MASS-Kobo Model 485 Balanced Headphone Amp

[shwnwllms]

Thread to discuss the upcoming MASS-Kobo Model 485 Balanced Headphone Amp.

I will update this post as details become available. Expected release date June, 2025. Price $880,000 JPY

Mimic-Audio is the first US dealer to have the MASS-Kobo 485 available for preorder. Price is $6,700 USD (which includes 10% tariff you’ll be responsible for if you order directly from MASS-Kobo)

Edited to add published specs and photos (translated using Google Translate from MASS-Kobo’s website)

The model 394 series was very popular, selling over 200 units since its release. Some parts have been discontinued due to the manufacturer's discontinuation, but many customers wanted a successor model, so we have replaced the parts that are no longer available with current products while keeping the basic parts the same, and added a 4.4mm balanced output terminal, which is no exaggeration to say has become standard recently, and will soon be released as model 485.

Equipped with +4dBm/-10dBm standard balanced input for XLR, -10dBm standard unbalanced input for RCA (converted to balance at the input and sent to a 4-gang volume), worldwide power supply (AC100V-240V, 50/60Hz) for use overseas.

Equipped with a switch that allows you to switch the output between Low for normal efficiency headphones and Hi for low efficiency headphones such as planar drives.

Uses a custom-made Tokyo Koon Denpa conductive plastic resistor fader used in high-end professional mixers.



<Specifications>
Type: Balanced input/output stereo headphone amplifier
Input: XLR3-31 equivalent (electronically balanced) x 2, RCA x 2 (unbalanced)
Output: 4.4mm Pentaconn, XLR4-31 equivalent (balanced stereo output), XLR3-31 equivalent (L/R balanced output)
Input impedance: 3.7kΩ (XLR)/12kΩ (RCA)
Reference input level: +4dBm/-10dBm (XLR)/-10dBm (RCA)
Maximum input level: +25dBm (XLR)/+10dBm (RCA)
Maximum output level (P-P): (Unbalanced output) P-P Hi 12V Low 9V (Balanced output) P-P Hi 24V Low 18V (32Ω load, 1kHz, T.H.D+N 0.05%)
(RMS): (Unbalanced output) Hi 4.2V Low 3V (Balanced output) Hi 8.5V Low 6V (32Ω load, 1kHz, T.H.D+N 0.05%)
Undistorted maximum output: Balanced 2.2W+2.2W (at 32Ω load, 1KHz, T.H.D+N 0.05%), unbalanced 600mW+600mW (at 32Ω load, 1KHz, T.H.D+N 0.05%)
Power supply: ACV100V~240V 50Hz/60Hz
Current consumption: 0.5A (at AC100V)
Dimensions: W285mm x D 230mm x H50mm (rubber feet and protrusions not included)

W285mm x D 258mm x H52mm (rubber feet and protrusions included)

Weight: 2.9kg (main unit only, power cable not included)

*Specifications may be subject to change for improvement purposes.

 

[Alfredo3001]

 

[shwnwllms]

For comparison, here are internals of MASS-Kobo 433 & 394ii (it certainly looks closer to the latter, backing up the theory the 485 is a 394 MK3)

Certainly love to hear some more detailed comparisons from anyone more knowledgeable than myself who can parse the differences at what we are looking at.

MK 433

MK 394ii

 

[harris4crna]

Looking forward to an honest sound review in the future. Just not sure if the 485 is worth the cost over the 433 for me. Cannot power my Tungsten and the 433 does fine with the ZMF AC. Don't need the extra options. May change my mind.

 

[shwnwllms]

Looking forward to an honest sound review in the future. Just not sure if the 485 is worth the cost over the 433 for me. Cannot power my Tungsten and the 433 does fine with the ZMF AC. Don't need the extra options. May change my mind.

@DenverW does the MASS Kobo 394II power Tungsten’s?

Edit: Just got a shipping update. Should be receiving mine Late June timeframe.

 

[harris4crna]

@DenverW does the MASS Kobo 394II power Tungsten’s?

Edit: Just got a shipping update. Should be receiving mine Late June timeframe.

Did you purchase direct from Mass Kobo? What kind of import charges will you need to pay?

 

[shwnwllms]

Did you purchase direct from Mass Kobo? What kind of import charges will you need to pay?

I purchased from Mimic-Audio on Pre-order

Their price of $6,700 includes today’s 10% tariff rate from Japan (plus current exchange rate and the Yen is surging against the dollar).

If you purchase through MASS-Kobo they are very clear that their price doesn’t include VAT (tariff) so you’ll be on the hook for whatever the import tariff is when it ships before customs will release your package for delivery. It’s kind of a gamble as it could go up (but likely won’t go down within the next 30-60 days but no one really knows)

Plus it’s easier to deal with an authorized dealer like Mimic or MusicTeck if you ask me. (Especially for warranty & support) Mimic was just first to the starting line on this release

https://www.mimic-audio.com/products/mass-kobo-model-485

 

[Menkau-ra]

I purchased from Mimic-Audio on Pre-order

Their price of $6,700 includes today’s 10% tariff rate from Japan (plus current exchange rate and the Yen is surging against the dollar).

If you purchase through MASS-Kobo they are very clear that their price doesn’t include VAT (tariff) so you’ll be on the hook for whatever the import tariff is when it ships before customs will release your package for delivery. It’s kind of a gamble as it could go up (but likely won’t go down within the next 30-60 days but no one really knows)

Plus it’s easier to deal with an authorized dealer like Mimic or MusicTeck if you ask me. (Especially for warranty & support) Mimic was just first to the starting line on this release

https://www.mimic-audio.com/products/mass-kobo-model-485

I can confirm that Mimic is rock
I just got a MK475 with him 2 weeks ago. No extra charges.

