Feliks Audio – Elise MkII

Feliks Elise was originally launched in 2014 and recently underwent a comprehensive revision for the 2018 model year – the most important improvements are a new high-end audio transformer, the switch to PsVane UK-6SN7 driver tubes, and the implementation of safety features in the preamplifier circuit as well as a "soft start/shutdown" when turning the unit on and off.

The amplifier uses the popular 6SN7s as driver tubes and 6AS7G (or 6080) as power tubes. And because it has a significant power/current safety buffer, the Elise has earned a reputation for having enormous tuning potential. This has been further improved in the 2018 model with new, more robust tube sockets.

Alternatively, Elise can also be used as a preamplifier for tube and transistor amplifiers. We have many customers who use the Elise to add a high-quality tube feel to their systems. As with all other Feliks Audio amplifiers, the Elise comes with a 36-month warranty (12 months for tubes) and free customer support.

High-quality design with noise reduction circuit

The front panel is reassuringly simple – just a large volume knob. A blue LED light indicates the on/off status of the device, and there is a quarter-inch headphone jack. There you will also find a power socket (you can specify the voltage when ordering – 110 V or 230 V) and a power switch. And two pairs of unbalanced RCA connectors with line level – for input and output, respectively.

The latter is an important and very welcome feature, indicating that the Elise can also be used as a high-end tube preamplifier to drive your favorite power amplifier.

The Elise MkII features a new noise reduction circuit, which is made possible by the absolutely massive, custom-built toroidal transformer behind the tube cages. Its electronic noise reduction – i.e., harmonics in the range of the 50/60 Hz mains frequencies – plays a large role in the near-silent performance of this amplifier. The technology was almost certainly "borrowed" from the Elise's flagship sibling, the Euforia.

Feliks Audio – Elise MkII: High-quality sound for ultimate comfort

Feliks Audio recommends a burn-in period of between twenty and fifty hours. While this term is more of a tribal myth for other devices, it is actually very relevant for tube-operated equipment. Furthermore, the Elise had a few days for its signal path to "mature," and we have put together familiar test material from various genres.

The music was available in a variety of digital formats: from 192 kbps MP3s to super-sharp DSD128. The DAC used for the tests was the glorious Chord Mojo, which operated with bypassed preamp, passing a direct line-level signal to the Elise. We conducted our listening tests with various headphones – Sennheiser HD25, HD660, Audio-Technica ATH-M50, and a pair of Ultimate Ears IEMs.

Final words on the Feliks Audio – Elise MkII

While the Elise looks like an ornament for any HiFi setup, it was the sound that impressed us the most. The Elise MkII is perfect for anyone looking for a serious high-end headphone amplifier. The ability to further improve its sonic qualities gives this amplifier a unique advantage over most of its competitors.

Input Impedance:
100 kOhm

Frequency response:
10 Hz – 60 Khz +/- 3 dB (300 ohm)

Power output:
200mW

Pre-amp Gain:
20dB

THD:
0.4 % (300 ohm, 20 mW)

Supported headphones impedance:
32 – 600 ohm

Headphone output:
6.3mm jack

AC:
230V/120V (power cord included)

Dimensions:
310x205x170 [mm]

Herstellerangaben:

Feliks Audio Ltd.
12 Klonowa St.
42-700 , Lubliniec
Poland
info@feliksaudio.com

Verantwortliche Person:

Audition 6 – Heiko Boss
6 Achalm Street
72461 , Albstadt
Germany
info@audition6.de