Heaven 11 Billie MK3 Classic Review. Oh My!
By Steve Huff
Video Review
I have references that are the best I have heard in any specific category. My Speakers? Icon 12 from O Audio are the best I have heard in my life and this is what I use when comparing to new speakers that come in for review. The Devialet Astra is here for the same reason, it’s the best solid state integrated I have ever heard. I added the Cayin Soul 170i as my all tube integrated reference and it will be used to compare other high end tube integrated amps. I do the same for DACs and Streamers, even cables.
This week I am writing about the new Billie MK3 integrated hybrid amp from Heaven 11 and yea, it’s good. Real good.
The Billie MK3 from Heaven 11 Audio
For the last few weeks I have had the pleasure to experience the all new Billie MK3 from Heaven 11. I reviewed the OG when it came out years ago and enjoyed it for its sleek and simplistic design, the fact that it used tubes in the preamp section and had all I needed in one cool looking box that was hand assembled and made in Canada. That MK1 wasn’t perfect as I pointed out as it had some hiss that emitted from my speakers and the remote was so cheap feeling and an afterthought. Even so, I really enjoyed the MK1 of the Billie.
I missed out on the MK2 so here I am with an all new MK3 and boy has Heaven 11 made some massive improvements. In fact I feel THIS is what the Billie was meant to be all along but it’s not as easy as just saying this as now we have more options than ever when perusing or pursuing a Billie amp.
TWO BASE and POWER OPTIONS
With the Billie MK3 there are now two options for the version you want as well as two options for the power amp section you prefer. One offers warmth and engagement and the other is more neutral and precise. Before we get to those details, let’s talk about the base models you can now choose from.
THE SPARTAN
The new Spartan option delivers a pure and simple integrated amp without a DAC or phono stage. Just your RCA inputs, the preamp and power amp. No muss, no fuss. This is the simplest way to order a Billie as you will need to add an external DAC or phono stage as there are none here in the Spartan. This would normally be my pick as I love using eternal DACs for my streaming.
THE CLASSIC
This version is a continued evolution on the original Billie and includes a phono stage with a moving magnet capability and it also offers a low and high gain option here. There is also a DAC in the classic, and we now have two to choose from. A single or dual chip version that use the ESS ES9039 DAC (384khz/32 bit DSD256). I have the dual chip version here and it just sounds insanely good. These new ESS DACs these days are quite stunning in all honesty (go for the dual, trust me).
THE NEW RELAY
The new MK3 Billie now uses premium relays instead of the MK2’s analog switched. This brings more improvements to the Billie such as superior channel separation, enhanced input isolation and a lower noise floor. All of this is evident in the new Billie vs the MK1 I reviewed years ago.
INPUTS and OUTPUTS OF THE CLASSIC
Since I have been using the Classic version I will speak about the classic. This one has 8 inputs and it includes a new USB-C input, dual optical inputs and a better bluetooth implementation with external antenna. There are also dual sub outputs here if you would like to add a sub or two. There is also a preamp out so you can use this as a preamp with your choice of power amp, using the tubes in the Billie to add some sweetness to your sound. I’d say this amp has covered about everything besides adding a streamer inside. I never found a built in steamer within an amp that I loved so I am happy to use my external Eversolo T8 for streaming duties direct to the dual DAC in this Billie MK3.
The NEW REMOTE
The remote of the MK3 is so much better than the OG that came with the MK1. Not even a contest here. The remote is now pretty cool, and much improved. It’s solid. Very cool.
LISTENING and EXPERIENCE of the Billie MK3 Classic with ICE Power.
I was listening to the beautiful and higher end Cayin SOUL 170i before the Billie arrived so when I switched I knew I would get a different sound and I did, but they are more similar than different.
I chose to review the Classic that has the DUAL DAC and Phono stage along with the warmer, richer and what Heaven11 says brings a more emotional connection type of thing. I like some warmth so the ICE powered classic sounded like it would be right up my alley. I tested this amp with three speakers that I always have on hand for reviews such as this.
The Pure Audio Project Duet 15 Horns
The O Audio Icon 12
Buchardt E50
With its 215 WPC (4 ohms) and 120 WPC (8 ohms) this amp doesn’t have a crazy 500 WPC to power speakers but it had zero issues driving these in my 13X18 room. I could play as loud as I liked and there was never any strain or a feeling that this amp was underpowered. This is one thing that class D amp tech has brought to the hobby as they can usually drive almost any speaker and gone are the days of dry, lean and crap sounding class D.
Starting with the Duet 15 Horns I noticed that the Billie MK3 with its dual DAC setup and ICE module did have that warmth and beauty I associate with tubes, all thanks to the two tubes in the preamp section. These speakers are 97db efficient which means any amp connected to them has to be silent or else you will hear noises. When I hooked up a five figure Chord Ultima integrated amp to these speakers I heard a very noticeable hiss from the speakers, and this was the noise of the $10k+ amp being exposed.
When I started up the Billie, which you do just by turning the volume knob to the right, I chose the COAX input as this is where I sent the data from the T8 transport. Before I played music from any of the streaming services I use (Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify and Apple) I sat in silence and noticed zero noise was coming from the speakers. This was awesome as the first Billie presented some hiss, this one has none. The noise floor has been greatly diminished here and this is so good to see as it will allow more of the music to flow, effortlessly, without noise mucking it up.
THE SOUND OF THE ICE CLASSIC
I started with my usual playlist from Tidal that you can see HERE.
