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
Model 485
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Model: Full Balanced Stereo headphone amp
- Input: Electronically Balanced = XLR3-31, Unbalance = RCA
- Output: Balance = 4.4mm Pentaconn, XLR4-31 x 1 or XLR3-31 x 2(L,R), Unbalance = φ6.3 TRS
- Input Impedance: 3.7kΩ (XLR)/ 12kΩ (RCA)
- Maximum Output: Balance = 2.2W, Unbalance = 600mW (with 32 ohm load)
- Frequency Response: 13Hz - 100kHz (-0.5dB)
- Power Supply: AC100 - 240V, 50/60Hz
- Size: 285mmW x 230mmD x 52mmH (including feet)
- Weight: 2.9kg
Description
This new product, model 485, was well received, but due to the discontinuation of parts manufacturing, production became impossible, so it is the successor to the discontinued model 394 and model 394II. The amplifier section of this model 485 is the same as the model 394II, but it has been equipped with an additional 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced output terminal.
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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Model 475
- Positioning: A portable amplifier designed for balanced headphone use and mobility.
- Description: Features an updated USB Type-C connector for external DC power, gold-plated Nippon Dicks connectors, and a mode change-over switch that supports both balanced and unbalanced output. Compared to the stationary models, its battery-powered portability makes it ideal for small rooms and on-the-go listening at an accessible budget, though it may offer fewer high-end features than the larger desktop amplifiers.
Model 433
- Positioning: A balanced amplifier aimed at delivering quality audio from both balanced and unbalanced sources.
- Description: Blends sound quality inherited from higher-lineup models with a reliable output circuit originally used by a major broadcasting station, ensuring refined performance. In contrast to the portable model and the flagship series, it offers a middle-tier option that suits everyday listening needs.
Model485
- Positioning: A balanced amplifier that updates a legacy design with added modern connectivity.
- Description: Incorporates an extra 4.4mm Pentaconn balanced output terminal and a switch to select balanced output, enhancing its connectivity options and flexibility. Compared to the lower-priced models, it provides additional features typically found in higher-end amplifiers.
Model465/465S
- Positioning: A high-end amplifier featuring independent twin power channels for separate left and right audio.
- Description: Uses independent left and right power circuits with twin monaural design and offers options like pure gold or rhodium plating in the 465S variant, delivering controlled sound with a clean, stress-free character.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
0
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Brand Popularity
774
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
4
Founding Year
Our take on the brand
MASS-kobo is a hifi amplifier brand. Each unit is hand-assembled by a single craftsman, Mr. Masuda, who personally tests and selects every component through an extensive binning process that limits output and creates long lead times. The brand embraces unconventional design choices, including intentionally high output impedance (~10Ω balanced), switch-mode power supplies in summit-tier amps, and build-to-order practices with sequential serialization and optional personal delivery by the craftsman himself.
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EAR Yoshino
EAR HP4
6043
/
Released
Designed for the highest fidelity in headphones. Using four 6SL7 valves for the clearest of sound. Developed for studio use with the ability to drive any headphones with one watt of power utilising an enhanced triode mode circuitry.
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improves the performance of headphones, making them sound better
- Images become larger and more distinctly tactile
- Delivers credibility and immersivity, putting headphones into the same ballpark as a good stereo
- Elegant and compact design
- Considered by some to represent the pinnacle of headphone amplification in design and execution
- Placement of RCA's are so close that any high-end RCA cable that has any kind of larger jack assembly will simply not plug in over-and-under into the same-numbered set
Product Considerations
- Some softening of bass impact in comparison to others
- Least apparent power
- Balanced outputs were not included in the original design
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HeadAmp GSX Mark II—the E.A.R. has better tone/timbre, imaging, and stereotypical tube benefits to soundstage; HeadAmp has 'blackest' backgrounds, with deepest apparent reach to the bass
- Vs Cavalli Audio Liquid Gold—the E.A.R. has better tone/timbre, imaging, and stereotypical tube benefits to soundstage; Cavalli has widest/tallest sound stage, with best specificity of placement
Takeaway: The EAR HP4 headphone amplifier is a top-tier product with elegant design that elevates the listening experience by improving headphone performance and creating immersive sound. It is an amplifier that inspires listening and immersion in music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
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Feliks Audio
Envy
7345
/
Released
2022
Class A Single-ended transformer coupled, balanced amplifier, powered by the legendary 300B tubes
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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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with a blend of expertly crafted wood and metal, creating a visually striking and durable statement piece
- Dynamic, rich, and effortless sound with excellent detail, texture, and the right amount of tube magic
