HPA-10 Headphone Amplifier

Why we love it

Following the State-of-the-Art HPA-1, Tom Christiansen has created another class-beating, engineering-focused HPA-10 at a lower price point. The HPA-10's engineering specifications have been verified by AudioScienceReview to be State-of-the-Art. With noise and distortion levels far below audible levels, the HPA-10 allows you to hear all the recordings without adding anything. The HPA-10 is built to the same exacting standard as the HPA-1, IPC-A-610 Class 2, a manufacturing standard used for equipment intended for a long service life with minimal service disruption in Calgary, Canada. Even the ubiquitous looking power supply is specially selected for its low noise performance. No detail is overlooked, the same philosophy we share here at Lawrence & Scott.

It is now available for audition at our showroom. Bring your favorite lossless files and your favorite headphones.

From Tom Christiansen:

"The TCA HPA-10 is a nimble, yet powerful, headphone amplifier. It was designed to provide high performance in a small and highly portable package. Its diminutive size allows the HPA-10 to tuck into small spaces, including under the monitor at your workstation. 

The HPA-10 has no sonic signature. As result, it offers a precise and fatigue-free rendition of the source material."

Key Features of the HPA-10

• World class performance as characterized by ultra-low harmonic distortion, extraordinarily low intermodulation distortion, and ultra-low noise floor.
• Input: RCA (unbalanced).
• Output: ¼" (6.3 mm) phone jack.
• Gain: +10 dB (3.2×).
• ALPS RK097 volume potentiometer.
• Mute circuit which prevents clicks and pops in your headphones when the power is turned on and off.
• Protection against excessive DC voltage on the amplifier output. This protects your headphones in the case of a catastrophic amplifier failure.

Output Power

The HPA-10 provides 1.25 W into 32 Ω and 250 mW into 300 Ω. This is plenty to reach ear-splitting levels with the vast majority of headphones on the market. 

Ultra-Low Distortion

I firmly believe that audio components should have as little impact on the sound quality as possible. This is why I optimize all TCA designs for the lowest possible distortion. The low total harmonic distortion (THD) and intermodulation distortion (IMD) of the HPA-10 result in a realistic, engaging, and fatigue-free listening experience.

Ultra-Low Noise

The total noise of the HPA-10 measures 1.6 µV RMS (A-weighted) within the audio band. This results in a dynamic range of 130 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio of 131 dB. To put this into perspective, 130 dB is the dynamic range from the quietest perceptible sound to the threshold of pain! Due to this enormous dynamic range, the HPA-10 will allow you to experience an incredible level of detail, both in the quietest passages and in the crescendos of the music.

Designed, Assembled, and Tested in Canada

The HPA-10 is designed, manufactured, and tested in Canada. The raw circuit board is made in Ontario. The circuit assembly and test are performed in Calgary. The chassis is made in Japan. The electronic components are sourced from authorized distributors in the USA and Canada.

Specifications