Fostex HP-A8 User manual

Quick Start Guide
HP-A8
32-bit DAC headphone amplifier
8289683000
(555373)
Thank you very much for purchasing the HP-A8.
This manual provides the basics of the HP-A8. Read this
before you use the unit for the first time.
<Note>: If you connect the HP-A8 to a Windows computer via USB,
youmustinstallthededicatedUSBAudioClass2.0driverwhichcanbe
downloadedfromtheFostexwebsite(www.fostex.com).
IfyouuseaMaccomputer,youdonotneedtodownloadadriver.

E-2
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
Lisez ces instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
Conservez ces instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
Respectez tous les avertissements.
4) Follow all instructions.
Suivez toutes les instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
Ne pas utiliser cet appareil près de lʼeau.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
Nettoyer uniquement avec un chiffon sec.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Ne pas bloquer les ouvertures de ventilation. Installer conformé-
ment aux instructions du fabricant.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Ne pas installer près de sources de chaleur telles que radiateurs,
registres de chaleur, poêles ou autres appareils (y compris les am-
plificateurs) produisant de la chaleur.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A ground-
ing type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
Ne détruisez pas la sécurité de la terre ou polarisées - fiche. Une
fiche polarisée possède deux lames dont une est plus large que lʼ
autre. Une prise de terre possède deux lames et une broche de
terre. La lame large ou la troisième broche sont prévues pour votre
sécurité. Si la fiche fournie ne rentre pas dans votre prise, con-
sultez un électricien pour remplacer la prise obsolète.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
Protégez le cordon dʼalimentation dʼêtre piétiné ou pincé, particu-
lièrement au niveau des fiches, des prises, et le point où ils sortent
de lʼappareil.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Nʼutilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le fabricant.
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Utilisez seulement avec la charrette, position,
trépied, support ou table spécifiée par le fab-
ricant, ou a vendu avec lʼappareil . Lorsquʼune
charrette est utilisée, utilise la prudence quand
déplacer la combinaison de charrette / appareil pour éviter la bles-
sure de pointe-sur.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
Débranchez cet appareil pendant les orages ou lorsquʼil nʼest pas
utilisé pendant de longues périodes de temps.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-sup-
ply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Confiez toute réparation à un personnel qualifié. Une réparation
est nécessaire lorsque lʼappareil a été endommagé de quelque
façon que ce cordon dʼalimentation ou la fiche est endommagé,
liquide a été renversé ou des objets sont tombés dans lʼappareil, lʼ
appareil a été exposé à la pluie ou à lʼhumidité, ne fonctionne pas
normalement, ou sʼil est tombé.
15) The apparatus shall be used in an open area.
Cet apprareil doit être utilisé dans un endroit a aire ouverte.
16) Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no ob-
jects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on appalatus.
Lʼappareil ne doit pas êclaboussures et aucun objet ne contenant
de liquide, tel quʼun vase, ne doit être placé sur lobjet.
17) Mains plug is used as disconnect device. It shall remain readily operable
and should not be obstructed during intended use. To completely discon-
nect the apparatus from supply mains, the main plug of the apparatus
shall be disconnected from the mains socket outlet completely.
La prise du secteur et utilisé pou déconnecter le système. La prise
du secteur ne doit pas étre obstruée ou doit être facilement acces-
sible pendant son utilisation. Pour être complèment déconnecté de
lʼalimentation dʼentrée, la prise doit être débranchée du secteur.
ATTENTION
RISQUE D' ÉLECTROCUTION
NES PAS OUVRIR
WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS
• CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF
PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION: POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, APAR DE LA
FENTE LARGE, FOND.
• WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.
AVIS: Pour réduire le risque dʼincendie ou de choc électrique, ne
pas exposer cet appareil sous la pluie et lʼhumidité.
• CAUTION: Use of any controls or adjustments or performance of proce-
dures other than those herein specified may result in hazardous radiation
exposure.
ATTENTION: Lʼutilisation de tout contrôle ou de réglages ou de
procédures autres que celles indiquées ci-après peut entraîner une
exposition à des radiations dangereuses.
• WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
AVIS: Les changements ou modifications à cette unité nʼétant pas
expressément approuvé par la partie responsable de la conformité
pourrait annuler lʼautorité de lʼutilisateur de faire fonctionner lʼ
équipement.
