Fostex updates headphone amp with HP-A4BL
Published: PRODUCTS
Introduced as a ‘major update’ to the HP-A4 combination D/A converter and headphone amp, the HP-A4BL has been unveiled by Fostex. The new version is joined by the manufacturer’s TH-900mk2 headphones.
Among the added features within the HP-A4BL is a reported ‘significant increase in audio performance’ within the balanced headphone output (4-pin XLR). Additionally, the unit features a Burr-Brown DAC circuit that allows decoding of either 24-bit/192kHz PCM audio streams or DSD audio at up to 11.2MHz. The rear panel include a USB input, S/PDIF input and output (optical) and analogue RCA outputs.
Also new are the TH-900mk2 headphones, an update of the TH-900 that now offers an optional 4-Pin balanced cable as part of a detachable cable system. The balanced cable is described by Fostex as offering ‘improved dynamic range and reduced crosstalk’. Other features include neodymium magnets and a Biodyna diaphragm that reportedly produces high-resolution audio reproduction ‘at any sound level’.