EarMen - ST-Amp

Desktop DAC & Amp + Preamp

Sale price₹ 16,999 Regular priceMRP: ₹ 19,999
Discontinued
This product is permanently discontinued by the manufacturer and continues to live on in Headphone Zone's Museum.

Unfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔

While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend

Customer Reviews

Based on 4 reviews
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S
Subhadeep (Kolkata)
A fantastic amp/dac

Earmen STamp, at its current price is a great bargain. There is not much to talk about the inbuilt dac, which seems to be an afterthought. The winner here is the amplifier. It's really got a quality by which it just amplifies the incoming signal in such a way as to highlight the merits of the source. My Magni 3 + does not have this quality of highlighting the character of the source. Another interesting fact is that it pairs really well with dongle dacs, so it's potentially a gateway to experience their characters and the variations there of. The pairing with my Cayin RU6 is just jaw dropping. The soundstage and imaging is fantastic along with the tonality. Only thing is that I have to crank it up almost to the top to get enough loudness for my Sundaras. The volume knob is also a little scratchy at the top. Once the volume is set, it just vanishes and let the music flow in all its glory. Interestingly the set I got has a serial number of 000001 printed in gold! Thank you Team HPZ for providing such a wonderful opportunity to experience music in all its colours.

Thank you for such an in-depth and thoughtful review! Your insights are incredibly valuable and will surely help other audiophiles make informed decisions.

M
MANDEEP SINGH (Chandigarh)
👑 Mid-Range KING 👑

Definitely a Mid-range KING. Superb build quality. Has linear power supply built-in. Enjoyable clean, airy, dynamic sound. To my ears it sounds better than my ifi Zen V2 stack. Using it pared with my Earmen Donald Dac. I think i have my END GAME
stack for now. This combo is one of the best. Buy before it gets out of stock.

Hi there! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a positive review for the product. Happy listening!

V
Vignan R (Bengaluru)
Superb

I had the option of going for this or Fiio K7. Went with this as it has a linear power supply.
Build quality is superb but it has sharp edges. We can actually cut fruits with its sharp edges. Just kidding :) . We rarely touch those edges so its ok.
Its inbuilt DAC is actually very good though it is just an ES9280. It has better bass, dynamics, note weight and musicality compared to many other even newer ESS DAC's products that I have used in the past.
Also tried line in with few low budget dongles I have and they also play very well with better dynamics than on their own and each different DAC showed its own flavour of sound
The unit just gets very mildly warm even after hours of usage
This drives my AKG K702 at just 10 o Clock on the volume dial in Single ended with very good dynamics
Tried balanced on my HD599 as I got Bal cable only for that and Bal sounds even more richer overall.
Tried my CCA PLA13 IEM on Bal mode. No hiss, nothing and the sound was awesome.
So I am happy with this product and HPZ's support and service have been very good.

Hi there,
We're thrilled to hear that you are enjoying the product and that it has exceeded your expectations.
We're glad to hear that the inbuilt DAC is performing well for you, and that you have noticed improvements in bass, dynamics, and musicality compared to other products you have used in the past.

M
Mo On (Bengaluru)
One of the best as an Amp

Initially after looking at few pictures of the internal in some review I thought it is very basic Amp. But it still was very well received by reviewers so I pull the trigger once it was down to 19k in price.

The amp is supposed to be an Amp with added dac which makes it kind of an All in one.

It is bit smaller than what I imagined but it can be used vertical and horizontal without a need of stand. The body is all metallic with paint on top of it. It feel sturdy and premium.
The 3 feed at the bottom is not good, I would suggest to get rid of them if you could and replace with a better on on all four side.

It is very versatile to use with multiple dac and amp setup.

It have a internal dac which is decent but not that good for price. Dac is good enough to use for movies, videos and other content. But for music a better dac will be more usefull.

The amp section is the star of the show when paired with external dacs it show the character of the dac connected and give a bit of dynamic nature to sound.

Paired with Earmen Angel, sound was very musically and had better dynamic compared to angel's amp while preserving all good characters of angel like great resolution and good soundstage.

Paired with K9 Pro AKM I prefered the amp out from ST Amp than K9 pro's amp section. Sound became more realistic, relaxed with preservation of details and holographic nature of K9 pro. And added dynamics are very good. St amp also did made the soundstage bit wider.

