Fostex HP-A8MK2 Owners Manual

32 bit/DAC Headphone amplier

HP-A8MK2

8289706002

(612164)

Owner's Manual

Thank you very much for purchasing a Fostex product.
This manual provides instructions for basic use of the unit.
Read this before using the unit for the rst time.

<Note>

Before connecting this product to a Windows computer with a USB cable, install the USB Audio
Class 2.0 driver for HP-A8
Macintosh computers, you can use the product without downloading the driver software. Please
use FOSTEX-AudioPlayer (freeware) for audio playback which can be found at the URL below.

http://www.fostexinternational.com/

MK2. You can download the driver software from our website below. For

© FOSTEX COMPANY All Rights Reserved.

WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS

Preparation

• CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK,
MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT,
FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION: POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS
ELECTRIQUES, APAR DE LA FENTE LARGE,
FOND.

• WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture.
AVIS: Pour réduire le risque d’incendie ou de
choc électrique, ne pas exposer cet appareil
sous la pluie et l’humidité.

• CAUTION: Use of any controls or adjustments
or performance of procedures other than
those herein specified may result in hazardous
radiation exposure.
ATTENTION: L'utilisation de tout contrôle
ou de réglages ou de procédures autres que
celles indiquées ci-après peut entraîner une
exposition à des radiations dangereuses.

• WARNING: Changes or modifications to this
unit not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
AVIS: Les changements ou modifications
à cette unité n'étant pas expressément
approuvé par la partie responsable de la
conformité pourrait annuler l'autorité de
l'utilisateur de faire fonctionner l'équipement.

• WARNING: Do not place the unit on top of
any soft, porous, or sensitive surfaces to avoid
damaging the surface. Use a protective barrier
between the unit and surface to protect the
surface.
AVIS: Ne placez pas l'appareil au-dessus
de toutes les surfaces souples, poreux, ou
sensibles pour éviter d'endommager la
surface. Utilisez une barrière de protection
entre l'unité et la surface à protéger la surface.

• WARNING: Use of this unit near fluorescent
lighting may cause interference regarding use
of the remote. If the unit is displaying erratic
behavior move away from any fluorescent
lighting, as it may be the cause.
AVIS: L'utilisation de cet appareil à proximité
d'éclairage fluorescent peut provoquer
des interférences sur l'utilisation de la
télécommande. Si l'appareil affiche un
comportement erratique s'éloigner de tout
éclairage fluorescent, telle qu'elle peut être
la cause.

• CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is
incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the
same or equivalent type.

2

ATTENTION: Danger d’explosion si les
piles sont remplacées de façon incorrect.
Remplacer les piles seulement par le même
type de pile ou l’équivalent.

• WARNING: Do not install this equipment in a
confined space such as a book case or similar
unit.
AVIS: Ne pas installer cet équipement dans un
espace confiné comme une bibliothèque ou
une unité similaire.

• WARNING: Mains plug is used as disconnect
device and it should remain readily operable
during intended use. In order to disconnect
the apparatus from the mains completely, the
mains plug should be disconnected from the
mains socket outlet completely.
AVIS: La prise du secteur est utilisé pour
déconnecter le système. La prise du secteur ne
doit pas être obstruée ou doit être facilement
accessible pendant son utilisation. Pour être
complètement déconnecté de l’alimentation
d’entrée, la prise doit être débranchée du
secteur.

• Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not
mix alkaline, standard (carbonzinc), or
rechargeable (ni-cad, ni-mh, etc) batteries.
Ne mélangez pas une pile neuve et une pile
usée. Ne mélangez pas des piles alcalines,
standard (carbone-zinc) ou rechargeables
(Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, etc).

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK
OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT

CAUTION

REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR RÉDUIRE
LE RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE,
NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE
(NI LE DOS).
NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
AUCUNE PIÈCE À
L'INTÉRIEUR. ENTRETIEN DE
PERSONNELQUALIFIE.

The lightning flash with arrowhead
symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
Le symbole de l’éclair fléché dans un triangle
équilatéral, est destiné à alerter l’utilisateur
de la présence d’une “tension dangereuse”
dans le boîtier du produit qui peuvent être
des ampleur suffisante pour constituer un
risque d’électrocution aux personnes.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1) Read these instructions.
Lisez ces instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.
Conservez ces instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.
Respectez tous les avertissements.

