Oppo Sonica DAC - A Misunderstood But Must Have DAC!

Yes. To me this is the most misunderstood hifi kit for 2017. Is it a DAC? Pre amp? Streamer? Media player? What is the difference with the excellent HA-1 unit. Well, there are a lot of difference between them. Some of them that I can list down:

1. The Sonica uses ESS ES9038PRO SABRE DAC while the HA-1 uses the SABRE³²Reference ES9018

2. The headphone amp section have been taken off in the Sonica

3. The network capability have been added into the Sonica. This to me is the most significant addition to the unit.

4. Off goes the remote from the Sonica and replaced with an app.

THE BUILT AND SPECS

The Sonica comes in a similar width and length as the HA-1. However the heigh is lower as you can see below when I stack both of them together. It actually looks kind of cool together. One thing about Oppo, their fascia and display design is one of the best out there. The glossy finish of the chassis and also control knobs are of very high quality and classy looking. Their black design is like Mont Blanc in the fashion world.

In the rear, you will get the usual galore of inputs and outputs where the output also offer balanced XLR connection. All of the RCA sockets are of gold plated. Putting in my Audience RCA, it snuggly fits onto the sockets.

With the network capability added, you can access your digital music either from:

1. Internet - Spotify and TIDAL supported
2. Network Access Storage (NAS) - The unit will play directly all your files once its on the same network
3. Hooking up a laptop or PC to its asynchronous USB input at the rear and use the Sonica impeccable DAC chip
4. Hooking up a HDD or thumbdrive into the USB input at the rear or front
5. Hooking up an analogue source either a tape deck or phono stage or even conventional CD player. 
6. Via Airplay directly from your iPhone/iPod/iPad
7. Via Bluetooth connectivity

Digital Inputs:

• 1 x coaxial
• 1 x optical
• 1 x asynchronous USB
• 1 x USB for HDD
• 1 x USB for iPod/iPhone

Analogue Input:

• 1 x stereo Aux In

Output:

• 1 x stereo RCA
• 1 x XLR Balanced

THE SET UP

The Sonica was set up in several ways for this review:

1. Via USB input from 2 different sources - Sony HAP Z1 ES and the current craze Tinkerboard

2. Wireless via Wifi

3. Wired via ethernet

4. Via Bluetooth

The first test is of course stability. The recent streamers that I reviewed came in different level of stability. After nearly 10 years of streaming, I get quite annoyed when a streamer that claims to stream wirelessly Hi Res Audio up to DSD, but could not deliver the stability when the digital files are being played. I can understand 10 years ago, but in today's environment, I expect my wireless music to be streamed without lag or long buffers. My NAS and router is only about 2 feet away from my set up. So nothing is blocking the wireless signal.

....and the Sonica is currently the MOST STABLE streamer I have experienced at this price tag. I played various Hi Res files from my NAS for a straight 24 hours and not once it lagged nor stop playing. This is already big advantage over a lot of other players.

However, I do face an issue via USB when I change from track to track (DSD files). The Sonica gives me a loud 'pop' sound on my speakers. It happened on both Sony player and Tinkerboard. Tried different USB cables but still problem persists.

THE SESSION

I would not really bother playing low bit MP3s when you have a sophisticated unit like this. The 3 tracks I use here are:

1. Louisiana 1927 by Aaron Neville (16/44 ALAC)

2. Somewhere, Somebody by Jennifer Warmes (2.8 MHz DSD)

3. Take Five  by Dave Brubeck (2.8  MHz DSD)

Sonica with Tinkerboard - Aaron Neville

On a basic file like this, the Sonica expanded the overall ambient of the whole track. It brought up the emotions delivered by Aaron to a new level. The simple bass line on this track sounds deeper than usual and the clarity of the snare wire dispersion somehow sounded more luscious.  Even the rim shot sounded very natural.  Aaron's vocal was full of emotion and the Sonica just governs the whole track with such a huge soundstage that I thought I was in a concert hall.

