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For the customers in the USA

Owner’s Record

The serial number is located at the bottom of the unit.
Record these numbers in the spaces provided below. Refer to them 
whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.
Model No. PHA-1
Serial No.  

 

 

Information

If you have any questions about this product, you may call:
Sony Customer Information Service Center 1-800-222-7669 or  
http://www.sony.com/

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY

Model No.: PHA-1

Responsible 
Party:

Sony Electronics Inc.

Address:

16530 Via Esprillo, San Diego, CA 
92127 USA

Telephone 
No.:

858-942-2230

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is 
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause 
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly 
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this 
equipment.

Note

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for 
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits 
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful 
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses 
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in 
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to 
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference 
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause 
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be 
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is 
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the 
following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that 

to which the receiver is connected.

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

For the customers in Canada

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

For the customers in the USA and Canada

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable.
You can help preserve our environment by returning your 
used rechargeable batteries to the collection and 
recycling location nearest you.
For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, 
call toll free 1-800-822-8837, or visit 
http://www.rbrc.org/ 

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.

Features

 iPod/iPhone/iPad Digital connection 

Direct digital audio data transfer from iPod/iPhone/iPad

 USB Audio 96 kHz/24 bit compatible 

PC jitter-free USB Audio with Asynchronous Transfer Mode over USB. 
USB input accepts up to 96 kHz/24 bit high resolution audio signal

 Selected parts for high quality sound 

Uses high quality parts normally associated with high-end audio 
components (35 μm thick copper for printed circuits, film capacitors, 
etc.) 
Isolated analog and digital circuits to minimize unnecessary internal 
electrical noise

 Custom ICs designed for high sound quality 

High quality DAC: Maximum sampling rate 96 kHz / 24 bit 
quantization 
Operational Amplifier: ultra-low distortion, low noise, high slew rate 
for analog signal 
Headphone Amplifier IC: Current-feedback architecture, high slew 
rate, OCL (output capacitor-less) with Split power supply

 Aluminum case 

Aluminum-shielded case to prevent external interference noise

 Zinc die-cast bumper 

Protects the volume knob and plugs/connectors from external impact

 GAIN select switch 

Allows headphones of a wide range of impedances to be used

 Battery life: Approx. 10 hours for analog mode; Approx. 5 hours for 

iPod/iPhone/iPad digital mode. 
Charging time: Approx. 4.5 hours. No charging during power on 
(operation)

 Compatible with many music players 

Silicone belts (supplied) for convenient fastening of connected music 
player to the unit

Parts and Controls




 

Input select switch

 

iPod/iPhone/iPad connecting port

 

 (USB) port

 

GAIN select switch
For details, see 

To set the GAIN according to the headphones

 of 

Listening to Music.

 

CHG (charge) indicator
Lights up red while you are charging the unit.

 

Power/Volume knob
Turns on/off the unit, and adjusts the volume.
Rotate the power/volume knob clockwise to turn on the power; 
rotate it further to increase the volume.
Rotate the power/volume knob counterclockwise to decrease the 
volume; rotate it further until it clicks to turn off the power.

 

POWER indicator
Lights up green when the power is turned on. When the battery level 
is low, the indicator lights up orange.

 

AUDIO IN jack

 

PHONES (headphones) jack

Charging the Unit

The unit contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which should be 
charged before using it for the first time. The CHG (charge) indicator 
lights up red while you are charging the unit. Charging is completed in 
about 4.5 hours, then the indicator turns off automatically.

Turn off the unit.

Connect the unit to your booted computer using the 

micro-USB cable (supplied).

Micro-USB cable (supplied)

This unit

Computer

Notes

  Use only the micro-USB cable (supplied). Do not charge the unit using any other 

USB cable.

  When the unit is connected to the computer for the first time, it may take time to 

recognize the unit.

  If the unit is not used for a long time, the CHG (charge) indicator may take a while to 

light up red when you connect it to your computer. In this case, do not disconnect 

the micro-USB cable from the unit, and wait until the CHG (charge) indicator lights 

up red.

  While the unit is on, the battery is not charged. 

If you turn on the unit while the unit is charging, the charge is interrupted.

  Charge the battery in an ambient temperature of between 5 °C to 35 °C. If you try to 

charge the battery outside this range, the CHG (charge) indicator may flash in red 

and the battery will not charge.

  If the computer enters standby, sleep, or hibernation mode while the unit is 

connected to the computer, the charging will not be completed properly. Check the 

setting of the computer before connecting to the unit. The CHG (charge) indicator 

(red) will turn off automatically when the computer enters standby, sleep, or 

hibernation mode. In this case, charge the unit again.

  Connect the unit directly to a computer, using the micro-USB cable (supplied). 

Charging may not be completed properly by an indirect connection, such as via a 

USB hub.

  When the battery is full, the CHG (charge) indicator may not light up red.

  When charging has finished, the CHG (charge) indicator may flash in red. This is not 

malfunction.

  When storing the unit for a long time, avoid a place subject to high temperatures. 

When storing the unit for more than 1 year, charge the battery every six months to 

prevent over discharge.

To charge the battery from an AC outlet

Use the USB AC adaptor AC-UD20 (optional). For details, refer to the 
Operating Instructions supplied with the USB AC adaptor.

This unit

AC-UD20

Micro-USB cable (supplied)

Connecting to the Audio Device

iPod

For details of compatible models, see 

Compatible iPod/iPhone/iPad 

models.

In the Operating Instructions, iPod, iPhone, and iPad are collectively 
described as 

iPod

,”

 except in special cases.