• WARNING: Do not place the unit on top of any soft, porous, or sensitive
surfaces to avoid damaging the surface. Use a protective barrier between
the unit and surface to protect the surface.
AVIS: Ne placez pas lʼappareil au-dessus de toutes les surfaces
souples, poreux, ou sensibles pour éviter dʼendommager la sur-
face. Utilisez une barrière de protection entre lʼunité et la surface à
protéger la surface.
• WARNING: Use of this unit near fluorescent lighting may cause interfer-
ence regarding use of the remote. If the unit is displaying erratic behavior
move away from any fluorescent lighting, as it may be the cause.
AVIS: Lʼutilisation de cet appareil à proximité dʼéclairage fluo-
rescent peut provoquer des interférences sur lʼutilisation de la
télécommande. Si lʼappareil affiche un comportement erratique sʼ
éloigner de tout éclairage fluorescent, telle quʼelle peut être la
cause.
• WARNING: Do not install this equipment in a confined space such as a
book case or similar unit.
AVIS: Ne pas installer cet équipement dans un espace confiné
comme une bibliothèque ou une unité similaire.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELEC-
TRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR
BACK).
AVERTISSEMENT: POUR RÉDUIRE LE RISQUE
DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE
COUVERCLE (NI LE DOS).
NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON-
NEL.
AUCUNE PIÈCE À LʼINTÉRIEUR. ENTRETIEN DE
PERSONNELQUALIFIE.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilat-
eral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclo-
sure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk
of electric shock to persons.
Le symbole de lʼéclair fléché dans un triangle équilaté-
ral, est destiné à alerter lʼutilisateur de la présence dʼ
une “tension dangereuse” dans le boîtier du produit qui
peuvent être des ampleur suffisante pour constituer un
risque dʼélectrocution aux personnes.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is in-
tended to alert the user to the presence of important operat-
ing and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the product.
Le point dʼexclamation dans un triangle attire lʼatten-
tion de lʼutilisateur sur la présente dʼune importante
littérature concernant le fonctionnement et lʼentretien
(les réparations) de lʼappareil dans les manuels fournis.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

E-3
Overview
The HP-A8 is a DAC headphone amplifier offering
superb analog and digital circuitry designs. You can
listen to music reproduced by a personal computer
or digital audio device with high quality sound.
• High quality 32-bit DAC (AK4399) and all discrete
analog circuitry headphone amplifier for maxi-
mum sound quality
• Self-developed USB driver up to 32bit/192kHz on
Mac (24bit on Windows)
• Asynchronous mode using high precision TCXO
(temperature compensated crystal oscillator) sup-
presses clock jitter.
• Audiophile quality electronic volume is used for
level control.
• Large capacity toroidal power transformer for
ample power supply.
• Audio source selectable from a personal com-
puter, digital audio device or analog audio device.
• Built-in SD (SDHC) card drive to reproduce DSF
file on an SD card, as well as be used for future
software upgrade using an SD card.
• Two headphone jacks as well as the line output
(RCA jacks) for analog output.
• Internal clock or External clock mode selectable.
• Up-sampling function (x 2, x 4 or OFF).
• Selectable digital filter type.
• 24-step selectable gain for headphone output.
• Direct analog output mode bypassing the volume
circuit.
• Comes with a handy dedicated remote controller.
• OLED (organic electroluminescent display) repre-
sents current system information as well as menu
information.
Supplied accessories
The following accessories are supplied with the
HP-A8.
• Remote controller x 1
• Power cord x 1
• Quick start guide (this manual) x 1
After purchasing the HP-A8, check that all the
above items are included in the package.
* Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and other
countries.
* Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
* All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
Table of contents
Table of contents ...........................................E-3
Overview ........................................................E-3
Supplied accessories ....................................E-3
Features and controls
Front panel ..............................................E-4
Rear panel ...............................................E-5
Display ....................................................E-6
Remote controller ....................................E-7
Using the HP-A8
Example 1: Listening to the audio from
an external digital audio device ..............E-8
Example 2: Listening to a DSF file on
an SD card ..............................................E-9
Using the menu
Basic menu operation ..........................E-11
Menu items ...........................................E-11
Declaration of EC Directive ........................E-12
Fostex distributors list in Europe .................E-12
For the more detailed information, see the “Owner’s
manual (details)” that will be uploaded to the Fostex
website (www.fostex.com) later and updated as
needed.
