[MoonAudio]

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*NEW* - HOT Fostex HP-A8C 32 Bit DAC Headphone Amplifier​

ONLY $1995 - NOW Preordering​

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FREE 2nd Day Shipping on ALL PREORDERS​

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Preorder NOW...Arriving in May!​

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The new HP-A8C is Fostex's flagship 32bit DAC / Headphone Amplifier model and features finely designed Analog and Digital circuitries as well as the epoch-making DSD audio playback function.​

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Housed in a gorgeous enclosure featuring glass front panel and black side panel, the HP-A8C is set to spark the interest of both high-end headphone users as well as PC audio makers, professionals and enthusiasts.​

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Partner with the new Fostex TH-900 Headphones for EXCELLENT results.​

 

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Here is the NEW Fostex HP-A8C DAC/Headphone Amp with the NEW Fostex TH-900...​

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 High fidelity 32bit D/A converter (Asahi Kasei's AK4399) and all discrete analog circuitry headphone amplifier.​

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Complies with USB Audio Class 2.0 up to 32bit / 192kHz (24bit on Windows)​

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Asynchronous mode by highly precise TCXO (Temperature Compensated Cristal Oscillator) clock.​

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Highly precise level adjustment by an electronic volume designed for audio equipment.​

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Large capacity toroidal power transformer.​

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Built-in SD (SDHC) card drive for epoch-making DSD file (DSF format) reproduction in addition to the firmware update.​

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Selectable between the internal clock and the external clock (except for USB and SD card)​

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Built-in up-sampling function of x 2 and x4​

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Digital Filter selection between the conventional "sharp roll-off" and the "minimum delay" developed by Asahi Kasei to eliminate pre-echo.​

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Direct Out mode bypassing the volume control circuit.Variable headphone amplifier's gain from 0dB to -12dB by 0.5dB step for perfect match with any type of headphones.​

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Various inputs including USB, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical (x2) and analog RCA.A dedicated Remote Controller is supplied.​

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Beautiful white Organic LED for the display ​

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Thank You.
Drew Baird, P.E.
Moon Audio
624 Holly Springs Rd.
Suite 321
Holly Springs, NC 27540
919-649-5018
drew@moon-audio.com

http://www.moon-audio.com
[size=small][/size]

 

[audioholik]

Hi, can the AK4399 DAC do 5.6MHz DSD?

 

[kiteki]

 
Is the HP-A8C a revision?  Typo?
 
 

 

[drubrew]

Per Fostex the proper nomenclature for the unit is HP-A8C. From our visit to the Fall Headphone Festival in Tokyo the unit was doing DSD via the memory card slot. We were told at when it was released to market it would do DSD via USB. It also has the ability to have the software upgraded via firmware updates.

 

[audioholik]

 
Quote:

Per Fostex the proper nomenclature for the unit is HP-A8C. From our visit to the Fall Headphone Festival in Tokyo the unit was doing DSD via the memory card slot. We were told at when it was released to market it would do DSD via USB. It also has the ability to have the software upgraded via firmware updates.

 
Do you know if future firmware updates could enable the device to support 128fs DSD, or it is a hardware (AK4399) issue that can't be overcome?

 

[drubrew]

 
Quote:

 
 
Do you know if future firmware updates could enable the device to support 128fs DSD, or it is a hardware (AK4399) issue that can't be overcome?

 
The answer is no as you guessed due to the hardware (AK4399) issue.

 

[audioholik]

 
Quote:

 
 
The answer is no as you guessed due to the hardware (AK4399) issue.

 
Thanks for the info.
 
I'm sure that's a non-issue for many on here, but personally I'd like my USB DAC/Headphone amp to support 24/96 ~ 24/192kHz PCM as well as 2.8MHz ~ 5.6MHz DSD.

 

[Audiophilehi]

So how does it sound?

 

[drubrew]

Quote:

So how does it sound?

 
Cant give you a far answer until I have them in house. I listened to the amp at the Tokyo Headphone Festival but it was with sim cards full of Japanese music I was not familiar with. The TH900 with the amp were great, but I cant comment on the finer details until I can use my own music. The first shipment of the TH900's just rolled in the door so that means the amp should be real soon.

