Neurochrome HP-1

@tomchr Looks like the THX guys are claiming "lowest distortion" headphone amplifier...

http://www.thx.com/blog/debuting-ces-2017-thx-aaa-headphone-amplifier/
http://www.head-fi.org/t/829657/thx-and-new-headphone-amp-technology

 

The Benchmark AHB2 uses similar tech and reportedly sounds very good and measures well. I know several guys here have had ears on the ahb2. How that translates into a headphone chip or whatever it is they're selling... who knows.

 

@ultrabike Gilberto, it's Class H I believe. Similar to the Benchmark @Armaegis mentioned.

 

Something to do with bra cup sizes, I think?

 

I don't pretend to understand the engineering behind it, but passing along for reference:

• https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/ap...radical-approach-to-audio-power-amplification
  
• https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/131424519-amplifier-crossover-distortion
  
• https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/power-amplifiers-the-importance-of-the-first-watt
  
• Stereophile measurements: http://www.stereophile.com/content/benchmark-media-systems-ahb2-power-amplifier-measurements

 

The idea has been around (1977!) for some time but I guess this is the first modern mass produced version? The Quad 405 seems to be feed forward based as well from comments from this 1980 paper.

As usual the devil's in the details but the secret sauce is always hidden.

 

Yep. The THX feed-forward architecture is basically my competition. They have nice technology for sure.

Tom

 

Even from me ;-).
Don't know how/if it's related to AHB2 and/or what tech is in there and honestly, don't care. All I know is, it sounded amazing. I mentioned it to Jason and he embarrassed me with a simple question: "did you do direct comparisons with any other amps?" He then started talking tech and personal experiences with THX in the past, but I kept on thinking; he is right, there was no direct comparisons. I also remembered how at another CanJam I liked the sound of HD-800 out of HDVD 800 amp and to this day can't figure out what kind of bear stepped on my ear that day.

Next day I came back to Jason to take Jotun, got some fancy interconnects from Darin and set both amps up for comparisons (no warm up for a brand new Jot connected to Benchmark 3 through RCAs while dual mono THX used XLRs and dual wallwarts for power). Results: I felt overall they sounded almost equally good. The main difference was Jot being a little tight up, while THX was the opposite, a little too easy juggling with every note and detail. I then took jot to our table with Gungnir Multibit/Rag and started listening for the same things that differentiated THX and Jot. Rag sounded just as tight, only more refined and resolving at the same time and overall probably better than both others.

Mark my words, this little thing will make a very big splash if THX could act smarter with licensing then it was in the past.

 

I'm all for new tech that breaks through existing barriers. I'll still need to read impressions from people I trust, or hear it myself before buying it. Although, Benchmark offers a 30 day risk free trial with no fees, expect shipping obviously, to try the AHB2. Hopefully THX follows suit.

 

I dunno maybe it is better than I heard. Maybe I was(n't) hearing things. I respect the skill and knowledge but I just didn't hear the rave or what all of the fuss is about. The Cayin dusted it.

Not trying to be negative but I am a bit confused...as always.

 

Do you think you'll be able to steal the title of lowest distortion from them?

http://www.thx.com/blog/thx-partner...ring-thx-aaa-headphone-amplifier-asic-market/

 

M'yeah - when I think THX, that trumpet intro sound rings through my head. The numbers look good on this thing and that's a good pre-requisite for nice performance. Also the THD profile has 2nd order dominant.

Could be good, but I'm not sure if bad headphone amps are what's holding back headphone performance.

 

Maybe it will shift as a bundle deal with the AGD Singularity. Ahem.

 

Probably not without infringing on their patent. A valid question is: Does it matter? I'm already delivering <-130 dB THD.

THX were impressed with my work last I had the opportunity to talk to them.

Tom

 

Heh, just figured you'd want to try to keep the title for yourself

I'm still not entirely sure what it is they're selling... is it a module/chip? or a license to use their design? a bit of both?