3.5 Watt Audio Power and Headphone Amplifier-Black

The RDL DB-HPA3 is a black, wall-mounted audio amplifier built around one line input and two distinct output functions. Its amplified speaker output can drive a 4 or 8 ohm speaker, while a separate headphone amplifier supports private listening. Speaker output reaches 3.5 W RMS into 8 ohms or 6.5 W RMS into 4 ohms, and a front-panel, single-turn audio-taper control provides gain adjustment.

Ideal Use Cases

The DB-HPA3 is designed for installed audio systems that need local amplification in a wall-mounted format. It is a practical match when one line-level source must feed an amplified 4 or 8 ohm speaker output while also providing a separate headphone amplifier. The combination is especially relevant where both room audio and individual headphone listening need to be supported from one amplifier.

Its 20 kΩ bridging input accepts balanced or unbalanced connections. This allows the amplifier to work with a +4 dBu nominal balanced source using low input sensitivity or a -15 dBV nominal unbalanced source using high input sensitivity.

Why Choose This Model

The DB-HPA3 combines speaker amplification and headphone amplification without requiring two separate amplifier products. Its speaker stage is rated for two common load impedances, delivering 3.5 W RMS maximum into 8 ohms and 6.5 W RMS maximum into 4 ohms. The headphone output provides 10 mW into 100 ohms under normal conditions and up to 30 mW into 100 ohms.

Input handling accommodates a maximum level of +22 dBu in the low-sensitivity setting and +4 dBu in the high-sensitivity setting. The specified minimum input level is 18 dBu for balanced operation at maximum gain. Common-mode rejection is greater than 50 dB from 50 Hz to 120 Hz.

Installation and Integration

The wall-mounted enclosure measures 4.13 inches high, 1.7 inches wide, and 2.05 inches deep, equivalent to 10.49 by 4.32 by 5.21 cm. A front-panel gain adjustment keeps level control directly accessible. The input presents a 20 kΩ balanced or unbalanced bridging configuration, supporting integration with either of the stated nominal source levels.

The amplifier requires 24 Vdc. Current demand is specified at 30 mA while idle, 55 mA at one-eighth power with normal voice or music, and 225 mA when producing 3.5 W into 8 ohms. The recommended power supplies are the PS-24AS for the USA and PS-24AX for international use. The permitted ambient operating range is 0°C to 40°C maximum, with 20°C recommended.

Performance Highlights

The headphone amplifier has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 50 kHz within ±1 dB. Its THD+N is less than 0.1% from 20 Hz to 20 kHz when delivering 10 mW into 100 ohms. Headphone noise is specified below -85 dB relative to 10 mW into 100 ohms.

The speaker amplifier covers 20 Hz to 20 kHz within ±1 dB. Speaker THD+N is less than 0.1% at 1 kHz and 1 W, while speaker noise is below -80 dB relative to 1 W into 8 ohms. These separate specifications clearly identify the operating bandwidth, output conditions, distortion, and noise performance for each output path.

What Makes It Different

The defining feature of the DB-HPA3 is the pairing of an amplified speaker output with a separate headphone amplifier in a wall-mounted unit. It also provides explicit performance ratings for both 4 and 8 ohm speaker loads rather than a single general output figure. Balanced and unbalanced input compatibility, selectable sensitivity specifications, and front-panel gain adjustment give the unit multiple ways to accommodate the stated source conditions.

Final Assessment

The RDL DB-HPA3 offers a focused combination of line-level input handling, wall-mounted installation, speaker amplification, and separate headphone output. With up to 3.5 W RMS into 8 ohms, 6.5 W RMS into 4 ohms, detailed audio performance specifications, and 24 Vdc operation, it is a clearly defined solution for systems requiring these particular functions in one compact enclosure.