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
- Elegant design with solid build quality and a cool, informative 7-inch touchscreen interface
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and offers a high channel count—up to 13.3 or 20 channels depending on the version
- Easy to set up and operate, with an intuitive touchscreen and web interface
- Delivers excellent audio quality with a wide, open, and cohesive soundstage
- Built in the USA
Product Considerations
- Lacks automated room EQ, though Acurus is developing ASPEQT
- The included remote control is fairly basic
- Some reviewers found the setup process to be manual and requiring a good understanding of room dynamics
- The original ACT 4-16 is limited to either 7.3.6 or 9.3.2, it cannot decode 9.3.4 or 9.1.6
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Trinnov Audio Altitude16: The Altitude16 offers more impressive room EQ capabilities
- Vs Lyngdorf MP-50: The Lyngdorf MP-50 includes Auro3D processing and RoomPerfect room correction
Takeaway: The Acurus ACT 4 is a well-designed AV processor with great sound quality that is easy to use. It is a good option for building a high-end home theater system and is perfect for people who want an easy to set up device.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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.
ACT-4
- Positioning: A compact and affordable option ideal for small room applications.
- Description: Uses simple design with essential digital processing that suits users with limited budgets while providing reliable performance for everyday listening, distinguishing it from the more feature-rich options. Compared to the M-4, MUSE, and M-8, its circuitry and connectivity are basic, making it a practical, entry-level choice for modest setups.
M-4
- Positioning: An entry-level mid-range product delivering improved performance for users looking for a step up from the basics.
- Description: Includes a more robust digital processing engine and refined output stages that provide clearer detail and stronger build quality than the ACT-4. In comparison to the ACT-4, it adds extra functionality and improved performance while not reaching the advanced technological features found in the MUSE and M-8 models.
MUSE
- Positioning: A mid-level product that balances advanced technology with versatile functionality for a broader range of use cases.
- Description: Features sound processing and refined circuitry that enhance audio clarity and provide versatile connectivity, setting it apart from the entry-level ACT-4 and M-4. Compared to both lower-end models and the flagship M-8, it offers more advanced integration and performance without reaching the highest premium level.
M-8
- Positioning: A flagship model designed for high-end performance and comprehensive functionality for expansive, demanding setups.
- Description: Features state-of-the-art processing, high-precision analog components, and advanced connectivity options that offer the most sophisticated technical performance in the lineup. When compared to the ACT-4, M-4, and MUSE, it stands out with superior build quality, expanded functionality, and enhanced audio performance.
See all the brand's products
Read the reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
ACT 4
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Manufacturer's notes
The ACT 4 represents a revolution in 3D-audio home cinema processors. Designed to be the heart of a modern UHD home theater, the ACT 4 combines ultimate audio performance, control flexibility, and the absolute latest immersive sound technologies. With 20 channels of immersive audio the ACT 4 meshes the celebrated engineering of Acurus with the power of advanced cinema technology--all in perfect harmony.
Manufacturer Specs
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Average Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used Products
15
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
266
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
8
Founded
1993
Our take on the brand
Acurus, an American-made hifi brand, distinguishes itself through modular, upgradeable design and advanced 3D audio processing that supports up to 112 surround sound layouts, including 15.1 Dolby Atmos.
Brand Page
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Acurus
What if you spend a bit more?
