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In stock and ready to ship
In Stock and Ready to Ship
Ships in 1 to 3 business days. Monday to Friday, except bank holidays. Subject to stock availability and security checks.
- Apos x ES Lab Hydra
Apos x ES Lab Hydra
Electrostatic and Planar Headphone Amplifier with 20W Speaker Output
- 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 and selected premium-grade audio capacitors
- Low-noise 580V DC bias generator
- Built-in output protection
VAT and Duties Included for UK and Eligible EU Customers.
If you are outside the UK or EU, the price does not include any taxes. Local taxes and import duties will be extra. They will be raised by the local authorities and billed directly to the customer.
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Apos x ES Lab Hydra
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.
Specifications
Output Power
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20W per channel at 8Ω
5W per channel at 32Ω
1000mW per channel at 155Ω
500mW per channel at 300Ω -
200mW at 32Ω
Audio Specifications
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20dB
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10Hz–50kHz at 1W, -3dB
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1.4V RMS
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0.0016% at 8Ω, 10W
-
50kΩ
Headphone Compatibility
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580V DC
-
16Ω–300Ω
-
8Ω recommended
Power & Physical Specifications
-
AC 100V–230V, 50/60Hz
-
120W
-
325 × 80 × 350 mm (12.8 × 3.1 × 13.8 in)
-
5.1 kg (11.2 lb)
What’s Included
-
Apos x ES Lab HYDRA Integrated Amplifier, Product manual
Customer reviews
Shipping, returns & warranty
- Dispatch
- 1–3 business days In-stock items, Monday to Friday except bank holidays, subject to stock and security checks.
- Delivery
- Tracked or signed Delivery options and costs are shown at checkout. We don't profit from shipping charges.
- Returns
- 14 days For electronics such as DACs, amps and players, in like-new condition with all original packaging and accessories.
Good to know
- Return shipping is paid by the customer.
- Open box, B-stock, refurbished and clearance items can't be returned.
- Please add a valid phone number at checkout in case we need to verify your identity.
- New products
- 1-year manufacturer warranty Most products. The exact warranty is set by the manufacturer.
- Pre-owned & open box
- 3 months B-grade, open box, refurbished, ex-demo and second-hand items.
- Covered
- Defects in materials, parts and workmanship
- Not covered
- Accidents, misuse and unauthorised repairs Including abnormal conditions, deliberate abuse and operator error.
- Making a claim
- Send it to us, we ship it back free You cover shipping to Elise Audio; we pay to send the repaired or replacement product back.