Musical Fidelity MX-HPA Balanced Headphone Amplifier (Black)
Best balanced amplifier for audiophiles seeking uncompromising power and sonic purity.
The Musical Fidelity MX-HPA is a fully balanced, ultra-performance headphone amplifier engineered for an exceptional listening experience. It features a studio design with a purist approach, ensuring incredible technical performance. This powerful unit accepts both balanced and single-ended inputs, automatically converting signals to maintain a fully balanced path. It delivers a powerful output capable of driving virtually any headphone with ease, boasting very low noise and distortion figures across a wide frequency range. The amplifier is finished with beautiful aesthetics and robust build quality, complemented by Free Lifetime Technical Assistance.
$699.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
255
/ 733
#255 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-50%
Below average
Power Output
10
/ watts (short-term peak)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles powering demanding planar magnetic headphones
- Listeners seeking smooth, natural, and distortion-free sound
- Purists prioritizing superior noise rejection and channel separation
Who should skip it
- Users with limited desk space or poor ventilation
- Casual listeners on a strict budget
- Shoppers looking for an all-in-one DAC and amp solution
Performance breakdown
Drive Capability
Effortlessly powers even the most demanding high-impedance audiophile headphones.
Signal Purity
Ultra-low distortion ensures a pristine, transparent sound signature for critical listening.
Build Integrity
Robust industrial design provides a stable, vibration-resistant foundation for audio components.
Connectivity Versatility
Seamlessly integrates balanced and single-ended sources into a unified signal path.
Dynamic Range
Exceptional signal-to-noise ratio reveals subtle details in complex musical passages.
Gain Flexibility
Selectable gain settings accommodate a wide variety of headphone sensitivity levels.
Key Specs
Power Output
10 watts (short-term peak)
Signal to Noise Ratio
Better than 120dB (‘A’ weighted)
Total Harmonic Distortion
< 0.003% (20Hz to 20kHz)
Frequency Response
10Hz to 40kHz at +0, -3dB
Input Types
Balanced, Single-ended (RCA interface)
Power Source Type
AC Powered
Additional Feature
Free Lifetime Technical Assistance
Weight
0.00000000 lbs
Features
- Fully balanced, studio design headphone amplifier
- Incredible technical performance achieved
- Will drive any headphone with ease
- Accepts balanced and single-ended inputs
- Automatically converts signals to balanced path
- Beautiful aesthetics and build quality
- Offers two selectable gain positions
- Very low noise and distortion figures
What customers say
The Musical Fidelity MX-HPA is overwhelmingly praised for its pristine sound quality and robust build. Users consistently highlight its remarkable neutrality and expansive soundstage, noting its ability to reveal intricate musical details. A key feature is its powerful output, which effortlessly drives demanding headphones without distortion, supported by an incredibly low noise floor for stunning clarity. Beyond performance, the amplifier earns acclaim for its solid construction and elegant design, fitting seamlessly into premium audio systems. While a premium purchase, many audiophiles feel its transparent performance justifies the investment, making it a benchmark for serious listeners seeking unadulterated, high-fidelity audio.
Know before you buy
Yes. The MX-HPA accepts both balanced and single-ended inputs and automatically converts them to a fully balanced signal path to ensure consistent performance regardless of your source.
Absolutely. With a short-term peak power output of 10 watts, this unit is engineered to drive virtually any headphone on the market with ease and authority.
The two gain settings allow you to match the amplifier's output to the sensitivity of your specific headphones. This ensures you have precise volume control and optimal signal-to-noise performance across a wide range of gear.
The amplifier is designed for a purist, studio-grade experience, featuring a signal-to-noise ratio better than 120dB and extremely low distortion. This results in a clean, silent background that allows fine musical details to stand out.
The MX-HPA is built with high-quality components for long-term reliability. Additionally, your purchase includes Free Lifetime Technical Assistance to help with any setup or performance questions that may arise.
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$699