Cocktail Audio HA500H | DAC

REFERENCE HYBRID DAC CONVERTER (TUBE AND SOLID STATE), HEADPHONES AMP AND PREAMPLIFIER

The Cocktail Audio HA500H is an excellent hybrid headphone amplifier, DAC converter, line preamplifier for the most advanced audiophile.

It features both two (2) ECC82 tubes and a solid state OPAmp, which function as a preamp stage for the headphone section, and as an output stage for the preout section, while the solid state transistors are integrated in the final power stage for the headphone section.

Then, you can select either the tube listening option, or through the solid state amplification of the OPAmps, according to the genre of music, your feelings and mood.

Each musical genre has its own intrinsic character: you may wish to listen to a piece of music that requires maximum dynamics and crystal clear solid-state reproduction, while in other circumstances you may prefer to listen to pieces of music that will perform best when played warmly and gentle via the tube output. The choice is yours!

Based on your tastes, your needs, your mood, the HA500H will be the most flexible system, allowing you to choose a different sound signature in the reproduction of your favorite music, based on your sensations and your musical preferences.

The Cocktail Audio HA500H is equipped with an impedance selector with which you can set between High or Low impedance, to obtain a perfect match with your headphones.

Equipped with a dual Sabre³² ES9018K2M DAC (one DAC chip per channel in Dual Mono configuration), an additional multicore microcontroller for high-performance USB audio DAC, a fully isolated and separate power supply circuit based on a toroidal transformer for the analogue and on a SMPS switching power supply for the digital one, the HA500H stands as a reference DAC Converter, Headphone Amplifier, Pre-Amplifier for all music lovers, who are looking for the best audio performance.

A device of this level is completed with the adoption of a high quality aluminum chassis with a splendid satin finish, built with the utmost precision through the use of a numerically controlled CNC machine, and available in Black or Silver finish.

DUAL ESS SABRE³² ES9018K2M DAC IN DUAL MONO CONFIGURATION

Two Sabre³² ES9018K2M DAC chips are integrated separately for left and right channels. Regarded as the world's best performing 32bit audio DAC platform, the ES9018K2M offers a DNR (Dynamic Range) of up to 127dB and a THD+N (Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise) of -120dB. Since the CocktailAUDIO HA500H is designed with two DAC chips for each channel separately, its dynamic range will be much higher and the sound quality will be much better.

VALVE CIRCUIT WITH 2 ECC82 VALVES

Based on our exclusive technologies developed to pair solid-state electronics with vacuum tubes, the HA500H was designed to allow audiophiles and music lovers alike to experience smooth, immersive sound, adding warmth and depth to music.

A pair of ECC82 tubes is installed for the pre-amplifier stage of the headphones section and for the output stage of the pre-out section.

This arrangement ensures an exciting and top-level sound, capable of capturing attention and reproducing the musical program with extreme naturalness.

SEPARATE AND INDEPENDENT DOUBLE POWER SUPPLY

To minimize background noise and electrical interference, the power source for the digital and analog sections are designed completely independently.

The digital section is served by a SMPS switching power supply.

While for the analog section, instead of the traditional lamellar transformers, the HA500H employs a high quality oversized toroidal transformer built on proprietary specifications, which guarantees unparalleled energy efficiency and minimizes external magnetic fields.

These features translate into better channel separation and a drastic reduction in cross-talking and crosstalk phenomena.

HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO 32BIT/384KHZ – DSD256 – MQA

For audiophiles and music lovers using a PC, CocktailAUDIO X50D or CocktailAUDIO X50Pro as their source, the HA500H is the perfect hybrid asynchronous USB DAC converter, delivering outstanding sound quality using a very high precision internal clock to drive the audio signal with extreme accuracy and two ESS Sabre³² Reference DAC chips, to convert the digital signal into analog. The HA500H USB DAC input natively supports MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) signals, native DSD64/128/256 signal and PCM signal up to 32Bit/384Khz.

