Portable Hi-Res Hi-Fi

PHA-3 Personal Headphone Amplifier

Enjoy your favorite music with convenient Analog and Digital connectivity that lets you maximize your audio experience no matter the source: smartphone, portable audio player, PC or even other analog devices. The internal battery delivers up to 5 hours battery life while the internal DAC can decode PCM audio up to 384 kHz/32-bit and DSD files at 2.8/5.6MH, while dedicated high fidelity circuitry ensures bit-perfect playback.

$999

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  • Unlock Hi-Res audio

    The PHA-3 portable headphone amplifier delivers a high-resolution audio experience through your headphones. The PHA-3 can comprehensively decode PCM audio sources up to 384 kHz/32-bit in addition to DSD audio sources at 2.8 MHz / 5.6 MHz formats.

  • Flexible connectivity

    With flexible connectivity the PHA-3 is much more than just a headphone amplifier. While the analog input provides easy plug-play connectivity with most MP3 players, smartphones and other audio devices, digital (USB) inputs including an optical terminal let you maximize your audio experience and take advantage of high-resolution files stored on compatible: PCs, digital music players, Smartphones and the like. Perfect for interfacing with an external amp or active speakers, an analog audio output is available.

  • Balanced Audio capable

    As with a home stereo, you generally need to connect a pair of speakers, each one separately, to an amplifier. For the ultimate headphone experience, similar separated left and right channel audio connectivity can be used. Balanced audio output, results in an optimized listening experience and in the case of the PHA-3 renders optimal audio performance when using compatible headphones such as the MDR-Z7 or XBA-Z5 headphones.

  • Jitter-free audio

    The PHA-3 features an asynchronous USB 2.0 clock that supports highly accurate DA conversions. The precision clock signal generator reduces timing inaccuracies when converting digital signals into analog waveforms. This maintains sound stage integrity and audio response, resulting in superior audio performance with minimal noise and distortion.

  • High-quality amplification circuits

    Not only can the PHA-3 decode PCM audio up to 384 kHz/32 bit & DSD audio at 2.8 / 5.6 MHz, but in partnership with the ES9018 DAC and high-bandwidth OPA2604 headphone amp, it can deliver outstanding signal/noise performance up to 130 dB of dynamic range that will breathe new life into your favorite tracks.

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Additional Features
Specifications

Maximize your music

Enjoy optimal audio performance with Sony-unique DSEE HX technology. DSEE-HX revitalizes high-frequency audio response while also up-scaling existing audio signals (MP3, AAC, ATRAC, and WMA) to high-resolution levels.

Durable construction and materials

An extruded aluminum enclosure fits nicely in-hand and also protects the delicate circuitry inside from outside interference and impacts, while integrated, front and rear alloy endcaps protect the terminals from hard knocks. Recessed controls also reduce the chance of accidental access during playback.

Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery

The internal rechargeable battery provides approximately 5 hours of balanced audio playback when connected digitally via USB, or up to 28 hours of playback when connected using the analog, 1/8” stereo input.2

Supplied accessories

Everything you need in the box: Digital cables for Walkman® and Xperia®1, micro-USB cable1, stereo mini cable1, silicone belt1, and Protection sheet.

Amplifier Section
  • Impedance: Supported impedance: 8 - 600 Ohm (Normal - High)
Audio
  • Distortion: 0.01% or less (1 kHz)
  • Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 100 kHz (AUDIO IN input)
  • Sampling Frequency: PCM (PC connection Maximum 384kHz/32bit), DSD (2.8MHz,5.6MHz)
  • Volume Control: Rotary
General
  • Case Type: Aluminum chassis
  • Power On/Off: Integrated: Rotary power/volume knob
  • Type of Use: Portable and Home
General Specifications
  • Recharging time: Approx. 15 hours (PC Connection)
Inputs and Outputs
  • Digital Audio Input(s): Inputs (4): Computer, Walkman®, Xperia® connecting port, iPhone®, iPod®, iPad® connecting port, Optical input connecting port, Stereo Mini Jack
  • Input(s): Analog 1
  • Output(s): Outputs (3): 3-pole mini jack (BALANCED-L) 3-pole mini jack (BALANCED-R) Stereo mini jack*1 (NORMAL)
Power
  • Battery Charging (Approx): Charging via USB: Appox. 15 hours from empty to full
  • Red battery charge LED on during charging
  • LED indicator turns off automatically once fully charged
  • Unit will not charge during playback
  • Battery Indicator: Yes: Lights up green when power is turned on, flashes to indicate battery level. See manual for details.
  • Battery Life (Approx): Digital (balanced) connection: Approx. 5 hours
  • Battery Life (Approx): Analog connection: Approx. 17 hours
  • Battery Type: Built-in Lithium ion rechargeable battery
  • Input Voltage: Maximum: 2 Vrms (AUDIO IN)
  • Output Power: Maximum output: Approx. 320mW + 320mW (Balanced Connection, 32 Ohms, 1% distortion)
  • Power Source: DC 3.7 V Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Weights and Measurements
  • Dimensions (Approx.): 80 mm x 29 mm x 140.5 mm (3.14 x 1.14 x 5.53 in.)
  • Weight (Approx.): Approx. 10.6 oz. (300 g) - rechargeable battery included
In The Box
  • Operating instructions 1
  • Digital USB cable for Walkman® 1
  • Digital USB cable for Xperia® 1
  • Micro-USB cable 1
  • Stereo mini cable 1
  • Silicone belt (4)
  • Protection sheet 1