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NuForce HA-200 Headphone Amplifier
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NuForce HA-200 Headphone Amplifier
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Product Description
While sound systems require two channels of output to operate in stereo mode, using a Class-B or Class-AB amplifier creates an inefficient push-pull effect between the currents. Instead of inviting crossover and notch distortion into your set-up, plug into a NuForce HA-200 Headphone Amplifier and discover the joys of dedicated Class-A amplification Read More
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keyboard_arrow_downTheOneInYellow
27
Jun 13, 2017
Well, this purchase is part of my personal audiophile budget reference home desktop solution.
Bought 2x HA-200's as a base for my reference; powerful fully differential balanced monoblock amplifiers. To even get close to the power, and sonics, I would have to increase my budget massively. It is true to say that having actual four amp's powering each phase of each channel is insane, and at this price unheard of.
The Schiit Audio Jotunheim was what I was going to pay for at £420, but that is not differential (yet still incredible for what it can do). It has 4-Pin XLR, one volume pot, one power wall plug, and one box design. Its topology is also very, very cool (circlotron). You can add a DAC (or phono) too for a bit extra, but I do have some records at DSD, and my digital audio player (DAP) has a superior DAC to the Jot (though not the full output Voltage). The 2x HA-200's has more power, fully differential, and much cheaper: via Massdrop it is around £370 (including shipping and customs to the UK; approx customs cost worked out using a duty calculator).
Will use my current Onkyo DP-X1 DAP's balanced out (Double Helix Cables 2.5mm to 2x 3-Pin XLR cable) as a DAC for the short term; I am getting the Oppo Sonica DAC with it's latest fully balanced ESS DAC chip and higher Voltage output later this year. I already have most of the cables necessary (three all pure silver DHC cables), just waiting on a few adapters (4-Pin to 2x 3-Pin XLR DHC Comp4 adapter, and an Audeze EL-8 Zync adapter for a certain DHC cable I have). Will get some single DHC 3-Pin XLR silver cables (x2) down the line too when I get the Sonica DAC. (I am not upgrading my iFi Audio iUSBPower 1st Gen to iUSBPower 3.0, or iPurifier to iPurifer 2, as the originals are still very good, but that might happen near the end of the year. My iFi Audio Gemini dual-headed USB cable will be used however).
Even with the extra adapters (some of which was already incoming), I am still paying less than the Jot, and I would have, from a technical standpoint, a much more sophisticated system due to fully differential design topology. Sure, the Jot may or may not sound better, but the 2x HA-200's will be more resolving power wise with different sources, and allows me to play with more headphones of varying power requirements. I would have to deal with volume matching but I could max out the 2x HA-200 volume pots and use a DAC as volume. Having two power wall plugs would also be annoying (a third with a proper DAC down the line). No 4-Pin XLR output is itself annoying too but the adapter I am getting takes care of that.
My current actively used headphones are: - Audeze EL-8 Titanium (2016 drivers as standard) - Meze Audio 99 Classics Walnut Silver
Both have uncommon DHC Molecule Elite 22AWG 4-Wire pure silver cables with 2.5mm Eidolic terminations, intended for DAP use. However, I have a special, one-off DHC 4-Pin cable too, originally to be used with a balanced 4-Pin XLR amp. (That's why I am getting the 4-Pin to 2x 3-Pin XLR adapter, and Audeze Zync adapter, for this special cable, to use with the 2x HA-200's). I am also trying to score a Focal Elear at a cheaper deal (refurbished), and save up for the Sony MDR-Z1R in the distant future (or whatever else dethrones it whilst I wait).
Essentially, I was slowly building up a framework to get to this point (invested over years in great cables from the get go so that I would not need to upgrade soon, got two of three headphones sorted, and pour the rest of my investment into desktop amp and DAC this year); after years of planning and watching out on new products, my proposed system should last me a long time ^^ 2x Optoma NuForce HA-200's + Oppo Sonica DAC, running pure silver cables, should be a mighty system d^^b
Once I have the desktop side sorted, I can just sit back and invest in any cans I like over the upcoming years.
Can't wait!!!
Bought 2x HA-200's as a base for my reference; powerful fully differential balanced monoblock amplifiers. To even get close to the power, and sonics, I would have to increase my budget massively. It is true to say that having actual four amp's powering each phase of each channel is insane, and at this price unheard of.