FCC (U.S.A.) & ICES-003 (Canada)
INFORMATION
1. IMPORTANT NOTICE
This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this
manual, meets FCC and ICES-003 requirements. Changes or modifications
not expressly approved by Fostex Company for compliance could void the
user’ s authority to operate the equipment. DO NOT MODIFY THIS PROD-
UCT.
2. IMPORTANT
In order to comply with FCC and ICES-003 requirements, use high quality
shielded cables for connection to accessories and / or another products. If
any cables are supplied with this product, they MUST be used. Follow all
installation instructions. Failure to do so could void your FCC / ICES-003
authorization to use this product in the USA / Canada.
3. NOTE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a resi-
dential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will
be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
4. Compliance with Part 15 of FCC Rules and Canadian ICES-003.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interfer-
ence, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that many cause undesired operation.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.

E-4
❶[POWER] switch
This switch turns on or off the unit.
When the switch is down, the unit is on.
❷[ON] indicator
When the unit is on, this indicator lights in red.
❸[OUTPUT SEL] switch
This switch selects weather analog audio is output
from the [PHONES] (1 and 2) jacks or the [ANALOG
OUT] jacks.
When the switch is up, audio is output from the
[PHONES] (1 and 2) jacks.
When the switch is down, audio is output from the
[ANALOG OUT] jacks.
<Memo>:Regardless of the [OUTPUT SEL]
switch setting, the digital audio signal is always
fed to all [DIGITAL OUT] jacks (except when the
input source is an analog source or a DSF file).
❹Display
Shows various information of the unit.
See E-6 for details.
❺[PHONES] (1 and 2) jacks
(stereo phone jacks)
These jacks are used to connect to headphones.
You can connect headphones to both jacks simul-
taneously, allowing monitoring by two persons at a
time.
The audio signal is output from these jacks when
the [OUTPUT SEL] switch on the front panel is up.
Features and controls
Front panel
❻[INPUT SEL] dial
You can select the input source from the following
by rotating this dial.
External device connected to
the [AES/EBU] jack on the rear panel
Computer connected to
the [USB] jack on the rear panel
External device connected to
the [ANALOG] jacks on the rear panel
SD card inserted to
the [SD CARD] slot on the rear panel
External device connected to
the [DIGITAL IN - COAXIAL] jack on
the rear panel
External device connected to the
[DIGITAL IN - OPTICAL 1] jack on
the rear panel
External device connected to the
[DIGITAL IN - OPTICAL 2] jack on
the rear panel
AES/EBU
USB
RCA
SD
COX
OPT1
OPT2
<Memo>:The currently selected input source is
shown on the display.
In the menu mode, this dial is used for selecting the
item or value (see “Using the menu” on page E-11).
❼Audio volume dial
This dial controls the audio output volume of the
[PHONES] (1 and 2) and [ANALOG OUT] jacks.
Audiophile quality electronic volume is used.
The current volume position is shown at the right
top on the display.
<Memo>:When the “DIRECT” menu item is set
to “ON”, this dial does not affect the output vol-
ume of the [ANALOG OUT] jacks.
volume
input sel
1 2phonesoutput selpower
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
❷ ❼❸ ❹ ❻❺❶

E-5
Features and controls
Rear panel
❶[DIGITAL IN - OPTICAL 1] connector
(optical rectangular)
This connector receives an S/PDIF digital audio
signal and is used for connecting to a digital audio
playback device such as a CD player.
To listen to the audio source of this connector, se-
lect “OPT1” by rotating the [INPUT SEL] dial on the
front panel.
❷[DIGITAL IN - OPTICAL 2] connector
(optical rectangular)
This connector receives an S/PDIF digital audio
signal and is used for connecting to a digital audio
playback device such as a CD player.
To listen to the audio source of this connector, se-
lect “OPT2” by rotating the [INPUT SEL] dial on the
front panel.
❸[DIGITAL IN - COAXIAL] connector
(RCA jack)
This connector receives an S/PDIF digital audio
signal and is used for connecting to a digital audio
playback device such as a CD player.
