Pico Audio Origa FE

Introducing the Pico Audio – Origa-FE, the world’s first fully discrete, replaceable vacuum tube hybrid portable headphone amplifier. The vacuum tube operates in a buffered configuration, combined with a fully discrete Class-A transistor amplification circuit, delivering powerful drive capability while achieving ultra-low background noise and an exceptionally dark soundstage. The overall tuning leans towards a balanced profile, allowing you to truly appreciate the differences when swapping vacuum tubes.

Key Features:

• Vacuum tube and transistor hybrid headphone amplifier
• Buffered vacuum tube operation paired with a fully discrete transistor amplification circuit
• 3.5mm input (single-ended) and 3.5mm + 4.4mm output jacks (single-ended)
• Three adjustable amplification levels: high, medium, and low
• Supports interchangeable 6DJ8 and 12AU7 series signal vacuum tubes
• Replaceable OP-Amp design (OPAMPs must support ±15V or higher)
• Operating time of 5-6 hours (depending on the power consumption of the vacuum tube and OP-Amp)
• Dimensions: 165mm (L) x 76mm (W) x 38mm (H)

Audio System Architecture of Origa

The Pico Audio – Origa utilizes a vacuum tube buffered design, paired with a fully discrete transistor amplification circuit. This combination delivers powerful drive capability while maintaining ultra-low background noise and a pitch-black soundstage. The overall tuning direction leans towards balance, allowing you to truly appreciate the differences brought about by swapping out vacuum tubes.

Modular Architecture

The Origa allows for the easy replacement of vacuum tubes from different brands, supporting the 6DJ8 and 12AU7 series signal tubes. Additionally, users can freely swap operational amplifiers (compatible with ±15V or higher operational amplifiers; please refer to the attached list for details) , support with maximum tuning freedom to discover the sound that best suits their preferences.

Highly Adaptive Configuration

 In addition to its modular architecture, the Origa features three adjustable amplification levels—high, medium, and low—allowing it to cater to various headphone requirements. The unit is equipped with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm output jacks (single-ended), minimizing potential double distortion that may arise from using adapter plugs. This thoughtful design ensures optimal performance for a wide range of audio gear.

Meticulously Selected Premium Materials

        In the selection of materials, the approach taken differs from typical electronic product designs; cost is not a determining factor. Most of the chosen components adhere to industry high-spec standards, ensuring durability, stability, and exceptional performance.

Some of the selected components include:

• High-quality 3.5mm and 4.4mm headphone jacks
• Bourns high-precision potentiometers
• Panasonic 0.1% high-precision surface mount resistors
• Panasonic SP-Cap surface mount capacitors
• Panasonic conductive polymer hybrid aluminum electrolytic capacitors
• Beryllium copper gold-plated vacuum tube pins
  
  This commitment to superior materials is aimed at delivering an unparalleled audio experience.
  

Completely Redesigned Power Supply System
The original power supply architecture of the Origa elevated the voltage to meet the requirements of the vacuum tubes, then stepped it down to supply the transistor amplification circuit. While this compact design had its benefits, it limited the use of ±18V OPAMPs due to voltage drop issues.

The newly designed power supply architecture completely separates the power supply for the vacuum tubes and the transistors. Allowing the tubes to operate at higher voltages while adjusting the transistors to ±15V for greater current. Additionally, the filament supply for the vacuum tubes has been upgraded to a low-noise regulated power module.

In terms of size, power consumption, and heat generation, the modifications achieve a new level of sound quality and adaptability, making the original Origa SE feel remarkably close to a modified version.

Fine-Tuning the Drive Capability

Since its release nearly five years ago, ,the Origa has been praised for its exceptional midrange and vocal performance, along with strong dynamic expression. The optimal impedance matching falls between 32 ohms and 80 ohms, allowing it to deliver the best results.

With the recent upgrade to the power supply, the amplification effect has reached extraordinary levels. While this enhanced performance is captivating, we aim for the Origa to be a versatile amplifier that maintains both drive and control. To achieve this, we have made adjustments to the amplification circuit, benefiting from the power supply improvements. This results in an even better performance for low-impedance headphones, further solidifying the Origa's reputation as a high-performance audio solution.

Product Contents Include:

• One set of standard and transistor version vacuum tube sockets for 6DJ8 and 12AU7
• One titanium-plated hex screw driver
• One lithium battery charger
• One set of nano adhesive stickers