Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Proprietary noise-control techniques using dither circuits, Active coils, and Tesla coils improve perceived blackness in music
- A 'natural-based composite material' for the chassis aims to reduce influences from mechanical resonance
- A large LED-Matrix display is easy to read from a distance
- A weighty and solid rotary volume dial offers a perfect speed of adjustment
- Input switching is not straightforward, requiring use of a navigate button and rotation of the volume dial
Product Considerations
- Menu navigation is cumbersome, requiring toggling through all items or using the remote control to exit
- The U180 is described as technically correct but not hugely emotional or lyrical, with a darker sound
Takeaway: The Aavik U-series integrated amplifiers offer unique noise-reduction technology and a distinctive design, which could be a great addition to an audiophile's set-up. The amplifier's overall operation is straightforward, and it responds very quickly to all commands.
Compared to their other products
We think it's helpful to understand how this product fits into the brand's full lineup (below). To learn more about these products, visit the brand's page.
Aavik C-580:
- Positioning: A compact control amplifier offering refined signal management on a more accessible budget.
- Description: Features a straightforward implementation of active Tesla coil technology and basic dither circuitry, ensuring low noise and precise control suitable for modest listening environments. In comparison to the C-880, offers fewer advanced noise reduction features while still delivering solid performance for users with limited functionality needs.
Aavik C-880:
- Positioning: A high-end control amplifier engineered for signal fidelity and advanced noise suppression.
- Description: Incorporates a significantly higher count of active Tesla coils and enhanced analog dither technology for further noise reduction and dynamic musical detail. Compared to the C-580, offers increased performance and control capabilities.
Aavik U-588:
- Positioning: A modern all-in-one unity amplifier that combines streaming, DAC, line stage, and power amplification in a single enclosure.
- Description: Uses the latest Pascal class D (UMAC) technology with lower output impedance and reduced noise, adding digital streaming and connectivity features for versatile use in compact setups. Compared to the traditional 880 series products, offers added functionality and ease of integration.
Aavik P-880:
- Positioning: A standalone power amplifier designed to deliver high current and efficient pure Class A performance.
- Description: Uses a resonant mode power supply and local capacitor banks to achieve lower noise and improved feeding of speakers, which suits environments requiring high peak power and dynamic control. In contrast to the integrated I-880, the P-880 splits the amplification process, offering greater flexibility in system configuration.
Aavik I-880:
- Positioning: The flagship integrated amplifier combining power, control, and cutting-edge noise reduction technologies in one unit.
- Description: Features an extensive suite of innovations including a switchless optical input board, active Tesla coil systems, and a solid copper enclosure that ensure exceptionally low noise and outstanding musical detail, ideal for high-end, room-filling setups. Compared to its segmented counterparts, it delivers the most comprehensive performance and functionality.
Read the reviews
Aavik U-580
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Manufacturer's notes
- Line in Gain Line 1-4: 5-15dB; maximum input 4.5V RMS
- Line in Gain Line 5: 1-11dB; max input 6.5V RMS
- Input impedance: 10K ohm
- Digital inputs: 2 x BNC S/P-DIF, 2 x TOSLINK Optical, 1 x USB UAC 2
- Digital format support: PCM 24-bit 32-192kHz and MQA (USB also supports DSD64/128)
- Line out: 1 x RCA
- Max output: 7.5Vrms
- Distortion, line stage: <0.005% (THD at 1kHz, 1V input)
- Output impedance: 50 ohm
- Volume control: 76 dB – 1dB steps
- Output power: 2 x 300W 8 ohm, 2 x 600W 4 ohm
- Distortion (THD+N): <0.006% (1-100W, 1kHz, 8 ohm)
- IMD: <0.002% (1-100W, 4 ohm)
- TIM: <0.008% (1-100W, 4 ohm)
- Power consumption Standby: <0.5W
- Power consumption Idle: <65W
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 400 x 384 x 102 mm (14 61/64 x 15 1/8 x 4 1/64 inch)
- Weight: 10.7 kg (23.6 lbs)
Our take on the brand
Used
Aavik
What if you spend a bit more?
