Oppo HA-2 vs Oppo HA-2 SE - All the differences and more

[@MrStingraybernard]

Great video !! A comparison is just what I was looking for

[@GavinsGadgets]

+Ron Bernard thanks!

[@Sparky-Tim]

Great video. Had my HA-2 for a couple of years now, use with SoundMagic E50S's & Sennheisers HD700 & both handled well. The only downside was the cables. Iv'e got through three of the USB to Lightning one's because the strain on them in me pocket. Glad to hear they've changed the design, will get onto Oppo in the morning about them. Not gonna upgrade to the HA-2SE as the extra cost doesn't warrant it at the mo. Thanks for the info.

[@GavinsGadgets]

+Draco 10 Thanks for feedback 👍👍

[@charles0406]

@@GavinsGadgets Please this video is still relevant today. I bought mine off eBay for $300 Canadian. I’m so loving it. But I have a questio, when I connected it to my android phone Samsung note 20 ultra using usb c to OTG adapter , it works good but I noticed it’s taking charge from my phone cos I could see the indicator on the side that it’s charging the amps. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[@GavinsGadgets]

There's not a solution that I know of

[@billyc3161]

Great review! Quick question? Have you had a listen to Sonys PHA-1A by any chance? If so is it better or identical to the HA-2se?

[@GavinsGadgets]

Thanks :) I have had the Sony PHA-1 not the 1A. The PHA-1 was not as good as the HA-2 SE.

[@hi-fidude6670]

Have had the Ha2 SE for a couple of months now, it’s really damn good with my Dt770 Pro.

[@GavinsGadgets]

+CaddyPro'59 that's great to hear 👍

[@imparticle9]

They should have added an LCD screen up top where the badging is and give the ability to insert a MicroSD for standalone playback. I would pay an extra 100-150 for that feature.

[@hikeskool]

Jamike Felix this is a DAC amp, not a media player.

[@TheEchelon]

I'm pretty sure the inside is already packed with components.

[@SoundWaveTrax]

Fiio has portable players with built in Sabre32 DACs (the one I saw has a full size desktop DAC chip in it) but they are a bit pricey.

[@GavinsGadgets]

shame Oppo exited the market

[@GavinsGadgets]

Precisyle

[@bemorewantless]

I have the HA-2, but I haven't had it for very long. I'm wondering if the upgrade would be justified. I would be happy just to buy the new cables.

[@GavinsGadgets]

There is a difference in the sound quality due to the DAC. What headphones are you using and what music genres do you listen to?

[@bemorewantless]

I am using Sony MDR-MA900, and Sony MDR-1ABT Hi-Res headphones. They are quite different sounding, the MA900 is very wide with softer detail in the highs, and the 1ABT is more intimate, as they're closed cans, but nice distance and fine detail in the highs. I tend to listen to electronic, shoegaze, ambient, and piano/classical. I will likely hold off for quite a while before I upgrade. I'm surprised they came out with a new model so soon after I purchased mine. I would really like those cables though, as mini angled lightning cables are quite difficult to find. I've emailed them and asked if I can order some. Thanks for the comparison video, by the way. It was nice to see and hear about the immediate differences.

[@GavinsGadgets]

+bemorewantless you will notice the difference more with the piano and classical and some of the finer detail. The SE is more expensive too so I wouldn't rush out and change it yet. The original HA-2 is 18 months old now and is still sold for slightly less than the SE version.

[@bemorewantless]

Hey, thanks very much for the advice. As much as I'm itching for the new one, I feel like I'd be doing the original an injustice since I haven't had it for long. If I get a chance to audition one, I'll see if I can even detect the difference with the headphones I've got.

[@GavinsGadgets]

+Sam Kibby 👍👍👍

[@parallelBug]

hello, great video! it's compatible with usb type c?

[@GavinsGadgets]

with an adapter

[@Leo-yn5fx]

Would this be agood combo with the iphone 7? Also wondering if I can use this as a dac for my computer as well since it's connected to my stereo.

[@GavinsGadgets]

+Carter Yes it is great and I use it with my iPhone 7 Plus. It should work with your computer too.

[@combojohn7953]

I know Im late for the party but I just ordered an oppo ha 2 and I would like to ask you:- can oppo ha2 drive properly the ha800, dt1990, or the argon mk3? Thank you! Btw, great review, subscribed!:)

[@GavinsGadgets]

Not aware of all of those headphones but the dt1990 might be borderline powered. I don’t think the HA 2 is powerful enough. But your results my vary depending on how good your hearing is

[@combojohn7953]

Gavin's Gadgets Thank you!:)

[@Mr2pint]

Is the amp the same? more powerful on the SE? I found the amp a little lacking with hard to drive headphones on the original H2..

