Audio-Technica made a S$113,888 headphone amplifier and I obtained to listen to it
How a lot would you pay for a headphone amplifier that was designed with purity in thoughts, to convey out the most effective in your headphones, and look good whereas doing it? About S$113,888it appears.
That is the Narukami (HPA-KG NARU) and it is Audio-Technica’s flagship headphone amplifier. Like most extremely high-end audio tools, it was designed to each look and sound nice.
The chassis is crafted utilizing very uncommon Kurogaki (black persimmon wooden). This specific sort of wooden is famend for its lovely black stripes.
@hwztech It’s not each day you get to hearken to a headphone amplifier that prices as a lot as a automobile. #hwz #hwzsg #audiophile #audiotechnica #narukami #headfi #headphoneamp #music ♬ Hear – Official Sound Studio
Internally, the Narukami encompasses a absolutely balanced circuitry that makes use of 4 ECC83S gold tubes within the sign amplification stage and 4 made-in-Japan Takatsuki TA-300B tubes within the energy stage.
To match the impedance of the tubes to the headphones, the Narukami makes use of custom-made Lundahl amorphous core silver wire output transformers. These are stated to value round S$5,500 a pop and the Narukami makes use of 4 of them.
The Narukami options each balanced 4-pin XLR and single-ended 6.3mm output. It could possibly ship as much as 1.6W per channel at 32 ohms. It can be used as a pre-amplifier to drive audio system.
Though the Narukami wasn’t designed as an entire system – Audio-Technica says prospects ought to use it with no matter headphone they select – they’ve thoughtfully created an identical headphone known as the AW-KG Naru. It is a closed-back headphone that has matching Kurogaki wooden ear cups. If it seems considerably acquainted, it is as a result of it is primarily based on the ATH-AWKT.
I had the chance to audition the Narukami and I preferred what I heard. It accomplishes the uncommon trick that it appears solely very costly tube amplifiers can dowhich is to sound clear but pure and welcoming on the identical time.
All too typically, a clear sound is related to an absence of emotion, however that is not the case right here. The Narukami is clear nevertheless it additionally has a splash of that 300B goodness, that tube amp aficionados love.
And like many different good amplifiers, no matter what headphones you placed on, the Narukami appears to amplify its strengths and spotlight its weaknesses – so be certain your headphones are as much as the job.
The worth may be very excessive however I’d argue the Narukami achieves its product transient. It sounds good, seems implausible, and can simply take centre stage in any audiophile’s assortment.
Availability and pricing
The Audio-Technica Narukami is S$113,888 and that features the AW-KG Naru headphone.
In response to Audio-Technica, solely 10 units had been made and manufacturing is restricted by the provision of kurogaki wooden. I have been advised that two have been bought right here and rumours recommend that every one the opposite models have been accounted for as effectively.
If you wish to get your palms on one, you’d have to attend for Audio-Technica to obtain extra wooden, or in some way persuade one of many 10 homeowners to surrender theirs.
