[sabermobile]

Couldn't find any posts on this so far but it was briefly mentioned in the sony announcements today at the bottom of this announcement here - http://presscentre.sony.co.uk/pressreleases/sony-gives-you-more-ways-to-enjoy-high-resolution-audio-on-the-move-1049253
 
Picture here - http://presscentre.sony.co.uk/images/pha-3-335237
 
PHA-3AC High Resolution Audio headphone amplifier and MDR-1ADAC headphones

Reveal new levels of detail and transparency when you’re listening to High-Resolution Audio files stored on your PC, smartphone, tablet or music player.

The PHA-3AC headphone amplifier converts Hi-Res signals (PCM 384 kHz/32 bit and DSD) from your device’s digital output for you to enjoy through headphones such as the new MDR-Z7. High-end D/A conversion technology ensures a remarkably spacious, three-dimensional soundstage with superb channel separation. Perfect for home usage, the amplifier’s balanced output can directly drive the MDR-Z7 for an absolutely uncompromised signal chain – right to your ears.

Also available, and designed for both home and mobile usage, the MDR-1ADAC headphones incorporate an integrated D/A convertor that’s capable of accepting Hi-Res signals up to 192 kHz/24 bit or DSD 2.8MHz/5.6MHz. Auto input selection allows easy connection with a wide range of portable devices, including compatible Walkman and Xperia models, PCs, iPod, iPad and iPhone (via Lightning Digital AV Adapter). Sony’s S-Master HX digital amplifier helps maintain absolute signal purity, and convenient USB battery charging allows up to 7.5 hours of High-Resolution listening.

The Walkman NWZ-A15 High-Resolution Audio player, MDR-Z7 headphones, MDR-1A headphones, MDR-1ADAC, and PHA-3AC headphone amplifier from Sony are available in UK from October 2014.

 

Model Name	PHA-3AC
Frequency range	10 Hz – 100 kHz (AUDIO IN input) Distortion 0.01 % or less (1 kHz)
Supported impedance	8 Ω - 600 Ω
Maximum input	2V rms (AUDIO IN)
Maximum output (when using the built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery)	Balanced connection Approx. 320 mW + 320 mW (32 Ω, 1 % distortion) Normal connection Approx. 100 mW + 100 mW (32 Ω, 1 % distortion)
Output jack	3-pole mini jack (BALANCED-L / R) Stereo mini jack1 (-NORMAL)
Input jack/port	Computer/WALKMAN®/Xperia connecting port iPhone/iPad/iPod connecting port Optical input connecting port (OPT IN port) Stereo mini jack
Power source	DC 5 V: when using the AC adaptor
Rated power consumption	13.5 W
Dimensions	Approx. 80 x 29 x 140.5 mm (W/H/D, projecting parts are not included)
Mass	Approx. 231 g
Supported sampling frequencies/bit	PCM: when connecting a computer: Maximum 384 kHz/32 bit when connecting iPhone/iPad/iPod: Maximum 48 kHz/24 bit when connecting optical link: Maximum 192 kHz/24 bit DSD: 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz
Supplied Accessories	Headphone Amplifier (this unit) (1) Digital cable for WALKMAN® (1) Digital cable for Xperia (1) Micro-USB cable (2) Audio cable (stereo mini) (1) USB AC adaptor (2) Silicone belt (4)
Operating environment	Compliant OS: Windows 8.1/Windows 8.1 Pro/Windows 8/Windows 8 Pro Windows 7 Windows Vista Mac OS X (v10.6.8 or later) CPU: Intel Core 2 Processor 1.6 GHz or better Memory: 1 GB or better USB port (USB 2.0 High Speed)

 

[Spadge]

Looks interesting.

Is this portable? There is no mention of a battery, although I guess it does since the PHA-2 does.

I hope it can play and charge at the same time if it does have a battery (unlike the PHA-2)

I also hope the battery is large and can power itself and a zx1 for at least 10 hours (instead of 5 or 6 with PHA-2)

 

[yakkosmurf]

I'm waiting to see the answer to those same questions.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

that is interesting.  I have PHA-1 and PHA-2 so I guess I have to get PHA-3AC.
 

 

[Jeff]

Here are some more images of it:

http://www.phileweb.com/news/audio/201409/04/14861.html

It has a DSEE HX toggle switch, and apparently the price is going to be €800.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

thanks for the link.  That's pricey!

 

[purk]

Sony is getting serious again. Wonder if they will ever release the "ES" version or desktop Headamp in the future.

 

[HiFiGuy528]

Sony is getting serious again. Wonder if they will ever release the "ES" version or desktop Headamp in the future.

 
I would like that.  

 

[AUDIOBREEDER]

Will this be able to bypass walkman dac? 
Dont see the point of this unless it does.

 

[purk]

Will this be able to bypass walkman dac? 
Dont see the point of this unless it does.

Just like the Sony hpa-2, it should.

 

[xjaynine]

Sony China (http://www.sonystyle.com.cn/products/headphone/pha_3.htm) indicates that the PHA-3 is based arround the ESS ES9018 DAC.
The amp circuit design is definitely balanced.This is shaping up to be a pretty serious bit of kit! 
 
Sony Australia mentioned a price of $1099 though...

 

[bmichels]

Now we just need a 256 Gb Version of the ZX1, with Natif DSD support, DAP to go with it and we are all set 

 

 

[warrior1975]

Damn, pricey little sucka

 

[AUDIOBREEDER]

Yeah, don't know the surprises one learns after buying the product.
Looks great but $1000 is too much for me.
Rather buy the ZX1.

Just like the Sony hpa-2, it should.

 

[purk]

Sony China (http://www.sonystyle.com.cn/products/headphone/pha_3.htm) indicates that the PHA-3 is based arround the ESS ES9018 DAC.
The amp circuit design is definitely balanced.This is shaping up to be a pretty serious bit of kit! 

Sony Australia mentioned a price of $1099 though...

The pricing is rather high but we can expect to see discount if they don't sell well. I would get this amp/DAC combo for the Z7, but not for higher impedance phones tho.