The Schiit Audio Jotunheim was what I was going to pay for at £420, but that is not differential (yet still incredible for what it can do). It has 4-Pin XLR, one volume pot, one power wall plug, and one box design. Its topology is also very, very cool (circlotron). You can add a DAC (or phono) too for a bit extra, but I do have some records at DSD, and my digital audio player (DAP) has a superior DAC to the Jot (though not the full output Voltage). The 2x HA-200's has more power, fully differential, and much cheaper: via Massdrop it is around £370 (including shipping and customs to the UK; approx customs cost worked out using a duty calculator).
Will use my current Onkyo DP-X1 DAP's balanced out (Double Helix Cables 2.5mm to 2x 3-Pin XLR cable) as a DAC for the short term; I am getting the Oppo Sonica DAC with it's latest fully balanced ESS DAC chip and higher Voltage output later this year. I already have most of the cables necessary (three all pure silver DHC cables), just waiting on a few adapters (4-Pin to 2x 3-Pin XLR DHC Comp4 adapter, and an Audeze EL-8 Zync adapter for a certain DHC cable I have). Will get some single DHC 3-Pin XLR silver cables (x2) down the line too when I get the Sonica DAC. (I am not upgrading my iFi Audio iUSBPower 1st Gen to iUSBPower 3.0, or iPurifier to iPurifer 2, as the originals are still very good, but that might happen near the end of the year. My iFi Audio Gemini dual-headed USB cable will be used however).
Even with the extra adapters (some of which was already incoming), I am still paying less than the Jot, and I would have, from a technical standpoint, a much more sophisticated system due to fully differential design topology. Sure, the Jot may or may not sound better, but the 2x HA-200's will be more resolving power wise with different sources, and allows me to play with more headphones of varying power requirements. I would have to deal with volume matching but I could max out the 2x HA-200 volume pots and use a DAC as volume. Having two power wall plugs would also be annoying (a third with a proper DAC down the line). No 4-Pin XLR output is itself annoying too but the adapter I am getting takes care of that.
My current actively used headphones are: - Audeze EL-8 Titanium (2016 drivers as standard) - Meze Audio 99 Classics Walnut Silver
Both have uncommon DHC Molecule Elite 22AWG 4-Wire pure silver cables with 2.5mm Eidolic terminations, intended for DAP use. However, I have a special, one-off DHC 4-Pin cable too, originally to be used with a balanced 4-Pin XLR amp. (That's why I am getting the 4-Pin to 2x 3-Pin XLR adapter, and Audeze Zync adapter, for this special cable, to use with the 2x HA-200's). I am also trying to score a Focal Elear at a cheaper deal (refurbished), and save up for the Sony MDR-Z1R in the distant future (or whatever else dethrones it whilst I wait).
Essentially, I was slowly building up a framework to get to this point (invested over years in great cables from the get go so that I would not need to upgrade soon, got two of three headphones sorted, and pour the rest of my investment into desktop amp and DAC this year); after years of planning and watching out on new products, my proposed system should last me a long time ^^ 2x Optoma NuForce HA-200's + Oppo Sonica DAC, running pure silver cables, should be a mighty system d^^b
Once I have the desktop side sorted, I can just sit back and invest in any cans I like over the upcoming years.
Can't wait!!!
TheOneInYellow
27
Dec 3, 2017
Ha ha ha, thank you @SStas!
I think I could have made this even clearer, but I'm glad that you understand it. For me, these kind of topologies seem simple, but I understand that everyone has a different concept of complicated or simple ideas (I actually suck at simply stuff sometimes because I think too hard 😂).
Should I ever be interested in your niche area of expertise (which, by the way, sounds cool af!), I'll defo hit ya up!
By the way, I'm not electrically trained or studied electrical engineering ha ha ha ha! I just studied different audio topologies before I made subjective and informed decisions, and spending hard earned cash, because, if I'm going in, I'll go all in. My desktop system is an example of this 😉
Take care dude, and enjoy your audio cans and setup! 🎧🔊
I think I could have made this even clearer, but I'm glad that you understand it. For me, these kind of topologies seem simple, but I understand that everyone has a different concept of complicated or simple ideas (I actually suck at simply stuff sometimes because I think too hard 😂).
Should I ever be interested in your niche area of expertise (which, by the way, sounds cool af!), I'll defo hit ya up!
By the way, I'm not electrically trained or studied electrical engineering ha ha ha ha! I just studied different audio topologies before I made subjective and informed decisions, and spending hard earned cash, because, if I'm going in, I'll go all in. My desktop system is an example of this 😉
Take care dude, and enjoy your audio cans and setup! 🎧🔊
SStas
95
Jun 7, 2018
TheOneInYellowOK, so I've finally got a second HA200 procured.. After some time searching, I can't seem to find a list of which cans have balanced drivers, and which ones do not. I have some cheaper cans that I assume are not balanced drivers, and don't really want to buy custom cables, if I'll ultimately just be buying better cans with balanced drivers. Do you know of a list of which one are and which one are not balanced?
