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HP-A3mk2 USB DAC operates on USB bus power and supports up to 32bit/192khz. It can be used immediately after connecting the USB cable and performing simple settings.High-quality sound reproduction can be easily achieved by simply connecting a USB cable to a PC.USB audio and optical digital audio signals from a PC can be converted to analog signals and output from the line output terminal and headphone output terminal.When used as a USB DAC, it operates with the USB Audio 2.0 driver of the PC (Windows or MacOS) and supports up to 32bit/192khz. It can be used immediately after connecting the USB cable and performing simple settings.ES9016K2M from ESS Technology is used as the DAC chipThe HP-A3 uses a high-quality DAC chip, and the supported sampling frequency has been greatly enhanced from 24bit/96 kHz of the HP-A3 to 32bit/192 kHz. This allows users to enjoy higher quality sound without sacrificing ease of use.S/P DIF input is limited to a maximum of 96 kHz.Analog circuitry with further improved sound qualityThe analog circuitry has been newly designed to match the higher supported sampling frequency, and has improved THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) and other performance features that are comparable to those of higher-end products.Gain switch added to accommodate various playback sourcesThe headphone output amplifier gain can now be switched between HI and LO positions, with the HI position providing a 10 dB increase in volume over the LO position.The HI position is effective for low-level input signals and can be used with a variety of playback sources.Input:USB terminal:Connector: USB Type-CSampling frequency/quantization: Up to 192 kHz/32bitInterface: USB2.0 High SpeedSupported OS: Windows 10, Mac OS Catalina (OS 10.15) or laterDigital Input terminal:Connector: Rectangular OpticalFormat: S/P DIF (32 kHz to 96 kHz)Output:Phones jack:Connector: Standard 6.3 mm stereo phone jackMaximum output: 100 mW (32 Ω load), 20 mW (300 Ω load)Applicable load impedance: 16 Ω min.THD: 0.03 % or less (32 Ω load at 1 kHz 100 mW output)Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.3 dBAnalog Output(L, R) pins:Connector: RCA pin jacksOutput Level: 2 Vrms (0 dBFS VR: MAX)Applicable load impedance: 10 kΩ or moreTHD: 0.005 % (1 kHz)Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ± 0.3 dBDigital Output terminal:Connector: Rectangular OpticalFormat: S/P DIF (output according to Fs of input signal)General:Accessories: USB cable (Type-A – Type-C 1 m) x 1, rubber feet x 4, user’s manual x 1External Dimensions: 113 mm (W) x 34 mm (H, excluding rubber feet) x 155 mm (D, including projections)Weight: Approx. 500 gPower supply: DC 5 V (supplied from USB terminal)Power consumption: 2.5 WPrices and availability subject to change without notice. Ships out from our Midwest Distribution.
With the Fostex HP-A3mk2 still a current model from 2023 and no successor announced, timing isn't a factor—demand holds steady for this compact USB DAC/amp among desktop listeners. At USD330, it's ambitious bordering on steep; typical used pricing floats around USD200-260 based on recent Japanese market comps converted at current rates, leaving room to negotiate down to fair value without lowballing.
Buyers should verify the optical TOS-Link input works flawlessly, as early units occasionally glitch on high-res signals, and confirm inclusion of the original USB cable plus wall wart if bundled—many listings skip these, forcing replacements at USD20-30 a pop. Test headphone output for clean ESS Sabre chip performance too; channel imbalance crops up from rough handling.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Fostex emerged in 1973 as the branded consumer and professional division of Foster Electric Co., Ltd., a Japanese loudspeaker manufacturer founded in 1949. Established to bring Foster's high-quality speaker components directly to dealers and customers, Fostex quickly gained international recognition through innovative products like the T20RP headphones and 6301 studio monitors. The brand's foundation rests on Foster's position as one of the world's largest OEM loudspeaker developers, employing tens of thousands across multiple countries and manufacturing millions of speaker units monthly.
The company built its reputation across three interconnected product categories: professional studio equipment, consumer headphones, and powered monitor speakers. Fostex became particularly renowned for pioneering RP (Regular Phase) technology, which delivers clear sound with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range—a signature that defines their headphones, microphones, and speaker designs. Beginning in 1978, the brand expanded into professional speaker development, eventually introducing the PM series of powered monitors and establishing itself as a trusted choice for recording studios, broadcast facilities, and serious home listeners.
Fostex occupies a distinctive middle ground in the audio market: neither ultra-premium boutique nor mass-market consumer, but rather a respected specialist brand with deep professional credentials. Their products appeal to recording engineers, studio owners, and discerning hi-fi enthusiasts who prioritize accuracy and reliability over luxury positioning. The 6301B monitor remains an industry standard after decades in production, while the T20RP headphones maintain popularity among studio professionals—testament to Fostex's enduring reputation for sonic integrity and engineering excellence.
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