Pathos InPol Ear Reference Headphone Amplifier

A class-A hybrid with two Electro-Harmonix 6922’s and Pathos’ InPol circuit

InPol Ear is a pure class-A integrated headphone amplifier, with a fully balanced latest generation double InPol. It features two balanced and one unbalanced output and allows the addition of the HiDac Mk2 converter. The balanced output offers 10 W into 16 ohm, and the single-ended, 6 W into 16 ohm.

InPol (Inseguitore Pompa Lineare – Linear Pump Follower) is a Pathos patented system that allows for much greater output in pure Class A. This fully balanced circuit design uses a single solid-state component in follower configuration, with a high-current gain and voltage gain together. Think of the directness of SET with the control and damping of solid-state. InPol technology allows the tube input stage to effectively drive your speakers with no further amplification. 

An optional HiDac Mk2 converter offers a high-quality onboard DAC with digital inputs. 

“We buy the tree”

The Pathos story is best told by a tree. Specifically, the entire padouk tree trunk that’s bought by this Italian audio manufacturer, then cut into planks in-house, with the final pieces hand-polished by the son of the Pathos owner himself.

The panel may not contribute to the sound, but this approach says everything about the great sonics you do hear. Having control of entire manufacturing processes from start to finish means that the Pathos TT is the very best amp it can possibly be at its price-point. These are the very best amps Kevin has heard, and it is Pathos that he has picked for his reference system at home. 

The InPol Ear has Pathos’ eye-catching (and highly effective) logo-shaped heatsinks, and comes in a range of center panel options.

“The only thing I regret is not having bought this amplifier 3-4 years ago!!”

Read the detailed, unsolicited customer reviews below. This amp is truly beloved, and always steals the show at our tables at CanJam or RMAF or Axpona. If you’re not able to visit us, look out for the next show we’re attending and bring your favorite headphones to listen to this Italian beauty!

Specifications

Type: Reference stereo integrated amplifier for headphones. Pure Class A double INPOL technology 

Output power (unbalanced, balanced)
32 Ω: 3 W, 10 W
50 Ω: 1.9 W, 6.4 W
120 Ω: 800 mW, 2.7 W
300 Ω: 320 mW, 1 W
600 Ω: 160 mW, 533 mW

Tube type: 2 x 6922 Electro-Harmonix

Output impedance (unbalanced, balanced): 0.45 ohm, 0.9 ohm
Frequency response: 2 Hz – 200 kHz ± 0.5 db
Input sensitivity: 2.2 V RMS
Input impedance: 100 kOhm
Output polarity: Selectable by remote control
Volume regulator: 2 x Burr Brown PGA2310 (180 steps 0.5 dB)
THD: 0.1% @ 11 W
S/N Ratio: > 100 dB
Max input voltage: 4.4 V RMS
Max output voltage (unbalanced, balanced): 10 V RMS, 20 V RMS
Preamplifier gain: 9 db
Outputs: 1 x balanced XLR, 1 x RCA

Connections
Analog line inputs: 1 x balanced XLR, 4 x RCA 
Digital inputs (optional HiDac Mk2 board required): 1 x USB B, 1 x S/PDIF coaxial, 1 x S/PDIF optical
Outputs: 1 x pre out RCA (pre-output phase can be selected), 1 x pre out balanced XLR, 1 x 6.3 mm headphone, 2 x 4 pin XLR
Power consumption: 110 W
Dimensions (WHD): 11″ x 14.56″ x 7″
Weight:  27.5 lb (12.5 kg)