To listen to the audio source of this connector, se-
lect “COX” by rotating the [INPUT SEL] dial on the
front panel.
❹[DIGITAL OUT - OPTICAL] connector
(optical rectangular)
This connector is used for connecting to a digital
audio device.
This connector outputs the digital audio signal the
unit receives in the S/PDIF format.
<Memo>:When the input source is an analog
source or a DSF file, no signal is output from
the [DIGITAL OUT] connector.
IN
AC IN
SD CARD
AES/EBU
USB
RIGHT LEFTRIGHTLEFT
ANALOG OUT ANALOG IN
1 2
OPTICAL COAXIAL COAXIALOPTICAL
DIGITAL IN DIGITAL OUT
❷ ❼
❽ ❾ ❿ ⓫
❸ ❹ ❻❺❶
❺[DIGITAL OUT - COAXIAL] connector
(RCA jack)
This connector is used for connecting to a digital
audio device.
This connector outputs the digital audio signal the
unit receives in S/PDIF format.
<Memo>:When the input source is an analog
source or a DSF file, no signal is output from
the [DIGITAL OUT] connector.
❻[USB] connector
This connector is used to connect to a personal
computer using a USB cable. You can receive a
digital audio signal from the computer.
To listen to the digital audio of a personal computer,
select “USB” by rotating the [INPUT SEL] dial on
the front panel.
❼[SD CARD] slot
This slot is used to insert an SD (or SDHC) card. Be
sure to insert a card with the label side up.
The HP-A8 can play back a DSF file on an SD card.
You can also use an SD card for future version up-
grade.
When you remove an SD card, follow the correct
procedure (see “Removing an SD card” on page
E-10).
<Memo>:The unit does not support SDXC
cards.

E-6
Rear panel
IN
AC IN
SD CARD
AES/EBU
USB
RIGHT LEFTRIGHTLEFT
ANALOG OUT ANALOG IN
1 2
OPTICAL COAXIAL COAXIALOPTICAL
DIGITAL IN DIGITAL OUT
❷ ❼
❽ ❾ ❿ ⓫
❸ ❹ ❻❺❶
Features and controls
Display
❽[ANALOG OUT] (LEFT, RIGHT) connectors
(RCA jack)
These connectors are used to connect to an audio
amplifier, etc.
The audio signal is output from these connectors
when the [OUTPUT SEL] switch on the front panel
is down.
❾[ANALOG IN] (LEFT, RIGHT) connectors
(RCA jacks)
This connector receives an analog audio signal.
It is used to connect to an analog audio playback
device or a digital audio playback device that does
not have a digital output.
To listen to the audio source of the [ANALOG IN]
connectors, select “ANALOG” by rotating the [IN-
PUT SEL] dial on the front panel.
❿[AES/EBU] input connector (XLR female)
This connector receives an AES/EBU digital audio
signal and is used for connecting to a digital audio
playback device such as a CD player.
To listen to the audio source of this connector, se-
lect “AES/EBU” by rotating the [INPUT SEL] dial on
the front panel.
⓫[AC IN] connector
Connect the supplied power cord to this connector.
The following three display modes are available.
• Normal display mode
Normally the display shows the current input
source, Fs condition and volume level position.
OPT 1 -20.0dB
48.0K
• Menu display mode
Pressing the [MENU] key on the remote controller
enters the menu mode. In the menu mode, the dis-
play shows a menu item and the current setting for
that menu item.
-> AMP GAIN
10.0dB
For details about the menu mode, see “Using the
menu” on page E-11.
• SD display mode
When “SD” is selected as the input source, the dis-
play shows something like the one below. You can
see the volume level position, playback/stop status
and current folder/file name.
SD -20.0dB
JAZZ/BLUES#1.dsf
■

E-7
Features and controls
❶[
▲
] key
When the SD card is selected as the audio source,
pressing this key starts playback of the current au-
dio file.
❷[REC] key
(This key does not function with the HP-A8.)
❸[MENU] key
Pressing this key enters the menu mode.
Pressing this key in the menu mode exits the menu
mode.
❹[INPUT SEL] key
This key is used for selecting the audio source (ex-
cept in the menu mode).
It acts the same as the [INPUT SEL] dial on the
front panel.
