Something special
"The Blue Hawaii SE looks amazing and sounds great. Truly feels and looks like a premium product. It gets warm, but doesn't feel like a space heater on my desk. Really happy with this product."
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In stock
HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier
$6,995.00
Pre-order your Blue Hawaii SE today for delivery in about 4 weeks. Build times and availability may vary depending on color.
Factory B-Stock items undergo the same rigorous testing as all our premium HeadAmp amplifiers. B-Stock items may feature discontinued colors or minor cosmetic blemishes that do not compromise the exceptional quality and performance of the amps!
Ships Worldwide
30 Day Returns
Free 1 or 2 Day
Our Take
No other amplifier on the market can provide electrostatic headphones with the accuracy, drive, and control of the Blue Hawaii SE. When paired with the Dan Clark Audio Corina, Stax SR-X9000 or Audeze CRBN, the headphones come alive with detail, transparency, and bass control unheard on with lesser amplifiers. With more power on tap than any other commercial electrostatic headphone amplifier, the Blue Hawaii SE can find a home in any audio system, and its clean, modern lines will always draw admiration.
The Blue Hawaii SE is the flagship HeadAmp product, and based on over a decade's experience building electrostatic headphone amplifiers, it is designed not only to power the toughest headphone loads on the market, but to do so for a lifetime. No expense was spared in the design and build of the Blue Hawaii SE, and every amplifier is tested extensively throughout the build process, as well as before, and after an extensive burn-in process to ensure the best possible performance.
The Blue Hawaii SE is available with two volume control options. The first is a 24-level step attenuator, providing perfect channel matching at each possible volume level. For those who desire infinitely granular volume control, we offer the ALPS RK50 potentiometer, the highest-grade part of its' kind, which gives you the freedom to set the volume just-so, without compromising sound quality.
There are also two options for feet on the Blue Hawaii SE. The precisely machined and finished aluminum spike feet match the accent color of the front panels ad tube rings, and are compatible with various audiophile isolation platforms. We also include a set of rubber feet that offer different isolation characteristics, and a non-mar option for delicate surfaces.
Features
• 2x Stax Pro-Bias (580V) Electrostatic Headphone Outputs
• Input Selector Switch
• 2 pair Single Ended RCA Input
• 1 pair Balanced 3-pin XLR Input
• 1x stereo pair RCA Outputs
• 1x stereo pair XLR Outputs
• Choice of Volume Control: DACT 24-Step or Alps RK50 Stepless
3 Year Warranty on all Parts and Labor
Technical Specs
Output Voltage
1600V peak-to-peak
THD
0.003% @ 1KHz/100VRMS C
Frequency Response
5Hz-20KHz +/- 0.3dB
Operating Voltage
100v, 110-120, or 220-240 Configurations Available
Power Consumption
180W
Input Impedance
50 kOhm
Dimensions/Weight
Amp:(W)15.5" x (L)13.5" x (H)8.5"/14lbs
Power Supply:(W)7.7" x (L)12.5" x (H)4.5"/17lbs
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 37 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The HeadAmp Blue Hawaii Special Edition Electrostatic Headphone Amplifier is praised for its exceptional sound quality, impressive bass, and refined sound. Customers appreciate its detailed sound, clarity, and depth, along with its beautiful build quality. It is designed to power the toughest headphone loads and comes with a 3-year warranty.
Summary topics
- Sound Quality: 18%
- BHSE Experience: 21%
- Sound Detail: 9%
- Build Quality: 15%
- Sound Clarity: 15%
Review topics: [].
Review highlights
- "Impressive, tight bass, amazing low level detail and a beautiful midrange on vocals." —
- "Very impressive sound including great bass and soundstage." —
- "Same experience again - more bass, more separation, better high frequency detail, everything is just better." —
Reviews
RE: BHSE review
"I purchased the BHSE to replace the original Blue Hawaii (1st edition?) that was starting to experience issues after 22 years of service. The BHSE is more refined in every way, especially the way it looks! The 1st one was more Flintstone and the second more Ferrari! I've been using this with Stax 007, and 007 mk2 as well as Audeze CRBN2. I went for the DACT version because I'm the only one using it and it's hard to beat . 05 dB channel matching. At any rate it sounds fantastic and is deepening my addiction to vinyl as well as great digital recordings. I know the BHSE has been around for a long time, but I think you knocked it out of the park with this one!"
