Hephaestus Audio

A review of the HMA-1000 from the Stereo Times!!!

From Stereo Times’ Clement Perry:

“Interestingly, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the high-frequencies: something most Class-D detesters swear would never improve. Yet, I could hear improved subtleties in Billy Higgins’ ride cymbal on the track entitled Mr. Kenyatta from Lee Morgan’s explorative and excellent “Search for the New Land.” This was something I did not expect. Yeah, I expected the high power HMA-1000s to increase contrast and dynamics: which it did without a blush. I also expected the soundstage to increase both laterally and front-to-back because of all that power, control and grip. What I did not expect, however, was the improved resolution, sense of focus and added extension to the highs.”

From Stereo Times’ Carlos Sanchez:

“Who would buy this amp? Me, and anyone else who just so happens to enjoy their music collection more than the electronics that drive them. In essence, the HMA-1000s forces you to forget about what’s driving the music. In short order, the HMA-1000s have proven to be ultra-musical while packing a powerful bang for the buck. Don’t be fooled by its small foot-print and utilitarian look. In fact, I think its minimalist design has a lot to do with its unusually high levels of transparency coupled by quick and nimble starts and stops (transient speed) bass grip and control. They more than lived up to the praise CP spoke of before having ever heard of them. In the end, the Hephaestus HMA-100s won me out by providing a bigger more natural sound than my beloved Bel Cantos in an even smaller package. Surprised? Yeah, you bet.”

I’ve been very fortunate to have this opportunity to work with Clement Perry.  He asks great questions and has great observations – observations that have been very helpful in the development of my little amplifier.  Thanks Clement!

The word “green” is being thrown around an awful lot these days.  Its excessive use is nearly as bad as the word “audiophile”.  Regardless of the overuse and overmarketing of it though, it represents an important trend: efficient use of our resources.  There’s nothing wrong with using resources, lot’s and lot’s of them even, as long as the use is efficient.  There should be some sort of utility gained thereby.  If it’s just being burned, then it’s not efficient.

Hephaestus Audio’s products clearly fit the definition of “green”.  They use a minimum of energy while delivering maximum utility (i.e. they are very efficient).  However, we strive to go beyond simply developing products that are efficient.  At Hephaestus Audio we currently derive part of the energy needed for operations from wind energy.  A goal for this summer is to provide an additional portion of the operating energy from solar energy.

Why are we doing this?  Is it to “save the environment” or to “do our fair share”?  No.  It’s simply to maximize the availability and utility of electricity.  The environmental and social benefits are wonderful side effects when this amazing resource is used responsibly.  “Waste is worse than loss. The time is coming when every person who lays claim to ability will keep the question of waste before him constantly. The scope of thrift is limitless.” — Thomas Edison

No, not an amplifier this time!  It’s my new little girl: Kilmeny Arianwen - born February 22nd, 2010.  Mother and daughter are happy and healthy!

We received the Stereomojo 2009 Products of the Year award: Power Amplifier of the Year!

From Bill Schuchard of Stereomojo:

“The Hephaestus Audio HMA-1000 is a great monoblock amplifier. It sounds fast, clean, transparent, open, and airy with powerful but neutral bass and massive headroom. It worked well with a variety of speakers and sources, takes up very little shelf space, and produces quite a bit amount of power efficiently (1,000 watts per side). Those looking for a big shiny bauble with a fancy name to show off may be perturbed by the utilitarian look and understated size and miss out on some amazing sound. The $4900 list price per pair is a tough pill to swallow from a relatively unknown company; especially for those who are frugal like myself. The spoonful of sugar that makes the pill slip down is the sound. I am very pleased to announce my new reference amplifier; the Hephaestus Audio HMA-1000 monoblocks.”

Not only is Mr. Schuchard a wonderful reviewer, but also a wonderful customer!

