TEST: Fostex HP-A8 mkII

Other times, other customs! Due to the increasingly popular way of working with headphones in the monitoring process, the selection of headphone amplifiers is continuously increasing. With the Fostex HP-A8 MkII, the Japanese company has an example at the start, which is also manufactured in Japan, and which sometimes looks far beyond the horizon of an ordinary headphone amplifier with some unusual details.

Times are changing!

Things have really changed in the studio landscape during the last two decades. Yes, there are still a few superstars worldwide who indulge in both the classic band constellation and the classic recording technique in the form of spatial recordings and multiple monitor systems in the monitoring position. They are often used as protagonists for the high-end area and keep whole studio areas alive. However, it is also a fact that 2 out of 3 state-of-the art studios have closed their doors in recent years due to a lack of orders, and the remaining third can only continue to operate in connection with a record company structure or similar without direct economic dependence on the sales made.

Especially in the field of synthetic music, the spatial representation of the artist in the form of a band has become obsolete and has rather been replaced by the optimized use of filters, compressors and limiters. Productions with this approach are increasingly emancipating themselves from the classic studio situation with corresponding monitoring positions and are increasingly turning to headphones as the primary sound controller, which removes any spatial restrictions and frees the producer and sound engineer from having to invest a large amount of money in the construction and maintenance of a "real" recording studio.

However, in order to be able to adequately serve the headphone segment of the upper and national league in terms of sound, it often takes more than the headphone amplifier integrated in the console, and even the amplifier built into the interface sometimes stumbles at the three-digit ohm value of some top headphones. Aware of this, Fostex is preparing to cover the full range of professional sound quality with its Fostex HP-A8 MkII, but not without neglecting the second major pillar of headphone operation, the hi-fi sector. More on this later.

Concept and construction of the Fostex HP-A8 MkII

If you want to play with the big boys, you need the right equipment. That the Fostex HP-A8 MkII wants to keep up with the big boys, you notice at the latest during the unpacking of the device. With a weight of almost 4 kg, the black steel block is anything but transport-friendly. A look through the cooling slits into the inner workings of the product quickly reveals the reason for this besides the massive steel case. Generously dimensioned components along with a stately toroidal transformer ensure a primarily stationary operation, whereby a suitable transport case naturally also moves such weights without any problems.

The appearance of the Fostex HP-A8 MkII is of course debatable. The opinions will probably lie somewhere between "imposingly shiny" and "HiFi Kasperletheater". Of course, the appearance is more geared towards the glass table in the HiFi empire, but who says that it may not shine here and there in the pro studio, especially since the front panel has been polished to a high gloss, but otherwise comes across comparatively discreet with the 4 controls / switches On / Off, Input Selector, Output Selector and Volume control. The display also does what it should and does not overload the user with all kinds of unnecessary ballast, but is limited to the most important key data in an easily readable form.

The next thing that catches the eye is the partly unusual connection periphery on the back of the case, which together with the large feet and an included remote control reveals the primary application area of the Fostex HP-A8 MkII. Here, the hi-fi fan is targeted, which is present in significantly larger numbers than music producers, and of course, a higher turnover can be expected. In combination with a proper DAW, the producers should also benefit from the Fostex HP-A8 MkII's key data, since the product is not only a headphone amplifier, but also a high-end DAC.

The operating data already gives a foretaste of the practicality. The digital signal can be converted at up to 192 kHz, whereby DSD technology can also be used. In terms of I/O, the product has an extensive periphery in the form of 2 optical and one coaxial inputs, one optical and coaxial looped through outputs, USB 2.0, an SD card slot and AES/EBU. Analog remains only RCA L/R In/Out, which once again shows the proximity to the HiFi sector. To score in the studio pro sector, at least an analog XLR input should be available. A word clock terminal is also missing, which is not very important in the consumer sector, but is an important part of the work process in the studio, depending on the application. Corresponding synchronizations have to run via the digital inputs.

In addition to very good technical values such as a level frequency response of 18 Hz to 80 kHz with a tolerance of +/- 0.3 dB, modern headphones can be operated from a low 16 ohms up to the old-school ohm monsters of 600 ohms, which increases the flexibility with regard to the area of application immensely.

The sound of the Fostex HP-A8 MkII

Together with its national competitor Tascam, the name Fostex will probably always be associated with the multitrack battle between Portastudio and Multitracker, which seemed to last for decades, but which dissolved into nothing with the first affordable DAWs. Some engineers will therefore probably eye the HP-A8 MkII a little suspiciously with so many high-end cross-references, as one does not necessarily consider the manufacturer to be in the first league of reference devices when it comes to the pro area.

In this case, however, you can once again see how quickly prejudices acquired over years can vanish into thin air. The measured data in combination with the massive exterior and the four-digit retail price are indeed acoustically implemented as expected. On the one hand, there is a very voluminous basic sound that doesn't leave any mud due to a lack of reserves, even in the low bass range. A neutral midrange, combined with a very finely resolved high-frequency range, allows even long sessions to pass without tiring.

