Maestro HPA1
The AUDMA Reference
ELISA at its full potential
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 MAESTRO HPA1, AUDMA’s reference headphone amplifier, and delivers maximum spatial accuracy with full and real-time control over every parameter.
Performance
The MAESTRO HPA1 delivers precise and stable amplification across a wide range of headphones, from dynamic to planar magnetic designs.
Selectable gain ensures an ideal match between source output and headphone sensitivity: this allows to maintain a full dynamic range while keeping a low noise floor.
Analog inputs remain fully analog within the amplification architecture, preserving signal integrity throughout the path. The integrated digital section is built around the AKM AK4490REQ DAC, handling USB, coaxial, and optical sources within the same system.
Interface
The front panel controls give direct access to ELISA parameters, with two independent knobs for Stage and Angle to shape the spatial image in real time.
Additional controls manage input selection, channel phase, mono/stereo balance, and output routing, keeping all primary functions immediately accessible both from the front panel and the remote.
Two analog VU meters provide a clear view of each channel. The direct signal appears as VU, while the ELISA-processed signal appears as EL. With this setup you can monitor the original and the delayed signal at the same time.
Headphone outputs include XLR 4-pin, Pentaconn, and 6.3 mm, with line and direct outputs ready for integration with external systems.
Construction
The chassis features a solid aluminium front panel with precision-cut solid aluminum knobs. The MAESTRO HPA1 is available in titanium or black finishes.
Mechanical tolerances and surface treatments are defined to ensure structural rigidity and long-term stability. The overall mass of the unit reflects the internal architecture and power supply structure.
Discover the MAESTRO HPA1 Luxury Version, with a fully machined aluminum enclosure with lateral ventilation grilles and an engraved AUDMA logo on the top panel.
Dual Mono power supply
with audio transformers
Alps Alpine motorized potentiometers
Nichicon electrolytic capacitors
Alpha Rotary switches
Wima Red series audio capacitors
Architecture
The MAESTRO HPA1 is supported by a dual mono power supply architecture, with custom audio transformers and dedicated sections that preserve channel integrity.
Signal stability and noise control are ensured through carefully selected components, including Nichicon electrolytic and Wima Red Series capacitors.
A motorized ALPS Alpine potentiometer controls the Volume and it is paired with precision rotary selectors that provide mechanical consistency and long-term reliability.
The result is an amplification platform that delivers controlled spatiality and low noise, with a precise and coherent sound under any listening conditions.
Gallery
Technical Specifications
Device Functions
Headphone amplifier, external preamplifier
Analog Inputs
XLR stereo Balanced, RCA stereo Unbalanced
Digital Inputs
Coaxial, Optical, USB
Input Sensitivity
Switchable 0/+10dB
Input Resistance
20kΩ
Digital Converter
AKM AK4490REQ resolution up to PCM 768kHz/DSD256, 32-bit
Headphone Outputs
XLR-4, 4.4 mm Balanced (Pentaconn), 6.35 mm Unbalanced
External Outputs
RCA and XLR (used in preamp mode)
Headphone compatibility
Nominal impedance ≥ 6 Ω
Output Gain
Selectable 0/+6/+12/+18/+24/+30 dB
Output Voltage
Up to 70V peak-to-peak
Output Power (1 kHz, 32 Ω)
2 × 2.0 W
Output Power (1 kHz, 140 Ω)
2 × 8.8 W
Output Power (1 kHz, 300 Ω)
2 × 4.0 W
Signal-to-noise Ratio
115 dB
Frequency response
20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.01 dB
ELISA controls
On/Off, STAGE, ANGLE
Other controls
Phase (left, 180°, right), Mode (mono, stereo), Balance,
Volume, Output selector (Line / Headphones / Direct)
Remote control functions
System On/Off, Volume, Mute,
ELISA On/Off, ELISA Stage, ELISA Angle
Power consumption
Max 100 W, Idle 3 W
Size
43 × 11 × 40 cm (WxHxD)
Weight
8.7 kg (11.3 kg Luxury version)
Headphonia
Best of Show Essen 2025
Awards
Watercooler Prize
Best All-In-One
2024
Fedeltà del Suono
Top Quality
2024
FAQ
Where is it made?
Made in Italy, from the first sketch to the final unit: the Maestro is designed and built by AUDMA in Foligno, in the heart of Umbria.
What does the Maestro offer?
A complete control center for your listening: DAC, headphone amplifier and preamplifier for external speakers in a single unit, with the power to drive even the most demanding planar headphones. At its heart, ELISA, AUDMA's patented circuit for loudspeaker-like spatial imaging.
What is the difference between the Maestro HPA1 and the Luxury version?
The electronics are identical. The Luxury version features a chassis machined from a single block of solid aluminum, for greater structural rigidity and more efficient heat dissipation. Lateral ventilation grilles and the AUDMA logo engraved on the top panel complete its look. Both versions are available both with titanium and black front panels.
What comes in the box?
Everything you need to get started: the Maestro HPA1 and its remote control, a power cable, an RCA to 3.5 mm cable, a 6.35 to 3.5 mm adapter, rack mounting brackets and a printed quick guide. Cotton gloves and a microfiber cloth are also included, to keep its finish flawless.
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.
How do I use ELISA? What do STAGE and ANGLE do?
Turn ELISA on or off with its dedicated button on the front panel, or from the remote. STAGE sets how distant the soundstage feels, while ANGLE sets how wide it feels. Each has its own knob, and both can be adjusted in real time while you listen.
What do the VU meters show?
The two analog VU meters let you watch ELISA at work. For each channel, VU shows the direct signal, while EL shows the processed signal from the opposite channel that ELISA adds to it, so you can follow both at the same time. Their backlighting, like all the front panel lights, adjusts automatically to the brightness of your room: clearly readable in daylight, never glaring in the dark.
Which inputs does the Maestro offer?
Digital sources can be connected via USB, coaxial or optical, and analog sources through the balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA inputs. Being UAC 2.0 compliant, the Maestro works straight away on Windows, macOS, Android and Linux, with no drivers to install.
Which audio formats does it support?
Via USB, the Maestro plays PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and DSD up to DSD256, the latter through an ASIO driver. The coaxial and optical inputs accept PCM as well. ELISA works with PCM only, so it is disabled when you listen in DSD.
Do the analog inputs stay analog?
Yes. Analog signals remain analog throughout the amplification path. They are converted only when ELISA is engaged, and only for the ELISA processing itself.
Which headphones can I use?
From sensitive IEMs to the most demanding dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, with up to 2 × 8.8 W and 70 V peak-to-peak. Gain is selectable from 0 to +30 dB in 6 dB steps, to match the Maestro to each pair. Connect them via the XLR-4, 4.4 mm balanced (Pentaconn) or 6.35 mm unbalanced output.
Can I use it as a preamplifier for my speakers?
Yes. The XLR and RCA line outputs connect to a power amplifier or active speakers, with volume controlled from the front panel or the remote, making the Maestro the heart of both your headphone and speaker system.
How is the Maestro powered?
From the mains, at 115 or 230 VAC: the Maestro adapts to power grids around the world. Its standard IEC power socket accepts any local power cable. A dual mono power supply with custom audio transformers keeps each channel independent and the noise floor low. The remote control is rechargeable, with its own USB charger and cable included.
Can I install it in a rack?
Yes. Rack mounting brackets are included, so the Maestro is as at home in a dedicated audio rack as it is on your desk.