Latest Thread Images

Fostex HP-A4
Jan 13, 2014 at 8:28 AM Post #61 of 324
lbbef said:
  Just to share! Headfonia has a short review on the HP-A4:
http://www.headfonia.com/fostex-hp-a4-mini-hp-a8/
smile.gif
Click to expand...

 
Seems hard to believe that the A4, with a completely different DAC chip, would be better characterized as a "mini-A8" than would the A3 (the latter of which has a very similar AK DAC chip to the A8). Can anyone explain how it could be otherwise? I'm quite open-minded and curious about the A4, just haven't had a chance to hear it yet. This review seems counter-intuitive in some ways. Is the A4 really more V-shaped than the A3? This would be very useful to know.
 
Jan 13, 2014 at 2:17 PM Post #63 of 324
I'll see if my local store has both the HP-A3 and HP-A4 demo sets and make a comparison. :) Stay tuned!
 
Jan 13, 2014 at 3:16 PM Post #64 of 324
Given the U-shape of both the TH900 and the TH600 plus the sensible match with the HP-A8 I'd doubt that Fostex would give the A4 a V-shaped signature... but that is speculation of course. Would come as a surprise nevertheless...
 
The review seems to reflect the differences between the chips used in the previous Fostex DACs vs. this new model -- calling that signature V-shaped seems a bit far-fetched to me, but I'll have a listen in february.
 
Jan 13, 2014 at 4:26 PM Post #65 of 324
I think he means V-shaped by direct comparison to the HP-A3 which is rather soft on both extremes (laid-back). He describes the sound as more punchy and dynamic, which is a common trait I've heard in many Sabre designs. That's great news, IMO.
 
I hope the A4 retains that slight sweetness that I love from the A3 (and, IMO, makes the "Fostex sound").
 
Jan 14, 2014 at 3:44 AM Post #66 of 324
That would make more sense in my view, but it would have better then to claim that the A3 had more of an inverted U sound signature, rather than claiming that the A4 sounds more V-shaped in comparison. It makes me question what Headfonia considers neutral.
 
I guess the A4 is more aimed as a universal solution and it has a very good chance to do well there. Not a lot of competition in this market.
 
Jan 20, 2014 at 11:42 AM Post #67 of 324
hello everyone, ive always preferred my denon ah-d2000, though the hd650 i quite liked as well (but boring for EDM and techno)

so i just bought a fostex th-600 from a very reputable member here at head-fi, but i am concerned about the setup, as i want the most synergy out of it.

i currently use a cambridge audio dacmagic (original) and a schiit asgard 2. i know that will be more than enough power for the th600, but mike at headfonia said its sound potentials change drastically with different amps, the more expensive the better.

i talked to a seasoned audiophile friend of mine, and he told me it is bs and the change arent really noticeable.

anyways TL;DR i was wondering if i should replace my setup with fostex's very own HP-A4, as it looks good both on paper and in real life, but i havent heard it yet.

can anyone give me a description of their experiences of pairing the th600 with the hp-a4??
i cant wait until i get the th600, and its quite easy for me to sell off my current dac and amp and order a hpa4 off avshop.ca

my dacmagic is neutral but very analytic sound, and the asgard 2 is slightly warm, laid back, but also very dynamic and energetic.
 
Jan 24, 2014 at 4:54 PM Post #73 of 324
Moon Audio has this in stock for $399.99. Better than ordering from Japan for those from the States:

http://www.moon-audio.com/fostex-hp-a4.html
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top