Stello HP 100 headphone amp

[redchiro]

Saw this head-amp, the Stello HP100, while flipping through “The Absolute Sound” (on page 46, the April/May 2006 issue 161). Here’s a link to the website: http://www.hifi500.com/direct.htm. Lots of pics. Here are some specs:

• Analog Stage: Full Discrete, Class A Push-Pull
• Power Supply: 2 Stage Voltage Regulator
• Carefully Chosen High Quality Components
• WIMA Polyprophylene Capacitors
• JFET Input Stage (Input Impedance - 1 Mega Ohms)
• ALPS Blue Velvet Volume
• Neutrik XLR Phone Jack
• Specially Designed Toroidal Transformer


[Specifications]
• Analog Input
• Analog Output
• Headphone Output
• Gain Selection
• Filter Selection
• Frequency Characteristics
• Output Power
• Power Requirement
• Dimensions(WHD)
• Weight(Net)
• Price(USD) 2 pairs RCA/Unbalanced
1 pair RCA/Unbalanced
1 Neutrik XLR Phone Jack
High/Low Selectable
A(Off)/B(On) Selectable
Filter Off : 20~200 kHz, On : 20~20 kHz
300 mW / 300 Ohms
100~117VAC, 220~240VAC (Switch Selectable)
212 x 55 x 290 mm, 83 x 22 x 113 inches
3.5 kg, 8 lbs.
$ 595


Nice looking. Parts quality seems high. If it sounds good, could be a bargain and a “giant-killer” at a list price of 595. They also have a matching DAC for 695.
Has anybody heard this head-amp yet?

 

[redchiro]

Guess no one has heard this (or has enough interest to comment).

 

[Oski]

This was in one of my threads reviewing the Stello DA220. Insomniac had the chance to hear the new Stello stuff and posted this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by insomniac Pics from CES. Didn't come out too great though (pics on their website are much better). The last one is the stack hooked up to active NHT sats and sub, acting as source and preamp. Click on image for higher res.

The NYC dealer will have some of the gear at the National Meet, and I very much look forward to hearing them. Otherwise I think people should be all over this stuff. Stello makes excellent equipment at very good prices.

 

[agile_one]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oski ... snip ... The NYC dealer will have some of the gear at the National Meet, and I very much look forward to hearing them. Otherwise I think people should be all over this stuff. Stello makes excellent equipment at very good prices.

That's great, because the Stello (April Music) CD Transport, Dac/Pre and Amps have been well reviewed as killer price/performers for a while now. If the headamp is in the same league, we have a contender here. Nice that so many of us will have the opportubnity to see and hear.

Just as in automobiles and baseball, the Koreans have been making giant leaps in quality and value recently with audio gear.

 

[dck21]

hp100 & low impedance(AT,GRADO) headphone is very nice.
especially, k501+hp100 is heard Absolute Sound.

 

[cappellano]

Thanks!!! Can you give more impressions about hp 100? Do you have it?!

 

[editedby]

Why are the headamp and dac not on the Aprilmusic site? They have a box that sends you to hifi500, to get information.
Oski - who's the NYC dealer your speaking of?

 

[Oski]

Quote:

Originally Posted by editedby Oski - who's the NYC dealer your speaking of?

krusty09 (David Cividanes) here on the board. I bought my DA220 from him.

This from the National Meet thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by krusty09 How much for a vendor table? When does it have to be paid buy? April Music thanks

http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showp...&postcount=116

From what I recall, he reserved a table.