Sonica and Sony HAP Z1 ES - Jennifer Warnes

With DSD files, the Sonica could still present a different perspective of how the sound is. I have tested a few DACs that can actually outperform SONY internal DAC but somehow, the ones that can actually do that is priced at level that I am not willing to swipe my VISA card.  The Sonica however, managed to provide me with that different experience even with an already good DSD file. Again, the bass line on the intro on this track was really deep that I can hear or feel the string vibration. I just love the details that Sonica unleash. And the percussion on this track was capture and replayed by the Sonica in a very three dimensional way that again, it created a very huge ambient on my system. 

Sonica and Sony HAP Z1 ES - Dave Brubeck

What can I say, I love DSD. Some may debate whether the commercial files we purchase is truly Hi Res DSD (how can we enhance something on a track when it was not there to begin with). At this point, I cant really think about things that is out of my control. I get files, I listen to them and I feel its better than Redbook CD... then to me its better. Regardless of what the remasters or re-engineering  of the tracks entail. I cant do a review of a kit without playing this track Take Five of Dave Brubeck. Its like my Holy Grail when it comes to Jazz and bass experience. On this track, the low end notes from the percussion is very distinct and hard digs deep as well. But it does not take away the huge soundstage and luscious dispersion of the snare and ride cymbal. The Sonica somehow injects a certain musicality trait into the presentation that is quite a different experience.

SO...DO I GO WIRELESS OR WIRED OR DIRECT USB?

I replayed all the tracks in different ways. I must nothing can still beat a direct hook from a HDD or player via USB onto the DAC. If you music is on a NAS, try to connect the Sonica via the wired ethernet method. I feel this give a meatier presentation. The wireless method eventhough stable, it does lack some emotion and liveliness.

OTHER PERFORMANCE

Using Spotify and Tidal was a breeze. Only on this unit, I started to realize the the advantage of Tidal over Spotify when it comes to SQ. Tidal Masters sounds delightfully musical on this Sonica. The same tracks above sounded quite energetic with a good balance overall. It still not at par as the DSD files I have. But for Tidal and Spotify subscription rate, it is still good.

CONCLUSIONS

At RM4200, this streamer meets all what you need in this modern streaming era. Stability, above expectation SQ, ease of use apps, stylish design and most importantly, it offers great flexibility with regards various files that it can adapt to. For an instant upgrade to your digital files experience, the Sonica can easily give you a more in depth bass experience but at the same time balances it with a surreal soundstaging experience.

Do audition this unit in CMY if possible if you are in the market for a new fuss free streamer.

Oppo HA-2 SE DAC Headphone Amp - Portable SQ Is Possible

Oppo...a name that has been building up in the past 5 to 10 years. Not only on mobile phones but in the AV and HiFi sector. Along the way, Oppo has started to offer its high quality SQ to the portable market. As an owner of their excellent HA-1 dedicated DAC/pre amp/headphone amp, I am quite familiar with its sound signature. Thanks to Adrian Lee of OppoDigital Malaysia, I landed myself with the latest offering -  The HA2 SE. I now have the opportunity to experience Oppo sound quality wherever I go.

BUILT AND SPECS

As usual, Oppo does not compromise on packaging and built. Neatly packed and well laid out makes the luxury feeling even better. The leather wrapped unit is ultra slim makes it to be a truly portable design. 7 years ago I was very into portable music with using separate DACs and Amp beside the source itself. But after several years of struggle to understand why a bulky DAC amp is considered to be portable, I decided to restrict the on-the-go listening to directly from the source. This is due to my frequent travel that I actually need a separate pouch to carry the bulky DAC amp and the source. Not with this HA2SE unit. It is so slim and light that it even fit my jeans. 

Under the leather wrapped unit, you can find the Hi-res USB DAC ESS Sabre32 Reference ES9028-K2M chip for Apple/Android/PC/Mac usage. It also supports 384 kHz / 32 bit PCM and DSD 256. Coupled with a hybrid class AB amplification, this unit should deliver high quality sound. Big expectation.

