Description
Audio-Technica AT-BHA100 Balanced Headphone Amplifier
The AT-BHA100 balanced headphone amplifier is designed to deliver unmatched audio quality from high-resolution sound sources, and is ideal for use with hi-fi headphones such as the ATH-ADX5000, ATH-MSR7b, and those in the ATH-AW Series. This compact desktop unit is compatible with Direct Stream Digital (DSD) and other high-definition formats to reproduce every detail of the original recording.
The AT-BHA100 features a hybrid system of vacuum tubes and power transistors to enhance the beauty and warmth of amplified sound. It employs four completely independent amplifier circuits, a high-quality New Japan Radio MUSES8820 operational amplifier, and specially designed low-noise relay switches to emphasize the depth and warmth of vacuum-tube sound. A four-layer board structure with high-quality audio-grade components from Nichicon, WIMA, and Shinyei Capacitor ensures rich, natural audio.
The amplifier is equipped with a 4.4 mm TRRS jack and a 4-pin XLR terminal, plus a low/high gain selector switch, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of balanced headphones with varying sensitivities and impedances. It also has two 6.3 mm (1/4″) outputs with independent volume controls that can be used simultaneously for comparative listening. Â
Features
- Hybrid system with vacuum tubes and power transistors enhances the beauty and warmth of amplified sound
- Four independent JJ Electronic ECC83S preamp vacuum tubes deliver superb depth and sense of presence in the amplified sound
- Four power transistors (one for each powered amp circuit) are capable of high-power performance to handle the wide dynamic range of sound sources with high sampling rates
- Completely independent four-circuit structure, with separate left/right amplifier circuits and balanced hot/cold circuits, helps suppress crosstalk for a rich sound field
- High-quality New Japan Radio MUSES8820 operational amplifier highlights the depth and warmth of the vacuum-tube sound
- Specially designed low-noise relay switches offer excellent dynamics that emphasize the spaciousness and vibrancy of the sound
- Nichicon chemical capacitors contribute to the low-frequency characteristics of the audio, leading to powerful bass
- WIMA and Shinyei Capacitor film capacitors create smooth, low-distortion sonic characteristics for natural, clear sound
- Four-layer board structure, with independent layers for signal circuits, power circuits, and ground circuits, ensures greater signal stability for rich, low-frequency control
- Low/high gain switch offers support for a wide range of headphones with varying sensitivities and impedances
- Two balanced outputs – 4.4 mm TRRS jack and 4-pin XLR terminal – are compatible with a wide range of balanced headphones
- Two 6.3 mm (1/4″) outputs can be used simultaneously with independent volume controls
- RCA line-through output allows for switching between headphones and powered speakers
- All sides of the amplifier are vented for improved dissipation of heat and a superior signal-to-noise ratio through reduced thermal noise
- Compact unit can be set up vertically or horizontally
- Large-capacity external AC adapter separates the power supply from the main unit for reduced noise
Specifications
| Headphone Amplifier | |
|---|---|
| Corresponding Headphone Impedance | 16 – 600 ohms |
| Instantaneous Maximum Output Level | 6.3 mm headphone output (10%, 1 kHz): 680 mW + 680 mW (16 ohms load) 320 mW + 320 mW (32 ohms load) 240 mW + 240 mW (64 ohms load) 30 mW + 30 mW (600 ohms load) Balanced output (10%, 1 kHz): 1,500 mW + 1,500 mW (16 ohms load) 1,200 mW + 1,200 mW (32 ohms load) 800 mW + 800 mW (64 ohms load) 120 mW + 120 mW (600 ohms load) |
| Frequency Response | Line input: 10 Hz – 100 kHz (0, -3 dB at 32 ohms 10 mW output); Balanced input: 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+0.5, -3 dB at 32 ohms 10 mW output) |
| Total Harmomic Distortion | <=0.25% (20 Hz – 20 kHz at 32 ohms and 1 mW output) |
| Gain | 6.3 mm headphone output: 10 dB (high gain), 1.5 dB (low gain) Balanced output: 16 dB (high gain), 7 dB (low gain) |
| Noise | 6.3 mm headphone output: -100 dBv (A-weighted high gain), -103 dBv (A-weighted low gain) Balanced output: -92 dBv (A-weighted high gain), -95 dBv (A-weighted low gain) |
| Separation Between Channels | 6.3 mm headphone output: 75 dB (load: 32 ohms, 1 kHz) Balanced output: 100 dB (load: 32 ohms, 1 kHz) |
| Analog Input Connector | Line input (pin jack) x 2 Balanced input (XLR combo connector) x 2 |
| Output Terminals | 6.3 mm stereo headphone output × 2 CLR 4-pin balanced stereo headphone output 4.4 mm balanced stereo headphone output Line output (pin jack) x 2 |
| Input Selector (front panel) | Line input, balanced input |
| Output Selector (front panel) | 6.3 mm headphone output, balanced output (4.4 mm/XLR 4-pin) |
| Power Supply | 100 – 120V AC, 50/60 Hz, 15V DC/2.4 A (AC adapter provided) |
| Power Consumption | 25 W (max) |
| Dimensions | 44 mm (1.73″) H × 210 mm (8.27″) W × 266 mm (10.47″) D (excluding protrusions) |
| Weight | 1.8 kg (63.5 oz) |
| Accessories Included | AC adapter, power cable, feet (6), stands (2) |