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Visually stylish, luxurious, well-built, and enjoyable to look at
- Offers extensive functionality including preamp gain adjustment, channel balance, mute, and display brightness settings
- Combines qualities of both tube and transistor designs, having transparency and magical realism with easy power
- Produces a clean, succinct, holographic, and exciting sound, with great dynamic capabilities
- Exceptionally well-balanced frequency response, fitting between the warmth and energetic explicitness of other amps
Product Considerations
- Massive and heavy, making it not easy to move around
- Single ended inputs only with no balanced inputs
- The vast disparity between the damping factors—synergy can vary with speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Aavik I-880 was leaner, more illuminated, outlined and energized, spatially grander, less intimate and occupied via shorter key sound sources, compared to Trilogy 915R preamp and twin 995R mono amps
- The I-880 was internally juicy, admirably outlined, enjoyably angry, instantaneous, and powerful in the lower end range, where the twin 995Rs were boomier, fuzzier, slower and sensibly shallower on the very bottom
Takeaway: The Aavik I-880 is a high-performing, visually stunning integrated amplifier that brings music to life with both elegance and power. This amplifier is designed to be a centerpiece, both sonically and aesthetically, in any high-end audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Combining the front end technology from the Momentum HD Preamplifier and the power section of the Momentum MxV amplifier, the Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier delivers Momentum Series performance in a compact framework. The elegant design only hints at the advanced circuitry within its Aluminum and Copper housing.
Benefiting from extensive development previously applied to the Momentum Series separate components, the Momentum MxV integrated Amplifier executes on the potential that an integrated solution offers.
The Momentum MxV integrated Amplifier is a modular design that is configurable to a listener's preferences. The core line stage preamplifier section can be augmented to include a digital streaming and/or a phonostage module.
When fully equipped, the Momentum MxV Integrated Amplifier topology is a seamless circuit working as one from input to output. Each internal section is still highly specialized but knowing the exact complement of power supply, control, and audio circuitry being used together, affords engineering a vison of the system that is typically not possible.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Strong physical presence and handsome aesthetics, featuring lacquered copper heatsinks, venturi tunnels, and Breguet-style dials.
- MxV upgrades bring significant improvements in core music reproduction areas such as sound stage, detail, and dynamics.
- The Momentum M400MxV sounds 'louder' and more powerful even when set to the same levels as its predecessors.
- The Momentum MxV amplifiers have the ability to bring out the best in loudspeakers
Product Considerations
- The D'Agostino Momentum MxV monoblock is a heavy piece of equipment, weighing 43kg apiece without optional stands.
- The Momentum M400MxV may run warm
- DIP switches for input loading are inside the unit, which requires removing the top cover when switching between cartridges
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Momentum MxV amplifiers bring much of what inspired the larger Relentless Epic 800 and Relentless Epic 1600 to a smaller form factor and price point
- The early Momentum Stereo delivered around half the power of the monoblocks, compared to the Momentum Stereo.
Takeaway: The D'Agostino Momentum MxV amplifiers bring high-end performance in a visually striking package, capable of significantly enhancing the listening experience through improved detail and dynamics. The upgrade path for existing owners also makes it a worthwhile long-term investment.
Video review
Our take on the brand
InPoL Legacy is a fully balanced dual-mono amplifier. The power supply comes from Adrenalin and InPower, with one capacitive inductive filter per channel. The two toroidal power transformers are the largest we have ever made. While we have always previously limited the size and weight of the amplifiers, in this case, we set no limits.
Like the entire InPoL Legacy structure, the tube power supply is separate, with a toroidal transformer for each channel. The tubes are in a totem pull configuration, using 2 x ECC803s TungSol and 1 x 6H30 per channel. All power supplies are stabilized, filtered, and dissipated The excellent quality wiring is shielded.
The 100-step passive volume is adjusted by low-noise precision resistors using insulated relay switches. Input and output connections are Neutrik and WBT. InPoL Legacy weighs 140 kg.
To let move and install it easily, Pathos engineers designed a special packaging with wheels. InPoL Legacy is provided also of a set of brackets which eases to lift the amplifier and put it on the cabinet. Since not all cabinets can support such weight, Pathos designed a dedicated cabinet for InPoL Legacy.
InPoL Legacy, the ultimate Pathos integrated amplifier.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Employs Pathos InPoL Technology/Dual InPoL Circuit, aiming for Pure Class A amplification and a warm, natural sound
- Delivers substantial power: 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, and 170 watts per channel into 4 ohms
- Uses high-quality components and a power supply based on 1,800 VA toroidal transformers per channel
- Features a tube preamp (using Tun-Sol ECC803 and 6H30 Sovtek tubes) and MOSFETs in the power amplifier
Product Considerations
- The amplifier is large (540 x 800 x 300 mm) and very heavy (100 kg), possibly making it difficult to integrate into standard hifi setups
Takeaway: The InPoL is engineered to deliver a natural sound and substantial power, using high-quality components and a sophisticated design. This could be a compelling option for individuals seeking a high-end amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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TSI-300 Integrated Amplifier, is a hybrid design, designed to capture the TLA sound and capabilities in a single chassis. 2 Tube preamplifiers driving 2 Solid state power amplifiers. All in one chassis. Separate Linear Power supplies.
