Bryston BHA-1

With new headphones comes new headphone amps. Steven Stone takes on the Bryston BHA-1 headphone amplifier to see just what this piece adds and how far the amp can be pushed.

Multiple inputs include balanced XLR, single-ended RCA, and stereo mini-jack ; Two gain settings make the BHA-1 able to handle a wide range of headphones ; The variable gain balanced output permits the BHA-1 to function as an analog preamp

The BHA-1 is prone to thermal shutdown if not properly ventilated ; With higher sensitivity headphones (equal to or greater than 100 dB), the BHA-1 generates a small amount of hum/buzz ; The balanced outputs on the back of the BHA-1 are always active,...

Given the recent explosion of headphones and headphone-related components, anyone in the market for a headphone amplifier is faced with a dizzying number of fine headphone amplifiers from which to choose. However, few headphone amps offer the level of...