[@GavinsGadgets]

+Mr2pint the amp is roughly the same.

[@nidi991]

Does the oppo has a better chip than the Dragonfly red DAC?

[@strongarm8937]

yes, the oppo is on another league

[@stallio5612]

nidi991 That's the same question wanted to ask. Is it better then red dragonfly?

[@GavinsGadgets]

yes

[@GavinsGadgets]

sometimes

[@TaylorSwifty69]

Got these for my shure se846

[@GavinsGadgets]

+Christopher W. Hearne good match there 👍

[@r0fr1]

Hello I have the Shure se846 and am planning to get a new Amp for it i was going to buy the chord mojo but i found this one and it's really cool and it cost less 200$ my question is do you find a noticeable difference between the iPhone and the Oppo HA-2 SE ? and do you think i should go for it and use it with my iPhone 6 plus?

[@GavinsGadgets]

+Ungaro Yes there is a difference. And it's a great device to use with the iPhone 😀

[@GavinsGadgets]

+Stephen VonDoom good choice too with the SE846

[@meshal5915]

does it support separated left and right channel audio connectivity?

[@GavinsGadgets]

Its stereo....

[@workingjoe898]

The design of volume knobs of these two machines is a huge flaw, it would be easily adjusted by itself if you put it into your pocket or bag. It's quite annoying sometimes, especially when the volume boosts. That's the only thing I don't like about this DAC​.

[@GavinsGadgets]

+Joseph Chen thanks for your feedback Joseph

[@johnnyliuphoto]

Hello, have you ever done an comparison between the Centrance Hifi-m8 and the Chord mojo? I know the M8 has the more powerful amplifier, but was wondering just in terms of overall quality. I'm thinking of getting one or the other, currently have the HD650 but could realistically upgrade to a HD800S sometime in the future.

[@GavinsGadgets]

Not yet I'm afraid. I've reviewed the Mojo vs a few dacs but not the M8

[@johnnyliuphoto]

Fair enough. Are there any other portable amp/dac combos under $1000 USD that would be a clear upgrade over the mojos based on overall sound quality?

[@GavinsGadgets]

Probably not at the moment

[@johnnyliuphoto]

Thanks Gavin, I'll look into the Mojo some more. It's quite an awesome portable unit but doesnt have as many functions as something like the HA-2 or Hifi-M8, so hopefully the sound makes up for those shortcomings!

[@Maxx134a]

The mojo has a more narrow soundstage with less than neutral trebles, but a deeper soundfield so it works well with brighter gear

[@NicolasTylerDoyle]

I want to get the oppo ha 2se for my PC , PS4 , Xbox one and phone I'll be driving my Audeze LCD2 . Will this be a good choice ?

[@GavinsGadgets]

Not at all. The LCD2's need something much more powerful.

[@NicolasTylerDoyle]

Gavin Fabiani-Laymond what about the Fiio eo9k amp ? I'm trying to find a cheapish solution if possible

[@GavinsGadgets]

I have not used the LCD2's, however, I do know they need power and volts to get the best out. I understand your quest, but am not sure of a portable cheap amp that might be sufficient. Maybe look at Littledot amps - gavinsgadgets.com/2015/02/18/little-dot-mkiv-headphone-amp-review/ and littledot.net/forum/viewforum.php?f=9&sid=ddc37d3359c0d28f5c7c96076b8a93d5

[@NicolasTylerDoyle]

Gavin Fabiani-Laymond awesome thank you this might work

[@GavinsGadgets]

Just had a few other ideas. Look at Audio-gd NFB 11.28 or a Chord Mojo. The Audio-gd might work better. You can find more info on those here gavinsgadgets.com/review-links/headphoneampsdac-reviews/

[@666nemeesis]

will these pair well monolith m1060 they are easier to drive

[@GavinsGadgets]

+chiging not sure as ive not used those headphones, but if they are easy to drive then i dont see why they wont work ok.

[@impereos9918]

Hello! I know this question has probably already been beaten to death but would you buy this over the chord mojo for a relatively low impedance IEMs like the isine?