❺[○] key
Press this key to unmount the SD card before re-
moving it physically from the [SD CARD] slot. (see
“Removing an SD card” on page E-10 for details).
In the menu mode, this key works differently (see
“Using the menu” on page E-11 for details).
❻[■] key
When you play back an audio file on an SD card,
pressing this key stops playback.
MENU INPUT
SEL MUTE
REC
RC-N1
❷
❼
❽
❾
❿
❸
❹
❻
❺
❶
Remote controller
❼[+] / [–] key
These keys are used to control the audio output
volume of the [PHONES] (1 and 2) and [ANALOG
OUT] jacks.
They work the same as the audio volume dial on
the front panel.
<Memo>:When the “DIRECT” menu item is set
to “ON”, these keys do not affect the output
volume of the [ANALOG OUT] jacks.
❽[MUTE] key
Pressing this key mutes the output signal from the
[PHONES] and [ANALOG OUT] jacks. Pressing the
key again releases muting.
Note that the [ANALOG OUT] connectors are not
muted when the “DIRECT” menu item is set to “ON”.
<Memo>:If you use the audio volume dial on
the front panel or the [+] / [-] keys on the remote
controller while the unit is muted, the volume
changes after mute is released.
❾[
＜
] / [
＜
] key
(These keys do not function with version 1.)
❿[＜] / [＞] key
When the SD card is selected as the audio source,
pressing the [<] or [>] key selects the previous or
next file.
Holding down the [<] or [>] key fast-rewinds or fast-
forwards the file.
In the menu mode, these keys are used for select-
ing the menu item or setting (see “Using the menu”
on page E-11 for details).

E-8
Using the HP-A8
Example 1: Listening to the audio from an external digital audio device
Connecting an external digital audio source
device
Connect an external digital audio source device to
any of the four [DIGITAL IN] connectors ([OPTICAL
1], [OPTICAL 2], [COAXIAL] and [AES/EBU]).
AC IN
SD CARD
USB
RIGHT LEFTRIGHTLEFT
ANALOG OUT
COAXIALOPTICAL
DIGITAL OUT
ANALOG IN
AC IN
SD CARD
USB
RIGHT
LEFT
RIGHT
LEFT
ANALOG OUT
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
DIGITAL OUT
ANALOG IN
IN
AES/EBU
1 2
OPTICAL COAXIAL
DIGITAL IN
Connecting the audio monitor device
• To monitor via speakers
Connect an audio amplifi er or powered speakers
to the [ANALOG OUT] connectors.
IN
SD CARD
USB
1 2
OPTICAL COAXIAL COAXIALOPTICAL
DIGITAL IN DIGITAL OUT
AC IN
AES/EBU
LEFTRIGHT
ANALOG IN
IN
SD CARD
USB
1
2
OPTICAL
COAXIAL
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
DIGITAL IN
DIGITAL OUT
AC IN
AES/EBU
LEFT
RIGHT
ANALOG IN
RIGHT LEFT
ANALOG OUT
• To monitor via headphones
Connect headphones to the [PHONES 1] or
[PHONES 2] connector.
volume
input seloutput selpower
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
input sel
output sel
power
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
1 2phones
Turning on the power
<Caution>:When you connect to an amplifier,
turn down the volume of the amplifier before
you turn on the power.
1) Connect the unit to the AC wall outlet using the
supplied power cord.
IN
SD CARD
USB
1 2
OPTICAL COAXIAL COAXIALOPTICAL
DIGITAL IN DIGITAL OUT
AES/EBU
RIGHT LEFTRIGHTLEFT
ANALOG OUT ANALOG IN
IN
SD CARD
USB
1
2
OPTICAL
COAXIAL
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
DIGITAL IN
DIGITAL OUT
AES/EBU
RIGHT
LEFT
RIGHT
LEFT
ANALOG OUT
ANALOG IN
AC IN
2) Depress the [POWER] switch on the front panel.
The unit turns on while the [ON] indicator lights
up in red.
input sel1 2phonesoutput sel
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
input sel
1
2
phones
output sel
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
power
on
off
Selecting the output
Set the [OUTPUT SEL] switch on the front panel
appropriately depending on whether you monitor
via speakers or headphones.
