Mini-review: Sony PHA-1a Affordable and powerful headphone amp (Compare with PHA-3/Creative DAC)

[86technie]

In the past I used to own the Sony PHA-2 which is actually a good amp
but due to the Walkman digital cable keeps breaking I had to return it.
The reason why I return it it is stated in this article.

Being out of job for quite some time I did not purchase a new amp
until now. If not I would want to try PHA-3 and MDR-Z7 and also
in this article why I chose the PHA1-A over PHA-3.

Please take note that when selecting a proper DAP or amp.
Audio is very subjective as it depends on the file you play
and devices used.

 

[86technie]

Design

Sony PHA-1a is very small at around less than 10 cm which
some may mistaken it for powerbank but this powerbank
is for sound not mobile devices.

Design wise is very sleek, curving on both sides which
not only look nice but also easy to hold.
The volume knob is accessible but not block like in PHA-2.

As the design is small, finally I have an amp that can fit
into my pocket nicely. Nice...

 

[86technie]

Connectivity

In the past I used to own the Sony PHA-2 but sad to say despite
the high price at $999 and powerful sound.
There's a design fault of Sony PHA-2 which is the Walkman Digital
cable.

As the cable was so short that when I connect the Walkman cable
to my Walkman F887, there's tension which causes the cable
to break hence malfunction.

Why I mention this, is because in the new Sony PHA-1a and Sony PHA-3.
The digital cable provided has decent length hence no tension
So cable won't break down easily.

This is one important factor but unfortunately for Sony portable amps
there's still no longer digital cables. For Xperia models like Z2,Z3,
there will be problem connecting to the amp.

Since the cable is quite short and Z2/Z3 phones the USB is at the left side.
Sadly due to the cable length, I have dump the Xperia digital cable
and use a OTG cable and the bundle USB cable for connection.
As it is simply too troublesome to connect using the default
cable which is very short.
Connection for the PHA-1A is solely digital so if you are looking for analogue input sad to say this is not the amp.
PHA-1A support Xperia (Finally), Walkman, Apple iphones, ipod, ipad.

For other Android devices, please take note that if you use the supplied
Xperia cable to connect phones like Samsung phones it may not work.
Reason being the amp is only compatible with certain devices.

https://esupport.sony.com/US/p/support-info.pl?info_id=1569&mdl=PHA1A

For other mobile devices, you need a OTG cable and the bundled USB cable
in order for the amp to work like for Samsung phone.
I use a Eleecom OTG cable (Brought from Best Denki) along
with the bundled USB cable.

 

[86technie]

Sound

This is the most important factor of any amp.
I actually had compare between Sony PHA-3 and Creatives E5
portable headphone amp using my Sony MDR-1A.

Sad to say Creative E5 I don't really like as I feel there's
no muscle in the sound and not to mention no Walkman
connection. (Walkman port is proprietary connection solely
use by Sony only.)

Sony PHA-3 is very powerful, in fact I feel that MDR-1A is
being overpowered by it. Sony PHA-3 is actually designed
for MDR-Z7 hence the power handling is very high.

When I test the PHA-1a, I feel that my MDR-1A is decently
powered and sound is not only balanced but also there's
muscle and agility.
Not to mention soundstage is improved.

Test Setup
Sony Walkman F887 Android 4.X
Sony Xperia Z2 Android 5.1
Sony MDR-1a with Sony MUC-S12SM1 custom cable


Music I test (Result may vary with different setup especially headphone.)

Jason Derulo - Broke (feat. Stevie Wonder & Keith Urban) - 24bit 44.1khz
Vocal is very clear, bass is tight and excellent.
Low frequency is produced nicely

A-lin-Everlasting...., best and more - 920 - File format 24bit 48khz
24 bit version of A-lin's 920 is nicely rendered.
Vocal is very clear, bass is tight and excellent.
Percussions can be heard and soundstage created is excellent.

Nickelback Get Them up 24bit 96khz
Vocal is very clear, bass is tight and excellent.
Percussions can be heard and soundstage created is excellent.

Ed Sheeren Photography FLAC 16bit/44.1KHZ
Vocal is clear so as the instrument and the soundstage is excellent.

Overall sound quality is excellent, not too overpowering.
Clear, balanced and music with muscle.

Comparing with Oppo HA-2 portable headphone amp

Oppo HA-2 VS PHA-1a, both are good amp but however
both have different sound signatures:

Ed Sheeren The Man FLAC 16bit/44.1KHZ
Oppo HA-2 - Mid-range can be hear but isn't that lively
as PHA-1a. Bass is also different, more bassy which I
didn't like it as the sound is really not balanced.
Bass tend to overpower mid-range at times.

PHA-1 - Lively vocals, expansive soundstage. Bass is tight
and well-balanced between mid-range and bass

Take my opinion a pinch of salt as I could only say that
Oppo HA-2 is not compatible with MDR-1a as unlike PHA-1a.
The vocal is not that lively, soundstage isn't that expansive
and bass is just a normal pair of PC speakers when I use MDR-1a.

If you use other headphones Oppo HA-2 maybe compatible so
test before you buy.

