLR balanced, RCA unbalanced |
| Line Outputs | XLR balanced, RCA unbalanced |
| Headphone Outputs | 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced, 6.3 mm unbalanced |
| User Interface | |
| Display | IPS Capacitive Touchscreen |
| Volume Control | Precision Rotary Encoder + Touchscreen |
| Power & Mechanical | |
| Power Supply | Linear, internal |
| Power Consumption | 40 VA |
| Chassis | Full aluminium, CNC-milled, bead-blasted, anodized |
| Available Finishes | Matte Black / Matte Silver |
| Dimensions (W × D × H, incl. feet) | 300 × 290 × 60 mm |
| Weight (net) | 5.5 kg |
| Specifications subject to change without notice. All measurements taken at final production release. |
AUDIOBYTE
THINKING IN DIGITAL
Empowering Sound, Elevating Senses
AUDIOBYTE is a sister brand of Rockna Electronics, a manufacturer of high-quality audio equipment since 1999. While Rockna Electronics is set to pursue elite levels of performance with no compromise, the mission of Audiobyte is to close the gap between computer and high-end audio. In 2023, AUDIOBYTE became an independent company, with a completely new, state of the art production facility.
Years of extensive research and development resulted in some of the most refined technologies for an inspiring and insightful audio reproduction experience. In the Audiobyte line-up we implemented features that have been reserved, until now, only for the most extravagant audio hardware. Many solutions were built from scratch to offer a package that has little or no competition at these price levels.
Each piece we ship is made to order, hand built and individually tested. In 2019 we moved to a new research and production facility that expands our manufacturing capabilities and enhances our control over the most minute details and ensure we stay true to our commitment.
