SINGLE ENDED PHONO STAGE
We proudly present Hermes - the new phono stage in the Prestige Series
“Debuting at Munich High End May 2025, the new “baby” phono stage, the Hermes is our smallest phono design, but promises to deliver unparalled performance to value ratio.“
DESIGNER
Keep it simple
Compared to our bigger phono systems, the Hermes is an exercise in simplicity, yet it is still complex enough to deliver what we feel is end-game performance.
It is a 3+1 tube stage design, with single ended only inputs and outputs, trying to optimize the performance using simple SE circiuts instead using complex topologies which would be compromised due to the cost/size/weight constraints of this project.
The Design Concept
The Hermes core gain stage uses three single ended tube stages. The input/main gain stage, uses a single 6j11 / E280F family tube to drive the next stage, which is a parallel single ended stage, which is loaded with our custom made low-constant-impedance LRC RIAA filters. This approach of RIAA equalization is derived from our bigger models, and we believe is the most transparent and open sounding solution when it comes for RIAA correction EQ.
The filters drive the output stage, which is again a parallel single ended stage , using our trusted 6j11/E280F tube stages.
The input/gain can be set as the input stage(direct input) providing 66-70db of gain. However, we took the Hermes project one step further, with the introduction of our E-Sut technology.
The Hermes circuit layout is clean, following our strict rules on circuit structure regarding signal integrity, magnetic interference and heat management.
Flexible range of inputs
The Hermes comes with two (or optionally three) inputs.
The Direct input accesses the main 66-70db all-tube gain stages. You can use this input with a variety of high output MC carts or use an external Step up transformer connected to the direct input.
The E-Sut is a proprietary input stage that delivers an additional 14db of gain. The loading characteristics of this stage is a mic between resistive and current loading. Having this characteristics, provides a very unique loading behavior than most low output cart generators prefer.
The Hermes has an option for an internal Step Up transformer input. The standard fit is a 30db SUT, that can be customized on demand. Loading for Direct input is achieved by loading modules installed inside the device’s main PCB.
Dual chassis design
The Hermes’ PSU is separated in it’s own small chassis. This is necessary in order to completely isolate stray magnetic fields and EMI generated by the power supplies’ circuits and well as mechanical noise from the power transformer. Separate SuperCapacitor PSU is used for the E-Sut stage. The high current/capacity bank supplied noiseless power to the very high gain stages, a high necessity to achieve extremely low noise floor.
What is E-Sut?
The need to amplify extremely weak signal without degrading pushed us to think ofsolutions outside of the norm. Enter, the space charge tube. This very special type of tube was designed for low-signal amplification, and presents some very interesting behavior when amplifying extremely weak signals. We developed a special gain stage using a space-charged tube stage early at the beginning of the company, but we never fully developed it into a product, though we clearly recognized it’s benefits of amplifying extremely low level signals.
The E-Sut stage is based on a special type of space charge tube, with a tricky circuit. The E-Sut presents a load to the phono cartridge generator which is nor inductive nor purely resistive but a mix a resistive and current load(sink). This loading effect is really beneficial to a lot of modern low output-low impedance cartridges.
Such a stage required extremely low noise power supplies. The complete E-Sut system is powered by a bank of Supercapacitors, which enough energy to run the stage for an hour after power cut off. This extreme solution is needed when dealing with active stages with gain of >80db.
Technical Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS | |
Basic gain structure: | 66dB |
E-Sut gain (standard): | 14db (80db total) |
Optional sut: | X30 (30db) (96db total) |
Noise floor: | -70db Non-weighted, >100db SNR |
Inputs: | 1X E-Sut (standard). No limit in loading resistance values. |
RIAA EQ: | Discrete LCR system with custom coils |
Ouputs: | Single Ended, 500 ohm output resistance |
Tube compliment: | 2x 12AE6 (E-sut) double or single tubes) E810F, D3A, E180F, 6j11, E282F etc. |
External PSU: | Solid state rectified for tube stage. |
Inputs: | Customizable |
Max Output: | 10Vrms |
Loading Resistance/capacitance: | Unlimited combinations. |
Dimensions: | Gain Stage: 500mm W x 490mm D X 165mm H |
Weight: | Gain stage: 34kg. PSU: 4kg |
