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Like many of our products, the Kenzie headphone amplifier evolved from our earlier designs – in this case, rave reviews about the SE-84’s headphone section. The inevitable question followed; why didn’t we build a dedicated headphone amp?
Why indeed?
After some research, we came to the conclusion that a headphone amplifier building on the much loved Darling circuit was the right choice for us. The outstanding performance of the Kenzie headphone amplifier is made possible with custom wound ultra-high quality output transformers providing amazing frequency extension.
The Kenzie does not use a voltage network, and has more than enough power to drive even the most difficult headphones. We chose 32 ohms and 600-ohm output taps to allow use with the widest variety of headphones; everything from Grado Labs, HiFiMan, Audeze, MrSpeakers, Sennheiser, and Beyerdynamic.
The Kenzie showcases the transformers on the chassis to frame in the unique 1626 single-ended tubes. We have included an ALPS volume pot to allow attenuation and simplify the signal path.
The Kenzie is one of the sweetest-sounding headphone amplifiers on the market. The 1626 is commonly referred to as the “Poor Man’s 300B”; offering a similar level of warmth, texture, and soundstage depth.
The 1626 is a WWII-era tube that was used as a transmitter tube in radar installations. The design is shy on pure output, but offers layers of texture and drive, and is paired with a massive choke and robust output transformers for ultra-quiet operation. As with all of our products, parts selection was crucial during this build and each chosen not for price, but for best quality and synergy.
Supplied Tubes:
Input tube: 12SL7 or equivalent
Output tubes: 1626 or VT-137
Cathode Bias/automatic bias allows for easy tube changes without adjustment.
Compatible with 32 ohm-300 ohm headphones using the 32 ohm 1/4″ jack.
Headphones above 300 ohms will benefit from using the 600 ohm 1/4″ jack.
Headphones driven successfully or tested with the amp include, ZMF VC, ZMF Eikons, Hifiman HE100SE, Hifiman Arya, MrSpeakers Ether Cs, MrSpeakers Ayons Audeze LCD2s, Xs, XC, AKG701, SonyMDR-Z1R, Sennheiser 6xx, Sennheiser HD800, Beyerdynamic T1-32oh, Grado Labs SR-60, RS1i
The Kenzie is handmade in Southern California with U.S.-sourced parts and custom hand-wound output transformers.
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Specifications:
Input impedance is 10K ohm with alps pot
Input Sensitivity 520mV for full power out.
32ohm power: 250mWatts RMS @ 1khz
Frequency bandwidth 20hz -3db to 12khz -3db full power
Noise on 32ohm tapp @ 440uV RMS
300ohm power: 300mWatts RMS @ 1khz
Frequency bandwidth 20hz -1db to 18khz -3db full power
Noise on 300ohm tapp @ 680uV RMS
Please look at our news section for feedback from owners of the Kenzie headphone amplifier.
Power and Noise specs are dependent on tube selection.
The all ampsandsound amps are handmade in Southern California with custom hand-wound output transformers and U.S. sourced parts.
Our amps are hand made by a small team with quality being our first priority.