THE HA500H AUDIO COCKTAIL FULLY BALANCED CIRCUIT

The HA500H is based on a circuit designed with fully balanced technologies for the internal analog audio signal path.

The unbalanced (single-ended) analog input is converted to a balanced signal in the input buffer, and then passes into the ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) section.

Instead, the balanced analog input is passed to the ADC as-is.

For all digital audio inputs, the signal flows in a fully balanced fashion from the DAC to the output connectors.

All single-ended (unbalanced) outputs are also derived from the balanced signal.

The balanced circuit certainly helps to reduce common-mode noise and improves the overall quality of the audio signal, keeping it as faithful as possible.

The balanced headphone output provides twice the voltage and four times the power of single-ended (unbalanced) output, allowing the HA500H to drive headphones that require a lot of power.

It also provides improved channel separation by eliminating the return path to the common ground point.

HEADPHONE OUTPUT WITH FINELY ADJUSTABLE IMPEDANCE

The CocktailAUDIO HA500H offers the Headphone Output Impedance Select function, so you can set the correct impedance for optimal sound quality and to best match the sensitivity of your headphones.

You can select one of the two available options, i.e. High or Low.

The HA500H's volume can be controlled precisely and seamlessly via the included convenient remote.

The headphone amplifier also provides separate adjustments for the impedance and sensitivity of connected headphones, as well as setting separate volume levels for individual audio sources.

These features allow headphones between 16 ohms and 600 ohms to be perfectly matched with the HA500H, obtaining extraordinary audio quality.

XLR AND RCA ANALOG INPUTS AND OUTPUTS

The CocktailAUDIO HA500H DAC features RCA unbalanced and XLR balanced inputs and outputs.

It is a true line preamplifier, capable of operating in tube or transistor mode.

The entire signal path is fully balanced. In the case of the analog input signal, this is processed by a special ADC (Analog to Digital Converter) conversion section, which also operates in a fully balanced configuration.

HIGH RESOLUTION DIGITAL INPUTS

The high resolution Digital Inputs of the DAC Reference CocktailAUDIO HA500H converter are very rich.

The presence of the high-quality I²S HDMI digital connection is immediately noticeable, perfect for connection to the CocktailAUDIO X50D and CocktailAUDIO X50Pro.

The I²S (HDMI) connection allows the reproduction of native DSD-256 encoding, PCM files up to 384Khz and MQA (Master Quality Authenticated).

Equally versatile and qualitative is USB Audio Class 2.0, capable of supporting all PCM streams up to 32Bit/384Khz, native DSD256 as well as native MQA coding up to 384Khz.

There are, of course, the traditional electrical digital connections, such as the 75 Ohm RCA Coaxial digital input, the Toslink Optical input, the 110 Ohm XLR AES/EBU, all of which are capable of receiving stereophonic digital audio streams up to 192Khz.

For maximum listening versatility and direct playback of music from mobile devices such as Smartphones and Tablets, the Cocktail Audio HA500H also features support for the Bluetooth aptX 4.2 wireless protocol, with AVRCP/A2DP profiles with support for SBC, aptX, AAC, MP3s.

LARGE 5″ TFT LCD SCREEN FOR INTUITIVE CONTROL

The large 5-inch TFT LCD screen on the front panel helps you to easily operate the HA500H and obtain its operation information.

The digital VU-Meters offer a precise visual measurement of the incoming audio signal, with a pleasant sensation with a classic flavor that perfectly matches the tones of the warm and analog timbre of the tubes.

The CocktailAUDIO HA500H is characterized by an essential and timeless design, with fine aluminum sandblasted and milled with the precision of CNC machining.

The 5-inch color display is placed in the center of the front panel.

On the top side are the left and right air vents for the valves below – another visually striking element of the HA500H.

A high-quality 2 mm thick steel has been used for the bottom and rear panel to give the device stability and robustness and at the same time provide additional protection against external vibrations.

