Pathos InPol2 Mk II Tube Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
Pathos InPol2 Mk II Tube Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
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Pathos InPol2 MkII Tube Hybrid Integrated Amplifier
A completely balanced, dual-mono hybrid amp with Pathos' InPol technology offering high class-A output with exceptional damping. The MkII offers more power, a better PSU, and DAC-card support
Pathos brings its celebrated InPol technology to this dual-mono beauty that is designed and manufactured in Vicenza, Italy. From the stunning 'Pathos'-shaped heatsinks to the padouk wood front panel and the red capacitors reminiscent of velocity stacks, the InPol2 oozes Italian style and grace. It's not all style though, there is tremendous audio substance too, with Pathos' distinctive sound that makes notes seem to shimmer out of the very air.Â
The MkII builds on the well-known original InPol2, with the goal to supply more power at 4 ohms, and, consequently, sport more bias current. The power supply for the power amp stage has been upgraded to a traditional linear unit that is built in a dual-mono configuration with a separate transformer and rectifier bridge per channel, and two huge smoothing capacitors per channel.
The MkII can now integrate with Pathos'Â highly acclaimed HiDac Mk2 DAC card.
What is InPol?
InPol (Inseguitore Pompa Lineare, Linear Pump Follower) is a Pathos patented system that allows for much greater output in pure class A. This fully balanced circuit design uses a single solid-state component in follower configuration, with a high-current gain and voltage gain together.
Think of the directness of SET with the control and damping of solid state. Pathos' patented and unique InPol technology allows the tube input stage to effectively drive your speakers with no further amplification. A dual InPol circuit delivers the low impedance and high current needed for a high damping factor, allowing for immense control over your loudspeaker drivers.
InPoL devices have a special sonic personality obtainable only through this proprietary fully balanced class-A circuit design. By entrusting the signal is entrusted to the tubes, it becomes a true copy of the original, with all its quality, purity, and harmonic content.
This technology allows an increase in the theoretical output in pure class-A from 25% up to 50% together with a low output impedance which is fundamental for the damping factor, and further improved by the double InPoL.
The Inpol2 amplifier is true balanced in a dual-mono configuration, offering 45 W of class-A power. It has a high bandwidth and zero feedback.Â
In-House Manufacturing and Design
From the wood panel to the PCBs to the chassis, everything at Pathos is either manufactured in-house or sourced from the Vicenza area.Â
For example, to make the wood front panel, Pathos buys an entire padouk tree trunk, which is cut into planks in-house, and the final pieces are hand-polished by the son of the Pathos owner himself.
The panel may not contribute to the sound, but this approach says everything about the great sonics you do hear. Having control of the entire manufacturing process from start to finish means that the Pathos InPol2 is the very best amp it can possibly be at its price-point. These are the very best amps Kevin has heard, and it is Pathos that he has picked for his reference system at home.Â
The Return of Tradition
As mentioned, the InPoL2 MkII moves from the previous switching power supply to a dual-mono linear power supply, so beloved by audiophiles. It continues to offer 45 W at 8 Ω, and now offers 20% more power at 4 Ω. The increased bias current is supported by bigger heatsinks.Â
The fully dual mono power supply has two linear, shielded toroidal transformers (one per channel), with each channel getting separate rectifier bridges, and two 22 mF capacitors. This increase means a gain in musicality, transparency, body, and detail, especially in the bass region.
Also in keeping with high-end tradition, the volume control uses fully balanced attenuators, with relays that select high-quality precision resistors.Â
An Optional DAC
In a nod to modern technology, the InPoL2 MkII can accommodate the optional HiDac Mk2 card, which adds processing to the digital inputs already present on the rear panel. There are two USB audio inputs, one coax, and one optical, allowing the InPol2 to form the heart of a multi-input digital system. The HiDac Mk2 board’s converter is state-of-the-art and guarantees high-fidelity reproduction.
Specifications
Type:Â Integrated stereo amplifier based on INPOL technology, operating in pure class A
Power Output (8 Ohm, 4 Ohm): 45 W, 75 W
Gain (Balanced, Unbalanced):Â 26 dB, 32 dB
Input Impedance (Balanced, Unbalanced):Â 20Â kOhm, 42 kOhm
Inputs:Â 4 x RCA, 2 x balanced XLR
Outputs: 1 x XLR pre-amplifier / subwoofer, 2 x speaker outputs per channel
Dimensions (WHD): 16.5" x 21.8" x 8"
Weight: 83.7 lb. (38 kg)