Aesthetically, the HA-2 does not look like a typical or generic electronic device. Its genuine leather casing with contrast stitching and beveled aluminum edges are eye-catching and cannot be confused with any other product. Its fit and finish will instill a sense of pride when using the product.Featuring hybrid class AB amplification and a USB DAC, the HA-2 offers high performance digital-to-analog conversion for Apple’s iPhone/iPod products, a wide range of Android devices, PC and Mac computers. The HA-2 may also be conveniently used to charge mobile devices on-the-go and itself can be efficiently charged in 30 minutes - a key selling-point. The HA-2’s internal battery can be quickly charged in about 30 minutes with the patented rapid charger.
According to OPPO, “headphones, from very sensitive In-Ear Monitors to the most power-hungry Over-the-Ears, can all benefit from the HA-2’s excellent performance and powerful amplification. OPPO also reveals that the ultra-slim design allows stacking the HA-2 on top of most smartphone models and still be thinner than other portable headphone amplifier models.
Key features of the HA-2 include an ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC (ES9018-K2M) chip for high-resolution performance with extremely low noise and distortion, support of PCM audio up to 384 kHz / 32-bit, and DSD audio up to 12 MHz (DSD256 or DSD4x).
No Camera Connection Kit is required for high-resolution playback from iOS devices. The HA-2 supports multiple device types for digital-to-analog conversion via USB: iPod / iPhone / iPad, smartphones with USB OTG feature, PC and Mac computers. The HA-2 offers two USB DAC input ports - one for Apple’s iPhone/iPod, and the other for Android devices, PC and Mac computers. A 3.5 mm input works with the remaining portable music players that do not have a USB-compatible digital output.
There are two gain level settings. The High Gain mode is capable of driving large power-hungry headphones, delivering up to 300 mW into 16-Ohm headphones. The Low Gain mode is intended for sensitive In-Ear Monitor type earphones. For users who like a bit more punch and impact with their music, the HA-2 offers a Bass Boost function that is implemented purely with analog audio circuits.
The announcement also states, “with smartphone use increasing all the time, users are often carrying a device that is capable of storing high quality audio files. The HA-2 is a very mobile-centric portable headphone amplifier and DAC that pairs exceptionally well with iOS and Android devices, and it can offer a significant improvement in sound quality over the amplification and DAC available in the mobile device itself, without adding excessive bulk and weight so as to make the combination inconvenient.”
The HA-2 is available now in limited supply from OPPO Digital’s web site at a retail price of $299.
The new PM-3 headphones
With the HA-2 release announcement, OPPO also reveals it will be releasing a new, more affordable, version of its PM-1 and PM-2 Magnetic Planar headphones. The new OPPO PM-3, states the brand’s website, “combines true audiophile performance, elegant styling, noise isolation and portability into a pair of sleek lightweight Planar Magnetic headphones. With the PM-3, users can easily recreate the experience of listening to a pair of flagship headphones on a flagship amplifier or a high quality 2-channel speaker system in an optimized listening room, but in a portable form factor that could be taken anywhere.”
“Tipping the scale at just slightly over 10 oz., the PM-3 is the world’s lightest closed-back planar magnetic headphones. This makes the PM-3 the ideal headphones for a person who is always on the go. Its elegant styling and exquisite workmanship make the headphones a pleasure to wear in public, and its light weight and exceptional comfort make it easy to listen for hours on end. The closed-back nature of the PM-3 provides isolation from the outside world, blocking out the surrounding noise while avoiding sound leakage from the headphones.”
The price will be $399.
www.oppodigital.com
