Sony Electronics has extended its new line of High Resolution Audio products by introducing the PHA-2 portable headphone DAC/amplifier and TA-A1ES integrated stereo amplifier. Both products offer superior sound reproduction and have been specifically designed to support the latest high-resolution music sources.
Sony PHA-2 High-Res Portable DAC/Amplifier
The new PHA-2 portable headphone amplifier was conceived to deliver superior sound reproduction from a variety of audio sources and is the first portable DAC/amplifier to be compatible with virtually every high-resolution digital file format, including up to 192 kHz/24-bit PCM and both DSD (2.8MHz) and Double DSD (5.6MHz). Listeners can also enjoy upgraded sound quality with MP3 files and other music sources.
It features a variety of advanced technologies, including such refinements as an Asynchronous Transport Mode which utilizes a dedicated signal generator to reduce timing errors for more accurate, jitter-free converter performance. It also incorporates a high precision D/A converter, along with such devices as a custom headphone amplifier IC with high slew rate, ultra-low distortion operation; OCL (output capacitor-less) current feedback architecture; plus a dual power supply operation for more stable and accurate reproduction. All of these select components are enclosed in a durable aluminum chassis which is fully protected from external interference. The PHA-2 headphone amplifier also has a variable gain headphone input that supports a wide range of impedances; as well as Zinc die-cast bumpers to protect the volume control and headphone connector from external shock and vibration.
The PHA-2 can be easily connected to both PC and Mac® computers via its USB 2.0 interface, and also includes a dedicated digital input for iPod®, iPhone® and iPad® products. Other portable audio sources such as Android™ smartphones and digital music players can be connected via the analog audio input. The PHA-2 comes with a built-in Lithium-ion battery which runs up to 6.5 hours with a digital connection and up to 17 hours with an analog connection on a single charge.
Sony PHA-2 Portable High Resolution DAC/Amplifier
- Full Hi-Res audio: PCM 192kHz/24 bit, DSD 2.8/5.6MHz
- Direct Digital Connection for PC and Apple® devices
- Enhances non hi-res music sources (via analog input)
- Asynchronous, precision USB clock for superior sound
- Premium DAC with separate operational and headphone amps
- Durable aluminum enclosure with protective alloy bumper
- Selectable gain supports impedances from 8 to 600 Ohm
- Lithium-ion battery for up to 17 hours battery life
- Line-out to connect external amp or active speaker
- Mounting straps, protection sheet and cables included
- Available in March 2014 for $599.99 Sony TA-A1ES Integrated Stereo Amplifier
- Integrated stereo amplifier (80 Watts x 2)
- Class-A operation with Smart Bias Control
- Single Push-Pull Hi-Current Amplifier
- Inputs include balanced (XLR x 1), unbalanced (RCA x 4), and (IR x 1)
- Outputs include SP (IMP4~, 8~) and Headphone (High, Mid and Low Impedance)
- Available in October for $1,999, in silver
