Bryston BHA-1
Bryston balanced headphone amplifier with six discrete Class A op-amps, which can also serve as an analogue preamplifier via its XLR outputs.
Description
The BHA-1 is a headphone amplifier from Bryston, designed as a miniature power amplifier capable of driving a wide range of headphones, including high-impedance models. It offers both balanced outputs and unbalanced outputs for traditional headphones, as well as a pair of XLR outputs at the rear allowing it to be used as an analogue preamplifier.
Its distinctive feature lies in six fully discrete Class A operational amplifiers, an architecture aimed at delivering high dynamic range and precise signal reproduction, even at low levels. The circuit is built as a balanced dual-mono design, with a dedicated left/right balance control and an adjustable gain setting to suit different headphones. Stereo volume tracking is laser-trimmed for precise channel matching, and both input and output connectors are gold-plated. According to the measurements provided, the unit delivers, for example, up to 10.9 V output into 600 ohms or 10.8 V into 300 ohms, illustrating its ability to drive demanding loads.
This type of amplifier is aimed at enthusiasts of high-end headphones seeking a dedicated, carefully engineered power source, as well as users wishing to use the BHA-1 as an analogue preamplifier via its XLR outputs, within a system where precision and level control are paramount.
Technical specifications
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 69.85 x 482.6 x 311.15 mm |
| Weight | 3.6 kg |
| Connections | 1 x RCA input, 1 x Balanced XLR input, 1 x 3.5 mm mini-jack input, 1 x Balanced XLR output |
What to check before buying used
The laser-trimmed volume control is worth testing through its full rotation, listening for any crackling or channel imbalance, a classic symptom of an ageing potentiometer. Also check that the left/right balance control functions correctly, as well as the cleanliness of the gold-plated connectors, particularly the XLR outputs if the unit has been used for preamplification. It is also worth checking thermal stability during use, as Class A stages run hotter than a conventional design.
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