Premier Headphone Amplifier

$9,950.00

Uncompromising headphone performance meets the refined elegance of MSB design.
After years of headphone amp design experience, listener feedback and numerous prototypes, we’re proud to introduce the Premier Headphone Amplifier. Guided by our design principles, we achieved a perfect balance of quality, functionality and beauty. When paired with our world-class Premier or Discrete DAC, you can experience the finest digital audio on a widely supported variety of dynamic headphones.

Description

Dynamic Performance
High-resolution audio sources shine with our fully balanced architecture, ultra-low noise floor and impedance matched circuit topology. The Premier Headphone amplifier maintains this balanced topology from the input’s origin all the way to its 4-pin XLR output. If single-ended headphones are being used, it automatically reconfigures itself when the ¼” jack is inserted. Experience balanced or single-ended headphones without compromising either one’s performance.

Your headphones. Your system. Your choice.
The rugged class A amplifier utilizes a unique Zero Negative feedback, high-voltage, current mode circuit that is load independent. The amplifier automatically adjusts to the load that it’s driving without affecting its stability or sound quality. The amp supports headphones that are spec’d from Mega-Ohms down to a fraction of an ohm. From power hungry planar magnetics to efficient IEM’s, nearly all dynamic headphones are optimally driven. Boasting 134dBA of dynamic range and a high-power class A design, the Premier Headphone Amp easily performs the softest background ambiance to the most explosive crescendos.

CNC billet chassis
Machined in-house, the sleek unibody chassis allowed us to evenly dissipate heat with an astounding 12,000 in2 (7.75 m2) of heatsink area. With powerful class A amplification, advanced thermal design becomes critical for component longevity and long-term performance.

Power and Shielding
The Premier Headphone Amp is powered by a custom wound, ultra low-noise, and shielded transformer. To mitigate the effects of residual stray magnetic fields, it’s housed in a CNC machined pocket lined with additional mu-metal shielding. The custom made Lundahl output transformers are also installed in individual machined cavities and located as far from any sensitive input circuitry as possible. Everything is measured, shielded and optimized for this compact yet functional layout.

Fully equipped
Daily headphone use needs to be easy and comforting to use. With the included 12-Volt trigger connected to your Premier Powerbase, the Headphone amp will automatically turn on and off with your system. Forward facing jacks make it easy to plug in and switch headphones, making it simpler to dive into your music.

Analog bypass
After a long session of headphone listening, simply switch to the included Bypass Mode to send your music to your desk monitors or home system to share music with friends and family.

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.

The 12V Trigger Adapter
The 12V trigger adapter provides a multitude of ways for connecting your MSB product with other 12V trigger systems. Learn More > Click Here.

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 MSB Technologies opened thier doors in 1986, they have been driven by one goal: to craft an unrivaled listening experience for music lovers across the globe. In that time, they have pushed the industry forward with each product they built, redefining what’s possible. But don’t take our word for it. See what the reviews are saying.

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 18.2 kg
Dimensions 45.72 × 558.8 × 17.78 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

40Ω

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

>125dB
>134dBA

Frequency Response

20Hz-20kHz ±0.3dB

Common Mode Rejection Ratio

> 82dB CMRR @ 60Hz
> 82dB CMRR @ 1kHz
> 80dB CMRR @ 20kHz

Crosstalk

<-110dB Crosstalk @ 1kHz
<-90dB Crosstalk @ 20kHz

Max Power @ 1% THD+N

8Ω @ 4.5Vrms (2.53W)
16Ω @ 7.5Vrms (3.51W)
32Ω @ 11.4Vrms (4.06W)
45Ω @ 13.2Vrms (3.87W)
150Ω @ 13.8Vrms (1.27W)

Headphone Output Connectors

1x 4 Pin XLR
2x 1/4" Stereo Jack (Single-ended)

Display

Power LED

Controls

Rear panel power switch
Front panel passthrough/Headphone toggle switch
1x MSB 12V Trigger

Power Consumption

82 Watts
(8Watts in passthrough mode)

AC Voltage

100V (Fixed)
120/240V (User switch on bottom of unit)

Input/Gain Stage

– Class A
– Double balanced
– Impedance matched
– Fully discrete

Output Stage

– Class A
– Balanced or Single-ended*
*Only in single-ended mode when 1/4" jack is used

Chassis Dimensions

Width: 43.2cm
Depth: 30.5cm
Hight (without feet): 6.2cm
Hight (with feet): 7.7cm

Weight

14kg

Finishes

Available in matte silver or matte black anodized

Included Accessories

Product Manual
Grounding Cable

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