DSD-enabled USB DAC simultaneous review Fostex "HP-A8"
We carry FOSTEX HP_a8 with competitive price in Tokyo Japan!!
This plan that carries out the simultaneous review of DSD-enabled USB DAC over seven
models. In the Third, it is introduced, Headphone amplifier "HP-A8" equipped with USB-
DAC which can play DSD sound saved on SD card, in addition, updated, supporting DoP
playback.
The First,- RATOC "RAL-DSDHA1" "RAL-DSDHA2"
The Second,- KORG "DS-DAC-10"
Headphone amplifier "HP-A8" , capable of DSD playback by DoP and SD Card
Originally, Fostex superlative DAC / headphone amplifier "HP-A8", which had been capable
of DSD file playback only through the SD card slot, has supported DSD native playback by
DoP due to the update in November( published ahead as β version).
It is not only because of being DSD-enabled that "HP-A8" is positioned on the special
among the lineup of Fostex products. Further to the sound quality, as realizing from a
chic design, based on black, having a strong awareness of consumers, although have
established the reputation in the model for business, the company have finished it as the
multifunctional model to cover up from USB audio to headphone playback.
Now, let's take a look at its specs first. The DAC mounted is 32bitDAC "AK4399"
manufactured by Asahi Kasei EMD corresponding to the maximum 192kHz/24bit. By the
combination of all discrete headphone circuit on them, realized the high-quality sound. On
the other hand, further to USB, in addition to two systems of optical digital, two systems
of coaxial digital, and 1 system of AES / EBU, SD (SDHC) card slot and analog input are
provided. With corresponding digital inputs to both USB and optical / coaxial digital, it
is more than adequate in such highest level as up to 192kHz/24bit. With the outputs, in
addition to two systems of the headphone, analog RCA and optical / coaxial digital are
provided by one system for each. Among them, analog RCA output minimizes sound
quality deterioration by choice of electronic volume "MUSES 72320" and further to enable
to set the volume of on / off. In addition to the merit of a multi-function DAC, it can be
utilized as digital pre-amplifier, it is very advantageous. In addition, provided such a lot
of functionalities as 2/4 times upsampling and digital filter switchable function, 24 stage
headphone output gain changing function, standard equipment of a remote controller, it is
regarded as the benefits of "HP-A8" that can be used conveniently in multi-function
Viewed using RCA output, to check the sound quality. Listened to some music from ripping
by CD and hi-res sound source, felt the straightness and gentleness of playback sound.
In the high sound of the feeling of a focus with a slightly hard image, it performs the
playback perfectly in details separating splendidly each musical instrument. It is the
sound taste of such an image. The playback in nuance of intonation is excellent, while it
is of delicate expression, carrying out expressively playback for vocal and main musical
instrument. Thanks to the high sense of focus, moreover, satisfied also with the sound feeling fresh.
As if remastered to be of a high-quality to so much extent as not impaired the flavor of the
original, music playing which has been accustomed to hear is felt lively. The performance in
that direct feeling, can be said to be unique charm of Fostex, nay, "HP-A8"
Listening to DSD sound source by DoP playback. Intonation is incredibly of polite
expression. Thanks to the shift of tone trend to slightly natural impression, playing is felt
more realistic
Especially in musical instruments of acoustic line such as guitar and cello, leading to
listening to the natural tone and sound as if under an illusion that body resonance sounding
nearby. Compatibility with DSD seems to sound pretty good.
