Z Review - Fostex HP-A4 Balanced Amp

Who’s singing in that "I can’t make you love me" version. Bon Iver guy?

With the HP-A4BL, what would be the best way to connect to the Vanatoo T0. Would the optical out on the A4BL to the optical input on the T0 work well or would you suggest another approach? Although I bought the HP-A4BL primarly for the balanced headphone out I would also like to use it with the Vantoo T0

I actually have the HP-A4. It's a bit expensive right now. I bought mine for about $319 last year on Amazon since I don't have balanced headphones, but for that price, i don't regret

I'd have never guessed self taught english. Better then many of my friends. And they were born here!

ZeosPantera

Maybe patreon does pay. Coming from a FIIO E09K amp, with FIIO E07K DAC attached, I was thinking in an upgrade, and considering also the posibility of a balanced output, and why not, something fun to listen, the choices were out of reach of my budget. Then this Fostex video appeared, and checking eBay, the possibility of buying a used one but as new, including its packaging, for $ 325. I think it would not have been possible to get it after you posted your review. I'm extremely happy! thanks. Sorry for my english, (self taught)

You are paying to bother, Bother away! The A4 will definitely drive both. The X0 are not as hard as the Mk3's and I maintain the Mk3's to REALLY hit their final form need like 4 watts per channel. But this Fostex will still make them GO even if to 94%

ZeosPantera

Sorry to bother, but I have the T20RP-MkIII and the T-X0...Do you think the HP-A4BL will drive them? Thanks!

I just got the same cable in the mail for my 600's from Periapt, its beautiful and i love it. thank you for the recommendation Z.

No, I had to fill in from brands I do trust however. Im hoping to include a pair in the future.

ZeosPantera

I go over it in the video. A separation of the left and right channels fully on the amplification side. Possibly more soundstage or separation. More power.

ZeosPantera

Noob question: What does "balanced" mean in this context? I presume the TEAC 101DA I use is not balanced, what differences would I notice if it were?

Dan Isaacs

I bought this amp 7 Months ago. There was only one online review at the time, in German. I had heard DSD's through my IBasso Bushmaster, using my new (to me) HD650. I know you are not a fan of the format but WOW, the difference between the formats of the same album made the hair on the back of my neck stand. Going purely on spec's alone the HP-A4BL seemed a great match to the 650 AND IT HAD A BALANCED OUT! For $400, this was the cheapest combination of features I could find. As your review points out, I got very lucky and have an amp that does everything I want (at this stage of my audio depravity and budget). Thanks for confirming what my ears are telling me. JOY!

Dartin Bout

............................ That's My Line!

ZeosPantera

You know, I really do notice a difference in amps. I actually sold my Asgard 2/modi because my ifi idsd BL out performed it. I originally intended to keep both and use the ifi for portable only, but the bass was significantly tighter and more present and full with the ifi and the mids and the highs were just as sharp. What you, Z, the omniscient Z Pimp, are talking about is that magical quality, or perhaps even "mystical" feel better/sound better quality if that be simply perfectest by which no words can express. Many notice this on the Mojo, though I did not, even though I thought it was equal to the ifi (owned them both at the same time, sold the mojo, needed the ifi power for my Primes) . but I have experienced it before in headphone audio

Jan Miller

The balanced argument makes me wonder about all the other audiophile arguments such as burn in, expensive cables and Vinyl versus dac/digital and so on. None of it has conclusive evidence supporting it, though there are many believers. With balanced phones, I definitely notice a difference sonically. Whether the effect of all these things is snake oil, psychological, peer pressure, brain damage, tangible, magic or actually grounded in absolute reality in concordance with the laws of physics, I dunno. However, it definitely is "experiential" and that's what I'm after with all endeavors. Especially with your mom.

Jan Miller

HD800 Honestly you need to probably run a big DSP correction first to fix those or the Super-Dupont resonator mod/ Then you can grab this unit for them. But without mods / EQ the DV might do a better job.

ZeosPantera

just got an HD800, hate the high end :( what shall I do balanced and fostex or darkvoie?

Almost half a grand, geez man. That's what my first thought was. Then you said the magic "Made in Japan" words, and threw my money at the screen. I got the M6, this would be the upgrade I'd go for. Remember, that thing also had a proper headphone/line-out switch. (Although this is a pre-out?)

Desmo

I have read arguments for both sides. Benchmark who make the benchmarkDAC say it is worse to be balanced headphones. My ears and initial testing say otherwise at least with half the can's I have converted. (HD600, EtherC's, M1060) Whether that is just the "more power" thing or actually an increase in separation is hard to test.

ZeosPantera