 

[Audiophilehi]

Thanks Drew!

 

[geared2play]

Just a trivia question. What voltage does it support, just 120v or universal? Going to Europe for a year in 3 month, I'd like to bring it with if I buy them now.

 

[drubrew]

Quote:

Just a trivia question. What voltage does it support, just 120v or universal? Going to Europe for a year in 3 month, I'd like to bring it with if I buy them now.

Until they finally walk in the door I wont be able to answer. Once we make the announcement they are in give me a jingle.

 

[CDWMcInSpots]

Crosspost:
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by CDWMcInSpots /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
Fostex HP-A8C
 
Fostex has published the following headphone output specifications for the Fostex HP-A8C:
Quote:

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/products/HP-A8C.shtml#3
 
Specifications
 
Output
Phones 1,2 Connector: Stereo phone
Max Output: 700mW (32-ohm loaded)
Opt load Impedance: 16 ohm – 600 ohm
THD: less than 0.002% at 1kHz, 32-ohm loaded, 100mW
Frequency response: 10Hz - 80kHz +-0.3dB

 
Does anyone know the headphone output:

1. Impedance?
2. Power in different impedance loads, typically from 16/25 to 600 ohms?

 
Windows driver for USB Audio Class 2.0 coexistence
Windows needs a driver to support USB Audio Class 2.0 devices. Many manufacturers base their Windows drivers and firmware on software from Thesycon Systemsoftware & Consulting GmbH. The Thesycon software is, according to Thesycon, supposed to be customized by the hardware manufacturer to their products. Some manufacturers do it themselves, and others (like Grace Design) use external companies like Wavelength Audio and their Gordon Rankin. Some companies do a good customization job, others are sloppy and don't fullfill their contractual obligations with and according to Thesycon.
 
According to Thesycon, products that use software based on Thesycon's products should be able to coexist on a computer. Unfortunately that isn't necessarily the case because of sloppy software customization by hardware manufacturers. Some can coeeist, others won't. The user will then be forced to uninstall, install and configure drivers whenever he wants to change between USB DACs.
 
As far as I've understood, Wavelength Audio and their Gordon Rankin make sure that all products using their (Thesycon based) software can coexist.
 
I have experienced a product that use Thesycon based software but its Thesycon driver wouldn't coexist with one using software from Wavelength Audio/Gordon Rankin. The manufacturer didn't reply to e-mails, and hasn't corrected the problem within a period of more than 6 months after the importer was informed and subsequently informed the manufacturer. The other manufacturers and parties involved (including Thesycon which was very quick, thorough and to the point) answered e-mails quickly or within a reasonable period. I don't want to experience the same again.
 
Why is coexistence important? One might want to have two different USB DACs in two different locations, for example two rooms or floors in ones home, home and work, home and cottage, etc., and on a regular basis carry one portable computer between the locations and use it alternately with both DACs.
 
Fostex HP-A8C Windows driver for USB Audio Class 2.0
Questions:

1. Does Fostex HP-A8C use firmware and drivers based on products from Thesycon?
2. Does Fostex HP-A8C identify itself as "Fostex HP-A8C" or something similar in the USB driver and Windows sound control panel, or does it identify itself as something more generic like "USB DAC"? The latter may indicate sloppy software customization as with my device mentioned above.
3. Will the Fostex HP-A8C Windows driver for USB Audio Class 2.0 coexist with other manufacturers Windows drivers for USB Audio Class 2.0 on the same computer?
4. Will the Fostex HP-A8C Windows driver for USB Audio Class 2.0 coexist on the same computer with Windows drivers for USB Audio Class 2.0 made by Wavelength Audio/Gordon Rankin?

 

 

[drubrew]

Moon Audio has 4 left of the Fostex HP-A3 at this SPECIAL price!  Get it quick before the holidays!!
 

 

[clamchowder01]

Any impressions on the HP-A8C drew?
 
I sent a question regarding my current setup.. Thanks!