In the recent months, I have put together my power amp based on Holton’s DIY kits. I choose the HPA-NXL300 R4. I run a straightforward 2-way loudspeaker system based on SEAS drivers. These loudspeakers are really good in terms of sound stage (the DXT tweeter is very nice) and the phase-coherence. The latter is where the magic happens (at least for me) for any loudspeaker.

I was looking to upgrade my Class-D based amp that sounded very clean, but missed the music, its missed the magic.

Building the kit was a lot of fun and with a bit of help from Anthony, very achievable. I ordered transformers from Poland and a DIY chassis from Italy. I used the HPA-NXVPSU-One R2 Power Supply to power the module.

When I turned on the AMP, it immediately put a smile on my face. It was clear immediately that this amp has all the power and punch I needed. But better, the sound was amazing. Detail, crystal clear mid's and like I said, enough punch. Voices sound very clear and the sound stage it produces is very large.

A friend of mine has put together a set based on Holton modules as well and told me I should really order the Volt One and power the input-stage of the amps separately to really get that extra bit of magic. And because the whole process of building something yourself is so much fun, I did.

I was not sure what to expect, as it is always easy to think something sounds better, because you just spend extra bucks.

When the Volt One was installed, and I turned on the amp again, I was simply lost for words.

I now have the sound I was looking for, for the past 5 years or so. With this upgrade, the instruments and voices sound so crystal clear, it’s almost scary.

When Diana Krall sings, it’s almost like she is standing a few meters away from me. Leonard Cohen’s voice on the album ‘Old Ideas’ makes my blood clutter from excitement. It sounds incredible. The amp has so much control and clarity now, I can easily say it’s the best I heard from an amp. Class D, or the famous Bryston amps are suddenly toys. This amp is in a league of it’s own. Although I do wonder what the Holton class A would sound like ;-)

Another thing I like to stress: The help and responsiveness I got from Anthony was simply great. Anthony takes all the time to answer your questions, helps you out, even during weekends he responds to my email.

Thanks Anthony for creating a great product and all your help.

Stefan – The Netherlands

The picture below is when the amp was operational, but not finished. I now run it with a DA converter with digital volume control. The Rotel pre-amp has been retired.