Ypsilon Phaethon NEO integrated Amplifier

Ypsilon Phaethon Neo Integrated Amplifier

Reference Hybrid Amplification. 110W into 8 Ohms. Transformer Attenuation. Balanced Single-Ended Architecture. Handcrafted in Greece.

The Ypsilon Phaethon Neo Integrated Amplifier brings together technologies developed for Ypsilon’s reference Aelius power amplifiers and PST100 preamplifiers in one exceptionally engineered high-end component.

Combining vacuum tube signal amplification, proprietary transformer coupling and a powerful semiconductor output stage, the Phaethon Neo offers the refinement of Ypsilon’s transformer-based design philosophy with the convenience of an integrated amplifier.

With a manufacturer-rated output of 110W per channel into 8 ohms and 180W per channel into 4 ohms, it is designed to drive a wide range of appropriately matched high-end loudspeakers.

Available in standard and Silver Edition configurations, the Phaethon family represents a distinctive expression of Greek high-end audio engineering.

Reference Engineering from Ypsilon Electronics

Ypsilon approaches amplifier design through a philosophy of simplicity, carefully selected active devices and extensive use of custom-designed transformers.

The Phaethon Neo takes this approach into an integrated format, combining the input, attenuation, driver and power amplification sections within a unified chassis.

Its design draws on technologies established in the manufacturer’s Aelius monoblock amplifiers and PST100 reference preamplifier range.

Rather than relying on numerous cascaded amplification stages, Ypsilon develops circuits intended to minimise unnecessary complexity while maintaining the electrical performance required for high-resolution music reproduction.

Hybrid Vacuum Tube and Solid-State Architecture

The Phaethon Neo is a hybrid integrated amplifier, incorporating vacuum tube circuitry and a semiconductor power output stage.

Vacuum tubes are employed within the signal amplification architecture, while the output section provides the current and power capability associated with carefully designed solid-state amplification.

The design is intended to unite qualities associated with single-ended valve circuits and the practical loudspeaker-driving capabilities of a powerful integrated amplifier.

The latest Neo generation builds on the original Phaethon’s distinctive topology, with refinements to its active stages and output design.

Minimalist Three-Stage Signal Architecture

The standard Phaethon Neo architecture uses three gain stages, reflecting Ypsilon’s emphasis on reducing the number of active amplification sections.

This minimalist approach places considerable importance on the performance of each stage and on the transformers that couple them.

The original Phaethon family employed low-noise valves within both its input and driver circuitry. The newer Neo SE introduces a revised implementation described in detail by The Absolute Sound.

Different generations and editions should therefore not be assumed to contain identical tube complements or driver-stage components.

Ypsilon’s Proprietary Transformer Attenuator

One of the Phaethon’s defining features is its custom-built transformer volume attenuator.

Developed and wound in-house by Ypsilon, this approach differs from conventional potentiometer-based or resistive stepped volume controls.

The attenuator is integrated into the preamplifier section using Ypsilon’s specialised post-attenuation topology.

The transformer attenuator is an important part of the amplifier’s design philosophy, allowing Ypsilon to control signal level through a transformer-based arrangement carefully integrated with its surrounding circuitry.

Custom Interstage Transformer Coupling

The Phaethon Neo uses a specially designed wide-bandwidth interstage transformer to couple the driver circuitry to the output stage.

In addition to transferring the audio signal, the transformer provides the required phase relationships for the balanced output architecture.

This avoids treating the interstage transformer as a conventional passive accessory. It is a fundamental part of the amplifier’s signal path and operating topology.

Ypsilon’s extensive transformer winding expertise allows the magnetic components to be developed specifically for the requirements of the associated active devices.

Balanced Single-Ended Output Architecture

The Phaethon’s distinctive power stage employs same-polarity semiconductor devices in a balanced single-ended configuration.

This topology is designed to preserve important operating characteristics associated with single-ended amplification while providing the output power of a balanced amplifier architecture.

Ypsilon biases the output stage for Class A operation during the initial part of its power delivery, rather than claiming that its full rated output operates entirely in Class A.

This is a central distinction in the Phaethon design and an important reason its architecture differs from conventional integrated amplifiers.

110 Watts per Channel into 8 Ohms

The Phaethon Neo delivers 110W RMS per channel into 8Ω before clipping, according to the manufacturer’s published specification.

Its output increases to 180W RMS per channel into 4Ω.

These output figures make it suitable for consideration with many demanding high-end loudspeakers, subject to their sensitivity, impedance characteristics and recommended amplifier requirements.

As with any reference amplifier, successful matching depends on the complete audio system rather than nominal power alone.

Separate Power Supplies and Inductive Filtering

Ypsilon uses separate power supply sections for the signal amplification and semiconductor output stages.

The architecture includes dedicated transformer assemblies and multiple power supply inductors for noise filtering.

In the manufacturer’s published description, the Phaethon Neo incorporates five power supply inductors, two power supply transformers and four signal transformers.

These elements are developed as parts of a unified amplifier rather than independent components assembled without regard to their interaction.

Analogue Connectivity

The Phaethon provides four analogue stereo input connections:

• Three RCA stereo inputs
• One XLR stereo input connection

Although the amplifier provides an XLR connector, the manufacturer’s published specifications identify the connection as unbalanced. It should therefore not be described as a conventional fully balanced XLR input without confirmation for the exact model revision.

Suitable external DACs, streamers, CD players and phono stages can be connected according to their output and input requirements.

Remote Control and High-Resolution Display

The Phaethon Neo features a contemporary control interface with remote operation.

Ypsilon’s current Neo product information describes a high-resolution TFT display with large, easily readable characters.

The latest Neo SE review also discusses a revised microcontroller platform and selectable display character colours.