Paired with chord mojo, again same effect. It preserved the sound characters of mojo with insane depth in bass and mid range.
While adding touch of dynamics and improved soundstage.

My favourite combo was Angel + STAmp + xduoo mt604 to Sundara, hd560, focal clear.

Although all these defference were very subtle to notice but it did added some enjoyment to the music.

The internal dac are good but this device is very good amp.

Its a really nice addition to the setup, frankly.

Now, there some thing I didn't liked about STAmp:
It doesn't come with any cable, like for 20k device it should have atleast a usb or power cable.
For headphones like hd560 and sundara the volume was at 2-3 clock all the time. I guess this was intentional as it doesn't have gain mode. Volume from 7 clock to 1 clock are just for IEMs and beyond 2 clock the power/volume increases very fast.
No bluetooth or remote is a big bummer for many.
The ports like 4.4mm are bit tight compared to fiio's and xduoo's.
Dac section could be improved.

Apologies for long review but I like to compare devices together to find which one is better.

In the end the StAmp really surprised me and did reminded me why I liked Earmen products like tramp in past.

Hey there,

Thank you for taking the time to write this detailed review, we really appreciate the genuine feedback! Your review will definitely help fellow audiophiles to make an informed decision.

Why EarMen is Special

🇷🇸

Designed in Serbia

🎖️ Established & Reputed

Trust us, our reputation speaks for itself 🏆!


I believe that when a brand has decades of proven excellence, you can invest with confidence knowing your purchase is backed by years of audio engineering expertise. These products come from manufacturers with extensive histories of innovation and unwavering commitment to sonic excellence. Think of them like luxury watch brands - their reputation has been earned through decades of consistent quality and innovation.


With their extensive history of innovation and countless satisfied customers worldwide, you can be confident your investment is backed by proven audio engineering expertise and industry leadership 📈.


When you see "🎖️ Established & Reputed" products, expect time-tested excellence from manufacturers who've consistently demonstrated mastery in audio engineering for generations.

🌟 Specialist

A masterpiece from experts who know audio inside and out 🔧!


I tend to describe specialist manufacturers as "audio artisans" who focus exclusively on perfecting specific categories of equipment. These products are meticulously crafted by dedicated experts who possess deep knowledge of sound reproduction, ensuring every technical aspect is refined to perfection. Think of them like master craftsmen who spend their entire careers perfecting one specific skill - their focused expertise shows in every detail.


These dedicated experts bring years of specialised knowledge to the design process, resulting in products that consistently achieve exceptional performance standards through focused engineering excellence 🎯.


When you see "🌟 Specialist" products, expect focused expertise from manufacturers who dedicate their entire efforts to perfecting specific audio equipment categories.

🦩

Boutique Brand

🐣

Born in 2012

Why we love this DAC/Amp

💎 Premium Economy

Sensible spending meets sophisticated quality in perfect harmony 💫.


I tend to describe premium economy products as finding that sweet spot where exceptional value meets refined performance. Think of it like business class comfort at economy prices - you're getting significantly more than what you paid for. These headphones deliver a refined listening experience that rivals more expensive alternatives, making them an intelligent choice for discerning listeners who appreciate both value and excellence.


This thoughtfully curated selection demonstrates our commitment to bringing you outstanding sound quality and robust construction without requiring a significant financial investment. Each product has been meticulously evaluated to ensure it delivers performance characteristics typically associated with higher price brackets.


When you see "💎 Premium Economy" products, expect refined audio experiences that bridge the gap between entry-level and high-end offerings, delivering impressive clarity and features at accessible price points.


🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only

For those who have ventured deep into high-fidelity audio 🎯, the pursuit of sonic excellence becomes an endless journey of discovery and refinement. I believe that serious audiophiles demand equipment that can satisfy the most exacting standards and deliver performance that pushes boundaries. These products represent the pinnacle of acoustic engineering, incorporating advanced technologies and meticulous craftsmanship that enable them to reproduce music with utmost fidelity.


Each product has undergone rigorous evaluation to ensure it delivers exceptional performance that discerning listeners demand, from precise frequency response to impeccable detail retrieval and sophisticated sound staging. These devices incorporate premium components and engineering excellence that justify their position at the apex of audio performance.


When you encounter "🦈 Serious Audiophiles Only" products, expect uncompromising performance that satisfies the most demanding requirements and elevates critical listening to new heights.

