HPA1 Help.

[GoRedwings19]

Can anyone give me more info on this amp???? Also Where can I get the power supply for it (it needs to be 230v). If needs be I can use a voltage converter but seeming as I believe this degrades sound quality I rather not. Any ideas?

 

[Welly Wu]

Go do a search for the HPA1 by culling the member database. Then, send PMs to those members. It is going to be quite challenging to get detailed research data on this very old headphone amplifier today but it is not impossible.

 

[Hirsch]

The Grado HPA-1 had a regulated wall wart AC power supply. It's 12 volts DC, but three conductors, so there's probably a positive and negative voltage. My advice on the power supply: Don't bother. I haven't used mine in years. The amp sounds a bit smoother and a bit quieter running on batteries. Battery life with Plainview rechareables is about 25 playing hours between charges. There's also room in the battery compartment for a spare set of batteries. AC is a fairly useless option, IMO.

 

[ayt999]

I've heard that the HPA1 sounds best when used with batteries. I use mine with Plainviews and like the sound. I don't have the AC adaptor and haven't listened to one with the AC adaptor so cannot comment more on this.

btw, the amp has been out of production for about 10 years.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Thanks for the advice dudes. Looks like I better order batteries for my amp then!!!!

Seriously 10 years??????

Dammit I gotta stop buying all this stuff.

 

[ayt999]

nevermind, this is the message I got from Grado Labs when I contacted them about the HPA1 earlier this year. (I think I asked them where I could get the power supply.)
Quote:

Sorry, parts for that piece have not been available for over 15 years. Thank you. Regards, Grado Labs

 

[gsferrari]

It should be fairly easy to fix if there is a problem and any DIYer can chalk up a PSU for this unit that wont cost more than $50.00 MAX!

I wouldnt worry too much about the long term future of the HPA-1 if you already have it.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayt999 nevermind, this is the message I got from Grado Labs when I contacted them about the HPA1 earlier this year. (I think I asked them where I could get the power supply.)

Really 15 years??? How does it sound compared to todays amps then. I haven't recieved it yet and in no rush. But would like to get an idea of the sound to expect. I heard it sounds best with grado hp1k's series

 

[Hirsch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoRedwings19 Really 15 years??? How does it sound compared to todays amps then. I haven't recieved it yet and in no rush. But would like to get an idea of the sound to expect. I heard it sounds best with grado hp1k's series

Bass is not as well defined as some of today's amps. Otherwise a very smooth and clear sound. I found it to be something on the order of a more refined RA-1. Progress is not always forward

It was designed for the HP-1000, and works great with that headphone.

Incidentally, on the original amp, the AC power supply was an option, not part of the original package. Extra cost was $125 (original MSRP was $795 without AC adapter).

 

[Zanth]

Bass is definitely where I find this amp lacking. It lacks a snap to the sound too but the mids are crystal clear and oh so nice. A very nice amp and built like a tank. A true gem and a quality vintage piece, one of the first headphone amps ever made!

 

[Jahn]

compared to the ra-1 it reminded me of the joe versus john characteristics. the joe is less bassy and in your face, but the detail is par excellence. it's as big as a breadbox too - didn't expect it to be so large, like a mini-toaster oven.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Thanks guys. It's currently on the way to a florida mini-meet to lend to some headfiers as some of them have never heard hp1k series and seeming as I am in no rush then they can use it. Anyway I got my hp-2's for use.

 

[bln]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hirsch Progress is not always forward

That goes for all things Grado.

 

[GoRedwings19]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bln That goes for all things Grado.

boo, hiss only joking

 

[Jahn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bln That goes for all things Grado.

"if it ain't broke, don't fix it."

senns' motto?

"they got the ZZZs to please me."