 

[harris4crna]

I purchased from Mimic-Audio on Pre-order

Their price of $6,700 includes today’s 10% tariff rate from Japan (plus current exchange rate and the Yen is surging against the dollar).

If you purchase through MASS-Kobo they are very clear that their price doesn’t include VAT (tariff) so you’ll be on the hook for whatever the import tariff is when it ships before customs will release your package for delivery. It’s kind of a gamble as it could go up (but likely won’t go down within the next 30-60 days but no one really knows)

Plus it’s easier to deal with an authorized dealer like Mimic or MusicTeck if you ask me. (Especially for warranty & support) Mimic was just first to the starting line on this release

https://www.mimic-audio.com/products/mass-kobo-model-485

All makes sense, thank you. I visit Japan often since I have family there. I may arrange to purchase there. We will see.

 

[tholt]

@DenverW does the MASS Kobo 394II power Tungsten’s?

Edit: Just got a shipping update. Should be receiving mine Late June timeframe.

You might very well be one of the first in the US to get one. Looking forward to your impressions

 

[shwnwllms]

You might very well be one of the first in the US to get one. Looking forward to your impressions

That was certainly the plan

Now if I just had a MK 394ii to compare it to when it arrives. *cough* *cough* @DenverW

 

[JooLoo]

Thread to discuss the upcoming MASS-Kobo Model 485 Balanced Headphone Amp.

I will update this post as details become available. Expected release date June, 2025. Price $880,000 JPY

Mimic-Audio is the first US dealer to have the MASS-Kobo 485 available for preorder. Price is $6,700 USD (which includes 10% tariff you’ll be responsible for if you order directly from MASS-Kobo)

Edited to add published specs and photos (translated using Google Translate from MASS-Kobo’s website)





The model 394 series was very popular, selling over 200 units since its release. Some parts have been discontinued due to the manufacturer's discontinuation, but many customers wanted a successor model, so we have replaced the parts that are no longer available with current products while keeping the basic parts the same, and added a 4.4mm balanced output terminal, which is no exaggeration to say has become standard recently, and will soon be released as model 485.

Equipped with +4dBm/-10dBm standard balanced input for XLR, -10dBm standard unbalanced input for RCA (converted to balance at the input and sent to a 4-gang volume), worldwide power supply (AC100V-240V, 50/60Hz) for use overseas.

Equipped with a switch that allows you to switch the output between Low for normal efficiency headphones and Hi for low efficiency headphones such as planar drives.

Uses a custom-made Tokyo Koon Denpa conductive plastic resistor fader used in high-end professional mixers.



<Specifications>
Type: Balanced input/output stereo headphone amplifier
Input: XLR3-31 equivalent (electronically balanced) x 2, RCA x 2 (unbalanced)
Output: 4.4mm Pentaconn, XLR4-31 equivalent (balanced stereo output), XLR3-31 equivalent (L/R balanced output)
Input impedance: 3.7kΩ (XLR)/12kΩ (RCA)
Reference input level: +4dBm/-10dBm (XLR)/-10dBm (RCA)
Maximum input level: +25dBm (XLR)/+10dBm (RCA)
Maximum output level (P-P): (Unbalanced output) P-P Hi 12V Low 9V (Balanced output) P-P Hi 24V Low 18V (32Ω load, 1kHz, T.H.D+N 0.05%)
(RMS): (Unbalanced output) Hi 4.2V Low 3V (Balanced output) Hi 8.5V Low 6V (32Ω load, 1kHz, T.H.D+N 0.05%)
Undistorted maximum output: Balanced 2.2W+2.2W (at 32Ω load, 1KHz, T.H.D+N 0.05%), unbalanced 600mW+600mW (at 32Ω load, 1KHz, T.H.D+N 0.05%)
Power supply: ACV100V~240V 50Hz/60Hz
Current consumption: 0.5A (at AC100V)
Dimensions: W285mm x D 230mm x H50mm (rubber feet and protrusions not included)

W285mm x D 258mm x H52mm (rubber feet and protrusions included)

Weight: 2.9kg (main unit only, power cable not included)

*Specifications may be subject to change for improvement purposes.

i noticed that the max input is measured in dbm and not vrm whats the vrm equivalent ? i had asked AI since i wasnt sure and its different from db apparently (not sure ) and i plugged in some numbers namely the 3.7k imput impedance and the +25dbm to get a voltage and it spat out 34vrm which im not sure is correct. I understand that the question may be met with why would you use anything other than standard 4v but im just curious if any one has any insight.

 

[shwnwllms]

i noticed that the max input is measured in dbm and not vrm whats the vrm equivalent ? i had asked AI since i wasnt sure and its different from db apparently (not sure ) and i plugged in some numbers namely the 3.7k imput impedance and the +25dbm to get a voltage and it spat out 34vrm which im not sure is correct. I understand that the question may be met with why would you use anything other than standard 4v but im just curious if any one has any insight.

I don’t have any insight on the exact conversion figure but I think your AI is hallucinating, that number seems way too high

For reference MASS-Kobo lists the same maximum input specs for both the MK 433 and MK 394

 

[JooLoo]

I don’t have any insight on the exact conversion figure but I think your AI is hallucinating, that number seems way too high

For reference MASS-Kobo lists the same maximum input specs for both the MK 433 and MK 394

i figured which is why i asked. the highest input vrm ive seen is for the holo bliss which is 17vrms

i mean is it supposed to account for something thats output rating is in db like the rme adi 2 or the pro version where they can have + 13db or +24db on the output?

 

[uncleseven]

I try 485 on mid April in Hong Kong dealer and then pre order． Hope it can arrive on June.