The Helm Audio DB12 AAAMP boasts that it’s the world’s smallest portable Hi-Fi headphone amplifier. Indeed, it’s a tiny headphone amp capable of producing outstanding audio quality. What’s more, the Helm Audio DB12 is THX-certified. While THX is probably best-known for its cinema-grade sound and the oft-recognizable deep note that accompanies its on-screen logo, THX also dabbles in what it calls AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) technology. And the Helm Audio DB12 AAAMP sports THX’s AAA onboard for a truly exceptional eargasm worthy experience.
What is the Helm Audio DB12 AAAMP Mobile Headphone Amplifier?
The Helm DB12 AAAMP is a mobile headphone amplifier that’s THX-certified. It rocks a 3.5mm male headphone jack on one end and a female port on the other end. In the middle, there’s the amplifier itself with several buttons including volume control. A single charge provides a whopping six hours of playtime. There’s a 20Hz to 20kHz (+0.01/-0.2 dB) frequency response and a 32-ohm load. In addition to its 12dB signal boost, the Helm DB12 AAAMP delivers an impressive 6dB bass boost for frequencies ranging from 60 to 100Hz. On the power output side, the DB12 clocks in at 109 mW per channel at 16 ohms and 111 mW per channel at 32 ohms with 0.1% THD (total harmonic distortion).
Helm Audio’s DB12 AAAMP THX mobile headphone amp offers plug-and-play simplicity with no necessary software installation. Since the DB12 AAAMP is effectively a powered headphone cable, it requires a physical headphone connection on both ends. So you’ll need a headphone jack. Unfortunately, many mobile devices including iPhones now forego onboard headphone jacks, in which case you will need an adapter. In the box, you’ll find the DB12 AAAMP itself, a vinyl leather carrying case, and USB-C cable for charging the amp.
Helm Audio DB12 AAAMP specs:
- 12dB volume gain
- 6dB bass boost
- THX-certified
- 6-hour battery life
- USB-C charging
- Female 3.5mm-male 3.5mm plug
- In the box: DB12 AAAMP, carrying bag, USB Type-C cable
Helm Audio DB12 AAAMP THX Amp Review
I plugged the Helm Audio DB12 AAAMP THX mobile amp into the headphone jack on my Samsung Galaxy S9+ Android handset and fired up Tidal for some lossless hi-fi music streaming. For headphones, I plugged in my 1More Triple Driver in-ear buds. which, like the DB12, are also THX-certified. “X” by ScHoolboy Q, 2 Chainz, and Saudi off of the “Black Panther” soundtrack sounded absolutely stunning, and almost like hearing the song for the first time. The bass boost functionality of the DB12 AAAMP works brilliantly, providing bone-rattling bass without overpowering the other elements in the track such as vocals. Individual kicks and snares are easily apparent.
Sound quality is remarkably clean and crisp. The Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil,” showcased the Helm DB12’s fabulous delineation. Each of the song’s layered instruments is readily identifiable. It’s almost as if you’re in attendance at a live concert. John Lee Hooker’s “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” gave equal grace to Hooker’s crooning vocals, piano keystrokes, bass string plucks, guitar strums, and drum taps. “Shiny Suit Theory” off of Jay Electronica’s A Written Testimony featured Jay Elec’s exquisite rapping with each syllable clear while the backing instrumental was boomed with ear-shattering bass. The applause that rings out during certain segments sounded as though it were in surround sound. Both listening with the bass boost on and off lends an overall clean, distortion-free, well-delineated listening experience. Toggling bass boost on lends noticeable yet not overwhelming added low end.
The in-line volume and playback controls work well. However, you’ll only find dedicated volume up and down buttons, with a shared playback button in the middle. Press once to pause and play, double tap to skip forward, and triple tap to go back a track. It’s intuitive enough, but separate fast forward, rewind, and pause/play buttons would have been nice.
Since the DB12 mobile amplifier is tethered to your device, you could just change the volume and playback using your phone, tablet, PC, or MP3 player. Still, with a shrinking number of devices rocking headphone jacks, the in-line controls are great if you’re using an adapter. Even though my S9+ sports a physical headphone jack, I tested out the Helm DB12 with 1More’s hi-definition Bluetooth LDAC. It worked equally as well as plugging in the DB12 AAAMP directly into my phone.
Helm Audio DB12 AAAMP THX Mobile Amp Review – Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the Helm DB12 AAAMP packs quite a punch in a small package. The tiny, unassuming THX-certified mobile amplifier truly delivers audiophile-caliber audio. Sound quality is exceptional with a deep, ear-rattling low-end boost and distortion-free amplification. The in-line volume and playback controls work really well and are a nice touch especially when you’re using a headphone adapter. Everyday use is easy with simple plug-and-play operation. At around $200 USD, the Helm Audio DB12 AAAMP is a bit costly. But Helm’s hi-fi THX-certified mobile amp boasts the premium sound to back up its price tag, and is a must-buy for serious music heads.
DB12 AAAMP
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Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Great bass boost
- Small and lightweight
- Good build quality, in-line volume/playback controls
- Good battery life
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Somewhat finnicky onboard controls
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