Bryston BHA-1 Balanced Headphone Amplifier

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Super flexible and capable headphone amp from legendary solid state maker Bryston.

Features just about any type of connection you might need to power your favorite set of headphones with ease and authority.

Don' trust the headphone amp built into your preamp, those are often an afterthought when the preamp is designed and super compromised.

This unit was tested in our lab were it performed flawlessly.

MSRP $2499

We just received a factory fresh Bryston BHA-1 box to ensure safe travels to your home.

SkyFi Cosmetic Note:
Markings on top cover and volume knob but otherwise very clean.

Click below to add our recommended matching cables from Kimber Kable, all brand new as SkyFi is an official Kimber dealer.

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - RCA Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Better

Kimber Kable - BALANCED XLR Connectors - Best 

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Better

Kimber Kable - Power Cords - Best

More from Bryston:
Advancing our tradition of unmatched audio performance and functionality, the BHA-1 Balanced Headphone Amplifier is our solution to delivering the finest listening experience from your headphones.

Functionally a miniature power amplifier, we applied the same robust design elements to the BHA-1 amplifier that we used to develop our full

size amps. Six class A fully discrete operational amplifiers generate your headphone output, delivering up to 2 watts of power for more than adequate dynamic range.

The BHA-1 provides a true balanced mode via balanced outputs, or you can use the single-ended outputs for more traditional headphones. The BHA-1 also has a pair of XLR outputs which allow you to use the unit as a high quality analog preamplifier.

Hear the best your headphones have to offer by powering them with a BHA-1.

Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amplifier Features:
• 3 stereo inputs: RCA, XLR, and 3.5mm TRS
• Fully Class A discrete operational amplifiers
• Low distortion, high power output
• Balanced output
• Switchable gain
• Fully convection cooled means no noisy fans
• Machined and anodized aluminum enclosure and dress panel

The Bryston BHA-1 is an impeccably designed and solidly built amplification device for speakers that you just happen to wear on your head... If you are in the market for a top-class headphone amplifier and don’t need a built-in DAC, you really cannot go wrong with choosing the BHA-1. Highly recommended. - Carlo Lo Raso, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions:
17" W x 2.71" H x 11.10" D

Weight:
11.7 lbs | 5.3 kg

Frequency Response:
20Hz - 20kHz

THD+N (20Hz-20kHz @ Rated Power):
<0.005%

Power Output (per channel):
2W @ 32Ω

Input Impedance:
Unbalanced: 10KΩ
Balanced: +15kΩ/-5kΩ

Sensitivity:
HI (approx 20 dB) setting: 70mV in = 100 mW out into 50 Ω (500mV in = 5V out)
LO (approx 14 dB) setting: 140mV in = 100 mW out into 50 Ω (500mV in = 2.5V out)

Bryston BHA-1 Balanced Headphone Amplifier - Owner's Manual

The SkyFi Testing Process for Solid State Amplifiers:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure that there are no signs of heat stress or damage. Capacitors are checked for telltale signs of predictive failure including bulging, shrunken wrappers, or physical leakage. We also inspect the PCBs for discoloration from resistors or transistors that may have been running hot. On vintage units we often spot check select capacitors for value and ESR.

If the amplifier passes visual inspection, we move on to a controlled power on sequence using a Sencore safety analyzer to monitor current draw in real time. Once the amplifier is determined to be safe to operate, we connect it to full AC mains for function and power testing. We connect the speaker outputs of the amplifier to a Sencore PA81 Power Analyzer which acts as a dummy load, DC offset monitor, and oscilloscope interface. We start with a low level 1KHz test signal at the amplifier’s input and slowly increase its amplitude while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of noise, clipping, distortion, or improper channel balance. We continue increasing the signal level until the amplifier reaches clipping. At this point we take an output power measurement and compare it to the spec sheet of the amplifier to verify proper performance. If the device under test has both balanced and single ended inputs they are both tested at this time. We finish off the bench evaluation with a 1KHz square wave check and a 20Hz to 20KHz sine sweep to assess the amplifier’s frequency response characteristics. This battery of tests will usually reveal if the amplifier has any issues that need further attention.

Before the device leaves the bench, we perform a listening test with actual music using a variety of preferred test tracks. Our benches are outfitted with familiar monitor speakers which help us identify inconsistencies that will not always show up on our test gear. The main things that we are listening for are hum or noise with no signal present, proper center image, clicks, pops, or any other obvious undesirable audio characteristics.

If the unit passes all of these tests it is moved to our long term testing rig where we simulate real word operating conditions for 6-8 hours. This allows us to monitor the unit for signs of thermal runaway or intermittent issues that only crop up when the unit has fully come up to temperature.