










EarMen - ST-Amp
Desktop DAC & Amp + Preamp
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
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.
DESCRIPTION
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!

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!


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.

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.


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!

SPECS
INPUTS | RCA Single End Input Balanced 4.4 mm Input |
OUTPUTS | SE 6.35mm Balanced 4.4mm |
PRE OUTPUTS | RCA (SE output) Balanced |
DAC | ES9280 |
AUDIO FORMATS | DSD: 64 / 128 DoP DXD: 384/352.5 kHz PCM: Up to 384 kHz |
DIMENSIONS | 170x30x150 mm / 6,69"x1,18"x5,90" |
WEIGHT | 1100 gr / 2,42lbs |
INPUT | SE in -SE out: 2V SE in - BAL out: 2V |
OUTPUT | SE in -SE out: 4V-0.5W@32 Ohm SE in - BAL out: 7.75V-1.85W@32Ohm |
THD+N | SE in -SE out: 0.0025% SE in - BAL out: 0.003% |
SNR [A-W] | SE in -SE out: >117dB SE in - BAL out: >121dB |
DYNAMIC RANGE | SE in -SE out: >117,9dB SE in - BAL out: >121dB |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | SE in -SE out: ±0.003dB SE in - BAL out: ±0.007dB |
INPUT | BAL in - SE out: 4V BAL in - BAL out: 4V |
OUTPUT | BAL in - SE out: 4V-0.5W@32 Ohm BAL in - BAL out: 7.75V-1.85W@32Ohm |
THD+N | BAL in - SE out: 0.0025% BAL in - BAL out: 0.002% |
SNR [A-W] | BAL in - SE out: >118dB BAL in - BAL out: >125dB |
DYNAMIC RANGE | BAL in - SE out: >118dB BAL in - BAL out: >126dB |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | BAL in - SE out: ±0.003dB BAL in - BAL out: ±0.006dB |
BOX CONTENTS | 1. EarMen ST-Amp |
![]() Desktop DAC & Amp + Preamp
|
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!

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!


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.

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.


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!

INPUTS | RCA Single End Input Balanced 4.4 mm Input |
OUTPUTS | SE 6.35mm Balanced 4.4mm |
PRE OUTPUTS | RCA (SE output) Balanced |
DAC | ES9280 |
AUDIO FORMATS | DSD: 64 / 128 DoP DXD: 384/352.5 kHz PCM: Up to 384 kHz |
DIMENSIONS | 170x30x150 mm / 6,69"x1,18"x5,90" |
WEIGHT | 1100 gr / 2,42lbs |
INPUT | SE in -SE out: 2V SE in - BAL out: 2V |
OUTPUT | SE in -SE out: 4V-0.5W@32 Ohm SE in - BAL out: 7.75V-1.85W@32Ohm |
THD+N | SE in -SE out: 0.0025% SE in - BAL out: 0.003% |
SNR [A-W] | SE in -SE out: >117dB SE in - BAL out: >121dB |
DYNAMIC RANGE | SE in -SE out: >117,9dB SE in - BAL out: >121dB |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | SE in -SE out: ±0.003dB SE in - BAL out: ±0.007dB |
INPUT | BAL in - SE out: 4V BAL in - BAL out: 4V |
OUTPUT | BAL in - SE out: 4V-0.5W@32 Ohm BAL in - BAL out: 7.75V-1.85W@32Ohm |
THD+N | BAL in - SE out: 0.0025% BAL in - BAL out: 0.002% |
SNR [A-W] | BAL in - SE out: >118dB BAL in - BAL out: >125dB |
DYNAMIC RANGE | BAL in - SE out: >118dB BAL in - BAL out: >126dB |
FREQUENCY RESPONSE | BAL in - SE out: ±0.003dB BAL in - BAL out: ±0.006dB |
BOX CONTENTS | 1. EarMen ST-Amp |
![]() Desktop DAC & Amp + Preamp
|
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.

Have a question? Get in touch!
Check out the most common questions our customers ask. Still have questions? Talk to our Headphone Gurus.

What is the warranty period on the EarMen ST-Amp and how do I claim warranty?
What are the inputs and outputs like?
Can it be used as a pre-amp?
What are its feature sets?
What are the sampling/decoding rates that the EarMen ST-Amp supports?
What is the output power like?
