C.E.C. HD53R Ver8.0 Headphone amplifier

Amplifiers with two headphone outputs are not uncommon now. However, these ones, which we have already got acquainted with, have only one general volume control, which is not very fair, since one of the two listeners will probably have to be content with not the most comfortable volume. C.E.C. HD53R Ver8.0 has two separate controls. Moreover, each "half" has two connectors - 6.3 and 3.5 mm, what eliminates the need to use adapters. In addition, the right regulator controls the outputs for loudspeakers - they develop power up to 2 x 10 W at a load of 4 Ohms.

Another feature of C.E.C. HD53R Ver8.0 amplifier is the presence of balanced inputs (XLR), which are switched with usual ones (RCA), allowing you to connect the amplifier to balanced sources. Interfaces are switched by the button on the back panel. There is also a gain selection toggle ( 12, 0, or 6 dB).

Two proprietary patented technologies are implemented in the amplifier: LEF (optimizes the operation of the output stages) and IGM (intelligent volume control, which allows to avoid distortions when the gain changes).

And, judging by the sound, both technologies are very effective - the amplifier plays extremely large and expressive. Switching the gain to -12 dB makes the sound more sophisticated and noble; at 6 dB it gets a dramatic brightness. A position of 0 dB gives a neutral and extremely accurate transmission. Here are luxury bass, great dynamics, and, at the same time, no sharpness.

C.E.C. HD53R Ver8.0 amplifier easily withstands the pass to a low-impedance load - in AKG K271 headphones, a slight emphasis appears in high frequencies, the lower part of the range becomes a little more restrained. But this is clearly due to the nature of the headphones themselves.

In hard rock from Def Leppard, there is a feeling that the dynamic range is slightly compressed, but this does only a power of good - there is no impression that the music is pressing on the ears. All instruments are clearly audible, although I don't want to analyze this sound stream at all - the music just lugs away...