[gkanai]

Impress Watch (Japan) is reporting that Sony has announced a new portable DAC/Amp for use with Apple iDevices.
 
http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20120827_554470.html
 
Looking at what's reported:
 
Wolfson WM8740 DAC
24bit/96kHz support
5-10 hrs of battery life depending on how it's used
Texas Instruments ME49860
175mW×2ch(8Ω)、26mW×2ch(300Ω)
67×130×26mm
220g

 

[zChan]

:Shock:
Now watch Apple change the doc connector to render it useless in a months time. I'm rather interested, so hopefully it won't though.

 

[ClieOS]

I'll assume they have a typo and it should be LME49860. Not a bad choice on the gain stage opamp, but TPA6120 on the output stage means it will have at least 10ohm of output impedance (minimum as suggested by manufacturer) and better for full size rather than IEM. On a side note, the crossover-less of Sony own XBA series might go well (better than typical multi-way IEM) with this amp.

Really like the design, a bit like pro-audio stuff.

:Shock:
Now watch Apple change the doc connector to render it useless in a months time. I'm rather interested, so hopefully it won't though.

That's easily solvable by a new cable though.

Also, the official price is around US$630.

 

[zChan]

Yeah, that was a bit tongue in cheek comment.
MSRP is always more expensive then actual so hopefully it'll be much cheaper.

 

[graphidz]

Really like the design! ut the price seems steep unless the performance is right

 

[Randius]

It is not just for iDevices as it has cable for use with the WM-Port on Sony walkman and also standard stereo mini. When connected to iDevice, the PHA-1 does not charge the battery. As for battery life, it lasts only 5 hours when connected via digital-in and up to 10 hours when connected via analog-in. It seems to play only up to 16bit/48kHz when connected to iDevice

 

[seeteeyou]

.

 

[tomscy2000]

This is what I've been hoping for; a do-everything DAC/amp... iPod/PC/standalone amp. Thank you, Sony!
 

Subbed... 

 

[sashaw]

5 hours when pared with ipod? Kind short for battery life.

 

[tomscy2000]

Quote:

  5 hours when pared with ipod? Kind short for battery life.

 
The intention might be that most people listen with their PC most of the time, and when they need to go on the move, they pull the PHA-1 out, strap it onto their iPhone, and go. While it would be nice to have more battery life, I don't know if it's entirely necessary.

 

[superhoho]

Quote:

 
The intention might be that most people listen with their PC most of the time, and when they need to go on the move, they pull the PHA-1 out, strap it onto their iPhone, and go. While it would be nice to have more battery life, I don't know if it's entirely necessary.

 
Totally agreed. 

 

[chowyeung]

In my view WM8740 is just a very very ordinary DAC chip.
PHA-1 is nothing attractive to me at all.
Sorry Sony.

 

[superhoho]

Quote:

In my view WM8740 is just a very very ordinary DAC chip.
PHA-1 is nothing attractive to me at all.
Sorry Sony.

 
For a portable dac, I think WM8740 is not bad. As a D12 user, I am happy with it.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

Anyone know if this is coming to the U.S. market and how much in USD? I am a Sony fanboy so this is exciting. I reached out to Sony PR about it so I hope to hear back soon. I'll post their response here if they do.

 

[wilzc]

I like the docking straps that hold the connected Idevice to the Pha-1. Looks nicer and neater than a rubber band