The SECRETS of audio design. Interview with Sparkos Labs CEO & Team

Checkout Sparkos Labs here: https://bit.ly/SparkosLabs

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Delve deep into the world of audiophile amplifiers as host Lachlan chats with Andrew, Alisa and Lutz from Sparkos Labs - renowned manufacturers of discrete op-amps and the Aries and Gemini headphone amplifiers. Unravel the enigmatic nuances of tube amplification, starting with the intriguing insights into the Gemini's tuning for the 6922 tubes and Andrew's personal favorite tubes for the amp.

Discover the impact of bias settings on the amplifier's sound signature. Understand the intricacies of circuit design, distinguishing between discrete and integrated designs and their effects on sound quality.

The conversation delves into the role of feedback in amplifiers—when it enhances performance and when it leads to undesirable outcomes. Explore the reasons behind some amps sounding "lifeless" and the merits of single-ended amplification for harmonic content.

Andrew sheds light on technical concepts like truth about balanced vs single-ended and their partnership with Geshelli Labs, offering a peek into future developments in Sparkos products.

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00:00 Welcome
00:52 Introduction to Sparkos
09:15 Was the Gemini tuned for the 6922 tubes?
10:44 How does the bias setting change the sound of the amp?
16:15 Andrew's favourite tubes in the Gemini
20:38 Using socket savers in the Gemini amp
23:03 Why isn't the Gemini pre-amp output pure tube?
27:49 When is feedback good or bad?
30:51 Why do discrete designs sound better than integrated?
36:32 The subtleties of circuit design
42:33 Back to feedback: is there such a thing as too much?
44:35 Why do some amps sound lifeless?
49:52 Is single ended better for even order harmonic content?
52:27 What does differential mean exactly?
54:19 How did the Geshelli Labs partnership arise?
58:43 Using the Sparkos Pro op-amp in 8-pin circuits
1:01:13 Future plans for Sparkos products
1:09:45 Wrap-up


#audiophile #audioreview #interview