Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Grand Cayman DHT
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Circuit Type: Direct-Heated Triode (DHT) all-tube electrostatic amplifier
- Compatibility: Electrostatic headphones (Stax-format connector)
- Inputs: Stereo RCA inputs
- Outputs: Stax 5-pin pro bias connector
- Production: Limited handcrafted production
Description
Handcrafted in limited numbers, the Grand Cayman represents HeadAmp’s most ambitious electrostatic amplifier to date. Featuring a DHT circuit, premium componentry, and bespoke construction, it is built for uncompromising performance with the world’s finest electrostatic headphones.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
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GS-X mini:
- Positioning: A compact and budget-friendly amplifier designed for desktop use and portability.
- Description: Offers a small form factor with essential balanced and unbalanced outputs for everyday listening needs. Compared with larger models like the GS-X Mk2 or CFA3, its performance is tuned for moderate power demands and simplified functionality suited for limited space.
GS-X mk2:
- Positioning: A high-performance amplifier that delivers clear, transparent sound for dynamic and planar magnetic headphones.
- Description: Features low-noise circuitry, adaptable gain options, and multiple I/O choices to provide a premium and versatile audio experience. In contrast to the compact GS-X mini and the tube-driven tone of the Aristaeus, it is engineered for users who demand rigorous, analytical sound reproduction with robust power handling.
CFA3:
- Positioning: A flagship planar and dynamic amplifier built with modern surface-mount designs for desktop applications.
- Description: Uses new-old-stock transistors, innovative thermal regulation, and a custom stepped volume control for refined performance in a small footprint. Compared with the GS-X series and tube-based designs like the Aristaeus, it offers advanced features and precision aimed at driving high-end headphones with enhanced detail and control.
Aristaeus:
- Positioning: An electrostatic amplifier with an all-tube circuit design that delivers a warm, rich, and smooth sound signature.
- Description: Features luxurious wood inlays and tube circuitry to create a slightly laid-back and natural sound profile. When compared with the more clinical clarity of the GS-X units and the precise drive of the Blue Hawaii SE, it is ideal for users seeking vintage warmth and musicality, particularly with electrostatic headphone systems.
Blue Hawaii SE:
- Positioning: The premium electrostatic amplifier engineered to power the toughest headphone loads with exceptional accuracy and control.
- Description: Features dual Stax Pro-Bias outputs, high-voltage design, and precise channel matching that set it apart with industry-leading drive and clarity. Compared with the tube-inflected Aristaeus and the balanced transparency of the GS-X series, it provides the highest level of performance for users with demanding sonic goals.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
13
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
325
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
10
Founding Year
2002
Our take on the brand
HeadAmp pioneered portable hifi with their Pico series, which was among the first to combine a pocket-sized amp with a USB DAC. The brand is particularly known for their Blue Hawaii SE electrostatic headphone amplifier and GS-X series, which can drive everything from sensitive in-ear monitors to power-hungry planar magnetic headphones.
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What if you spend more?
Feliks Audio
ECHO 2
943
943
/
7
Reviews
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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Product Strengths
- Unique and engaging musical experience, even with some hard-to-drive headphones
- Natural, fluid, musical sound with a bit of warmth, superb soundstage, and resolution
- Exceptional detail for the price category and low distortion
- Great build quality and a pleasing aesthetic, being hand-built
- Also works as a preamplifier for stereo setups
Product Considerations
- Not designed for planar magnetic headphones or for low impedance headphones
- May sound brighter, with lower bass quantity and precision, with low impedance headphones
- Tubes are consumables and will burn out after a couple thousand hours of use
- The power switch is located on the back, which some may find inconvenient
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SPL Audio Phonitor 2 amp—Echo 2 provides a more refined experience
- Vs Hagerman Tuba—Echo 2 has better driving power and clarity for high impedance headphones
- Vs Audio-gd Master 19—Echo 2 has a more natural tonality and deeper soundstage for high impedance headphones
- Vs Violectric HPA V340—Echo 2 has a more magical musicality and a smoother presentation for high impedance headphones
- Vs Burson Soloist 3X Performance—Echo MKII leans towards a slightly more relaxed sound, while Soloist leans into a more forward aggressive one, and the Soloist has stronger treble extension
Takeaway: The Feliks Audio Echo 2/MKII is a great tube amplifier for those who appreciate engaging and emotionally rich listening sessions, especially with high-impedance dynamic headphones. This hand-built amplifier offers a unique musicality and adds warmth and depth to music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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