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John
RNHP. Rupert Neve Headphone Amplifier. The hitherto pro audio company, fronted by the titular Brit, have plucked the headphone circuit from their 5060 Centerpiece Desktop Mixer to fire a first salvo into consumer audio territory.
From the murky Circus Tent-housed CanJam at RMAF 2016, co-founder Josh Thomas and Dennis Alichwer introduce us to the new guy.
The RNHP is a simple as they come: three line-level inputs (XLR/TRS, RCA and 3.5mm) feed a single 6.4mm headphone socket. Output impedance clocks in at a vanishingly low 0.08 Ohms – AOK for those custom IEMs. The circuit is a Class A/B but biased into Class A with output power rated at ~350mW into 44 Ohms.
Listening via a pair of Audeze LCD-XC with an Astell&Kern DAP on source duties, the RNHP’s presentation was sturdy and solid with zero evidence of treble glare. Just the way I like it. At US$499, consider this headphone amplifier as flagged by yours truly as well worthy of further investigation.
FYI: Neve = “Neev”.
Further information: Rupert Neve Designs
