Quote:
| Can someone care to summarise the feature set of the Isabellina HPA to-date ? |
Hi fkclo,
1. Same DAC module as Isabellina DAC -
YES
2. Same headphone amp module as Amphora -
YES
3. Fixed or Variable output options for DAC -
RCA output jacks can be either fixed or variable. Customer specifies their preference (as described in the posts above)
4. Volume control type ? ( Goldpoint Attentuator ?) -
Same as Isabella preamp (remote controlled Alps), continuous (not stepped).
5. SE outputs (RCA) x 1 ? Possible to have 2 outputs ? -
1 L/R set of RCA output jacks only
6. USB + S/PDIF + Toslink input ( front or back selector ) ?
Back selector mini-toggle 3-way switch (located above digital input jacks) - just like the Isabellina dac
7. Analogue input for headphone amp (Y/N?) -
No
8. Headphone amp gain selection ? (front or back selector) ?
Fixed Gain, and the volume control is continuous
9. Smaller or same battery as Isabellina ?
Uses 12V, 5Ah SLA battery and 12V SLA auto-charger.
10. Same black casing as Isabellina ?
Yes, but with volume control in the center, and 1/4" headphone output jack on right side (pictures will be posted in a few weeks)
11. Smart battery charging ?
Yes - features the new RWA 12V SMART board
12. Operational while connect to charger ?
- You can keep the charger always connected, but the charger is only charging the batteries when the unit is turned OFF (just like the Amphora and all RWA products).
13. Will this only be available via head-fi or users overseas have to order through the distributors ?
- First batch (from the pre-order list) will only be sold direct (at the discounted price of $2100 + shipping) to anywhere in the world. Pricing will be going up (exact price to be determined, but > $2500) and will be sold via Red Wine Audio, ALO Audio, and most likely through international distributors
14. Options - e.g. WBT RCA jacks ? Cap choice ? Internal wiring ?, Attentuator choices ?
- The only option is for the RCA output (fixed or variable)
15. Will bigger & higher battery voltage (2 x 12V) offers more power to the headphone amp ?
- No
16. Anticipate play time (DAC, DAC+headphone amp) ?
- Between 12 and 24 hours of continuous use
Also:
17. Internal wiring in the signal path will be ALO solid silver in cotton (like the SE version of the Amphora has).
18. Will use OIMP V-caps for the input of the headphone amp (just like the Amphora)
19. Includes remote control (used for volume UP, volume DOWN), 12V SLA auto-charger, 6-foot USB cable, and BNC-to-RCA adapter (for the coax digital input).
NOTE: Features cannot be removed to lower the cost of the product (e.g. Question: "I only need a USB input. Can you remove the other two digital inputs and sell for lower cost?" Answer: No - everything listed above is STANDARD and the pre-order price is the lowest price.)
Quote:
| Vinnie, have you had an opportunity to try the V-Cap TFTF Teflon® film and tin foil audiophile capacitors in lieu of the V-Cap PIO caps? For that matter, how did the Auricaps sound? |
Hi Miguel,
We will not be using the TFTF V-caps. For the size we need, this is much too cost prohibitive. We are very happy with the performance of the OIMP V-caps in the Isabellina HPA. We have tried the Auricaps, PIOs, and a few others and as mentioned above, the Vcaps used in this design deliver the best balance of tone, detail, and dynamics (along with the ALO silver in cotton wiring in the signal path). These parts come standard with the Isabellina HPA.
Happy Father's Day,
Vinnie
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