[Poimandres]

Single ended is just fine, especially when it is Marantz.

 

[hikinokie]

So when's the front usb port going to be compatible with android?

 

[Smarty-pants]

  So when's the front usb port going to be compatible with android?

It already is, but you need to use an Android device that has OTG capabilities combined with an OTG cable connected to the HA-1.

 

[hikinokie]

It already is, but you need to use an Android device that has OTG capabilities combined with an OTG cable connected to the HA-1.

I dont know what that is. I have a 8.9 Kindle hdx but dont see anything about a otg.

 

[Smarty-pants]

I dont know what that is. I have a 8.9 Kindle hdx but dont see anything about a otg.

 
I have no idea if the Kindle has OTG capabilities, but here's a link for info on what OTG is.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_On-The-Go

 

[john57]

USB OTG - USB On-The-Go

 
USB OTG products can communicate with each other without the need to be connected to a PC
 
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/U/USB_OTG.html

 

[polecrab]

This is a stupid question, but is it OK to leave my 1/4" adapter plugged into the jack all the time? Since the HA-1 doesn't mute the pre outs when the headphone jack is occupied, I can still listen to speakers just fine.

All my other headphone jacks use 3.5mm, so I get tired of digging out the adapter every time I want to plug my headphones into the HA-1. I'm just wondering if there might be any kind of subtle electrical problem or risk of a short by keeping the adapter in the jack all the time and just plugging my 3.5mm into that when I want to listen.

 

[TJ Browning]

Hey everyone, I'm still kind of a newbie here and I'm looking into upgrading to good a desktop headphone amp/DAC combo. The two that are really standing out to me are the Oppo HA-1 and the Fostex HP-A8C, but I'm having trouble finding comparisons. The Oppo is obviously more expensive but seems to have more extras plus it has a balanced out, which I really like. I've gotten the impression that the DAC/sound is better from the Fostex though...
 
I listen to all kinds of music. Future headphones will likely include the Audeze EL-8 and the Audioquest Nighthawk. The source will be my laptop, and I plan on using the internal DAC with separate external amps as well as listening through the unit itself, which is why I'm concerned about the DAC. I haven't searched the entire thread, but has anyone heard both? Any impressions on how each sound both as a stand-alone unit, and as a DAC for separate amps? Thanks!   

 

[Dougr33]

I've done that with other equipment for years... should be an open circuit until you insert the headphone plug.

 

[polecrab]

Ok thanks, I just wanted to make sure. I checked with Oppo and they brought up another factor, which is that the headphone amp section is always hot, whether or not you have anything plugged into it. Otherwise, I guess you would want to unplug when only using the pre outs to save energy and avoid unnecessary heat-related wear and tear.

 

[Geared4me]

Just picked up a black refurb and they apparently have more if anyone is interested. http://oppodigital.com/proddetail.asp?prod=ZHA1

 

[poocaso]

I picked up one of the black refurbs a couple of weeks ago and it has been working flawlessly.

 

[Poimandres]

I sent mine back about a month ago. That unit if any of you get it is basically brand new, ran it for about two weeks straight burning in my hd650's. Then opted for the Marrantz and sent the oppo back.

 

[Liu Junyuan]

I don't see too much discussion about it in reviews, but I just purchased an HA-1 and am using it as a preamp/dac into a McIntosh MC2105, and it's fantastic. Very open and airy sounding, clear and musical. It also makes my Sennheiser HD600's really open up, and that was with the lower-power single ended output. Can't wait to try the balanced output once I find an XLR cable for the Senns.

Sorry for the late reply. I also really enjoyed the HD600 via single-ended through the HA-1 on high gain.

 

[Jozurr]

I sent mine back about a month ago. That unit if any of you get it is basically brand new, ran it for about two weeks straight burning in my hd650's. Then opted for the Marrantz and sent the oppo back.

Why did you opt for the marantz and which one?