Centrance Brings AMPmini Class A Headphone Amp to High End Munich 2024

Announced in 2023 and already demonstrated at some of the recent CanJam events, Centrance is now closer to shipping its latest AMPmini, an 8-Watt compact headphone amplifier with a variable tube preamp that allows choosing the amount of tube tone to taste. This unique design perfectly complements the company's DACmini 2 balanced desktop DAC/amp, both featuring a compact aluminum chassis that is designed to stack with the Apple Mac mini or the new Mac Studio, to create a complete premium sound solution for the modern desktop. The Centrance AMPmini is a stereo, Class A, solid-state amplifier with an adjustable "warmth" circuit, allowing users to dial the amount of pleasing tube sound to their preference. The amplifier features extensive microprocessor control to auto-adjust the gain of the circuit as the tubes age. Additionally, AMPmini automatically configures its Class A output stage to match the connected headphones. As an example, when working with low-impedance models, the circuit becomes a current amplifier, delivering plenty of output power. With sensitive headphones, AMPmini becomes a voltage amplifier, running cooler and offering an eco-friendly option that does not compromise on performance. 
 
Thanks to this "smart" approach to tube amplification, the AMPmini offers top-notch audio quality across the entire range of headphone models while also being environmentally responsible and avoiding the extra heat that traditional Class A designs are known for.

On the connectivity, the AMPmini offers a single-ended 6.3 mm output and a balanced 4.4 mm output, as well as RCA, 1/4", and 4.4 mm inputs to match a variety of DACs, DAPs, and music servers. Dual headphone outputs allow users to select from standard or balanced headphone cables for lower noise and crosstalk. Volume is adjusted with a large analog volume knob that feels smooth and satisfying, thanks to the internal hydraulic pressure-absorbing system. The volume is controlled in the digital domain for lowest distortion and perfect channel matching. It also features a balance control and a headphone sensitivity control, serving as a gain trim dial, covering a wide variety of headphones, from dynamic to planar to ribbon models.
 
The AMPmini is a companion to Centrance's own DACmini 2, a D/A converter built in the same chassis, for a visually appealing, compact stereo stack on the desk. The original DACmini, released in 2013, received numerous awards for its conversion, powerful headphone amplifier, ease of use, and clean presentation.

The new AMPmini ships in a protective flight case, making it easy to travel, while the included external power supply works worldwide. The precision-machined, aircraft aluminum body matches the outline of the new Apple Mac mini and Mac Studio, creating a slick look on the modern desk. "AMPmini is an attractive desktop amp that saves space and lets you listen to your favorite planar or ribbon headphones while you work or relax. It's great for content creators, gamers, and music enthusiasts who can now enjoy premium sound as they work, relax to music, play games, or watch movies," says Michael Goodman, Centrance CEO. "For over two decades, we have been seeking the balance between premium sound quality and ease of use. We feel that AMPmini combines audio enjoyment with desktop convenience, while saving space and also pleasing the eye."

The new AMPmini has an MSRP of $5000 USD and Centrance plans to start shipping both the AMPmini and the DACmini in August 2024. Both products will be on display at the High End Munich show, May 9-12, in the Dan Clark booth, with distributor audioNEXT GmbH.
www.centrance.com