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Fostex HP-A3 Headphone Amplifier (with DAC) HiFi Zine Review quote: "The amp delivered a solid bass performance – more than I thought the Senns had in them – and a compelling soundstage. There was no “left-right-center” effect here – where the recording called for it, I was met with a solid wall of sound". (Link to full review below)Just on four months old...purchased to see if I like a desktop set-up.This would have to be one of the simplest, most compact ways to try a headphone amp/dac direct from your laptop or desktop.USB-powered - just plug into your laptop's USB port, click on your speak
Used Fostex HP-A3 headphone amps typically trade in the AUD$190-325 range on the local second-hand market, with a median around AUD$258 from recent comparable listings. At AUD$125 with unknown condition, this looks like a potential bargain—well below the 25th percentile of AUD$191—but the lack of details on wear or functionality makes it a calculated risk rather than a slam-dunk steal.
Before biting, verify the headphone output for clean, distortion-free drive across its full 10-600 ohm range, as these can develop noisy op-amps or failing relays after heavy use. Also check for the original power adapter and any cosmetic damage to the chassis, which might hint at mishandling. Test with your cans to confirm gain staging suits your setup.
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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