New Features

．4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm SE outputs 

．Improved output transformers 

．Double capacity power reservoir 

．Super linear circuitry

A PHAntasy Evolves to New Level of Performance

We proudly introduce PHAntasy II, the evolutionary version of original PHAntasy that is renowned for its unprecedentedly sensational sound quality in a portable chassis. Its novel single-ended topology and unique permalloy output transformers are crown jewels inside. Through innovation of PHAntasy, we have created generations of products with individual characteristics and advanced in amplifier technology. PHAntasy II is a fruitful achievement after years of development to preserve all the beauty of PHAntasy while meeting the expectation of audiophile society and progress in audio technology. PHAntasy II delivers more robust power and low level resolution without losing the touching tonality of directly heated triode. PHAntasy II is another masterpiece binding the tradition of Phatlab Audio to provide rich harmonics and full-bodied sound. Its achievement is easily manifested from the first note of music playback.

4.4mm balanced phone jack

For tens of years, the specification of phone jack is steady, though there are proprietary terminals used by some manufacturers for balanced output. There is never a de-facto and reliable standard well accepted by the industry. Until the 4.4mm jack is released, we see a promising physical implementation that is reliable enough and well accepted as next generation phone jack. By applying the new balanced jack, PHAntasy can serve headphones with quality cable and minimum contact resistance to ensure robust output quality. In addition to 4.4mm balanced jack, a legacy 3.5mm single-ended output is provided for best convenience. While user is advised to use only one of the outputs at a time, it is to ensure the proper loading impedance in single-ended topology.

Improved Nickel core output transformers

It is well known that output transformer is the spirit of single-ended amplifier. However, there are challenges to design transformers for small portable chassis. For example, the high wiring resistance is one of biggest challenges. The resistance is in series with headphone and consumes output power. It lowers the effective power into headphone. In PHAntasy II, we struggle to increase the wire gauge and reduce over 20% in-series resistance.

Super linear circuitry

The sensational performance of vacuum tube might be rooted in its higher 2nd harmonics output, while excessive mix-up of harmonics from different stages will muddy the sound. By leveraging the development of Phantom, we are aware of the lower distortion from surrounding circuitry will faithfully preserve the resolution and liveliness of music without losing the magic of tube sound. By applying the same super linear topology, the performance of PHAntasy II is manifested in its purer music presentation.

Double the capacity of power reservoir

We are not talking about the battery capacity because 8-hour operation time is satisfactory to most users. It is the immediate capacitance right before amplifier's high rail. It is critical to have plenty of power capacity for a class-A amplifier. In PHAntasy II, we rearrange the components placement to increase the board space for housing more capacitance and revisit physical PCB layout to further minimize impedance and increase effective capacitance.

Summary

There is always a question on how to compare PHAntasy II with original one in every aspect. The truth is we have done our best to improve PHAntasy II's performance physically. But audio playback is always more than engineering or physical superiority, it takes human touch and sense to be sensational. The faster transient response and more powerful punch in PHAntasy II might compromise a little bit in tenderness. PHAntasy II is nonetheless inherits the tradition of Phatlab Audio. It is easily manifested itself in the first tone in audition.

Specifications