Onkyo launches smartphone headphone DAC/Amp/Player: DAC-HA300

dac-ha300 topOnkyo have just launched their DAC-HA300 192 kHz/24-bit Hi-Res Audio playback device. The DAC-HA300 D/A Converter/Headphone Amplifier/SD Player from Onkyo adds sophisticated high-fidelity headphone amplification and D/A decoding for Hi-Res Audio to your iOS or Android device.

These pocketable DAC/Headphone amps seem to be popping up all over. Onkyo’s DAC-HA300 is loaded with slot capable of taking 128 GB of music stored on microSD card, an OLED screen, and what looks to be easy playback controls.

The DAC-HA300 also serves as a self-contained media player and headphone amplifier, while a Micro USB Type-B input enables asynchronous D/A conversion of Hi-Res Audio from you PC or laptop without need to install drivers.

The device also features a switching optical/coaxial/analogue input capable of accepting digital signals from connected devices up to a maximum 192/24 resolution, making it the perfect all-rounder for home, desktop, and portable use.

When the DAC-HA300 is connected to the mobile handset via USB (standard Lightning cable for iOS devices, On-the-Go cable for Android), a free app upgrade to HD Player Pack enables output of Hi-Res PCM and 5.6 MHz DSD files at native resolution to the DAC-HA300 for decoding and playback — a first for the portable audio industry.

According to the press release, the app also imports and seamlessly presents other audio formats stored on mobile in an intuitive user interface, and includes a 16,384-band FIR equaliser that allows users to create and save their preferred EQ settings for specific artists, genres, or albums.

The unit is based around the acclaimed MUSES8920 op-amp, a discrete, high-quality audio component with an optimised circuit layout to ensure signals are amplified with minimal distortion — just 0.004% THD+N at 32 Ohms (100 mW + 100 mW, JEITA). Combined with a fully discrete push-pull output stage and a selectable gain adjustment function, the DAC-HA300 will effortlessly drive any headphones, from low impedance IEMs to full-sized 600-Ohm open-backed cans.

dac-ha300 and iphoneLikewise, the 192 kHz/32-bit TI Burr-Brown PCM1795 Digital-to-Analogue Converter was hand-selected for its exceptionally low out-of-band noise performance and excellent resistance to jitter. Whether listening to 5.6 MHz DSD downloads on the office PC or compressed files from mobile on the way home from work, the combination of DAC and discrete amplification technology presents music with the utmost clarity, timing, and energy.

The DAC-HA300 includes a long-life internal lithium-ion battery that returns approximately seven hours of playback when connected to an iPhone via USB Type-A input, and can be recharged via USB and PC or more rapidly with the supplied 5 V DC cable and plug.

Constructed from aluminium and with a user-friendly knurled volume control knob, bump protectors, and positive action gain switch, the DAC-HA300 should feel equally at home as it is on the road, on the desktop, or connected to a compatible turntable for late-night listening.

The Onkyo DAC-HA300 – available in black, due end of April – £499