Headphone Amp
The Voyager is a truly portable headphone amplifier. It is small and light enough to fit a shirt pocket! It also has a similar "footprint" to a regular pod player which will sit on top. It connects using a supplied jack-lead and even via a pod player's headphone out, sounds remarkably good, saving the need for an expensive dock connector.
The Voyager portable headphone amplifier features a contour switch to equalise street-wear headphones, emulating the sound you get from "home" or high fidelity headphones - putting back that missing bottom-end bass and replacing the usual scratchy highs with the whole clarity that makes this portable headphone amplifier "hard to switch-off".
Rather than cramming-in "Whistles and Bells" features, it simply concentrates on the sound, giving you sufficient options to get the best performance out of your music, on the move, in the office or at home.
The Voyager portable headphone amp is purely analogue. It has no digital clocks to veil the sound. The Voyager can bring out the magic in the music, whatever source it comes from.
You can power this portable headphone amplifier from its 9 volt battery, a USB port, or its own AC adapter mains power supply.
Here are what reviewers are saying about the Graham Slee Voyager:
"The GSP Voyager is the best sounding portable headphone amp I've heard to date... ...It's notable for two things; its eerie smoothness across the midband and strong but supple bass. Driven by 'the Hi-Fi World' iPod (Classic, running Apple Lossless) it produced very nice noises indeed, removing at a stroke the iPod's cold, steely, hardness and limp bass response. In its place is a warm, \fulsome and naturally musical sound with nicely detailed treble that's as fluid as it is spacious. In short: it sounds just like a Graham Slee phonostage!" David Price, Hi-Fi World, April 2008
"I had a chance to listen to a Graham Slee Voyager Portable Headphone Amplifier and OMG! this thing sounds amazing. It drove my HD600's (300 Ohms) to much higher volume levels without any distortion and everything sounded so much fuller, if I closed my eyes I could have sworn I was listening to a tube amp!! This is on my shopping list as my next portable amp, simply stunning." From a UK Head-Fi meeting.
"I had a good listen last night before I went to sleep (the best time to listen when you're most relaxed) and this little guy brought about a couple of hair standing on the back of the neck moments..... The first was listening to Mike Oldfield "the songs of distant earth" and the second listening to Roger Waters "pros and cons of hitchhiking"...... On both occasions it was with the contour switch ON.
To hell with being a purist (flat earth brigade and all that bunkum) this amp sounds best with contour circuit switched on... there is more weight to the sound (more body if you like) and at low to moderate listening levels I prefered it over flat.... at medium to high listening levels I'd listen to it flat as it may start to run out of steam with contour switched in." Rockgrotto Review
The Voyager volume vontrol
Unlike hi-fi amplifiers the Voyager volume control is designed to be operated fully up for when a weak source signal is used, or if insensitive high impedance headphones are used. Please take care not to damage your hearing when reverting to high output source equipment and low impedance headphones.
Voyager headphone amplifier features
- Fully portable headphone amplifier - long battery life
- Powerful sound
- Pod player size match
- Lightweight - 180 gram (6.5 ounce)
- Street 'phones contour-boost switch
- USB powered for office desk top
- AC adapter for home amp use
- Drives Hi-Fi and Studio headphones
Voyager features explained
The powerful sound from the Voyager portable headphone amplifier gives an average (noticeable) 10dB boost in sound pressure level above that of most portable players. The Voyager portable headphone amplifier's fast wideband circuit assures all the sound quality of the source is delivered to the headphones, even when used with high performance sources up to studio standards.
It is fully portable, powered by its own replaceable standard issue 9 volt (MN1604; 6LR61) battery (supplied installed). If left playing into headphones from a continuously looping music source, the battery can last 50 hours or longer. Usually however, battery life will last a number of weeks if the power switch is set to its other positions when not in use, or when being powered by USB connection or by its AC adapter. It does not recharge the battery - a rechargeable 9 volt battery does not have the capacity of a disposable 9 volt battery.
