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 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
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