Hugh Dean's "Maya" Amplifier

[dennist]

Did'nt know whether to post this here or in the "DIY" section.

 

Have had great experiences in the past dealing with Hugh having purchased his 100 amp in 2003, then upgrading it to 100n Nirvana, then putting together his Soraya amp some years later. These always "won out" whenever I had the opportunity to compare them to expensive commercial amps.

 

I recently spent 2 months living in Melbourne and took the opportunity to visit Hugh and listen to his latest creation the Titan amp and the Maya, eventually opting to purchase the latest version (mark 3) of his Maya modules. They are built as mirror image monoblocks.

 

After a slow run in process I am very impressed at just how good these amps are, I think it will be the end game for me. I will give a full review later on how I think IMO they sound superior to anything I have previously heard with Vaf speakers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MattyW]

What do the Maya modules cost if you don’t mind my asking?

[stereodave]

Hugh's website has been updated, pricing included:

 

https://aksaonline.com/index.php/products/

[muon*]

4 minutes ago, stereodave said:

Hugh's website has been updated, pricing included:

 

https://aksaonline.com/index.php/products/

No pricing for the Maya that I can see, only the Saksa and the pre amp.

[MattyW]

No pricing though it looks like the page has had a bit of a revamp vs last time I visited. Looks much better.

[stereodave]

It's in the text on the "Products" page, as per the link above.

[MattyW]

Ha, it's in characters instead of numbers. That is confusing for some of us who scan for the numbers 

 

The Titan remains of interest to me.

Edited February 21, 2023 by MattyW

[muon*]

Clear as mud

[dennist]

Two modules are around $2700 delivered and mounted on heatsinks.

 

Amps have been running every day for the last 3 weeks.

 

Some specs -

203 watts into 8 ohms, 350 watts into 4 ohms (63v rails, I am running slightly higher voltage) and my amps are running 400 va toroidal transformers (recommended are 300va)

 

These amps are really cruising at high DB levels, cannot pick any fault with the "sound", delicate clear highs, good bass control, speed and dynamics, plenty of depth and good imaging and a very natural, musical sound.

 

Just for fun, I also biamped, using my old Sorayas for bass only, complete overkill really, just the transformers were providing  1400 va.

 

So I think these are the last amps for me, although the devious Hugh is still on a continuous R & D path, so I should never say never, I just have to resist visiting him next time I"m in Melbourne.

 

Edited February 23, 2023 by dennist
wording

[buzz lightyear]

Hugh’s amps are really something special jaw dropping experience. Certainly worth an audition. I have ordered The Titan shouldn’t be to long now. 

 

What pre amp are you using ? 

[dennist]

High Buzz, yes as soon as you hear the first minute of music, you get the feeling Hughes amps are special.

 

I am using a tube preamp, a Doge 8 LP with Psvarne tubes and upgraded caps, very happy with it, has been totally reliable, plenty of inputs, great remote and includes a very good MM stage and two unbalanced (+ one balanced) outputs, thus I experimented with biamping as the Maya and Soraya have the same input sensitivity. Might be trying the newer Psvarne 12AT7 S art series tubes in it shortly.

 

I am also very interested  in the Doge 7 dac with tube output.

 

You will be very happy with the Titan, sounded great when I auditioned it.

 

BTW anyone that want's to audition  the Mayas is welcome to contact me

[Hugh Dean]

My apologies to members about my website product costs....... and thanks to Dennis, Pat and other well-wishers out there in the firmanent!

 

For MODULES, then fully built in a nice case plug 'n play:

SAKSA 85 $1060 plus GST [fully built in box $2,400 plus GST}

Titan 125 $1900 plus GST [fully built in box $4200 plus GST]

Maya 200 $2600 plus GST  [fully built in a swish case $5600 plus GST] 

 

This price will inevitably rise quite soon as supply lines and increasing costs are happening alarmingly.

Recently good quality Oz toroidal transformers I bought last year at $100 plus GST have been recently quoted at $209 plus GST, just to give some issues.  It's not all double cost across the board, but at least 20% more on most other parts.

With a burgeoning war in Europe and civil unrest in north Asia we are in for a bumpy ride..........

 

Hugh

[WFM]

Well worth it imho. Hugh is a true gentleman and a very experienced engineer. I sold alot of musical equipment to keep my maya during some very tough 12 months and i dont regret it. I still have my trusty old vintage luxman out back but the Maya is out front to stay. I urge anyone to contact Hugh for an audition as you will not be dissapointed!

[khai]

Interesting Maya amp, any review of Titan 125

thanks

[Hugh Dean]

Yes, Titan attached review.

 

Hugh

AUG22 MAC Paul Boon Titan Review.pdf