🔗 Connect With Cable

In my experience, there’s still nothing like the dependability of a wired connection when it comes to audio 🎧. I love describing it as the direct flight of music — no delays, no turbulence. When a product says “Connect with Cable,” it means you’re getting the most reliable signal path, with zero wireless compression and minimal interference.


Here’s what’s actually happening: a physical cable transmits uncompressed analog or digital signals directly from your source to your gear. This results in lower latency, no signal drops, and consistently better sound — especially when paired with a good DAC or amp. It’s ideal for critical listening, gaming, and professional use. The trade-off? You’re tethered — but for a lot of audiophiles, that’s a small price to pay for sonic purity.


When you see '🔗 Connect With Cable' products, expect: pure, uninterrupted sound quality that lets your gear perform at its full potential — perfect for focused, high-fidelity listening.

🪖 Built like a Tank

Durability concerns? Rest assured 💪.


I tend to describe these products as audio equipment that's built to survive anything you can throw at them. These headphones incorporate high-grade metal components and reinforced design elements that ensure they can handle demanding conditions while maintaining structural integrity. Think of them as the military-grade vehicles of the audio world - over-engineered for reliability and built to last decades, not just years.


The metal construction provides exceptional strength and longevity while contributing to a premium feel that serious audio enthusiasts appreciate. Whether you're a professional who needs reliable daily-use equipment or someone who values long-term investment in audio gear 🏗️.


When you encounter "🪖 Built like a Tank" products, expect unmatched robustness and durability you can count on for years of intensive use.


Why it Sounds Amazing

⚙️ DAC Chip

I like to say the DAC chip is the heart of any audio device — it’s the part that actually transforms digital files into music you can hear 🎧. Think of it like a chef decoding a recipe to create a delicious meal. The better the DAC chip, the more faithfully it translates your music. And in my experience, a great DAC can completely change how your headphones sound.


Now, here’s what’s actually happening: a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) takes digital signals (your MP3s, FLACs, or streams) and converts them into an analog waveform your ears can enjoy. Different DAC chips — like those from ESS, AKM, or Cirrus Logic — offer their own sound signatures, levels of clarity, and noise performance. A good DAC ensures accurate timing, minimal distortion, and exceptional resolution.


When you see '⚙️ DAC Chip' products, expect: clean, detailed audio and better synergy with high-quality headphones — perfect for anyone upgrading from average sound to audiophile quality.

🚀 Power Output

I like to think of power output in audio gear like engine horsepower, it determines how much muscle your setup really has 💪. Whether you’re trying to drive a pair of power-hungry planar headphones or just want headroom for dynamic peaks, power output is the spec you want to check first.


Technically, it refers to the amount of electrical power (measured in mW or Watts) an amp or DAC/Amp combo can deliver to your headphones. More power means better control, improved dynamics, and the ability to handle demanding gear without distortion. But more isn’t always better, too much power with sensitive IEMs can introduce hiss or harshness.


When you see '🚀 Power Output' products, expect: strong driving capability, better dynamics, and optimal performance with headphones that need serious juice to shine.


⚖️ Balanced Output

I often say balanced output is like using both hands to carry something heavy — it distributes power evenly and keeps things stable. In audio gear, balanced output helps reduce unwanted noise and interference, especially over longer cables. Think of it as a cleaner, more efficient way to transmit your music, ideal for anyone using high-end DACs, amps, or studio-grade headphones 🎧. You’ll typically find it on gear with XLR or 4.4mm connectors, and it's a must-have if you’re chasing that ultra-clean signal path.


Here’s what’s actually happening: a balanced output uses two separate signals, one inverted, so when interference is picked up along the cable, it gets cancelled out when the signals are recombined. The result? Cleaner audio, better dynamic range, and more power output — especially when paired with balanced headphones. The trade-off? You’ll need gear that supports balanced connections on both ends to really enjoy the benefits.


When you see '⚖️ Balanced Output' products, expect: ultra-low noise, more headroom, and better synergy with high-impedance headphones or sensitive IEMs — ideal for serious listening setups.