The HA2SE comes equipped with:

• All the necessary cables - Lighting Apple, Android micro USB for digital connection and 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm analogue connection
• VOOC Rapid charger - charges the unit up to 70% in 30 mins
• 2 rubber bands to pack the unit and your source together.

On the side, you can see the power indicator, button to chose high or low gain and also a button put the unit into a power bank mode to charge your phone. There is also a bass booster button. The on and off button is incorporated in the volume know on the top. Turn it until it clicks to turn off or on. At the top and bottom is where the connections are:

• One USB A connection for Apple (bottom)
• One micro USB for Android/MAC/PC (bottom)
• Input selector button (bottom)
• Analogue Audio in/Analogue Audio out
• Headphone out

Click here for Full Specification.

FIRST IMPRESSION

Quick connection to my newly purchased Sony XPERIA XZ mobile phone to this unit via 3.5 mm connection, the sound can be described as airy and open. Not much bass response when using my IEM RHA MA750 and MF EB50. But clarity and detail are the main strength at this stage.

THE TRACKS

• Take Five - Dave Brubeck (DSD)
• Lelaki Teragung - Dayang Nurfaizah (DSD)
• Atlas Rise - Metallica (WAV 16/44.1)
• Lompat Si Katak Lompat - Kombo RTM (LP Ripped WAV 16/44.1)
• Planetarium  - Justin Hurwitz (WAV 16/44.1)

THE SESSION

For analogue, I use the unit with my Sony XPERIA XZ as a source and for digital, I connect my Mac via micro USB connection to the unit.

The headphone I used is Beyerdynamic T1 and IEMs are RHA MA750 and MF EB50.

Analogue Connection

I can't seem to get the Sony Xperia XZ to detect the HA2SE as an external DAC, hence had to connect it via analogue 3.5 - 3.5 mm input.  With DSD files like Take Five and Lelaki Teragung, I noticed that the Xperia benefit from having an external amplification immediately. Given that DSD tracks are mastered with a lower output, the HA2SE injected some energy to the music regardless I was using my IEMs or the Beyer T1. Low end notes digs deeper especially with my T1. On Take Five, the percussion is sound dispersed which creates quite an airy atmosphere which I like. It frees up my IEMs and T1 further and feel less constrained. With vocal like Dayang Nurfaizah, it really brings out the energy and strong vocals of hers. For this kind of ballad, the HA2SE provide quite an impressive drive to really belt out that emotion from this track.

With heavy metal music like Atlas Rise, it gives out quite an authoritative presentation especially on the T1. James's vocal sound upfront and quite dominating. The shredding guitars of Kirk can be a bit shrilling but it creates that metal sound that you would want. Lars's drums took a back seat as the kick drums were not really upfront compared to the snare.

I recently went into the practice of ripping some of my favourite LPs. One of them is not-in-the-market Kombo RTM lead by Alfonso Soliano. It was ripped to WAV files using a Sony Hi Res recorder via analogue connection. No clean ups were done hence it was a direct rip. Playing this through the HA2SE made me hear parts that was not really evident when I played this track via my my main system. And of course, the LP 'white noise' was also very evident.  Nevertheless, putting aside the noise, the HA2SE gave quite a bold sound signature on this track. The saxophone sounded big and the sound of the reed vibrating can sometimes be heard. I like the liveliness that the HA2SE injects.

Believe it or not, the last movie I watched at the cinema was La La Land. But it gave me quite an impact especially Justin Hurwitz genius stroke on the soundtrack of this movie. Planetarium consists of a mixture of wind instruments, piano, percussion and strings works. Through my T1, the HA2SE presented quite a fusion within all the instruments. The simplicity of the repeated tunes but with different instrument intensity was well presented by the HA2SE as it recreates the feeling I experienced while watching the movie. Splendid.

Digital Connection

After few weeks of meddling around with Sony Xperia - HA2SE digital connection via micro USB, I still could not get the OTG function to work. So to really test out the DAC inside the HA2SE, I had to connect it to my Mac. For this, it was straight forward. No drivers to download. My Mac recognized the HA2SE immediately and within seconds, I was already listening to my T1 via the HA2SE DAC.