Also, if I do buy 2 x 3pin XLR cables for the HA200s, any issues with SE cans? For example, pretty sure my HE4xx are single ended, based on the mono 2.5mm plugs into the cans. Everyone keeps mentioning that they use these cans with balanced amps, but I am hesitant after our previous discussions. Appreciate the help, as always. ~S
Also, if I do buy 2 x 3pin XLR cables for the HA200s, any issues with SE cans? For example, pretty sure my HE4xx are single ended, based on the mono 2.5mm plugs into the cans. Everyone keeps mentioning that they use these cans with balanced amps, but I am hesitant after our previous discussions. Appreciate the help, as always. ~S
Penwino
0
Jun 22, 2016
I'm new to dual mono amplifier setups, but just out of curiosity how to you guys set them up, I don't own a pair of balanced headphones, can I use an adapter such as a 3.5mm Male To Dual XLR Female Cable to power, say a pair of SHP9500?
famish99
18
Jun 29, 2016
I agree about the more money than sense, but that's unfortunately a lot of this hobby though since there's so much perception that comes into play.
As an electrical engineer who's worked in both telecom and power industries, I also agree that there are very few cables in the world worth paying over $100 for (assuming short lengths anyway). As long as it's mechanically sound, wired and terminated properly, the cable will do its job.
As an electrical engineer who's worked in both telecom and power industries, I also agree that there are very few cables in the world worth paying over $100 for (assuming short lengths anyway). As long as it's mechanically sound, wired and terminated properly, the cable will do its job.
Napoleonove7
115
Feb 26, 2017
In monoblock mode, can I use a 4 pin xlr to two 3 pin xlr adapter? because I only have 4 pin xlr cable for my HD800s, akg K812, and LCD-2, and I don't want to invest a lot of $$ to buy extra 3 pin xlr cable.
TheHun
102
Mar 1, 2017
Thanks, yes that was idea it creates a sufficient airflow as well, however I did buy some big feet to elevate the second unit on top when I decided to stack it horizontally on the second photo which is the current scenario. The best is to place them side by side horizontally for best heat dissipation , but one will need a much longer XLR adapter , which mine was made before I realized that fact. But yes the side by side vertical arrangement can work as well, as the amps are heavy enough to stay in place .
boortmiser
38
Jun 9, 2017
The other issue is in mono-block mode you will have to adjust the volume to both ears independently.
also the whole appeal of mono-block amps is they have 'better' independent power supplies but Im fairly sure these us SMPS (not linear). I also question ether the device matching between units will be rigorous enough. IMO this is a gimmicky design that's not worth it even at a decent price, especially considering your already invested in some good gear.
Audio-gd all the way for quality and value
also the whole appeal of mono-block amps is they have 'better' independent power supplies but Im fairly sure these us SMPS (not linear). I also question ether the device matching between units will be rigorous enough. IMO this is a gimmicky design that's not worth it even at a decent price, especially considering your already invested in some good gear.
Audio-gd all the way for quality and value
SirCapnTates
5
Feb 22, 2017
Say, how can it be for balanced headphones if there are only 3 pins on the XLR plug? That's 1 gnd, 1 left and 1 right. No balance here unless it's mono, which no audiophile headphones have.
DarkSid3_PL
2
Mar 14, 2017
I can tell you, that's something normal in audio stuff. Especially in home stereo.
