[KR...]

here is their website : Portal Audio

from a stereophile article that can be read in full HERE

here's a snippet:

Quote:

"We wanted one product that could simultaneously appeal to the person who already has an excellent system in his/her listening room and wants something simple, but with exceptional audio quality, for another location; the entry-level audiophile who wants a generous taste of high-end performance; and anyone who wants exceptional quality when listening on headphones."

Quote:

According to Abrams, the headphone output does not differ from the main output path except for the addition of a simple protection device. "We paid special attention to the headphone listening aspect of the unit, putting the jack in the path of the speaker outputs.

 

[KR...]

more info, from their website : http://www.portalaudio.com/headphone_use.html

Quote:

For Headphone users: We've taken special efforts to make the Panache ideal for headphone users. In many cases, when you plug headphones into a source component or an integrated amp, you are hearing the output of a cheap Integrated Circuit chip, a level of quality right up there with the average Walkman. The Panache headphone output does not differ from the main output path except for the addition of a simple protection device. When you plug in 'phones, you'll notice that your loudspeakers automatically go silent. We made this choice instead of inserting a selector switch which would have degraded the sound of both the headphones and the speakers.

 

[RickG]

Ummmm, check this recent thread....

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/showth...threadid=12837

 

[KR...]

shame on me for not noticing that one.

 

[lextek]

O.K. so who's going to be the first to test drive this amp?

 

[andrzejpw]

anyone with a spare $1800 . . .

 

[CaptBubba]

There is the "risk-free" 60 day home trial.....

 

[andrzejpw]

yeah, but still, thats a 2000 charge to your credit card. . .