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.
Product Strengths
- Wonderfully enjoyable and transparent sound, described as smooth, resolving, and engaging, enhancing music without coloration
- Open design makes it easy to swap out the tubes
- It opens the soundstage in depth and width, increasing the ability to hear the placement of instruments, and micro details and spatial cues become more accessible
- Versatile, the Velo works well with different headphones (low/high impedance, dynamic/planar)
Product Considerations
- Not particularly powerful, the Velo might require more volume dial rotation compared to other amps to reach desired listening levels
- Bass might sound a little too rounded and lacking texture compared to some setups
- Lacks balanced XLR features
- The included switching power supply is not at the same performance level as the upgraded linear power supply
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Linear Tube Audio MZ3: The MZ3 is more resolving and detailed, while the Velo is richer and smoother, the MZ3 is more technically engaging, but the Velo is more emotionally engaging
- Vs Burson Soloist 3X-GT: The Soloist 3X-GT has more power and greater resolution/clarity with a balanced cable, but the Velo is more intimate and relaxing
- Vs Oliver Sayes Type 26 DHT preamplifier: The Velo strikes a nice middle ground between the overly 'emotional' tube stage and the 'straight' sounding TVC mode
- Vs Eddie Current Zana Deux SE OTL: Unlike the Zana Deux, it doesn't go too far in warmth to the point of sounding mushy
Takeaway: The Velo is a versatile tube amplifier that provides a wonderful and enjoyable listening experience by being transparent and smooth. It's designed for music lovers who value emotional engagement with their music.
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
Velo
reviews
[{"title":"Linear Tube Audio Velo - One Size Fits All","link":"https://den-fi.com/linear-tube-audio-velo-one-size-fits-all","source":"Den-Fii","datePublished":"2024"},{"title":"LTA Velo Preamp and headphone amplifier by John Hoffman","link":"https://www.stereotimes.com/post/lta-velo-preamp-and-headphone-amplifier-by-john-hoffman","source":"Stereo Times","datePublished":""},{"title":"Linear Tube Audio’s Velo Headphone Amplifier is Rooted in History","link":"https://www.ecoustics.com/products/linear-tube-audio-velo-headphone-amplifier","source":"Ecoustics","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"You'll love this tube amp just like I do! Linear Tube Audio Velo","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTkqxLqLKfQ","source":"Passion for Sound","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"LTA Velo Vacuum Tube Headphone Amp & Preamp Review - A New Entry Point But NOT Entry Level!","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-UOhxA87Lw","source":"Reviews By WaveTheory","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Velo","link":"https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/linear-tube-audio-velo","source":"6 Moons","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Amplifier Class: Class A Push-pull
- Inputs: 3 x RCA single-ended inputs
- Preamp Output: 2 x RCA single-ended outputs
- Output impedance: 50ohm
- Headphone Output: 1 x 6.3mm (1/4") single-ended output
- Output Impedance: 1.1ohm
- Gain: 13.5dB into 100ohm, 12.4dB into 8ohm
- Input Impedance: 50kohm
- THD: 0.19% at 1kHz, 1Vrms
- Hum: -90dB at 1Vrms
- Frequency Response: -3dB: 2Hz - 100kHz, 0dB: 20hZ - 20kHz
- Power Consumption: 24W
- Tube Complement: 2 x 12AT7 (12AU7 tubes can also be used), 2 x 6SN7 (12SN7 tubes can also be used)
- Dimensions: Width: 10in, Height: 2.875in (stock output tubes add 2.5in), Depth: 10in (11.5in including volume knob and rear connectors)
- Weight: 6.5lbs
Description
The Velo carries on the legacy of David Berning's microZOTL circuit and LTA's MZ2, bringing significant enhancements to this world-class headphone amp and preamplifier. We've taken everything learned about building ZOTL amplifiers and started from scratch to reimagine our foundational product and create the best sounding, most enjoyable, and most reliable headphone amplifier/preamplifier possible.
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:
- Linear Tube Audio utilizes David Berning's patented ZOTL technology, a unique circuit design that eliminates the need for traditional output transformers, reducing distortion and resulting in a transparent and realistic sound.
