HYPNOS - gold

Years of collaboration with RAAL have resulted in this model, which also serves as SAEQ's flagship.

HYPNOS is our third amplifier designed to directly drive ribbon headphones.

Back in 2019, we launched the production of the renowned HSA-1b amplifier, which directly powered the avant-garde, first-ever ribbon headphones: the RAAL SR-1a.

In 2019, we began manufacturing direct-drive amplifiers for ribbon headphones under the brand name RAAL-Requisite.

The HSA-1b and HSA-1c amplifiers we produced at the time for RAAL-Requisite from CA (USA) contributed significantly to the affirmation and esoteric reputation of the SR-1a, the only ribbon headphones on the market back then.

Many readers will find it interesting to check out the reviews written for that famous bundle (SR-1a headphones + HSA-1b amplifier). You can find these reviews on our website.

Our extensive experience in manufacturing direct-drive amplifiers for ribbon headphones culminated in HYPNOS, our flagship hybrid amplifier.

By topology, HYPNOS is a hybrid amplifier, much like its well-known predecessor, the Astraeus.

The entire topology was engineered to deliver a respectable audio performance across the board—equally suited for ribbon, planar magnetic, and traditional dynamic headphones.

We also inherited the 99-step volume control from the Astraeus, which unmistakably elevates power handling convenience.

HYPNOS effortlessly drives the acclaimed Immanis via its direct output while simultaneously driving any two power-hungry planar magnetic headphones, such as the Susvara or Abyss 1266.

The output stage features a quasi-complementary topology and a discrete design without integrated circuits.

The large current peaks inherent to direct-drive ribbon headphones determined the quasi-complementary output stage as the optimal solution, as it allows ideal matching of output transistors—a necessity for an efficient and stable output.

The output section utilizes only NPN transistors, with minimal variation in current gain (under 5%).

Carefully selected emitter MOX (metal oxide) resistors on the output transistors greatly manage current peaks while directly reducing unnecessary dissipation thanks to their ultra-low resistance (0.1 Ω).

This also minimized voltage drops caused by extreme current peaks, which can reach up to 7 amperes with ribbon headphones.

While this is a complex engineering challenge, our prior experience with direct-drive ribbon outputs allowed us to resolve it successfully.

The impulse response of the amplifier is crucial, enabling ribbon headphones to unleash their full potential and soundstage, creating a virtually holographic spatial image.

We strove to build HYPNOS as an amplifier that sets new standards in the world of high-end headphone amplification:

• An input stage utilizing audio transformers with permalloy cores.
• A passive 99-step volume control placed after the transformers, free of operational amplifier ICs (acting as buffers), ensuring signal transfer without the added coloration of integrated or discrete semiconductor components—which are entirely absent in this design.
• Following the volume attenuation, the input stage is powered by a 6N1P vacuum tube. The selection of this tube came after extensive side-by-side testing against ECC88, E88CC, 6N23P, and 6922 tubes. The 6N1P (EV) simply offered the most fluid sonic signature. We were guided by the desire to offer listeners the most complex and effortless sound presentation that hybrid topology can deliver.
• Added versatility comes in the form of a 4.4mm headphone jack, which IEM enthusiasts will certainly appreciate.
• HYPNOS also features built-in equalization designed for upcoming open-back ribbon headphone models that RAAL is developing for the coming years.

Thanks to the built-in EQ, you can also connect classic open-back ribbon models, such as the legendary RAAL SR-1a and SR-1b.

With HYPNOS, you can drive both legacy and upcoming open-back ribbon models simply by engaging the appropriate EQ curve—no external filters needed.

HYPNOS represents our step forward into the new standard set by ribbon headphones, addressing the demand from users to connect ribbon headphones to amplifiers just like any other type, without relying on interface transformers or specialized adapter cables.

Its sonic potential is immediately apparent when pairing it with any high-end headphone model.

Subtle yet commanding, HYPNOS gives audiophiles the ability to own a single amplifier capable of driving virtually all headphone types (excluding electrostatics) without external adapters or dongles.

We believe audio enthusiasts will love HYPNOS. It brings a new, heightened level of presence to instruments and vocals across all headphone types, while making the ribbon headphone experience more seamless, enjoyable, and sonically complete through its direct-drive output.

Export price free Tax: 13000 EUR

(Shipping costs not included)