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The crowning achievement 

Years of collaboration with RAAL have led to this model, which is also SAEQ's flagship.

HYPNOS is our third amplifier specifically developed for the direct drive of ribbon headphones.

As early as 2019, we began production of the renowned HSA-1b amplifier, which directly drove the avant-garde first-ever ribbon headphone: the RAAL SR-1a.

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

The HSA-1b and HSA-1c amplifiers that we produced at the time for RAAL-Requisite of California (USA) played a major role in establishing the SR-1a and its esoteric reputation—it was the only ribbon headphone on the market at the time.

Many readers may find it interesting to read the reviews of this famous bundle (SR-1a headphones + HSA-1b amplifier). You can find these reviews on our website.

Product & positioning

• SAEQ flagship: Hybrid amplifier (tube + transistor) for high-end headphones, developed through years of collaboration with RAAL.

• Direct drive: Specially designed for ribbon headphones (e.g., RAAL Immanis, SR-1a, SR-1b), eliminating the need for external interface transformers, filters, or adapter cables.

• High-end all-rounder: In addition to ribbon headphones, it can effortlessly drive extremely power-hungry planar-magnetic headphones (e.g., Susvara, Abyss 1266), dynamic headphones, and in-ear monitors (IEMs).
  
  

Key technical features

• Hybrid topology: Input transformers with Permalloy cores, followed by a selected 6N1P(EV) vacuum tube in the input stage for an exceptionally smooth sound.

• Fully analog signal processing: Passive 99-step volume control without operational amplifiers (ICs) or semiconductor buffers in the signal path.

• Discrete quasi-complementary output stage: Uses only high-precision NPN transistors and 0.1-Ω MOX resistors to handle extremely high current peaks (up to 7 amperes) stably.

• Future-proof with integrated EQ: Switchable equalization curves for classic (SR-1a/b) and upcoming open-back ribbon models from RAAL.

• 4.4 mm jack socket for added versatility, which in-ear enthusiasts will certainly appreciate.
  
  

Direct Drive at a new level

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

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

The entire circuit architecture was developed to deliver impressive audio performance on every level—equally suitable for ribbon, planar magnetic, and traditional dynamic headphones.

We also adopted the 99-step volume control from the Astraeus, which noticeably enhances ease of use when managing power.

The HYPNOS effortlessly drives the highly acclaimed Immanis through its direct output while simultaneously powering up to two power-hungry planar magnetic headphones such as the Susvara or the Abyss 1266.

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

The high current peaks typical of direct-drive ribbon headphones made the quasi-complementary output stage the optimal solution, as it allows ideal matching of the output transformers—a necessity for efficient and stable output performance.

All components in the output section use exclusively NPN transistors with minimal variation in current gain (less than 5%).

Carefully selected emitter MOX (metal oxide) resistors at the output transformers effectively absorb current peaks and, thanks to their extremely low resistance (0.1 Ω), reduce unnecessary power dissipation.

This also minimized voltage drops that can result from extreme current peaks of up to 7 amperes in ribbon headphones.

Although this presented a complex engineering challenge, we successfully solved it thanks to our previous experience with direct-drive ribbon systems.

The amplifier’s impulse response is crucial: It allows ribbon headphones to reveal their full potential and spatiality, creating an almost holographic soundstage.

Our goal with the HYPNOS was to build an amplifier that sets new standards in the world of high-end headphone amplification:

An input stage with transformers featuring Permalloy cores.

A passive 99-step volume control after the transformers—free of operational amplifier ICs (as buffers)—guarantees signal transmission without additional coloration from integrated or discrete semiconductor components, which are entirely absent from this design.

Following the volume attenuation, the input stage is driven by a 6N1P vacuum tube. This tube was selected after extensive comparison tests with ECC88, E88CC, 6N23P, and 6922 tubes. The 6N1P (EV) simply offered the smoothest sonic signature. We were guided by the desire to provide listeners with the most complex and effortless soundstage that a hybrid topology can deliver.

Additional versatility is provided by the 4.4 mm headphone jack, which in-ear enthusiasts will certainly appreciate.

HYPNOS also features built-in equalization (EQ) developed for the upcoming open-back ribbon headphone models that RAAL is planning for the next few years.

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

With HYPNOS, you can easily drive both existing and future open-back ribbon models simply by activating the corresponding EQ curve—without external filters.

HYPNOS represents our step into the new standard established by ribbon headphones. It fulfills users’ desire to connect ribbon headphones to an amplifier just like any other type—without relying on interface transformers or special adapter cables.

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

Subtle yet authoritative: HYPNOS gives audiophiles the opportunity to own a single amplifier capable of driving virtually all types of headphones (except electrostatic headphones) without external adapters or dongles.

We are convinced that audio enthusiasts will love the HYPNOS. It gives instruments and voices a new, enhanced presence across all types of headphones and makes the ribbon headphone experience more seamless, enjoyable, and sonically complete through its direct drive.

Technical specifications

• Headphone output load impedance – Direct:

  • Direct output: 0.3–0.5 Ω (for 4-pin XLR ribbon headphones) and 4–600 Ω for other connectors

• Speaker output load impedance: 4–16 Ω

• Output power:

  • 25 W / 4 Ω

  • 15 W / 8 Ω

  • 8 W / 16 Ω

  • 4 W / 32 Ω

  • 2 W / 64 Ω

  • 1 W / 120 Ω

  • 0.5 W / 300 Ω

  • 0.25 W / 600 Ω at 1 kHz / sine wave

• Frequency response: Output 10 V sine wave: 10 Hz – 50 kHz (-0.5 dB / ±1 dB)

• Power bandwidth: Better than 10 Hz – 50 kHz (-0.5 dB / ±1 dB) at 5 W / 16 Ω

• Total harmonic distortion (THD): Better than 0.15% at 1 kHz

• Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): Better than 93 dB

• Input impedance: 10 kΩ via input audio transformers with Permalloy cores

• Input sensitivity for full output: 0.7 V RMS

• Maximum input overload voltage: 8.5 V RMS (25 V peak-to-peak)

• Inputs:

  • INPUT 1: 2x RCA (Cinch) unbalanced (single-ended)

  • INPUT 2: 2x 3-pin balanced XLR (female)

• Outputs:

  • 1x 4-pin female XLR + 6.3 mm jack – Direct

  • 1x 4-pin female XLR + 6.3 mm jack + 4.4 mm for direct IEM / attenuation 5–10 dB (balanced magnetostatic & dynamic headphones)

• Max. power consumption: 150 W, 40 W without signal

• Operating voltage: 115 V / 230 V AC (selector switch)

• Dimensions: Height 130 mm, width 395 mm, depth 250 mm

• Weight: Net weight: 10 kg, packaged: 10.5 kg

• Remote control: YES – Type RC-1