First power supply is using a custom designed EI, low loss lamination transformer and custom designed choke. It supplies the High Voltage and the Heater Voltage required for the 12AU7 tube front stages. Special power supply decoupling per channel is implemented.
The second power supply is using a unique custom designed UI, low loss lamination transformer. Combined with high speed rectification and quality filter capacitors delivers dual polarity voltage and high current needed for the solid state and output sections.
4 input selector Input signal transformer is used and contributes the TLA transformer's magic to the sound. Shunt attenuator – Volume – Remote Control
The audio signal is then connected to a 12AU7 Tube gain stage followed by a 12AU7 tube buffer. Ultra linear solid-state circuitry takes over further amplification of the signal and delivers the signal to current amplifier circuit that delivers the power to the load. Only bipolar transistors are used in the circuit. Semiconductors, as well as resistors and capacitors, are closely matched. There is only one high-quality film capacitor in the signal path from input to output.
A Mosfet protection circuit is used to connect the load to the amplifier. After power-up the protection circuit will wait approx 13 sec before connecting the amp to the speaker, giving time to the tube heaters to warm up. DC fault protection and high temp protection.
High-quality PCBs. All boards are hand-assembled. All parts of the amplifier are hand-wired. Highest quality components are used throughout the circuit. Each component is handpicked, tested, and matched to serve the design.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Refined and powerful sound that can compete with the best
- Big and authoritative sound, dynamics, and deep bass
- Natural and lifelike midrange, and a treble that's so extended that it allows you to find the magic in hi-rez digital
- Enormous soundstage in all directions
- Able to play loud without strain, distortion, or compression
- Offers a refined and powerful sound that can compete with the best
- Big and authoritative sound, dynamics, and deep bass
- Able to play loud without strain, distortion, or compression
Product Considerations
- The power receptacle is 20 amps, and a suitable power cord was not included
- Large and heavy amplifier weighing 55 kilos without packing material, so placement needs consideration
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Burmester 909 and 088, the True Life Audio TSI-300 did not make singers ten feet tall, like some big systems do, but there was a stronger sense of the sound going far beyond the room boundaries, while the Burmester gear had an unexpected talent for keeping the images and the soundstage confined to a realistic, lifelike size
Takeaway: The True Life Audio TSI-300 seems to do everything it needs to do without compromise, delivering drama and raw emotion. It will appeal to those who love a big and authoritative sound, dynamics, and deep deep bass without sacrificing musicality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Preserves the sonic signature of tube electronics, while being able to drive a wider range of loudspeakers
- Has astonishing liquidity of timbre, and is utterly grain-free
- Projects a sense of presence that sounds very much like the best SET amplifiers
- Creates a directness of musical expression, fostering an intimacy with the music and performers
- Produces a very warm midrange, and sweet top end
Product Considerations
- Treble was less bright, and open than that of many other amplifiers
- Favors warmth, fullness, and texture in the bass rather than slam and extension
- May not be the most resolving amplifier for the money
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Absolare Hybrid sounded remarkably like the Passion 845 SET, but with deeper bass extension and greater dynamic authority
Takeaway: The Absolare Hybrid Stereo amplifier delivers the emotion of music like an SET amplifier, with the ability to drive a wide variety of loudspeakers. It creates a deep connection with musical meaning.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impeccably clean and precise presentation
- Excellent detail resolution
- Sonic agility and dynamic expression
- Good digital module
- Terrific build quality using 12mm thick aluminum alloy panels
Product Considerations
- No phono stage or headphone output
- No indication of the incoming digital signal resolution
- Requires a very solid, high-mass support to work best
- The amplifier's overall character does still veer slightly towards the dry side—particularly at high frequencies
- At this level, balanced connections were expected, but Goldmund hasn't specified them
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The soundstage doesn't match the airy spaciousness of the Burmester pre/power
Takeaway: The Goldmund Telos 690 is a highly capable amplifier, known for its clean, detailed sound and dynamic expression. It is a great choice for those who appreciate dissecting recordings and value exceptional build quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Ample power with minimal distortion
- Audionet's ULA (Ultra-Linear-Amplifier) technology, originally developed for medical engineering
- Impressive dynamic prowess and the ability to plumb the hidden depths of CDs and LPs
- Subtle musical and instrumental details come through cleanly and coherently, without compromising life-likeness of tone colors and harmonic expression
- Exceptional bass reproduction, with a rich, detailed, and uniform low end
