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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
KHV-ES
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Frequency response: 5 Hz (-3db) to 60,000 Hz
- Harmonic distortion on 100 Vrms, 1 KHz: < 0,040 % THD
- Maximum output voltage: 370 Vrms on 1 KHz and 1 % THD
- Connections: 2x Stereo high level inputs Cinch, 1x Stereo high level input XLR balanced, 1x output 5 pole Pro Bias, 1x output 6 pole Normal Bias
- Dimensions: 34 cm x 38 cm x 14 cm (depth x width x height)
Description
For lovers of electrostatic headphones we have developed our lattest amplifier based on tubes. The almost perfect characteristics of the tube as a voltage amplifier make it the first choice for effortlessly providing high and low-distortion signal voltages. The tubes in this unit are supported by modern semiconductors in their outstanding characteristics for natural music reproduction.
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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KHV-ES
- Positioning: Entry-level headphone amplifier designed for budget-conscious users.
- Description: Offers a straightforward circuit design with low noise and effective impedance matching. Compared to the KHV-ESD and higher-tier models, its simple setup and essential connectivity make it a basic yet efficient choice for small rooms and tighter budgets.
KHV-ESD
- Positioning: Versatile headphone amplifier combining analog and digital inputs.
- Description: Features an integrated digital-to-analog conversion mode that enhances signal clarity and minimizes distortion. Compared to the entry-level model and the more refined HPA-100, it provides extra functionality that suits users needing both traditional and digital connectivity.
HPA-100
- Positioning: High-performance headphone amplifier and preamplifier aimed at refined sound quality.
- Description: Features robust power output with selectable sound modes that deliver clear and detailed audio. When compared to the KHV series, it offers improved build quality and versatility.
HPI-200
- Positioning: Hybrid amplifier that integrates headphone amplification with line-level preamplification.
- Description: Uses a unique analog-digital hybrid circuit to improve channel separation and reduce distortion. Relative to the HPA-100 and HPI-300, it occupies a mid-range spot with balanced build and functionality.
HPI-300
- Positioning: Flagship hybrid amplifier delivering top-tier performance for high-end audio setups.
- Description: Integrates advanced digital controls with high-current analog stages to ensure very low distortion and a wide soundstage. Compared to the HPI-200, it stands out as the premium option, offering advanced features and superior build quality.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
848
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
14
Founding Year
Our take on the brand
Paltauf Audio is a boutique tube amplifier brand known for combining tube voltage amplification with solid-state power delivery, creating headphone amps with unusually high power output (like 35W into 15Ω) and unique capabilities such as driving both electrostatic and dynamic headphones from a single chassis.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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Paltauf Audio
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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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