Exposure unveils XM HP headphone amplifier

Exposure adds to its range of diminutive components

For Exposure, 2017 was the year for downsizing, or at least it was as far as its XM series was concerned. A quick recap: back in HFC 424 the XM5 integrated amplifier wowed reviewers by providing an audiophile performance from the sort of sleek half-width dimensions more commonly associated with a lifestyle product. And then it repeated the trick in HFC 429 with the XM7 preamp/DAC and XM9 power amplifier. Now comes the turn of the XM HP headphone amplifier. 

Like it’s siblings, it offers the same slender dimensions (218 x 89 x 363mm – WxHxD), ensuring that it will be popular among those for whom space is a premium. A variation of the XM7 preamp that has been “specifically honed for the discerning headphone listener”, the new XM HP features a built-in phono stage with two line-level inputs and DAC with five digital ins. These incorporate S/PDIF, BNC, coaxial and optical inputs able to accept signals up to 24-bit/192kHz and a USB port compatible with 24-bit/192kHz PCM and DSD64. 

Unlike many small components that adopt switch mode power supplies, the XM HP opts for a linear power supply with a 60VA custom-made toroidal power transformer and an all-discrete audio output stage, claimed to provide high drive capability for low-impedance headphones. Speaking of headphones, two pairs of 6.35mm jacks and XLR sockets are on hand to allow for two sets to be used at once, and there’s also a preamp output. The XM HP is available now in either black or titanium finish. Available now for £1,299, you can click here to find out more about the XM HP..

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