Graham Slee Solo Ultra-Linear DE Headphone Amplifier

The Solo Ultra-Linear Headphone Amplifier, by Graham Slee, will lift the performance of any good music source and any good-quality dynamic headphones.

Graham Slee Solo headphone amplifiers are well-known for their great stereo imaging and musicality, and the Ultra-Linear Diamond Edition (DE) will give you effortless dynamics, a powerful but not boomy sound, and a valve-like smoothness with detailed clarity.

The Solo Ultra-Linear Diamond Edition (ULDE) headphone amplifier replicates valve amplification, but is solid-state to maintain perfect performance throughout all its long life. Available in Silver finish only. 

So what about valves does it replicate? It replicates the most important difference between valves and solid-state, that tubes give a flatter open-loop frequency response which extends into the mid frequencies, before negative feedback is applied. It means that when it's applied to keep distortion low, it is true 180° negative feedback, and it gives a wholesome sound which otherwise is sadly lacking in solid-state.

Bandwidth Extension

Graham Slee use their proprietary and well-guarded bandwidth extension technique - called Ultra-Linear - which replicates this most desirable of valve tube characteristics.

The Solo Ultra-Linear DE has a completely redesigned output stage and better noise performance than the earlier Solo UL, which means it will drive a much greater range of high performance over-ear dynamic headphones, and be hiss-free when used with in-ear monitors.

Z-Match Volume Control

Unlike tube amplifiers it works with all common headphone impedances, and its Z-Match impedance ranging volume control takes the place of gain switches, allowing amplifier gain to be fixed so it results in optimum musical performance.

Generous phase and gain margins give it great high-frequency stability under all loading conditions. This coupled with its wide input latitude lets it effortlessly reproduce large musical transients with real clarity.

Power Supply

Excellent power supply filtering and ultra-stable voltage regulation make its power so clean that it depicts the minutest of detail, the nuances - the shades of expression, so your music really communicates with you.

It also results in superb stereo imaging with great separation between performers and instruments, dispensing a believable stereo sound stage.

Solo Ultra-Linear DE reveals the emotional content of your music and will immerse you in your music without fatigue for hours on end. Supplied with Standard PSU1 power supply or (optional) PSU1 Enigma upgrade.

Features

• Premium-quality dedicated desktop headphone amplifier.
• Tube-like sound but with solid-state reliability and longevity.
• Ultra-Linear proprietary bandwidth extension.
• Capable of driving almost all high-performance dynamic headphones with ease.
• Unique Z-Match volume control.
• Supplied with high-quality PSU1 power supply, or optional PSU1 Enigma upgrade.

Specifications

• Headphone Impedance Range: 8 - 2,000 Ohms / 16 - 600 Ohms preferred.
• Power Output (RMS, both channels fully driven at 1 % THD): 32 Ohms - 14 0mW / channel, 600 Ohms - 30 mW / channel.
• Input Sensitivity (for specified power output into 32 Ohms): 511 mV rms
• Input Impedance: 37 kOhms at max volume, 50 kOhms at min volume.
• Distortion (THD + N): 10 Hz - 20 kHz, better than 0.04 % / 10 Hz - 1 kHz: better than 0.02 %
• Frequency Response (±0,-3 dB): 10 Hz - 35 kHz
• Output Noise (22 Hz - 22 kHz, quasi-peak, unweighted): -95 dB
• Channel Balance: Better than 1 dB
• Crosstalk (Left to Right): -56 dB
• Crosstalk (Input to Input): -68 dB
• Input Selector (centre-off position, non-shorting): -38 dB at max volume, with 2 V rms input (ref: 1 kHz and 10 kHz)
• Output Stage: Bipolar, Class AB
• Supply Voltage: 24 V DC unipolar
• Size (WxHxD): 107 x 50 x 185 mm (inc. controls)

Included

• 1 x Solo Ultra-Linear DE Headphone Amplifier.
• 1 x Power Supply.

More Information

• Solo Ultra-Linear Diamond Edition, by Graham Slee