Onkyo
HA-70
Onkyo launches HA-70 desktop headphone amplifier and DAC
The HA-70 pairs two ESS SABRE DAC chips with Onkyo-designed analogue circuitry. Three gain settings cater for in-ear monitors, low-impedance headphones and more demanding headphones.
Georg S. Kuklick
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Onkyo has introduced a desktop headphone amplifier to mark its 80th anniversary. The Onkyo HA-70 combines integrated digital-to-analogue conversion with a fully balanced signal path. It is scheduled to become available in spring 2027 at a suggested US retail price of $650.
The digital conversion section uses two ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE DAC chips, with dedicated DAC stages for each audio channel. Each channel also has its own dedicated amplifier stage, and the analogue circuitry is designed by Onkyo. Supported playback formats include PCM at up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD256.
The HA-70 offers three gain settings for different headphone types. Ultra Low Gain is intended for in-ear monitors, while Low Gain caters for low-impedance headphones. High Gain is provided for more demanding headphones.
Digital sources connect through USB-C, optical and coaxial inputs. The HA-70 also includes RCA outputs and balanced XLR outputs. The amplifier is housed in an aluminium chassis.
Key specifications
DAC chips | 2 × ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE |
|---|---|
Signal topology | Fully balanced |
Channel architecture | Dedicated DAC and amplifier stages for each audio channel |
Maximum PCM playback | 32-bit/768kHz |
DSD playback | DSD256 |
Gain settings | Ultra Low Gain; Low Gain; High Gain |
Digital inputs | USB-C; optical; coaxial |
Outputs | RCA; balanced XLR |
Chassis material | Aluminium |
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