The HA500H is an extremely robust headphone amplifier and digital-to-analog converter with a total weight of 6.9 kg.

Technical specifications
display	5″ TFT LCD (800×480 pixels)
check	Scroll buttons and selector (volume and scroll), IR remote control
Entrances
Analog	Unbalanced (RCA)			Input Impedance: 47K Ohm, Standard 2 Vrms (adjustable from 1-4 Vrms)
	Balanced (XLR)			Input Impedance: 47K Ohm, Standard 4Vrms (adjustable from 2-8Vrms)
Digital	1x coax			Sample rate up to 192kHz
	Toslink 1x			Sample rate up to 192kHz
	AES / EBU 1x			Sample rate up to 192kHz
I²S	HDMI 1x			Native DSD256, DoP (Max DSD128), PCM up to 384kHz, MQA
Bluetooth input	Bluetooth 4.2			Profiles: AVRCP / A2DP, Format: SBC, aptX, AAC, MP3
USB audio DACs	USB-B 1x			USB Audio Class 2.0, Supports up to 32Bit/ 384kHz PCM, Native DSD256, MQA384kHz
DAC performance; Sabre³² ES9018K2M Dual DAC (one per channel)
Sabre³² ES9018K2M Dual DACs	Balanced Outputs (XLR)			Dynamic Range: 130dB (Max 4Vrms / 8Vrms, Stereo) THD+N: 0.0004%
	Unbalanced outputs (RCA)			Dynamic Range: 130dB (Max 2Vrms / 4Vrms, Stereo) THD+N: 0.0004%
Analog Output Specifications (Non-Tube)
		Balanced output (XLR)		Unbalanced output (RCA)
Nominal Output Level (High / Low)		High – 8Vrms / Low – 4Vrms		High – 4Vrms / Low – 2Vrms
Frequency response		10Hz ~ 80kHz: +/- 0.1dB		10Hz ~ 80kHz: +/- 0.1dB
		20Hz ~ 20kHz: +/- 0.01dB		20Hz ~ 20kHz: +/- 0.01dB
THD+N @ 1KHz (20Hz ~ 20kHz)		<-105dB (<0.00056%)		<-105dB (<0.00056%)
Channel separation		-110dB		-110dB
Signal-to-noise		<-113dB		<-112dB
Headphone output specifications (non-tube)
		Balanced output		Unbalanced output
Impedance selected		high	Bass	high	Bass
Rated output power	600 ohms	485mW per channel	120mW per channel	125mW per channel	31mW per channel
	16 ohms	n/a	n/a	1100mW per channel	450mW per channel
Frequency response		10Hz ~ 80kHz ± 0.5dB	10Hz ~ 80kHz ± 0.15dB	10Hz ~ 80kHz ± 0.5dB	10Hz ~ 80kHz ± 0.5dB
THD+N @ 1KHz (20Hz ~ 20kHz)		0.001% (-100dB)	0.0012% (-99dB)	0.009% (-81dB)	0.0041% (-88dB)
Signal-to-noise		<-111dB	<-113dB	<-106dB	<-110dB
General informations
Triggers	input	Max. 12V
	output	Max. 200mA, 12V
Headphone output pin assignment	Balanced (XLR-4pin)	1: L+, 2: L-, 3: R+, 4: R-, Shield: Ground
	Unbalanced (6.35mm)	Tip: L, Ring: R, Shaft: Earth
Headphone impedance recommended		16 ohms ~ 600 ohms
Power supply	AC 110-120V ~ / 220-240V ~, 50/60Hz (auto detect)
Energy consumption	50W (operation), 0.5W (standby)
Housing	material	Front, housing, cover, switch	CNC machined aluminum, sandblasted
		Rear, low	High quality steel
	size	without feet	270mm (W) x 333mm (D) x 85mm (H)
		with feet	270mm (W) x 333mm (D) x 90mm (H)
weight	6.9kg