The EarMen ST-Amp is a compact desktop sized DAC/Headphone AMP. It currently (Aug-24) retails for 199€ the RSP was 599€ when it was released in 2023.
The Unit is shipped in a small cardboard box without any accessories not even a power cord is provided. Not an issue i guess for most people but something to keep in mind when ordering the unit. The built quality of the ST-AMP compensates for the lack of accessories. I like the big ALPS volume knob in the middle of the panel, it's so smooth to handle and also very precise for adjusting the volume. There are 2 connections on the front right of the unit a 6.35mm SE and 4.4mm BAL jacks to connect the headphones or IEMS on the left side you can find the power switch and input selector. The amp circuity has a fully balanced design and can deliver up to 1850MW on 32Ohm load on the balanced output so plenty of juice for most headphones. The DAC inside is an ESS ES9280 not a flagship DAC by any means but it seems to work well in this combination with the TPA6120 op amps. The sample rate is supported up to 384khz PCM. No MQA support.
Connection wise at the back of the unit from left to right you can find a Balanced 4.4 mm and a pair of RCA inputs, a Pair of RCA Pre outputs, a 4.4 Balanced output and the only digital connection a USB input, no coax or optical input can be found. Finally on the right you have the voltage selector and power plug.
Getting on with Sound impressions, the ST-AMP delivers a warm, smooth and full bodied presentation. This is a perfect amp for relaxed non-fatiguing listening in the late evening after a busy day, just listen to your favorite tracks and let yourself go. From a technical point of view this is not the most resolving unit due to the limitations of the internal DAC, but there is also an option to connect a better external DAC. I connected the DAC section of the Questyle CMA-400 to the analogue inputs of the ST-AMP and sound changed quite a bit, the treble was more detailed and revealing but on the other hand also less natural & "musical". Partnering with headphones and IEMS was quite easy, in fact all of them worked very well with the ST-AMP no shortcomings here, even the harder to drive Hifiman HE-6 SE V2 can be powered with this unit using the 4.4 balanced output although they will not reach their full potential quality wise.
Conclusion:
Considering the actual price of 199€ this an absolute steal and great entry into this hobby especially if you are not looking for the last word in resolution & technicalities. The built is great and the compact size make at an ideal solution to be used in a desktop situation. One digital input only (USB) and the missing power cord are the only potential negative points i can find.
Used listening components:
Questyle CMA-400i (DAC)
Wiim Ultra (USB & DAC)
Mini-PC (USB)
IPhone 13 (Lightning to USB)
Hifiman HE-6 SE V2 (BAL)
MEZE 109 Pro (BAL)
Fiio FT 3 (SE & BAL)
Drop / DCA Ether CX (BAL)
Hifiman Sundara Closed (SE & BAL)
ThieAudio Monarch Mkii (BAL)
ThieAudio Hype 2 (BAL)
Meze Alba (SE)
Letshuoer S12 (BAL)
Hidizs MP145 (BAL)