Fostex Amps/DACs

Hi;
I see that the Fostex TH900 got quite a good reputation around here but curiously few mentions about their DAC/amp products.
Perhaps there are some other folks here who had the experiences and willing to discuss or share their impressions?




Here I have an HP-A8 that I purchased early on January this year. I bought it secondhand in a very good condition for (I think) a low bargain price of $560.
*for the record, this unit is the HP-A8C which is the same as the regular HP-A8 but with black-painted side panels and shipped with the 230VAC input power instead of 110VAC.

Personally I think the built-in amp is just okay-ish at best. Well okay it's actually doing fine with my easy to drive RS1i and IEM, but fails to bring out the wow factor of the HD800 (as expected perhaps?).

The DAC part of the unit is in my opinion the true highlight of the product. It is quite nice sounding; it brings out a good clarity and resolution, and the music (guitar strings, saxophones, cymbals, vocals, etc) sounds natural to me, just as how one expect from a good DAC.
*Bear in mind that I don't have any hands on experience on the highly regarded Schiit DACs within the same price range to compare it directly.

So personally speaking, if you could find an HP-A8 with a good price ($600 or lower), it's a good bargain for a DAC that- when paired with the amp of your choice- I'm pretty sure to delight the majority of music lovers out there.

 

Thanks.

I actually like their designs and they seem like capable sources.