Questions
Frequently asked questions
Brands, where to listen, why prices are not published and how to match equipment to your room.
Which brands does Hi-End Distribution import, and where are they made?
We are the official distributor of three brands in Poland. Icon Audio designs and voices its equipment in Leicester, United Kingdom - 36 models in our range. Sophia Electric builds its amplifiers by hand in the United States - 9 models. Alta Audio makes loudspeakers - 6 models.
Where in Poland can I hear or buy this equipment?
Through our trade partners. The current list with addresses and map links is on the Where to buy page. If you tell us which model interests you and roughly where you are, we will point you to the nearest place that has it.
Why are there no prices on the website?
We are a distributor, not a shop - we do not sell to end customers and we do not run an online store. The retail price is set by the showroom you buy from, together with delivery and warranty terms. Distribution price lists in PDF are on the Price lists page.
What is the difference between power monoblocks and an integrated amplifier?
An integrated amplifier holds the preamplifier and both power channels in one chassis - simpler, cheaper, takes one shelf. Monoblocks are a separate power amplifier per channel: the channels do not interfere with each other and each unit can stand right next to its loudspeaker, but you also need a preamplifier. Our range has 15 integrated amplifiers and 7 pairs of monoblocks.
Which output tubes are used in your amplifiers?
Across the range: 300B directly heated triodes (Sophia Electric 91-01, 91-03, 91-05, Icon Audio Stereo 300), KT88 and KT150 (Icon Audio Stereo 40 and Stereo 60, MB90), EL84 (Stereo 20 PP), 6L6 (Stereo 40 MkIV), 845 (Stereo 845 PP), 805 (MB805) and GU81 transmitting tubes (MB81). Each product page lists the tubes for that model.
Do you offer phono stages for MM and MC cartridges?
Yes. Icon Audio PS1 MkII and PS3 MkII handle both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges; PS2 MM is for moving magnet only. For moving coil cartridges there is also the MCTX step-up transformer.
Which amplifier has a headphone output?
Sophia Electric Baby II is an integrated amplifier with a headphone function. We also have two dedicated headphone amplifiers: Icon Audio HP8 MkII and HP205D, the latter on directly heated triodes.
Which loudspeakers suit a small room, and which a large one?
For smaller rooms we would look at stand-mount designs - Icon Audio MFV6, MFV2, the MFV LS3/5A replica, or Alta Audio Alyssa and Celesta FRM-2M. For a large living room, floorstanders: Icon Audio MFV3 and MFV4, Alta Audio Adam, Alec, Reference Tower or Titanium Hestia. Room size is only part of the answer - write to us and we will help you match them.
Do valve amplifiers need loudspeakers of high sensitivity?
It depends on the design. Single-ended amplifiers give modest power and work best with sensitive loudspeakers. Push-pull designs deliver considerably more - the Icon Audio MB81 PP monoblocks reach 250 W per channel, MB90 MkII 115 W. Tell us which loudspeakers you have and we will say what will drive them.
Is there a warranty and service in Poland?
Yes. As the distributor we handle warranty and service in Poland - you do not have to send anything abroad. Warranty claims go through the showroom where you bought the equipment.
How can a shop become a dealer?
Write to biuro@hienddistribution.pl or call +48 600 362 666. Having the equipment on display at a partner is the foundation of how we sell, so we are glad to talk to HiFi and Hi-End showrooms.
Where can I find manuals and datasheets?
Manuals in PDF are on the Manuals page. If your model is not there, write to us with its name and we will send the documentation.
Still not sure?
Write or call - we will help you choose and point you to the nearest dealer.