Yamaha HA-L7A Headphone amplifier with DAC

YAMAHA

HA-L7A HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER

In search of the ultimate true sound when listening to music through headphones, Yamaha has developed a headphone amplifier that impresses with its audiophile sound quality: Immerse yourself in a world full of emotions and details that allows you to experience your music in a new way.

The Yamaha HA-L7A is a headphone amplifier that brings your favorite content to life by combining premium hi-fi audio technologies with advancements in AV receiver sound field technology.

CHARACTERISTICS:

• Yamaha's exclusive floating and balanced power amplifier technology, optimized for the headphone listening experience
• Superior sound quality thanks to the ES9038PRO from ESS Technology
• 2 toroidal transformers for remarkably spatial sound
• SOUNDFIELD mode for an even more intense experience with all content
• Pure Direct mode for unrestricted enjoyment of the subtle nuances in music
• Elegant design yet extremely low-vibration construction
• 5 solid metal feet for exceptional stability, decoupling and suppression of any vibration
• OLED display with excellent readability
  

Even the slightest noise is completely eliminated and a high slew rate is achieved, which is crucial for ultra-high-resolution music sources. It also ensures that the amplification can precisely process even the most delicate signals. This means that all sound elements, from musical instruments to vocals and dialogue, are reproduced faithfully and without unnatural coloration or sound changes.

FLOATING & BALANCED AMPLIFIER TECHNOLOGY

In this headphone amplifier, Yamaha was able to optimize the patented Floating and Balanced power amplifier technology. A total of four sets of power amplifier circuits on the plus and minus sides of the left and right channels of the output stage are separated from the ground, resulting in a fully balanced push-pull operation of the output stage. The headphones can be operated without changing the amplifier configuration between balanced and unbalanced, so that sound differences due to different output terminals are minimized. In addition, all circuits, including the power supply, are completely independent of the ground, so that all effects of minute voltage fluctuations and external noise signals surrounding the ground are completely eliminated. By making the best use of these sound quality advantages, the amplifier achieves a natural and fatigue-free sound. You can fully lose yourself in the music even when listening for a long time.

ESS ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE 32-BIT DAC

Yamaha has spared no expense to achieve the superior sound quality worthy of Yamaha's ideal high-end headphone amplifier. That's why the manufacturer chose the ES9038PRO converter from ESS Technology, which is known in the DAC industry for its first-class audio reproduction of the finest audio signals. The system's dedicated master clock uses a crystal oscillator with extremely low phase noise to achieve high-precision D/A conversion. Inside the chip is an eight-channel D/A converter that converts the left and right sides into four channels each. Using this four-channel bundle delivers exceptionally high-quality audio output with a wide dynamic range and superior signal-to-noise ratio. The result is an even more intense listening experience through headphones, where you can experience even the background noise in the concert hall and the finest details in the sound of the instruments up close.

DISCRETE DESIGN AND SYMMETRICAL TRANSMISSION

All major stages after the DAC are equipped with balanced circuits and a discrete configuration, achieving fully balanced transmission from the DAC output to the headphone jack. In addition, balanced conversion is performed internally for ordinary unbalanced inputs, making the unique advantages of balanced transmission and amplification, such as minimizing external noise and sound quality deterioration, available for a wide range of input sources. In addition, when combined with headphones that support a balanced connection, the common impedance of the transmission system is suppressed, further improving the signal separation that is crucial for a high-quality headphone experience.

To fully capture the contrast between calm silence and powerful, dramatic movement in the sound, the amplifier uses two toroidal transformers and is characterized by a special, extremely low-vibration design. Because we didn't want to make any compromises, we achieved bass reproduction with excellent sensitivity to the finest nuances, ample volume and extraordinary transparency, thus ensuring precise reproduction of all types of content with dynamic and realistic sound.

The power supply uses independent transformers for the small-signal circuits in the pre-stage and the amplifier section in the second stage. The concept of the separate power supply minimizes noise caused by mutual signal interference. In addition, the toroidal transformers have significantly reduced magnetic leakage flux. The use of bifilar windings also minimizes voltage fluctuations. This improves the stability of the power supply and achieves an overwhelming spatiality with a powerful reproduction of low frequencies.

To ensure that the audio signals are not affected by external and internal vibrations, we have developed a cabinet that combines an original design concept with high-strength parts. An 8 mm thick extruded aluminum plate forms the L-shaped top, while the naturally vibrating toroidal transformer is firmly mounted on a 2 mm thick steel plate. Even stronger decoupling is provided by a thick front panel, a double rear panel and the unique cabinet design with a bottom cover at the end. This robust cabinet prevents unnecessary vibrations and thus enables a powerful yet smooth reproduction of the bass frequencies. So you can feel the powerful energy and true realism inherent in the music with every fiber of your body.

MORE STABILITY THROUGH SOLID METAL FEET

The distinctive L-shaped HA-L7A is supported by five conical steel feet at each corner of the chassis. Between each foot and the base plate there are dampers that effectively suppress all vibrations and thus ensure a firm and stable stand even on a desk or table top. Together with the 5.3 kg housing, all elements work together to effectively prevent unwanted vibrations and achieve focused and realistic sound reproduction.

GREAT SOUND BACKDROP

Yamaha's exclusive SOUND FIELD mode and the enormous sound field simulation could only be achieved through our tireless commitment to the best sound reproduction. Thanks to a realistic, natural sound field that allows you to completely lose yourself in your listening pleasure, we offer you a new entertainment experience that has never been achieved in headphone amplifiers before. Enjoy a truly immersive feeling - as if you were standing right on the stage next to the artist.

