HP-A8
32-bit DAC headphone amplifier
The top-of-the-line "DAC+ Headphone Amplifier" model with carefully assembled analog and digital circuits and revolutionary new features.
About Windows 10 (Anniversary Edition) or later
Please use FOSTEX USB Audio Driver Ver2.2.1 or later version.
For Windows 10 (Creators Update) or later
Since Windows 10 Creators Update, the USB AUDIO 2.0 driver, which was previously provided 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 3.10 or higher.
Note when using on macOS 10. 12 Sierra
HP-A8 software version 3.10 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.
https://www.fostex.jp/cms/download/hp-a8_software_version-up/
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Features
Headphone amplifier with high-quality 32-bit DAC (AK4399) and all-discrete circuitry.
Digital input: USB High Speed supports 16 / 24 / 32bit, 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz / 176.4kHz / 192kHz.
Optical input (1, 2) / coaxial input / AES/EBU input supports 16 / 24bit, 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz / 176.4kHz / 192kHz.
Digital output (optical output / coaxial output) supports 16 / 24bit, 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz / 176.4kHz / 192kHz output.
Asynchronous mode (asynchronous mode) with two independent high-precision TCXO clocks (24.576MHz and 22.5792MHz) for 44.1K and 48K series.
High-precision level adjustment by audio electronic volume (MUSES 72320).
High-capacity toroidal power transformer.
Built-in SD (SDHC) card drive supports playback of DSD (DSF format / up to 2.8MHz), WAV and AIFF (up to 96kHz) files.
Float (floating point number) format files are not supported.
*Use an SD card with Class 6 or higher.
*We do not guarantee the operation of all SD cards.
Even with Class 6 or higher SD cards, sound skipping may occur with products with slow random access.
SDXC cards cannot be used. Do not insert SDXC cards as they may malfunction.
The following restrictions apply to file recognition: 1 folder/maximum 30 files per SD card (maximum number of folders is 15), file names are limited to 70 single-byte alphanumeric characters (folder names are limited to 50 single-byte alphanumeric characters / Japanese and other 2-byte characters are not supported in either case).
The operating clock can be switched between the internal clock and an external clock (except for USB input and playback from SD cards).
The upsampling can be selected between x2 upsampling, x4 upsampling, and upsampling OFF.
Digital filter switching function.
Headphone output can be switched between 24 gain levels.
Direct out function independent of headphone volume.
Standard remote controller.
Inputs: USB, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical x 2, analog RCA pin jacks (L/R).
Outputs: Headphones x 2, analog RCA pin jacks (L/R).
OLED LCD.
The HP-A8 is a USB Audio Class 2.0 compliant product. If your Windows system does not support USB Audio Class 2.0 at this time, you will need to install the dedicated driver for the HP-A8.
The driver can be downloaded from the Fostex website (compatible OS: Windows XP or later).
When using the HP-A8 in Windows, please install the driver before connecting the PC to the HP-A8.
For Mac, Mac OS X 10.6 or later supports USB Audio Class 2.0, so driver installation is not required.
Note: The USB-DAC function is for computer use only and cannot be used with iOS devices such as iPods and iPhones.
This unit is a dedicated DAC (Digita l to Analog Converter). It does not have the function to convert signals connected to the analog input to digital signals or USB audio. The analog input can be used as a headphone amplifier or preamplifier.
*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 are receiving 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 to not play. Please create a shortcut to the “FOSTEX Audio Player” application instead of moving the application itself.
Specifications
Main Specifications
| input | |
|---|---|
| USB terminal | |
| connector | Type B (standard) |
| quantization | PCM: 16bit/24bit/32bit DSD:1bit |
| sampling frequency | PCM: 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz DSD: 2.8MHz |
| interface | USB High Speed |
| Supported OS | WindowsXP (32Bit version SP2 or later *64bit version not supported)/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 ( FOSTEX USB Audio Driver must be installed) MacOSX10.6 or later *We do not guarantee operation with test versions such as public beta. |
| DIGITAL INPUT-OPTICAL(1, 2) terminals | |
| connector | Rectangular Optical |
| (computer) format | S/P DIF |
| Quantization, sampling frequency | 16/24bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz |
| DIGITAL INPUT-COAXIAL terminal | |
| connector | RCA pin jacks |
| (computer) format | S/P DIF |
| Quantization, sampling frequency | 16/24bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz |
| DIGITAL INPUT-AES/EBU jack | |
| connector | XLR-3-31 type (No.2 hot) |
| (computer) format | AES/EBU |
| Quantization, sampling frequency | 16/24bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz |
| ANALOG INPUT (L, R) terminals | |
| connector | RCA pin jacks |
| Rated output | +6dBV (approx. 2Vrms) |
| SD card slot | |
| card | SDXC |
| file system | FAT32 |
| (computer) format | DSF/WAV/AIFF |
| Quantization, sampling frequency | DSD: 1bit, 2.8MHz PCM: 16/24/32bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz, *Float (floating point number) format files are not supported |
| precautions | Please use an SD card with Class 6 or higher. |
| output (e.g. of dynamo) | |
| PHONES(1, 2) jacks | |
| connector | Stereo Standard Jack |
| Maximum output | 700mW+700mW (32 ohm load) |
| Applicable load impedance | 16 Ω to 600 Ω |
| THD | 0.002% or less (at 1kHz, 32 Ω load, 1Vrms output) |
| frequency response | 10Hz to 80kHz ± 3dB |
| ANALOG OUTPUT(L, R) pins | |
| connector | RCA pin jacks |
| Applicable load impedance | 10k Ω min. |
| THD | 0.002% or less |
| frequency response | 10Hz to 80kHz ±3dB (when 192kHz is used) |
| DIGITAL OUTPUT-OPTICAL terminal | |
| connector | Rectangular Optical |
| (computer) format | S/P DIF *Not output during DSD playback |
| Quantization, sampling frequency | 16/24bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz |
| DIGITAL OUTPUT-COAXIAL terminal | |
| connector | RCA pin jacks |
| (computer) format | S/P DIF *Not output during DSD playback |
| Quantization, sampling frequency | 16/24bit, 44.1kHz/48kHz/88.2kHz/96kHz/176.4kHz/192kHz |
| general | |
| accessory | Remote control (x 1), battery for remote control (CR2025 x 1), power cord (x 1), quick manual (x 1) *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.