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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.
All
KHV-ESD II
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Frequency response: 20Hz (-0.45db) to 85.000Hz (-1db)
- Max Output voltage (electrostatic): 900 Vpp
- Max Output voltage (electrodynamic): 36 Vpp
- High output @ 15 Ohm: 5.6W
- High output @ 120 Ohm: 1.5W
- High output @ 600 Ohm: 0.3W
- Low output @ 15 Ohm: 1.2W
- Low output @ 32 Ohm: 0.6W
- Dimensions (DxWxH): 34 x 38 x 14 cm
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:
Select products
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.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Paltauf Audio
What if you spend more?
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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
Video review
Our take on the brand
Ahead of the curve 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.
After trialling variations of the Stax circuit used by many other manufacturers Nic Poulson realised that accepted wisdom and circuitry failed to advance the product to Trilogy design goals, to only ever evolve and improve. The SPD H1 circuit is unique in terms of a solution.
The design consists of two toroidal transformers, one for heating the triodes, the other for the rest of the H1. The vacuum tube circuit utilises high transconductance type military specification tubes. One pair of 6C3 input tubes and one pair of 6H6 output tubes, having a service life of approximately 5000 hours and can simply be returned to Trilogy for replacement.
The H1 is a pure Class A fully balanced circuit with both wide bandwidth and zero feedback giving a pure communication between the listener and the music. Naturally on this no compromise design wiring is teflon coated point to point silver plated copper. The Stax sockets are PTFE/Teflon with gold plated contact surfaces.
The H1 provides palpable bass and a forthright and authoritative midrange, in addition to the quality airiness that electrostatic headphones are so renowned for. The ephemeral yet conversely frustrating qualities of the traditional experience of electrostatic headphone presentation have been addressed. It has taken time to reverse conventional thinking, but the result was worth it. Experience the openness and pure escapism the H1 provides.
To the rear the SPD H1 features 4 inputs/ 2 x RCA 2 x XLR, and one pair of Stax sockets elegantly recessed into the front fascia. We make a direct mode model (DMV) which allows the user to select inputs remotely and a more fully functioned remote that includes additional operations as volume/balance and mute. The direct mode model (DMV) may be upgraded to the full featured remote version by simply returning to Trilogy for chip and firmware updates.
As with any Stax compatible energiser Performance is dependent on the quality of the source i.e. CD players analogue output stage, and quality of other manufacturers digital volume controls, but the buyer of the H1 rest assured that Trilogy once again, has redefined the standard by which Stax compatible energisers must be judged by and must be experienced to be believed.
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
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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
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