Feliks Audio Envy Headphone Amplifier

Panel Description

Front Panel:

• 1. STANDBY touch switch: Touch-sensitive button with LED indicator for standby mode.
• 2. LED indicator: Indicates the operational status of the device.
• 3. XLR headphones output: Balanced headphone output.
• 4. 6.3 mm headphones output: Unbalanced headphone output.
• 5. Volume control: Knob for adjusting the audio volume.
• 6. Gain selector: Switch for selecting the output gain level (Low, Mid, Hi).
• 7. Source selector: Allows selection of the audio input source (IN1, IN2, IN3).

Back Panel:

• 1. AC power connection, fuse socket, main power switch: Connects the device to the mains power and houses the main power switch and fuse.
• 2. RCA input sockets (IN1, IN2): Unbalanced audio inputs.
• 3. XLR (balanced) input (IN3): Balanced audio input.
• 4. RCA pre-amp output: Unbalanced pre-amplifier output.
• 5. XLR pre-amp output: Balanced pre-amplifier output.
• 6. XLR/RCA output selector (pre-amp): Selects the output type for the pre-amplifier stage.

General Safety Instructions

READ BEFORE FIRST USE!

• The amplifier must be plugged into a power socket with a ground connection.
• Tubes can reach operational temperatures exceeding 150°C (300°F). Tube exchange should only be performed with the device unplugged from AC power and after allowing the tubes to cool down for at least 15 minutes.
• Due to natural heat emission from tubes, the amplifier is not recommended for continuous use exceeding 8 hours. After this period, turn off and cool down the device for at least 1 hour.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on, pinched, or overheated, especially by the tubes.

Device Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for the amplifier's longevity. The upper and lower covers have ventilation holes to ensure free airflow. Bottom holes provide cool air, which flows through the device and exits at the top. Do not obstruct airflow. Maintain at least 30 cm (12 inches) of free space above the tubes and 10 cm (4 inches) around the rear and sides. Do not place the device on any heat source. All ventilation openings must remain uncovered during operation.

Installation and Break-in Period

Before the first use, install the tubes in their sockets carefully, ensuring pins align with the socket holes. New amplifiers require a break-in period of approximately 50 hours of normal use for optimal sound quality. Tubes reach operational temperature about 15 minutes after powering on. Ensure all tubes are installed before powering on the amplifier.

Safety during installation:

• Never place the unit in an unstable location. A falling device can cause serious injury or death.
• Only use furniture that can safely support the device.
• Ensure the amplifier does not overheat the supporting furniture.
• Do not place the device on tall furniture without anchoring it.
• Avoid placing the amplifier on cloth or other materials that could obstruct ventilation between the unit and the furniture.
• Keep the device out of the reach of children.

About Feliks Audio

Feliks Audio is a boutique manufacturer specializing in hand-crafted tube amplifiers, with over 20 years of experience in audio solutions. All products are engineered, tuned, and assembled in Lubliniec, Poland. Feliks Audio creates unique designs that blend technology and tradition, with models like Echo, Espressivo, Elise, and Euforia gaining international recognition. The company prioritizes honest sound, meticulous technical detail, and beautiful finishes, adhering to design simplicity to ensure a pure and true audio output.

Envy Headphone Amplifier

The Envy is a Single-Ended Class A headphone tube amplifier featuring 300B tubes and transformer-coupled output. It is designed to drive planar magnetic and dynamic headphones with impedances ranging from 16 to 600 Ohms.

The amplifier features a solid metal chassis with a natural oiled wood finish. The front panel includes balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (6.3 mm) headphone outputs, a touch-sensitive standby button with an LED indicator, a volume control knob, an impedance selector, and an audio source selector. The audio source selector allows choosing between unbalanced RCA inputs (IN1, IN2) and a balanced XLR input (IN3).

For a full power-off, use the physical switch on the rear panel near the AC connector. The Envy can also function as a pre-amplifier with a maximum output of 10V RMS, offering both RCA and XLR pre-amplifier outputs. The output voltage is regulated by the volume knob.

