X1HA-EPx Feature Packed Portable Amp Series
True amplifier design just like in high-end amplifiers
Two models available:
X1HA-EPC with Buffered Class AB matched bipolar transistor output
X1HA-EPT with Texas Instruments TPA6120 high performance headphone amp chip
OPA2134 TI Sound Plus™ high performance buffer op amps
No input or output capacitors in audio signal path for pristine audio
Exceptional linearity over extended frequency range DC to 550000Hz (550kHz)
Output power up to 940mW RMS into 32 ohm
Headphone impedance handling from 16 ohm to 600 ohm
Very low distortion down to 0.004% @ 1kHz (X1HA-EPC), ultra low channel crosstalk and noise
Gain control function for source compatibility, extended dynamic range and headphone
impedance matching
Stereo Field Simulator circuit for real stereo simulation
Built in rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack (world voltage charger included with package)
Extended battery life, 16 hours on single charge (4 hours recharge time)
Amplifier measures only 4.82L x 2.72W x 1.1H(Inch), 123L x 69W x 28H(mm)
Aluminum case for strength and reduced electrical interference
Please read more about the details of this exceptional portable amp below.
Data, specification sheet and user guide links provided on this page for details of each X1HA series model.
Introduction to the X1HA Series Amplifiers
ATP Systems remains committed to providing the best possible value in our Xenos Audio headphone amplifiers. No one else offers our quality of product and available features with affordable pricing. Every product we create is revolutionary, each introducing new and beneficial technologies to the field of headphone amps. The X1 Headphone Amplifier (X1HA) series is our newest and greatest achievement to date. Boasting a full suite of powerful features, and at least as many exciting innovations of our own design, the X1HA is not just the best value in portable headphone amps, but one of the very best portable amps period.
The X1HA-EPC amplifier is the high end version in the X1HA series. It's output stage design is a complete discrete matched pair bipolar transistor Class AB configuration specifically designed for the audiophile demanding exceptional performance in a versatile portable headphone amplifier package. The X1HA-EPT is the high end budget version utilizing the Texas Instruments TPA6120 high performance headphone amp chip.
True amplifier design for accurate sound
The biggest problem in many headphone amplifier designs is the disturbing lack of true amplifier circuitry. Audio electrical signals have two halves, just like any alternating voltage; a positive half and a negative half. The X1HA series employs a full dual rail amplifier design from input-to-output, based on established and proven high-end power amplifier designs. It employs a true amplifier design amplifying both the negative and the positive half of an audio signal natively without the need for distortion enhancing coupling or output capacitors in the audio signal path. Doing all of this with current and voltage levels most useful to a pair of headphones. The X1HA comes in a choice of two output stage options.
For both models the input buffer, gain control and SFS circuit are identical.
X1HA-EPC model
The X1HA-EPC model amp specifically employs a custom designed buffered high-end Class AB discrete amplifier output stage, built with high quality matched pair bipolar transistors. The Class AB output stage provides more defined high-end performance, improved impedance matching over a wide headphone impedance range, lower distortion, noise and channel to channel cross talk though careful design of the audio signal paths and inter-stage impedance matching.
The X1HA-EPC amplifier utilizes the Texas Instruments OPA2134 Sound Plus™ op amp in two separate buffer stages. One op amp is used as the input buffer which also provides the gain control function and drives the SFS circuit. The second op amp is used as the dedicated output transistor driver. The circuit board tracks are Gold plated to provide least possible resistance for the audio signals by eliminating corrosion and thereby improve the pure sound of the amplifier.
The balance achieved is one of efficiency for portable application, and exceptional quality and performance in audio reproduction. More technical details are provided in the data sheet and specification sheet, links are provided on this page.
X1HA-EPT model
The X1HA-EPT model makes use of the Texas Instruments TPA6120 high performance headphone amp chip. The TPA6120 is a high performance amplifier built on a current-feedback architecture. The 3 key features that make current-feedback amplifiers ideal for audio are a high slew rate which reduces distortion, secondly current-on-demand enabling the amplifier to respond rapidly under heavy load conditions with minimal output distortion and thirdly gain independent frequency response providing exceptional linearity over the full bandwidth of the amplifier.
The TPA6120 although not as stellar as that of the custom Class AB configuration of the X1HA-EPT model, still proves to be an exceptional performer allowing us to produce a budget version of the X1HA amp with all the same features. Indeed the TPA6120 chip surprised us in lab tests, it can really take a lot of punishment and still survive retaining its excellent performance characteristics. More technical information can be read about this exceptional amp chip by visiting the Texas Instruments web site, click on this link (a new page will open): TPA6120 info
The X1HA series amps feature a Stereo Field Simulator (SFS) function. A first for Xenos Audio, amps, simply put this circuit simulates the effect of listening to music from speakers or of live performances by mixing small amounts of the Left and Right channels together in varying proportions across the audio spectrum and slightly delaying these cross-fed signals thereby simulating distance to speakers. Our reason for not including such a circuit until now is quite simply that no design topology previously existed, which completely removed the crossfeed circuitry from the signal path in the amplifier once the effect was turned off. To solve this dilemma we designed the SFS circuit. Other designs leave seemingly insignificant grounding and feedback capacitors or other components attached to parts of the audio signal path. These components however do cause variations in the way the amplifier behaves and therefore alter the sound of the audio even when the user has selected that there be no change, i.e when the crossfeed circuit is disabled. Using comprehensive multi-point switching and a quality ALPS selector switch, our new design completely removes every aspect of the SFS circuit when the switch on the front panel is set in the defeat position. Electrically and physically it’s as if the SFS circuit never existed. This means that at the push of a button you can have either a well balanced and natural simulated stereo field, or the pure clean and accurately reproduced full stereo audio you would expect from our Xenos Audio headphone amplifier designs.
