Sony Electronics thas just introduced two new products within its High Resolution Audio line, namely, the PHA-2 portable headphone DAC/amplifier and TA-A1ES integrated stereo amplifier.   

The new PHA-2 portable headphone amplifier is claimed to be the first portable DAC/amplifier that is compatible with virtually every high-resolution digital file format, including up to 192 kHz/24-bit PCM and both DSD (2.8MHz) and Double DSD (5.6MHz).  

It features an Asynchronous Transport Mode which utilizes a dedicated signal generator to reduce timing errors for more accurate, jitter-free converter performance and incorporates: a high precision D/A converter; custom high slew rate headphone amplifier IC; ultra-low distortion operation; OCL (output capacitor-less) current feedback architecture; plus a dual power supply operation for more stable and accurate reproduction.

The PHA-2 is enclosed in a durable shielded aluminum chassis with zinc die-cast bumpers for protection of the volume control and headphone connector.

The PHA-2 can be easily connected to both PC and Mac computers via its USB 2.0 interface, and also includes a dedicated digital input for iPod, iPhone and iPad products. Analog audio inputs support connection of virtually all other audio sources. The PHA-2 comes with a built-in Lithium-ion battery which runs up to 6.5 hours with a digital connection and up to 17 hours with an analog connection on a single charge.

The TA-A1ES integrated stereo amplifier is the latest offering in Sony’s Elevated Standard (ES) Series and has been specifically designed to complement the company’s new HAP-Z1ES reference standard Hi-Res Music Player.

The new A1ES stereo amplifier utilizes a frame/beam/base chassis, originally developed for Sony’s acclaimed R-Series components. The A1ES uses FET input and buffer circuits and a optimum gain volume control that combines electronic volume with a discrete buffer amplifier, allowing it to massively reduce gain error and produce sound quality superior to conventional volume controls.

The power amp stage of the TA-A1ES features Smart Bias Control for Class-A operation and a Single Push-Pull Hi-Current Amplifier. Using a single pair of transistors to eliminate variations in each channel at the source, as well as variation controlling emitter resistance, allowing the transistors to drive the speakers directly, for a more neutral sound. A proprietary 300 VA toroidal transformer is utilized with a capacitors delivering 24,000?F per channel.

The PHA-2 portable headphone amplifier will be available in March-2014 at a MSRP of $599 U.S. and the TA-A1ES stereo amplifier will be available this November-2013 at a MSRP of $1,999 U.S.  Look for more details at: www.sony.com.

 

 

About the Author: George de Sa

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