Gain Selection

The Envy amplifier supports various headphones through its GAIN selector, which regulates output gain:

• Low (gain): Recommended for dynamic headphones with impedance from 16 to 60 Ohms.
• Mid (gain): Recommended for headphones with impedance from 60 to 300 Ohms, including most planar magnetic headphones.
• Hi (gain): Recommended for demanding planar magnetic headphones and dynamic headphones with impedance from 300 to 600 Ohms.

When the impedance/gain range is set to "Mid", stereo speakers with a recommended sensitivity of <94 dB can be connected to the 6.3 mm headphone output, delivering approximately 5 Watts of output power.

Electrical Design

The amplifier utilizes "point-to-point" wiring technology with custom-made single crystal copper wires (UPOCC for the Performance edition) and Teflon isolation. It features an Alps RK27 potentiometer, a two-stage pre-amplifier with CV-181 tubes, and high-end coupling capacitors. The power tubes are directly heated 300B tubes, and both output and mains transformers are custom-made high-end audio units.

The amplifier has fully automatic bias and a "zero feedback" electrical circuit. The power tubes are heated with direct current (DC) via a dedicated circuit. The power supply for anode voltages uses semiconductor components, including MOSFET transistors and low-noise current sources. Symmetrical, audio-grade Lundahl transformers are used for the XLR balanced inputs. Audio source selection is managed by high-end low-signal relays placed near the input connectors to minimize interference and noise.

Technical Specification

• Power tubes: 300B
• Driver tubes: CV-181 (6SN7)
• Inputs: 2x unbalanced RCA (IN1, IN2), 1x balanced XLR (IN3)
• Input sensitivity: 1V RMS
• Input impedance: IN1/IN2 (RCA) 100 kΩ, IN3 (XLR) 10 kΩ
• Pre-amplifier outputs: 1x pair RCA, 1x pair XLR
• Max pre-amp output voltage: 5V RMS (at 600Ω load, THD <0.5%)
• Amplifier impedance (at various settings):
  • LO at 32Ω load: 3.8Ω
  • MID at 100Ω load: 8.8Ω
  • HI at 600Ω load: 20Ω
• Output power (at MID impedance, 16Ω load): 5W (THD <1%), Max 8W (THD <5%)
• Frequency response: 8Hz–100kHz ±3dB, 18Hz–40kHz ±1dB
• Headphone outputs: 6.3mm and XLR
• AC voltage: 230V version (±5%), 115V version (±5%), 50/60Hz
• Power consumption: 110 VA
• Weight: 15.1 kg (without packaging)
• Dimensions (LxWxH): 35 x 33 x 18.5 cm (without tubes), 35 x 33 x 24.5 cm (with tubes)

Tubes - Alternatives

The following tubes can be safely used as alternatives to the originally provided tubes (always replace tubes in pairs):

• Power tubes: Other variants of 300B
• Driver tubes: 6SN7, CV-181

General Safety Instructions

• This device is not intended for continuous use exceeding 8 hours. Turn off and cool down for at least 1 hour afterward.
• Protect the power cord from damage (walking on, pinching, overheating by tubes).
• Using tubes other than those specified is prohibited and may cause danger or damage.
• Unplug the device during lightning storms or when unused for extended periods.

Hearing Protection

WARNING:

• Prevention of hearing loss: Permanent hearing loss may occur if headphones are used at high volume for prolonged periods.
• To prevent hearing damage, do not listen at high volume levels for extended durations.
• Before putting on headphones, lower the volume to a comfortable listening level.

Compliance

Feliks Audio declares that this device complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the Low Voltage Directive LVD - 2014/35/EU.

Support

Feliks Audio wishes you many enjoyable hours with your new tube amplifier. For inquiries, contact Feliks Audio directly at info@feliksaudio.pl or your local dealer.

Warranty Card

This warranty card must be completed by the seller. For warranty service, include a copy of your purchase receipt and a description of the fault with this card.

• Warranty start date: [Date]
• Product name: Envy
• Serial number: [Serial Number]
• Seller Signature: [Signature]