Edwards Audio Hal

摘要

Essentially a sub-brand of long-established Talk Electronics, this headphone amplifier was the first to appear under the Edwards Audio name. A minimalist design, you wouldn't say it's going for the high perceived value section of the market, lacking as it does any meaningful feature count or sense of style. But it is well made in an industrial sort of way, and sports the usual offboard power supply. The cheap plastic volume control knob will never be seen on a Krell, but it works smoothly enough. Its one concession to luxury is a rear-mounted switch that toggles inputs between 'line' (RCA phonos) and 'MP3' (3.5mm mini-jack) - shouldn't that now be labelled 'iPod'? The circuitry is described as fully discrete, bipolar transistor based, with relay-switched inputs, gold-plated printed circuit boards and an active 'power amp' section fed by a fully regulated power supply. The single fascia mounted headphone socket is a sturdy 6.3mm Neutrik type. For £220 extra, owners can upgrade to Edwards Audio's PSU 1 (not tested), which claims to offer substantial sonic improvements.