The EMIS Audio HVA1 is a locally built valve amplifier that we have been delighted with. Superb sound and winning performance.

The amplifier features a very wide power response and very low distortion and as such the sound is typified by a warm inviting sound stage, full tight and controlled bass and incredible treble.  In short the HVA1 is a great sounding valve amp. EMIS manufacture using age old craftsmanship, along with the latest engineering techniques and unique circuitry; so you are assured of great looks and reliability too. 

HVA1 pictured in American Walnut plinth

Development of the HVA1 started with an appraisal of the standard Leak circuit as used in many of the valve amplifiers available at present.  Though the Leak is a highly regarded circuit it soon became clear that the phase splitter stage did not perform to our high standard and that low frequency stability could also be an issue.  Various other circuits were assessed and both their advantages and peculiarities were noted.  Finally the EMIS Audio hybrid approach was developed, this is very different from the many standard Leak and GEC derivatives available.

H stands for hybrid

Conventionality is a natural phenomenon and is the product of a number of factors both good and bad.  Some methods stick because they are good, some because they are all that the technology available will allow, but too often a lack of imagination may be responsible.  The HVA1 follows convention where this gives results, for example an‘ultra linier’ output stage, but  the early stages of the amplifier includes semiconductors and is quite different.  This hybrid approach improves low frequency stability, by virtue of direct coupling, reduces distortion by having better circuit symmetry and is very low in both noise and hum.

Truly integrated

Simple ‘passive’ preamplifiers have the lowest noise and distortion possible, but they are not without problems of their own.  The HVA1 has a basic ‘active’ semiconductor preamplifier.  This preamplifier stage trades an almost inperceivable increase in noise and distortion for improved cross talk and a buffered tape output.  These improvements make it possible to listen to a CD, for example, without suffering breakthrough from other sources such as a connected Radio Tuner.  Whereas the buffered tape output reduces the possibility of distortion, which is often introduced by un-linear input stages of connected recording equipment. 

Alternative approach 

Altogether the HVA1 offers an alternative and carefully developed approach, it is not a simple copy or tribute to the products of times past, nor is it a version of the latest standard circuit. The amplifier is an unprejudiced blend of technology assembled with the single aim of producing a high measurable technical specification and an incredibly clear and naturally dynamic sound.  A great British audio product from EMIS Audio!

The HVA1 is available in an American Walnut or English Oak plinth. 

HVA1 Line up: Driver stage JJ ECC83, Output Stage JJ EL34, Smoothing JJ 500uf Capacitor.

The HVA1 is very competitively priced, so you can afford to buy British!