- They offer versatile products, often combining preamp, headphone amp, and speaker amp functionalities into a single chassis, catering to various listening preferences and system configurations.
- LTA amps are characterized by their low noise floor, enabling the retrieval of subtle details and creating a sense of aliveness in the music.
- Handmade in the USA with premium components, Linear Tube Audio products blend high-end sound quality with an elegant and functional design, often featuring a chassis designed by Fern & Roby.
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Select product comparisons
MicroZOTL Preamplifier
- Positioning: A compact, rack-friendly preamplifier and headphone amplifier that offers reference-level performance at the entry point of the lineup.
- Description: Impresses with clear, detailed sound thanks to its refined microZOTL circuit, upgraded power storage, and low-resonance aluminum chassis. It offers a shorter signal path and optimized volume control when compared to the higher-powered ZOTL40 and Z10e.
ZOTL40 Reference+ Amplifier
- Positioning: A flagship power amplifier that delivers robust tube performance with refined tonal clarity for critical listening environments.
- Description: Uses patented ZOTL technology enhanced with a massive capacitor upgrade and high-end Audio Note resistors to achieve precise midrange detail and dynamic sound. It provides a more spacious and powerful soundstage when compared to the more compact microZOTL and the headphone-focused Z10e.
Z10e Electrostatic Headphone Amp / Integrated Amp
- Positioning: A versatile amplifier engineered to drive demanding electrostatic headphones while also serving as a full-function integrated speaker amp.
- Description: Delivers refined sound through the ZOTL10 power amplifier and specialized outputs designed specifically for electrostatic drivers, combining high-quality tube tone with modern control features. It bridges the gap between the preamp-focused microZOTL and the high-power Z40+ by offering advanced headphone capabilities alongside dynamic speaker performance.
Z40+ Integrated Amplifier
- Positioning: The top-tier integrated amplifier that combines high power and advanced tube circuitry for the most demanding audiophile systems.
- Description: Integrates a Berning-designed preamp with patented ZOTL technology, augmented by extensive capacitor storage, adjustable volume control, and premium components housed in a stylish Fern & Roby case. It is designed to drive virtually any speaker with a robust, detailed soundstage, setting it apart from the more specialized ZOTL40 and Z10e.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
8
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
168
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
10
Founding Year
2015
Our take on the brand
Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
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Used
Linear Tube Audio
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What if you spend more?
Naim
Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
3799
3799
/
24
Reviews
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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Product Strengths
- Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
- Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
- Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
- Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
- Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to
Product Considerations
- The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
- The front display is not a touchscreen
- Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
- The HDMI ARC connection is absent
- The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
- As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
- Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200
Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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Feliks Audio
Euforia Evo
2833
2833
/
8
Reviews
Ultimate achievement in OTL technology. Perfect match with dynamic headphones and most planars. Features XLR and RCA headphone outputs with smooth, neutral and dynamic sound thanks to UPOCC wiring, premium components, and point to point design.
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
- Delivers a smooth, embracing, and euphonic tone, making it enjoyable to listen to for extended periods without fatigue
- Offers excellent detail and ambiance reproduction, resulting in a sublime and neutral sound that pairs beautifully with high-impedance headphones
- Provides a wide and airy sound with neutral tuning, combined with a rich and smooth texture
- The midrange is powerful, vivid, and lively, offering a unique and analog timbre for engaging listening experiences
- Produces a wide, three-dimensional soundstage and lifelike, holographic imaging for an immersive listening experience
Product Considerations
- Lacks power for driving very demanding headphones
- Generates a considerable amount of heat, requiring placement in a well-ventilated area
- Has some coloration in the low-end, which may not appeal to all listeners
- The on/off switch is located on the back panel, which might be inconvenient in some setups
- May not be 'tubey' enough for some users seeking stronger tube coloration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Feliks Audio Envy: It 'hits' differently and is a more budget-friendly option for high-impedance headphone owners
- Vs SMSL SH-X: Both amps generate a lot of heat, but it offers more realistic staging and imaging
- Vs HIFIMAN Prelude: It offers a neutral, dynamic, and colorful sound, while Prelude is smooth, lush, warm, and bassy
- Vs Violectric HPA V340: It provides tube richness, a wider soundstage, and better instrument separation compared to the brighter and harder sound of HPA V340
- Vs Feliks Audio Euforia (original): The Evo delivers more color, contrast, dynamic range, and resolution with better control and lower distortion, especially with hard-to-drive headphones
Takeaway: The Euforia Evo is a tube amplifier that gives music a smooth, rich, and detailed sound. It is great for those who want to experience high-quality audio and enjoy listening to their headphones.
