Neurochrome HP-1: Ultra-High End Headphone Amp

[anti]

Black on grey yields zero contrast and is impossible to read.

My suggested color tone combo is actually very readable, contrasty but not fatiguing in normal daylight or artificial light. May loose some of the immediate readability in dimmed light, but that is for sure to be expected.

 

[badboygolf16v]

I just shipped an HP-1 to Audio Science Review for review. I'd expect the review to be up within the next few weeks or so.

Interested to see the clash of the (low distortion) titans, as Amir's just reviewed the Massdrop THX AAA 789.

 

[chinook9]

Interested to see the clash of the (low distortion) titans, as Amir's just reviewed the Massdrop THX AAA 789.

I expect this will be no contest in favor of the HP-1....and it shouldn't be. I believe there is a significant difference in price.

 

[BYRTT]

Produced in Canada HP-1 is not a lowest discount unit seen with global eyes where that Massdrop THX AAA 789 looks hard to beat especially on cost, don't know if its a competition on most lowest or most impossible lowest numbers because as is HP-1 is great performer but as THX did then guess Tom could also draw the "Feedforward" card down the road.

Below is power amp about year 1980-83 of feedforward marketing from Sansui : )

 

[Shaq888]

Relevant

 

[tomchr]

Indeed.

 

[chinook9]

I expect this will be no contest in favor of the HP-1....and it shouldn't be. I believe there is a significant difference in price.

I just realized I had a big typo. ".......and it should be no contest."

I have read a review on the Massdrop THX model which indicated that it is very good, however, I will be shocked if it is comparable to the HP-1....and if its even close I will probably buy one just so I can see for myself.

 

[tomchr]

No doubt the THXAAA-788 and -888 are strong contenders for headphone amps ... assuming the surrounding circuitry is up to the task as well. As with DACs, there are many ways to screw up excellent IC performance with mediocre external circuitry. I have no evidence that should be the case for the Massdrop model. I'm merely pointing out that such things happen and that circuit design at -150 dB THD and 133 dB SNR is a significant challenge.

I'm looking forward to the review.

Either way, both the HP-1 and THXAAA are limited by the supply voltage, so HifiMan HE-6 owners will still want more power.

Tom

 

[rdf]

Congrats on a stellar review of the HP-1. Impressive!

Review and Measurements of Neurochrome HP-1 High-Performance Amp | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

 

[zman01]

Tom,

Congratulations on the great review!

Btw, anything else and I would have been very much surprised. You've raised the bar high.

 

[tomchr]

Thank you! Yep. I'm quite pleased with the ASR review.

Tom

 

[tomchr]

Just a quick note: I've put the HP-1 on sale. Both assembled and DIY versions are on sale while supplies last.

You can find them here:
HP-1: Ultra-High End Headphone Amp | Neurochrome :: Audio

Tom

 

[Moderation Team]

:cop; Thread moved to Vendor’s Bazaar.

 

[tomchr]

These are the three chassis colours offered. Graphite Grey is the standard, in stock, and on sale at $199 for the chassis $999 for the fully assembled amp. That's $250 in savings on the fully built amp.

The Gentian Blue and Carmine Red are special order. They're also on sale (same price as the Graphite Grey), but the lead time is 2-3 weeks.

You can find them here: HP-1: Ultra-High End Headphone Amp | Neurochrome :: Audio

Tom

 

[tomchr]

I have placed the last chassis order, hence, have discontinued the red and blue options.

Including the chassis I just ordered, I have seven fully assembled HP-1s, four bare boards with connectors and volume knob, and three bare boards left.

Tom

 

[tomchr]

Actually... Rather than discontinuing the chassis, I put them back as special order items. So if you need a chassis for your HP-1 board, you can get one. I'll have to order them at QTY = 1 from the manufacturer, which will drive up the cost significantly. I'll probably end up selling them at cost, which is OK if they help move the remaining boards.

I have six boards left and a short stack of assembled amps for those who'd like to skip the SMD soldering step.

Tom

 

[BYRTT]

Hi Tom,

Any chance you have a single red front from for example a prototype sample laying around i can order, its because your nice row of colors up there inspire my eyes add red front to my graphite box and then a thin piece of oiled light oak on top

 

[tomchr]

I don't. I can certainly ask how much it would be to get one made if you're interested. At QTY = 1, I'm guessing around $100ish. About half that is the silk screening setup fee.

Tom

 

[BYRTT]

Thanks response i forget idea then, not that cost is wrong but you know then comes shipping and vat over here and also the original front is working fine : )

 

[tomchr]

Yeah... I hear ya. Low-volume production is stupid expensive. That said, the panels are 2 mm in thickness, laser cut, de-burred, powder coated, and silk screened, so it's somewhat understandable that they cost money.

Tom