Excellent match with CRBN2 and RayTube EL84's
"I've had this amp for several weeks now, used exclusively with the Audeze CRBN2 headphones and Weiss DAC501 MK2 fed by Qobuz high res streaming and Audirvana playing downloads purchased from HD Tracks from a Mac M1 Studio. This amp/headphone combination is very well balanced and neutral with the HeadAmp supplied tubes, in my case NOS Russian Mullard branded EL84's with '05 date code. With Ray Tube's Select EL84's there is more and tighter bass, and astonishing clarity at all frequencies. It is an absolute pleasure that is hard to stop listening to."
Review update - Ray Tube Reserve EL34’s
"An update to my previous review. I’ve since purchased a matched quad of Ray Tubes Reserve EL34 tubes. Their a completely different tube, though electrically compatible, reminding me of the old GE 6L6GC tubes versus Philips EL34 back in the ‘80’s when you could buy both new. The Reserve tubes provide bass power and control that is shocking with the Audeze CRBN-II headphones. Yet, the system retains the clarity and detail in the highs with no distortion, and a magical midrange. Vocals and instruments are just there. In fact, this setup has the least perceived distortion and greater clarity than any other headphone system I’ve owned or heard. People preferring a more mid-forward sound would probably like the stock tubes better. If you want the sound of big, exceptional speakers in a very good room, the Reserve tubes are an incredible option. Highly recommended."
BHSE & STAX SR-X9000
"I've been searching for an "endgame" setup after experimenting with various headphones, IEMs, and amplifiers. My goal was a system that would deliver clarity and transparency with excellent soundstage and solid bass response. I had been eyeing the Blue Hawaii Special Edition since I previously owned the L700-MKII with the SRM-353X and knew electrostatics had tremendous potential. The BHSE paired with the STAX SR-X9000 is truly exceptional, delivering everything you'd expect from such a high-end investment. Sound Quality Details are brought to the forefront of the listening experience, revealing nuances in familiar recordings that can be both revelatory and occasionally disappointing due to the unforgiving clarity. My wife and I discovered instrumental and vocal details in our favorite tracks that we'd never noticed before. I listen across multiple genres - rock, electronic, dance, jazz, acoustic, and classical - and this pairing enhanced the experience with everything I threw at it. Sources I've enjoyed this setup with vinyl, Tidal streaming, and high-quality digital recordings. All sources have been engaging and musical. Bass Response I was initially concerned about bass performance, but it's definitely present and well-controlled. However, this won't satisfy bassheads looking for overwhelming low-end impact. Keep in mind, this is my experience with SR-X9000 specifically. Areas for Improvement My main complaint centers on the SR-X9000, which benefits from EQ due to a peak in the 1-3kHz range that can be fatiguing with certain digital recordings. Oratory1990's EQ profile was an excellent starting point, adding some bass emphasis while taming the slightly aggressive upper mids. This is largely personal preference, but worth considering before making such a significant investment. Final Thoughts While I haven't tested other electrostatic headphones with the BHSE, this combination made an outstanding first impression. I don't regret paying extra for the ALPS RK50 volume control - I suspect I would have found the DACT's 24-step attenuation too limiting for fine-tuning levels. I wish I could have tried the Mjölnir Audio Carbon CC with the SR-X9000, but given the niche products here, you need to make sacrifices - wait for an event that has both, or bite the bullet and choose one. Overall, excited I made this choice."
My second BHSE
"Two years ago I purchased my first BHSE to drive a pair of STAX 9000X headphones, but made the mistake of selling the BHSE and STAX in my search for the ultimate in headphone listening. I then used the HiFiMan EF1000 to drive the Susvaras then purchased the Warwick Acoustics system. These were both great headphone/amp combinations, but the BHSE driving the HiF Shangri La Senior beats everything I have heard to date. I believe that I am now at the end of my headphone/amp upgrade path."
My second BHSE
"Two years ago I purchased my first BHSE to drive a pair of STAX 9000X headphones, but made the mistake of selling them in my search for the ultimate in headphone listening. I then used the HiFiMan EF1000 to drive the Susvaras then purchased the Warwick Acoustics system. These were both great headphone/amp combinations, but the BHSE driving the HiFiMan Shangri La Senior beats everything I have heard to date. I believe that I am at the end of my headphone/amp upgrade path."
