Paltauf HPA-100 - the AIC-10 killer?

[walterboss]

The more I listen to this amp the more I love it. It has insane power (20 watts into 32 ohms!) and handles 1266 as if it's a toy.
Susvara is an absolute weapon on this too. Haven't felt drivers gripped like that since I had AIC-10 here.

I've used a clickbaity thread title in the hope someone actually finds out about this amp, and I don't want to spam the Riviera thread. But there are several similarities between the HPA and AIC.

• tube-based input, solid state output
• huge power that laughs at 1266 and Susvara
• ridiculous macrodynamics and crazy transient response
  
  It's not a slamdunk for HPA of course. The AIC is warmer and has a nicer midrange for sure. But the bass is deeper and tighter on HPA. Stage is bigger too and has more extended treble. So there are preferences to get checked here. But for me, I can very happily live with not having AIC for an extra 10k.
  
  There's a lot that's chain dependent of course, I'm sure my Atlantic DAC is doing some heavy lifting here. But the sound of AIC is etched into my brain, and I had it here for a while along with Atlantic. The value on offer for HPA here is crazy.
  
  Considering this amp can be had for around £2500 on the used market, what you get for that even at a new price direct from Paltauf is, in my opinion, the best value on the amp market today along with LTA z10e.
  
  For whatever reason their name hasn't really got out there, despite a glowing review from https://musicalhead.de/2022/02/14/test-paltauf-hpa100-sp/ who agrees with me that it's kicking the heels of AIC. That's a £15k amp, remember.

The main reason I love Paltauf so much is that it's a reminder that cost isn't always reflective of quality. It's warm enough for 1266, and every bit as punchy and dynamic as AIC. And with a Siemens CCa tube inside, the resolution and detail is extraordinary.

It's just a powerhouse and, for me, should absolutely be part of the conversation of summit-fi amps.

 

[kajetanjazz]

Well that’s interesting. Have you tried bigger variety of input tubes in it? To bring the tonality closer to AIC (the knobs are even similar lol). A killer price point while it likely can drive speakers too i assume

 

[walterboss]

Well that’s interesting. Have you tried bigger variety of input tubes in it? To bring the tonality closer to AIC (the knobs are even similar lol). A killer price point while it likely can drive speakers too i assume

My version doesn't drive speakers, but it's an option via Paltauf. I think it maybe adds another 1k or 2 onto the final price but honestly not sure.

I've tried a Mullard CV2493 which brings nice warmth that I liked with AIC. But it's tricky as AIC is naturally warmer than HPA, especially in mids. It's a clear step above in this regard. Normally I would have said the Mullard tube gets it closer to AIC, and it does...but then there's the Siemens CCa which changes everything.

A Siemens CCa has been blowing the doors off with HPA. It's leaner than the Mullard as one would expect, but the overall clarity and texture within the mids is remarkable. You feel so close to the singer, and drums just pound. It's the most 3D and detailed tube I've ever heard.

 

[arijitroy2]

Almost bought this one! But I also heard they are getting a new 150 version soon so waiting for that! I just bought Flux Labs Mentor Stack which is a powerhouse too and sounds so damn good!

Auditioned the AIC with Immanis and Sus OG, and can't forget the depth it had, the layering was off charts! I wish to replicate that, cheaper

 

[FranzB]

The other potential giant killer coming down the pike this summer is the HeadAmp CFA3-T. A tube/SS hybrid version of the the CFA3 with a couple of 6DJ8 variants in the input stage- same design as AIC. Preorder price is $5400, after 10% discount. Justin told me that they will have to raise the price after the first orders are delivered.
Considering that they sell direct, their $6000 price would likely be well over $10000 if the amps were sold in a conventional retail model, rather than direct.

Considering how well received the CFA3 is, this T variant could be a real contender at a very reasonable price.

 

[Kevintj604]

The other potential giant killer coming down the pike this summer is the HeadAmp CFA3-T. A tube/SS hybrid version of the the CFA3 with a couple of 6DJ8 variants in the input stage- same design as AIC. Preorder price is $5400, after 10% discount. Justin told me that they will have to raise the price after the first orders are delivered.
Considering that they sell direct, their $6000 price would likely be well over $10000 if the amps were sold in a conventional retail model, rather than direct.

Considering how well received the CFA3 is, this T variant could be a real contender at a very reasonable price.

The Paltauf would be considered a bargain if this is true.

 

[molto1]

I'm still enthusiastic about my Paltauf. Even compared to the Envy. The incredible power is of course always noticeable in a positive way. Envy as a preamplifier together with the Paltauf is also an incredible force.
If you then consider the price...........

 

[De7mi]

Almost bought this one! But I also heard they are getting a new 150 version soon so waiting for that! I just bought Flux Labs Mentor Stack which is a powerhouse too and sounds so damn good!

Auditioned the AIC with Immanis and Sus OG, and can't forget the depth it had, the layering was off charts! I wish to replicate that, cheaper

Can you elaborate further any more details you have?

@

molto1​

How do you like the paring with Wandla?

 

[molto1]

Since I also own a Dave with an M- Scaler, I can say after numerous comparisons that the Wandla is very close to the Dave combo. If you also take the price into account, the Wandla is almost a bargain.

 

[arijitroy2]

Can you elaborate further any more details you have?

@

molto1​

How do you like the paring with Wandla?

Someone who had the Paltauf here in the forum or wanted one had reached out to the desginer, and he had mentioned that to him. Also I think I saw few pics on their Facebook page too.

 

[wanderer256]

Can you elaborate further any more details you have?

Prototype of the HPA 150 headphone amplifier

 

[Ian88]

Could this amp drive 2 headphones at once?

 

[walterboss]

Could this amp drive 2 headphones at once?

If you can get them to reply to an email, I'd ask Paltauf on that one. Why would you need to?

 

[edward1900]

Folks, Paltauf fan gathering!

 

[TheAbyss2022]

How much is it new?