4) Follow all instructions.
Suivez toutes les instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
Ne pas utiliser cet appareil près de l’eau.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.
Nettoyer uniquement avec un chiffon sec.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Ne pas bloquer les ouvertures de ventilation.
Installer conformément aux instructions du
fabricant.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
Ne pas installer près de sources de chaleur
telles que radiateurs, registres de chaleur,
poêles ou autres appareils (y compris les
amplificateurs) produisant de la chaleur.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one wider
than the other. A grounding type plug has
two blades and a third grounding prong. The
wide blade or the third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Ne détruisez pas la sécurité de la terre ou
polarisées - fiche. Une fiche polarisée possède
deux lames dont une est plus large que l’autre.
Une prise de terre possède deux lames et une
broche de terre. La lame large ou la troisième
broche sont prévues pour votre sécurité. Si la
fiche fournie ne rentre pas dans votre prise,
consultez un électricien pour remplacer la
prise obsolète.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit
from the apparatus.
Protégez le cordon d’alimentation d’être
piétiné ou pincé, particulièrement au niveau
des fiches, des prises, et le point où ils sortent
de l’appareil.

11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by
the manufacturer.
N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le
fabricant.

12) Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table specified
by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is
used, use caution when moving
the cart/apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tipover.
Utilisez seulement avec la charrette, position,
trépied, support ou table spécifiée par
le fabricant, ou a vendu avec l’appareil .
Lorsqu’une charrette est utilisée, utilise la
prudence quand déplacer la combinaison de
charrette / appareil pour éviter la blessure de
pointe-sur.

13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.
Débranchez cet appareil pendant les orages
ou lorsqu’il n’est pas utilisé pendant de
longues périodes de temps.

14) Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such
as power supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
Confiez toute réparation à un personnel
qualifié. Une réparation est nécessaire lorsque
l’appareil a été endommagé de quelque façon
que ce cordon d’alimentation ou la fiche est
endommagé, liquide a été renversé ou des
objets sont tombés dans l’appareil, l’appareil
a été exposé à la pluie ou à l’humidité, ne
fonctionne pas normalement, ou s’il est tombé.

15) The apparatus shall be used in an open area.
Cet apprareil doit être utilisé dans un endroit
a aire ouverte.

16) Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing and that no objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, shall be placed on apparatus.
L’appareil ne doit pas êclaboussures et aucun
objet ne contenant de liquide, tel qu’un vase,
ne doit être placé sur lobjet.

17) Mains plug is used as disconnect device. It
shall remain readily operable and should
not be obstructed during intended use. To
completely disconnect the apparatus from
supply mains, the main plug of the apparatus
shall be disconnected from the mains socket
outlet completely.
La prise du secteur et utilisé pou déconnecter
le système. La prise du secteur ne doit pas étre
obstruée ou doit être facilement accessible
pendant son utilisation. Pour être complèment
déconnecté de l’alimentation d’entrée, la prise
doit être débranchée du secteur.

Preparation

3

FCC (U.S.A.) & ICES-003 (Canada) INFORMATION

1. IMPORTANT NOTICE
This product, when installed as indicated in the

Preparation

instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC and
ICES-003 requirements. Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by Fostex Company for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment. DO NOT MODIFY THIS PRODUCT.

2. IMPORTANT
In order to comply with FCC and ICES-003 requirements,
use high quality shielded cables for connection to
accessories and / or another products. If any cables are
supplied with this product, they MUST be used. Follow
all installation instructions. Failure to do so could void
your FCC/ ICES-003 authorization to use this product in
the USA / Canada.

3. NOTE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and

receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit

different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV

technician for help.

4. Compliance with Part 15 of FCC Rules and Canadian

ICES-003.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that many cause undesired
operation.