To monitor via speakers, set the [OUTPUT SEL]
switch to the down position.
To monitor via headphones, set the [OUTPUT SEL]
switch to the up position.
volume
input sel
1 2phonespower
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
input sel
1
2
phones
power
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
output sel

E-9
Using the HP-A8
MENU MUTE
REC
RC-N1
MENU
MUTE
REC
RC-N1
INPUT
SEL
MENU INPUT
SEL MUTE
REC
RC-N1
MENU
INPUT
SEL
MUTE
REC
RC-N1
Selecting the audio source
Select the audio source (input source) by rotating
the [INPUT SEL] dial on the front panel (or using the
[INPUT SEL] key on the remote controller.
You can select from “OPT1”, “OPT2”, “AES/EBU”
and “COX” depending on the connector to which
the source device is connected.
volume
1 2phonesoutput selpower
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
1
2
phones
output sel
power
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
input sel
Example 1: Listening to the audio from an external digital audio device (continued)
Adjusting the audio level
You can adjust the audio level using the audio vol-
ume dial.
The audio volume dial affects the output levels of
both the [PHONES (1 and 2)] and the [ANALOG
OUT] connectors.
Note that, however, when the “DIRECT” menu item
is set to “ON”, the audio volume dial does not af-
fect the output levels of the [ANALOG OUT] con-
nectors.
input sel1 2phonesoutput selpower
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
input sel
1
2
phones
output sel
power
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
Example 2: Listening to a DSF fi le on an SD card
Preparing an SD card
1) Format an SD card to FAT32 using a personal
computer.
2) Create a folder to the card and give a folder
name within 30 alphanumeric characters.
3) Copy a DSF fi le from your computer to the SD
card. Note that the fi le name must be within 30
alphanumeric characters.
<Note>:The original DSF fi le should be retained
on your computer.
Inserting the SD card
Insert the SD card that contains a DSF fi le to the
[SD CARD] slot on the rear panel. Be sure to insert
a card with the label side up.
IN
AC IN
AES/EBU
USB
RIGHT LEFTRIGHTLEFT
ANALOG OUT ANALOG IN
1 2
OPTICAL COAXIAL COAXIALOPTICAL
DIGITAL IN DIGITAL OUT
IN
AC IN
AES/EBU
USB
RIGHT
LEFT
RIGHT
LEFT
ANALOG OUT
ANALOG IN
1
2
OPTICAL
COAXIAL
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
DIGITAL IN
DIGITAL OUT
SD CARD
Connecting a monitor device
• To monitor via speakers
Connect an audio amplifi er or powered speakers
to the [ANALOG OUT] connectors.
IN
SD CARD
USB
1 2
OPTICAL COAXIAL COAXIALOPTICAL
DIGITAL IN DIGITAL OUT
AC IN
AES/EBU
LEFTRIGHT
ANALOG IN
IN
SD CARD
USB
1
2
OPTICAL
COAXIAL
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
DIGITAL IN
DIGITAL OUT
AC IN
AES/EBU
LEFT
RIGHT
ANALOG IN
RIGHT LEFT
ANALOG OUT
• To monitor via headphones
Connect headphones to the [PHONES 1] or
[PHONES 2] connector.
volume
input seloutput selpower
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
input sel
output sel
power
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
1 2phones

E-10
Turning on the power
<Caution>:When you connect to an amplifier,
turn down the volume of the amplifier before
you turn on the power.
1) Connect the unit to the AC wall outlet using the
supplied power cord.
IN
SD CARD
USB
1 2
OPTICAL COAXIAL COAXIALOPTICAL
DIGITAL IN DIGITAL OUT
AES/EBU
RIGHT LEFTRIGHTLEFT
ANALOG OUT ANALOG IN
IN
SD CARD
USB
1
2
OPTICAL
COAXIAL
COAXIAL
OPTICAL
DIGITAL IN
DIGITAL OUT
AES/EBU
RIGHT
LEFT
RIGHT
LEFT
ANALOG OUT
ANALOG IN
AC IN
2) Depress the [POWER] switch on the front panel.
The unit turns on while the [ON] indicator lights
up in red.
input sel1 2phonesoutput sel
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
input sel
1
2
phones
output sel
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
power
on
off
Selecting the output
Set the [OUTPUT SEL] switch on the front panel
appropriately depending on whether you monitor
via speakers or headphones.
