{"id":3368,"date":"2021-07-12T15:39:17","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T03:39:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/?p=3368"},"modified":"2021-07-12T15:54:26","modified_gmt":"2021-07-12T03:54:26","slug":"pathos-acoustics-aurium-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/pathos-acoustics-aurium-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Pathos Acoustics Aurium Review"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you\u2019re serious about using headphones in the home this Pathos is a top class choice of amplification<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"822\" src=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-1024x822.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3371\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-1024x822.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-300x241.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-768x616.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2.jpg 1038w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">OUR VERDICT<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re serious about using headphones in the home this Pathos is a top class choice of amplification<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FOR<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Sweet, insightful midrange<\/li><li>Bass power and grip<\/li><li>Excellent build and finish<\/li><li>Plenty of inputs<\/li><li>Distinctive appearance<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AGAINST<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Provided price isn\u2019t an issue \u2013 nothing<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Few companies combine style with substance as well as Pathos. Based in Vincenza, Italy, this hi-fi specialist has consistently turned out products that are as pleasing to the eye as they are sweet to the ear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re happy to report the Pathos Aurium headphone amplifier continues that fine tradition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-5.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3372\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-5.jpg 650w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-5-300x162.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pathos-aurium-review-build-quality\">Pathos Aurium review: build quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve had no reason to complain about Pathos\u2019 build quality in the past and it looks like we won\u2019t need to start now. The Aurium feels beautifully made and is as solid as you like. It\u2019s clear Pathos has taken a great deal of care in getting the fit and finish of this product just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some may not take to this headphone amplifier\u2019s extrovert appearance, but for us it\u2019s preferable to the usual anonymous black or silver box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If we were to criticise something, it would be the feel of the volume control knob. While precise enough, we think it could do with more resistance in its movement to reinforce the product\u2019s quality feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pathos has long favoured hybrid amplification that mixes valve and solid-state electronics \u2013 the idea is to combine the sweetness of valves and the grip of solid state. In our experience most components that try the hybrid approach never quite manage to pull it off. The Aurium, like most Pathos products we\u2019ve heard, gets it right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-4.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3373\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-4-360x240.jpg 360w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This distinctive headphone amplifier uses a pair of small 6922 valves operating in Class A to handle pre-amplification duties, while a MOSFET output stage does the donkey work of actually driving the headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The power output is claimed to be 3.6 watts in total into a 32ohm load. We tried\u00a0<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/beyerdynamic\/t1\/review\" target=\"_blank\">Beyerdynamic T1<\/a>\u00a0headphones, the Grado RS1s and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/sennheiser\/hd595\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sennheiser HD595<\/a>s, and didn\u2019t have an issue driving any of them to high levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Aurium\u2019s power supply is an external unit that connects by a long umbilical cable. External power supplies are usually a good thing, because they take high currents and potentially large magnetic fields \u2013 things that are inherent in such modules \u2013 away from the sensitive audio circuits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pathos-aurium-features\">Pathos Aurium: features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-2.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3374\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-2.jpg 720w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-2-300x150.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>By headphone amplifier standards the Aurium is well equipped. It has four line inputs, one of which is balanced. There\u2019s also a choice of balanced and single-ended tape outputs \u2013 these can be used for recordings or as a pass through if you want to integrate the Pathos into your main system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019re glad to see a balance control, even if it is on the back panel, and wish more headphone amplifier\u2019s had a gain control like the Aurium\u2019s. This lets us fine-tune the volume for different headphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s how it works. Headphones differ in sensitivity, so with some you may not be able to use much volume control travel before the music becomes too loud. In that case you can lower the Aurium\u2019s gain, so that more volume control travel can be used \u2013 this gives greater control over the listening volume at low levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One tip about installation. While this Pathos doesn\u2019t run particularly hot when in use, it still makes sense to put it somewhere where there\u2019s a good level of ventilation to ensure things run properly and reliably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-3.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"767\" src=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-3-1024x767.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3375\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-3-1024x767.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-3-768x575.jpg 768w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-3.jpg 1100w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pathos-aurium-sound-quality\">Pathos Aurium: sound quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We like this headphone amplifier a lot. The sound is a wonderfully seductive combination of transparency and grip. From the midrange upwards the Aurium is as detailed as you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen to the violin in Arvo Part\u2019s&nbsp;<em>Fratres<\/em>&nbsp;and the clarity is spellbinding. Not only does the amp have a firm grip of the leading and trailing edges of each note played, it shades the bits in between, revealing far more of the sonic texture of the instrument in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same applies to vocals, as a 24-Bit\/44.1kHz of the Unthanks\u2019&nbsp;<em>Here\u2019s the Tender Coming<\/em>&nbsp;shows. On this track, the group\u2019s voices sound as subtle and communicative as we\u2019ve heard through headphones, possessing a good degree of solidity and weight too. Thankfully, despite resolving plenty of detail the Aurium sound never feels clinical or overtly analytical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s at bass frequencies that this Pathos surprises, and the solid-state part of its circuit makes itself felt. The lows on The Dead Weather\u2019s&nbsp;<em>60 Feet Tall<\/em>&nbsp;are a taut as you like, and pack a hefty punch with it. There\u2019s everything you\u2019d want in a bass performance; power, reach and agility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Such is the Aurium\u2019s muscularity in this region that it would be easy for bass to dominate the proceedings, but that\u2019s where Pathos has judged things just right. That delicate and expressive midrange somehow isn\u2019t overshadowed, and the presentation doesn\u2019t sound unbalanced. It\u2019s a neat balancing act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-6.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-6.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-6-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-6-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/aurium2-6-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"pathos-aurium-verdict\">Pathos Aurium: verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s only worth spending this kind of money on a headphone amplifier if you\u2019ve got a source and a pair of headphones worthy of such a product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That means a source of at least&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/audiolab\/8200cd\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Audiolab 8200CD<\/a>&nbsp;level coupled with something like the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/grado\/sr325is\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Grado SR325is<\/a>&nbsp;as a bare minimum as far as headphones are concerned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With that kit (or better) the Pathos Aurium give you a large slice of high-end sound in a neat little package.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Read more at:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/pathos\/aurium\/review\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.whathifi.com\/pathos\/aurium\/review<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re serious about using headphones in the home this Pathos is a top class choice of amplification OUR VERDICT If you\u2019re serious about using headphones in the home this Pathos is a top class choice of amplification FOR Sweet, insightful midrange Bass power and grip Excellent build and finish [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3368"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3368\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3381,"href":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3368\/revisions\/3381"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hifihq.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}