Date: 2015-06-13
The Bryston BHA-1 is the only headphone amplifier by Bryston Ltd. of Canada to date. It inherits a style peculiar to Bryston's own amplifiers -- solid and professional.
As the first headphone amplifier by Bryston, the BHA-1 offers balanced output terminals not found in many headphone amplifiers. The inclusion of channel balance adjustment and gain selection appears thoughtful. The BHA-1 is also a decent pre-amplifier with balanced output. Besides the RCA single-ended and XLR balanced output connectors, there is a 3.5mm stereo phone jack almost rarely found in audio equipment.
The BHA-1 utilizes fully balanced circuitry and operates in pure Class-A. Power supply is exquisite. Almost every stage is fully regulated to reduce interferences. It may be connected to an external power supply to elevate its sonic performance. All in all, this is a versatile headphone amplifier.
Our evaluation was conducted using the Beyerdynamic T1 headphone, a balanced 600Ω version. The BHA-1 headphone amplifier (at high gain setting), with its rated output of 200mW into 600Ω, exhibited no problem driving the T1.
"Perhaps" in the first track of "G: Ear" sounded rhythmic and realistic. In Stravinsky's "Firebird Suite", I was stunned by the razor-sharp dynamics and forceful bass in the fiery scenes. There was a strong sense of a widened soundstage, bringing life to the music being played.
Conclusion
Doubtless to say, the BHA-1 was exceptional and its performance in balanced mode is further elevated in all respects -- drive capability, soundstage presentation, imaging, dynamic range and trueness.
PDF The Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amplifier reviewed
SPEC Bryston BHA-1
+852 9149 2164
1504191160
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