Cyberthingy
289
Sep 29, 2017
I would like to offer some feedback on this product. I Bought one off ebay a few months back as an open box new item for $150. I figured it was worth the risk and I could always sell it if I din't like it. I also picked up a Schiit Asgard 2 because I had read good things about it. I have several sets of headphones including AKG 702, Sennheiser HD 580, HiFiman HE-400i and Audio Technica ATH-M50X . I prefer the AKG 702s ever since I did the mod to extend their bass just a bit. The HiFiman HE-400i is a nice set but I like it with certain types of music. They may need more break in time though. Anyway, I also own a couple other headphone amps but consider the Nuforce my favorite for it's slightly warmish sound. I don't consider it a powerhouse amp but it does do very well as a single ended amp. Used in a balanced configuration with a second amp will likely make for a great setup for other harder to drive headphones. I like the Nuforce so much I decided to sell off the Asgard 2 because I simply did not enjoy it as much as the Nuforce. As I stated I have a few other amps that include an O2 from JDS Labs, an Ocean tube amp from Bravo Audio and an XDuoo X5. Of them all I prefer the Nuforce's sound. It just sounds fuller and richer to me. I've bought all kinds of audio gear in the last 5 years and have researched various ideas of what good sound is supposed to be like. In the end I have decided that no one else can tell me what I am supposed to like. Only I can judge what sounds great. My physiology, age, acoustic environment, the recorded medium and many other aspects in the audio delivery chain to my brain have an impact on what I actually hear. To have some audio snob tell me I should pursue neutral uncolored audio gear is doing me a disservice. Follow your instincts and take all reviews with a grain of salt. If there are a lot of positive reviews for a given product and it fits your budget then you stand a pretty good chance that the product will satisfy your expectations but that is not always the case. This one exceeded mine so even though I may experiment with other amp selections going forward, I will most likely keep this one as a secondary if not my go to daily amp. The real question is whether a second amp in a balanced configuration really will make an improvement in the overall sound. I'm not fully sold on the idea of balanced headphone gear. If I find myself with a spare few hundred dollars to burn I make pick up another HA-200 and a balanced cable for my cans maybe I'll give it a shot. Oh, wait! I have to have a balanced DAC to go with it. Well shit, there's another several hundred dollars I'll have to spend to achieve a proper balanced system. Maybe a better set of cans would be a wiser use of my 600 dollars. Who knows? It's a roller coaster ride on the pursuit of audio nirvana.
TheOneInYellow
27
Jul 13, 2017
Hi Massdrop...any update on the delivery of these amps?
My 2x HA-200's were originally supposed to be delivered by the 7th July '17, but that didn't happen; I received a standard Massdrop email describing a 'problem' and delay, and nothing since.
I personally invested in two of these amps as part of creating a reference headphone system, so please update here and via email to all purchasers on what is going on as soon as you can.
Thank you.
My 2x HA-200's were originally supposed to be delivered by the 7th July '17, but that didn't happen; I received a standard Massdrop email describing a 'problem' and delay, and nothing since.
I personally invested in two of these amps as part of creating a reference headphone system, so please update here and via email to all purchasers on what is going on as soon as you can.
Thank you.
TheOneInYellow
27
Sep 4, 2017
Thanks dude!
No idea about measurements, and NwAVGuy has been MIA for a long while now (so much so that JDS Labs and others have taken their own approaches to the O2 Objective project, superseeding it in some cases).
A lot of users who have these amps seem happy, I am one of them, and I think that they are killer, but I myself have no testing equipment (and lack knowledge to create any with reasonable quality results).
In my case, I recommend the amps, but this is obviously my personal opinion. I would say a single-ended iFi amp (pick one) would better a single HA-200, but not at this price. However, I would save up and go for iFi Audio. If you are gunning for two HA-200 amps, I do not know of anything on the market that can better such a setup at this price, at all, nor performance. The value/performance/actual deal cost is insane, so, GO FOR IT (if you want to of course)!
---
- The Next Day (24 bit/96 kHz) by David Bowie, - Onkyo DP-X1 Balanced (BTG Out, High Gain, Variable Volume Out, Digital Filter: Short, Max Volume Limiter). Using as master volume, - Double Helix Cables (DHC) 2.5mm TRRS to 2x 3-Pin XLR pure silver cable, - 2x NuForce HA-200 monoblock amplifiers in balanced mode, - DHC Complement4 2x 3-Pin XLR to female 4-Pin XLR pure silver cable adapter, - DHC Prion4 18.8AWG pure silver balanced headphone cable terminated in 4-Pin XLR, and dual 3.5mm earcup connectors, - 2x DHC Zync EL-8 (Audeze connector) adapters to DHC Prion4 cable, for use with Audeze EL-8 Titanium.
Accessories are from MCRU.co.uk (2x MCRU No.14 UK mains power leads, 3x large oak feet, small MCRU acrylic isolation platform with 4x sorbothane isolation feet).
No idea about measurements, and NwAVGuy has been MIA for a long while now (so much so that JDS Labs and others have taken their own approaches to the O2 Objective project, superseeding it in some cases).
A lot of users who have these amps seem happy, I am one of them, and I think that they are killer, but I myself have no testing equipment (and lack knowledge to create any with reasonable quality results).
In my case, I recommend the amps, but this is obviously my personal opinion. I would say a single-ended iFi amp (pick one) would better a single HA-200, but not at this price. However, I would save up and go for iFi Audio. If you are gunning for two HA-200 amps, I do not know of anything on the market that can better such a setup at this price, at all, nor performance. The value/performance/actual deal cost is insane, so, GO FOR IT (if you want to of course)!
