Introducing the Matrix M-Stage HPA-3U and HPA-3B, review to follow!

[jtam]

Can you confirm the information in this thread regarding the warranty if I purchase from you? Would I need to ship the unit to China if it was in need of repair?

I am currently base in Chicago IL, so you can send returns and repairs to Chicago instead of China. I'm shipping the HPA-3 from China (directly from Matrix) for now because I am not yet able to stick it in Chicago and Amazon. It doesn't really matter because delivery usually takes only 3-5 days from China to most part of US.

"matrix-digi-usa" is a distributor like I am. I offer the same level of service and warranty.

 

[inseconds99]

I am currently base in Chicago IL, so you can send returns and repairs to Chicago instead of China. I'm shipping the HPA-3 from China (directly from Matrix) for now because I am not yet able to stick it in Chicago and Amazon. It doesn't really matter because delivery usually takes only 3-5 days from China to most part of US.

"matrix-digi-usa" is a distributor like I am. I offer the same level of service and warranty.

Wonderful, thank you for the helpful and insightful info. I will be placing my order at some point next week.

 

[inseconds99]

Anyone have a listen to this dac/amp yet and can give a first impression?

 

[keanex]

  Anyone have a listen to this dac/amp yet and can give a first impression?

I may or may not be the first in the US. Maybe? 
 
Anyway, it seems rather neutral from mids to highs with a slight bass warmth. Lots of power.

 

[inseconds99]

I may or may not be the first in the US. Maybe? 

Anyway, it seems rather neutral from mids to highs with a slight bass warmth. Lots of power.

Did you own the hpa-2? If so how similar are they?

 

[keanex]

Did you own the hpa-2? If so how similar are they?

From what I was told, the 1 and 2 are near the same while the 3 is a truly new model.

 

[burdie]

Any review/owner on HPA-3B yet? I emailed Matrix to find out more details on HPA-3B, and received very short reply from them.
1) my most concern, silver version? There is no plan for the silver version
2) Opamps? LME49860......, well, I have some TO-99 LME49720....and dip-8 socket
3) Sound? nature... errrrrr please elaborate more...
4) able to use Neutrik RCA to XLR adapter? we used YongSheng....   hmmm didn't answer my question
 
without much info or reviews, I proceed to order 1 unit, should be arriving tomorrow.

 

[keanex]

Review posted on post #2! 

 

[GaToMaLaCo]

@keanex please post some pics of the internals.

 

[burdie]

  Review posted on post #2! 

In fact I am looking at the HPA-3B, the balanced headphone amp. I am not interested in HPA-3U as I already owned Matrix mini-i pro 2014 which I believed should be slightly better than 3U in term of decoding etc.
Hopefully HPA-3B won't be far away from HPA-3U in sound signature as the warm sound is what I looking for.

 

[burdie]

Today I received the Matrix HPA-3B (balanced amp), it came with 1 x power cable, 2 x RCA to XLR adaptor, 1 warranty card and 1 CD.

rear view, 2X 3 pin XLR balanced input. The toggle switch for gain stage seems sturdy
 
 

Front view, the volume knob is fastened by hex bolts, so replace with good looking volume knob won't be a problem. (I don't really like the original volume knob, I also change the volume knob of my Schiit Mojo)
 

China made RCA to XLR adaptor, both adaptors came in white RCA head. They don't have red RCA head?
 
 

Are you on par with Schiit Mojo in driving LCD 2.2? Well, may be need some break in.
 
It has enough power to drive LCD 2.2, I obtained same level of loudness at around 10.30 - 11.00 o'clock for both HPA-3B and Mojo. The sound of HPA-3B is slightly warm (what to expect from Class A amp), lows are tight but not as deep as Mojo, highs quite clean but still behind Mojo. I will try swapping LME49990 and LME49720 to see any improvement or not.

 

[adobotj]

Wow thank burdie! Now this is the review that I was looking for. I'm also interested in the 3B and you nailed my concern regarding the xlr inputs with detailed pics including accessories. And like you, my preference is a warm sounding amp.

I am wondering if it's a good synergy with the HD800? Will keep an eye on this. Subbed!

 

[burdie]

The Interior of Matrix HPA-3B
 

The transformer, fuse holder, voltage selector, 2x XLR input
 

6.3mm/4 pin XLR - gold plated contact
 

PCB version 1.1
 

Nichicon KG Gold Tune 4700uf 35V
 

Wima MKS4 cap, will MKP10 improve it?
 

opamp LME49860 x 2
 

TOSHIBA audio expansion flow tube A1358/C3421, normal headphone amp uses 2 pairs, but HPA-B uses 4 pairs (for balanced?) one pair capable to drive 60-80 watts, no wonder the casing is so 'hot'
 
The Exterior
 

Volume knob (replaceable)
 

We hardly see people upload the bottom of any product, here it is.
 
Little Mob
 

Opamp swapping, replace the stock LME49860MA to TO-99 LME49720HA, same specs but some people claimed that TO-99 metal can package used better silicon die. Well, will you believe that it gave better transparency and clarity especially in my LCD 2.2? With this metal can, it came closer to Schiit Mojo... This weekend I will try LME49990 (bundled with the disposal of iBasso PB2, this weekend will borrow it )
 

highly recommend to replace the ugly stock volume knob, I put in the stock volume knob from Schiit Mojo and I think it look better. The stock knob measurement is 31mm*24mm, replacement volume knob with standard sizing of 30mm*22mm will fit perfectly. The shaft is 6mm (D) and 19mm (L).

 

[conquerator2]

I like the stock better
But great reviews! Brings some fond HPA2 memories

 

[reeseg]

Has anyone been able to enable DSD through Audirvana?  I show DSD64 and DSD128 grayed out.