DSD files being fed into the HA2SE breathed to a new height. It sounded even airier than just using the amplification of the unit. I gained more depth this time around. It might not be a fair comparison to challenge the DAC in the Sony Xperia but the ESS Sabre chip in this HA2SE unit definitely gave a different sound to this track. The percussion dispersion is even wider and the depth it goes to when hitting on the drums, push my T1 to a different level. I am quite used to an Oppo sound signature as I have been driving the T1 using the HA-1 headphone amp for a few years now. It reminds me a lot of the long sessions I have with the big brother amp. With Lelaki Teragung as well, the track becomes livelier with strong emotions of that track was delivered through this unit. DSD tracks were definitely the highlight of this review.

The LP ripped file didn't sound impressive as I believe that the DAC in the HA2SE really brings out the natural sound of the file. Being it is a 'dirty' file, the HA2SE presented it as it is but in an even higher clarity. At times it sounded quite pitchy and shrilling. Lessons learnt - feed good files to this unit.

For heavy metal test, it became more balanced between vocals, guitars, drums and bass. Feeding the track to the internal DAC of HA2SE definitely levels things up and it produced a more neutral sound. The bass and highs were still sufficient but it does not emphasise on one over another. 

The Planetarium also sounded very decent with good delivery of various level of intensity of the instrument. But this time around, it comes out to be even more in depth presentation. The details and clarity of each instrument seems to be one of the HA2SE strength here. It goes all out to push for detail delivery of the music.

CONCLUSIONS

With all these promising features, it seems that the HA2SE is really a bargain piece of portable DAC headphone at the retail price of RM1599. If there was one gripe that I have to highlight is that I still need to turn the volume up to about 4 on the knob to really do justice to my T1. For the IEMs, at level 2 and maximum 3, was sufficient to give me goosebumps with its neutrality but quite an authoritative presentation. The amp also does not really run that hot that it is quite pleasant to carry it around. Although I had to crank it up to level 4, but it did not make my T1 sound strained.

One plain advice is to feed this unit with good files. Do not feed heavily compressed files to this unit as it it highlight the very worst of those kind of files. Feed it with good lossless and uncompressed files especially DSD, you will be in for a surprise and fun listening sessions.

Now I wonder how will it sound connected to my main hifi as a dedicated DAC?

Oppo UDP203 - 4K UHD Just Got Better

When it comes to BluRay player, the name Oppo is on the top of the pedestal. Most people in the HT realm wants to own one. I always believe in Sony to be the best in BluRay; having to own the flagship BDP1SE but I too have succumbed to the mighty Oppo many years back with the purchase of BDP 95EU. I refuse to upgrade to the 105 as I was already satisfied with the 95EU.... and was not sure of what else can be better since it is still a Full HD BluRay format. At the same time, 4K UHD was already in the near horizon. So, I waited. Unfortunately, once the 4K UHD format was launched, Oppo did not follow the foot step of Samsung and Panasonic to immediate launch a player. They waited. But I could not so I purchased the Samsung a few months back. But this did not stop me to still purchase the Oppo when it came out in Malaysia end of Dec. Special thanks to Steve Chuah of CMY One Utama and Adrian Lee of Oppo Digital Malaysia. I basically received the unit as soon as it was available in Malaysia.

Given Oppo's stellar performance in BDP, it cannot be denied that the UDP 203 was the most anticipated 4K UHD piece of hardware, well at least on Facebook. I must admit that I was excited too. So, I had to do an Unboxing Video. Click here ---> Unboxing Video

I was advised to immediately update its firmware before even playing any movies. So I did. It went flawlessly on the first attempt wirelessly....downloaded via tethering to mobile phone as my Unifi was down that night!

