23,018 brands across 425 indexes

Thrax Audio

Active

Overview

Thrax Audio is a Bulgarian manufacturer of high-end audio electronics and loudspeakers, founded in 2009 and known for tube-based amplifiers, preamplifiers, digital and analog sources, and speakers with unconventional designs.123 The company offers around 16 products emphasizing conceptual originality, musicality, and varied technologies including valves and hybrids.13

History

Thrax Audio was founded by Rumen Artarski, who began designing audio at age 12 and later worked as a studio technician and sales expert for over 70 brands before creating a remote-controlled tube preamplifier that led to the company's launch after a trade show prototype in around 2009-2010.35 Early focus was on linestage preamplifiers as core products, with other items as prototypes for years; the first loudspeaker, Lyra, released in 2014 despite Artarski's initial projects being speakers.4 The company expanded to electronics, sources, and speakers while appointing distributors like High End by Oz for North America in 2020.510

Product Lines

Product LinePositioningPrice Range
Spartacus Power AmplifierTube power amplifier~$21,500
Libra PreamplifierTube linestage preamplifier$10,000 - $20,000
Heros Hybrid AmplifierHybrid power amplifier for non-tube users$15,000 - $25,000
Lyra LoudspeakersTwo-way D’Appolito array speakers$20,000 - $30,000
Siren LoudspeakersHigh-end loudspeakers$25,000 - $40,000
Ares MK2 SystemModular audiophile system$30,000+
Enyo MK2 SystemModular audiophile system$20,000+

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured by Thrax Audio Ltd. in Sofia, Bulgaria, at 251 Okolovrasten pat, Delta Center.3 The company emphasizes in-house design by founder Rumen Artarski and a team with electronics and acoustics expertise, using rigid, vibration-free enclosures.48

Notable Products

  • Spartacus Amplifier - Tube power amplifier noted for dynamic contrast and full bottom-end.
  • Libra Preamplifier - Sophisticated tube preamplifier central to Thrax systems.
  • Lyra Loudspeakers - First released speakers in 2014, two-way three-driver D’Appolito design.
  • Siren Loudspeaker - Recent loudspeaker model showcasing design originality.
  • Heros Amplifier - Hybrid amplifier option for tube-averse users.
  • Teres Amplifier - Power amplifier paired with Lyra speakers.

Reputation

Thrax Audio is regarded by reviewers for ingenious, original designs, innate musicality, and broad technology use across tube, hybrid, and speaker products.16 Enthusiasts and professionals praise dynamic performance, full bass, and sophistication in tube gear, stemming from Artarski's pro audio background.36 Some note the unconventional approach and long development times for products like speakers.4

Sources (10)
  1. https://www.stereophile.com/content/thrax-audio-siren-loudspeaker
  2. https://highendbyoz.com/about-thrax/
  3. https://www.stereotimes.com/post/thrax-audio/
  4. https://positive-feedback.com/Issue78/thrax_teres.htm
  5. https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/thrax-audio-teams-up-with-high-end-by-oz-as-their-north-american-distributor/
  6. https://trackingangle.com/equipment/roman-holiday-the-glorious-sound-of-the-thrax-spartacus-amplifier-and-libra-preamplifier
  7. https://www.veryfinesolutions.com/exclusive-interview-with-rumen-artarski-thrax-audio/
  8. https://www.thraxaudio.com/about-us-1
  9. https://www.thraxaudio.com
  10. https://www.hifipig.com/thrax-audio-appoints-high-end-by-oz-as-north-american-distributor/