Icon Audio HP8 MkII Headphone Amplifier

Description

Icon Audio HP8 MkII – A No Compromise High End Pure Valve Headphone Amplifier

The usual way to provide a headphone output on an integrated amplifier is to drop the power through a couple of resistors, giving “low fi” disappointing results. Solid State headphone amps often use a couple of $2 microchips which can sound harsh and have limited power.

Icon Audio uses two Class A valves with high quality output transformers that provide ideal matching to almost any headphone type 30-600.

The power supply has generous mains transformer two custom output transformers. The HP8 MK II is a heavy 7kg, and very solidly made, giving you an idea of how much iron you get for your money!

Additionally the HP8 MKII features 2 x 6SN7 for output 1x ECC83 input valve tubes.

Like our other models the HP8 MKII has no printed circuit board and is all hand wired with top quality components. Icon Audio use silver PTFE audio cable, gold plated terminals and the famous “ALPS” volume pot for sonic purity.

The front valve is the excellent ECC83. this has exceptional detail and fluidity. It complements the super 6SN7 (the best hi fi valve ever?). This combination will give you a simply stunning insight into inner detail of your favourite recordings whether analogue or digital.

Like our other amplifiers, close attention has been paid to the finish of the HP8 MKII. It uses the same heavy build quality as our other amplifiers a combination of alloy plate and painted steel.

1. In a normal hi-fi system, connect to the “record out” of your amplifier. This will then be directly connected to the “source” you have selected.
2. With built-in loop, enabling easy connection.
3. With “Pre and power” systems, a connection may be made between the two units.
4. As a standalone unit, you can directly connect to any CD/iPhone/phono pre-amp, etc.

Best Features & Characteristics:

• Pure Valve Circuit
• All Triode for Sonic Purity
• Will Match Headphones from 6 to 600 Ohms
• Volume Control
• Uses 12AX7 and 6SN7 (CV181)
• Single Ended Design
• All hand wired point to point
• Japanese Blue ALPS volume pot
• Extremely Signal to noise level -90db
• Japanese steel EI transformers with low oxygen copper
• Solen audio capacitors, Mundorf upgrade available
• Custom hand wound output transformers
• Ceramic valve holders for minimum leakage
• Silver PTFE audio cable
• Gold plated Input/outputs