ASR
Amplifiers
Preamplifiers
Best Known For
Amplifiers
/
Class: Tube
Used Products
1
 Available
Average Price
$10,001-$20,000
Brand Popularity
383
 of 900+
Products Listed
3
Review Count
13
Founding Year
1995
Headquarters
Germany
ASR
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What's unique about the brand

ASR Audio's Emitter II Exclusive amplifier creates a vast, tube-like soundstage and three-dimensional presentation without tube colorations, while maintaining exceptional transparency and a low noise floor. The brand stands out for its emphasis on measurements and scientific analysis in audio equipment evaluation, often sparking debates between measurement-focused and subjective listening-focused audiophiles.

What reviewers are saying

We read all the reviews. Here's what reviewers feel most strongly about:

  • ASR amplifiers are meticulously hand-built in Germany, with customization options available even down to the specific op-amps used, offering a bespoke experience.
  • They utilize separate, substantial power supplies, often with battery power for the preamp section, to isolate the audio signal from electromagnetic interference and ensure ample current delivery.
  • The brand's amplifiers are designed to deliver a harmonically rich sound reminiscent of tubes while maintaining the precision and control of solid-state designs, creating a unique balance.
  • They employ an innovative volume control system that adjusts gain rather than attenuating the signal, preserving the signal-to-noise ratio and contributing to the overall transparency and detail retrieval.

Our favorite reviewer quotes:

  • "Not that I have to take back what I noted - ASR stands for the best bass electronics I've been introduced to, basement deep, explosive and completely controlled. But the thing is that the rest of the frequency range is the same way." (http://www.audiophile.no/en/articles-tests-reviews/item/788-asr-emitter-ii-exclusive-review)
  • "The best way I have come up with to describe the qualities of the ASR Emitter I is that it seemingly transforms your loudspeakers into a really good set of headphones, but without the imaging problems. In other words, people always talk about the extra little things they hear through headphones that are muted when listening through loudspeakers, even great ones." (https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-asr-emitter-i-exclusive-amplifier)
  • "Transparent doesn't begin to describe the sound of the Emitter I; it was as if a window on the recording venue had opened, to reveal sonic images that were almost tactile. These images were not hyperrealistic, as if etched with lasers, but were fully formed, holographic, and organic." (http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/equipment/asremitteri.htm)
  • "We switched to the ASR, and everyone's jaws synchronously dropped to the floor. The speed, clarity, and power of this amp was transfixing." (https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/review-asr-emitter-i-exclusive-amplifier)
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From Julian's interview with
.

Lineup comparison

We think it's helpful to understand how their products compare. To learn more about each, scroll to the section above to click through to individual product pages.

Akku Netzteil:  

  • Positioning: A compact power accessory focused on portable, stable DC output.  
  • Description: Offers a low-noise battery power supply designed for setups where portability and basic power provision matter.

Phono-Vorverstärker:  

  • Positioning: An entry-level preamplifier designed for turntable systems.  
  • Description: Uses a straightforward low-noise amplification circuit with built-in RIAA equalization to clarify vinyl audio signals.

HiFi Vollverstärker:  

  • Positioning: A mid-range integrated amplifier that combines power amplification and preamplification.  
  • Description: Features a stable circuit design with efficient thermal management and low-distortion performance to ensure consistent sound quality.

Index Series:  

  • Positioning: A core product line that embodies the brand's signature blending of digital control with analog reliability.  
  • Description: Incorporates a digital control platform with a modular power regulation system that enhances audio fidelity in diverse listening environments.

HiFi Highend Verstärker:  

  • Positioning: A premium amplifier engineered for top-tier audio performance in demanding environments.  
  • Description: Employs advanced circuit design with isolated power stages and high-quality components to achieve exceptional clarity and low noise.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer

Used

ASR

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What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
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ExtremeHiFi
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
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About the brand

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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
Known For
Amplifiers
/
Class: Tube
Average Price
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Used Products
4
 Available
Brand Popularity
187
 of 900+
Headquarters
United States

About the brand

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Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page