March 27, 2012

Pathos Flagships at Centre Circle Audio

Pathos' new top-of-the line pre-amp / monoblock pair, the Synapse and the Adrenalin, have arrived at Centre Circle Audio and are available for audition now.

The Pathos Synapse pre-amp:

The Pathos Synapse. I can't decide whether to call its line classic or modern minimalist.
The Synapse is ostensibly a 2-chassis pre-amp,
however the two chassis can't be separated.
The top chassis contains the pre-amp circuitry, the bottom one contains the power supply and the control circuitry.

Another look at the Synapse. At this angle it looks more like a stealth airplane.
Underneath it you get a glimpse of the Pathos Endorphin CD player.


The quartet of tubes are flanked by flower petal-like chimneys, a beautiful feature that can only come from an Italian designer.

The back of the Synapse, consisting of single-ended and balanced inputs, and 2 pairs of balanced outputs.

The Synapse's specifications:
Inputs : 3 balanced XLR / 3 single ended RCA
Outputs: 2 main balanced XLR
Frequency Response: 1Hz - 100KHz (200KHz @ -3dB)
THD: 0.04% @ 4 Vrms
Volume Control: 0.5dB - 168 steps
Tubes: 4x 6H30
Weight: 23 kg

List Price: RM80,000


The Pathos Adrenalin monoblocks:

The Pathos Adrenalin is one big amplifier, which these photos don't convey due to its upright design. Go see it in person.

The heat sinks are formed from the word 'PATHOS', another Pathos design hallmark

Another creative design, the tubes on the Adrenalin are protected by claw-like protrusions (think Wolverine :-) )

The Pathos Adrenalin's specifications:

Type: Entirely balanced, Double INPOL® power amplifier in pure class A
Feedback: Absent
Input: 1 balanced XLR / 1 unbalanced RCA
Input Impedance: 100k ohm
Output Power: 200 W @ 8 ohm
Frequency Response: 5Hz - 60kHz ± 0.3 dB
Signal / Noise Ratio: 98 dB
THD: 0.01% @ 1W / 0.2% @ 50W
Power Consumption at Rest: 475 W
Tubes: 1 x 6H30 / 2 x 12AX7 ECC83
Damping Factor: 25
Rise Time: 6µs
Fall Time: 6µs
Slew Rate: 11V/µs
Weight: 70 kg

List Price: RM140,000 per pair


During my visit, the Pathos Adrenalin was driving a pair of EgglestonWorks Andra III. The monoblocks had no problem controlling these big loudspeakers. The Andra III were delivering arguably their best bass performance I ever heard in Centre Circle Audio's showroom. The sound was also impactful and dynamic without sounding coarse, from both LP and CD. If you are looking for an exciting listening experience, you must not miss this.

Contact Nelson or Sky at Centre Circle Audio 03-77282686 for an audition.

4 comments:

  1. The preamp look like a spaceship!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Guys,

    Pathos makes some of the coolest looking hifi around.

    The sound is typical Italian tube though, rather rose tint coloured and falls totally on the beautiful sound camp.

    I like it!

    ReplyDelete