Interest is picking up so this evening I am spending time soldering some new amplifiers!  I couldn’t help but think, “Gee, if I outsourced assembly of the PC boards, then I could just worry about final assembly and have some extra time…”

Is this how it has started for companies in the past?  It’s so easy to fall into the trap of offloading some of the more tedious tasks to somebody else – somebody who doesn’t know or care about your customers – somebody who is only doing a good job because you are paying them to do so.  There’s not a chance I’m going to do this!  Big amplifier manufacturers may scrap more units then I will ever build, but I’m not going to change how I’m doing it.  I like to know that my customers will receive something I have created with my mind and built with my hands.

Needless to say, when you purchase an amplifier from Hephaestus Audio, you may count on the fact that I built it for you – even if I occasionally toy with the idea of doing it another way.  Maybe it was just the solder fumes going to my head? 

We received the Stereo Times Publisher’s Choice Most Wanted Components award for 2009!

From Clement Perry, publisher of the Stereo Times:

“What immediately impressed me right out of the box was the improved dimensionality and the enriched harmonic overtones. This, from a kilo-watt powerhouse no less. Don’t let the small size of these dynamos (3.5 lbs) fool you either because they really do pack a punch!”

Mr. Perry is wonderful to work with.  He gave me real-world feedback early on in the life of the HMA-1000 that was instrumental to steering it in the right direction.  I’m thrilled to receive this recognition from the Stereo Times!

I love to set personal goals.  The feeling of always reaching for something that you can just barely touch with your fingertips.  The above picture is my father-in-law John performing the “Iron Cross” on the gymnastic rings.  He used to perform the “Flying Rings” on Muscle Beach back in the day.  Wow.  Gymnasts make it look so easy, but the most humbling experience you can have is to actually try it.

Like I said I love to set goals for myself, and not just in audio endeavors (e.g. design a great new amp).  I’m not what you would call an “in-shape” person – in fact just two months ago I couldn’t do a single chin up!  Now I can do a single good one (no kicking, swinging, etc.)  I have installed a pair of gymnastic rings in the garage and my personal goal is: to perform a single “Muscle Up” on the rings!

My next goal is to someday perform the Iron Cross on the rings…hey, it’s important to have dreams! 

Oops, time flies and I didn’t notice that an entire year has passed since Hephaestus Audio was officially founded!  I guess that means we should be walking now? 

A lot has happened in that time.  I’ve had some great feedback and some very happy customers, but I’ve also come face-to-face with the realities of juggling a startup, a day job, and a family.  They say most startups fail within the first year and now I have experienced exactly why: it’s far too easy to just give up!

The most important part however is that we’re still here and we’re still making one of the finest amplifiers you’re likely to come across.  Happy birthday to us!

Following on the heels of my previous announcement I have a much better announcement: my brother, Mike White, has joined the Hephaestus Audio team!  His strong business background will be perfect for directing  sales, marketing, and business development (i.e. all of the things I’m not so good at).  I will now be able to focus more on what I do best: the manufacturing and R&D of audiophile class-D amplifiers.

I can’t express how excited I am to find somebody that not only complements my abilities so well, but also somebody I’ve known all my life!  We’ve got the start of a killer team here – the best is yet to come. 

Well, it’s been nothing if not interesting.

In trying to more or less single-handedly start my own audio company, I have discovered something: I have absolutely no clue how to market and sell a product!  No doubt it is obvious to those with sales and marketing savvy that a designer might be ill-suited to this task.  Such being the case, I will transition Hephaestus Audio from a commercial site to a site devoted to those who love audio and audio electronics.  Really though, it’s been that all along…kind of like the Tin Woodman and his heart.

There will be some changes to the website soon.  I will change the product section to a project section that shares various projects I have worked on, such as the HMA-1000 monaural amplifier and the VK-1 dipole loudspeaker.  Also, I will keep chugging away with audio-related posts and articles at my relatively glacial pace.  I hope these are useful and enjoyable for my fellow audio enthusiasts.  You can still reach me via email (iris@hephaestusaudio.com) with any questions or just to chat about this great hobby.

We tend to be good at what we’re passionate about (or is it the other way around?) so I’m going to stick with what I’m good at: audio design.  Who knows, maybe someday down the road I’ll be fortunate enough to meet up with somebody who shares my vision, has a gift for sales and marketing, and is just crazy enough to love the audio industry.  Anything is possible.