Leema Acoustics Hydra II Anniversary Edition

Description

Hydra II Anniversary Edition

The Hydra II Anniversary Edition is both highly flexible and hugely powerful. Its dual-mono design uses two massive toroidal power transformers, one for each channel, together with a separate transformer for the control circuitry.

The highly refined output stage benefits from very low output impedance. This, coupled with a high current capability, ensures vice-like grip and precise control of loudspeakers, even at very high levels. Full LIPS® implementation (Leema’s proprietary communication system) allows for flexible integration with other Leema Acoustics products.

Internally, the amplifier features upgraded printed circuit boards with twice the amount of copper to further reduce the resistance of PCB traces and improve power delivery. All relevant capacitors have been upgraded to Nichicon’s high-quality audio-grade MUSE Series and the PCB-to-speaker-terminal wiring is Leema’s Reference 2 cable which features 16 woven cores plus multi-strand high-purity copper with individual strand silver-plate.

All transistors are hand-selected and precision-matched in amplifier sets for optimal performance and the lowest distortion. The power amplifier transformers are Noratel XTRA QUIET units, ensuring perfect power delivery without undesirable hum or excessive heat-generation.

In a further nod to the amplifier’s Anniversary Edition status, Leema has included a number of additional documents. Each amplifier will be supplied with a passport-style system of documentation integrated into the manual, where three key stages of production are signed off by the engineer responsible along with the inclusion of the unit’s measured results.

Features

• Upgraded front panel with chrome-plated solid billet badging.
• Upgraded double-weight copper PCBs.
• Upgraded Nichicon MUSE capacitors.
• Upgraded terminal wiring.
• Upgraded Noratel transformers.
• Individual assembly documentation & sign-off.

Specifications

• Output Power (Non-Bridged Mode): 148 W RMS 8 Ohms/Ch, 292 W RMS 4 Ohms, 320 W RMS 2 Ohms/Ch
• THD: 0.004 %
• Noise: < -100 dB
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 80 kHz (+0 / -3 dB)
• 1x Balanced XLR Input
• 3x Unbalanced RCA Inputs
• 1x Pre-Out Output
• Thermal Protection
• LIPS® system, Master or Slave
• Dimensions: 440 x 320 x 110 mm
• Weight: 18 kg

Full Leema Acoustics Range Available

Unilet Sound & Vision are official retail partners for Leema Acoustics, providing sales, advice and assistance on their entire range of high-quality audio products. Please do get in touch if you would like a demonstration or wish to purchase.

More Information

• Hydra II Anniversary Edition, by Leema Acoustics

Additional information

Brand

Leema Acoustics

Founded in 1998, Leema Acoustics was originally a means of further exploring the fanatical interest in audio reproduction of its two founders, ex-BBC engineers Lee Taylor and Mallory Nicholls.

Following the success of their first project (the Xen micro-monitor, sold to pro-audio customers only), the founders decided to turn their expertise to audio electronics, and their first domestic product, (the Tucana integrated amplifier) subsequently won the distinguished Hi-Fi News amplifier of the year award. Since then, the Leema Acoustics portfolio of class-leading products has expanded to include the Constellation, Stellar, Elements and Essentials series. Their products continue to attract international acclaim, including many "best in class" reviews and numerous eminent awards.