Product Description

Paltauf Audio – KHV ESD II  – Open Box / as new

This Paltauf Audio – KHV ESD II amplifier allows you to use high-quality electrostatic or electrodynamic headphones. A transformer in the unit’s output converts the high signal voltage into a powerful output signal capable of driving even the most demanding electrodynamic headphones. 

This device combines all of our amplifiers’ strengths and virtues: naturalness, dynamics, colorful, multi-layered tones, and effortless playback of the most complex music signals.

Plus version with power supply unit with wooden side panels matching the amplifier and additional upgrade tubes.

Paltauf Audio – KHV ESD II Technology & Tubes

The KHV-ESD thus represents the trio’s universal tube genius. The output signal is generated by two triode-connected TUNG SOL EL84 per channel, in conjunction with a push-pull output transformer from the Swedish manufacturer LUNDAHL, with the signal for the electrostatic headphones tapped directly at the anodes of the end tubes.

The push-pull circuit with output transformer not only provides a sufficiently high operating voltage for all common electrostatic devices at all times but also quite impressive power reserves on the secondary side for all (ortho)dynamic ear loudspeakers, which are typically driven with relatively low signal voltages.

The triode operation also causes the end tubes to be low-impedance, which is responsible for the tube amplifier’s high upper limit frequency, among other things. 

Furthermore, the PALTAUF KHV-ESD has extremely low distortion because the K2 distortions that are primarily produced in the tubes are almost completely eliminated in the output transformer.

The phase reversal stage, which is precisely implemented in the PALTAUF KHV-ESD using semiconductors (Mosfets). It is critical for the proper operation of a push-pull amplifier. This allows two signals to be offset by exactly 180° with perfect phase and amplitude symmetry far beyond the audible range.

An interference-free power supply is also required to ensure excellent signal quality from the tube amplifier at all times. Especially if the output tubes are connected as triodes. Both EL84 pairs include proper stabilization circuitry, as well as a preamp section and phase inversion.

Aesthetic Sound with Optimum Comfort 

The Austrian tube amplifier produces a strong sound center while ignoring the other frequency ranges. Analytical headphones. In particular, such as the AKG 812 PRO, benefit from the KHV-body-rich ESD’s fundamental tone. Which gives voices and instruments an incredible degree of plasticity.

The PALTAUF’s fascinating way of meticulously resolving complex musical events. As it was perfectly separated and fixed point-stable in space, undoubtedly has a world-class format. The tube amplifier also highlights the most subtle shades in excellent recordings. Never losing sight of the big picture due to acoustic focus.

The KHV-ESD also has a lot of pressure and excellent impulse fidelity in the bass range. Even in comparison to the performance-hungry HIFIMAN SUSVARA. The PALTAUF impresses with an exemplary structuring of dynamic bass lines without softening the contours at high listening levels. Awful headphone cinema.

Only in the deep bass does the tube amp fall short of my reference RIVIERA AIC10. Because the latter simply descends a few levels deeper into the frequency range. While also illuminating the farthest corners even more studiously – albeit at a much higher price.

Last Thought about Paltauf Audio – KHV ESD II

The exceptional musical performance and high functionality. Should more knights of the grail of fine tones fall for the Austrian sirens in the future? It is hoped that Wolfgang Paltauf will not fall too far behind with the manual production of his range of amplifiers. An amp to lead them, find them, drive them into the light, and forever bind them.

Paltauf Audio – KHV ESD II Specification:

• For electrostatic headphones
  Max. Output voltage 900 Vpp
• For electrodynamic headphones
  Max. output voltage Output voltage 36 Vpp
• Loud output:
  15 Ohm 5.6 W
  120 Ohm 1.5W
  600 Ohm 0.3W
• Quiet output:
  15 Ohm 1.2W
  32 Ohm 0.6W
• Frequency response: 20Hz (-0.45db ) to 85,000Hz (-1db)ConnectionsInputs:
• 2x stereo high-level inputs RCA
• 1x stereo high-level input XLR balancedOutputs:
• 1x 5-pin output, Pro Bias
• 1x 6-pin normal bias output
• 1 x 4-pin XLR output with low output voltage
• 1 x 6.35 mm jack output with low output voltage
• 1 x 4-pin XLR output with high output voltage
• 1 x output jack 6.35 mm with high output voltage
• 1 x stereo preamp output RCA adjustableDimensions
  Depth: 34 cm
  Width: 38 cm
  Height: 14 cm