Matrix M-Stage HPA-3B Balanced Headphone Amp

Name: Matrix M-Stage HPA-3B Balanced Headphone Amp
Brand: Matrix Audio
SKU: matrix-m-stage-hpa-3b-balanced-headphone-amplifier
Price: 339.99 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

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Product Description

From Matrix’s highly regarded M-Stage series, the HPA-3B is a Class A balanced headphone amplifier that supports both single-ended and differential outputs, maximizing your headphones’ performance. It has two XLR inputs for a balanced input, and in case you don’t have a balanced DAC, it comes with two XLR-to-RCA adapters for a standard unbalanced input Read More

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Customer Reviews

5.0

(4 reviews)

(4)

(0)

Cyberthingy

289

Sep 17, 2018

Verified Buyer

I bought this amp from Massdrop as a step toward a balanced setup even though at the time I did not have any balanced headphone solutions. I figured I would shop around for some reasonably priced balanced cables for my existing headphones later. My initial experience was of real disappointment because it seemed only one side was working. After some trouble shooting and a moment of clarity I decided to examine the unit closely to see if it had a voltage setting. Sure enough it did and was set to 220V by default. Once I switched it to 110V my problem was solved. Initial listening (after my mistake was resolved) with single ended cans I was very pleased. I had been using an Emotiva Bas-X A100 for my amp and was actually quite happy with that solution. I will not say the difference between the two amps is big but rather subtle. I did eventually buy a couple balanced cables for my Sennheiser HD-580 and HiFiMan HE-440i headphones and I can detect an even greater albeit small improvement over the SE connection. I have to say overall I am impressed with the performance of this amp. I recently purchased the Monoprice M1060 Planars and I really like those with this amp. I still have some testing I want to do but so far I have been very pleased. I am also considering a balanced DAC in lieu of the Topping D50 I am currently using. I don't really expect any noticeable improvement if I were to switch to the SMSL SU-8 or Topping DX7S so I am torn whether to even bother. Anyone interested in a value oriented balanced amp should consider this on their short list.

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Radar

Jul 29, 2018

Verified Buyer

Out of the box and running HD6XX single ended through my Matrix Quattro ii, this thing R I P S!!! What a combo. I’m new to headphones, but have Cavalli Tube Hybrid, Cavalli Carbon X, HiFi Man HE 4XX and Schitt Fulla 2. Out of everything I recently acquired, I reach for the HD6XX and Matrix HPA-3B. All I can say is Wowzers! Have gain on +10db and Quattro ii running in dac mode. Can’t wait to get my XLR cables and new HD6XX 4pin XLR cable to really see what this rig does. For roughly $1,000 Im a very happy listener indeed.