INTRODUCING A FULLY BALANCED DAC & AMP FROM EARMEN - THE ST-AMP

EarMen is an audio company that has been developing Amplifiers for more than a decade and working on perfecting neutral, natural and clean sound in a beautiful and quality design. EarMen, with years of expertise, is proud to introduce their brand-new DAC & Amp - the ST-Amp. The EarMen ST-Amp is a Fully Balanced Desktop Headphone Amplifier with a Pre Amp option and an integrated DAC. It has extraordinary sound, whether it is listened to from an integrated DAC or an external one. It is carefully made for headphones, eliminating unpleasant pop-and-click phenomena when turning it on or off. The EarMen ST-Amp is a versatile device that offers 6.35mm (SE) and 4.4mm (BAL) headphone outputs. It also has RCA (SE) and 4.4mm Balanced as inputs and pre-outputs. Elevate your music listening experience with the brand-new EarMen ST-Amp!

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FEATURES DAC CHIP FROM ESS SABRE THAT DELIVERS DETAILED AND ANALYTICAL SONIC DELIVERY

The EarMen ST-Amp is equipped with an ES9280 DAC chip from ESS Sabre. ESS Sabre DAC chips are considered the gold standard in audio. The EarMen ST-Amp with ES9280 DAC chip in its circuitry promises to deliver a truly immersive, high-resolution audio experience. It fulfils the promise of the sound experience matching the artist's original recording. The EarMen ST-Amp enables the path to Hi-Res audio that you have never experienced before. It supports Hi-Res audio formats like DSD (Direct Stream Digital) 64/128 DoP, DXD (Digital eXtreme Definition) 384/352.5kHz, and PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) Up to 384 kHz. The EarMen ST-Amp allows you to explore the unexplored with its sonic ability!

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FULLY BALANCED CIRCUITRY FOR A TRUE-TO-LIFE SONIC PERFORMANCE

The EarMen ST-Amp has a Fully Balanced amplifier architecture, so every sound from the input will become even cleaner and better. A team of engineers at EarMen have utilised the same topology for SE signals, so they become Balanced with almost no phase shift, additional noise or THD. The sound from the SE output does not lag compared to the Balanced output. The headphone outputs are powered by two TPA6120 operational amplifiers that are excellent performers in the audiophile world. To make the experience complete, EarMen uses a high-quality Balanced ALPS potentiometer that contributes to the sound remaining unchanged.

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SPECTACULAR DYNAMICS AND ULTRA-LOW THD WITH PRE-OUT OPTION

The EarMen ST-Amp affects the sound so that your DAC can be heard better. Although many DACs have excellent specifications, it is not enough for the sound to fully express itself. You won't lose any detail because the EarMen ST-Amp completely utilises the maximum dynamics offered by the source. In addition, it controls various headphone drivers, thus improving accuracy, neutrality and transparency. The dynamic range above >126dB will guarantee you liveliness and musicality. With perfectly Balanced sound and incredible dynamics, you will have the feeling of being in a concert hall! The EarMen ST-Amp also has very low Total Harmonic Distortion, which allows you a higher power factor, lower peak currents, and higher efficiency without distortions. On the back panel of the ST-Amp, there are SE and BAL Pre-Out outputs. This option allows you to use the ST-Amp as a DAC and preamplifier for a High-End audio system.

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Headphone-Zone-EarMen-ST-Amp

NOISELESS LINEAR POWER SUPPLY FOR CLEAN AND JITTER-FREE AUDIO

The EarMen ST-Amp has a noiseless linear power supply offering stability, providing enough power even for the most demanding headphones. Apart from the unique topology of the amplifier, the power supply is worthy of excellent characteristics, which is often not the case with most amplifiers. Also, you have the option of selecting the sound source. Analogue input or Digital/Integrated DAC allows you to listen to your favourite music irrespective of the "source." The EarMen ST-Amp delivers clean and jitter-free audio for you to experience pure sonic bliss!

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2 Year Warranty

Don't sweat it, this EarMen - ST-Amp comes with a 2 Year warranty from Earmen that covers manufacturing defects. All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.

Read more about Earmen's warranty in India.

Perfecting Natural and Clean Sound

EarMen is a renowned audio company with over a decade of experience specializing in the development of DACs and Tube Amplifiers. Their mission is to deliver a neutral, natural, and clean sound packaged in elegant and high-quality designs.

Founded by Milomir "Miki" Trosic, EarMen is committed to pushing the boundaries of portable listening, offering innovative and outstanding products like the Sparrow, Eagle, and Donald DAC. Despite their compact size, EarMen products boast powerful audio components designed to provide an uncompromising audio experience. Based in Serbia, EarMen ensures the highest standards in both product quality and after-sale support.

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