Musical Fidelity
Musical Fidelity MX HPA Headphone Amplifier
Best balanced amplifier for audiophiles seeking pure, high-fidelity sound.
The Musical Fidelity MX-HPA is a fully balanced, pure analog headphone amplifier designed for the purest hi-fi listening experience. It boasts decades of experience in amplifier design, delivering awe-inspiring performance with limitless dynamics. This amplifier offers exceptional technical performance, with distortion typically less than 0.005% and a signal-to-noise ratio better than 120 dB for a quiet background. It features two gain positions and innovative combined XLR and 1/4" output jacks, automatically converting single-ended inputs to balanced for versatile connectivity.
$689.08
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
255
/ 733
#255 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-51%
Below average
Output Power
1.88
/ Watts per channel into Ohms
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a transparent and highly detailed listening experience
- Owners of power-hungry, high-impedance reference headphones
- System builders requiring durable, versatile balanced connectivity
Who should skip it
- Users wanting an all-in-one digital-to-analog solution
- Casual listeners shopping on a restricted budget
- Desktop users with limited workspace availability
Performance breakdown
Signal Clarity
Ultra-low distortion ensures a pristine, transparent listening experience.
Dynamic Range
Background noise is virtually non-existent, allowing subtle details to shine.
Headphone Compatibility
Dual gain settings effortlessly drive a wide variety of headphone impedances.
Build Integrity
Compact, studio-grade construction feels built to last for decades.
Connectivity Versatility
Innovative jack design handles balanced and single-ended inputs with ease.
Power Delivery
Robust output provides ample headroom for demanding, high-fidelity audio setups.
Key Specs
Output Power
1.8 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
Maximum output voltage
19 Volts RMS, 20Hz to 20 kHz
Onset of clipping
54 Volts peak-to-peak, balanced
Line input THD+N
>0.005% typical, 20Hz to 20 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio
>120dB ‘A’-weighted
Input impedance
50k Ohms
Frequency response
+0, –0.1dB, 10Hz to 20 kHz
Gain settings
LO position 18dB (8x), HI position 24dB (15x)
Features
- Fully balanced headphone amplifier for pristine audio
- Pure analog design for dedicated hi-fi listening
- Dual gain settings (18dB and 24dB) for optimal headphone matching
- Innovative combined XLR and 1/4" output jacks
- Automatic conversion of single-ended inputs to balanced
- Exceptional technical performance with low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio
- Compact, studio-reference quality build
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Musical Fidelity MX HPA Headphone Amplifier for its exceptional sound quality, noting its ability to deliver a powerful, clear, and detailed audio experience across a wide range of headphones. Many appreciate the robust and elegant design, highlighting its solid build and premium aesthetic that complements any audio setup. The amplifier is often regarded as a significant upgrade, enhancing musical enjoyment with its precise and engaging presentation, making it a highly regarded choice among audiophiles seeking sonic excellence and lasting craftsmanship.
Know before you buy
Yes. It features innovative combined output jacks that accommodate both standard 1/4" plugs and balanced XLR connections, making it compatible with a wide range of high-end headphones.
Absolutely. The MX-HPA is designed to automatically convert single-ended inputs into a balanced signal, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of its balanced architecture regardless of your source equipment.
The LO setting provides 18dB of gain, which is ideal for most standard headphones. The HI setting offers 24dB of gain, providing the extra power needed for more demanding, high-impedance headphones.
The MX-HPA is a dedicated, pure analog headphone amplifier. It does not include an internal DAC, so you will need to connect it to an external digital-to-analog converter or an analog source.
With a signal-to-noise ratio better than 120dB, the MX-HPA provides an exceptionally quiet background. This ensures that your music remains clear and free from audible hiss, even with sensitive equipment.
The unit is compact and designed for desktop use, measuring 8-2/3 inches wide, 2 inches high, and 9-1/2 inches deep.
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