Quad

Vacuum tube amplifiers are known for delivering detailed and transparent sound, that's never too harsh. And the British hi-fi company Quad has been working with tubes since 1940. So they knew the right chords to strike when they created the PA-One headphone amp. They use the term "valves" across the pond, but the beautiful glowing glass and familiar sonic characteristics are universal. Just don't think this amp is only about the warm feeling of nostalgia. The PA-One is ready to work with modern music sources — there are digital and analog inputs, along with a high-resolution digital-to-analog converter. And it will make the latest and greatest high-end headphones really sing. Crutchfield's Demo Days setup included our honorary employee: "Hedley" the mannequin. Big thanks to our hardworking "Demo Days" crew! They recently set up the Quad PA-One Valve Series headphone amp on the top floor of Crutchfield HQ, so we could all spend some time with it. Our music source was the stellar Sony HA-PZ1ES high-res audio...