And it’s not just high resolution music – with the advent of higher quality music streaming services, and the acceptance of the computer as a genuine hi-fi playback medium, there has never been more demand for a high quality playback solution both for at home and on the go.Įnter the Acoustic Research UA1 – a tiny, bus-powered, high resolution DAC with integrated headphone amp, featuring an asynchronous USB interface and the same M-Class audio engine as found in Acoustic Research’s M1 high res music player. In fact, I prefer this unit to every other amp I tested except the Benchmark and THX 789, which do sound better.This entry was posted in Accessories DACs Headphones Portable Audio and tagged Acoustic Research on by Ashley (updated on May 15, 2015)Īs high resolution music becomes even more prevalent, music fans are seeking solutions to play back their high-res albums not just on their hi-fi systems, but on their computers too. But I haven't had any problems with the HDV-820. I do have the Benchmark setup now and I'm sticking with that since it's a proven worry-free rig. Granted those didn't sound their best with this amp. I did briefly try some other headphones like the Audeze LCD4, Abyss Diana Phi, and Abyss 1266 TC. Just running laptop USB out to the internal DAC and plugging some headphones in and rocking out.
Regardless of measurements, it's been nothing but clear and powerful for me. Headphones have been Sony MDR-Z7M2, Sony MDR-Z1R, Focal Elegia, Focal Elear, Sennheiser HD820, and Meze Empyrean. I've had it for about six months and compared it side-by-side with a few other amps including the Benchmark HPA4, Aune S7 Pro, Sony TA-ZH1ES, THX 789, and a few others. While the test results are surprising all I can say is it still sounds good lol. So please donate as much as you can using: The only solution to it in my book is lots of money in my pocket. Depression will likely set in soon and heaven knows you don't want me depressed. We probably not going to get sun for another 5 months here. Needless to say, I can't recommend the Sennheiser HDV-820.Īs always, questions, comments, recommendations, etc. I think Sennheiser should take out the amp, license a THX amp and then they would have something proper. With many headphones you are going to experience a different sound than the headphone is meant to produce. The headphone amp with its high impedance and hence low power/higher distortion makes this amp suitable for a small set of headphones. Sadly are not remotely there with Sennheiser HDV-820.
Probably not audible but sure demonstrated lack of good engineering.Īt the US $2,400 price point I expect perfection. There was no correlation with temperature during this 25 minute test. Performance degraded as much as 5 dB on its own. The channel in blue had a mind of its own just sitting there.
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