The D&A Alpha Pro headphone amplifier is not your average audio device. This review delves into a unique and powerful amplifier boasting a striking, customizable design housed within a robust, CNC-machined aluminum chassis. Its premium build quality is immediately apparent, promising both longevity and aesthetic appeal, making it a stylish addition to any audio setup. But the Alpha Pro is more than just a pretty face; it delivers exceptional performance with a comprehensive feature set that caters to discerning audiophiles.Beyond its stunning visuals, the Alpha Pro shines with its technical prowess. It features a high-quality ESS Sabre 9039 Pro DAC chip, utilized in a unique parallel configuration for superior sound quality. This is complemented by a fully discrete headphone amplifier delivering impressive power and exceptional clarity, even when driving demanding headphones. With its versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth with high-resolution codecs, and analog volume control for pristine audio fidelity, the D&A Alpha Pro redefines what's possible in a high-end headphone amplifier.
Pros And Cons
- Great build quality with a fully CNC machined aluminum case.
- Unusual and attractive look with a customizable light show.
- Four-way fully balanced input/output device.
- Uses a single flagship ESS Saber 9039 Pro DH chip with all eight channels utilized for lower noise and higher dynamic range.
- Uses freeRTOS clocks to lower jitter and digital noise.
- Includes a Bluetooth chipset supporting LDAC and aptX HD codecs.
- Fully discrete headphone amplifier stage with eight transistors per channel (32 total), outputting up to 6 watts per channel in 30 ohms.
- Analog volume control that doesn't lose information when lowering the volume.
- Keeps a low temperature even after extended use.
- Powerful headphone amplifier capable of driving hard-to-drive headphones with high energy levels and dynamics.
- Impactful and strong bass performance.
- Detailed, transparent sound with good imaging.
- Lacks oversharpness or listening fatigue often associated with ESS Sabre chips.
- High measured signal-to-noise ratio (133dB) without distortion or noise.
- High level of micro-detail retrieval.
- Soundstage is average-sized and not particularly open or deep.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Alpha Pro arrived in sleek packaging, hinting at the premium quality within. Upon opening, the striking design immediately caught my eye. The transparent front panel, illuminated by a customizable light show, is unlike anything I've seen before. This isn't just a piece of audio equipment; it's a stylish addition to any desk.
The build quality felt incredibly robust, thanks to the CNC-machined aluminum chassis. The device felt weighty and solid in my hands, giving the impression of longevity and durability. The combination of aesthetic appeal and structural integrity is truly impressive.
Features and Connectivity
The Alpha Pro boasts a comprehensive set of inputs and outputs. On the rear panel, you'll find three digital inputs (USB, optical, coaxial), a circular Bluetooth antenna, RCA and XLR outputs, and RCA inputs for use as a standalone preamp. The front panel features physical buttons for gain, output, and input selection, making operation straightforward.
The inclusion of Bluetooth with LDAC and aptX HD codecs is a welcome addition, catering to users who appreciate high-resolution wireless audio. The versatile connectivity options ensure seamless integration with various audio sources.
Technical Specifications and Performance
The Alpha Pro employs a high-quality ESS Sabre 9039 Pro DAC chip, using all eight channels in a unique parallel configuration. This innovative design contributes to lower noise and a wider dynamic range, setting it apart from competitors. The fully discrete headphone amplifier stage, featuring 32 transistors (eight per channel), delivers impressive power (up to 6 watts per channel at 30 ohms).
The Alpha Pro eschews digital volume control in favor of an analog solution, preserving audio fidelity at lower volumes. This thoughtful design choice highlights D&A's commitment to uncompromising sound quality.
Sound Quality and Listening Experience
I subjected the Alpha Pro to rigorous testing, pairing it with demanding headphones such as the HiFiMAN Susvara and Audeze LCD-4. Even at high volumes, the amplifier remained stable, delivering powerful bass without distortion or clipping. The soundstage was impressive, providing a sense of spaciousness that enhanced the listening experience.
The Alpha Pro's sound signature is full-bodied and detailed, avoiding the harshness sometimes associated with ESS Sabre DACs. It possesses a rich, warm character, offering a satisfying blend of detail and musicality. The dynamics were excellent, breathing life into various musical genres.
Overall Impression and Conclusion
The D&A Alpha Pro stands out for its unique design, impressive build quality, powerful performance, and surprisingly warm and engaging sound. It surpasses many competitors in its price range, offering a compelling combination of features and sonic excellence.
While the soundstage isn't exceptionally wide or deep, the imaging is pinpoint accurate. The Alpha Pro delivers a detailed, engaging, and enjoyable listening experience that's hard to beat at its price point. Its strong bass response, transparent mids, and extended treble make it a versatile choice for various genres and headphones.