Triode/JFET dual mode gain stage with improved linearity

Inherited from original Chimera, GT is equipped with both electron vacuum tube and solid-state JFET as major gain devices. Based on the groundbreaking topology, we further refined its performance by raising supply voltage to improve linearity and followed by a new bias circuit that easier to set an ideal operating point. Overall, we have a gain stage to preserve Chimera’s sound signature in a much wider range.

Balanced input stage and active buffer

Thanks to the prevalence of balanced output in portable devices. It is easy to apply balanced transmission in many portable scenarios. Riding on the trend, we embed GT with a 4.4mm input jack. The jack itself is well thought out and complete, but the issue is that many cables has only 4 conductors without ground connection. It leads to improper signal level at receiving end. To cope with it, we devise an active buffer right at input for both 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks. It helps restore the ground level and signal integrity at all situations and avoid the variation on output quality of DAPs and sources.

High capacity 18650 cell and USB type-C quick charging port

We are fully aware of users’ concern on limited cycle times of rechargeable battery. The adoption of 18650 cell has relieved the concern and increased the energy capacity of GT easily up to 2 times . Following the capacity increase, a USB type-C charging scheme is necessary for containing the charging time to a reasonable level. For over 1 amp constant charging current, we are able to fully charge the cell within 3 hours. And the whole amplifier system also benefits from the high current supply of 18650 cell to have quicker and powerful slam at highly dynamic music passage.

GT grade double power reservoir

Music is highly dynamic signal. The ratio of maximum to minimum can easily reach 5 digits. It relies on a power supply that can support the instant demand within millisecond and last for the period of a big slam up to seconds. The key is a big enough power reservoir with low enough impedance to act quickly. If not quick enoygh, the nuance is lost. If not big enough, the slam is weak and short. 

GT grade discrete output stage

No matter how well an integrated circuit is designed, its output capability is limited by chip size. By using discrete power transistor in GT, it ensures plenty of driving current and thermal stability after intensive operations. The dilemma is we have to pack 4 sets of output stage for balanced outputs that takes up so many PCB space.

In the prevalence of IEMs, we certainly need only moderate power. Nonetheless, the discrete output stage inherited from Sassy GT will provides unprecedented energy for highly dynamic music passage under any circumstance.

A milestone in portable amplifier

The way of music enjoyment is constantly evolving. All genres of music are streamed to every individual and played through ever refined gears. There are challenges to receive them flawlessly and empower the ear/headphones emitting beloved sound. Chimera GT is designed as a key role based on the concept. GT accepts both balanced and single-ended signals with minimal distortion. GT uses 18650 rechargeable cell lasting longer than any mobile or DAPs. And most important of all, GT is further refined on lively music performance with nuances and layers.

Specifications