A number of pod type players will sit comfortably on top of the Voyager.
The Voyager is light weight, similar to that of a "classic" pod player.
The street-wear contour switch is designed to improve the tonal range of street-wear headphones. For use from domestic and studio players using Hi-Fi or studio headphones, the "flat" position may be found more appropriate.
The Voyager can be used in the office taking its input from line-out sources like the 3,5mm jack on many computers. While in use at the desk top, it can be powered by a spare USB cord having a mini AB plug.
The Voyager is supplied with an AC adapter that can power it when used at home or in the office
Hi-Fi and studio quality stereo headphones can be used with the Voyager. When using high impedance headphones at home (typically 300 Ohm types and above), it is best used with high output line-level sources like a CD player, amplifier line/tape out, or the output of a phono preamplifier, if required to reach high volumes. A 3,5 to 6,3mm jack plug adapter may be required for some Hi-Fi or studio headphones. A stereo phono to 3,5mm jack plug, or DIN to 3,5mm jack plug cable may also be required depending on your home equipment. Headphones of 16 - 600 Ohms impedance can be used. It will not drive electrostatic headphones.
Voyager headphone amplifier specificationsDimensions: L. 12.5 W. 6.7 H. 2.8 (cm)
Weight: 180 grams approx. (700 grams with plug top PSU)
Case colour: Black
Case material: ABS and Polyester
Battery life: 50 hours continuous play, 2-3 weeks average usage
Output: 12mW rms into 32 Ohms, 10mW rms into 600 Ohms
Frequency Response: Flat: 5Hz to 70kHz (-3dB), Contour: +10dB at 45Hz and 20kHz
Channel Balance: 0.5dB*
Hum & Noise: -94dB CCIR Q-pk 20Hz-20kHz, Stereo Crosstalk: -52dB
Distortion (THD+Noise): at 80Hz: 0.03%, at 1kHz: 0.03%, at 5.6kHz: 0.05%, at 16kHz: 0.13%
Power sources: Battery, 9V (MN1604; 6LR61), USB 5V via "mini-B" (internal analogue voltage conversion to 9VDC), AC/DC mains adapter 12-24V DC, (polarity protection on each)
* = typical
______________________________________________
The Voyager headphone amplifier is designed by Graham
Slee, a real electronics designer specializing in bi-polar technology. Graham
Slee has over 30 years industry experience and has been "behind the scenes" designer in both professional and hi-fi audio, designing and developing a number
of preamps and power amplifiers.
The Voyager is hand built and fully specification tested in England using selected
high quality components to achieve its excellent resolution and sound quality.
Discrete design offers exceedingly high sound quality
The Graham Slee Entheos (enthusiast's) Series Novo stereo headphone amplifier is a discrete solid state transistor configuration using an IC voltage regulator. There are six transistors per channel. The "fast" voltage amplifier stage uses a current feedback input and a current source to drive a small signal transistor class AB push-pull output stage. The output is capacitive and resistively coupled to prevent headphone damage/short circuit damage and an output impedance reduction network minimizes any signal distortion these components could add. The Graham Slee Novo headphone amplifier uses multi-path negative feedback to reduce distortion without degrading the musicality of the signal.
The Graham Slee Novo headphone amp is supplied with an Energy Efficient plug style AC/DC mains adapter power supply for universal mains use: 90-250VAC supplied with a selection of plug heads to suit a customer's mains outlet. The power supply is of the switched mode type and sensitive users may detect a slight tingling sensation from the Novo case: this is normal and within world safety standards, but can be eliminated completely by connecting a wire to the Novo "aux ground" post; the other end to earth (either mains earth or an earth spike - seek qualified assistance if unsure). When connected to an earthed source this wire will not normally be required. The switched mode power supply emits an ultra-sonic whistle which cannot normally be heard, but in the presence of other persistent noise (such as air-con, refrigerators etc) a beat frequency (chirping) may be heard. Careful positioning will minimize this effect.
