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Headphone Heights: REVIEW: Fournier HTA-1 Other by Adriel

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REVIEW: Fournier HTA-1 Other

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Model: HTA-1
Category: Other
Suggested Retail Price: $179
Description: zero feedback hybrid headphone amplifier
Manufacturer URL: Fournier

Review by Adriel on December 18, 2011 at 13:40:46
IP Address: 68.6.143.128
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for the HTA-1


Specs:
12AU7 preamp tubes
10k Input Impedance
35 Ohm Output Impedance

Hello. I settled on a Fournier HTA-1 headphone amplifier for three main reasons. I wanted no global negative feedback, tubes if possible for tuning the sound, and the use of current production tubes available from more than 1 brand. So many tube headphone amplifiers out there use nos tubes, or a unique russian tube available through only 1 source, or used negative feedback. I anticipate keeping my tube products for at least 50 years, so a good supply of tubes today is important.

The HTA-1 was also attractive as my first dedicated headphone amplifier due to the price and a little less heat generated compared to a full blown tube amplifier.

Usage scenario:
I am primarily a speaker person, but headphones do have an important role. They come in handy during travel and exercise, but mostly I just need to block noise from time to time when I sleep.



Aesthetics and Ergonomics:
Colorful audio products only serve to limit the number of potential customers. One example of this is the bright red speaker amplifiers... who would want something like that, at the price they're asking for?

This product comes in a very blue anodized aluminum case. In case that is not enough, it also features three bright blue LEDs. Two are in the middle of the tube sockets. One is on the front panel. I put electrical tape over all of them.

Unfortunately the tube sockets are not the normal kind I would expect to find on a normal tube amplifier. A lot more care needs to be taken when inserting tubes into the HTA-1 than is customary for a tube product. Careful alignment of the tube pins is necessary because the socket pins are very easy to bend.





Power supply:
An HP, model 0950-4483, 31V, 2420mA, center-tip positive, switching power supply is provided. With the necessary skills, a DIY user could create a 24V battery or similar to use instead.

Sound:
Some hybrid amps have a sound that emphasizes the tube aspect. The HTA-1 is not one of them. It is very solid state sounding. While very detailed, and with full ambient sonics intact, it is a bit hard sounding with unpleasant treble extension. To combat this, I used the darkest current production 12AU7, EH, but it did not have a very large effect on the overall sound and did little to clamp the treble extension.

Headphones:
For this amplifier I use the Grado SR225. Top to bottom, it is the least harsh headphone I have, compared to the Sennheiser HD600, Stax 2020, and Bose On-Ear.

Tweaks:
Adhesive Stillpoints ERS sheets made a significant impact in reducing glare, but it was necessary to adhere two sheets internally to the top and bottom.

The front panel screws are glued in, which was apparent after my plastic torx screwdriver broke. A torx bit attached to a ratchet is necessary to break the screws free. It is necessary to get both front and back panels off to get decent adhesion with ERS, but even so it is very tight and impossible to get a picture perfect result.










Conclusion:
An acceptable entry level headphone amplifier. Although a hybrid, it is more of a lean, detailed, solid state sound than tube. For the features I'm looking for, the next step up would be a Decware CSP2+. This is a good value, and rightly or wrongly I rest easier without worrying about a Chinese amp going up in smoke.


Product Weakness: Flamboyant aesthetics. A bit harsh in stock form. Tube rolling not as significant as desired.
Product Strengths: Zero feedback, current production tubes readily available.


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: n/a
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): n/a
Sources (CDP/Turntable): n/a
Speakers: n/a
Cables/Interconnects: n/a
Music Used (Genre/Selections): n/a
Time Period/Length of Audition: 5 months
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Fournier HTA-1 Other - Adriel 13:40:46 12/18/11 ( 9)