Leema Acoustics Hydra 2 Power Amplifier

Available in black or silver

Borrowing heavily from developments pioneered in the Leema Reference Series Altair IV mono power amplifiers, the Hydra 2 is not only a notably more accomplished amplifier than its predecessor, this technological chameleon is uniquely able to act in a multitude of roles, always creating a life-like sound stage and maintaining the colour, texture and timbre of the original performance.

Exceptional dynamic range, resolution of exquisitely fine detail and remarkable clarity allow the Hydra 2 to deliver music with life-like verve, even when driving the most demanding of audiophile speakers.  This exceptional design uses two massive torodial power transformers: one for each channel, together with a third transformer for the control circuitry.  The highly refined output stage features a very low output impedance.  This, coupled with a high current capability ensures vice-like grip and precise control of the loudspeakers, even at very high levels.

Leema's Intelligent Protocol System, LIPS® allows the Hydra 2 to act alongside the multiple award-winning Tucana II.  For example: Hydra 2 could drive the surround channels in an extremely high-performance multi-channel system.  LIPS® also allows the Hydra II to perform as a slave to the Tucana II in a bi-amp or even tri-amp set-up, providing a substantial upgrade in performance over that of the Tucana II on its own.  By far the most outstanding role that the Hydra 2 can perform is in a pre / power combination with the Reference Series Pyxis pre-amplifier.  The Pyxis sends a full level audio signal to the Hydra II at all times; the volume and balance are adjusted within the Hydra 2 using the LIPS® control signals from the Pyxis.  This Leema-developed system gives superior performance by minimising the effect of induced signals within the interconnect cables, further enhancing the already outstanding abilities of the amplifier.  Of course the Hydra 2 can also be configured as a standard fixed gain power amplifier for use with conventional pre-amplifiers from other manufacturers.  When used with the Leema Antila CD player, the Hydra 2 can even perform as a single source amplifier; the volume setting being controlled within the Hydra 2 via LIPS® and adjusted using the Antila's remote control.

In addition, rear panel switches on the Hydra 2 select use as either a stereo amplifier, a left or right channel mono amplifier, or even as a two channel amplifier designated as left or right.  In this mode the system is acting as a bi-amped set-up in which the amplifiers can be placed behind the speakers allowing short speaker cable runs.  In every one of these roles, the Hydra 2 can be bridged to become a mono amplifier providing even more power, agility and the ability to drive virtually and loudspeaker on the market to realistic volume levels.

• Variable gain LIPS® stereo power amplifier for use with the Leema Reference Series Pyxis pre-amplifier
• Variable gain LIPS® handed mono power amplifier for use with the Leema Reference Series Pyxis pre-amplifier
• Fixed gain stereo / mono power amplifier for use in conventional pre / power systems
• Fixed gain LIPS® power amplifier for use with the Tucana II in bi / tri-amplification systems
• Variable gain LIPS® slave power amplifier for use with the Tucana II in multi-channel systems
• Single source LIPS® amplifier for use with the Leema Antila CD player