---
- The Next Day (24 bit/96 kHz) by David Bowie, - Onkyo DP-X1 Balanced (BTG Out, High Gain, Variable Volume Out, Digital Filter: Short, Max Volume Limiter). Using as master volume, - Double Helix Cables (DHC) 2.5mm TRRS to 2x 3-Pin XLR pure silver cable, - 2x NuForce HA-200 monoblock amplifiers in balanced mode, - DHC Complement4 2x 3-Pin XLR to female 4-Pin XLR pure silver cable adapter, - DHC Prion4 18.8AWG pure silver balanced headphone cable terminated in 4-Pin XLR, and dual 3.5mm earcup connectors, - 2x DHC Zync EL-8 (Audeze connector) adapters to DHC Prion4 cable, for use with Audeze EL-8 Titanium.
Accessories are from MCRU.co.uk (2x MCRU No.14 UK mains power leads, 3x large oak feet, small MCRU acrylic isolation platform with 4x sorbothane isolation feet).
MrMotion
26
Sep 27, 2017
TheOneInYellowHello. Is there a chance you could give me some of your listening impressions now that you have had some time to listen to these (Post is a couple weeks old ;P)?
Would love to know what you think of them. I am currently considering either getting a pair of these or the LCX. Would most likely use with the HD 6XX as well as some other HPs in the future.
Napoleonove7
115
Jun 12, 2017
Hello, I am here to answer a question, I think it is the most asked question related to dual mono set up for Nuforce HA-200.. "Nuforce HA-200 dual Mono VS Schiit jothunheim, which one is better"..
The short answer - Schiit jotunheim is better. Especially if you do not have a balanced output dac, you can add a balanced dac module to your jotunheim for only extra $100.
The long & detail answer - Uhmmmmmm, I am too lazy to write a long answer, but I think I have to provide some explanation. Jotunheim has more clear and smooth mids than Nuforce HA-200, more punchier but controlled bass than Nuforce HA-200, and treble is not perfect for both Jotunheim and HA-200.
DAC used in test- Aune S6, Fiio X7 with K5 balance output. Headphone used in test- Senn HD800S, Audeze LCD2, Sony MDR Z7, Hifiman HE-560
michabarlev
162
Jun 13, 2017
Napoleonove7Because we are in Massdorp I think the question is between the Nuforce HA-200 vs Aune X7S.
For me personally I'm interested in what amp is better disregard the balance feature.
They are more at the same price level.
Napoleonove7
115
Jun 13, 2017
michabarlevApologize, I do not have Aune x7s. So I cannot say anything, but I do have Aune S7 (Aune S6+S7) setup, it's even better than Jotunheim (better treble).
The reason why I compare Dual Mono HA-200 to Jotunheim is because they are at the same price range (Jotunheim $399 ≈ Dual HA-200 $358-$398), and this is the most requested comparison at last drop, and it is the most requested comparison on head-fi and many HA-200 youtube review comment session. So I think many people here may have the same question.
AbhiramC
51
Nov 18, 2017
Would this amp be suitable for Sennheiser Massdrop HD6XX's, and what would be a good DAC combination for it
Zippa
22
Aug 7, 2017
Ok so I'm really confused about everything with this thing. How do you actually connect this to anything you can listen to music with? I thought you could connect it somehow to a PC or something but clearly I was wrong on that account
iatsbohdan
200
Aug 27, 2017
ZippaBasically, in order to hear the music you need three things: a source (something that can store and play your digital audio files, like a computer or a CD player), a digital-to-analog converter (a thing that converts digital data from your source into analog data, that can be played by your headphones), and an amplifier (a device that makes the analog signal from the DAC loud enough, so you can hear it when you plug in your headphones.)
bigjim
162
Aug 27, 2017
You can also connect it to the "line-out" of a portable player. The player acts as a DAC in this case. (You can also connect to the audio line-out on your PC if it has one. This may or may not be the highest quality audio source... depends on the PC.
Arlen
27
Dec 22, 2016
Hello all. I work at the vendor. Sorry for the extended wait on us fulfilling this drop. Normally NuForce is very effective in getting products to M.D. facility in N.J. to ship to you, our valued customers. The HA200 finally showed up on 12/20; We processed and shipped via 2nd day air to Massdrop, to cut out 3-4 working days vs. ground -- and they should be at Massdrop on Thursday the 22nd. Thanks for your patience and support and we apologize for any inconvenience our delay might have caused. It is a great sounding high quality product for a very good price. Enjoy the music >:)
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