Items Included
- Fostex HP-A3 32-Bit D/A Converter with Headphone Amp
- 3′ USB Cable
- 4 x Rubber Feet
- Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Key Features
- 32-Bit Digital to Analog Conversion
- Works With Audio Up to 24-bit/96kHz
- USB Bus Powered
- Built-In Headphone Amplifier
- 2x RCA or 1x 1/4″ Headphone Outputs
- S/PDIF Digital Input & Output
The HP-A3 32-Bit D/A Converter with Headphone Amp from Fostex is a digital to analog audio converter designed for computer audio output. It is capable of handling up to a 24-bit, 96kHz digital audio source.
It features two analog outputs choices: two RCA line outs or a ¼” headphone out, powered by its built-in headphone amplifier. The HP-A3 has two digital input options; either USB or optical S/PDIF. It also features an S/PDIF digital output, which allows the unit to act as a digital to digital converter from USB to optical. The unit is USB bus powered regardless of input routing choice and does not have a separate AC input. The input and output routing is selectable by front panel selector buttons.
USB Bus power without using bulky AC adapter for ease of use with a laptop
Equipped with high-grade AKM 32bit DAC AK4390
Power supply is built-in to reproduce the stable electrical supply
Condensers and OP amp are designed exclusively for audio applications
USB or digital (optical) input selector button
Headphones or RCA (analog) output selector button
Doubles as digital to digital converter from USB digital audio to optical output
Fixed sampling rate of 96 kHz with USB input
Compatible with Mac OSX and Windows XP or later
| Digital Audio I/O |
Connectivity
| Digital Audio I/O | |
| Network I/O | |
| Sync I/O |
Performance
| Frequency Response | |
| THD |
Digital Audio
| Sample Rates |
Compatibility
| Required Hardware |
Power
| Power Requirements | |
| Power Consumption |
Physical
| Dimensions | |
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Packaging Info
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| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
Trucker Magnus –
Okay so first off, this product runs around $+ and when first being released to the U.S. it was going for a typical $. I found this for $ less than the best price, but it does not end there. No, it was paired with a free headphone that is priced out $-$ and is considered one of the best in its price range, the Shure 440 monitor headphones. So, I get around + dollars’ worth of audio gear for the price of $, um sound good? … Yes! it definitely does, and I am now currently trying out each of my headphones accordingly, because the external DAC I was using before this, AMB Gamma 1 Lite, was a good DAC for an older DIY model. It was only able to produce playback at 16bit and 48khz resolution, basically mastered CD quality. Now for a starting DAC (Digital to analog converter) it is very nice, but even with the first couple of minutes and without burning in the Fostex I could tell this is some of the best money I spent this year. Now, if all of this was not enough to sell you on this purchase, on top of this they offered free shipping…. and I got this device 24hours later from the initial order. Fantastic product! fantastic DEAL! Fantastic bonus headphone! and fantastic store!
Trucker Magnus –
Whiskey Jack –
I will be writing a someone shortened review of my original on this unit. I have used a handful of DACs among them is the ODAC, Gamma 1 Lite, Fiio E7, Stoner Acoustic UD110, CDAC+(improved version of ODAC) and this Fostex HP-A3. I have to say as far as a DAC without amplification the HP-A3 is the leader of the pact as far as a source. I would say in behind it and close is the CDAC+ the ODAC. I am going off on my own a/Bing and I am not a music expert, and I am sure the CDAC+ wins out in certain areas. I am saying as far as sound quality with its own integrated amp (which is decent but not as good as the DAC lvl of the unit) compared to the CDAC and Schiit Vali amp I would say it still wins with most of the music I listen to. I listen to FLAC formatted music via Foobar2000 to run these DACs/amps and most the files were 24bit and at least 16bit 44.1khz resolution. So, the music files were solid material to work with. Now as far as preference I listen to a wide variety from: Classical, instrumental, folk, indie, alternative, some classical rock, metal, and hip hop. I would say as far as the alternative may go with to the CDAC/Vali combo but the instrumental and classical I feel like is earned by the HP-A3. I feel as though the CDAC is possibly one of the best DAC’s I have used for clarity, but when it comes to separation, detail, and colour the Fostex produces a more enjoyable through its slight warmth of musicality and detail, with a bass though at time seems a bit thin has some of the best control and extension that I have heard. The midst really shine and when pairing with a different amp you can tell some of the lean bass is coming from the integrated amp of the HP-A3, and while removing this and pairing with something a bit warm like the Vali you get a fuller but more controlled low end, very pleasant and intimate midst from vocals to string instruments. I have to say I was surprised that the pairing did so well, and I also believe that this is a great unit that would go very well with more tube amps. This unit at $ is a good price but if you can find it for under 300, I think it is a great value, and I believe it is a top-notch unit for the price.
Whiskey Jack –