TEST: Palmer PHDA 02

 Times change. Not really an innovative statement, but every now and then there are companies that are more affected than others by the sometimes radical restructuring of the entire music business. What is left of companies and their structure after overcoming Covid-19 is also a completely different matter. One of these companies is the Palmer company. Founded in 1980, the company, which belongs to the Adam Hall Association, has always had a two-pronged approach, which culminated in a pro audio area for stage and studio concerns and a guitar area. Despite some excellent guitar amplifiers of the type "three", the Made In Germany area, which always had a slight exotic bonus, could not hold up and was almost evaporated except for a few practice amplifiers, while the audio tools area is maintained and regularly comes up with new products. One of the newest offshoots of this guild is the Palmer PHDA 02, a headphone of the reference class, which once again comes up with a few features of the special class, typical for Palmer.

The construction of the Palmer PHDA 02

If someone had prophesied to me about 20 - 30 years ago what importance headphone amplifiers would have in the distant future and what kind of trench warfare would sometimes arise over the "best" headphone amp plus the right headphones, I could only have shook my head. Headphones in themselves were something to serve up classical concerts in the consumer area in a cozy place, in the pro audio area headphone amplifiers only appeared in the recording rooms in order to be able to guarantee monitoring during live recordings of a band. A headphone amplifier in the control room? Why, there are appropriate near-field and mid-field monitors for that.

Times are changing, thanks to DAWs on steroids and computers with affordable performance, the space required to create a successful recording has lost massive importance, which has led to a multiplication of project and budget studios. In order to be able to monitor the sound at any volume at any time, more and more headphones are being used, sometimes even as A monitors, which has changed their status accordingly.

In order to be able to survive in this market, especially if you have the personal aspiration to get involved in the reference class, you have to have a few aces up your sleeve. But Palmer wouldn't be Palmer if it didn't once again call at least one feature its own that would stand out from the majority of the competition. But everything in order.

It is well known that the Palmer company has an ambivalent relationship to the tasteful coloring of their products. Just like the Monicon XL,

https://www.amazona.de/test-palmer-monicon-xl-monitorcontroller/

which technically convinces many customers, but optically already requires a certain relaxation, the Palmer PHDA 02 with a mixture of dark burgundy as the housing color and black front panel could also put one or the other aesthetes to the test in terms of resilience.

In terms of processing, however, there are no complaints about the product made in Europe. The structure is massive, the designs valuable. Even the on / off switch, which at first glance is only made of simple, black plastic, offers a hard, guided switching impulse, which attests a certain something as soon as the product is switched on. The case has the dimensions of half a 19 inch rack format and can be placed in a 1 U rack slot with a little personal effort. I could not find any corresponding rack wings in the range of accessories, especially since the absence of the typical triple holes on the side parts of the housing also suggests that such an accessory is not intended. For regular operation, the case rests on four small but comparatively strong rubber feet, which also offer an excellent grip on smooth surfaces.

The backside

The first "hurrah" effect appears when looking at the back of the case. A real IEC socket! Anyone who shrugs their shoulders and says "yes, so what?" has not yet noticed how more and more products, even in the pro audio sector, are being equipped with external power supplies in favor of easier handling with regard to the different mains voltages worldwide. To counteract this problem, Palmer simply installed a multi-voltage power supply internally, which covers all common mains voltages from 100 - 240 volts. Sometimes practical solutions can be so simple. The corresponding main fuse can also be accessed from the outside. Next to it are two left/right combination sockets (TRS and lockable (!) XLR) with corresponding link outputs for daisy chains or corresponding staggering of further PHDA 02 units. In order to counteract any mains hum, which occurs more frequently than expected in project and budget studios, the product also has a ground lift switch.

The front

On the front of the Palmer PHDA 02 it quickly becomes clear that the amplifier was designed for a maximum of 2 headphones, which together have an interesting selection option or the individual channels. The device allows three different operating modes: stereo, mono and dual mono. In the stereo operating mode, the left/right input signals are passed on to the corresponding earphones. The volume is determined by the left potentiometer labeled Stereo Left. In mono mode, the left / right channels are summed to form a mono signal and routed identically to both headphone outputs. The volume is again determined by the stereo control. In the Dual Mono operating mode, the left and right channels can be used independently of one another and the volume can also be adjusted separately for each headphone.

Now we come to the big plus point that distinguishes the Palmer PHDA 02. Whenever it comes to testing a headphone amplifier, the comment sections are overflowing with the usual pros and cons of different headphone impedances and the associated differences in sound and, above all, volume. Palmer has put a stop to this problem with the PHDA 02 by using a specially developed transformer to ensure that all headphones with a load impedance between 8 and 600 ohms can be operated equally. According to Palmer, this unusual and complex solution enables equally good dynamics and an extremely low background noise level for all connected headphones. Practice will tell.

When it comes to accessories, the Palmer PHDA 02 is extremely spartan. In addition to a power cable, there is also an operating manual printed on both sides, in English and German, on a single DIN A4 sheet, which has an extremely small letter size. The nice thing about this manual is the reduction to the essentials and the avoidance of whole explanations from other manufacturers, some of which seem esoteric. Half a page for safety information, an eighth page for scope, an eighth page for specifications, and a quarter page for structure and operation. Honestly a real blessing.

The Palmer PHDA 02 in practice

First of all I checked the often mentioned hum problem in combination with headphone amplifiers. "Unfortunately" there were no problems here in my studio, so I wasn't able to test the Ground Lift for its area of application. A Beyerdynamic DT 990 with 250 ohms, a Beyerdynamic T1 with 600 ohms and inferior iPhone headphones of unknown origin were used, probably with an impedance of around 10 ohms.

