- 6SL7 valves
- Enhanced Triode Mode
- ~ 1 watt ouput power
- High Z & Low Z outputs
- Onboard volume control
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Tim de Paravicini has long had a worldwide reputation for valve preamplifiers
and power amplifiers. Now he has applied his expertise to produce what is
arguably the world's finest headphone amplifier aimed at the highest quality
dynamic headphones.
The HP4 uses 6SL7 valves, properly matched to the load through de Paravicini's
renowned transformers, to deliver nearly 1W of high quality, low distortion
power into high or low impedance headphones. The output circuit configuration
uses de Paravicini's 'Enhanced Triode Mode', as employed in the highly
successful V20 and 859 integrated amplifiers, while the input is also
transformer coupled, giving the flexibility to accept balanced or unbalanced
signals from the preamplifier.
For the greatest user convenience the HP4 has its own volume control, while
input signals can be independently switched through to the power amplifier for
headphone and/or loudspeaker listening. As with all EAR products, reliability is
paramount and valve life is in excess of 10,000 hours.
The power supply is a unique arrangement; a high quality toridal transformer
feeds a double DC power supply, that provides the low-tension (LT) heater
current, and the high-tension (HT) anode voltage. It is critical in a
preamplifier that both the HT and LT supplies are pure DC, and free from AC
ripple.
The circuit is designed used in such a way as to have a minimum life of five
years* continuous operation for the valves.
The unit is available in Classic and Deluxe specification. Deluxe builds on the
Classic's specification with a superior chrome and gold finish.
*Discounting occasional random premature failure of valves. |
