Sony PHA-2 Manual

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-2
Serial No.    

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/

Trade Name: SONY

Model No.:

PHA-2

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.

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:

ˋ

ˋReorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

ˋ

ˋIncrease the separation between the equipment and receiver.

ˋ

ˋConnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different 

from that to which the receiver is connected.

ˋ

ˋConsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for 

help.

ˋ

ˎ USB Audio 192 kHz/24 bit, DSD compatible

ˋ

ˎ iPhone/iPad/iPod* and “WALKMAN” Digital connection

ˋ

ˎ High-quality analog circuit with dedicated master clock

ˋ

ˎ High-quality operational amplifier used for line-out signal

ˋ

ˎ Selected parts for high quality sound

* When connecting iPhone/iPad/iPod, use the USB cable supplied with 

iPhone/iPad/iPod.

 Input select switch

 iPhone/iPad/iPod connecting port

    (USB) port (for connecting to a computer, and charging 

 “WALKMAN” connecting port

 GAIN select switch

For details, see “Listening to Music.”

 OUTPUT SELECT switch

For details, see “Listening to Music.”

 POWER indicator

Lights up green when the power is turned on.
When the power is turned on, you can check the battery level 
by the number of times the indicator flashes.

Three flashes

Full

Two flashes

Middle

one flash

Low
It is necessary to charge the unit.

Always flashes

It is necessary to charge the unit. If you 
continue to use the unit without charging, 
the unit will turn off after a few minutes.

 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.

 CHG (charge) indicator

Lights up red while you are charging the unit.

 AUDIO IN/LINE OUT jack

 PHONES (headphones) jack

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, 
and the indicator turns off automatically when charging is 
completed.
Charging is completed in about 7 hours when connected to a 
computer, or in about 3.5 hours when connected to an AC outlet 
using the recommended USB AC adaptor (optional).
If the battery is not charging properly, the CHG (charge) indicator 
will flash in 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.

Front of the unit

Micro-USB cable (supplied)

Rear of the unit

Computer

Check the following.

ˋ

ˎ Check that the unit and your computer are firmly connected 

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

ˋ

ˎ Check that the computer is turned on and not in standby, sleep 

or hibernation mode. 
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 will 
turn off automatically when the computer enters standby, 
sleep, or hibernation mode. In this case, charge the unit again.

ˋ

ˎ Check that the unit and the computer are directly connected, 

and not via a USB hub. 
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.

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

Micro-USB cable (supplied)

AC-UD20

Rear of the unit

ˋ

ˎ To charge the battery, turn off the unit, then connect to a computer using 

the micro-USB cable (supplied), or an AC outlet using the recommended 
USB AC adaptor (optional). 
Otherwise, the battery may not be charged properly. In this case, the CHG 
(charge) indicator will flash in red.

ˋ

ˎ 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.

ˋ

ˎ 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.

ˋ

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

ˋ

ˎ When charging has finished, the CHG (charge) indicator may flash in red. 

This is not malfunction.

ˋ

ˎ 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.

Check the battery level by the following.



For details on checking the battery level by the POWER 
indicator, see “Parts and Controls.”

You can enjoy music with the unit by connecting the audio 
device to the unit. An audio device can be connected to the unit 
by the following four methods.

You can connect the unit to the “WALKMAN” using the digital 
output USB cable for “WALKMAN” (supplied). The digital audio 
data from the “WALKMAN” is transferred directly to the unit, and 
the unit outputs the analog audio converted by the internal DA 
converter of the unit.

You can connect the unit to the iPhone/iPad/iPod using the USB 
cable supplied with iPhone/iPad/iPod. The digital audio data 
from the iPhone/iPad/iPod is transferred directly to the unit, and 
the unit outputs the analog audio converted by the internal DA 
converter of the unit.

You can connect the unit to a computer using the micro-USB 
cable (supplied). The unit is compatible with High-Resolution 
Audio format, USB audio up to 192 kHz/24 bit, DSD compatible.
When playing music files on your Windows computer with the 
unit, you need to download and install the driver software for 
Windows “Sony Portable Headphone Amplifier USB Audio 2.0 
Driver” on a Windows computer. 
When playing High-Resolution Audio format data on your 
computer with the unit, you need to download and install 
“Hi-Res Audio Player” on your computer.

You can connect the unit to devices, such as smartphones and 
portable music players, etc., using the stereo mini cable 
(supplied), and enjoy music from the device with the unit.

By using the digital output USB cable for “WALKMAN” (supplied), 
the unit can amplify the signal directly without the built-in 
amplifier of the “WALKMAN.”

NWZ-F880 series
(as of September 2013)
Depending on the country/region, some models may not be 
available.
When connecting a “WALKMAN” model other than NWZ-F880 
series, follow the connecting method described in 

.

Digital output USB cable for “WALKMAN” (supplied)

Rear of the unit

“WALKMAN”

ˋ

ˎ The unit only supports the audio playback function of the “WALKMAN.”

