The latest offering from Orchard Audio, the Valencia Balanced Headphone Amplifier, has captured our attention with its promise of delivering ample power for high-performance headphones. Set to debut at CanJam NYC 2025 on February 22nd to 23rd, and later showcased at AXPONA in late April, the Valencia is poised to make a significant impression in the audiophile community.

Based in New Jersey, Orchard Audio has built a reputation for creating high-quality, reasonably priced audio equipment. The Valencia continues this tradition, presenting a sleek Class A/B balanced headphone amplifier that outputs a maximum of 17 watts per channel. This impressive power output suggests that it can drive even the most demanding headphones on the market.

One of the standout features of the Valencia is its fully balanced design from input to output, with independent linear power supplies for each channel. This design aims to provide a clean and transparent audio signal path, minimizing noise and distortion. The amplifier boasts a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) greater than 134dB (A-weighted), indicating a virtually silent background against which the music can shine.

In terms of connectivity, the Valencia keeps things straightforward. It features a single set of Balanced XLR inputs on the rear and a single 4-pin XLR output on the front. To accommodate different headphone connections, every unit includes a 4-pin XLR to 4.4mm Pentaconn adapter. It's important to note that single-ended headphone connections are not supported.

Additionally, the Valencia doubles as a stereo amplifier for high-efficiency speakers, providing up to 7 watts into 8-ohm loads. This versatility could make it an attractive option for those who want a powerful amplifier for both headphones and speakers.

The power output specifications are particularly impressive:

• 0.81W into 600 Ω
• 1.62W into 300 Ω
• 3.24W into 150 Ω
• 7.56W into 64 Ω
• 9.68W into 50 Ω
• 15.12W into 32 Ω
• 9.66W into 16 Ω
• 4.83W into 8 Ω

This range of outputs suggests that the Valencia can handle a wide variety of headphone impedances, from high-impedance models to more sensitive ones. However, users are advised to exercise caution, as the amplifier is purely a power amp without volume control. Volume must be managed externally, and care should be taken to prevent potential damage to headphones or hearing due to the high power levels.

The physical design of the Valencia complements its technical prowess. Housed in a sleek, modern sandblasted aluminum chassis with a unique angled fascia, it blends seamlessly with other high-end desktop gear. It's available in anodized black or natural aluminum finishes, allowing users to match it with their existing setups.

While the Valencia lacks some features like a gain selector or multiple inputs, its focus on delivering pure, unadulterated power to headphones is clear. The collaboration with long-time audio commentator Z-Reviews hints at a design informed by real-world listening experiences and enthusiast feedback.

Priced at $1,599.95 during the discounted preorder phase (with an MSRP of $1,999.95), the Valencia positions itself within the premium segment of the headphone amplifier market. Given Orchard Audio's track record for engineering excellent sounding amplifiers, there's much anticipation to see how the Valencia performs with a variety of high-end headphones, including demanding dynamic and planar magnetic models.

With its impending release, the Valencia Balanced Headphone Amplifier represents an exciting development for those seeking a powerful, no-compromise solution for their headphone and high-efficiency speaker needs.

The latest offering from Orchard Audio, the Valencia Balanced Headphone Amplifier, has captured our attention with its promise of delivering ample power for high-performance headphones. Set to debut at CanJam NYC 2025 on February 22nd to 23rd, and later showcased at AXPONA in late April, the Valencia is poised to make a significant impression in the audiophile community.

Based in New Jersey, Orchard Audio has built a reputation for creating high-quality, reasonably priced audio equipment. The Valencia continues this tradition, presenting a sleek Class A/B balanced headphone amplifier that outputs a maximum of 17 watts per channel. This impressive power output suggests that it can drive even the most demanding headphones on the market.

One of the standout features of the Valencia is its fully balanced design from input to output, with independent linear power supplies for each channel. This design aims to provide a clean and transparent audio signal path, minimizing noise and distortion. The amplifier boasts a Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) greater than 134dB (A-weighted), indicating a virtually silent background against which the music can shine.

In terms of connectivity, the Valencia keeps things straightforward. It features a single set of Balanced XLR inputs on the rear and a single 4-pin XLR output on the front. To accommodate different headphone connections, every unit includes a 4-pin XLR to 4.4mm Pentaconn adapter. It's important to note that single-ended headphone connections are not supported.

Additionally, the Valencia doubles as a stereo amplifier for high-efficiency speakers, providing up to 7 watts into 8-ohm loads. This versatility could make it an attractive option for those who want a powerful amplifier for both headphones and speakers.

The power output specifications are particularly impressive:

• 0.81W into 600 Ω
• 1.62W into 300 Ω
• 3.24W into 150 Ω
• 7.56W into 64 Ω
• 9.68W into 50 Ω
• 15.12W into 32 Ω
• 9.66W into 16 Ω
• 4.83W into 8 Ω

This range of outputs suggests that the Valencia can handle a wide variety of headphone impedances, from high-impedance models to more sensitive ones. However, users are advised to exercise caution, as the amplifier is purely a power amp without volume control. Volume must be managed externally, and care should be taken to prevent potential damage to headphones or hearing due to the high power levels.

The physical design of the Valencia complements its technical prowess. Housed in a sleek, modern sandblasted aluminum chassis with a unique angled fascia, it blends seamlessly with other high-end desktop gear. It's available in anodized black or natural aluminum finishes, allowing users to match it with their existing setups.

While the Valencia lacks some features like a gain selector or multiple inputs, its focus on delivering pure, unadulterated power to headphones is clear. The collaboration with long-time audio commentator Z-Reviews hints at a design informed by real-world listening experiences and enthusiast feedback.

Priced at $1,599.95 during the discounted preorder phase (with an MSRP of $1,999.95), the Valencia positions itself within the premium segment of the headphone amplifier market. Given Orchard Audio's track record for engineering excellent sounding amplifiers, there's much anticipation to see how the Valencia performs with a variety of high-end headphones, including demanding dynamic and planar magnetic models.

With its impending release, the Valencia Balanced Headphone Amplifier represents an exciting development for those seeking a powerful, no-compromise solution for their headphone and high-efficiency speaker needs.