For anyone reading reviews of this product to decide whether they need a headphone amp at all, then the answer is a resounding *yes*. Standard headphone sockets are uniformly awful, no matter how good the amp. You literally don't know what you're missing until you hear even a moderate pair of headphones through a headphone amp.
So what about the X-Cans? I chose it because the other headphone amps available to me were open-topped valve affairs - not very suitable in a domestic environment with two young kids! The X-Cans is a neat package, aesthetically very pleasing. I hooked it up to the second output on my Arcam Alpha 9 CD player, listened through a pair of Sennheiser HD 600s, and was bowled over by the sound right from the start. Tracks like Yes's 'Going for the One', which were a jumbled nightmare previously suddenly could be heard with great clarity. The treble and midrange are beautifully controlled, and though the bass is a little light, I prefer this on headphones - others may want differently, but what they want wouldn't necessarily suit everyone either. What I'm trying to say is that this is a matter of taste, rather than a 'fault' of the X-Cans. Certainly, I have found them to be very relaxed and great for a lengthy period of listening [though please, folks, keep the volume down low - people aren't joking when they warn about the *permanent* hearing damage you can cause by listening at high volumes].

I think that at the price, the package and what it offers is superb and really cannot be faulted. If you want to go for more expensive designs, and you're not worried about them being kid-proof, then other products may tempt you, but for most people, the X-Cans should be all you will ever need.

well crafted build quality and design.great sound.

supplied plug-in wall adapter.upgrade to X-PSU power supply for optimum results.

The X-Cans are an excellent product and they do sound great even when using the supplied plug-in wall adapter,but this adapter does run very hot when used for 2 hours or more and the X-Cans do not have an on/off switch.It's very inconveinient to unplug the adapter every time you are finished using it.Get the X-PSU Power Supply and you will not be disappointed.The X-PSU runs cool and has an on/off switch.Above all,the X-Cans will perform at their utmost potential with the X-PSU.A good power supply is the most important thing for an amplifier to work it's best and the X-PSU does just that for the X-Cans.You will notice the difference in sound quality immediately; a fuller and richer sound with tight deep bass.Also,don't forget to use high quality interconnects.