- Powerful output capable of driving demanding headphones while maintaining clarity and control
- Versatile performance with a variety of headphones (dynamic and planar) due to its output transformer design, often improving sound for warm or neutral headphones
- Value added by its ability to be used as a pre-amplifier in a stereo system
Product Considerations
- Large size and weight (around 15kg) require ample desk space and sturdy furniture
- Generates heat, which could be a concern in warmer environments without adequate ventilation
- Accidental switching of 'On/Off' is possible due to the touch-sensitive bar in the front not being intuitive, so use with care around pets
- Too powerful for some very sensitive IEMs, potentially resulting in overwhelming sound or audible hiss, though this is not the intended design for the amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HIFIMAN Susvara, Envy empowers Susvara's natural presentation while giving it all the dynamics and slam needed
- Vs Cayin HA-300MkII, Envy exhibits more linear mid-to-high frequencies and offers a more transparent sound, while HA-300MkII has a warmer—more engaging midrange
- Vs AURIS Headonia 2A3, Envy performs at the same level, with technically incredibly strong aspects
- Vs Octave V 16, Envy completely demolishes the V 16 when it comes to energy, control, timbre, and resolution
- Vs Ferrum OOR, Envy is more powerful sounding, while also being more detailed with better tonality
Takeaway:
The Felix Audio Envy is a high-end headphone amplifier for audio enthusiasts who want the best quality sound to bring out the magic in their favorite headphones. Its stunning design and versatile performance make it a worthwhile addition to any serious audiophile setup.
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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Playback Designs
Merlot
8811
/
Released
2023
Integrated DAC / Headphone Amp Up to 384kHz PCM and up to 11.2MHz DSD USB, AES, Coax, PLink inputs USB compatibility with Windows, Apple OS, Linux Headphone output with separate volume control Balanced and unbalanced line level outputs Differential discrete DAC (standard "Playback Designs" architecture)
Playback Designs, founded by DSD pioneer Andreas Koch, stands out for using custom-programmable FPGA chips instead of standard DAC chips, and for converting all digital inputs to DSD format to reduce distortion. The brand's 1-bit DACs feature their proprietary PLINK optical connection system to isolate from electrical noise, along with separate power supplies for each channel, helping make even lower-resolution files sound exceptionally good.
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Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Playback Designs, founded by DSD pioneer Andreas Koch, stands out for using custom-programmable FPGA chips instead of standard DAC chips, and for converting all digital inputs to DSD format to reduce distortion. The brand's 1-bit DACs feature their proprietary PLINK optical connection system to isolate from electrical noise, along with separate power supplies for each channel, helping make even lower-resolution files sound exceptionally good.
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Trilogy
H1Energiser
5462
/
Released
Trilogy has opted to fittingly make the first Special Products Division a component where nuance and tangibility is etched in fine detail - the electrostatic headphone energiser. A fitting first statement product for Trilogy Audio Systems SPD range, built with meticulous sonic craftsmanship.
Trilogy Audio is a UK-based hifi brand known for its hybrid amplifier designs that combine valve and solid-state technologies, with their products featuring CNC-milled aluminum construction and microprocessor control for customization. Their amplifiers use virtually feedback-free valve-based amplification and true choke input power supplies, setting them apart from conventional designs in the industry.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Possesses the transparency, resolution, detail retrieval, and coherency of an electrostatic rig combined with the musicality of a single-ended triode amplifier
- Tone and timbre are natural, beautiful, rich, and edible
- Exceptional volumetric cube (soundstage) and ability to render depth and width
- Reveals space via endless microdynamic details, nuance, and spatial cues, creating a 'you-are-there' experience
- Svelte and aesthetically clean design, available in black or silver, with a minimalist front facade
Product Considerations
- Sub-bass reach is a limitation; it expertly handles mid and upper bass, and even the initial steps of the deep bass regions remarkably well, though not the deepest bass
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Viva Egoista STX: The Trilogy H1 did not offer the incredible clarity or openness of the Viva Egoista STX, but it was closer in quality than expected
Takeaway: The Trilogy H1 Energizer combines electrostatic capabilities with single-ended triode qualities, resulting in a sublime musical experience. It brings forth music with exceptional detail and a delicious tonality, making it a remarkable first electrostatic product from Trilogy.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Trilogy Audio is a UK-based hifi brand known for its hybrid amplifier designs that combine valve and solid-state technologies, with their products featuring CNC-milled aluminum construction and microprocessor control for customization. Their amplifiers use virtually feedback-free valve-based amplification and true choke input power supplies, setting them apart from conventional designs in the industry.
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