Service was very good and
"Service was very good and the produckt is amazing!"
BHSE a Musical Nirvana
"I was introduced to the BHSE after reading Tom Martin’s 2012 review in The Absolute Sound: https://www.theabsolutesound.***/articles/headamp-blue-hawaii-se-electrostatic-headphone-amplifier-playback-56/ The HeadAmp platform is a benchmark audiophile internet retailer, manufacturers refusing to abandon traditional brick-and-mortar practices should take notice. The amp arrived in mint condition. Assembly was straightforward, though the owner’s manual is somewhat vague about what constitutes “adequate ventilation” and the need to identify the “keys” when attaching the cord connecting the power supply to the amp. I can add little to Tom’s review regarding build quality, sound, performance, and cost. The BHSE paired with Stax headphones, along with comparable-quality cables and a DAC/streamer, offers audiophile-level sound—where floor-standing loudspeakers are impractical due to space or budget."
A leap of faith
"I blind purchased BHSE without any previous audition! It's not because money is no subject to me, it's actually the opposite as I've been trying to get hold of an used BHSE for years but it's so hard to come by. I've read so many reviews talking about how awesome BHSE is and it being one of the best electrostatic amps in the market, plus my very positive experience dealing with HeadAmp in the past, I finally bit the bullet after saving for a long time! It took just over 3 weeks for my order to be delivered to Australia. The unit is shipped well protected, as I can see the packaging was specifically designed for BHSE. My original setup was SR-009 + Stax SRM-353X. They sound great, actually better than all the other headphones I've ever have / had / auditioned, but I can't help wondering how good SR-009 "actually" are. BHSE did not disappoint me from the first time I turned it on. There are more details and even better separation of different instruments / notes - I got goose bumps! It's really another level vs 353X! I'm really happy with the purchase. Now I can live my life happily after :)"
Q&A
- Is the BHSE dual voltage and if not, how big of a deal is it to change from 120v to 230-240v?
- Hi, changing the voltage requires soldering some jumpers that are on a circuit board mounted to the front panel of the power supply. It is recommended that we, or a qualified technician, change any AC voltage setting.
- Will the BHSE accommodate the Natural Sound 6CA7 complanate?
- Yes it will
- Hello! I just wanted to know if you took requests on the Blue Hawaii.. I was hoping maybe if I were to purchase one, getting a Normal Bias (230v) output would be possible? I have an assortment of classics I'd love to use on it as well.
- Yes, we can build one with a normal bias output
- Hello, many sources these days use greater than standard 4V/2V output voltage on XLR/RCA outputs. Does this influence BHSE in any way? (other than volume) Thank You.
- No, you just wouldnt turn the volume up as high
- Hello, does the pre-amp out go through any part of the tube circuit? For example, if I wanted to use the amp with a Raal speaker interface box, would the pre-outputs pass on any signature from the amplifier or is it designed to bypass the tube circuit? Thank you for the info.
- The Blue Hawaii SE doesn't have pre-amp outputs. It does have loop/tape outputs that pass the input signal, unaltered.
- If I want to control the volume via DAC or preamplifier, is there an option to turn off the volume knob on the BHSE ?
- The best way to handle this case is to choose the Blue Hawaii SE with the standard (DACT) volume control, and turn it to max when using an external volume control.
- dimensions of the blue please?
- The Blue Hawaii SE amplifier unit is about 15.5" (395mm) x 13" (330mm) deep, and 4.5" (115mm) tall with the feet installed. The tubes will bring the height to about 9" (230mm) tall. The power supply section is about 8" (200mm) x 13" (330mm) deep, and 4.5" tall with the feet installed. The cable that attaches the two chassis is detachable at both ends and is 48" long (120mm).
- Does the amp come with a mains lead that can be used in the UK? Presumably the amp is compatible with our voltage supply?
- We only include a AC power cord if you are in North America. For other regions, you must provide your own AC power cord. However, we do configure the amp for 220-240V if you are in the UK.
- Is the blue Hawaii available in the uk? And if not, do you ship safely? Many thanks Dr Paul Moxey
- We have shipped many amps directly to the UK, usually by FedEx
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