Pass Labs HPA-1

Discussion in 'Headphone Amplifiers and Combo (DAC/Amp) Units' started by Rotijon, Nov 23, 2015.

  1. Prydz

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    FirstWatt looks much cooler then Pass Labs.
     
  2. Gray

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    Last edited: Jan 9, 2016
  3. Gray

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  4. Gray

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    Tyll Hertsens of Innerfidelity writes briefly about the Pass Labs HPA-1 headphone amp on his CES 2016 - Day 3 report:
    http://www.innerfidelity.com/content/ces-2016-day-three#woC1bVSy4ZFhloKA.97

    Apparently Pass Labs chose not to have XLR balanced inputs or outputs based on their assessment that most headphone buyers use SE only... but I wonder if that is valid at the $3,500 price point of their headphone amp. Ah well, I just had to re-read Marv's post: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...nd-better-discussion-for-noobs-and-boobs.733/
     
    Last edited: Jan 10, 2016
  5. Rthomas

    Rthomas Friend

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    Can somebody with a knowledge of electronics give me an idea of the cost of the BOM on a product like this? I know all the parts in an IPhone add up to around one third the final MSRP. What would be the case here?
     
  6. Scubadude

    Scubadude Almost "Made"

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    I love Nelson Pass' amps ... still have a chunky 60W Aleph 5 at home ... beautiful music reproduction.

    Tried creating an SPL thread with no success.

    I love my Phonitor 2730 ... defnilly a keeper!
     
  7. Gray

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    Here are 2 quotes from the News section of the Reno Hi-Fi web site (an authorized dealer for Pass Labs):
    http://www.renohifi.com/news.htm

    "New PASS Products for 2015. (Copied from the PASS CES press release.)"

    "We introduced the first of two headphone amps at CES. This is the smaller one and will be single-ended only with 1/4" headphone jack."

    I did not locate the press release, but my guess is a balanced Pass Labs HPA-2 headphone amplifier will be released in 2016 or 2017.
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2016
  8. Prydz

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    If it sounds anything like their speaker amps, it should be darn good!
    I just hope he will make some FirstWatt headphone amps, cause FirstWatt looks cool asf
     
  9. Smitty

    Smitty Too good for bad vodka - Friend

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    Nelson Pass should just make a scaled-down version of The Beast, enough power to drive planars or efficient speakers.
     
  10. TMoney

    TMoney Shits on SBAF over at Head-Case to be cool

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    TTVJ loaner just arrived.
    [​IMG]
     
  11. ultrabike

    ultrabike Measurbator - Admin

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    Wel... It is big. But it's not black.
     
  12. fishski13

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    yes, we need beaucoup black.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2016
  13. ultrabike

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    HPA-1 (black)

    [​IMG]

    Gentle on your cans.
     
  14. fishski13

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    i'm down with strumming mayonnaise too.



    day 2 of systemic steroids for a nagging sinus problem and i'm cranked to 11. i feel like Superman snorting rails.
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2016
  15. TMoney

    TMoney Shits on SBAF over at Head-Case to be cool

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    After spending a few days with the HPA-1 it is definitely legit. I REALLY like it, just not sure I $3,500 like it. If this thing was $2k I'd buy one on the spot. $3,500 is just a huge ask.
     
  16. Scubadude

    Scubadude Almost "Made"

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    Lucky you! Which headphones did you use? Some listening notes maybe?
     
  17. TMoney

    TMoney Shits on SBAF over at Head-Case to be cool

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    I'll do a proper review next week after I have to send the loaner on to the next person.

    Mostly listening through HD600/650s as I'm still waiting on the HD800S to show its face to US retail.
     
  18. Prydz

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    Can you give any hints? :D
    Does it have that ultra smooth/liquid sound class A Pass Labs amps got?
     
  19. TMoney

    TMoney Shits on SBAF over at Head-Case to be cool

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    I think it sounds like very well done solid-state. I'd describe it as neutral, powerful and clean. Very "wire-with-gain-ish."

    As you'd expect from a Pass product, it is not overly romantic sounding. I think this is a good thing, though some people may disagree.
     
    Last edited: Jan 29, 2016
  20. dubiousmike

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    Do you still have the dynalo mk2 on hand? Looking forward to your review and any comparative comments.
     

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