[wood1030]

Thanks. I am disappointed that they do not state whether their pre out uses op amps or class A with discrete transistors.

My guess is, now that Oppo has released more info on it's site, the Sonica DAC will very soon find it's way into reviewers hands for some in depth, (hopefully objective), detailed reviews.

 

[OhMyGodPancakes]

Oppo has finally updated their Sonica DAC webpage with more info...

http://www.oppodigital.com/sonica-dac

I would be terribly disappointed if it's only available in black.

 

[tngiloy]

  I've looked and haven't found a 'plug and play' HA-1 headphone balanced-out to left/right RCA adapter.  If I might ask, what adapter are you using and where did you get it?

If you are asking about balanced cable to fit the Oppo pm-1/2 headphones (or a headphone that uses the same connections) for the HA-1 then go here:
http://www.oppodigital.com/products.asp?cat=40
 
Hi-fi man and sennheiser cables here:
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=balanced+headphone+cable&tag=googhydr-
or more options here:https://www.headphone.com/collections/cables/Headphone-Replacement-Cable
 
 
If that's not what you're asking, then sorry,
Tom

 

[Dougr33]

HELP FINDING SPECIFIC ADAPTOR...
 
I run 25' balanced cables out of the pre to my amp.  I'd like to try the 'advantages' of the headphone's discreet output.
 
So.. has anyone seen a 4pin xlr male >> 2X 3pin xlr females adaptor?
 
edited to remove any confusion 

 

[polecrab]

The pre

HELP FINDING SPECIFIC ADAPTOR...

I run 25' balanced cables out of the pre to my amp.  I'd like to try the 'advantages' of the headphone's discreet output (my understand is that both headphone amp and pre-out are Class A, the diff being the headphone's discreet components are better sounding).
So.. has anyone seen a 4pin xlr male >> 2X 3pin xlr females adaptor?

The pre-out is op amp, not class A discreet.

 

[Dougr33]

The pre
The pre-out is op amp, not class A discreet.

I understood the pre-out was not discreet, but thought I'd read it also ran in Class A mode. Anyway, the adapter...

 

[Hooster]

  HELP FINDING SPECIFIC ADAPTOR...
 
I run 25' balanced cables out of the pre to my amp.  I'd like to try the 'advantages' of the headphone's discreet output (my understand is that both headphone amp and pre-out are Class A, the diff being the headphone's discreet components are better sounding).
So.. has anyone seen a 4pin xlr male >> 2X 3pin xlr females adaptor?

 
Sorry, your understanding is incorrect. I wish you were right. Both the balanced and single ended pre outs use op amps. 
 
How to describe the difference between the normal pre out and the headphone out? Imagine you are used to having rich well flavored soup. Then imagine it is watered down a bit with less salt. To me that describes the difference. 

 

[Megalith]

I barely use the HA-1 as a headphone amp anymore, so I am thinking about upgrading. Not sure if I should wait for the Sonica, or if there is something else that I can get now that is significantly better.

 

[Whitigir]

I barely use the HA-1 as a headphone amp anymore, so I am thinking about upgrading. Not sure if I should wait for the Sonica, or if there is something else that I can get now that is significantly better.

Sony newest TA-ZH1ES is a lot better and more satisfying than HA-1. Both are the best build /performances/prices value . I heard TA out of the box, and never bother listening back to HA-1 again. However, HA-1 just found a place in my large home system . Excellent feature with Bluetooth and all the Idevices we have ta home

 

[OhMyGodPancakes]

 
Look at that stack! I would love this, I did find out the sonica will only come out in black, but if we request it, maybe us HA-1 silver users will see one too! 

 

[Mojo777]

Is Oppo suggesting using both with that stack?

 

[wood1030]

  Is Oppo suggesting using both with that stack?

Admittedly, that is a phat stack, but no reason it wouldn't work.
 
Get the benefits of the new Saber chip with the power of the HA-1 amp and oodles of input/output options and versatility.
 
In another thread, I just read that MQA will be made available in the Sonica-DAC in a future firmware update. That makes this a very easy decision for me.

 

[Mojo777]

Yeah you are probably right. I may have to think about that. I would like a different "sonic" signature though. If its 99% the same I would not keep it, MQA or not.

 

[wood1030]

  Yeah you are probably right. I may have to think about that. I would like a different "sonic" signature though. If its 99% the same I would not keep it, MQA or not.

Point taken.
 
I am curious to see if the new chip will have a different sonic signature as well, although, I think the headphone pairing with HA-1 and The Sonica DAC too, I would imagine, is as critical as anything. My PM-1's sound great with the HA-1 but I understand not all HP's are a good match for it.
 
We'll have to see when it comes out what the reviewers/critics, early buyers say.

 

[SharpEars]

  Yes, the firmware has been updated and is available here (http://oppodownloads.s3.amazonaws.com/HA-1_1.4.3.rar).
 
Cheers
 
Michael

I just installed this firmware successfully on an American HA-1 unit, upgrading from some original release firmware I had (from the time the unit originally came out way back when). Everything seems to work fine. I hope that this firmware is fully compatible with US units.