(November 13, 2026) On the heels of Klipsch's introduction of its new Stratos HP-2 and HP-3 headphones, fellow Premium Audio Company brand Onkyo is making some news of its own in the personal audio space. The company has announced the HA-70, a dedicated desktop headphone amplifier and DAC designed for enthusiasts seeking something more substantial than the headphone output on a typical computer or portable device. Built around a fully balanced circuit architecture, the HA-70 combines dual DACs with dedicated analog amplification and a range of digital connections. It's also designed to accommodate everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding full-size headphones, giving owners flexibility when it comes to choosing what they want to listen through.
The HA-70's digital-to-analog conversion is anchored by two ESS ES9039Q2M SABRE DACs, with dedicated DAC and amplifier stages for each audio channel. The fully balanced signal path extends from digital conversion through the headphone output, an arrangement that delivers true channel separation and a reduction of unwanted noise. A three-stage gain system gives listeners additional control, with Ultra Low Gain intended for sensitive in-ear monitors, Low Gain for conventional low-impedance headphones, and High Gain for more demanding models with impedances reaching 600 ohms.
Digital processing is handled through an XMOS XU316 USB interface, supporting PCM audio up to 768kHz and DSD256 via DoP (DSD over PCM). Connectivity includes USB-C, optical, and coaxial digital inputs, along with RCA and balanced XLR outputs, enabling integration of the HA-70 into a larger audio system.
The HA-70's black aluminum chassis features a large central volume knob, gold-colored accents, and a wicked-looking transparent top panel that reveals the electronics inside. Its styling has a distinct, classic Hi-Fi personality, but the unit itself is surprisingly compact, measuring approximately 7.1" wide, 5.6" deep, and 1.8" tall. That makes it small enough to sit comfortably on a desktop without demanding the space typically associated with traditional audio components.
The Onkyo HA-70 is scheduled to arrive in spring 2027, with a suggested U.S. retail price of $649.99.
Related Reading:
- NEWS: Klipsch Returns to Premium Headphones with Stratos HP-2 and HP-3, Two Distinct Designs for Music Lovers
- NEWS: IsoAcoustics Introduces GAIA-TITAN Neo, Bringing Heavyweight Speaker Isolation to the Masses
- NEWS: Cambridge Audio Introduces RoomMagic, Free Room Correction for L/R Series Speakers
- NEWS: SVS Earns Newsweek Recognition as Capital Audiofest and Awesome Black Friday Deals Take Center Stage
- NEWS: Bluetooth 7.0 Introduces 7.5 Mbps Wireless Speeds, Setting the Stage for Standardized Lossless Audio
- NEWS: Magnetar's UDP900MKII and UDP800MKII Earn THX Certification
- NEWS: Inside L-Acoustics' Nashville Headquarters: An Exclusive Tour of HYRISS, Immersive Audio, and the Future of Live Sound!
- NEWS: ASCENDO Introduces THE MULE 10, a High-Powered Kick Woofer