"Gain"-ing a new feature :
On many pro audio products, from mixers to instrument amplifiers to microphones, you will generally find a ‘gain’ control function. Gain control is a very useful control allowing a user to maximize dynamic range, while minimizing the noise floor and distortion of a system. We’ve included a user-friendly version of this control on the X1HA series amps. A push button switch allows the user to boost the gain of the amplifier by a further 10dB. This simple control provides at least three significant benefits. Firstly by using lower gain setting in high level signal situations (such as line output from CD/DVD player), the input buffer is able to work with an optimized lower amplification ratio. This minimizes distortion and noise, and provides a better load coefficient for the source, minimizing the source device’s output load and therefore its distortion. In a lower gain position, the volume control also has increased resolution, allowing the user to more finely tune to that perfect volume level. When amplifying from a low level source (such as a headphone output jack) the 10dB gain boost function comes in very handy and enables the input buffer to provide a stable high level drive signal for the output amplifier section. This prevents distortion in the system since the input buffer does not have to drive the output amplification stage as hard to reach the desired output level. Secondly, a useful byproduct of the gain control function is that it aids with headphone impedance adaptability by effectively “tuning” the amplifier gain to the headphone impedance. This enables the X1HA to comfortably handle a wide range of headphone impedances from 16 Ohm to 600 Ohm very effectively. Thirdly the gain control function extends the overall dynamic range of the amplifier thereby providing a more natural audio reproduction. The inclusion of this gain control feature on both X1HA models is another revolutionary way in which Xenos Audio tries to provide the best possible audio to the end user.
Power to listen by
Contrary to many beliefs, power supply design in fact plays a significant role in ensuring the highest quality audio reproduction. A true audio amplifier requires a power source capable of high current, stable regulated voltage and very low ripple. A complete high performance dual-rail power supply system is a must. Of course the only available technology capable of meeting these critical power source requirements small enough, and light enough to be made portable is found in switch mode designs. Our very first amplifier, the X3HA used this technology very successfully. We continue this successful legacy in the X1HA series amplifiers. Other audio designs shy away from this type of complicated power supply system as it is extremely difficult and expensive to design into a form suitable for audio. They resort to single rail, dual battery or other inferior power supply designs, or use pre-manufactured DC converters which are noisy and produce distortion in the amplifier system. Our audio-grade switch mode power supplies are designed in house to match the specific needs of the X1HA amplifiers, maximizing small size, and highly desirable ultra low noise and ripple characteristics. The result is clean pure audio to the headphones. Unique to Xenos Amplifiers we believe this to be one of the greatest strengths.
The power switch and DC charging jack are located on the rear panel of the amplifier. The charger can be used to power the amplifier while at the same time it charges the internal LiIon battery pack in about 4 hours. The charger is a universal voltage type which means it can be used anywhere in the world with AC voltages ranging from 100-240VAC and 50/60Hz frequency.
Lithium Ion rechargeable battery
In long standing Xenos tradition, we’re about to turn portable headphone amplifier technology on it’s head. From generating true dual-rail supply from a 9V battery, to being the first to use dedicated switch mode systems in a portable amp, it seems only fitting that our next amplifier be just as cutting edge. Just as no one else has done before the X1HA uses a high capacity internal rechargeable Lithium Ion power source. Lithium Ion batteries, (Li-Ion) have been the mainstay of high-end portable media players and portable computers for years now. We thought it was about time that high-end portable headphone amplifiers finally caught up. Included with every amplifier is a complete Li-Ion battery pack that lasts about 16 hours on a full charge, longer than the full range of most portable media players. No more changing batteries, no more wasting money on replacements, plug in the charger after a long days use, and 4 hours later be ready for another full day of great sounding music.
More than a blue light
The black case and blue LED combination has become a tradition for Xenos Audio headphone amps, and as with earlier products we have included a Low Voltage Warning System (LVWS) with that “blue LED light”. When the internal battery reaches a discharged state, it is no longer able to provide proper voltage and current to the amplifier. At this point clipping and all manner of unseemly audio distortion would normally start to occur. The LVWS circuitry eliminates this undesirable discharged battery condition. Under normal battery voltage the blue LED acts as a power indicator, upon detecting that the internal Li-Ion battery pack is close to the discharged state the LVWS circuit causes the blue LED to “blink” informing the user of a low battery voltage condition. This convenient system tells the user when battery recharge is needed. It eliminates the low quality, distorted audio situation which would otherwise be the only indication that the battery needs recharging.
Aluminum case for a new face
In keeping with our revolutionary theme, the X1HA series is the first Xenos portable headphone amplifier to be housed in an Aluminum alloy case. The Aluminum case is finished in a high performance scratch resistant matte black powder coating. This custom case is manufactured for ATP Systems by a leading Aluminum case manufacturer in terms of quality and durability. To achieve accuracy in production, we do all of the end panel CNC machining in house. The result is a very precise and robust enclosure. The case itself is effectively only three pieces: front panel, back panel, and the four other sides formed as a single unit. This virtual uni-body construction offers incredible strength and light weight. As a result accidentally running over the X1HA with your car would have little to no effect (we tested this but don't suggest you do). More importantly, an Aluminum case was chosen for it’s specific electrical properties. The conductive case creates a highly shielded environment, protecting the delicate audio signals within from even the harshest electromagnetic and radio interference (important in portable applications). Audio passing through the X1HA is kept free of interference allowing pristine amplification of the audio signals.
DATA SHEET
www.xenos-audio.com/Xenos-Prod/X1HA/X1-EPx-datasheet-V1.0.pdf