Product Considerations
- Positive and negative speaker terminals are close together, requiring caution when connecting speaker cables
- Balanced input use involves an op-amp, which some believe impacts sound quality, single-ended inputs are preferred by some
- A preamp should be used to get the best sound from these amplifiers
- Display text changes locations randomly, which some may find distracting
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Burmester sounded cleaner, airier, and more revealing, but could not quite compete with the AMP II MAX in authority over the bass frequencies and in blackness of the background
- The Pass Labs was tonally rich and pleasurably soft, plus the amp gave an extraordinarily punchy presentation, in that it bettered the performance of the AMP II MAXes, on the other hand, it was rather general in the organization of the soundstage and the background wasn't quite as black as with the AMP II MAXes
- Plinius shone in resolution, as well as delivered exceptionally dimensional soundstage and very neutral overall sound, especially in Class A mode, however, it did not have the same punch as the AMP II MAXes, and the sound wasn't equally gentle
- The McIntosh MC-501 delivered a richer and warmer sound, but with less power and extension than the AMP II MAX
Takeaway: The Audionet Max monoblocks offer a powerful and refined listening experience, making music sound engaging and detailed. Their ability to control speakers and reveal nuances in recordings makes them a great choice for serious audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Neutral and grain-free sound, not like typical solid-state or tube amplifiers.
- Powerful and articulate bass, seamless and smooth mids, and extended, non-harsh highs.
- Exceptional build quality and a luxurious feel with immaculate laser-cut detailing and silver anodizing.
Product Considerations
- The glitzy appearance might be divisive.
- High-quality source components and speakers are required to perform at its best.
- The unit is large (almost 50cm wide) and very heavy (32kg), requiring a sturdy rack and careful handling during setup.
Takeaway: The Burmester 911 mk.3 provides exceptionally intricate, powerful, and dynamic sound, making it a very refined amplifier that is a treat for your ears. It is a top-performing amplifier made with great craftsmanship and build quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredibly nimble, with every detail highlighted, providing an extra layer of resolution
- Delivers all of the detail and clarity without the traditional fatigue
- The balanced input transformer properly sums the positive and negative legs of the balanced signal, and in so doing retains much of the benefits that you normally achieve with fully balanced amps—noise rejection
- The distortion numbers are exceptional for a tube amplifier
- Compatibility with nearly every commercially available speaker, due to the support of three impedances (4 ohms, 8 ohms, and 16 ohms), and output power exceeding 60 watts with KT88s, and 80 watts with KT150s
Product Considerations
- There are no modern reproductions of the 12BY7A, requiring matched pairs to run the amplifiers
- The bias is fixed—it's selectable between settings, but dialing in the distortion could not be simplified further
- Heavy at nearly 100 lbs each, as there's a lot of iron in both the transformers and the chassis work
- A hint of tube noise was present in one channel when no music was playing, likely specific to the tubes used
- Not a wise choice to any planer but complex crossovers and difficult loads have not compressed the amp in testing
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ampsandsound Zion Monos: The Arch Monos are more neutral, faster, and provide an extra layer of resolution, compared to the richer and more harmonic sound of the Zions
- Vs TAD: The Arch is clean, powerful, and has many characteristics of very good solid-state amp, though the TAD approach was similarly neutral in many ways, albeit with a lightning quickness that the Arch did not have
Takeaway: The ampsandsound Arch Monoblock amplifiers are a technically proficient and beautifully built amplifier that delivers exceptional detail and clarity without fatigue. If one wants a vintage but modern sound, the Arch Monoblocks could be a good choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Magazine reviewers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below.
Product Strengths
- Proprietary noise-control techniques using dither circuits, Active coils, and Tesla coils improve perceived blackness in music
- A 'natural-based composite material' for the chassis aims to reduce influences from mechanical resonance
- A large LED-Matrix display is easy to read from a distance
- A weighty and solid rotary volume dial offers a perfect speed of adjustment
- Input switching is not straightforward, requiring use of a navigate button and rotation of the volume dial
Product Considerations
- Menu navigation is cumbersome, requiring toggling through all items or using the remote control to exit
- The U180 is described as technically correct but not hugely emotional or lyrical, with a darker sound
Takeaway: The Aavik U-series integrated amplifiers offer unique noise-reduction technology and a distinctive design, which could be a great addition to an audiophile's set-up. The amplifier's overall operation is straightforward, and it responds very quickly to all commands.
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