Sony's portable headphone amplifier PHA series has come to the third generation, namely PHA-3. After two generations of product development, PHA-3 seems to have reached a new balance point. On PHA-3, we can see the real sense of stacking and comprehensive. Depending on the powerful performance of ES9018, the more comprehensive interface and the blessing of Sony technology, PHA-3 has a different meaning.

At the same time as PHA-3, Sony MDR-Z5 and MRD-Z7 were also released. The former is an earphone, and the latter is a headphone, both of which are air sensitive. In addition, it is aimed at the balance port with PHA-3, or it has been developed as a suit at the time of development. MDR-Z5 and MDR-Z7 also provide balance wires.

As far as packaging design is concerned, PHA-3 is a standard Sony style. It is necessary to highlight the high resolution Hi Res logo that Sony has dominated in recent years. From the rendered image, we can also see that the design style of PHA-3 has a relatively obvious change from that before, and is very similar to its own ZX2.

On the back is a detailed introduction in many languages. This time, PHA-3 may have more interfaces and uses. From the above figure, we can see that PHA-3 can be connected to PC, mobile phone and player as decoding output. The special feature is the balanced connection support. Even the MDR-Z7 directly attaches the balanced wire, which has a wonderful purpose.

On the side is an introduction to the corresponding accessories. Interestingly, the PHA-3 bought this time is quite fresh, and the production date is less than a month. It seems that there is also a reason why PHA-3 has been out of stock on the market.

Directly opening the interior is the material of fine flexible surface, which can protect PHA-3. Before talking about the PHA-3 body, let's take a look at the various accessories.

Since there are many interfaces supported and the playability is rich, there are naturally many accessories for PHA-3. In addition to various papers such as the standard manual and mirco USB cable, there are four binding straps, which are standard accessories of the ear amplifier. In addition, there are Walkman special wire, Xperia special wire and stereo mini wire, plus the built-in USB interface, which basically covers Walkman players, Xperia smart phones and iOS devices.

As far as the appearance design is concerned, I personally prefer that PHA-2 is square and slightly strong. This time, PHA-3 is round with a second in the middle. Although it is quite comfortable to hold, its appearance looks ordinary. There are two buffer strips on the front and back of PHA-3, so that the binding will not cause scratches due to friction.

On the side are gain switches and DSEE HX switches. Among them, DSEE HX is a unique technology of Sony, which is simply to restore the exact details of low bit rate formats through algorithms. This technology has already been applied in Xperia mobile phones and Walkman.

In terms of interfaces, PHA-3 is quite comprehensive. From left to right, the front panel is equipped with 3.5mm headphone jack, balanced output L and R and volume knob, and three indicators. The volume knob also has the power switch function, which is stepless adjustment. The three indicators are Hi Fs, DSD and Power, representing high-quality sound source, DSD sound source and working.

There are various interfaces on the back panel. This time, there are too many interfaces for PHA-3. The first is INPUT, that is, in terms of input, there is Mirco USB interface, which can support Walkman player, Xperia mobile phone and PC signals, Hi Res and DSD support; The standard USB interface supports iOS and other products; OPT IN is the fiber input. In terms of OUTPUT, the 3.5mm headphone interface supports both output and input. The DC IN 5V is only used as the power input.

Although the appearance design of PHA-3 is not high, and it is not desirable compared with PHA-2, a more rounded feeling makes the grip more comfortable. And although PHA-3 seems to be mentioned relatively large, its actual weight is not scary, and its bundled use is not too uncomfortable.

Finally, there is a binding photo. For ZX1, the price of the upgraded version of ZX2 is too high. Although the sound quality of bundled with PHA-3 is not necessarily the same level, the gap will be narrowed. In addition, the rich interfaces of PHA-3 also make it possible to play and use.