Graham Slee Novo Headphone Amplifier

Graham Slee Novo Headphone Amplifier

The Graham Slee Novo Headphone Amplifier is available for demonstration in our Hull store by request

The Graham Slee Novo headphone amplifier has earned its stripes as an award-winning, cost-effective headphone amplifier. Its diminutive design belies its impressive performance and consistent positive reviews. It is recognised and highly respected within the industry, and its well-balanced sound and versatile capabilities are much valued by headphone users.

Distinct from many budget competitors, the Novo amplifier distinguishes itself by implementing discrete transistors in its circuitry, a noteworthy departure from the commonly used operational amplifiers or op-amps. Despite its compact and discreet dimensions, the Novo amplifier delivers a performance that defies its modest stature.

The Novo arrives with a standard outboard power supply, with an option for users to upgrade to the more advanced PSU1 power supply. In terms of technical specifics, the Novo sports a headphone impedance range of 16 to 600 Ohms, provides a power output of 27mW/channel for 32 Ohms and 23mW/channel for 600 Ohms, achieves a minuscule distortion of just 0.02%, and exhibits a frequency response stretching from 27Hz to 35kHz for a 32 Ohms load.

Positive reviews are not scarce for the Novo, with users frequently praising its well-balanced audio, crystal-clear treble, warm midrange, and vibrant bass. This acclaim from users highlights the Novo as an excellent choice for regular, long-term headphone listening.

The  Graham Slee Novo amplifier doesn't merely come off a production line; it is carefully designed and handmade by HIFI SYSTEM COMPONENTS LTD, based near Sheffield, England.

Inline Functionality: Often referred to as "chained" or "daisy-chained," the Novo amplifier exhibits a characteristic feature involving two pairs of phono sockets. These sockets are cross-joined so that the input you provide gets relayed out to your other equipment. Simultaneously, the Novo also picks up its signal from that junction. The amplifier's high input impedance means that it doesn't overload or strain the signal, ensuring optimal audio delivery.

No Dangerous DC on the Headphone Output: DC offset, even in small amounts, can generate heat in the windings of headphone transducers. Over time, this heat could weaken the adhesive holding the voice-coils in place, eventually leading to diminished headphone performance. The Novo amplifier is designed to prevent this issue. All of its headphone amplifiers are equipped to block DC offset, thereby protecting your headphones from potential damage.

Headphone Sensitivity Volume Control: This feature distinguishes itself from conventional volume controls. The Novo amplifier's volume control is engineered to be used across its full rotation, accommodating a wide array of headphone impedances and sensitivities. As such, it negates the need for gain switches, which could otherwise lead to varied performance characteristics depending on the gain setting.

Energy Efficient Power Supply: In alignment with global carbon reduction targets, the Novo headphone amplifier comes standard with a silent, energy-efficient power supply. This feature contributes to its eco-friendly footprint while ensuring silent operation for an uninterrupted listening experience.

Part Exchange Available

As you would expect from Fanthorpes hifi, we offer a generous part exchange against the Graham Slee Novo Headphone Amplifier. If you have any hifi that you wish to use as part payment then either call us on 01482 223096 or email us at shop@fanthorpes.co.uk and we will give you a price to change. This is a fantastic and hassle-free way of making the Graham Slee Novo more affordable.

Graham Slee Novo Headphone Amplifier Specification:

• Dimensions: L. 10.5 W. 10.5 H. 5 (cm) approx. excluding controls and connectors
• Output: 150mW rms into 32 Ohms, 40mW rms into 600 Ohms (both channels fully driven - 0.05% THD)
• Frequency Response (worst case): Flat: 43Hz to 16kHz (-1dB), 22Hz to 30kHz (-3dB) (volume control at 3 o'clock position)
• Channel Balance: 0.5dB typical
• Hum & Noise: -80dB CCIR Q-pk 20Hz-20kHz (into 30 Ohms)
• Stereo Crosstalk: -64dB typical
• Distortion (THD+Noise): 0.02% at 1 kHz into 30 Ohms, and 12 o'clock volume control position.