It is indeed impressive how the automatic impedance detection is handled by the amplifier and how comparatively "round" all headphones react to the different volume levels. With its 400 mW, the Palmer PHDA 02 offers a very high volume, which most high-quality headphones can never exhaust anyway. The Beyerdynamic T1, for example, has a maximum excursion of 200 mW, so the amplifier will probably be operated mainly in the lower range. Various recorded instruments such as drums, guitars (clean and high gain), funk loops, several classical piano concerts and some current rock / pop productions via Spotify Premium in HD quality were used as sound material.

As expected, the Palmer PHDA 02 coped excellently with any sound material. Impulse behavior, headroom and a consistently relaxed reproduction of the sound material made working with the amplifier a real pleasure.

Conclusion

With the Palmer PHDA 02, the manufacturer has an excellent headphone amplifier with some very good detailed solutions in its portfolio. Signal processing in the dual mono process or the automatic management of the different headphone impedances are just a few points with which the amplifier scores in practice.

The retail price of 301 euros is really reasonable, especially in direct comparison with other manufacturers. If you are currently looking for a suitable amplifier for high-quality headphones, you should definitely try the Palmer PHDA 02.

Comprehensive Report on Palmer Audio: A Leading Audio Equipment Manufacturer

Introduction:
Palmer Audio is a renowned company that specializes in the design, production, and distribution of high-quality audio equipment. Founded in 1980, the company has consistently delivered innovative products and exceptional customer service, establishing itself as a leading player in the audio industry. This report provides an in-depth analysis of Palmer Audio, including its history, product range, manufacturing processes, market presence, and future prospects.

Company History and Background:
Palmer Audio was established by Mr. John Palmer in 1980. Initially, the company focused on providing audio solutions for local recording studios and musicians. Over the years, Palmer Audio expanded its operations and diversified its product range to cater to a broader consumer base. Today, the company serves various industries, including recording studios, live performances, broadcast, and home audio.

Product Range:
Palmer Audio offers a wide array of audio equipment that encompasses professional audio tools and accessories. The company's product range includes:

a) Audio Interfaces: Palmer Audio manufactures high-quality audio interfaces that enable seamless audio signal transfer between various devices, such as computers, mixers, and speakers. These interfaces are designed to deliver superior sound quality and low latency, making them suitable for both studio and live applications.

b) DI Boxes: Palmer Audio is renowned for its extensive line of DI (Direct Injection) boxes. These devices are used to connect instruments, such as guitars, basses, and keyboards, directly to audio systems. Palmer Audio's DI boxes are known for their robust construction, exceptional signal clarity, and noise reduction capabilities.

c) Speaker Simulators: The company also specializes in designing speaker simulators, which allow guitarists and bassists to capture the sound characteristics of different speakers and cabinets. Palmer Audio's simulators offer a versatile range of tonal options, ensuring an authentic and customizable sound experience.

d) Effect Pedals: Palmer Audio manufactures a range of effect pedals that cater to the needs of musicians and audio enthusiasts. These pedals include overdrive, distortion, modulation, and delay effects, among others. Palmer Audio's effect pedals are highly regarded for their durability, versatility, and premium sound quality.

e) Cable Solutions and Accessories: In addition to its core product offerings, Palmer Audio provides a comprehensive range of cables, connectors, and other audio accessories. These products are designed to deliver reliable connections and enhance overall audio performance.

Manufacturing Processes and Quality Control:
Palmer Audio maintains stringent manufacturing processes to ensure the production of high-quality audio equipment. The company leverages advanced technologies and precision engineering techniques throughout its manufacturing facilities. Each product undergoes rigorous quality control tests and inspections at various stages of the production process to ensure adherence to strict performance standards. Palmer Audio's commitment to quality has earned the trust of professionals worldwide.

Market Presence and Customer Base:
Palmer Audio has a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. The company's products are widely distributed through authorized dealers, online platforms, and retail outlets. Palmer Audio has developed a loyal customer base comprising professional musicians, audio engineers, recording studios, and enthusiasts. The company's commitment to delivering reliable and innovative audio solutions has contributed to its growing market share and positive reputation within the industry.

Research and Development:
Palmer Audio emphasizes continuous research and development (R&D) to stay at the forefront of audio technology. The company invests significant resources in exploring new sound technologies, improving product performance, and addressing customer feedback. By closely monitoring industry trends and customer demands, Palmer Audio consistently introduces new and innovative products to meet evolving market needs.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility:
Palmer Audio recognizes the importance of sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The company actively implements eco-friendly practices in its manufacturing processes and packaging materials. Moreover, Palmer Audio supports local communities through various initiatives, including educational programs, partnerships with nonprofit organizations, and sponsorships of music-related events.

Future Prospects:
Palmer Audio is well-positioned for future growth and success in the competitive audio equipment industry. The company's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction provides a strong foundation for its expansion plans. Palmer Audio aims to continue introducing cutting-edge products, expanding its market reach, and strengthening its partnerships with industry professionals and organizations.

Conclusion:
Palmer Audio's rich history, diverse product range, commitment to quality, and market presence make it a leading player in the audio equipment industry. With its innovative solutions and customer-centric approach, the company is poised to maintain its reputation as a trusted brand among professionals and enthusiasts alike. As technology and consumer demands evolve, Palmer Audio's dedication to delivering exceptional audio experiences ensures its continued success in the market.