FIRST IMPRESSION

As I have already seen what this model can do in AV Designs during the JVC Z1 projector launch, I immediately put on the Batman Vs Superman 4k disc to test the on/off HDR function. Voila! There is a distinct difference in the picture. I wanted to test this because:

1. My TV is a 4K non HDR model but still wanted to see what HDR can do on my TV
2. My Samsung 4K player could not activate HDR once a non HDR TV is detected.

So folks, HDR makes a different.  No longer one needs to be puzzled whether HDR is important or not since 4K UHD is already better than Full HD on Blu Ray. It is more about re-calibration once you get into HDR display.

Prefer Dolby Vision? Oppo said that the required hardware is already built in and the firmware for Dolby Vision will be released sometime in Q1 2017.

SPECIFICATION

What disc does this unit cannot play should be the question. The answer is VCD. Spin any latest disc format including DVDs, and this player will just read along.

It can decode the following:

• Analog Audio: 7.1ch, 5.1ch, stereo.
• Coaxial/Optical Audio: up to 2ch/192kHz PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS.
• HDMI Audio: up to 7.1ch/192kHz PCM, up to 5.1ch DSD, Bitstream.
• HDMI Video: UHD/1080p24/1080p/1080i/720p/576p/576i/480p/480i, 3D frame-packing 720p/1080p24.

The full specs can be found here

Now, if you look at the back panel, what is interesting is the HDMI IN. This unit is equipped with the state of the art 4K UHD Bluray decoder SoC OP8591. Connecting another player like your ASTRO BYond or Apple TV or even your Android TV, may benefit from the image decoder of this unit.

On audio side, the unit is equipped with a premium 32 bit DAC from AKM which is the AK4458VN. It is an 8 channel DAC with support for formats such as 24/192 PCM and multichannel DSD62/128.

Please take note on region coding and DSD playback:

• 4K UHD - No region. You can buy and spin any 4K UHD disc from anywhere in the world.
• BluRay - This unit is coded as Region A. So any locally purchased Region A blu ray disc (stand alone), will be compatible. HOWEVER, the coded Blu Ray that comes with the 4K UHD pack, can still be played on this player even though its coded B or C. Correction dated 9th Feb 2017 - I tried with Bluray region B, cannot be played. But C from Australia, still ok to be played.
• DVD - This unit is coded to Region 1 (USA), so locally purchased DVD coded 3, cannot be played on this player.
• At the time of review, although it could detect all my DSD files on my SONY player over the network, the Oppo could not play it. Still trying to figure out this one.
• Playing DSD files on a 2 TB external hard disk via the front USB have no issues. Worked like a charm

Very unfortunate that this is not a multiregion player for BD and DVD. It looks like I have to still keep my Samsung 4K player.

The unit comes with an exceptionally good remote with backlight auto activated as you pick it up. Nice touch there. Very unfortunate this unit does not come with a remote app at the moment.

The overall built of the player is of high standard material. Beautifully finished with well laid out front fascia and control buttons. LCD display is bright and clear which made it easy to be read from the sofa.

SETTING UP

It was straight forward just like any other player. Connect a HDMI cable (preferably the latest and highest spec if you have an HDR capable display) from the Oppo main HDMI out to your TV or AVR and the main display should appear on your telly. Settings are quite similar to my previous Samsung 4K player with the addition of setting the HDR to Auto, Off or On.

I let my Denon do all the processing for the audio side which it can do both Dolby ATMOS or DTS:X

I did not really change any settings from the default and let the player runs as it is.

THE PERFORMANCE

Here where the fun begins. First of all, reading a 4K disc seems to take sliiiigghtly longer than Samsung. Just a mere 4 to 5 seconds more. Not as long as the first Sony BD player back in 2007. That took ages. But the very first image that came out was already jaw dropping.

Having to play Batman Vs Superman again, I can appreciate darker and richer blacks on this Oppo compared to Samsung. For me, dark scenes are the one to test as it is vital that the player does not just give out a one smacked black background. Even though black is a dull colour but a good player needs to ensure that the black can still bounce out to give the audience a sense richness in the scene. This Oppo managed to show me how the dark scenes can shine and provided me with a richer appreciation towards it. Just look at Wonder Woman above. With HDR off, the skin colour tone appear 'energised' and layered with a pretty heavy dark sides and background. It is something that this model is much stronger compared to Samsung.

