Audio Technica AT-BHA100 headphone amplifier

Audio-Technica Reveals AT-BHA100 Balanced Headphone Amplifier, AT-DAC100 DAC

Audio-Technica has confirmed two new products: the AT-BHA100 balanced headphone amplifier and the AT-DAC100 digital-to-analog converter. Both are high high-resolution audio components using premium-quality chips and internal components and matched to be used with one another or on their own.

The AT-BHA100 headphone amplifier (MSRP US$999) builds upon the AT-HA5050H and AT-HA22TUBE models and offers improved sound and greater flexibility, says the company. With four JJ Electronic ECC83S vacuum tubes, one for each audio circuit, and four power transistors, the left and right channels and balanced amplifier circuits are separated from each other, a configuration of four independent amplifier circuits.

Audio Technica AT-BHA100 headphone amplifier

The AT-BHA100 offers two balanced outputs: a 4.4 mm (0.17-inch) TRRS jack and a 4-pin XLR terminal for compatibility with a range of balanced headphones, along with two 1/4-inch (6.3 mm) jacks. Two headphones can be used at the same time, with independent volume control of each (in unbalanced mode). The AT-BHA100 also features a line-through output, which is useful for connecting to a desktop audio system or powered speakers.

The left and right channels are independent of each other to suppress crosstalk. The AT-BHA100 uses a New Japan Radio (NJR) MUSES8820 op amp, WIMA and Shinyei film capacitors, a four-layer circuit board construction that separates the signal, power and ground circuits for maximum audio purity, and other refinements. Like the AT-DAC100, the AT-BHA100 comes with an external power supply, and it can be placed vertically using the supplied brackets.

Audio Technica AT-DAC100 digital-to-analog converter

The Audio-Technica AT-DAC100 digital to analog converter (MSRP US$699) is compatible with DSD and supports up to 768 kHz, 32-bit linear PCM and 22.4 MHz DSD. It incorporates an AKM AK4452 VN DAC for extremely low distortion and noise, an Analog Devices power supply, a filter circuit that utilizes a Texas Instruments LME49860 op amp, and Nichicon and WIMA capacitors.

The AT-DAC100 offers two USB inputs (USB-C and USB-B), plus optical and coaxial digital inputs and, for easy connectivity to high-resolution and streaming audio sound sources. Its external power supply eliminates the possibility of power supply noise and ensures stable performance. The AT-DAC100 comes with brackets that enable it to be mounted vertically if desired.

The Audio-Technica AT-BHA100 balanced headphone amplifier and AT-DAC100 digital to analog converter are currently available.