A Chained set of phono/RCA jacks enables the stereo input to be routed to other equipment such as a power amplifier. The input impedance is greater than 39 kilo Ohms so as to be virtually transparent to the source.
The output jack is designed for standard 1/4 inch/6.35mm headphone plugs (B-gauge) and can also be used with tapered A-gauge plugs. Headphones of impedance 8 - 2,000 Ohms may be used but best results will be obtained with impedances of 16 - 600 Ohms. An impedance reduction network reduces the driving impedance "seen" by the headphones and compensates for the headphone's cable capacitance, leading to a more focused musical image than purely resistive or power-amp configuration headphone amplifier outputs. It also reduces the apparent differences between dissimilar headphones.
The volume control can be set at any position to give comfortable listening. Unlike Hi-Fi amplifier volume controls, it can be set at any position and still give excellent performance. This is preferable to the contact resistance and wear of a gain switch, which would otherwise be required.
Graham Slee Novo Specifications
Output: 150mW rms into 32 Ohms, 40mW rms into 600 Ohms (both channels fully driven - 0.05% THD)
Input Impedance: greater than 39 kilo Ohms
Recommended input range: 200mV - 1V rms (2.8V p-p)
Frequency Response (worst case): Flat: 43Hz to 16kHz (-1dB), 22Hz to 30kHz (-3dB) (volume control at 3 o'clock position)
Channel Balance: 0.5dB typical
Hum & Noise: -80dB CCIR Q-pk 20Hz-20kHz (into 30 Ohms)
Stereo Crosstalk: -64dB typical
Distortion (THD+Noise): 0.02% at 1 kHz into 30 Ohms, and 12 o'clock volume control position
Power Supply:
Switched mode type AC/DC adapter for use with 90-250VAC mains outlet
Dimensions: L. 10.5 W. 10.5 H. 5 (cm) approx. excluding controls and connectors
Specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
GRAHAM SLEE SOLO HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
The Graham Slee Solo headphone amplifier is the choice of several studios and editing suites for one very important reason - the Solo headphone amplifier makes it easy to hear the editing cues. These are musical cues that are part of the performance, but they happen so quickly that lesser headphone amplifiers are not able to resolve quickly enough and thus mask. This makes the editing suite's job very difficult indeed. The wide-bandwidth performance of the Solo headphone amplifier reproduces music with the highest resolution. Coupled with its excellent dynamics, the Solo headphone amplifier is the obvious choice for the professional user or for the pristine listener who wants to hear music as it was originally recorded.
Through the years the Graham Slee Solo headphone amp has received awards and accolades for its sound quality excellence.
Blue Note Headphone Amplifier Award - Enjoy the Music
Five Stars - What HiFi Sound and Vision Ultimate Guide
Editors Choice Headphone Amplifier - OnHeadphones.com
"The strengths of the Solo Headphone Amplifier are in the extra high frequency extension, a superb transient response and an unsurpassed dynamic range. Percussion, flutes and bells all have an extra sparkle that breathes life in to the music" Phil Gold, EnjoyTheMusic.com
"If you are serious about headphones go and have a listen to the Solo - and be prepared to buy it there and then" What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision, 5 Stars
"This unassuming
little box delivers a double-whammy of breathtaking resolution and gripping
dynamics" What Hi-Fi?
