Brioso PHPA1
Hi-end amplification, made compact
ELISA in your pocket
ELISA is the patented system by AUDMA designed to recreate the primary interaural time difference of loudspeaker listening within headphones.
It enables precise spatial control through the STAGE and ANGLE parameters, allowing precise adjustment of spatial perception based on the source material and listener preference.
ELISA is fully integrated into Brioso PHPA1, AUDMA’s portable headphones amplifier, and ensures consistent spatial reproduction with precise and real-time control.
Design
Brioso PHPA1 brings the full ELISA experience into a compact portable form, designed to combine premium refined engineering with everyday usability.
Crafted from a solid aluminum chassis with an anodized finish, the Brioso offers structural rigidity and a premium tactile feel. Two silicone grip bands enhance stability and keep the unit secure during portable use.
Its pocket-sized design makes it a genuine Hi-end portable amplifier ready to deliver uncompromised performance wherever you go.
Performance
The BRIOSO PHPA1 delivers precise and stable amplification across a wide range of headphones, from the most sensitive IEMs to the most demanding dynamic and planar magnetic headphones.
All inputs follow a unified signal architecture, ensuring consistent behaviour and reliable compatibility across sources. Both analog and digital inputs are processed by the AKM AK4499EXEQ and AK4191EQ, with support for high-resolution playback.
The rechargeable lithium battery ensures up to 5 hours of listening time for extended portable use. The segmented LED indicator displays the battery level.
Control
The BRIOSO allows easy adaptation to different listening scenarios through direct access to ELISA parameters. Stage adjusts perceived distance, while Angle defines width. The Bass control optimizes the response based on the headphones used.
These push-pull potentiometers remain flush with the chassis when not in use, preserving a clear and compact design.
The rotary knob controls power on/off and volume adjustment. ELISA can be activated with a dedicated button with LED indication (that provides immediate visual feedback): blue when off, amber when engaged.
Thanks to the rear switches you can ensures proper matching between source and headphone sensitivity, in order to maintain a dynamic range while keeping a low noise floor.
Gallery
Technical Specifications
Analog Inputs
4,4 mm Balanced (Pentaconn), 3.5 mm Unbalanced
Digital Inputs
USB-C
Input Resistance
100kΩ
Digital Converter
AKM AK4499EXEQ + AK4191EQ
resolution up to 32-bit PCM 768kHz/DSD256
Headphone Outputs
4.4 mm Balanced (Pentaconn), 3.5 mm Unbalanced
Headphone compatibility
Nominal impedance ≥ 6 Ω
Output Gain
Selectable 0/+8/+16/+24 dB
Output Voltage
Up to 40V peak-to-peak
Output Power (1 kHz, 32 Ω)
2 × 2.0 W
Output Power (1 kHz, 64 Ω)
2 × 4.0 W
Output Power (1 kHz, 150 Ω)
2 × 2.7 W
Output Drive
Switchable ±3 / ±10 V
Signal-to-noise Ratio
115 dB
Frequency response
20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.01 dB
ELISA controls
On/Off, STAGE, ANGLE
Other controls
Bass, Volume
Rechargeable Battery
LiPo 1950 mAh, 7.6 V (up to 5 hours)
Size
8.1 × 1.9 × 13.8 cm (WxHxD)
Weight
240 g
Awards
Watercooler Prize
Best Portable System
2025
Fedeltà del Suono
Top Quality
2025
FAQ
Where is it made?
Made in Italy, from the first sketch to the final unit: the Brioso is designed and built by AUDMA in Foligno, in the heart of Umbria.
What does the Brioso offer?
Hi-end power in a pocket-sized body, ready to drive anything from sensitive IEMs to demanding planar headphones. Plus two ways to shape your sound: ELISA, for loudspeaker-like spatial imaging, and BASS, to tune the low end to each pair.
What comes in the box?
The Brioso PHPA1, a printed quick guide, and three cables: a 13.5 cm USB-C to USB-C, a 70 cm USB-C to USB-C, and a 13.5 cm USB-C to Lightning for iPhone.
Will it fit my pocket?
Yes. At 8.1 × 1.9 × 13.8 cm and 240 g, the Brioso is smaller than a smartphone, and built to deliver true Hi-end amplification wherever you go.
How do I carry the Brioso with me?
The Brioso is built to travel: a solid aluminum chassis protects it in your bag, and two silicone grip bands keep it steady on a desk or in your hand. For the way it deserves to be carried, there's the Brioso Leather Case: Tuscan-crafted horse leather, cut to fit the Brioso and its cables.
Where can I buy it?
Through our network of authorized retailers, who can guide you through your purchase. Customers in Italy and the European Union can also order directly from our online Shop.
What is ELISA?
ELISA (Electronic Loudspeaker Imaging Simulating Amplifier) is AUDMA's patented circuit. It recreates the spatial imaging of loudspeaker listening inside your headphones.
Discover ELISAHow do I use ELISA? What do STAGE and ANGLE do?
Press the dedicated button to turn ELISA on (amber light) or off (blue light). STAGE sets how distant the soundstage feels, while ANGLE sets how wide it feels. Both can be adjusted in real time while you listen.
How do I keep my STAGE and ANGLE settings in place?
Push the knobs down until you feel a click: they sit flush with the chassis and stay locked in position, so your settings won't change by accident. To adjust them again, simply press them once more to release them.
Which inputs does the Brioso offer?
Digital sources can be connected via USB-C, and analog sources through the 4.4 mm balanced (Pentaconn) or 3.5 mm unbalanced input. Being UAC 2.0 compliant, the Brioso works straight away on Windows, macOS, Android and Linux, with no drivers to install.
Which audio formats does it support?
The Brioso plays PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD256, the latter through an ASIO driver. ELISA works with PCM only, so it is disabled when you listen in DSD.
Can I pair it with my own DAC?
Yes, through the analog inputs. To keep ELISA available on every source, the signal always passes through the Brioso's conversion stage, which also keeps its sound consistent across all inputs.
Which headphones can I use?
From sensitive IEMs to demanding dynamic and planar magnetic headphones: dedicated switches for gain (0/+8/+16/+24 dB) and output voltage (±3/±10 V) let you match the Brioso to each pair, preserving full dynamics with a low noise floor. Connect them via the 4.4 mm balanced (Pentaconn) or 3.5 mm unbalanced output.
How long does the battery last?
Up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge, depending on your headphones and listening volume.
How do I know how much charge is left?
With ELISA off, four blue LED segments show the remaining charge, and all segments flash when the battery is running low. With ELISA on, the LED glows amber and does not show the charge level, but it still flashes when the battery is running low and needs recharging.
Can I keep listening while it charges?
Yes. The Brioso can be used normally while charging, so your listening never has to stop.
Does the Brioso bypass the battery?
Yes. Whenever a charger is connected, the Brioso draws its power directly from it, bypassing the battery, while the battery is recharged separately.
Which charger can I use to charge the Brioso?
Any certified USB-C charger compatible with QC 3.0 or USB Power Delivery. A 5 V / 2 A output is enough, while 3 A is recommended for optimal performance. Connect it to the dedicated charging port, separate from the digital input.