PS AUDIO HCA-2

Pre owned. In excellent condition. No visible signs of wear. Original packaging not included.

The PS Audio HCA-2 is a hybrid digital amplifier designed to deliver high performance with an innovative technical approach while maintaining an engaging and natural musical character. This model combines two distinct sections: an analog JFET voltage-gain stage, fully discrete and zero-feedback, with differential balanced inputs, extremely low distortion, and exceptional common-mode rejection, and a digital output stage based on SDAT technology (Super Digital Amplification Technology). Unlike a standard D/A converter, the HCA-2’s digital output stage does not continuously vary current to follow the musical signal; instead, it operates with on/off states, achieving near-total efficiency and minimal heat generation. This architecture allows the amplifier to maintain consistent performance regardless of the speaker load, avoiding common issues found in other digital amplifiers such as harshness, brightness, or sterile sound, and providing balanced performance on any system.

The HCA-2 is rated at approximately 95% efficiency, allowing nearly all the power delivered by its supply to be converted into music. Despite its efficient design, PS Audio incorporates a large, custom-wound toroidal transformer similar to that used in a 150 W per channel Class A/B amplifier, contributing to a wide, full, and lively sound. Connectivity is broad and versatile: the HCA-2 offers RCA and balanced XLR analog inputs, five-way WBT speaker terminals, and can interface with other PS Audio equipment via the PS Bus using a standard CAT-5 cable to turn all connected devices on or off. A DC trigger for A/V applications is also included, and power is supplied through an integrated IEC inlet with a high-current Ultimate Outlet.

The chassis design was carefully crafted in collaboration with Alex Rasmussen, drawing inspiration from classical architecture and the front panel of the Audi TT, featuring an elegant power/standby button and a lighted PS Audio logo with adjustable brightness via a dedicated control. The HCA-2 delivers 150 W per channel into 8 Ohms, 225 W into 4 Ohms, and 275 W into 2 Ohms, measures 43 × 11.5 × 35.5 cm, and weighs 16 kg. It comes with a 14-gauge shielded power cord, although PS Audio recommends using their Mini Lab or Lab Cable for optimal performance. The combination of a carefully designed analog stage and a high-efficiency digital output makes the HCA-2 an amplifier capable of delivering dynamic, detailed, and musical sound with remarkable presence and impeccable control of even demanding speakers.

Technical specifications:

• Type: Solid-state, two-channel stereo power amplifier, "Hybrid class-A" with digital switching output stage (SDAT)
• Inputs: 2 line-level pairs (1 RCA; 1 XLR)
• Speaker outputs: 4 WBT multiway terminals
• Power output: 150 W per channel into 8 Ohms (21.8 dBW); 225 W per channel into 4 Ohms (20.5 dBW); 275 W per channel into 2 Ohms (18.3 dBW)
• Frequency response: 10 Hz–20 kHz ±0.5 dB
• THD+N: 0.2% at full rated power into 8 Ohms (1 kHz)
• Input sensitivity for full output: 1.15 V
• Input impedance: 100 kΩ
• Voltage gain: 30 dB
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 43 × 11.5 × 35.5 cm
• Weight: 16 kg