The HA-L7A features the same Yamaha CINEMA DSP sound field generation technology found in many of our AV receivers. The headphone amplifier also takes advantage of the innovative signal processing and multi-channel expansion technologies Yamaha has created and cultivated over its years of AV component development experience - now for headphones too. And one of the amazing results is the built-in SOUND FIELD mode. With six convenient options that reproduce the optimal sound field for the full range of music, videos and other specific sources, you can enjoy all kinds of entertainment content with a sense of realism and immersion that takes headphone listening to previously unknown new worlds.

LOW NOISE CIRCUIT DESIGN AND HIGH QUALITY PARTS

The HA-L7A's low-noise design isolates the three boards: the main board that processes small signals, the amplifier board and amplifier, and the power supply board for the system. In addition, the main board is designed to avoid unwanted interactions between the digital and analog signals using a multi-layer board and thoroughly eliminating ground loops. In addition, the MUSES72323, known for its exceptionally low distortion and low noise, is used for the volume IC, while the power supply IC from Analog Devices features low output noise with high ripple rejection. The ES9842QPRO from ESS Technology is used in the transducer section. By using the highest quality components carefully selected through repeated listening tests, we have achieved the most natural reproduction of the sound field possible.

UNLIMITED CONNECTION OPTIONS

Since the HA-L7A is compatible with the widest possible range of music, video and entertainment sources, you can fully immerse yourself in the audiophile listening experience - with sound performance that makes the most of all your headphones. Thanks to extensive connectivity and flexible expansion options, you can get even more out of your headphones and look forward to an even more intense listening experience.

On the front of the HA-L7A there are two balanced headphone jacks that allow you to fully enjoy the detailed, high-quality sound of a balanced circuit, and an unbalanced headphone jack that reduces contact loss thanks to the gold-plated finish. The balanced XLR headphone jacks use the famous NEUTRIK jacks and the 5-pin 4.4mm connectors use Pentaconn connectors, so you can connect your favorite headphones and enjoy their full potential.

NUMEROUS INPUTS AND OUTPUTS FOR USE IN VIRTUALLY ANY CONFIGURATION

The HA-L7A features a variety of inputs, including USB (Type B), coaxial and optical connections, allowing you to connect a wide range of devices such as high-resolution DAPs (Digital Audio Players), PCs and CD players. The amplifier also has built-in XLR and RCA preamp/line-out output jacks, allowing it to be used as a D/A converter or preamplifier, opening up exceptional connectivity and expansion options when you add an additional amplifier.

Although this headphone amplifier is defined by a pragmatic interior design that focuses on the highest sound quality, it is the stylish exterior that transforms your listening room into a truly special environment. The thoughtful design and high-quality texture that you feel and see when using the amplifier enhance the joy of enjoying music with your favorite headphones.

UNUSUAL DESIGN – CREATED FOR INCREDIBLY HIGH SOUND QUALITY

Following traditional audio principles and maintaining a low center of gravity, the two transformers are mounted on the main frame. They are the highlight of this unique exterior and are reminiscent of elegant, modern urban architecture. Thanks to a vertical three-dimensional structure, the transformer is located directly above the power supply board, which shortens the power supply path to a minimum. This creates a design that impresses with its external value in addition to high sound quality.

ELEGANT ROTARY CONTROLS

The robust, solid housing is made of thick aluminum. Aluminum was used not only for the exquisite main frame, but also for the master volume knobs and the mode selector switch. In addition, abrasive sandblasting was used to create a high-quality feel that contributes to the elegance of this high-quality audio device down to the smallest detail and makes using the HA-L7A an incomparable tactile experience.

OLED DISPLAY WITH BRILLIANT PRESENTATION

On the top of the unit is an attractive OLED display that shows important information such as the input source, sampling frequency, volume and the name of the SOUNDFIELD mode in use - all in an exceptionally readable manner. The display automatically turns off after use, so there is no distraction or unwanted impact on the sound.

TECHNICAL DATA

Frequency response (HP OUT) 4 Hz - 80 KHz, -3 dB
Headphone Output
Average 6.3mm: 1,000 mW + 1,000 mW (1 kHz, 0.01 %THD, 32 O)
Average 4.4mm: 1,000 mW + 1,000 mW (1 kHz, 0.01 %THD, 32 O)
XLR4: 1,000 mW + 1,000 mW (1 kHz, 0.01 %THD, 32 O)
Total Harmonic Distortion(THD): 0.003 % (Digital IN 1 kHz, 300 mW, 32 O)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): > 120 dB
Input RCA: Yes
Optical: Yes (PCM: 32/44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz, 16/24 bit)
Coaxial: Yes (PCM: 32/44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz, 16/24 bit)
USB Type B:
Yes (PCM: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384 kHz, 16/24/32 bit, DSD: 2.8 MHz/5.6 MHz/11.2 MHz: ASIO Native, DoP)
PRE/LINE Out XLR3: Yes
RCA: Yes
Recommended Headphones impedance: 32 ~ 600 O
SOUND FIELD mode:
Yes (CINEMA/DRAMA/MUSIC VIDEO/CONCERT HALL/OUTDOOR LIVE/BGM + STRAIGHT)
Pure Direct: Yes
Power consumption: 19 W
Standby power consumption: 0.2 W
Dimensions: (W x H x D) 333 x 133 x 189 mm
Weight: 5.3 kg