Bakoon ProductsBakoon Products has added a mid-range headphone amplifier, the HDA-5210mk4.
The product page ishere
The MK3 had a long, distinctive shape, but the MK4 is the same size as the compact half-size series. The MK3 was a popular model loved widely from Asia, including Korea, to Europe and the US.
Probably in its home country, Japan, it is the least known and not selling much... On overseas audio sites, it is popular enough to even have forums.Bakoon ProductsHowever, in some countries, it has recognition and popularity such that it's subject to trademark disputes in court, much like Matsusaka beef.
In Japan, it hasn't been promoted at all, which is part of the reason, but recently, it has been featured in audio magazines, gradually increasing its recognition, which makes our store very happy.
Getting back on topic, this is the HDA-5210MK4. The shape has changed from the MK3, and the sound has become even more refined. Originally, its excellent performance spread by word of mouth overseas and became popular, but this model goes even further.
From the MK4 onward, all models use SATRI-ICs in UL specification only. The attenuators come in two types: metal film resistors and non-inductive wound resistors. The headphone amplifier HDA-5210 no longer has the normal volume specification.
The transparency of the sound is extremely high, so much so that it feels like you could see all the way through. The high frequencies stretch clear and pure, exemplified by Eiichi Ohtaki.note separationThe sound is extremely detailed, delicate, and light. The sound contours are solid without ambiguity because the background is very, very quiet. During the MK3 era, the background was so quiet that normally unnoticed noise could be heard, but the MK4 is such pure quiet. You can even hear Mika Nakashima’s breath and the slight inhalation as she begins to sing, transmitted through the pop filter during studio recording. There is no distortion or noise in the sound. If I had to point out one thing, it is that it does not emphasize or alter the sound; it delivers it straight, so those who prefer strong bass might feel that the low end is insufficient, but under normal circumstances, it should not be an issue at all.
This time, I compared the sound of voltage output and current output from voltage input. Even with the voltage output, the sound was satisfactorily good, but when I switched to current output, it was clearly like a thin veil had been lifted: the contours, brightness, and sound extension improved. However, I think this might be a matter of personal preference. Some people may feel that the voltage output is just right.
By using a high-performance attenuator, you can lower the volume without the sound thinning out or feeling any deterioration in sound quality, so in a quiet environment, you can fully enjoy music even at low volumes.
Also, a characteristic of Bakoon sound overall is that there are no strange, piercing spikes in the sound, so listening for long periods does not cause fatigue, which is another merit.
The page for the headphone amplifier HDA-5210mk4 is:Here
