Fostex USA Fostex Desktop Headphone Amplifier with DAC Balanced Output (HP-A4BL)

Build quality is superb. Definitely Japanese quality. Windows driver easy to install. Works with Linux as well, I tried with Debian it's plug and play. And the sound is amazing though output power not crazy high. I love how it fits into my setup perfectly. I can listen to music on computer through USB and I can hook up gaming console to the fiber connection. Then I can output either device to my speakers or my headphones. Very versatile.

I use this DAC/Amp to power my headphones as well as a preamp to a speaker amplifier for a pair of bookshelf speakers. I love that you can switch between headphones and speaker output with the push of a button. Sound quality is impeccable, especially in ASIO output through headphones.Looking to use the balanced output for a future pair of high-end headphones but haven't gotten there yet. Right now I'm using the 1/4" jack for Monoprice M1060.I used to have ground loop hiss in a previous DAC/amp but there is no static, popping, or clicking with this one regardless of how dirty the power is in my apartment.

I really enjoy the sound. The build quality is great, works very well!

Excellent build quality and sound.

I use this DAC/AMP as the default workstation audio interface for my headphones, then with a push of a button, the signal gets sent to my powered speakers. This unit powers most of my headphones on low gain, but on high gain it powers power hungry Fostex Planars headphones with ease. The sound is really clean and neutral - it takes EQ well too.

Went from a Schitt stack and a FiiO amp on my other computer. Always wanted to try balanced, but never could pull the trigger on a new DAC. Using it with a pair of Sennheiser 600s and some Audio Technica MSR7b's. Love the sound, and the simple pushbutton selections. I haven't tried the balanced vs unbalanced, currently using balanced, because why wouldn't you. So much more power than the old amps, definitely something the 600s needed. Be careful, because it's definitely a slippery slope.

It doesn't had any warmth nor does it make audio sound any colder. It dosen't make the sound fuller, thinner or funkier either. It outputs exactly what was recorded or input into it, no statics or weird shit added to it. If you like it any other way, this product is maybe not meant for you. If you want to make your music sound different, you should probably look into buying a tube amplifier or a different amp like a schiit amp that makes things a bit warmer and such. This Fostex Amp is chirugically clean and I'm all here for it. 10/10 would actually buy it again. -Daily used paired with my Beyerdynamic T1 for the past 2 years now and not planning to change it any time soon.

After looking into multiple solutions that fit into the size criteria for my setup, this little DAC/Amp combo fit the bill perfectly. The unit arrived in a very understated box with a USB cable and 240v adapter (US plug). I bought it essentially as a volume control to sit on my desk as the Audiolab M-DAC which feeds this unit via Optical was too deep.Yes, its not as powerful as other headphone amps out there but there's enough headroom for most headphones (I am currently running Denon D7200's) with minimal hiss on low impedance IEM's (Fiio FH5) as well. Overall it is not the latest piece of kit and has been around for awhile but it is proven and even supports DSD if required. Driver installation was seamless and is built exceptionally well. Sound is quite dynamic depending on the filter selected, it is also less analytical compared to the Audiolab. This is a good starter DAC/Amp combo if you are looking for an all-in-one solution and don't have high impedance headphones (HD650/6XX also plays nicely with this amp).Highly recommended if you want to get into using balanced cables and have the option to switch outputs on the fly without unplugging your headphones. The unit is also very compact (about 1/3 the size of the Audiolab M-DAC) considering what it offers and is made in Japan, just make sure you have a US to Aussie adapter handy (main reason why it has 4 stars).

I used this with my phone and laptop through usb-c to usb. While there's no real problem with it, it is not an improvement in sound quality and doesn't go terribly louder than the laptop or phone would on their own. I think I gave in a bit to the snake oil of audiophiles, unless your built in dac and amp are producing distorted output this will not add anything to your setup but wasted desk space. fwiw I used this with my HD650 that I have owned for 10 years and know very well. I was just sorta curious if I was missing out by thinking adequate volume means an adequate amp all this time, but I don't think I was. People talk about 300 ohms like it's a lot, but it isn't.tldr; you already have an amp and dac in your phone and computer, unless they're causing problems don't get this. I think you can get something that functions perfectly for less in any case. If you can't hear distortion or the volume isn't too low, you're fine. Just enjoy your music and give it your full attention and you're "hear things you've never heard before."

It "made in Japan" is such a simple phrase, Higher Quality Production. Superb DAC. If the amplifier gets a little more power, it would be like a tiger that has grown wings.

Major upgrade to any receiver for sure. Great with my HD600s in unbalanced operation.