KLIPSCH HERITAGE DSD HEADPHONE AMP - REVIEW
Listening to the Klipsch Heritage DSD DAC/Preamp/Headphone Amp
It might surprise some to know that Klipsch, the legendary speaker manufacturer, also makes a very special product that was in such high demand, it was out of stock for 4 or 5 months. The product in question is the Heritage DSD DAC / Preamp / Headphone amp. It retails for $574 and is available from numerous online e-tailers.
The Heritage has a remarkable feature list considering the price, including balanced and unbalanced headphone inputs, a gain switch for proper matching, an analog input, analog outputs, and multiple digital inputs including USB. The USB input handles all resolutions including DSD128. Perhaps the one thing some might miss is a remote control. For me, personally, this was not a deal killer at all.
The unit itself is about the size of a tissue box, with an elegant wood veneer on the top and bottom, and a black face plate. The gold input switch, volume knob, and gain/output switches give the Heritage a nice retro-chic look. The connectors around back are high quality as well and the whole package inspires confidence.
The Heritage was inserted into a system that included an Audio Research VS55 tube amp, Spendor S35/a monitors, a Roon streamer, and a Schiit Mani phono stage, with a Rega Planar 3 turntable. Cables were Transparent, Wireworld, and Kimber. The Heritage was used as a line stage, DAC, and headphone amp through out.
It was immediately apparent that the Heritage both as a preamp and a DAC, provided audiophile quality sonics. No question. The DAC section, via the USB input, was full bodied, textured, and buttery smooth. I was extremely pleased with how Redbook CD rips and CD quality downloads sounded.
I have been recently obsessed with a an obscure and criminally overlooked U.K. band from the late 60’s called Kaleidoscope. They released two psychedelic masterpieces on the Fontana label. Both albums, Tangerine Dream, and Faintly Blowing, have been nicely remastered on CD and were on repeat through out. Side note, original Mono pressings on the Fontana label are going for as much as $5000 on ebay!
Both albums are early stereo mixes and it was a joy to discover little nuances over time. In fact, these were perfect “headphone albums”, and through Grado SR-80’s, we were transported back to out first exposure to immersive listening back in high school. The Heritage, via the headphone output, or driving the power amp, made these relics come to life in technicolor.
The new Pearl Jam album, Gigaton, is a high water mark for the band’s later period. The 96 kHz download sounds great, with a propulsive mix that well serves these high energy guitar heavy songs. Eddie Vedder’s vocals are front and center in the mix and the Heritage captured all the character of his frantic delivery, beautifully. The band sounds energized and the music poured out of the speakers with great bottom end and and a crunchy midrange.
An original vinyl pressing of Rainbow Bridge, one of the best posthumous Jimi Hendrix releases, has several stunning tracks that would have been on his next studio album, including “Hey Baby,” “Pali-Gap,” “Earth Blues,” and “Dolly Dagger.” As purely an analog preamp, the Heritage was a winner. The texture was superb throughout. This is an album I am intimately familiar with, so any unnatural coloration would be immediately apparent.
Since the Heritage decodes DSD and I have a huge number of ripped SACDs, I put it through it’s Direct Stream Digital paces, so to speak. I streamed several of the recent Dire Straits SACD remasters from Mobile Fidelity, and it turned out these releases were worth the wait. In my opinion, these are the definitive digital versions.
My favorite overall album from the catalog is Making Movies, a true classic that ushered in the 80’s with crisp production, superb songs, and great band interplay. Tracks like “Skateaway,” “Solid Rock,” and “Espresso Love” never sounded so vibrant. The Heritage extracted all the goodness on Mobile Fidelity’s exquisite mastering.
I also streamed several DSD128 albums (5.6 MHz). One that has been a favorite is Seminole Star from American folk duo Quiles & Cloud. The acoustic instrumentation, the duo’s harmonies, and rootsy sound was simplly a delight, and I recommend all of their recordings.
Ergonomically speaking, the the Heritage was very smartly designed. The blue LED that indicated sample rate is nice and bright and the knobs and switches made it a delight to interface with the Heritage. The volume knob provided excellent range and sweep, which made it easy to find the perfect level for each recording.
The Bottom Line
At $574, the Klipsch Heritage DAC / Preamp / Headphone amp is one of the most satisfying audiophile products I have ever auditioned under a grand. In fact, I purchased this unit, as I really could find no flaws. Sure, a “deluxe” version with a linear power supply and remote would be nice, but that is strictly a luxurious wish. As is, it simply rocks. Highly recommended.
The Specifications
Product page
KLIPSCH HERITAGE DSD HEADPHONE AMP
The Company
Klipsch
Klipsch Heritage DAC /Preamp /Headphone Amp $574
Klipsch
3700 Hwy 32 North
Hope, AR 71801
800.554.7724
klipsch.com