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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Holo Audio
Bliss
2998
2998
/
6
Reviews
Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
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Product Strengths
- Versatile amplifier that breathes life into a wide range of headphones
- The purity of the sound creates a very natural tonality and a very organic experience in general
- Incredible depth, note separation, and holography, with a soundstage that envelops the listener
- Connectivity options...
Product Considerations
- It runs hot and needs space to breathe, as it is a class A amplifier
- Its hefty size (10kg) might be too much for a small desk
- Hifiman Susvara users might want to look for another amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Pass Labs HPA-1 has an unmistakably organic feel, while Bliss leans more towards a very clean and pure neutral presentation
- Holo Bliss brought a new level of energy and control to the music, while refining the details and presenting them in a purer, more organic way
- Compared to Felix Audio Euphoria Anniversary Edition, a little of that black background is lost, and more of a sunset feel is gained, with more of a lush midrange akin to the characteristics of the Tube
Takeaway: The Holo Audio Bliss is a versatile and powerful amplifier that delivers an exceptional listening experience, with a focus on purity, holography, and natural tonality, making music vibrant and captivating. With its top-notch build quality, it's designed to be the heart of any high-end audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
Product Page
Product Page
Yamaha
HA-L7A
3999
3999
/
4
Reviews
The Yamaha HA-L7A is a headphone amplifier that brings your favorite content to life by combining premium hi-fi audio technologies with advancements in AV receiver sound field technology. Yamaha's exclusive floating and balanced power amplifier technology, optimized for the headphone listening experience Superior sound quality thanks to the ES9038PRO from ESS Technology 2 toroidal transformers for remarkably spatial sound SOUNDFIELD mode for an even more intense experience with all content Pure Direct mode for unrestricted enjoyment of the subtle nuances in music Elegant design yet extremely low-vibration construction 5 solid metal feet for exceptional stability, decoupling and suppression of any vibration OLED display with excellent readability
Yamaha pioneered the concept of hifi with their first hifi player in 1954 and was the first to use pure beryllium diaphragms in their NS-1000M speakers, which became a benchmark for professional studios. The brand uniquely integrates their musical instrument expertise into their audio equipment design, allowing them to accurately replicate the sound of their instruments through their audio systems.
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Product Strengths
- Unique design, with transformers isolated to prevent power supply interference, while maintaining a desktop-friendly size
- Aims to provide a balanced and natural sound with a wide dynamic range, particularly evident in Pure Direct mode
- Measures excellently, with a very low noise floor, excellent crosstalk, and wide dynamic range, making it very precise and rich in detail
- Can also function as a DAC/preamp with analog inputs and pre-outs, allowing the user to assemble a high-end head-fi system with one device
- Offers great connectivity options, including balanced (4.4mm and XLR) and unbalanced (6.3mm) headphone jacks, as well as a comprehensive selection of rear inputs like analog, digital, coaxial, and USB
Product Considerations
- The design may not appeal to everyone, described as more 'functional' than flashy
- High-sensitivity IEMs may have audible noise
- There is no balanced input
- There is clumsy placement of buttons for variable/fixed line output
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The unit's sound field technology is compared to that used in Yamaha's AV receivers
Takeaway: The HA-L7A is a uniquely designed headphone amplifier packed with features and connectivity that can deliver high-quality audio. If you want to drive power-hungry headphones and desire Yamaha's sound signature, the HA-L7A could be a good choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Yamaha pioneered the concept of hifi with their first hifi player in 1954 and was the first to use pure beryllium diaphragms in their NS-1000M speakers, which became a benchmark for professional studios. The brand uniquely integrates their musical instrument expertise into their audio equipment design, allowing them to accurately replicate the sound of their instruments through their audio systems.
