Fournier HTA-2: Excellent entry-level headphone amp!
69.160.179.239 |
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| Posted on March 3, 2012 at 16:43:23 | ||
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Posts: 5
Location: Southern Illinois Joined: March 1, 2012 |
I've been lurking here at HH for a little while, waiting for an occasion when a low-budget newbie might make a contribution. My opportunity arrived three days ago when I received the new Fournier HTA-2 amp from Linear Design that I ordered via Ebay. There have already been useful, detailed, balanced reviews and responses here on HH in regard to the HTA-1 (and the DAC-2 that's also built by Linear Design). [To see those threads, Just enter "HTA-1" into the HH/AA search engine.] The HTA-2 is identical to the HTA-1, aside from adding an integrated attenuation for use with IEMs. Therefore, I'm not going to repeat what's already been said and I'm not going to upload any photos. Instead, let me offer a few observations, based on my first several hours with the HTA-2, that might be useful to other AA inmates whose finances and audiophile credentials are limited (although their aspirations may be limitless). The sources I've used are a Teac CD-P650, an iPod Nano (6th generation) loaded with lossless files ripped from my CD collection, and an XM Delphi satellite radio receiver. The Teac has a dedicated port and DAC for the iPod (which is why I chose the CD-P650 as my primary source), so they are both connected to the HTA-2 via analog RCA-to-RCA .5-meter AudioQuest Evergreen interconnects. The Delphi is connected to the HTA-2's rear panel mini-socket via a Monster mini-to-mini 1-meter interconnect. All the equipment is powered via its stock supplies and routed through a stout APC surge protector. I spent most of my time listening to the new HTA-2 with my best set of headphones (Shure SRH-840s), but I also devoted a couple of hours to listening via my Sony MDR-V6s and my Etymotic MC3s. [I realize that bringing a low-end package like this into AA will make some inmates scoff, froth at the mouth and ears, and disregard anything I have to say. However, if you have read this far, you must not be one of them. Keep reading if you're interested in the possibility of spending just $200 for budget headphone amp Nirvana!] Prior to using the Fournier HTA-2, I got a great deal of enjoyment out of a HeadRoom Micro amp. I'm still using that amp in my secondary (nightstand) headphone system and enjoying it, but the HTA-2 provides a noticeably bigger soundstage, deeper bass extension, richer vocal performances, and a warmer - but still crisp - high end. Although it lacks the Micro's crossfeed circuit, it creates a full, wide, high and deep performance space that offers fatigue-free listening for hours on end. The one area in which the Micro has a slight advantage is in its ability to discretely define, place and layer individual voices and/or instruments. However, the HTA-2 does a very good job at handling those tasks, so I don't miss the Micro at all. I have never before owned a piece of vacuum tube audio equipment, but now I understand what all the "fuss" and controversy is about. Although I own closets full of solid-state electronics, I am being seduced by "tube sound!" The HTA-2 conveys exceptionally involving music when the source is CD's or lossless files - and the involvement is there, for me, regardless of the musical genre. For example, my favorite tracks so far (in the three days I've been pulling anything and everything from my shelves) are: Prince's "Illusion, Coma, Pimp & Circumstance" (from Musicology); Marc Cohn's "Paper Walls" (from The Very Best of Marc Cohn); The Chemical Brothers' "Block Rockin' Beats" (from Singles 93 - 03); The Allman Brothers Band's live acoustic version of "In Memory of Elizabeth Reed" (from Second Set); Alison Krauss' "Down to the River to Pray" (from the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack); George Michael's "Round Here" (from Patience); and Julie Andrews' "I Could Have Danced All Night" (from the 1959 Original London Cast Recording of My Fair Lady). So, the HTA-2 seems to me to represent an exceptional value, at $199 (+ $11.95 expedited shipping), for a person who needs to get the most headphone listening pleasure for the least money. It even takes often-throttled XM radio performances and gives them a warmth and liveliness that opens them up and makes them truly enjoyable. I can already tell that I'm going to be spending more time exploring programs on XM channels that can broaden my musical horizons. Let me end this mini-review by weighing in on a few distinctive features of the HTA-2 that were noted (or wished for) by AA inmates who wrung out the HTA-1: 1. The attenuator for IEMs that is built into the HTA-2 works very well and the front-panel socket is a welcome convenience. There is NO background noise - at least not that I can detect - during program silences; nothing but articulate silence comes through. 2. At the risk of seeming to be a contrarian, I have to be honest: I really like the blue finish on the HTA-2 (and HTA-1) and I do NOT find the amp's blue LEDs distracting. Maybe there's too much "bling" for some folks, but I think their judgements might risk eliciting the same kind of response that's given to complaints that the rock-'n'-roll is too loud: "If it's too loud [bright, blue, whatever], then you're too old." [And, just for the record, although I'm 62 and being very careful about protecting my remaining hearing, it's NOT too loud!] 3. Despite it's small size and low price, the HTA-2 is exceptionally solid and sturdy. As a backup, I've ordered a slightly more expensive set of tubes (I chose a matched pair of JJ Gold Pin 12AU7/ECC82) to have on hand, but I think it's going to be a loooooong time until I need them. 4. The overall fit-and-finish is very nice. I'm really not sure how the maker can produce the HTA-2 at this price point and make much of a profit. It must be a labor of love, rather than primary source of income. I hope there's enough support for Linear Designs/Fournier to keep the products on the market. Thanks for reading my first post here on AA! If I notice any radical differences after the HTA-2 gets burned-in, then I'll edit this commentary. Keep listening and keep smilin', Kev
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| Nice review. Thanks for posting. *, posted on March 3, 2012 at 19:30:30 | |
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Posts: 13973
Location: 97701 Joined: September 23, 1999 |
Lack of skill dictates economy of style. - Joey Ramone
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| Yup., posted on March 3, 2012 at 19:39:21 | |
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And, it's so nice to know that there is one good, budget amp that is both designed and made (assembled?) in the USA.
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