The new high-end headphone amplifier from Auris is a statement piece both aesthetically and sonically
Earlier this year, CEO and Founder of Moon Audio, Drew Baird, was at CanJam Singapore 2019 and had the opportunity to experience the Euterpe headphone amplifier. He described it as, "Small box, big sound. By far the best bang for the buck at the show. Designed in a single-ended configuration, integrated audiophile asynchronous DAC xMos/ESS Sabre, it allows you to use digital sources such as PC or mobile devices. Built into an artfully designed chassis, Euterpe provides everything you've always dreamed of."
Euterpe, the Giver of Delight
According to Greek Mythology, Euterpe was one of the nine Muses, the Goddess of music and a ''giver of delight'' and that's exactly what Auris Audio Euterpe will bring to the audiophile community, more happiness. The sound it provides is soothing but quite capable of providing big sound from such a small package. It's a great sound from an ergonomic and unique design for desktop listening with headphones.
Upon first glance, it's difficult to tell exactly what the Euterpe is. Auris Audio has always done an amazing job tastefully designing their components with precision craftsmanship. The marriage of natural materials with technology has always been an important part of the company. "Back to Nature" as their motto really encapsulates their philosophy: "rooted in Superior design, natural materials, and skills of making, which give us the right to claim that our products are handcrafted with soul." Products like this have to be handcrafted. The Auris certainly is and it shows.
But enough of the eye candy. Let's see what's on the inside.
Euterpe - An Achievement in Product and Sound Design
Auris Audio headphone amplifiers have the original mechanical and electric conception which results in the high-end sound quality. Deep soundstage, great tonality and top level of dynamics are the main features of Auris headphone amplifiers.
The Euterpe has a single-ended design, with a USB and RCA inputs. These inputs allow you to use a number of digital source devices, like your computer or a mobile device, making for a versatile amplifier. The Euterpe also has an xMos/ESS Sabre DAC, low and high impedance settings, and a number of other features.
Auris has put a lot of effort into developing a beautiful headphone amp that is truly unique in the industry. Make sure this amplifier has a prominent place in your system - don't hide it away - especially since the design also allows for a built-in stand for your favorite pair of headphones.
Auris has put a lot of effort into developing a beautiful headphone amp that is truly unique in the industry. Make sure this amplifier has a prominent place in your system - don't hide it away - especially since the design also allows for a built-in stand for your favorite pair of headphones.
Specifications
- Tubes: 2 X PL 95, 1 X ECC 81
- Amplifier configuration: Single Ended
- Power output: 0.9 W RMS
- Conversion Rate: USB: DSD 64, DSD 128, PCM max 32bit/384kHz
- Output Impedance: Low 32 – 80 Ohm / High > 150 Ohm
- Power Supply: 115 / 230 V AC
- Inputs: 1 x USB, 1 x RCA
- Outputs: 6.3 mm Stereo / RCA Pre Out
- Weight (without PSU): 4.1kg/NET (9.04 lb.)
- Weight PSU: 1.1kg/NET (2.43 lb.)
- Dimensions: 270mm W x 210mm L x 230mm H
- Dimensions PSU: 95mm W x 185mm L x 55mm H
Additional Specifications
Output Impedance:
- The Euterpe headphone amplifier has a switch for Low and High impedance settings
- -Low impedance rating: approx. 40 ohms (headphones)
- -High impedance rating: approx.150 ohms (headphones)
- (0.9W was measured on 150 ohms but similar on 32 ohms)
The Euterpe is an output transformer designed amp with a Mundorf capacitor after the preamp tube.
Tubes: Euterpe is designed for the ECC81 but if you connect sensitive headphones then the ECC82 can also be used.
The primary difference between the PL95 v. the EL95:
- The PL95 is a derivative of the EL95t and the only difference is the higher voltage. The EL is 6.3V and the PL is rated at 4.5V.
- (Note that the PL95 can be damaged if the switch is on the EL95 setting)
- The Euterpe is delivered with NOS Ei Yugoslavia tubes – you can use the NOS ECC81 to improve the sound.
Big differences between the Euterpe and the HA2 SE Amplifiers:
- -The HA2 is a triode topology design
- -The Euterpe is a pentode ultra-linear design
- -The output transformers on both units are different
- -The HA2 has more output impedance selectors
Volume control: All Auris amps use ALPS potentiometers. The Euterpe has a custom version.
The Auris Euterpe is expected to arrive this week. If you have any questions please leave a comment below. Happy listening!