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian
ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la
norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Contents

WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ................2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ......3

Introductions ............................................5

Features of the HP-A8

MK2 ............................ 5

Accessories ................................................... 5

Functions ...................................................6

Front panel ................................................... 6

Rear panel ..................................................... 7

Remote controller ...................................... 8

Connecting external audio devices .........9

Connecting output devices ....................10

Connecting the power cord .................10

Listening to an external audio device ...11

Listening to the external device .........11

Listening to the les on an SD card .......12

Playable les ..............................................12

Hierarchy example in the SD card .....12

Ejecting the SD card ...............................13

Using the remote controller ................13

Changing the settings ............................14

Setting item list ........................................14

Troubleshooting .....................................17

Resetting the product ............................17

Updating the version .............................18

Specications ..........................................19

4

* Microsoft, Windows and Windows Vista are

either registered trademarks or trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.

* Apple, Macintosh, Mac and Mac OS are

trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S.
and other countries. Other company names
and product names in this document are the
trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.

* All other company names, product names

and logos are trademarks or registered

trademarks of their respective owners.
* "DSD" is a trademark.
* ASIO is a trademark of Steinberg Media

Technologies GmbH.

<ErP Directive>
European model only

The HP-A8

MK2 conforms to ErP directive and

pursues energy eciency. When the operation
continues for about 30 minutes, it will
automatically turn OFF the power. This mode
can be disabled by the ''AUTO POWER OFF" on
the Setting item list.

Introductions

HP-A8MK2 is a DAC headphone amplier with high eciency, high-quality sound. You can
enjoy high-quality digital audio signals from your computer or from a digital audio player.

 Features of the HP-A8MK2

• Headphone amplier equipped with high-quality sound 32bit-DAC (AK4490) and all discrete circuit.

• Supports a sampling frequency of up to 32 bit/192 kHz through in house developed USB driver. In
addition, supports DSD 11.2 MHz (ASIO).
* DSD playback on Mac is compatible up to 5.6 MHz.

• Eliminates the jitter caused by low accuracy of the source clock of the computer, etc. by using the
asynchronous mode of an SPXO for audio (crystal oscillator).

• Equipped with high-quality

• Equipped with a large capacity toroidal power transformer.

• Computers, and digital and analog audio devices can be used as the input source.

• Plays DSF les, WAV les and AIFF les on an SD (SDHC) card directly using built-in SD (SDHC) card
drive. The drive can also be used for future updates.
* There are several conditions for playback from an SD card. For more information, please refer to

"Listening to the les on an SD card" on page 12.

• Equipped with an analog output terminal (RCA pin jack).

• Both the internal clock and the external clock are available for the master clock (only for SPDIF).

• 2x or 4x upsampling function (can also be turned o ).

• Switchable digital lter.

• 24 level gain settings for headphone output.

• Direct analog output that does not pass through the volume.

• Equipped with an infrared remote controller.

• Equipped with an organic EL display.

• Equipped with independent clocks for 44.1K factor and 48K factor.

sound, high-accuracy electronic volume for audio level control.

Preparation

 Accessories

Supplied accessories are listed below. Conrm that accessories are present after purchase.

• Remote controller × 1

• AAA battery for remote controller × 2

• Power cord × 1

• Owner's Manual (this book) × 1

• Safety information × 1

5

Functions

Preparation

 Front panel

 

   

Power indicator

Lights in red when the power is on.

Display

Various information (page 11, 13) and
menu screen (page 14) are displayed.

volume knob

Adjusts the volume of the headphones or
the analog output.

• You can not adjust the analog output volume

when the "DIRECT" setting is set to "ON"

(page 15).



[phones] terminals (1/2)

Connect the headphones with a standard
stereo jack. Up to 2 pairs of headphones
can be connected at the same time.

 input sel knob/switch

Turn the knob clockwise or counter­clockwise to switch the input source
(page 11).
Also, press and hold the switch to display
the menu screen, and press to select a
menu item. (page 14).

power switch

Switches the power on/o. The recessed
position is on.
When set up item ''AUTO POWER OFF'' is
set to "ON", the HP-A8
turn OFF the power. Press the switch twice
to return the power ON. You can disable
''AUTO POWER OFF'' mode by Setting item.

 output sel switch

Switches the output source. Outputs the
signal from analog output terminal at the
recessed position.

6

MK2 will automatically