SAEQ adds Perseus direct-drive headphone amplifier

SAEQ has added the Perseus headphone amplifier to its public product catalogue as a direct-drive model for ribbon, planar and dynamic headphones. The amplifier is priced at €4,900 as an export price free of tax. It is specified for 8.5W into 8 ohms and about 3W RMS from its direct ribbon output.

The Perseus builds on SAEQ amplifier work for directly driving ribbon headphones dating back to 2019. Its circuit uses discrete elements, a stabilized power source and a powerful quasi-complementary output stage. Headphone load impedance is rated at 8 to 600 ohms. The direct ribbon headphone output is rated for a 0.4 ohm load on a male XLR 4-pin connector.

Connection options include two RCA single-ended inputs and two XLR 3-pin balanced female inputs. The balanced inputs provide -6dB and -10dB attenuation. Outputs comprise one XLR 4-pin male direct ribbon headphone output, one XLR 4-pin female output for planar and dynamic headphones, and two 6.3mm stereo jack outputs for planar and dynamic headphones.

SAEQ specifies the Perseus frequency response at 20Hz to 50kHz, within +/-0.2dB at 2V RMS. Signal-to-noise ratio is rated at better than 92dB. The chassis measures 90mm high, 218mm wide and 320mm deep, and it weighs 6.5kg.