[@GavinsGadgets]

+Impereos They are different devices. The Oppo is far more portable due to its design. And is Apple MFI integrated. The Mojo has the edge on sound quality but costs more and is bulkier for portability. Answering question I would buy the Mojo but I would definite listen to the iSine without any amplification first.

[@impereos9918]

thanks!

[@paulcathcart7896]

Does anyone know if the standard Apple data cable (camera adapter) fits with this?

[@GavinsGadgets]

I cant remember now. But I am sure my original review covered this off.

[@mfmishere]

Had anyone used this with hd650? Looking for something for when I don't want to be confined to my desk.

[@GavinsGadgets]

I have used it with the HD600. It is ok, but IMO could do with more volume on some types of music.

[@mfmishere]

Thanks! I ended up ordering one and received mine yesterday and I'm pretty happy with my experience so far. Love the way Pink Floyd's The Wall sounded through that 'portable' setup.

[@OFF-WORLD9732]

Hi, I was thinking of purchasing the HA-2 SE and the iPod Touch 6th 128GB. Is it a good idea or should I go for a DAP like the new AK70 MKII? In each scenario I would use (buy) the He-400i and Shure SE535.

[@GavinsGadgets]

+devilnevacry the AK70 mk2 will sound better. Both headphones should sound great. Also have you looked at the Fiio X7ii?

[@OFF-WORLD9732]

Thanks for the replay, ye I looked too many DAP's and I really like the AK ones. But in the other hand, I really care about the UI and I know the UI of any DAP doesn't compete with an iPod Touch, so the difference in sound quality will be big? keeping in mind the HE400i and SE535.

[@GavinsGadgets]

+devilnevacry yes difference will be noticeable.

[@bruhroof]

Are these any good with the Fostex T50 RP mark 3's???

[@GavinsGadgets]

I haven't used these myself so unsure.

[@mjjm6220]

I have the HA-2 and the only bad thing is the short usb~mini cable...it did not last very long...now I use the usb~mini cable from the iPad. As such, I'll have to conclude, that the new cable with the HA-2se would be no better. They both have the same problem..too short, thus too much tension on the cable, while its bent, thus it losses connectivity.

[@GavinsGadgets]

That's a shame. My cable has lasted nearly 2 years now.

[@mjjm6220]

Gavin Fabiani-Laymond no big thing, I have two lightening cables from the iPad so all good.

[@steveloiacono6431]

Hi Gavin, was wondering will this Oppo Ha2 SE push my Fostex T50Rp or would you suggest something else as a portable unit because I want to use it in the gym, also looking at the Fiio E18 Kunlun? I am open to any suggestions and or set ups even if it involves changing my headset to an IEM . Was considering getting the Senhiesier IE80's or Shure Se535's. Ohh and the source is a Galaxy S9. I do like that the phone has Dolby Atmos and was also wondering if that would still work with the amp/DAC combo or would it just be overlooked by the dac.? Please if anyone has experience with any of these set ups I have mentioned Please steer me in the wright direction if you can. Thank you.

[@GavinsGadgets]

Hi Steve. The Oppo would work but isn't ideal. If you get the S9, and IE80 you won't need anything else.

[@steveloiacono6431]

Gavin Fabiani-Laymond ok thank you for replying , I do have the galaxy s9, so I guess I will just need to get the sennheiser ie80's.

[@GavinsGadgets]

Yep. I have the S9+ and did a review one week later, in which I discuss headphone audio. The S9 audio quality is excellent, just lacks a big headphone amp, so high efficiency headphones fix that , like the Sennheiser ones.

[@steveloiacono6431]

How does the shure 535s compare to the ie80s would you know, sorry for all the questions I'm new to the HiFi headphones and just want to get off on the write foot. I had seen a review on the Fostex T50RP's and went ahead and bought a pair of them but found out there kinda hard to power and I don't have a DAC/amp to power them, I have been asking the guy who refered them but he hasn't responded and its been a couple of days so I figured I would ask around. Again thx for taking the time with me to explain a few things .

[@GavinsGadgets]

The 535's are very good but need an amp to get the best from them. Another option is this Fiio amzn.to/2GIWPKx which I use with my S9 as well as sennheiser momentum in ears.

[@TheFishFTW]

I would imagine someone that deals with audio would know how to reduce the volume on their intro comparably to the video. Jesus my ears broke from the loudness and then I had to turn up the volume when the video started.

[@GavinsGadgets]

Sorry about that. That was Early days of editing videos for me. Much better now.