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Copyright © 2011 Cavalli Audio, LLC
Important points to remember about the Cavalli Audio Liquid
Fire headphone amplifier
The Liquid Fire is a unique blend of tubes and transistors. Unlike nearly all other hybrid
amplifiers, the Liquid Fire is DC coupled from input to output. There are no coupling capacitors
in the signal path. To achieve this, Cavalli Audio does not resort to running the tubes at low
voltages to accommodate the transistor circuits. Instead the Liquid Fire has two completely
separate, dual rail power supplies -- one high voltage supply specifically to enhance the
performance of the tubes and another low voltage supply specifically to enhance the
performance of the transistors.
The amp uses the tubes only for voltage gain, and transistors (MOSFETs) only for the power
output section. Each channel has its own separate set of final regulators; thereby reducing or
eliminating channel crosstalk through the power supplies. The power circuitry includes a tube-
life-enhancing 20 second delay while the tubes warm up before applying high voltage from the
rails. Once the rail voltages are applied the non-invasive protection circuitry we have built into
your amp waits another 20 seconds before connecting the headphones. In an effort to provide
further protection for your precious headphones, the Liquid Fire’s output has twin tuned offset
detectors -- one for each channel -- that disconnect the headphones virtually instantaneously if,
for any reason, the DC at the output gets to a level even remotely dangerous to the ear
speakers.
Power is controlled by a standby power circuit activated by a custom made Piezo power switch.
Your Liquid Fire amplifier also includes engraved Perspex windows on the front panel so that
you can enjoy the glow of the tubes while examining other internal circuitry.
Operation
Your Liquid Fire amplifier has been operated for at least 50 hours for quality control and to give
the tubes and other parts an opportunity to break in. However, most amplifiers don’t fully
settle, open up, and “relax” until they are played for at least 100 to 150 hours of operation. The
Liquid Fire also follows this timeline (see page 3). Your new amp will continue to improve with
regard to bass impact, more open sound, warmth, and “sweetness,” so we strongly recommend
that you accumulate these important hours on your Liquid Fire headphone amplifier by playing
it as much as possible so that you may fully enjoy its performance as soon as possible.
