VINCENT - KHV-111MK hybrid headphone amplifier (21.06.2010)

Vincent Audio has introduced a headphone amplifier that uses a hybrid of vacuum tube and solid-state circuitry. The KHV-111MK combines premium solid-state discrete component circuitry with a classic 12AX7 vacuum tube input stage. The 12AX7 is a two-channel, pure Class A triode vacuum tube.

With the higher operating voltages of vacuum tubes, and the different requirements of the solid-state sections, Vincent Audio gave the KHV-111MK a very large power supply section. The oversized power supply combined with the heavy-duty chassis used to shield the circuitry both contribute to substantial weight of 3,3kg (7 pounds), well above that of most headphone amplifiers.

The Vincent KHV-111MK has separate, front-panel volume controls for the left and right channels, a front 1/4-inch headphone jack, power switch, and a window to monitor the glow of the vacuum tube filament. The rear-panel has one pair of gold-plated stereo RCA input jacks.

The KHV-111MK is available in black or silver finish, and with a suggested retail price of 499.95 USD.

Specifications:
- Nominal output power .... 5 Watts
- Frequency response ..... 10 Hz - 40 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB)
- Harmonic distortion ...... < 0.1 % (1 kHz, 1 W)
- Input sensitivity ....... 5 mV
- Signal-Noise ratio ..... > 90 dB
- Dimensions (WxHxD) ..... 215 x 95 x 305 mm (8.5 x 3.75 x 12 inches)
- Weight ......... 3.3 kg (7lbs)

Click on the miniature for a larger photograph.