Hmmm.... Let's see if we can get that set up. Would you toss me an email? Take my username here and add @neurochrome.com
Tom
Tom
Are you planning on creating something cheaper?I'll be discontinuing the HP-1 and it's currently on clearance sale. It uses too many good parts, hence is way too expensive to produce. If you want an extraordinary headphone amp, now's your chance.
I have one (1) blue HP-1 sitting in Los Angeles. It was demoed at CANJAM in NYC in February. It will ship via USPS Priority Mail from LA. Since it's a demo, I've shaved a few bucks off the price: $949 (down from $1250).
I currently have one (1) graphite grey HP-1 in stock and four more arriving within 1-2 weeks. $999 (down from $1250).
You can find them here: https://www.neurochrome.com/product/hp-1-ultra-high-end-headphone-amp-2/
My website keeps track of the inventory, so what you see there is what's currently available. I'll take backorders on the graphite grey HP-1 until four have sold. Then the HP-1 will be allowed to retire.
Thanks,
Tom
Come on. Just make a opa2156 + tpa6120 composite amplifier, easily beat down atom and sell it at twice of the price.Nothing I do is cheap...
The HP-1 is a stellar performer, but at the current manufacturing cost, it needs to sell for around $2500-3000. That's unrealistic for a couple of reasons, some of which have been discussed here. Also, many perceive DIY as cheap, and it's delusional to charge $3k for something that you advertise as a DIY project for a lot less.
Any reincarnation of the HP-1 will need to have a lower production cost. This may reduce performance slightly, but I'm obviously planning to keep the performance as-is or improve on it if possible. Any reincarnation of the HP-1 is guaranteed to have a higher price tag than the current HP-1.
I am toying with the idea of a lower cost "starter amp". It would be nice if I could hit a $500 price point, but doing so even at QTY 100 is tough. It is also guaranteed to be lower spec'ed than the HP-1, especially on output power.
I do not have any designs ready at this time. I'm working to wrap up my psychology degree. Then I'll take a break for a few weeks before focusing full time on audio.
So there you have it. Life in the business.
Tom
Main issue is the stability/output resistor. Solution is to just wrap the 2156 around the tpa6120 and the resistor then it'll be stable and low output impedance. Ths6012 is essentially what tpa6120 is grab simulation model and datasheet through that. Also take a look at ada4870. It shall perform as well.The Atom sells for $99. Twice that would be $199. That leaves less than $40 for components, chassis, etc. at common on-line retail margins. Of course you'll want brushed aluminum and a volume knob that's large and "feels right", right?
The TPA6120 data sheet does not have enough information to actually design with the IC. No AVOL curve, for example. That's unusually retarded. I could request one through TI's E2E channel, though. Or buy one and measure it. Thanks for mentioning it. It looks like a quite nice amp, but a little error correction could really make it shine.
Tom
My website keeps track of the inventory, so what you see there is what's currently available. I'll take backorders on the graphite grey HP-1 until four have sold. Then the HP-1 will be allowed to retire.
There is. I just packed up your order and it'll be underway today. You should now see an email titled "Please download your design documentation". That'll have a download link to the documentation.I just ordered unpopulated board from your website. I was wondering if there is detailed guide for assembly?
I can special order a black chassis. It's $299... My vendor charges $280+shipping for QTY = 1 orders, so I'm selling it at cost to help people out.Do you happen to have it in black?
You are absolutely right. The things I need to improve on the HP-1 (volume knob size, volume knob feel, aesthetics of the chassis, tweaks to make it easier to assemble in production, production cost) have nothing to do with the technical performance of the amp. Rather, they have everything to do with consumer psychology and the experience of using the product. Better and more luxurious experience -> higher price.There are always things that could have been done 'better' with such products but 'better' costs money and often has nothing to do with the performance.
I hope Amir will be willing to review any of my products, regardless of price. If he is, I'll be happy to ship my stuff to him. You can also see the measurements on my website. I use an APx525.@tomchr if you do build a lower priced headphone amp please have it reviewed here.
2019/03/24: The HP-1 has been discontinued. It remains a phenomenal headphone amp and I plan for its reincarnation in the form of an improved commercial/retail product available this fall. Hopefully in time for Rocky Mountain Audio Fest (RMAF). (https://www.neurochrome.com/hp-1-ultra-high-end-headphone-amp/)