Dynamic Headphone Amplifier

$15,500.00

The magic of ultra HiFi sound brought to dynamic headphones.
Designed for dynamic headphones, the Reference Headphone Amp is a fully balanced amplifier. Boasting 139dB of dynamic range, the amp works in tandem with the Reference and Select DAC, allowing the music to come to life in vibrant and unforgettable new ways.

Description

Anodized finishes
Elegant yet commanding, our finishes are available in a matte silver or matte black anodize. Our products include our in-house designed viton feet, but any audiophile M6X1 foot can be installed to personalize your system.

CNC billet
Starting with a 65lb plate of raw aluminum, material is machined in our own in-house CNC shop. After more than four hours of machining, 60% of the aluminum is removed, resulting in a significantly lighter, more contoured product with the best anodized finishes on the market.

4-Pin XLR
Each amplifier is equipped with three 4-pin XLR outputs, designed for a shared listening experience.

Fully equipped
A rear-facing headphone jack allows for a cleaner system aesthetic—there aren’t any dangling cables interfering with a cleanly assembled system. The noise floor is reduced with an isolated transformer and grounding scheme. 12 Volt triggers allow remote control over the system power. Learn More > Click Here.

Analog bypass
If you’re sharing the headphones with a two-channel system, use our internal bypass we’ve installed directly into the amp. Simply turn off the unit for the signal to be sent to your other system.

Trade in program
While we’re committed to long lasting products that hold their value, we realize audio systems are always evolving. That’s why we’re thrilled to offer up to 100% trade-in value for existing MSB products when upgrading to a higher performing series. If you currently have an MSB DAC or amplifier that you love–but are looking to experience more from your system–please reach out to your local dealer. We’ll build a personalized offer for your existing MSB products that count towards a new DAC or amplifier. Let us do the work of refurbishing and finding your current electronics a new home–they’ll continue to be enjoyed for years to come. Learn More > Click Here.

People are talking
Since opening our doors in 1986, we’ve been driven by one goal: to craft an unrivaled listening experience for music lovers across the globe. In that time, we’ve pushed the industry forward with each product we’ve built, redefining what’s possible. But don’t take our word for it. See what the reviews are saying. Learn More > Click Here.

The best of the best
At MSB, we believe excellence is a promise worth keeping. We’re honored to be recognized by the industry for bringing you the most lifelike sound we can. Check out the awards + accolades.

Additional information

Weight 19 kg
Dimensions 58.5 × 58.5 × 17.8 cm
Supported Formats

Analog Only

XLR Analog Inputs

Optimized for 75Ω or 150Ω Balanced Source

XLR Analog Outputs

Direct connection to input when enabled or unit powered off.
When listening to headphones, output is muted with 75Ω output impedance.

Headphone Output Impedance

0.45Ω

Dynamic Range 20Hz-20kHz (Max Power at 45Ω)

>139dB
>141dBA

Frequency Response

5Hz-20kHz ±0.016dB

Common Mode Rejection Ratio

> 95dB CMRR @ 60Hz
> 95dB CMRR @ 1kHz
> 80dB CMRR @ 20kHz

Crosstalk

<-130dB Crosstalk @ 1kHz <-110dB Crosstalk @ 20kHz

SMPTE IMD 0dBu

0.0019% @ 45Ω

% THD+N 1kHz 0dBu

0.00065% @ 45Ω

Max Power @ 1% THD+N

16Ω @ 4.25Vrms (1.12W)
32Ω @ 8.6Vrms (2.3W)
45Ω @ 15.5Vrms (5.3W)
150Ω @ 15.6Vrms (1.62W)

Noise Floor (150Ω Input Impedance)

0.00168mVrms
20Hz-20kHz

Headphone Output Connectors

1x Rear 4 Pin XLR
2x Front 4 Pin XLR

Display

Power LED

Controls

IR Remote (Configurable)
Power Button (Configurable)
2x MSB 12V Trigger

Power Consumption

64 Watts
Less than 2W standby

Input/Gain Stage

– Class-A
– Double balanced
– Impedance matched
– DC coupled
– Fully discrete

Output Stage

– Class-A
– Balanced
– Current gain only

Chassis Dimensions

Width: 44.4cm
Depth: 44.4cm
Hight (without feet): 5.6cm
Hight (with feet): 9.2cm

Included Accessories

Product Manual, Ground Cable and IEC Power Cord.

Brand

MSB Technology

Who we are. What we do.

Located in Silicon Valley, our dedicated engineers and production specialists work to bring you the best in high-end audio. Combining elegant design thinking with a passion for lifelike reproduction, our close-knit team, led by brothers Jonathan and Daniel Gullman, build and curate a wide array of hifi products—DACs, transports and amplifiers—setting an industry benchmark. By relying on tight integration between electrical, mechanical and consumer needs, we strive to push the listening experience further. At the end of the day, our joy comes from innovation and sharing our leading-edge technologies with the world.

Designing DACs for more than 25 years has given us keen insights for future ready products. Now, more than ever, our product range has the most flexible architechture yet. California based in-house development and manufacturing has evolved the digital front-end to a new level of playback.

Our people. Our values. Our culture.

We’re a small team of elite designers and technicians united by our love for high-end audio. While we’re builders at heart, our company culture drives the innovation and passion that makes MSB what it is today.

This is who we are.
    • Empower People We rely on a diverse and inclusive work environment where our team is equipped to solve problems on their own—but are invited to seek support when needed.
    • Optimize Quality We promote a culture of growth and improvement that relies upon precision, maintaining high standards and holding ourselves accountable for the work we do.
    • Honest Design We create and support long lasting products while maintaining simple, functional and intelligent design that performs at the highest level.
    • Promote Sustainability We maintain our environmental responsibility by seeking better manufacturing processes and minimizing use of resources.

We believe collaboration leads to excellence. Each member of the MSB team plays a critical role in getting our product out of our doors and into your home.

Contact Us:
    • North America Vince Galbo Sales Manager Phone: (716) 688-3527 vince@msbtechnology.com
    • Europe Very Fine Solutions Frank Vermeylen European Sales Manager Phone: +32 472 42 5775 frank@veryfinesolutions.eu www.veryfinesolutions.com
Find your local dealer > Click Here  
    • MSB Technology Factory & MSB Technology Corp 15 Brennan St. Watsonville CA, 95076 Phone: (831) 662-2800 Hours of operation: Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm PST Any questions, email daniel@msbtechnology.com
Need a repair? > Click Here