Poland-based Feliks Audio specializes in high-end vacuum tube audio products including a line of rather unique headphone amplifiers. Their latest entry into the headphone amplifier category is the Limited Edition Envy Meisterwerk. This unit represents another iteration of the previously released Envy, with an emphasis on both style and performance.
The Tubes
At its core, the Envy Meisterwerk incorporates Western Electric 300B Output Tubes. As the inventor of vacuum tube technology, Western Electric pioneered vacuum tube technology in the 1900s. The 300B was introduced way back in 1938 and has stood the test of time for its audio quality to this day with a 40,000-hour expected life.
Whilst there are a number of other 300B output tubes available on the market from vendors in China, Russia (which are still banned because of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine), and elsewhere — the Western Electric 300B is still very popular and extremely expensive.
Precision Engineering
To support the 300B’s, the Envy Meisterwerk includes optimized circuitry and selected supporting driver tubes. This maximizes the performance of the 300B tubes for clarity and depth. Also, in keeping up with modern eco-consciousness, the Envy Meisterwerk is built from responsibly sourced materials.
Input Options
The Envy also providess two sets of analog RCA and XLR inputs for wired sources. Although the Envy is all analog and has no wireless functionality, you can connect it to digital sources provided they have built-in DAC and analog audio outputs. You can also connect a turntable that has a built-in phono preamp or place a phono preamp between the turntable and Envy’s inputs.
Preamp Outputs
In addition to being a headphone amplifier, the Envy Meisterwerk includes both RCA and XLR preamp outputs for connection to external powered speakers, an amplifier, or an audio system for connection to speakers.
Specifications
Let’s dig a little deeper into what makes the Envy Masterwerk tick with regard to the actual needs and desires of headphone listeners.
Price €9,235 (Zebrano finish)
€12,596 (Ebony finish)Amplifier Type Class A Single-ended transformer coupled Power Tubes 2 x Western Electric 300B Driver Tubes 2 x PsVane CV-181 mk2 (6SN7) Audio Inputs 2x unbalanced RCA inputs (IN1, IN2)
1x balanced XLR input (IN3)Input Sensitivity 1V RMS Input Impedance For IN1 i IN2 (RCA) 100kΩ
For IN3 (XLR) 10kΩPreamp Outputs 1x pair RCA
1x pair XLRPreamp Outputs Maximum Voltage 5V (RMS) at an output impedance of 600Ω and THD<0,5% Impedance Selector Options LO – up to 60Ω
MID – up to 300Ω
HI – up to 600Ω–mnhAmplifier Impedance LO at 32Ω load is 3.8Ω
MID at 100Ω load is 8.8Ω
HI at 600Ω is 20ΩAmplifier Power Output Measured at MID impedance setting at load of 16Ω is 5W with THD ⩽1% (maximum 8W at THD >5%) Frequency Response 8Hz-100kHz ±3dB
18Hz-40kHz ±1dBHeadphone Outputs 1 x 6.3mm
1 x XLRAC voltage 50/60Hz 230V version (±5%)
115V version (±5%)Power Consumption 110VA Dimensions (LxWxH) 35x33x18.5cm – without tubes
35x33x24.5cm – with tubesWeight 15.1 kg Included Accessories 2 x 300B Power Tubes
2 x CV-181(6SN7) Driver Tubes
AC cord
User Manual
Warranty Card
Bottom Line
We first encountered one of the previous incarnations of the Feliks Audio Envy Headphone Amp at T.H.E. Show 2023. At $8,000 (US), the Envy provided impressive performance with a variety of high-end headphones.
The Feliks Limited Edition Meisterwerk version takes engineering up a notch with a $1,200 or $4,500 jump in price depending on the selected finish.
What makes the Limited Edition Meisterwerk version different is that although previous Envy models used 300B power tubes from various manufacturers, the Meisterwerk is the first-ever Feliks amp to use the original Western Electric 300B tubes. To use these tubes, Feliks also modified the internal circuitry of the amp to match their power, but the Meisterwerk maintains the original sound character and design of previous Envy’s.
Whether the implemented upgrades justify the big jump in price is the question.
Price & Availability
The Feliks Audio Envy Meisterwerk is available exclusively from headphone.shop for €9,235 (Zebrano finish) or €12,596 (Ebony finish). Contact headphone.shop for US pricing.
The previous Envy and Envy Performance models start at $8,000 and are also available at Headphones.com and Audio46.
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