HP-A8MK2
D/A Converter & Headphone Amplifier
Remote control for HP-A8MK2
The HP-A8, a pioneering USB DAC and headphone amplifier that has been used around the world for many years, is now available in a new MK2 version with DSD 11.2MHz support.
About Windows 10 (Anniversary Edition) or later
Please use FOSTEX USB Audio Driver Ver2.2.1 or later version.
About Windows 10 (Creators Update) or later
Since Windows 10 Creators Update, the USB AUDIO 2.0 driver, which has been prepared exclusively by the device manufacturer, is now included in the Windows standard, causing a problem. Please check the FOSTEX USB Audio Driver download page for a temporary solution.
About macOS10. 13 High Sierra
2017.10.13 Update: We have confirmed that the device works with the main unit software version 1.10 or higher.
Note when using on macOS 10. 12 Sierra
HP-A8mk2 software version 1.10 or higher must be installed in order to operate.
The latest version of the software can be downloaded from the software download page at the following URL.
The HP-A8MK2 has won the Gold Award in the Headphone Amplifier (Stationary Type) category in the Lifestyle Category of VGP2017, the most prestigious audiovisual awards in Japan sponsored by Ongen Publishing Co.
>>VGP 2017 Award Results <
Features
High-quality 32-bit DAC (AK4490) and headphone amplifier with all-discrete circuitry
Uses an in-house developed USB driver to support sampling frequencies up to 32bit/192kHz. Also supports DSD 11.2 MHz (ASIO) (*DSD playback on Mac is supported up to 5.6 MHz)
Low phase noise high-precision crystal (crystal oscillator)
High-quality, high-precision audio grade electronic volume for level adjustment
High-capacity toroidal power transformer
Inputs from PCs, digital audio equipment, and analog audio equipment
Built-in SD (SDHC) card drive enables direct playback of DSF files, WAV files, and AIFF files recorded on SD cards. Also supports future version upgrades using SD cards.
Float (floating point number) format files are not supported.
Master clock can be switched between internal clock and external clock (S/PDIF only)
Independent 44.1K and 48K clocks
2x or 4x up-sampling (up-sampling can be turned off)
5 digital filter switching functions
Headphone output gain switchable from +0 to +20dB (0.5dB step)
Direct analog output without volume control
Infrared remote controller as standard equipment (for HP-A8MK2 only)
*The image is the Mac version.
Fostex Audio Player (free software) makes high-quality sound file playback easier and simpler.
High-resolution sound sources such as WAV and DSD can be easily enjoyed in high sound quality when used in combination with Fostex Audio Player, a high sound quality player software dedicated to our USB DAC products that supports high-resolution sound sources and runs on Windows and Mac OSX.
If a file does not play (an error message appears), please check if the “FOSTEX Audio Player” application and the “PLUG IN” folder are in the same hierarchy (folder). We have received an increasing number of reports of problems where the “FOSTEX Audio Player” application itself has been moved from the folder and separated from the “PLUG IN” folder, causing the files not to play. Please create a shortcut to the “FOSTEX Audio Player” application instead of moving the main body of the application.
Specifications
Main Specifications
| input | |
|---|---|
| USB terminal | |
| connector | Type B |
| quantization | PCM: 16bit/24bit/32bit DSD:1bit |
| sampling frequency | PCM: 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz DSD: 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz |
| interface | USB High Speed |
| Supported OS | Windows 7/8/8.1/10 (requires installation of FOSTEX USB Audio Driver ) MacOSX10.6 and up *We do not guarantee operation on public beta or other test versions of each OS. |
| DIGITAL-OPTICAL | |
| port (e.g. LAN port) | Rectangular Optical |
| (computer) format | S/PDIF |
| quantization | 16/24bit |
| sampling frequency | 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz |
| DIGITAL-COAXIAL | |
| port (e.g. LAN port) | RCA pin jacks |
| (computer) format | S/PDIF |
| quantization | 16/24bit |
| sampling frequency | 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz |
| DIGITAL-AES/EBU | |
| port (e.g. LAN port) | XLR-3-31 type (No.2 hot) |
| (computer) format | AES/EBU |
| quantization | 16/24bit |
| sampling frequency | 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz |
| ANALOG | |
| port (e.g. LAN port) | RCA pin jacks |
| Rated output | +6dBV (approx. 2Vrms) |
| SD card | |
| card | SDHC |
| file system | FAT32 |
| (computer) format | DSF/WAV/AIFF |
| quantization | DSD: 1bit PCM: 16, 24, 32bit *Float (floating point number) format files are not supported. |
| sampling frequency | PCM: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz DSD: 2.8 MHz |
| important point | Please use an SD card with Class 6 or higher. |
| output (e.g. of dynamo) | |
| PHONES | |
| Terminals (1, 2) | Stereo Standard Jack |
| Maximum output | 700mW+700mW (32 ohm load) |
| Applicable load impedance | 16 Ω to 600 Ω |
| harmonic distortion | 0.002% or less (at 1kHz, 32 Ω load, 1Vrms output) |
| frequency response | 10Hz to 80kHz ± 3dB |
| ANALOG (L, R) | |
| port (e.g. LAN port) | RCA pin jacks |
| Applicable load impedance | 10k Ω min. |
| harmonic distortion | 0.002% or less |
| frequency response | 10Hz to 80kHz ±3dB (when 192kHz is used) |
| DIGITAL-OPTICAL | |
| port (e.g. LAN port) | Rectangular Optical |
| (computer) format | S/PDIF *Not output during DSD playback |
| quantization | 16/24bit |
| sampling frequency | 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz |
| DIGITAL-COAXIAL | |
| port (e.g. LAN port) | RCA pin jacks |
| (computer) format | S/PDIF *Not output during DSD playback |
| quantization | 16/24bit |
| sampling frequency | 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz |
| general | |
| accessory | Remote control (x 1), AAA batteries for remote control (x 2), power cord (x 1), instruction manual (x 1), safety instructions (x 1) |
| External Dimensions | 213(W)x 78(H, including feet)x315(D, including protrusions) mm |
| Mass of main unit | Approx. 3.8kg |
| power (button on TV, etc.) | AC100V |
| Power consumption | 24W |
*This product complies with the European RoHS Directive.