[ButtUglyJeff]

Now don't get me wrong, USB charging as an option is great.  I just need to be able to listen while charging, and that's only while plugged in to a wall outlet....

 

[warrior1975]

The charge times are obscene. huge turn off for me. Still very interested in this though. I think the SQ will be nothing short of amazing.

 

[soundblast75]

Now don't get me wrong, USB charging as an option is great.  I just need to be able to listen while charging, and that's only while plugged in to a wall outlet....

No, you can listen the same way with usb one too, but what the manual is saying contradicts itself so not sure if it is poss to charge and listen in any case..

 

[warrior1975]

Even if you can charge and listen with USB, 15 hour charge time is very weak. Would that even charge while using the device or would it just slow down or prevent battery usage?

 

[soundblast75]

Again no,if you have a 2mha one which is more than the Sony one you should in theory charge it in less than 5 h
I think all the stuff is being delayed tho(

 

[warrior1975]

That would be necessary. Fortunately I have a ton of good chargers...I'm not sure I missed it, but is there a release date for the US yet?

 

[soundblast75]

I have just heard from price japan,they don't know of any delays..
If thats true, it should ship in a fee days, tho im not hopeful

 

[warrior1975]

Awesome. looking forward to your impressions. I'm working on a new DAP, so this if it does happen, won't be for a while.

 

[Jeff]

B&H Photo has it listed for a OCT 30 availability in the US. 

 

[ZzBOG]

Also in stock at Sony Store
 
http://store.sony.com/portable-hi-res-dac-headphone-amplifier-zid27-PHA3/cat-27-catid-All-Headphones-Earbuds?_t=pfm%3Dsearch%26SearchTerm%3Dpha-3

 

[capitanharlock]

I'm very attracted by this Sony (a little less by the price tag

) but I couldn't understand a couple of things:
 
1) Is it possible to use the balanced input with every headphones, and what kind of cable would it be needed?
 
2) Is it compatible with a generic android device (let's say a Nexus 7)?
 

 

[zilch0md]

I think you meant to put it this way:
 
Quote:

  I'm very attracted by this Sony (a little less by the price tag

) but I couldn't understand a couple of things:
 
1) Is it possible to use the balanced input output with every headphones, and what kind of cable would it be needed?
 
2) Is it compatible with a generic android device (let's say a Nexus 7)?
 

 
1)  Spending enough money, just about any headphone can be re-cabled as needed.  Which headphones are you considering?
 
2)  Support for Android devices is only via the Analog input - which means you would be using the Android device's internal DAC and its amp - then double-amping with the PHA-3 amp.  Yuck!
 
See:   http://helpguide.sony.net/mdr/pha-3/v1/en1/cover/level2_02.html
 
 

Spoiler: Thread hi-jack - for those interested in Android support

For digital input from an Android device, check out the OPPO HA-2 (available in early 2015):
 
http://www.head-fi.org/t/737787/oppo-to-reveal-pm-3-planar-magnetic-headphones-and-ha-2-portable-headphone-amplifier-at-rmaf/75#post_10955803
 

 
This critter has an ESS9018-M2 DAC and a Class AB amp section, supports iOS, Android, and analog inputs, includes a fast-charging 4.5 Amp wall wart, but can also be charged from a laptop USB port if you're not in a hurry, and get this - it even has the ability to charge your mobile phone on the go, while (or not while) playing music (with an expected reduction in play time, of course).  Testing has shown play times of about 8 hours on a full charge, using both the DAC and the amp to headphone out, with about a three-hour recharge time.
 
Note:  The released version may be different - my comments are related to a Beta prototype.  
 
 

 

[ButtUglyJeff]

  I'm very attracted by this Sony (a little less by the price tag

) but I couldn't understand a couple of things:
 
1) Is it possible to use the balanced input with every headphones, and what kind of cable would it be needed?
 
2) Is it compatible with a generic android device (let's say a Nexus 7)?
 

 
If you mean a balanced analog input, like from an AK240 or a Cypher Labs Algorythm Solo db, then no.

 

[zenpunk]

The PH3 seem to support all their Xperia devices, including smartphones, which run on Android, but Sony has been great in implementing USB on their devices.

 

[soundblast75]

I am sure it supports any android via digital too