To monitor via speakers, set the [OUTPUT SEL]
switch to the down position.
To monitor via headphones, set the [OUTPUT SEL]
switch to the up position.
volume
input sel
1 2phonespower
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
input sel
1
2
phones
power
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
output sel
Selecting the audio source
Select the audio source (input source) by rotating
the [INPUT SEL] dial on the front panel (or using the
[INPUT SEL] key on the remote controller.
You can select from “OPT1”, “OPT2”, “AES/EBU”
and “COX” depending on the connector to which
the source device is connected.
volume
1 2phonesoutput selpower
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
1
2
phones
output sel
power
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
input sel
Operating an SD card
Select a desired DSF fi le using the [<] / [>] keys on
the remote controller.
Pressing the [<] or [>] key selects the previous or
next fi le.
After selecting the fi le, press the [
▲
] key to start
playback.
To stop playback, press the [■] key.
MENU INPUT
SEL MUTE
REC
RC-N1
MENU
INPUT
SEL
MUTE
REC
RC-N1
Adjusting the audio level
You can adjust the audio level using the audio vol-
ume dial.
The audio volume dial affects the output levels of
both the [PHONES (1 and 2)] and the [ANALOG
OUT] connectors.
Note that, however, when the “DIRECT” menu item
is set to “ON”, the audio volume dial does not af-
fect the output levels of the [ANALOG OUT] con-
nectors.
input sel1 2phonesoutput selpower
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
input sel
1
2
phones
output sel
power
on
off
HPA8
32BIT DAC
HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
volume
Removing an SD card
Before you remove an SD card physically, do not
forget to unmount the card.
1) Press the [○] key on the remote controller.
The SD card is unmounted and the display
shows “EJECT”.
MENU INPUT
SEL MUTE
REC
RC-N1
MENU
INPUT
SEL
MUTE
REC
RC-N1
2) Press the SD card lightly.
The card is ejected partly.
3) Pull the SD card out.
MENU MUTE
REC
RC-N1
MENU
MUTE
REC
RC-N1
INPUT
SEL
MENU INPUT
SEL MUTE
REC
RC-N1
MENU
INPUT
SEL
MUTE
REC
RC-N1
Using the HP-A8
Example 2: Listening to a DSF fi le on an SD card (continued)

E-11
Using the menu
You can set the various options.
Basic menu operation
urning on the power
You can change the setting of a desired menu item
by the procedure below.
1) Press the [MENU] key on the remote controller to
enter the menu mode.
The menu display appears.
“−>” points the menu item on the upper row.
-> AMP GAIN
10.0dB
2) Select the menu item by rotating the [INPUT SEL]
dial on the front panel or pressing the [<] / [>]
keys on the remote controller.
3) Press the [INPUT SEL] dial on the front panel or
[○] key on the remote contoller.
AMP GAIN
-> 10.0dB
“−>” moves down to the lower row and you can now
change the setting of the menu item.
<Memo>:If you press the [INPUT SEL] dial on
the front panel or [○] key on the remote con-
toller again, “->” moves up and returns to the
condition of procedure 1) above.
4) Select the desired setting by rotating the [INPUT
SEL] dial on the front panel or pressing the [<] / [>]
keys on the remote controller.
For details about the menu, see the “Owner’s
manual (details)” that can be downloaded from the
Fostex website (www.fostex.com).
Menu items
The following menu items are available.
●AMP GAIN
Sets the headphone amplifier gain.
You can select between “0 dB” and “12 dB” in
steps of 0.5 dB (default: “0 dB”).
Set to the appropriate value according to the head-
phone sensitivity.
●UP SAMPLING
Selects the upsampling options from “X1”, “X2”
and “X4” (default: “X1”).
●DIGITAL FILTER
Selects the digital filter type of the DAC between
the followings.
• SHARP ROLL-OFF (default): Conventional digital
filter.
• MINIMUM DELAY: Digital filter which eliminates
pre-echo effect, developed by AKM (ASAHI KA-
SEI Microdevices Corporation).
●MSCK SEL
Selects the master clock for the DAC.
• DIR (default): Clock of the external digital audio
source.
