Upgraded Amplifier Improves Performance and Updates
Design to Better Match Other AURALiC Components
AURALiC LIMITED has announced the TAURUS MKII Balanced Headphone Amplifier, soon to be introduced in the United States. The MKII version of the TAURUS Balanced Headphone Amplifier adds several exciting electronic improvements and changes the chassis from black to white to better match and complement AURALiC’s other advanced audio components.
Named after the constellation Taurus, most visible in the northern hemisphere's winter sky, the TAURUS MKII was designed with a unique four-way output structure that lets users easily configure the amplifier into standard or balanced driving modes by simply pressing a font-panel button. Both modes are compatible with the 6.35mm jack all dynamic headphones use, and enable headphones with 4-pin balanced connections, like Audeze’s LCD3 Planar Magnetic model, to benefit from fully balanced driving with boosted sonic performance.
Using the latest, most advanced production methods, AURALiC has packed the TAURUS MKII’s compact chassis with several patented technologies. For example: AURALiC’s patented ORFEO Class-A output module, inspired by the Neve 8078 analog console, empowers the TAURUS MKII with sufficient driving capability to deliver 1,000 to 4,500 milliwatts into various loads. This enables the TAURUS MKII to extract maximum performance out of every headphone to which it is connected.
The TAURUS MKII also employs a sophisticated ultra-low-noise input buffer designed to meet headphones’ specific requirements. The buffer maintains a high input impedance and an extraordinarily low noise level. This endows the TAURUS MKII with a dynamic range of more than 130dB and compatibility with any kind of source, even components with high-output impedances.
The TAURUS MKII builds on the design of the original award-winning TAURUS, launched in 2010, by concentrating all surface-mounted components in an audio signal patch. It also increased the TAURUS’ EMI shielding, reducing noise from the input buffer to 0.8uV, less than half the level of the original. Additionally, AURALiC improved the input switch circuit to increase the isolation among different input channels, which boosts performance when the TAURUS MKII is connected to multiple sources.
The TAURUS MKII’s connection package includes access capabilities on both the front and rear panels. The front panel includes 6.35mm stereo and 4-pin balanced headphone jacks, along with a power button, an LED indicator, input and mode control buttons, and a volume control. The rear panel includes RCA and XLR analog inputs, RCA and XLR pre-amp outputs, and a power cord socket.
Pairing the TAURUS MKII with AURALiC’s VEGA Digital Audio Processor gives listeners the best of two worlds. The VEGA is a next-generation processor that delivers uncompromising high-resolution sound. It supports all high-resolution music formats, including DSD (Direct Stream Digital), Double Rate DSD and DXD (Digital eXtreme Definition), making the VEGA a perfect partner for the TAURUS MKII.
The TAURUS MKII Balanced Headphone Amplifier is available now from AURALiC and authorized dealers at a suggested price of $1,899 (USD).
About AURALiC
AURALIC LIMITED is passionately committed to designing, engineering and manufacturing user-friendly audio components that combine modern audio technologies with superior design, providing music lovers with a new way of enjoying music. Its growing family of products includes the VEGA Digital Audio Processor, the MERAK 400-Watt Monoblock Power Amplifier and the TAURUS PRE Balanced Line Stage Preamplifier.
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For further technical information, visit AURALiC's website at AURALiC