Sound & Vision, 5 stars, Ultimate Guide
"Without a shadow of a doubt, the Solo is
a very accomplished little amplifier"
Rock Grotto. Read
the full review (click here)
"...if you're in the
market for a great sounding headphone amp and don't want to drop the kilo-bucks
needed for "the other guys" amp, I'd seriously consider the Graham
Slee's Solo"
TNT-Audio. Read
the full review (click here)
The Solo headphone amplifier features:
- Two line level stereo inputs via gold plated phono sockets
- Front panel source selector switch with "mute" position featuring gold "dry-switching" contacts
- High resolution volume control accurate in any position
- Auto-adjusting output to any headphone impedance
- Power in reserve for inefficient headphones
- Excellent bass extension
- Short circuit protection
Solo Headphone Amp Specifications
Headphone impedance range: 8 to 2000 Ohms
Output driving impedance: 120 Ohms
Rated output: +14.5dBV rms into 600 Ohm load
Short circuit duration: continuous
Distortion THD+N: 0.02% @ 1 kHz *
Frequency response: 12Hz to 150 kHz (-1dB) *
Output noise: -88dB (A) / –82dB (CCIR Quasi-peak 20Hz-20kHz) *
Input sensitivity: 346mV rms (-7dB) for rated output
Gain: 22.5dB into 600 Ohm load
Sound pressure level gain V load: 8 Ohms: +23dB (239mW rms)
30 Ohms: +23dB (205mW rms)
120 Ohms: +21dB (127mW rms)
300 Ohms: +18dB (73mWrms)
500 Ohms: +17dB (44mW rms)
600 Ohms: +16dB (43mW rms)
1,200 Ohms: +14dB (25mW rms)
1,700 Ohms: +12dB (18mW rms)
2,000 Ohms: +11dB (14mW rms)
Supply voltage: 24V DC (nominal) 90mA (max.)
Size (approx.): W: 107 x H: 50 x D: 185 (mm) inc. controls
*Ref: Volume control set 6dB below rated output into 600 Ohms
______________________________________________
The Solo headphone amplifier is designed by Graham
Slee, a real electronics designer specializing in bi-polar technology. Graham
Slee has over 30 years industry experience and has been "behind the scenes" designer in both professional and hi-fi audio, designing and developing a number
of preamps and power amplifiers.
The Solo is hand built and fully specification tested in England using selected
high quality components to achieve its remarkable resolution and sound quality.
GRADO RA-1 HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER - A/C POWERED
Ships to US only
The Absolute Sound 2005, 2006, 2007 & 2008 Editor's Choice Award Winner
The A/C powered Grado Reference RA-1 Headphone Amp is designed for state-of-the-art performance specifically to play Grados. It will allow you to hear your Grado headphones like never before. Machined from a solid block of mahogany and measures 5" wide, 5 1/2" deep and 1 1/2" tall and weighing 12 oz, the RA-1 is compact and looks great. Just like all Grados, the RA-1 sounds warm, smooth, full-bodied, rich and non-fatiguing.
Now you can really hear your Grado headphones.
Features:
100-230 VAC input voltage
Solid Mahogany body
Compact size: HWD 1.5 x 5 x 5.5 inches
Weight: 12 oz
Inputs: RCA (Pr)
Outputs: 1/4" Headphone Jack
Input Impedance: 100kΩ
Output Impedance: 32Ω
Output Power: 300mW
Exquisite Grado sound quality
One-year manufacturer's warranty.
What people say about the Grado RA-1 headphone amp
"With a tube-like rendering of timbre and a sweet, relaxed sound, the Grado RA-1 makes extended headphone listening a joy. Although battery-driven, the RA-1 is more at home in your equipment rack or on your desk than out on the road. A beautiful wooden case finishes off this gem."
- Reviewed By Robert Harley / The Absolute Sound
"With the Grado Reference RA1 handling the amplification, music was rendered truer, clearer, and more life-like than I had ever imagined was possible." Willie Gluckstern, Audio Magazine
"This is such a nice job of product engineering by John Grado, I think it earns a nomination for "Dudely Product of the Year Award."" Charles (His Dudeliness) Hollander, Positive Feedback
"Listening to my RS1's through the Grado RA1 headphone amp is like listening to a live performance, it puts you right there." Mark Rivera, Saxophonist with the Billy Joel Band