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  • 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
Regular price £1,799.00
Sale price £1,799.00 Regular price
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Apos x ES Lab Hydra

Apos x ES Lab Hydra

Regular price £1,799.00
Sale price £1,799.00 Regular price
Unit price

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

  • 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

  • 20dB

  • 10Hz–50kHz at 1W, -3dB

  • 1.4V RMS

  • 0.0016% at 8Ω, 10W

  • 50kΩ

Headphone Compatibility

  • 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

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