30pin-USB cable (supplied)

This unit

3

1

2

iPod

Turn on the iPod.

Connect the iPod to the unit, using the 30pin-USB cable 

(supplied).

Set the input select switch to the center position.

Compatible iPod/iPhone/iPad models
You can use the unit with only the following models. Update your iPod, 
iPhone, or iPad to the latest software before use.

 iPod touch (4th generation) 

 iPod touch (3rd generation) 

 iPod touch (2nd generation) 

 iPod nano (6th generation)

 iPod nano (5th generation)

 iPod nano (4th generation)

 iPod nano (3rd generation)

 iPod classic 120GB / 160GB 

(2009)

 iPod classic 160GB (2007)

 iPod classic 80GB

 iPhone 4S

 iPhone 4

 iPhone 3GS

 iPhone 3G

 iPad (3rd generation)

 iPad 2

 iPad

Notes

  If you are listening to music too loudly, the battery may drain even if the unit is 

connected to a computer, or an AC outlet using the recommended USB AC adaptor 

(optional).

  The unit only supports the audio playback function of an iPod.

  You cannot transfer music to your iPod from the unit.

  Do not connect an iPod that is not supported. The unit is not guaranteed to work 

with an iPod that is not supported.

  Sony is not liable for damage/erasure to recorded data caused by using an iPod 

connected to the unit.

  Do not disconnect the iPod while operating. To connect/disconnect the iPod to/

from the unit, stop playback, then turn off the unit to prevent damage to data.

  An iPod will not be charged when connected to the unit.

  If the sound is distorted, set the equalizer to 

OFF

 or 

Flat

 on your iPod.

  Turn on your iPod touch/iPhone before connecting it to the unit.

  Depending on the iPod, the sound may become loud suddenly when you adjust the 

volume.

  If the battery level of the iPod is too low, charge the iPod.

  Music volume may vary depending on the ring tone of the iPhone and its 

application. Refer to the operating instructions of your iPhone.

  If the iPhone is set to silent mode, the ring tone may not be heard from the 

headphones.

  Refer to the Apple website for details of the operating environment of your iPod.

  If the battery level is too low, the unit may not turn on even when connected to a 

computer, or an AC outlet using the recommended USB AC adaptor (optional). In 

this case, charge the unit. For details, see 

Charging the unit.

WALKMAN

 

By using the audio cable for 

WALKMAN

 (supplied), the unit can 

amplify the signal directly without the built-in amplifier of the 

WALKMAN.

Connect the 

WALKMAN

 to the AUDIO IN jack, using the 

audio cable for 

WALKMAN

 (supplied).

Audio cable for 

WALKMAN

 (supplied)

This unit

WALKMAN

Set the input select switch to AUDIO IN.

Turn on the connected 

WALKMAN.

Compatible 

WALKMAN

 models

The unit supports 

WALKMAN

 models with an WM-PORT (22-pin).

The WM-PORT is a dedicated multi-terminal connector, used to connect 

WALKMAN

 to its accessories.

Notes

  The unit only supports the audio playback function of the 

WALKMAN.

  Turn on your 

WALKMAN

 before operating the unit.

  If you connect a 

WALKMAN

 without an WM-PORT, see 

Other devices

 for details.

  Sony is not liable for damage/erasure to recorded data caused by using a 

WALKMAN

 connected to the unit.

  Some operations may not be possible with the unit, even if you use the supported 

WALKMAN.

  The 

WALKMAN

 will not be charged when connected to the unit.

  Depending on the 

WALKMAN,

 Dynamic Normalizer, Equalizer, VPT (Virtualphones 

Technology), DSEE (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) or speaker output 

optimizer, etc., may be set to on. If the sound is distorted, set these settings to off.

  Sound is not output from the headphone jack of the 

WALKMAN

 when it is 

connected to the unit.

  You cannot adjust the volume of the 

WALKMAN

 when a 

WALKMAN

 is connected 

to the unit.

Computer

You can play music files on your computer with the unit.  
For details, see 

Specifications

 overleaf.

3

1

2

This unit

Micro-USB cable (supplied)

Computer

Start your computer.

Connect your computer to the  

 (USB) port of the unit, 

using the micro-USB cable (supplied).

Set the input select switch to 

 (USB).

Tip

  The unit supports USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 Full Speed) as an audio device.

Notes

  If you are listening to music too loudly, the battery may drain even if the unit is 

connected to a computer, or an AC outlet using the recommended USB AC adaptor 

(optional).

  If you are listening to music loudly with the unit connected to a computer, the 

POWER indicator may flash in red or the sound may be interrupted. This is not a 

malfunction. In this case, turn down the volume.

  When the unit is connected to the computer for the first time, it may take time to 

recognize the unit.

  The unit is not guaranteed to operate via a USB hub or USB cable extension. Use the 

supplied USB cable only.

  Do not disconnect a USB device while operating. To disconnect a USB device from 

the unit, stop playback, then turn off the unit to prevent damage to data.

  Digitally broadcast sound may not be output from a computer’s USB port. In this 

case, connect the AUDIO IN jack of the unit to the analog audio output of the 

computer.

  If the battery level is too low, the unit may not turn on even when connected to a 

computer, or an AC outlet using the recommended USB AC adaptor (optional). In 

this case, charge the unit. For details, see 

Charging the unit.

Continued overleaf

PHA-1

Portable Headphone Amplifier

Operating Instructions

4-443-693-

41

(1)

©2012   Sony Corporation     Printed in China

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