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
- Patented InPol technology is used, a hybrid tube amplification that combines a tube input stage with a solid-state output stage
- A very powerful headphone amplifier is capable of driving a wide range of headphones, delivering significant wattage even into low impedance loads
- Warm and smooth tonality, without sacrificing detail or transparency
- Elegant and unique industrial design, reminiscent of Italian audio brands
- Features balanced outputs (four-pin XLR) and a quarter-inch output on the front, along with RCA and XLR inputs on the back
Product Considerations
- Can be considered large for a desktop setup
- The optional DAC is good, but the streaming solution is limited
- The preamplifier function, while present, is considered secondary to its headphone amplification capabilities
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Pass Labs XP30: Used as a preamplifier, the InPol Ear was considered more dimensional and 3D sounding
- Vs Pass Labs HPA-1: The InPol Ear was considered a better match for Abyss 1266 headphones
Takeaway: The Pathos InPol Ear is a powerful and versatile headphone amplifier with a unique hybrid design, providing a smooth and detailed sound. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for an amplifier that can drive almost any headphone.
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InPol Ear
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Type: Reference stereo integrated amplifier for headphone
- Output power (32Ω): 3W Unbalanced, 10W Balanced
- Output power (50Ω): 1.9W Unbalanced, 6.4W Balanced
- Output power (120Ω): 800mW Unbalanced, 2.7W Balanced
- Output power (300Ω): 320mW Unbalanced, 1W Balanced
- Output power (600Ω): 160mW Unbalanced, 533mW Balanced
- Output impedance: 0.9 Ohm Balanced, 0.45 Ohm Unbalanced
- Frequency response: 2Hz – 200KHz ± 0.5db
- Input sensitivity: 3.5 VRMS
- Input impedance: 100KOhm
- THD: 0.1% @ 11W
- S/N Ratio: > 100dB
- Max input voltage: 4.4VRMS
- Max output voltage: 20VRMS Balanced, 10VRMS Unbalanced
- Preamplifier Gain: 9db
- Power consumption: 110W
- Dimensions: 370mm (D) x 280mm (W) x 180mm (H)
- Weight: 12.5Kg
Thanks to the features of its circuits, InPol Ear is an excellent fully balanced tubes pre-amplifier. Thanks to the (optional) HiDac Mk2 converter, music lovers who want the best from their digital sources will find their demands fully met.
Ideal for headphone listening Compact, good looking and powerful: InPol Ear is an ideal amplifier for headphones fans; chassis middle part is finely crafted, while on the sides are shown aluminium heatsinks, shaped to form maker's logo and serve to highlight the carefully protected tubes, placed in the centre of the chassis. Completely handmade in Italy with high quality components, this amplifier is going to be a high design product. It is available in different colours and customized finishes, satisfying the most demanding requests from the market.
Thanks to the (optional) HiDac Mk2 converter, InPoL Ear will be abl...
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:
- Pathos products, handmade in Italy, feature a distinct aesthetic that blends modern and classic design elements, utilizing materials like aluminum and wood in visually striking ways.
- The brand's patented InPol (Inseguitore Pompa Lineare) technology combines the sonic characteristics of tubes and solid-state, aiming for a natural and engaging musical reproduction.
Select products
Inpol2 MKII
- Positioning: Positioned as an evolution of the classic Inpol2, offering enhanced power and connectivity.
- Description: Features increased power output on 4Ω loads and improved power supply. Its dual-mono configuration and optional HiDac Mk2 integration for digital sources set it apart from the T.T., which lacks these features. This model is suitable for users who prioritize digital connectivity and a balanced soundstage without needing the highest power output.
T.T.
- Positioning: A classic model in the Pathos lineup, known for its unique design and sound signature.
- Description: Features pure Class A operation and absence of feedback, providing a warm and transparent sound that is perfect for small to medium rooms. Unlike the Inpol2 MKII, focuses on simplicity and analog purity.
InPower MK2
- Positioning: Designed for high-end performance, offering significant power and flexibility for advanced setups.
- Description: Delivers 120W output at 8Ω, making it suitable for large rooms and demanding speakers. Its adjustable gain feature allows for precise control in bi-amped systems, a capability not found in the Adrenalin.
Adrenalin
- Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Pathos' InPoL technology.
- Description: Offers a remarkable 200W output in pure Class A, providing exceptional power and fidelity for the most demanding audio setups. Its double InPoL configuration and zero feedback design ensure a pristine soundstage, surpassing the InPower MK2 in raw power and sonic purity.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Pathos stands out for two fundamental elements that represent our identity: technological innovation and design philosophy.
The first is INPOL, our exclusive patented technology: a hybrid circuit that combines the warmth and musicality of tubes with the strength and precision of MOSFETs. The tubes shape the sound in terms of amplitude, offering transparency and naturalness, while the MOSFETs provide the current needed to drive the speakers, working in pure Class A, without distortion or feedback. The result is a dynamic, detailed sound that is incredibly faithful to the original. With the evolution of DOUBLE INPOL, this philosophy reaches higher power and even more refined performance, while maintaining the sonic character that defines us.
The second is our choice to remain true to the essence of sound and the true meaning of “Made in Italy.” Every one of our products is designed and built in-house at our facility in Vicenza: from the electronics to the processing of aluminum and wood, to the painting, every phase is closely overseen by our team with artisanal care and obsessive attention to detail. We don’t just build amplifiers: we create unique objects, designed for those who seek an authentic, thrilling listening experience, without compromise, where beauty, technique, and passion coexist in perfect balance.
What's your approach to customer support?
In general, the ideal procedure is for the end user to contact their retailer or local distributor, who are always the first points of reference. However, it often happens that customers reach out to us directly: depending on the situation, I either direct them to our partner or assist them personally.
What truly matters to us is that the customer feels listened to and taken care of. That’s why, even remotely, I often personally handle support cases: not due to a lack of trust in our distributors – with whom we have excellent relationships – but to show that every customer is important to us. We know that our amplifiers have a value that goes beyond the cost: they represent a passion, a conscious choice, often a dream come true. And those who own them have every right to feel in good hands.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Pathos
What if you spend more?
What competes at this price?
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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
Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
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
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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
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