Oppo Digital announces HA-1 Headphone Amplifier

The OPPO HA-1 Headphone Amplifier builds upon the success of our BDP-95 and BPD-105 audiophile universal Blu-ray Disc players. The BDP-95 and 105 have been selected as "Recommended Components" by prestigious publications such as Stereophile and The Absolute Sound. Discerning listeners describe the players’ DAC and analog output stage as very detailed, transparent and engaging. Bench tests indicate the players’ performance approaching the measurable limit of audio analyzing instruments. Drawing upon the proven circuit design of these award-winning players, the HA-1 combines an uncompromising Class A balanced power amplifier section with the performance of the ESS 9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC.
OPPO designs the HA-1 headphone amplifier with the same universal approach as our Blu-ray players. The HA-1 is a high performance headphone amplifier, and it doubles as an asynchronous USB DAC, a stereo pre-amplifier, a digital audio dock for mobile devices, and a Bluetooth audio transport. Its fully balanced design and numerous inputs ensure the best in fidelity and versatility.
The analog audio section of the HA-1 is a fully balanced design with an emphasis on keeping the audio signal in the analog domain once it leaves the DAC. The HA-1 is anchored by a beefy toroidal power transformer. Linear power regulators and filters with custom made capacitors ensure that the headphone amplifier has a clean power source with plenty of reserve energy. The power amplification section uses hand-picked and paired discrete components to ensure symmetry. A motor-driven precision volume control knob enables both hand adjustment and remote control while keeping the audio in a pure analog audio path. Users have a choice of using the 4-pin balanced XLR or the traditional quarter-inch headphone jack. Line level analog inputs and outputs are provided with both RCA and balanced XLR sockets. Built-in monitoring and protection circuitry guards against any mishaps such as short-circuiting, overloading, and DC offset that could lead to degraded performance.The HA-1 is especially suitable for high-resolution digital audio. Its digital inputs include coaxial, optical, balanced AES/EBU, and an asynchronous USB DAC that supports both PCM and DSD formats. The same ESS 9018 Sabre32 Reference DAC and output driving stage used in our audiophile Blu-ray players ensures extremely low noise and low distortion performance. It is easy to connect the HA-1 to a computer via USB and enjoy jitter-free music using your favorite playback software. OPPO is also working with a leading smartphone and tablet manufacturer to certify the HA-1 so it can pass the required authentication and take digital audio from those popular mobile devices. For additional convenience, the Bluetooth audio transport with high quality Apt-X CODEC sets music in your mobile phones free with a performance boost.


The HA-1 sports a classic design with contemporary elements. It is a desktop component housed in an aluminum chassis, and the familiar volume and source selection knobs are aided by a 4.3-inch screen for easy operation. Depending on your preference or even the mood of the music being played, you can choose between a classic VU meter, a modern spectrum display, or a simple informational summary on the screen. A supplied IR remote and a smartphone app via Bluetooth provide complete control and convenience.
With its exemplary sound quality, versatile connectivity, and energetic driving power, the HA-1 headphone amplifier is a good match to any high performance headphone or stereo sound system.

Expected Availability: 2014
Expected Price: TBD
Note: Product features and availability subject to change as this product is currently still in development.

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