On bright scenes like in the movie The Angry Birds, the Oppo gives out quite a vivid display on the various colours of the birds (or pigs). You can argue that it was a CGI based movie but even with a movie like Everest, the snowy peaks of Everest still showed a good definition of colour tones. It does give a colour balance and make you put everything in perspective.

Bright whites and dark blacks are the tow things that this player can really define and relay to audience.

The fun does not apply to 4K BDs only. Popped in standard BD or DVD, the player will upscale and process the images to give quite a stunning upscaled pictures. The upscaling of my DVD movies is much better processed compared to my Samsung TV upscaling processing.

Another key performance is also with speed. I didnt experience any frame delays or glitches on high speed scenes like when Superman flies.Very smooth and engaging. I did hear that some people experience this but I did not.

On the audio side, it streams through ATMOS or DTS:X signal to my Denon AVR flawlessly. No lagging nor audio drop in any of the movie I played (5 all together to write this review).

CONCLUSIONS

Simplified - no nonsense performance is how I would summarise this unit. Oppo's decision to drop all the streaming apps was wise since most modern TVs already have them. Focus was given on what matters - video processing. Heck, it even provide a HDMI input to extend its supremacy in video processing to other players. For the price sold here in Malaysia RM3099, I can say that it truly provide the best 4K display currently in the market (well at least for Malaysia). I dont recommend this if streaming videos or music is your thing. This player is for the purist of AV-phile. Pop in a 4K disc, press play and enjoy. 

Oppo UDP 203 can be purchased in outlets like CMY, Actsessory and other AV shops.

Gear

Samsung UA65HU9000 65-inch Curve TV, Denon X6200W AVR, PMC Twenty.23 and C front and centre speakers, SVS Prime Satellite rear speakers SVS Prime Elevation height speakers, SVS subwoofer

Oppo Sonica Officially Launched in Malaysia

The new Oppo Sonica WiFi speakers was officially launched in Malaysia today. The event took place in Chandelier Wine and Dine on Jalan Syed Putra and was attended by various media reps including Mr. Dick Tan of 3DotEvent (KLIAV organiser). It was rather a simple affair but attendees were generally impressed with the Sonica which sounded big for a little guy. Steve Chua of CMY was also there to assist in ensuring the Sonica was set up to sound its best.

Mr. Adrian Lee, the sales manager of Oppo Electronics Malaysia presented the brief history and background of Oppo Digital which dated back to 2004 where they debut their DVD player. Followed by the Bluray players, headphones and headphone amp. 

 

The features of this Sonica fits nicely in most modern homes that aim for simplicity and yet, meeting the sound quality. The list of features can be obtained from their website but here are some of it:

• Support DNLA and UPNP, hence can play from NAS and USB thumbdrive
• Able to pair with another unit to set up a stereo sound 
• Multiroom capability via a single app
• Support hi res music up to 24/192 in various format
• ...and many more

The Sonica will be available for purchase starting next week from CMY and later from other authorized distributors. The RRP of the Sonica is RM1299.

From my experience listening to this unit, the unit can really go loud without sounding stress. It has high level of clarity and do not underestimate its bass reproduction. The wifi control seems to work well during the event but the ultimate test would be if a sample unit can be brought home and fully tested.

Thank you to Adrian and Oppo Digital Malaysia for the invite.

OPPO HA-2 and PM-3 Information and FAQ

As there was a request from OPPO to share this information, please find below some info of the HA-2 and PM-3 and also FAQ.

OPPO HA-1 As A System Main DAC

I have incorporated my OPPO HA-1 into my home cinema set up to act as the 'main' DAC for this system. A big step up in SQ from feeding the SONY CDP XB930E digitally to the Yamaha RXV2067 AVR.

I am liking it a lot. Will give it a go for a few weeks before a review is written.

