1) The xlr out at the back, the voltage is controllable in the analog domain - it is a pre-amp out. The pre--amp stage uses non discrete componenrs (op-amps in this case). As it is a pre-amp out, there is no classification of class A or AB or D etc.
2) The headphone output (be it the front1/4 inch output or front balanced output), however, has gone through a pre-anp stage and a class A power amp stage. These two stages of electeonics use expensive discrete components - no op-amps. These two stages make up the headphone amp which is build on a separate circuit board.
Part 2) is what makes the HA-1 great as a headphone amp. Part 1) is whar makes HA-1 ok as a pre-amp. However, someone has suggested long ago why not use the headphone output as a preamp signal to an external amp since it still a low level signal, and a high quality one at that? It is unconventional. But a smart move, as a large part of the money used to build the HA-1 goes to the headphone amp and it is a high quality signal.
What I am trying to do here is not my idea. It has long been proposed in these hundreds of pages of discussion on HA-1 by others. I have got the idea from them, from this thread itself.
But why I ask is not as important as the question I am trying to ask - can anyone help direct me to get such a cable? - xlr 4 pin out (male) to 2 times XLR 3-pin (male).
Thank you.
