[matt_smith]

I just received a notice from Oppo about HA-1 availability:

http://www.oppodigital.com/headphone-amplifier-ha-1/

It will start shipping today in limited quantities. Price is $1199.

I'm extremely curious how it will compare to other  < $2,000 DSD DACs like the Mytek and Teac. If you get one or audition it, please tell us about it.

[steve in jersey]

I would add the Yulong DA8 to the mix as it also uses the 9018 Sabre chip & if I'm not mistaken it is priced about the same as the HA-1 (with a few features I find more interesting than the HA-1)

[srb]

Interesting unit.  Nice looking power supply, fully balanced, single ended and balanced analog inputs (and either can be configured for HT Bypass), Bluetooth aptX, analog volume control, 12V trigger in/out, black or silver.

And of course, a Class A discrete headphone amp.  I just can't figure out why it's being marketed as a headphone amplifier instead of a DAC/Preamp (with headphone amp as one of its features).

Steve

[klao]

.... I just can't figure out why it's being marketed as a headphone amplifier instead of a DAC/Preamp (with headphone amp as one of its features).

Perhaps, because they just launched their headphones prior to this?