ˋ

ˎ Turn on your “WALKMAN” before operating the unit.

ˋ

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

“WALKMAN” connected to the unit.

ˋ

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

supported “WALKMAN.”

ˋ

ˎ 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 to off.

ˋ

ˎ Sound is not output from the headphone jack of the “WALKMAN” when it is 

connected to the unit.

ˋ

ˎ You cannot adjust the volume of the “WALKMAN” when a “WALKMAN” is 

connected to the unit.

ˋ

ˎ The “WALKMAN” will not be charged when connected to the unit.

ˋ

ˎ 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).

ˋ

ˎ 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.”

For details on compatible models, see “Compatible iPhone/iPad/
iPod models.”
In the Operating Instructions, iPhone, iPad, and iPod are 
collectively described as “iPod,” except in special cases.

USB cable supplied with iPhone/iPad/iPod

Rear of the unit

iPod

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

ˋ

ˎ iPhone 5

ˋ

ˎ iPhone 4S

ˋ

ˎ iPhone 4

ˋ

ˎ iPhone 3GS

ˋ

ˎ iPad (4th generation)

ˋ

ˎ iPad mini

ˋ

ˎ iPad (3rd generation)

ˋ

ˎ iPad 2

ˋ

ˎ iPad

ˋ

ˎ iPod touch (5th generation)

ˋ

ˎ iPod touch (4th generation)

ˋ

ˎ iPod touch (3rd generation)

ˋ

ˎ iPod touch (2nd generation)

ˋ

ˎ iPod classic 120GB / 160GB 

(2009)

ˋ

ˎ iPod nano (7th generation)

ˋ

ˎ iPod nano (6th generation)

ˋ

ˎ iPod nano (5th generation)

ˋ

ˎ iPod nano (4th generation)

ˋ

ˎ iPod nano (3rd generation) 

(as of July 2013)

ˋ

ˎ If noise is generated, turn off the connected iPod, then turn it on again.

ˋ

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

ˋ

ˎ You cannot transfer music to your iPod from the unit.

ˋ

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

work with an iPod that is not supported.

ˋ

ˎ Sony is not liable for damage/erasure of recorded data caused by using an 

iPod connected to the unit.

ˋ

ˎ 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.

ˋ

ˎ If the sound is distorted, set the equalizer to “OFF” or “Flat” on your iPod.

ˋ

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

ˋ

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

adjust the volume.

ˋ

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

ˋ

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

application. Refer to the operating instructions of your iPhone.

ˋ

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

headphones.

ˋ

ˎ For details on operating the iPod, refer to the operating instructions of your 

iPod.

ˋ

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

ˋ

ˎ 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).

ˋ

ˎ 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.”

For information about the operating environment, see 
“Specifications” overleaf.

ˋ

ˎ If the driver software is not installed on your computer, music files 

played on the computer will not be output from the unit.

When connecting to Macintosh, skip this step, and proceed to 
step 3.

Visit the following Web sites, and download the driver 
software. Communication fees to download are required 
separately.
http://www.sony.com/support/
For details on installing, refer to the download pages.





Rear of the unit

Micro-USB cable (supplied)

Computer

When playing the High-Resolution Audio format data on your 
computer with the unit, you need to download and install 
“Hi-Res Audio Player” to your computer.
Visit the following Web sites, and download the software. 
Communication fees to download are required separately.
http://www.sony.com/support/
For details on installing, refer to the download pages.
Tip

ˋ

ˎ The unit supports USB 2.0 (USB 2.0 High Speed) as an audio device.
Notes

ˋ

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

the POWER indicator may flash or the sound may be interrupted. This is not 
a malfunction. In this case, turn down the volume.

ˋ

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

Use the supplied USB cable only.

ˋ

ˎ 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.

ˋ

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

this case, connect the AUDIO IN/LINE OUT jack of the unit to the analog 
audio output of the computer. For details on connecting, see 

.

ˋ

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

unit is connected to a computer.

ˋ

ˎ 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 battery. For details, see “Charging 
the Unit.”

ˋ

ˎ Be careful not to trip over a connecting cord.

You can enjoy listening to an audio device, such as a 
smartphones or portable music player, with the unit. Before 
connecting, turn down the volume on the device and turn off the 
unit.
Note

ˋ

ˎ You can listen to the audio input from an audio device connected to the 

AUDIO IN/LINE OUT jack of the unit with only the headphones connected to 
the PHONES jack of the unit.

Other device

Rear of the unit

Front of the unit

Stereo mini cable (supplied)

ˋ

ˎ If you connect the unit via a device with a built-in radio or tuner, broadcasts 

may not be received, or sensitivity may be reduced significantly.

ˋ

ˎ If there is noise in broadcasts, locate the unit farther away from the 

connected device and check whether reception improves.

ˋ

ˎ 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).

ˋ

ˎ 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.”

PHA-2

Portable Headphone Amplifier

Operating Instructions

4-477-124-

42(1)

©2014   Sony Corporation Printed in China