In this post I test the Fezz Audio Titania Class A/B integrated amplifier. The amplifier is on kind loan from a friend.
Details
- Made in Poland
- Push/pull class AB1
- 3 RCA input
- 2 x 45w
- Frequency response:18Hz-103kHz (-3dB)
- Net weight: 17.5 kg
- KT88 x 4 (power output), ECC83 (12AX7) x 2 (pre-amplifier and power drivers)
In this blog post I will provide the follow test data.
- Harmonic distortion (H2,H3,& H4)
- Intermodulation distortion, 12 band/octave test tone (IMD)
- Gedlee Metric (Gm)
- 0.06V
- 0.25V
- 1.00V
- 4.00V
Power = Voltage squared divided by Resistance
- 0.00045m watt
- 0.0078 watt
- 0.12 watt
- 2.00 watt
- 70dB
- 82dB
- 94dB
- 106dB
Harmonic Distortion
0.06v
0.25v
1.00v
4.00v
Intermodulation Distortion
0.06v
0.25V
1.00V
4.00V
Gedlee Metric (Gm)
Below is an overlay of the various output voltages.
Conclusion
The Fezz Audio Titania seems to really hit it out of the park at the 0.25v test voltage (86dB speaker output) with very low distortion for all tests (Harmonic, IMD, Gm), however bass distortion seems elevated compared to my Meixing Mingda tube amp results found here. For example the Meixing keeps bass distortion below 0.10% while the Fezz has 0.24% for H2 and H3.
Comparing bass distortion against the Mingda we see lower distortion.
So far I've tested four amplifiers to date. If I compare the IMD of each amplifier for the 0.25v output (10kHz region), we get the following summary.
Mingda: -70dB
Rogers: -65dB
Nelson Pass ACA Mini: -74dB
Fezz Titania: -70dB
Subjective Listening
I conducted my listening test with the shallow horn speaker system No.1928 and found that the amplifier sounded very similar to the Meixing Mingda. In fact, I could not tell the difference between the two amplifiers except for the bass. I found that the Meixing Minda has tighter and more defined bass. This correlates to the objective data where we see the Fezz Audio Titania with slightly higher distortion in the bass region only.For interest's sake, here is one of my test tracks. This song is particularly great at bringing out an amplifier's ability to sound authentic on wood instruments. Particularly at 3:22 where you can really hear the body of the violins. Both the Minda and the Fezz sounded excellent on this test track.
https://tidal.com/browse/track/30779574
Conclusion
The Fezz Audio Titania matches the performance of my KT90 Meixing Mingda Single Ended Tube amplfiier but does not quite match the low distortion of the Nelsen Pass Amp Camp Mini, but betters the Rogers Sound Lab.
Beautiful Amplifier!
I wish I had that amplifier here, so I could test it.
I would run it through completely different test methods, test signals, Graphs, etc.
My my main problem is Not getting an amplifier to test, instead . . .
It is staying within my [3 times] Hernia Surgeon's recommendation to stay within 25 pounds maximum lift (11.4kG) :^)
Have Fun Listening!
I wish I had that amplifier here, so I could test it.
I would run it through completely different test methods, test signals, Graphs, etc.
My my main problem is Not getting an amplifier to test, instead . . .
It is staying within my [3 times] Hernia Surgeon's recommendation to stay within 25 pounds maximum lift (11.4kG) :^)
Have Fun Listening!
I see this amplifier is rated to produce 45 watts. I’m confused by the low power levels you tested at. Is this your output across a non-inductive 8 Ohm resistor? So, you tested the amplifier up to 2 watt output!
I'm a bit surprised that the 2nd harmonic is dominant at 4V, I'd expect odd harmonics to be on top for a push-pull.
Such low levels for a powerfull amplifier are kinda irrelevant , any would perform good and very close
That's why for marketing such measurements are prefered
That's why for marketing such measurements are prefered
12AX7 used as a "power driver" is not my favourite thing to say the least. Also, taking into account it has just one 12AX7 per channel, it means split load (concertina etc) for voltage inversion, which is strange in such a powerful amplifier. I'd go for a 6SN7 LTP and a shared 12AX7 for the first stage.
The amplifier looks great though 🙂
The amplifier looks great though 🙂
Oh dear, something I don't think about too much since I'm in my early 40's.
This is very intentional as I wanted to focus on behavior with high sensitivity speakers and drivers. I'm using a 4" full range for the load.
Oh? That's normally what you see? Is this based on published data online or your own testing?
My testing is specific to a certain use case...high sensitivity speakers and drivers at normal listening levels. To me, this is more relevant to actual sound quality versus testing near full output.
Yes, it is what I see in many (including mine) push-pull amps. A perfectly symmetric output stage will always cancel even harmonics. There is a ton of literature and writeups about it, for example: https://www.valvewizard.co.uk/pp.html
Please note I did not state the prevalence of the 2nd harmonic was bad. I just said I was surprised.
The Gedlee Metric (Gm) applies a weighting against crossover distortion to better correlate with human perception, which is why I've starting measuring it. Gm is higher (worse) on the Fezz compared to my Meixing Mingda single ended amplifier, specifically low output voltages in the upper treble. Actually, the Meixing approaches the best of class D (Hypex), but I'm sure other Single Ended amplifiers would do just as well.
Time for me to start googling, never too late to learn something new 😀
Fezz Audio Titania with 6550, KT88, KT120 and KT150 Tubes
KT88, 6550, KT120, KT150 - Best sound demo with Qualio IQ !!!
KT88, 6550, KT120, KT150 - Best sound demo with Qualio IQ !!!
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On both the normal and Evolution versions of the Titania, I strongly advise against the use of the KT150 power valve because the current absorption of the Cathode Filament exceeds the design limits of the amplifier.
The KT120, on the other hand, while falling within the specifications of Cathode Current absorption, sounds decidedly bad on the TITANIA because it "works" in a zone of low linearity and its "Static Working Point" is very far from the ideal one.
1. When listening critically to a system 'Sound Demo' that is played on the web, I am reminded of . . .
I watch an advertisement for an 8k TV.
The problem comes because I watch that ad on my 2k TV.
How can I tell if 8k TV looks better?
Weakest Link Theory.
2. The 'Sound Demo', Post # 12 sounded real good, when streamed on my computer, with the earphone output of my computer, that I sent to
My vacuum tube amplifier and my speaker.
The sign in front of the system shows the tubes that are being used.
But the music changes from tube to tube types (That is both a plus, and a negative. Different music for different tube types makes it hard to compare tube types; but not getting tired of the same music over and over again is a plus).
Can't have it both ways, without more videos of that amplifier.
I watch an advertisement for an 8k TV.
The problem comes because I watch that ad on my 2k TV.
How can I tell if 8k TV looks better?
Weakest Link Theory.
2. The 'Sound Demo', Post # 12 sounded real good, when streamed on my computer, with the earphone output of my computer, that I sent to
My vacuum tube amplifier and my speaker.
The sign in front of the system shows the tubes that are being used.
But the music changes from tube to tube types (That is both a plus, and a negative. Different music for different tube types makes it hard to compare tube types; but not getting tired of the same music over and over again is a plus).
Can't have it both ways, without more videos of that amplifier.
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