• XTAL: Internal high precision TCXO clock
<Memo>:When the audio source is set to “USB”
or “SD”, the internal clock is used as the mas-
ter clock regardless of the setting of this menu
item.
●DIRECT
Selects whether the analog output signal is sent to
the [ANALOG OUT] connectors through the volume
control circuit or directly.
• OFF (default): The signal is sent to [ANALOG
OUT] through the volume control circuit.
• ON: The signal is directly sent to [ANALOG OUT],
bypassing the volume control circuit.
<Memo>:As for the [PHONES] output, the sig-
nal is always sent through the volume control
circuit, regardless of the setting of this menu
item.
●SYSTEM INFO
The current system version is shown.
This menu item is also used when upgrading the
system software.
For details about software upgrading, see the
Fostex website (www.fostex.com).

E-12
Declaration of EC Directive
This equipment is compatible with the EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) - Directive on approximation of member nation's ordinance concerning
the electromagnetic compatibility and with the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) - Directive on approximation of member nation's
ordinance concerning electric equipment designed to be used within the specified voltage range.
The Affect of Immunity on This Equipment
The affect of the European Specification EN61000-6-1 (coexistence of electromagnetic waves - common immunity specification) on this
equipment are as shown below.
In the electrical fast transient/burst requirements, surge, conducted disturbances by radio-frequency fields, power frequency magnetic
field, radiate electromagnetic field requirements and static electricity discharging environment, this could be affected by generation of
noise in some cases.
FOSTEX DISTRIBUTORS LIST IN EUROPE
* Including non-EU countries (as of March 2012)
<AUSTRIA>
NAME: Mega Audio GmbH
ADD: Stromberger Str. 32, D-55411 Bingen, Germany
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<BULGARIA>
NAME: Shark Art
ADD: 15 Hristo Popovich Str., Varna 9000, Bulgaria
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<CZECHO>
NAME: Praha Music Center spol s.r.o.
ADD: Ocelarska 937/39, Praha 9, 190 00, Czecho
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<DENMARK>
NAME: Benum Nordic A/S
ADD: Meterbuen 18, Skovlunde, 2740 Denmark
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<FINLAND>
NAME: Noretron Oy Audio
ADD: P. O. Box 22, FIN-02631 Espoo, Finland
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<FRANCE>
NAME: Sennheiser France
ADD: 128 bis, avenue Jean-Jaures, 94851 Ivry-sur-Seine Cedex,
France
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<GERMANY>
NAME: Mega Audio GmbH
ADD: Stromberger Str. 32, D-55411 Bingen, Germany
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<GREECE>
NAME: Bon Studio S. A.
ADD: 6 Zaimi Street, Exarchia, 106.83 Athens, Greece
TEL: [phone], 606, 607, 608
FAX: [phone]
FOSTEX CO.
3-2-35, Musashino, Akishima-shi, Tokyo Japan, 196-0021
© PRINTED IN JAPAN March 2012 8289683000
555373
<HUNGARY>
NAME: ATEC Hungary Kft
ADD: H-110/ Budapest, Fogado u. 3, Hungary
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<ITALY>
NAME: Proel S. p. A.
ADD: Zona Via Alla Ruenia, 37/43 64027 - Sant’Omero (Teramo),
Italy
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<THE NETHERLANDS>
NAME: IEMKE ROOS AUDIO B. V.
ADD: Kuiperbergweg 20, 1101 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<NORWAY>
NAME: Siv. Ing. Benum AS
ADD: P. O. Box 145, Vinderen, 0319 Oslo, Norway
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<POLAND>
NAME: Mega Music Spolka z o.o
ADD: Ul. Lesna 15, 81-876 Sopot, Poland
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<SPAIN>
NAME: Letusa S. A.
ADD: C/Laguna 10, 28923 Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<SWEDEN>
NAME: Benum Nordic A/S
ADD: Aldermansvagen 17, 171 48 Solna, Sweden
TEL: [phone]
<SWITZERLAND>
NAME: Audio Bauer Pro AG
ADD: Bernerstrasse-Nord 182, CH-8064 Zurich, Switzerland
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<UK>
NAME: SCV London
ADD: 40 Chigwell Lane, Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate, Loughton,
Essex IG10 3NY U. K.
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]