Fostex HP-A3mk2
Professional music gear - detailed information and where to buy
Fostex
HP-A3mk2
Product Info
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The HP-A3mk2 is a solid, compact headphone amp/DAC combo, especially useful for recording engineers and producers on the go. It's a clean, transparent sound that won't color your mixes, and the USB power makes it super convenient for laptop-based workflows. If you need reliable, portable audio with good resolution, this is a great choice.
Product Description
- Fostex HP-A3mk2
- Headphone Amplifier and D/A Converter
- With USB interface
- Conversion 24 bit / 192 kHz
- Power supply via USB bus power
- Internal PLL power supply unit for stable power supply
- ESS Technology ES9016K2M D/A-Chip
- Input selection: USB or Digital (Optical TOS-Link)
- Output selection: 6.3 mm jack headphones or 2 x analogue RCA
- System requirements: Windows 10
- Mac OS 10.15 or newer
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 113 x 155 x 34 mm
- Weight: 500 g
PROS
- • ESS ES9016K2M chip delivers exceptionally clean, detailed audio reproduction.
- • Compact size and USB bus power offer surprising portability and convenience.
- • Internal PLL ensures a stable, noise-free power supply for sensitive headphones.
- • Flexible input options (USB & optical) cater to diverse recording setups.
CONS
- • Limited analog inputs restrict versatility for connecting external preamps or mixers.
- • USB power dependency can introduce noise with underpowered computers.
- • The build quality, while decent, feels a bit plasticky for the price.
Product Video
Key Features
Channels
Stereo
Power
~150mW @ 32 Ohms (balanced output)
Impedance Range
16-600 Ohms
Connections
USB, Optical TOS-Link, 6.3mm headphone jack, 2 x RCA
Weight
500 g
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Frequently Asked Questions
Power delivery variation across computers can influence noise floor; a high-quality USB port is essential for optimal performance.
The optical input offers very low latency, suitable for most recording applications, but always test your setup to confirm.
While clean, the HP-A3mk2 lacks the ultimate refinement and dynamic headroom of premium models, but delivers excellent value for its class.