I cued up this sweet sounding song from Chlara which is a remake of “Stuck on You” and is your usually sappy female vocal but this one has some beauty about it. The vocals are dead center with the Duet 15 speakers and every sound is heard with a sweetness and yes, some warmth. Every sound is separated nicely but each instrument has a smooth quality and is easily heard, yet not in an overly clean way. The Hypex module would be cleaner, more crisp I imagine. The ICE power module does bring beauty, warmth and shine for female vocals.
Going to some music with deep bass and a groove I put on “VAMP” from Trentemoller. If you have speakers that bring the bass, the Classic Billie MK3 delivers the goods. The drive is infectious and HUGE. The beat is driving hard with the bass drivers of the Duet 15 pumping as much as they can. When I go to the Icon 12 the bass is bigger still and everything is smooth and rhythmic. As I turn it up the sound just gets more solidified and stronger. Never gets harsh nor breaks up. There is also a refinement to the sound that I didn’t hear in the MK1 Billie. I guess this could be due to improvements in the noise floor and DAC.
On the Icon 12 this track as a treat. Starts out with some very deep thunder that is dynamic and should make you kick back in your seat when it comes on, if your volume is up. This track is a tour de force and allows us to hear our systems imaging performance. Sounds can come from anywhere and everywhere on a system with a high end DAC that exposes every hidden detail or it can sound smoother, warmer and better with more bass drive in the mid section.
The Billie Classic MK3 with Dual DAC and ICE power module delivered a powerful sound here that delivered the thunder in the deepest of ways. With that said, I have heard this track even more detailed and transparent when using my SOUL 170i and a FEZZ Equinox DAC ($10k total) but the Billie MK3 was bringing forth exactly what it promised it would. An engaging performance with warmth and excellent sound quality that showcases the beat, rhythm and musicality of each track.
VERSATILE AS IT GETS
As I entered week two with the Billie MK3 I asked myself why I would spend more on any integrated amp because it was just so damn enjoyable. I found it hard to find faults and had nothing to nitpick about. I got exactly what I asked for. The warmer vibe, the open soundstage that actually has depth and such a fluid way it brings froth the music in the soundstage. This amp with the DUAL DAC is stunning for what it costs and while there is competition up the wazoo in this integrated amp segment I always look for something that is special, unique and not something you can just pick up in a local Best Buy store.
All you need to start enjoying music with the Billie MK3 is a phone or tablet to stream. You can do this with its built in and excellent bluetooth capability. Want it to get even better? Add a streamer like the Eversolo T8 and be shocked at just how damn good your music can sound. Add a turntable, even a simple one that will not cost a fortune like the U-Turn Orbit Special that I own. The built in phono stage here is very good and I tested it with my table that houses an Ortofon blue. It sounded fantastic with the Billie MK3.
This one brings all you need to get started enjoying high quality HiFi. It looks awesome, feels awesome and can be configured in any way you like. You can keep it simple with the Spartan or go all out with a loaded Classic.
It’s simple to use, understand and set up. There are no screens and no menus here. Just plug in your source and enjoy the beauty, glow and warmth from the ICE Power module if that is your preference. If you want a more lit up experience go for the HYPEX module. This is what is so cool as the Billie offers all you need and nothing you do not.
CONCLUSION
This is one of the easiest reviews I have done as the Billie MK3 is as sold of a HiFi product that I have ever reviewed. It has a bespoke hand made flavor because it is just that. It offers charm in its simple and yet beautiful design. It brings the best attributes of tubes and adds this to a high power Class D amp section. There is now an all metal solid remote that is very cool as well and fits with the Billie design. Want to stream or play records? You can do that with the Classic as it brings a built in phono stage and DAC and I recommend the DUAL DAC option 100%. This DAC sounds glorious with a wide stage, depth and superb imaging performance, It’s not as sweet or open as my Fezz Equinox but the Fezz costs as much as this Billie does on its own.
The Billie MK3 is the perfect integrated amp for the modern times. It really is. It’s great for those new to HiFi or for seasoned veterans of the hobby. It also proves we do not need to spend $10k and up on an amplifier even if we own high end speakers. The Billie MK3 Classic here drove all of my speakers, even my $25k Icon 12’s to levels that should not be possible with an integrated amp of this price.
Speaking of the price, the Billie MK3 Classic I have here, as configured with Dual Performance DAC, Upgraded Gold Tubes, Phono and ICE Power module will set one back $3,412.00.
This is a great price for a made in Canada tube and solid state integrated amp that has such a great DAC and Phono stage included. Add in the unique style, all of the improvements from the $2k MK1 and here in 2025 this Billie MK3 may be the integrated amp to beat for this Hobby at this price point. Sure, I can get a more open and larger sound with more excitement in the $7500k Cayin SOUL 170i but I have to add an external DAC which boosts the cost up to over $10k. I can get more drive, holographic stage, energy, cleanliness and power in a Devalet Astra but that will set one back over $20k.
For just under $3500 the Billie MK3 loaded classic will be a hard one to top as it offers customizable sound (you choose what you like) and options that will make your own Billie unique to you and your tastes. It comes in silver or black and there are also many knobs you can choose from when you order to make it look like your own amp.
Heaven 11 has thought of it all for this version of the Billie. They have improved on the version 1 dramatically. It’s dead silent, works like a charm and is super easy to operate. I have always said “less is more” and it couldn’t be more true in the case of the Billie MKIII. This one grabbed me, let me connect to the music in a soulful way and kept me listening deep into the night. It’s a perfect match to the Pure Audio Project speakers as well, which was awesome to experience.
It also drove the Buchardt E50’s, which are a harder to drive speakers, with ease and grace. There is nothing bad to say about this integrated amp. Wether you are looking for your first integrated and just want to get one of the “good ones” or you want something new and different, there really is no need to spend more, The Billie has you ; )