Oppo HA-1 Headphone Amp - My New Eargasm

Just received the long awaited headphone amp.... excellente first impression...

As far  as I can remember... the 2 items I had to really wait for its debut were the Musical Fidelity CLiC and also the M6 DAC. But then comes this Oppo headphone amp. Another well publicised hifi gear even before it came into production. Well at least here in Malaysia. I have been reading about the item for over a year I think from international forums etc...and in July this year, I got to listen to them for the first time during the KLIAV show. But sad I was when Oppo rep said that the item will only be available by end of July....

And... end of July became mid Aug.... and mid Aug became 24th of Aug. Along those time, I requested directly from Steve Chua of CMY OU to reserve one for me and inform me immediately once the unit is available. And he fulfilled his promise..... Not even by 24th.... he messaged me in the morning of 21st Aug.... and with the blessing of the Home Finance Minister.... I went straight to his shop after work.

Didnt even bother to bring it home. Immediately asked Steve and Ting to unpack in the shop to have a listen to it.

FIRST IMPRESSION 

As I was not planning to buy the headphone itself, I tested it with Beyer Tesla T1.... which I purchased about a year ago from CMY as well. Put on Metallica Enter Sandman..... and the HA1 just started singing melodiously with tight bass from Lars's drums. And it sounded very spatial.

Not to mention that the display graphics when you turn it on is so sexy.... will load a video of it soon.

Pack it up.. and paid ..... and off back home...

DESIGN & BUILT

It is relatively a heavy unit weighing at about 6 KG unboxed. Sturdily built and beautifully finished in black metal casing....apparently it comes in silver as well... but black is sexier. 

There is grill on top of the unit to dissipate heat as this is a Class A amp, it does get a bit hot.

The LED display is to die for. Crystal clear and modern. Brightness can be dimmed and fully turned off as well.

The sockets for digital/analogue inputs and outputs are quite standard. My QED RCA and digital cable can be snugly fitted. I particularly like the 'mini' antenna for Bluetooth. Usually on other products, the antenna is longer than this even on Oppo BD player.

The power cable is also a bog standard cable but be warned.... similar to its BD player, it comes with a US plug. So make sure you have an adaptor to our local 3 pin  plug.

The front fascia is neatly laid out with soft touch power button. The LCD screen is not touch screen as my 1.5 years old boy gets frustrated  as nothing happens when he touches the screen heheheh. The volume and input selector is nicely sized for ease of operation and maintain it sleek look. 

The ipod/ipad/iphone USB cable also fits snugly into the USB port.... however, I prefer the port to be at the rear as once you have the cable inserted, it can be a bit extrusive. Not nice.

The remote control is nicely designed too with all the main function is available.

THE FEATURES & SPECIFICATION

Where do I start? One word to sum it up; Aplenty... 

INPUTS:

• 1 x coaxial
• 1 x optical
• 1 x AES/EBU
• 1 x USB-B
• 1 x USB-A (for Apple products)
• 1 x Bluetooth receiver (AptX capable)
• 1 x RCA analogue
• 1 x XLR Balanced
• 1 x trigger input

OUTPUTS:

• 1 x RCA analogue
• 1 x XLR Balanced
• 1x trigger output
• 1 x 6.3 mm headphone jack
• 1 x stereo balanced headphone jack

Do note that 2 headphones (balanced and unbalanced) CANNOT be driven together simultaneously.

I am not going bore you readers with the full specs details as it can be found here Oppo HA1 full specs.

However, one of the most impressive spec is the DAC. Oppo deploys the ESS Sabre32 DAC chip. Quoted from Oppo's website:

The SABRE³²Reference ES9018 from ESS Technology is the world’s best performing 32-bit audio DAC solution targeted for high-end consumer applications and professional studio equipment. With the ESS patented 32-bit Hyperstream™ DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the SABRE³² Reference DAC delivers an unprecedented DNR (Dynamic Range) of up to 135dB and THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise) of -120dB, the industry’s highest performance level that will satisfy even the most demanding audio enthusiast.