 

[86technie]

Battery (Varies on how you charge it)
For my, it can last up to 6 hours but sadly since I am using
the older Sony Walkman F887. The Walkman die first before the
amp which isn't good.

I have actually reserve the newer Sony Walkman NW-A26 so
for the mean time I may have to use my Z2 as backup.
Do take note that I charge using Sony CP-AD2
(Priced $19.90, available at Sony store) along with the bundled cable.

http://www.sony.com.sg/product/cp-ad2

I would not recommend charging through PC as it may take even longer
to charge and not to mention the quality of the charge may be weaker
so battery may drain fast if not charge properly.

Typically charging takes 2 hours using Sony CP-AD2 to wall point,
other USB adapter or phone charger may take longer time to charge.
Do also take note not to use aftermarket USB cable to charge.

Conclusion
Sony PHA-1A is really an affordable and a amp that delivers balanced,
natural sound , Soundstage is good and bass is excellent.
In short, there's muscle in the music it produce and not too overpowering
in the PHA-1A.
It's also capable of handling 24bit/96khz nicely so at $399 is
definitely a good price.
However audio is very subjective so try with your devices to
see whether you like it or not.
"My cup of coffee may not be what you like."
My next review will be the Sony Walkman A26.

 

[bangdoll]

Thanks for the review.

 

[SiaoKau369]

Gxgx, Sony selling this amp for $300 is really v value for money!

 

[porcu]

So this amp or Oppo HA2 better?

 

[86technie]

So this amp or Oppo HA2 better?

I have to test before I can comment so please wait when I update.

 

[86technie]

Gxgx, Sony selling this amp for $300 is really v value for money!

Maybe they realized their portable amps are priced too high.
Starting from PHA-1 price at $599, PHA-2 at $999 and PHA-3
at $1199 so maybe they look into something that is priced moderately.
At first, when I compare PHA-1a and PHA-3.

I thought PHA-1a maybe a cut down version of either PHA-2 or 3.
Sadly no, PHA-1a is design from scratch.
In the sense, PHA-1a is actually tailored for Sony Walkman A1X/A2X series and MDR-1a.

PHA-1a is no slouch at $399 deliver sound with muscle at decent price.
I did not regret buying this affordable amp especially I love the soundstage.

I'm still testing it anyway and will update if I have any finding
or if anyone need comparison with other brands amp.
I will try to help.
Cheers!

 

[SiaoKau369]

To be frank, maybe Sony realized that all these while their portable
amp had been always at $1k range.
Starting from PHA-1 price at $999, PHA-2 at $999 and PHA-3
at $1199.

Sad to say maybe they realized their portable amps are not selling
and needed something to sell.
At first, when I compare PHA-1a and PHA-3.

I thought PHA-1a maybe a cut down version of either PHA-2 or 3.
Sadly no, PHA-1a is design from scratch.
In the sense, PHA-1a is actually tailored for Sony Walkman A1X/A2X series and MDR-1a.

PHA-1a is no slouch at $399 deliver sound with muscle at decent price.
I did not regret buying this affordable amp especially I love the soundstage.

I'm still testing it anyway and will update if I have any finding
or if anyone need comparison with other brands amp.
I will try to help.
Cheers!

It's a amp only or comes with DAC?

 

[bangdoll]

Its a DAC/Amp (wolfson WM8740).

Oh techidiot, the first PHA-1 initial recommended retail price was SGD $599.00 (incl. 7% GST). I got it before.

In my opinion though, HA-2 is superior and more versatile.

 

[86technie]

Its a DAC/Amp (wolfson WM8740).

Oh techidiot, the first PHA-1 initial recommended retail price was SGD $599.00 (incl. 7% GST). I got it before.

In my opinion though, HA-2 is superior and more versatile.

Oh sorry, got my figures mix up.
PHA-2 is more superior but it's like a brick
and I encounter the Walkman Digital cable problem.
Which I send in once but many times till I return it.

 

[porcu]

if it's a Wolfson, it should be good.
But recently (reading forums and all), it seems that the new Sabre chips are better especially in soundstage.

With PHA-1 price being $599, wouldn't it be better to get a HA-2?

Need to compare both to check.

 

[kiwitan]

Finally got the PHA-1a at 359$ sim lim square

 

[SiaoKau369]

Finally got the PHA-1a at 359$ sim lim square

Is it able to drive IEMs and full sized headphones well?!

 

[86technie]

Added battery time test.

 

[SiaoKau369]

Added battery time test.

how does this Sony amp compared to oppo ha2?

 

[86technie]

how does this Sony amp compared to oppo ha2?

Haven't pass by Team Stereo lately but when I do, I will
do the comparison.

 

[Haonan]

Haven't pass by Team Stereo lately but when I do, I will
do the comparison.

Stereo Electronics doesn't carry Oppo HA-2 portable amp at all, they don't even carry Oppo products in general such as the PM series headphones. You can only demo the Oppo HA-2 units via local stores like Jaben, E1PersonalAudio or Song Brothers here IIRC.

Just sharing.