Apos x ES Lab Hydra Integrated Amplifier
Note: This is a pre-order expected to ship on or before October 15th. During the pre-order phase, all orders automatically receive special pricing.
One Amplifier for Everything
While most amplifiers are single-purpose creatures, the HYDRA acts as several amplifiers in one, powering electrostatics, planars, dynamics, and passive speakers. Where other systems require an army of amps, the HYDRA combines them into one many-headed machine.
An Electrostatic Energizer Inside
The HYDRA gives electrostatics their own dedicated high-voltage drive stage. A low-noise generator supplies the 580V DC bias required by compatible 5-pin Pro Bias headphones, while a pair of Japanese-made step-up transformers deliver the voltage swing that brings electrostatic drivers to life.
20 Watts Per Channel of Power
The HYDRA includes a dedicated Class AB power stage, delivering 20W per channel into 8Ω. Its composite amplifier circuit uses high-precision Vishay MELF resistors and carefully selected premium audio capacitors throughout.
A Power Amp Output for Difficult Headphones
The 4-pin XLR Direct output taps directly into HYDRA’s power amplifier, giving demanding, low-sensitivity headphones access to substantially more power.
Balanced and Single-ended Inputs
With one balanced XLR input and two single-ended RCA inputs, the HYDRA accommodates a wide range of source components.
Bypass the HYDRA with External Volume Control
The front-panel volume control can be bypassed entirely for a more direct signal path. In bypass mode, volume is handed over to the source component, making the HYDRA easy to integrate with DACs and preamps that already provide level control.
Built-in protection
A built-in protection circuit monitors for two unsafe conditions: DC voltage at the amplifier output and excessive power output. If either is detected, the HYDRA automatically mutes the output to protect the amplifier and connected device.
Product highlights
- Drives electrostatic headphones, planar headphones, dynamic driver headphones, and passive speakers
- 20W per channel into 8Ω for high-efficiency speakers
- High-performance Class AB composite amplifier
- Dedicated 4-pin XLR Direct output for low-sensitivity headphones
- Built-in L-pad attenuator for high-sensitivity headphones
- One balanced XLR input and two single-ended RCA inputs
- Selectable volume-control bypass mode
- High-precision Vishay MELF resistors
- Selected premium-grade audio capacitors
- Low-noise 580V DC bias generator
- Built-in output protection
Specs
- Output power: 20W per channel at 8Ω
- Gain: 20dB
- Frequency response: 10Hz–50kHz at 1W, -3dB
- Input sensitivity: 1.4V RMS
- THD+N at 1kHz: 0.0016% at 8Ω, 10W
- Input impedance: 50kΩ
- Electrostatic headphone bias voltage: 580V DC
- Conventional headphone impedance range: 16Ω–300Ω
- Speaker load: 8Ω recommended
- Mains voltage: AC 100V–230V, 50/60Hz
- Maximum power consumption: 120W
- Dimensions: 12.8 x 3.1 x 13.8 in (325 x 80 x 350 mm)
- Weight: 11.2 lb (5.1 kg)
What’s included
- Apos x ES Lab HYDRA Integrated Amplifier
- Product manual
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