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What competes at this price?
iFi
iDSD Diablo 2
1299
/
Released
2023
Surging with infernal power. Sporting cutting edge xMEMS and Lossless Bluetooth technology, the flagship iDSD Diablo leads the charge with future-proof features and raw power - take your most demanding headphones wherever you go, we dare you.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
- Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
- A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
- Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
- The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
- Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
- The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
- Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
- Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound
Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Ferrum
OOR
2094
/
Released
2021
OOR will redefine the category of headphone amplifiers. OOR will drive any headphones effortlessly to the max of their potential, while preserving the essence of the music it amplifies.
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size compared to competitors, allowing for easy integration into desktop setups
- The OOR outputs 8 watts of power at 60 ohms and 1.6 watts at 300 ohms, making it one of the most powerful headphone amplifiers ever made
- Low gain setting is silent with sensitive IEMs
- Employs a fully discrete class AB amplifier; there are no op-amps used
Product Considerations
- Simultaneous use of the balanced and single-ended preamp outputs with the main headphone output is an inconvenience
- The unit gets quite warm after a few hours of use—recommending a well-ventilated area
- Powering on the unit requires going from balanced to single-ended
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Benchmark HPA4, OOR felt considerably more alive, fleshed out, and natural sounding
- Vs Flux Volot, the reviewers felt that the OOR was more visceral sounding
- Compared to Fluxlab Acoustics, the OOR is a warmer and more soul-infusing amplifier and it never wants to be linear or flat
- Vs Flux Lab Acoustics Volod, it was easily bigger sounding, easily more impressive sounding, just more layered
Takeaway: The Ferrum OOR is a powerful amplifier in a small package, and it is built with great attention to detail. It has an engaging sound with a touch of warmth.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
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Mytek
Liberty THX AAA Amp
1495
/
Released
2022
Liberty THX AAA™ Headphone Amplifier provides ultra precision sound with almost unmeasurable distortion from the most demanding headphones. The sound along with the HPA other features make the Liberty HPA the reference tool for music listening and production.
Mytek Digital, a brand favored by New York City's recording studios, was among the first to release DACs capable of natively decoding DSD material and was first-to-market with MQA-certified DACs. Their Brooklyn DAC+ exemplifies their design philosophy by combining multiple components (DAC, headphone amp, analog preamp, and phono preamp) in a single compact chassis, while their R&D process uniquely involves co-designing companion converters to ensure the highest transparency.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact form factor with a massive choice of connections and functions, including 4 headphone outputs: 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4mm balanced jack, 6.35mm, and 3.5mm
- Very clean, neutral sound with a lot of dynamics, slam, and punch
- Plenty of power to drive any pair of headphones with ease
- Very detailed and resolving sound, exacting and precise about its reproduction, revealing of the DAC plugged into it
- Well-designed and built with durable feel
Product Considerations
- The input selector does not remember the previous setting
- Higher noise floor compared to competitors, making it less suitable for extremely sensitive headphones and most IEMs
- The pre-out and the headphone out work at the same time, so be careful
- The LED, even though it's only white, is not super bright, but its brightness cannot be changed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Mytek Liberty THX is more exacting, detailed, resolving, and more neutral than HeadAmp GSX Mini, and the GSX Mini rounds things a little bit more and has a slightly bit more of warmth to things
- Mytek Liberty THX is better than the Topping A90, music is more alive and better articulated, more detailed, and the background is blacker
- With HE1000v2, Mytek Liberty THX is exceptionally clear and tight-sounding—imaging is probably the best it sounds
Takeaway: The Mytek Liberty THX AAA HPA is a powerful and compact headphone amplifier delivering very clean, neutral, and detailed sound suitable for a wide range of headphones. It could be a reference-grade, exacting amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Mytek Digital, a brand favored by New York City's recording studios, was among the first to release DACs capable of natively decoding DSD material and was first-to-market with MQA-certified DACs. Their Brooklyn DAC+ exemplifies their design philosophy by combining multiple components (DAC, headphone amp, analog preamp, and phono preamp) in a single compact chassis, while their R&D process uniquely involves co-designing companion converters to ensure the highest transparency.
