Pass Labs HPA-1

I do, and I will be comparing them side-by-side this weekend.

 

What DAC are you using? I will try the SE outputs on my Yggdrasil, but I wonder how the Bifrost Multibit and the Gungnir Multibit will sound with the Pass Labs HPA-1. Since it is a SE only amp, will the Bifrost Multibit (SE only) sound as good as the other two Schiit balanced DACs (using their SE outs)?

 

Any conclusions yet re the solid state Pass Labs HPA-1 (SE only) amp... after last weekend's audio meet or this weekend at home?

 

Just posted my review in the TTVJ thread on HF.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/795255/pass-labs-hpa-1-loaner-program/15#post_12334992

TLDR: The Pass Labs HPA-1 is a solid debut from Pass Labs. It sounds clear, punchy and neutral. It was a very nice pairing with the Sennheiser HD600/650/800 trinity. I could live with the HPA-1 as my only amp. Biggest con is the price, which is just too darn expensive for what it is. That being said, fans of solid state amps should definitely give this one a listen.

 

Steve’s review is up, as expected he compares it to a product which is 35% of the cost and to another which is 800% of the cost!

Buy the new Mercedes E Class! It is quite a bit better than the Civic I tested a few months ago but not quite as good as the Rolls Royce Phantom……….

I wonder how many auto journalists would keep their jobs with such reviews.

Sigh.

http://www.cnet.com/news/extreme-performance-the-pass-labs-hpa-1-headphone-amplifier/

 

He didn't even compare it to the Ragnarok, which he just gave a component of the year award to 4 months ago...

 

Do you think he even remembers? He just seems to rave about every new toy, the more expensive the better of course.

 

http://www.tonepublications.com/MAGPDF/TA_076.pdf

My Armageddon endgame amp right there!

 

How well does the HPA-1 drive the HD800(S)? For me, no SS amp has done a better job of driving it than the BW does.

 

based on their review? you do realize that they get paid by Pass Labs right?

 

Based on my love for all things Nelson Pass ... and I know Papa did not design this one himself but it bears his name and I'm sure a lot of his design philosophy. And I've got a thing for big knobs

 

can't argue with that

 

Necropost, but this seemed the most appropriate place. I've been curious about the sound of the Pass Labs HPA-1 for a while now, and most of the posts in this thread are focused on the bling factor and exorbitant pricing. A recent review on Head-Fi compared this amp favorably even to amps like the ECP Torpedo 4: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/pass-labs-hpa1.950921/post-16552194.

In the 5+ years since the last post here, has anyone spent any meaningful time with this amp? I've seen this review from a mini-meet where the HPA-1 was compared to Eddie Current and Moth tube amps, and a few other posts or PMs from folks like @Forza AudioWorks and @ogodei is all.

Would appreciate any further impressions, if possible. Curious to know how this compares with the other top-tier solid state amps that are SBAF favorites, like the ECP DSHA-3F.

 

@zonto, your post prompted me to think back on the various SS headphone amps I've owned:

Audeze Deckard
Audio-gd Master 8
Benchmark HPA4
Cavalli Liquid Gold
ECP DSHA3F
HeadAmp GS-X mk2
JDS Labs O2
Mytek 192
Neurochrome HP-1
OPPO HA-1
Pass Labs HPA-1
Questyle CMA800R
Schiit Ragnarok ( 1 & 2 )
SimAudio Moon Neo 430HA
Yulong A28
Violectric V281

Ok, so a couple are embarrassing but I've learned a few things along the way

The Pass Labs is extremely technically proficient & I'm sure most SBAF members would find it boring as hell. The couple of reviews you cited have it right: neutral, powerful, clean, punchy. Very good grip on the low end, better than most in the list above, maybe the Violectric or Benchmark beats it. Questyles trounce it but a completely different experience there. Very neutral sounding in the mids; slightly recessed on the top; very little air. No edges, not quite rounded fluid sound (goodish) but heavy (bad from my perception). Not syrupy though. Stolid. This is a very polite amp, its going to do great job and not bring attention to itself other than with power and an extremely competent technical delivery.

ECP DSHA3F is faster, slightly warmer in the mids (depending on the transformer, cant remember which was which), more textured, more extended and very slightly elevated top end. You can get air on the ECP. Lighter sound overall, not by much but noticeable.

Ragnarok has more texture, more edge, about the same speed, mids are pushed comparatively. More grunt and punch.

SimAudio Moon Neo 430HA is very comparable but a nudge warmer.

 

Out of all the SS headamps you've owned... desert island pick and why?

 

Of those listed by ogodei... in rough order of preference

Benchmark HPA4 AHB2 - this was my reference for a long time, and I liked it enough that I went monoblock with it because I be crazy
SimAudio Moon Neo 430HA - would have been my top pick once upon a time
/gap/
Schiit Ragnarok (1 only) - I liked it, but the relays drove me nuts
Neurochrome HP-1 - very good technique, but too plain jane to garner excitement from the regulars here
Yulong A28 - Very average by today's standards
Violectric V281 - I didn't dislike it per se, but sound quality to dollar didn't do it for me
/big gap/
OPPO HA-1 - No, just no. I'd rather have a topping.

 

@ColtMrFire, too hard to choose, the ECP DSHA3F or the SimAudio Moon probably. The DSHA3F has the better sound, the Moon has the best options.

 

If I understand correctly the HPA-1 is not designed by Mr. Nelson Pass himself so it may be less desirable?