Fostex HP-A4BL (the A4 with balanced output)

[albocaj]

Is there a tutorial somewhere on how to update the fw on Mac? Anything helps...

 

[carter840]

Any thoughts on this vs. an Audio GD R2R 11?

 

[skingg]

I'm be picking up this dac/amp over the next week or two. For those who owns the unit, has the driver been updated to work with the latest Windows 10? If so, are we required to flash the latest firmware to the Fostex to work?

 

[Dartin Bout]

that's what I did to use the Fostex USB Audio. DSD's sound great.

 

[davehutch]

Quick opinion if you wouldn't mind please someone.
Currently using a SE Grace Design m9xx with Sennheiser HD6xx and looking at a balanced DAC/Amp. I probably wouldn't upgrade again for some years.
I can get this for £299 as an 'Open Box' or I could go with Jotenheim or Audio-GD NFB11, both more expensive of course, especially he Jot.

I listen to all sorts, but mostly acoustic, jazz and I wouldn't need balanced analogue inputs.

Any major advantages/drawback you can think of?

 

[HungryPanda]

Quick opinion if you wouldn't mind please someone.
Currently using a SE Grace Design m9xx with Sennheiser HD6xx and looking at a balanced DAC/Amp. I probably wouldn't upgrade again for some years.
I can get this for £299 as an 'Open Box' or I could go with Jotenheim or Audio-GD NFB11, both more expensive of course, especially he Jot.

I listen to all sorts, but mostly acoustic, jazz and I wouldn't need balanced analogue inputs.

Any major advantages/drawback you can think of?

None whatsoever, I listen to a lot of genres, Folk, Americana, Blues, Jazz, EDM, Progressive rock, Classical and the Fostex amp deals with them all fine

 

[kukkurovaca]

Quick opinion if you wouldn't mind please someone.
Currently using a SE Grace Design m9xx with Sennheiser HD6xx and looking at a balanced DAC/Amp. I probably wouldn't upgrade again for some years.
I can get this for £299 as an 'Open Box' or I could go with Jotenheim or Audio-GD NFB11, both more expensive of course, especially he Jot.

I listen to all sorts, but mostly acoustic, jazz and I wouldn't need balanced analogue inputs.

Any major advantages/drawback you can think of?

Even in balanced, the HPA4BL will have less output power than your Grace m9xx, FWIW.

 

[davehutch]

Wow, really? The Grace Design is USB powered (5v 2A adaptor option) and gives you 110mW into 300 ohms. I just figured with a 12V supply, balanced output and a high gain switch I'd get more.
I've looked everywhere and can't find the official specs for 300 ohm headphones, so did you find them somewhere or have you experienced both amps?

 

[kukkurovaca]

I was comparing the output at 32 ohms (300mw), since that's the only rating that Fostex provides in the specs.

 

[HungryPanda]

the fostex is quite powerful and powers all my headphones without ever maxing out and only need high gain for my HE-560s or HD650s

 

[davehutch]

the fostex is quite powerful and powers all my headphones without ever maxing out and only need high gain for my HE-560s or HD650s

Thanks. My 650s will appreciate that

 

[davehutch]

OK, my main reservation is that, if I'm 'upgrading' from my Grace Design and not intending to buy another DAC/Amp for a few years, is this a bit of a sideways move rather than an upward one?

My options currently look like this:

• Fostex HP-A4BL £299
• Audio-GD R2R-11 £360 (Single ended only but highly regarded)
• Schiit Jotenheim £520

My think is that a DAC is a DAC is a DAC to some extent, but for the HD650s, the amp would play the most vital role.
With the Fostex being the lowest powered and the Jot the highest, each choice has its disadvantage I guess?

Any assistance would be grateful appreciated as I can't hear any of these before purchase except maybe the Fostex.

 

[kukkurovaca]

In the same rough product category as the Fostex and Jot would be the Topping DX7/DX7s

A lot of folks like tubes with their Sennheisers or tube-y-er solid state amps like the Garage1217 Polaris

 

[davehutch]

In the same rough product category as the Fostex and Jot would be the Topping DX7/DX7s

A lot of folks like tubes with their Sennheisers or tube-y-er solid state amps like the Garage1217 Polaris

I did look at the Topping but reviews aren’t the best to be honest. Probably need an upwards move rather than maybe a ‘sideways’ one.
I’ve re-read the whole m9xx thread and it sounds like I would be wise to keep what I have for the time being. The Joy’s DAC isn’t as good apparently although the amp is better.
I doubt the Fostex is better in either aspect but maybe the Audio-GD is still very promising

 

[kukkurovaca]

I did look at the Topping but reviews aren’t the best to be honest. Probably need an upwards move rather than maybe a ‘sideways’ one.
I’ve re-read the whole m9xx thread and it sounds like I would be wise to keep what I have for the time being. The Joy’s DAC isn’t as good apparently although the amp is better.
I doubt the Fostex is better in either aspect but maybe the Audio-GD is still very promising

You could also pick up a DAC-less Jotunheim (or other amp) and continue to use the m9xx as your source. The Jotunheim doesn't require a balanced input.