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Gold Note
HP-10
1902
/
Released
2022
The HP-10 is our brand new high-end headphone amplifier designed for discerning audiophiles, featuring a Dual-Mono Class-A balanced design that preserves signal purity and delivers exceptional audio quality. It supports any type of headphones thanks to its 4 headphone outputs, the extensive features and powerful output.
The audio path is designed entirely in the analogue domain and through high-quality discrete components. All settings applied in real-time in the analog domain. Combining top-notch audio quality, versatile connectivity, and unique features, the HP-10 is an outstanding amplifier at an unbeatable price.
The HP-10 features a touchscreen display with an intuitive interface that allows for quick adjustments and a super easy user experience. Ideal for all high-end systems, the HP-10 offers incredible options such as 4 Crossfeed modes for a natural 3D soundstage, Harman curve equalisation, variable gain and damping factor, along with a 0/180° phase switch.
The unit is available in three different models – with the additional digital inputs such as the Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX (HP-10 BT) and a premium DAC with USB-C input (HP-10 Deluxe) to become a fully standalone unit.
The audio path is designed entirely in the analogue domain and through high-quality discrete components. All settings applied in real-time in the analog domain. Combining top-notch audio quality, versatile connectivity, and unique features, the HP-10 is an outstanding amplifier at an unbeatable price.
The HP-10 features a touchscreen display with an intuitive interface that allows for quick adjustments and a super easy user experience. Ideal for all high-end systems, the HP-10 offers incredible options such as 4 Crossfeed modes for a natural 3D soundstage, Harman curve equalisation, variable gain and damping factor, along with a 0/180° phase switch.
The unit is available in three different models – with the additional digital inputs such as the Bluetooth 5.1 HD aptX (HP-10 BT) and a premium DAC with USB-C input (HP-10 Deluxe) to become a fully standalone unit.
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed for audiophiles who seek an exceptional listening experience
- Offers studio features, like Harman Curves to optimize the EQ and cross-feed settings to recreate a natural 3D soundstage
- The Gold Note HP-10 made Beyerdynamic DT1770 Pro MKII rise to the next level
Product Considerations
- The product is not for the faint of heart
Takeaway: If one takes listening through headphones seriously, the Gold Note HP-10 Deluxe could be worth buying. It will offer more detail, engagement and emotion—connecting one with the soul of music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
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Pathos
Converto Mk2
2195
/
Released
2021
Converto Mk2 is a DAC amplifier with high quality performances and built up by selected fine components. It allows satisfying all those music lovers who want to get the best from their digital source. Converto Mk2 means music without borders and easy to manage: this way the goal that the Lab Pathos has been established before tackling this new adventure.
Pathos Acoustics is known for its InPol technology, which combines tube pre-amplification with solid-state amplification to create a distinctive warm yet powerful sound. The brand stands out in the hifi market for its striking visual designs that blend wood and aluminum, while using both tubes and transistors in their amplifiers to achieve their signature sound.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Thick, warm sound with tangible and flowery colors.
- A good compromise between analytical/spontaneous sound and musicality/richness of colors.
- Very plastic, nicely rounded, and quite natural midrange.
- Strong, clean, and legible bass, with good color differentiation.
- Detailed trebles without being metallic or overly sibilant.
Product Considerations
- Density and approximation of sound are not conducive to high resolution.
- No particularly refined presentation of the gradation of dynamics.
- Can make recordings sound more uniform, reducing differentiation between well-recorded and less well-recorded discs.
- A remote control (available as an option) seems indispensable, especially if it were to work as a preamplifier.
Takeaway: The Converto Mk2 is a successful device that offers an intense and musical presentation, bringing emotion and tangibility to the sound. It is great for listeners who appreciate a warm, engaging audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pathos Acoustics is known for its InPol technology, which combines tube pre-amplification with solid-state amplification to create a distinctive warm yet powerful sound. The brand stands out in the hifi market for its striking visual designs that blend wood and aluminum, while using both tubes and transistors in their amplifiers to achieve their signature sound.
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