I will continue my story about inexpensive, but high-quality solutions for personal audio. This time we will talk about a desktop processor, that is, a device that combines a digital-to-analog converter with an amplifier for headphones. Such devices are ideal for those who want to get high-quality sound in headphones using a computer as a source. Recently I , model X1 Pro, today we will talk about the M-Stage HPA-2 USB from Matrix Audio.
Matrix Audio is a typical representative of a new wave of audio equipment manufacturers from China. Starting with fairly simple solutions, they quickly and efficiently established the production of a number of devices covering almost all segments of the market. M-Stage is one of the budget, its price is at the time of publication of the article was 17,500 rubles. Matrix has a solution that is more expensive, for example (30,000 rubles) and (70,000 rubles). Traditionally, for Chinese companies, the sound quality exceeds the price and devices are able to compete with competitors more expensive. If you already have a good DAC, you can save a little more and Without USB-module, working only as an amplifier.
Traditionally for Chinese products, M-Stage HPA-2 is no longer the first revision of the device, during its life cycle, it underwent several reincarnations, the last of which was released last year. It uses a DAC based on the PCM1793 chip (like the Aune X1 Pro, although the results are completely different), the USB interface is asynchronous XMOS, the amplifier is based on the LME49720 and is optimized primarily for tight headphones. The rest of the details are also quite good, the capacities from WIMA, the ALPS potentiometer, are quite good for this price segment.
Specifications
- USB connection modes: up to 24 bit / 192 kHz
- Line-in impedance: 47KΩ
- Frequency range: 10 Hz (-0.3 dB) - 35 KHz (-1 dB)
- Signal to noise ratio: 95 dB
- Distortion: 0.001% @ 6 mW / 300Ω
- Output power: 200 mW @ 300Ω, 400 mW @ 60Ω
- Output impedance: 60Ω line output, 10Ω headphone output
- Weight: 1.4 kg
- Dimensions: 280 mm × 115 mm × 50 mm
Design and management
Sold HPA-2 in a large flat box in white, almost from the "notebook". Printing is restrained, there are no pictures on the box. Inside is the DAC / amplifier itself, a simple USB-cord, a power cable, various instructions and a guarantor. In general, everything here is quite simple, but neat.
But the appearance of M-Stage pleases incredibly. Matrix decided to make it in an unusual form factor and designed the case in the form of a very elongated parallelepiped. The choice is available in black and silver colors. Initially, the case seems a little strange, but then you understand that, firstly, thanks to it, it turned out to make the power supply built-in, and, secondly, on the table to find a place for a short but long device still easier. When choosing a location for the HPA-2, one must take into account that its weight balance is shifted to the rear due to the power supply transformer, and also that the device is slightly heated during operation due to the powerful amplifier.
The case is completely metallic and gives an impression of incredible reliability. On the rear panel there is a power input, a switch, a pair of RCA inputs and a pair of the same outputs, and a USB connector. On the front panel there is a headphone jack, two indicator LEDs, an input selection switch and a volume control. In the version with the DAC, the input selector selects between the USB and line input, in the version without it - switches between the two inputs. The volume control is very classy: it has a pleasantly tight move, it is almost noiseless and it is conveniently graduated in dB. On the left side, closer to the back side, there is a voltage switch 110/220 volts, I recommend before switching on make sure that it is in the right position.
Traditionally, for devices of this kind, the M-Stage can be used as a separate headphone amplifier and as a DAC, for this, a linear input and output are provided. This is a very useful step, simplifying a gradual upgrade, if you decide to improve your audio.
The build quality is more than good, HPA-2 looks solid, as it should be a good sound device.
Sound
To listen to the M-Stage HPA-2, I used the following equipment:
- MacBook Pro Retina Late 2013 as a source
- Audirvana Plus as a player
- Entries in lossless format
To assess the sound used a variety of headphones, the main ones are:
- Fischer Audio FA-011 Limited Edition Japan
- Kennerton Algiz
- TDS-7 Snorry Mod
- AKG K702
- Philips Fidelio X1
- Beyerdynamic DT 880 250Ω
HPA-2 offers a very good reserve of power, and this is primarily dictates the scope of its application, and in part the nature of the sound. Playing HPA-2 is very dynamic, with a good reserve of energy and drive. Unlike the Aune X1 Pro, built on the same DAC, its sound is lighter and pleases a bit more detail (although sometimes at the expense of music).
The bass of this combine is surprisingly deep for this price category and is served with considerable energy. He sometimes lacks control, which is replaced by drive, but, in general, it is not very critical.
The mid frequencies are well detailed, which makes it possible to perfectly separate the compositions in depth (a parameter that I consider to be quite important). Vocals and solo instruments are clearly brought to the fore, and the accompanying ones are allotted to the second. Due to this, the imaginary scene acquires a good depth, and the overall resolution of the device gives it a sufficient width. Very nice HPA-2 is able to sing and transmit emotions.
The upper frequencies are sustained in the spirit of neutrality, there are not many of them, not a few, they do not come to the fore, do not hide in the shade. They are enough to give volume and airiness. Of course, there is a little lack of permission, but in this price category, demanding this is clearly overkill.
Compatibility
Since the HPA-2 device is powerful, its main purpose, of course, is not sensitive headphones-inserts. Except for the rare high-resistance models, IEM is not at all an optimal choice for this combine. But tight in the swing and high-resistance models are given to him with surprising ease. Classic 250-ohm Beyerdynamic, for example, with him revealed exclusively from the positive side: the dynamics, energy supply, pleasant midrange - all this is present.
Also, the amplifier coped well with the TDS-7, of course, the firm resolution of this model could not be achieved, but the result is still more than worthy.
Not very fit HPA-2 to the darkened Philips X1, they lost their velvety depth and began to sound somehow very loud.
On musical genres the device from Matrix is quite universal, although I liked the electronic genres of music, good jazz and classical works for small groups. Due to the nature of the feed, HPA-2 is relatively easy to treat poor-quality material, not sticking out its flaws and not bringing them to the fore.
conclusions
I really like devices like M-Stage HPA-2, they make me feel a little sad about the unrealizable. If I were a simple music lover who wanted to just listen to my favorite music with good quality, I would surely stop at something like this combine. Very good appearance, quality assembly, very good sound, affordable price - all this is present in this device in very correct proportions. It is enough to buy headphones to it to taste - and get that bundle that will serve faithfully for a very, very long time.
The article is based on materials .
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