In Korea, SoundCat is launching the THA-8X series and THA-30X series from Lars & Ivan for the first time.

'Lars & Ivan' is an audio equipment company that started in 2000 and manufactures various audio devices such as speakers and headphone amplifiers. The THA series of portable headphone amplifiers with built-in vacuum tubes are famous overseas.

The THA series features a soft, warm vacuum tube sound that reduces the hardness and sharpness of portable headphone amplifiers using conventional TR elements, allowing you to experience the feel of vacuum tubes in both stationary and portable forms.



This product is for those who want to secure more powerful sound or volume due to low output when listening to music with a general smartphone, and it is also suitable for use as a stationary preamplifier when you want to bring back the feeling of a vacuum tube at home.

All products have built-in batteries that allow for approximately 16 to 18 hours of playback outdoors, and are very lightweight, making them the perfect size and weight for portability as well as stand-alone use.

In particular, the TE version is released at the same time, and the TE version is a tuning edition model that has upgraded sound quality by replacing the internal OPAMP IC component. The component that is replaced is the JRC MUSES 01/02 OPAMP, which is a top-of-the-line product among OPAMP components and shows the best compatibility with the THA series. The OPAMP IC is mounted in a socket, so even general consumers can replace it by simply opening the case, allowing them to DIY it to suit their taste.

“Now you can carry around a vacuum tube amplifier and listen to it outdoors,” said Moon Chang-yong, director of domestic distributor Soundcat. “If you’ve ever felt like your earphones or headphones lack output or that the sound from your previous headphone amplifier is too hard or cold, this is your chance to experience a whole new world.”

Currently, the company's direct shopping mall, Jawound, is holding a launching event where they are giving away exclusive leather pouches as gifts.