The second selling point is the enormous headroom that the Fostex HP-A8 MkII maintains during strong impulse peaks. At the same time, the dynamic staggering remains stable in any form, both in quiet passages and in unexpected fortissimo interludes, and calmly cushions threatening clippings. Hard attacks of a fat kick or a sharp snare are put away just as well as hard analog beats from the synthetic department. The spatial information also has enough room to "breathe" with this product and is not compressed or almost completely disappears from the signal path due to the lack of power handling, as is the case with inferior devices.

An excess of level stability is still one of the most important points to be able to utilize a top class headphone according to its capabilities. Even the comparatively high resistance of a Beyerdynamic T1 with 600 ohms could not change this. If you listen to such headphones with a smartphone's built-in amplifier, for example, this league of headphones almost always sounds powerless, without character, and above all with a maximum volume that does not allow for proper monitoring.

As already mentioned, the Fostex HP-A8 MkII plays to its strengths even in this difficult headphone league of high ohmic values and could only be cornered sonically with effort during the test. Even at very high volume levels, the Fostex HP-A8 MkII only experienced a subtle form of saturation without harshly cutting off the wave pattern and leading to an unpleasant form of clipping.

Conclusion

With the Fostex HP-A8 MkII, the Japanese manufacturer moves into the absolute upper league of headphone amplifiers. With an excellent sound, very good measurement values and an extensive I/O management, almost any digital signal can be managed under the headphones and listened to in very good quality.

The device leaves a very good impression both in the consumer area, as well as in the pro audio area, although an analog XLR input format is unfortunately missing for the professional studio area.

Additional Informations:

- Fostex is a Japanese audio equipment manufacturer that was founded in 1973. The company is known for producing a wide range of high-quality audio equipment, including studio monitors, headphones, digital recorders, and other recording gear. Fostex products are popular among musicians, producers, and audio engineers around the world, and the company has a reputation for producing reliable, high-quality gear at a range of different price points.

One of Fostex's most popular product lines is its range of studio monitors. The company produces a variety of monitor models, from small near-field monitors to large, high-powered monitors for larger studio spaces. Fostex monitors are known for their accurate sound reproduction and high-quality build, and they are used in recording studios around the world.

Another popular product line from Fostex is its range of digital recorders. The company produces a range of portable and desktop recorders, including models that are designed for professional use in recording studios. Fostex recorders are known for their high-quality sound and reliable performance, and they are used by musicians, podcasters, and other content creators around the world.

Fostex also produces a range of headphones, including models that are designed for professional use in recording studios. Fostex headphones are known for their comfortable design and accurate sound reproduction, and they are a popular choice among musicians and producers who need to monitor their recordings in detail.

In addition to its hardware products, Fostex also produces a range of software plugins that are designed to work with its recording gear. These plugins include EQs, compressors, and other effects, and they are used by producers and engineers around the world to shape the sound of their recordings.

Overall, Fostex is a company that is known for producing high-quality, reliable audio equipment at a range of different price points. Its products are used by musicians, producers, and engineers around the world, and the company has a reputation for being a trusted source of audio gear for professionals and hobbyists alike. Whether you're building a home studio or outfitting a professional recording space, Fostex is a brand that should be on your radar if you're looking for high-quality audio gear.

- Headphone amplifiers, also known as headphone amps, are devices designed to boost the audio signal sent to a pair of headphones. They are typically used to enhance the listening experience for audiophiles, musicians, and recording professionals, who require high-quality audio playback and monitoring.

Headphone amplifiers come in a variety of sizes and styles, ranging from portable, battery-powered models to larger, stationary units that can be used in a studio or home setting. They can be standalone devices or built into other audio equipment, such as mixers or audio interfaces.
The main purpose of a headphone amplifier is to increase the power of the audio signal sent to the headphones. This allows for a more dynamic and detailed listening experience, particularly with high-quality headphones that require more power to produce their best sound.

Headphone amplifiers also provide additional benefits, such as improved soundstage and more accurate tonal balance. They can help to reduce distortion and noise, leading to a cleaner and clearer sound. Some models also offer additional features, such as EQ controls or built-in digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that can further enhance the listening experience.

One important consideration when choosing a headphone amplifier is impedance. Impedance refers to the resistance of the headphones, and different headphones will have different impedance ratings. Some headphone amplifiers are designed to work with a specific range of impedance ratings, so it's important to choose an amplifier that is compatible with your headphones.

Another consideration is portability. Portable headphone amplifiers are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them ideal for use on the go. They often come with rechargeable batteries and can be used with smartphones, laptops, and other mobile devices.

For those looking for a more stationary option, larger desktop headphone amplifiers are available. These models are designed to provide high-quality sound in a home or studio setting and often come with additional features such as balanced inputs and outputs, multiple headphone outputs, and digital interfaces.

In conclusion, headphone amplifiers are a useful tool for anyone who requires high-quality audio playback or monitoring. They can improve the sound quality of your headphones, providing a more dynamic and detailed listening experience. When choosing a headphone amplifier, consider factors such as impedance, portability, and additional features to find the model that best fits your needs.