The neatest feature for me was the ability to set the RCA pre out to either fixed or varies output. I set it at FIXED, hence when connected to the Aux In on my BOSE Sound Wave, the volume pot on the HA1 is disabled, providing me just to control the volume on BOSE unit. And at the same time, the volume pot on the HA1 still works normally to control the volume for headphones connected to the unit.

Other features include ability to dim the display out completely, or one can choose to display either the source input details, VU meter or graphic equaliser and also an Android/iOS app to control the whole unit via bluetooth.

CONNECTIVITY

The bluetooth can easily be connected. After the first pairing done, the HA1 will automatically connect to any phone or tablet via BT once it has been fully recognised. And of course, no signal drop experienced so far. It will also detect if the unit connected to the HA1 is AptX enabled or not. 

THE SESSION

Headphones: Beyer Tesla T1, Alesssandro Grado MS Pro, BOSE Over The Ear

For the sake of simplicity, this review is only based on the Beyer T1 with a few comments on pairing of the other headphones.

Sources:

• iPod Touch connected via USB playing ALAC and 320 kbps MP3 files. A bit disappointed that it does not display the track details from the iPod on the from LCD screen.
• Samsung Galaxy Note 3 via Bluetooth playing 320kbps MP3 and FLAC files
• Sony CDP XB930E CD player via coaxial
• Apple Airport Express via optical
• NOTE: As I have yet to get into DSD files, the asynchronous USB B connection was not tested nor reviewed.

Tracks:

• We Are Young - Fun (ALAC from iPod)
• Tidurlah Permaisuriku - Jamal Abdillah (MP3 from Note 3 via BT)
• Metallica - Whiskey in the Jar (CD)
• Era Gia Tutto Previsto - Andrea Bocelli (FLAC)

The bass/tom2 sound from the intro of We Are Young sounded solid with a real thumping experience. Not overwhelming while the vocals seems to give quite good clarity. The mids are a bit on the mild side but the highs were well presented. However, the overall song sounded a bit un-lively. 

On Tidurlah Permaisuriku (Sleep My Princess) by Malaysian legend Jamal Abdillah, it sounded very natural and melodious. A very soothing experience listening to this song with Jamal's vocals being the centre stage. The presentation from paring the T1 with the HA1 provides the listener a sense of space surrounding the track. The right amount of bass, mids and highs.

On Metallica's rendition of Whiskey In The Jar.... This is the track that got my adrenalin pumping. The guitar riffs on this track sounded really solid and tight. James's vocals also sounded very powerful and energetic. The drums and bass were presented in a very accurate timing. It gels perfectly with the overall track presentation which I can sum it up to be bold.

On Era Gia Tutto Previsto..... the intro was really mesmerising and sounded really lively. Andrea's vocals was very boldly presented with such strength. It was balanced with a terrific quality of the musicians backing him up. And of course the string works flow fluidly across the amp and T1 headphones. This was indeed the highlight of the session.Such a lively and uplifting experience. Had to repeat the track to enjoy the the well balanced track

Played a few more tracks with mix results and depending on the source, some of the tracks can sound a bit un-lively but when it shines, it can really push my T1 to its max capability.

Using the Alessandro Grado and BOSE, the HA1 had no issues driving any one of them. Even the BOSE sounded lovely via this unit.

CONCLUSIONS

It is indeed a well built and well thought machine. From its features and compatibility of various headphones, it can easily be the dream of many head-fiers. 

Is it an all rounder? I don't think so. There is still some lacking in the warm department and it heavily depends on the quality of the track as well. I played the tracks above again via my resident headphone amp, the Bryston BHA1 and it pointed that the Oppo amplifier was missing the warmth that I get from Bryston. It is a hard hitting high quality amp with a very capable digital side all in one box. But thats it, it can sound a bit too digital.

It is still a great buy at its price of RM4566. For anyone interested to purchase of have a demo, please contact Steve Chua at CMY One Utama.

Now.... I need to source some DSD files.... to test this amp's USB DAC capability...