Jumped the shark. ???

I had the Medusa in my system on audition and it was excellent in its way.  Specifically, it offered the ultimate in transparency and threw open an expansive and deep 3D soundstage.  But, it’s a decidedly “white wine” and neutral sounding amp that doesn’t project a lot of meat on the bones or heft you’d expect from a component that employs tubes.  I mention this because if you like what you hear from the likes of an amp like the AH Qualition it may leave you a little cold although I never swapped warmer-sounding tubes in the Medusa so maybe you could try that with the Pharaoh ll if it comes across similarly to you at first.  Just a somewhat related experience FWIW and be interested in what you think.  

okay here you go @immatthewj  Got it covered betting man? 

Thorens TD145, MP110, Clearaudio Performance DC turntable with MP500 cart, SPL Voltare Phonos. Simaudio 680D with Mind2 Players. Simaudio 650D DAC and Transport, Bel Canto CD3t. 

See you in a few weeks with my review. 

 

 

Just a direct quote from you is all that was.

But maybe that was the "stroke" talking.

@soix   The Pharaoh II has had a complete overhaul. Here are a few lines from the interview:

 

Not looking for this to be a replacement of the X200 or the for that matter the Heed. Just intrigued by the Class D Hybrid architecture.  

Some Q&A With Designer / Owner Mark O'Brien
What Hypex module are you using in the Pharaoh II? Are the toroidal transformers different?

We use the new OEM version of the N-Core module because it is more transparent and sounds better than the UCD module we used in the original Pharaoh. The N-Core modules are more powerful and require a higher operating voltage than the old modules, so we need to use a larger toroid to provide the higher B+ voltage.

 

Has the topology of the circuitry changed from Pharaoh I?

Yes, the new Pharaoh is quite different from the original version and the circuit has been redesigned to achieve a higher level of performance. We use high-quality components in all of our equipment, but we did upgrade some of the critical capacitors and resistors in the Pharaoh II. In general, we believe the quality of the circuit is of fundamental importance, but better parts can improve an already good circuit.

 

Has the front end (tube) circuitry been improved?

The new Pharaoh II circuitry was designed using a newer and much more sophisticated CAD system than the original version; this alone results in enhanced performance. Beyond that, the circuit grounding, as well as the tube design parameters, have all been improved upon.

 

Has any of the major specifications changed with the new revision?

The biggest specification difference is the higher output power of the new Pharaoh II. It went from 185 Wpc to a 250 Wpc (conservative) rating. More importantly, the specs don't indicate how much better the new version is. For example, the new version has a larger and higher quality power supply, which doesn't affect the specs but improves the sonics.

 

Is there anything new in the headphone and Phono sections?

The headphone has been completely redesigned and is effectively a single-ended version of our dedicated headphone amp (the RH-5). It features MOSFET buffers and higher output power. The phono design is similar to the original but uses better components for a lower noise floor and better sound.

 

Does the unit have to be on (Blue Light) for the Pharaoh to be used as a preamp? Tubes engaged?

The unit does need to be turned on to use it as a preamp and it does incorporate the tubes when used in this manner.

 

Any similarity to the RP series of Phono Preamps?

The preamp in the Pharaoh is its design. While it does have some similarities to the RP series, when you design a preamp for an integrated amp, you can optimize it for the power amp section.