Auris Audio Nirvana VI

Auris Audio Nirvana VI, tube headphone preamp

At Auris Audio, the tube headphone amplifier is passed down from one generation to the next, and this sixth version follows the Serbian manufacturer’s approach while changing two key components: the power tubes and the front-panel display. Hand-assembled, the Nirvana VI drives both easy-to-power headphones and demanding planar models, thanks to an output transformer adjustable to the connected impedance. The sound remains warm, with firmer control.

The character of the 6CA7 compared with the EL34

The power stage is based on two 6CA7 tubes, a pentode from the same family as the EL34 used in previous versions, recognizable by its wider envelope. Upstream, an ECC82 tube handles the input and driver stage. This tube choice reshapes the sonic character: bass reaches deep, gains generosity and control, the midrange becomes smooth and full, and treble extends without harshness. The fluidity characteristic of Auris electronics remains, with added presence and control in busy passages.

An output transformer matched to every headphone

Where many headphone amplifiers apply a single output to all models, the Nirvana VI uses an output transformer with several secondary windings, hand-wound in Serbia with high-purity copper wire. The front-panel impedance selector chooses the winding corresponding to the headphones: five values (32, 80, 150, 300 and 600 ohms) cover the 32 to 600-ohm range. The adjustment acts directly on the transformer, shortening the signal path. With dynamic or planar magnetic headphones, performance remains stable and assured regardless of the load, while the maximum power of 4 watts is enough to drive the most difficult models.

The OLED screen and tube hour counter

The front panel replaces the analog VU meters of past generations with a large OLED screen. The display remains clear and precise: VU level, operating time and tube wear counter can all be checked at a glance. This last feature is particularly useful on a tube amplifier, as it indicates when replacement should be considered. Three knobs complete the front panel, one for each function: output impedance, volume and input selection. An ergonomic remote control provides access to the main controls from the listening chair.

Headphone amplifier and preamp in the same chassis

The Nirvana VI accepts three analog sources: one balanced XLR line input and two RCA line inputs, selected by the front-panel knob. No digital section is included, so it must be paired with a line-level source or an external converter. On the headphone side, two sockets are provided: a 4-pin balanced XLR output and a 6.35 mm stereo jack, allowing most cables to be connected without an adapter. A 4.5-volt preamplified RCA line output enables a second use as a preamplifier: the Nirvana VI can then drive a power amplifier or active speakers. Input sensitivity is 1 volt.

An aluminum chassis engineered against vibrations

The assembly is housed in a rigid aluminum chassis resting on vulcanized rubber feet that reduce the transmission of mechanical vibrations. Components are high-end throughout the signal chain, with durability in mind. Its size comes at the cost of a substantial footprint: 310 by 420 by 250 millimeters and 14.7 kilograms, best reserved for a sturdy, uncluttered piece of furniture. The tubes heat up and require air around the enclosure, with a short warm-up period before attentive listening.

Technical specifications

Overview

• Type: High-End Desktop headphone amplifier
• Integrated all-in-one design bringing together all components in a single unit
• Sleek, compact design maintaining high audio performance

Tube stage

• Tube complement: 1 × ECC82, 2 × 6CA7
• 6CA7 tubes replacing the renowned EL34
• Sound signature:
  • Deep, generous and better-controlled bass
  • Smooth, rich and warm midrange
  • Extended and refined treble
• Rich, warm and immersive sound reproduction
• Preserves Auris’ characteristic musical fluidity, with added authority and presence

Output transformers

• Output transformers with multiple secondary windings
• Hand-wound in Serbia
• High-purity copper wire conductors manufactured under Auris supervision
• Precise matching with a wide variety of headphones
• Maintains tonal coherence and dynamic integrity
• Impedance selector integrated directly into the output transformer for the shortest and cleanest possible signal path

Headphone compatibility

• Impedance range: 32 to 600 Ω
• Selectable output impedances: 32, 80, 150, 300 and 600 Ω
• Supported technologies: dynamic headphones, planar magnetic headphones
• Versatile solution suited to a wide variety of audiophile headphones
• Stable, assertive character regardless of load

Connectivity

• Inputs: 1 × stereo XLR line input, 2 × stereo RCA line inputs
• Line output: 1 × stereo RCA preamplifier output
• Headphone outputs:
  • Balanced 4-pin XLR output
  • 6.3 mm stereo jack output
• Connection of different headphone types without a specific adapter

Display and user interface

• Large front-panel OLED screen, replacing traditional analog VU meters
• Clear and precise display of essential information
• Displayed information:
  • VU level
  • Lifespan counter
  • Tube operating-hours counter
• Three dedicated control knobs on the front panel:
  • Output impedance: matching to headphone impedance
  • Volume: listening level adjustment
  • Input selection: audio source selection

Construction and mechanical isolation

• Rigid, robust aluminum chassis
• High-end components throughout the design
• High-end vulcanized rubber feet
• Significant reduction in the transmission of mechanical vibrations
• Preserves sonic clarity and stability at all listening levels
• Design engineered for long-lasting use and consistent performance over time

Audio performance

• Maximum output power: 4 W
• Preamplified output voltage: 4.5 V
• Input sensitivity: 1 V
• Dynamic and richly layered sound reproduction
• Excellent sonic clarity
• Warm and immersive presentation
• Listening experience close to a live performance, with the impression of an expanded acoustic space

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 310 × 420 × 250 mm
• Weight: 14.7 kg

Included accessories

• Nirvana 6 headphone amplifier
• Complete set of original tubes
• Ergonomic remote control allowing control of the main functions from the listening position
• User manual
• Warranty card