Aurorasound HFSA-01

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

- KEN MICALLEF

Audiophiles are often misunderstood as mere hobbyists; in fact they hold a profound reverence for sound. Japanese jazz kissas, where vintage vinyl, turntables, tube amplifiers, and horn speakers have drawn audiences since the 1950s, exemplify this passion. Western audiophiles share a similar fervor, though our pursuit of sonic perfection often manifests in a more discreet, almost monastic, lifestyle.'

Shinobu Karaki, a 65-year-old electronics designer, is the founder and chief designer of Japan's Aurorasound. A music lover first, an audiophile second, and an aspiring jazz and classical guitarist, Karaki crafts phono stages, step-up transformers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, and integrated amplifiers for his Yokohamabased audio company.

Prior to founding Aurorasound in 2010, Karaki held the position of Digital Audio Group Business Director at Texas Instruments Japan, where he amassed nearly three decades of experience in research and development. Earlier, in his formative years, Karaki attended Osaka University and Yokohama Polytechnic, earning degrees in electronic engineering and business. His expertise enabled him to design and manufacture a range of high-performance amplifiers and DACs, resulting in the small bounty of products currently available from Aurorasound.