LAiV HP2A Headphone Amp

Oct 24, 2024 at 4:02 AM Thread Starter Post #1 of 156

leylandi

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https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-hp2a-specs

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HP2A with dimension.png


HP2A display.png


HP2A front with descriptions.png

HP2A rear with descriptions.png

Laiv RCX dimension

Remote Control Description For Website.png
 
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Oct 24, 2024 at 6:22 AM Post #4 of 156
Keeping an eye on this one - ticks all my functionality boxes with a slick & [relatively] compact form factor
 
Oct 24, 2024 at 7:18 AM Post #5 of 156
@wengfai
Regarding the LExt IN2 . Did you ever try connecting to the XLR inputs on the LExt IN2 through the LE-LINK into the HP2A and then try direct XLR inputs on the back of the HP2A and compare both and was there any loss in transparency? I understand the HP2A is limited with space and why XLR is only available and most will use that setup with Harmony. Just trying to see how effective the LExt IN2 is if someone were to use the RCA inputs on the LExt IN2 - LE-LINK if that is the preferred option on a different Dac..
 
Oct 24, 2024 at 9:49 PM Post #6 of 156
Keeping an eye on this one - ticks all my functionality boxes with a slick & [relatively] compact form factor
Exactly.

My situation has changed over the years since I don't sit behind a computer anymore like I used to do every single day, all day. So I am not that interested as much anymore in headphones. But I love the Harmony DAC. And the design and form factor. But the HP²A is a bit expensive for just a single input headphone amplifier. Not knowing features and pricing made me anxious, or hesitant. But the very moderate price of the LExt really fixed that. Dac and phono both XLR in, and an extra phono input for my third arm is really all I ever expect to need.

Now it's just the choice, first a new fridge or...

And after that save up for a Hifiman HE1000v2 (or SE).

Edit Jan 2025:
Enjoying the HP2a and the HE1000V2. Here are some reviews I collected from several pages











Written reviews


https://soundnews.net/reviews/amplifiers/laiv-harmony-hp2a-review-the-one-that-challenged-the-many/

https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/laiv-hp2a/

https://www.highfidelity.pl/@main-1444&lang=en
 
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Oct 25, 2024 at 12:35 AM Post #7 of 156
When we were designing the LE-LINK and LEXT, we wanted to make sure that customers could use the LEXT for extra inputs (RCA and XLR) with minimal to no loss. That’s why we chose top-notch components and connectors.

Our listening tests and AP measurements show that the balanced input (XLR) on the Harmony LEXT IN2 offers the same specs and sound quality as the integrated balanced input on the HP2A. For the single-ended input (RCA) on the LEXT IN2, it gets converted to balanced using discrete buffer circuitry before reaching the HP2A through the LE-LINK, and the specs are nearly identical to those of the balanced input.

We're excited to showcase the LAiV Harmony DAC & HP2A at the KLIAV Show in Malaysia!
It’s a world premiere! We invite all audiophiles in the region to swing by and experience it for yourselves!

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Oct 25, 2024 at 9:32 AM Post #9 of 156
Oct 25, 2024 at 9:35 AM Post #10 of 156
I've seen this review:

https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/laiv-hp2a/

but wondered if there were any other reviews or if anyone from the Head-Fi community (or elsewhere) has been testing the amp and writing their impressions up.

Thanks
Obviously if anyone is going to the show (I've lived in KL - fab city) above please post impressions /photos including (photos only - can't mark own homework) from the Laiv crew
 
Oct 27, 2024 at 5:48 AM Post #11 of 156
Our listening tests and AP measurements show that the balanced input (XLR) on the Harmony LEXT IN2 offers the same specs and sound quality as the integrated balanced input on the HP2A. For the single-ended input (RCA) on the LEXT IN2, it gets converted to balanced using discrete buffer circuitry before reaching the HP2A through the LE-LINK, and the specs are nearly identical to those of the balanced input.
Is it possible to share the said AP measurement results?
 
Oct 28, 2024 at 6:50 PM Post #13 of 156


Just unboxing with a beer that's totally gratuitous.
 
Oct 29, 2024 at 1:21 AM Post #14 of 156
For Tungsten lovers this amp's super power is rumored to be the ability to output 40 volts if it receives around 10 volts from the dac/pre-amp. Very excited to hear upcoming impressions with this setup.

Edit: Turns out it can do up to 60 volts.
 
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