These interface improvements distinguish the newer Neo generation from earlier Phaethon versions with the original LCD display.

Ypsilon Phaethon Silver Edition

The Phaethon Silver Edition builds on the core amplifier design through carefully selected material upgrades.

Ypsilon’s Silver Edition approach includes the use of silver transformer windings and specialist materials within critical signal-path components.

The original Phaethon SE was distinguished from the standard copper-wound edition by its silver transformer configuration.

Silver Edition construction should be understood as a specific factory configuration rather than an aftermarket modification of the standard amplifier.

Ypsilon Phaethon Neo SE – The Latest Evolution

The Ypsilon Phaethon Neo SE introduces further circuit development beyond the earlier Silver Edition.

In his October 2026 review for The Absolute Sound, Jacob Heilbrunn reports that designer Demetris Baklavas implemented a revised input and driver architecture together with updated output devices.

The reviewed Neo SE employs a Siemens EC8010 triode in the input section and a specialised high-voltage semiconductor device in its driver stage.

The output architecture has also been refined, while the control system incorporates a new high-resolution display and upgraded microcontroller functions.

These changes mean that the Neo SE represents a genuine technical evolution, not simply a change in the metal used for transformer windings.

Reviewed by The Absolute Sound – October 2026

Ypsilon Phaethon Neo SE Integrated Amplifier
Reviewed by Jacob Heilbrunn | The Absolute Sound | October 3, 2026

The Absolute Sound’s latest review examines the redesigned Neo SE in a reference audio system using highly sensitive Avantgarde Trio G3 loudspeakers.

Heilbrunn reports that the amplifier required considerable playing time before reaching its fully developed presentation in the review system.

Once settled, he particularly appreciated its tonal precision, low-level clarity, dynamic expression, extended treble and improved bass definition.

These observations are the reviewer’s listening impressions of the Neo SE configuration, rather than guaranteed results for every installation or every Phaethon generation.

Read the Full Ypsilon Phaethon Neo SE Review at The Absolute Sound

The Original Phaethon – A Long History of Critical Recognition

The original Ypsilon Phaethon was reviewed by Neil Gader in The Absolute Sound in January 2018.

That earlier review described the amplifier’s sophisticated transformer architecture, natural harmonic presentation and exceptional construction quality.

The 2018 review remains a useful historical reference, while the newer October 2026 article covers the substantially evolved Neo SE version.

Read the Original Ypsilon Phaethon Review

Standard, SE and Neo SE – Understanding the Differences

Published  Phaethon Neo Specifications

The specifications above are published by Ypsilon for the Phaethon Neo. Exact technical details and component configurations may vary by generation and edition. Confirm the selected Phaethon Neo SE configuration separately before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ypsilon Phaethon Neo?

It is a high-end hybrid integrated amplifier combining vacuum tube signal circuitry, custom transformer attenuation and coupling, and a powerful semiconductor output stage.

How much power does the Phaethon deliver?

The manufacturer specifies 110W per channel into 8Ω and 180W per channel into 4Ω.

Is the Phaethon a fully tube-powered amplifier?

No. It is a hybrid design using vacuum tube amplification and a semiconductor power output stage.

What is a transformer attenuator?

It is a transformer-based means of controlling signal level, designed and integrated by Ypsilon into the amplifier’s preamplifier circuit.

What does balanced single-ended mean?

It refers to Ypsilon’s distinctive output circuit architecture using same-polarity semiconductor devices in complementary signal phases.

Does the Phaethon operate entirely in Class A?

Ypsilon describes Class A biasing during the initial part of its output power range. The full rated output should not be described as entirely Class A.

What are the key differences between the Phaethon and the Neo SE?

The Neo SE incorporates an updated input and driver architecture, revised output-stage devices and a newer display and microcontroller platform, in addition to its Silver Edition configuration.

Has the Neo SE been independently reviewed?

Yes. Jacob Heilbrunn reviewed the Ypsilon Phaethon Neo SE for The Absolute Sound in October 2026.

Does the Phaethon have a built-in DAC?

No integrated digital-to-analogue converter is specified.

Does it include a phono stage?

No integrated phono stage is specified. An appropriate external phono preamplifier is required for turntable use.

Does it have an XLR input?

Yes. The manufacturer lists one XLR stereo connection, described in its published specification as unbalanced.

Can it drive demanding loudspeakers?

Its rated power provides substantial driving capability, but suitability depends on loudspeaker sensitivity, impedance and the intended listening environment.

Where is the Ypsilon Phaethon made?

Ypsilon Electronics is a Greek high-end audio manufacturer specialising in transformer-based circuit design and construction.

Official Manufacturer and Independent Reviews

Ypsilon Phaethon Neo – Official Manufacturer Information

The Absolute Sound – Phaethon Neo SE Review (2026)

The Absolute Sound – Original Phaethon Review (2018)

Ypsilon Phaethon Neo Review at Chameleon Audio

Why Choose the Ypsilon ?

The Ypsilon Phaethon Neo Integrated Amplifier combines an ambitious hybrid circuit with the manufacturer’s distinctive use of custom-wound transformers.

Its transformer attenuator, carefully developed interstage coupling, balanced single-ended output architecture and substantial separate power supply sections demonstrate an unusually specialised approach to integrated amplifier engineering.

With 110W per channel into 8Ω, the Phaethon Neo is designed to unite reference-level analogue sophistication with the practical simplicity of a single-component amplification system.

 Phaethon Neo. Reference Transformer Engineering. Exceptional Integrated Amplification.

Ypsilon Phaethon at Chameleon Audio

Contact Chameleon Audio for the available standard, Silver Edition and Neo SE configurations, confirmed technical specifications, current pricing and international delivery.