MP-60
14999
14999
/
4
Reviews
Lyngdorf
Lyngdorf Audio is known for its RoomPerfect technology, which learns and corrects room acoustics, and for creating the first fully digital amplifier that converts digital signals directly to PWM without a traditional DAC. The brand's unique Boundary Woofers are designed to be placed against walls to use room acoustics for better bass, setting them apart from traditional subwoofer approaches.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Reference-level sound quality combines clarity, nuance, and power
- RoomPerfect room correction system is easy to configure and provides great results
- Extensive tuning capabilities include bi-amp and tri-amp configurations with crossovers and full parametric equalization on every channel
- Elegant, minimalist Scandinavian design with a high-quality build
- Lacks analog inputs, requiring external ADCs for turntables and other analog sources
- Does not have WiFi connectivity, necessitating a wired Ethernet connection
Product Considerations
- The remote control lacks backlighting
- HDMI CEC control isn't enabled while in standby mode, by design, increasing power consumption
- Requires XLR-to-RCA adapters that do not tie XLR pin #3 to ground to connect amplifiers or components with unbalanced inputs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Trinnov Altitude 16 is more expensive and does not include the equipment to implement their Room Optimizer application, but is considered a sophisticated processor for spacious, dedicated home theaters
- The McIntosh MX 180 licenses Lyngdorf's RoomPerfect and offers similar features, with an appeal to those who prefer the McIntosh aesthetic
- The Anthem AVM 90 is more affordable but has four of its 19 channels dedicated to subwoofers, which cannot be used for other purposes
Takeaway: The Lyngdorf MP-60 2.1 is a top-tier AV processor that delivers exceptional sound quality and a user-friendly experience. With its advanced room correction and flexible configuration options, it is a great choice for those seeking a high-performance home theater experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Lyngdorf Audio is known for its RoomPerfect technology, which learns and corrects room acoustics, and for creating the first fully digital amplifier that converts digital signals directly to PWM without a traditional DAC. The brand's unique Boundary Woofers are designed to be placed against walls to use room acoustics for better bass, setting them apart from traditional subwoofer approaches.
Visit our
MP-60
page
Product Page
ISP Core 16
13999
13999
/
3
Reviews
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StormAudio
StormAudio's ISP processors function more like computers than traditional preamp/processors, focusing on all-digital processing and minimal digital-to-analog conversions to preserve signal purity. Designed specifically for custom home theater integrators, their processors feature advanced bass management for any speaker configuration and were the first to fully incorporate Dirac Live Active Room Treatment for superior room correction.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Upgradeability is limited to its HDMI section, sharing the same upgrade path for HDMI that the MK2 processors have
- Offers a wide set of calibration tools, including PEQs, active crossovers, and Dirac Live
- Has the ability to integrate third-party control systems and be part of a multi-zone audio system through Rune, being Rune-ready
- The 16-channel XLR balanced outputs are driven by the same DAC board in the MK2, so one can expect the same great audio performance
- Features the same DSPs as the MK2, enabling 20 PEQs per channel and active crossover management
- Delivers incredibly transparent and exceptionally detailed sound
- Easy to use, with browser or app-based configuration/control
Product Considerations
- Upgradeability is limited to the HDMI section
- Cannot be upgraded to a 24 or 32-channel unit, nor does it have the ability to install any digital input or output options available for the MK2 lines
- The Dirac Live Base Control add-on is not included by default and is part of an optional license package
- Auro 3D is limited to 7.1.6 speaker configurations
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The ISP Core 16 is limited to 16 channels, while the StormAudio ISP.32 MK2 allows up to 32 channels
- The ISP Core 16 uses the same DAC board as the StormAudio ISP Elite MK2
- ISP Core 16 gives up some upgradeability options to achieve its less expensive price point compared to StormAudio's flagship ISP Elite MK3 processors
- The ISP Core 16 is much lighter and smaller because it doesn't have as many legacy analog inputs
Takeaway: The ISP Core 16 offers great sound quality with an easy to use interface that can bring your home theater to life. Dirac Live and other technologies combine to deliver a fully immersive sound experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
StormAudio's ISP processors function more like computers than traditional preamp/processors, focusing on all-digital processing and minimal digital-to-analog conversions to preserve signal purity. Designed specifically for custom home theater integrators, their processors feature advanced bass management for any speaker configuration and were the first to fully incorporate Dirac Live Active Room Treatment for superior room correction.
Visit our
ISP Core 16
page
Product Page
R 2500 R
18880
18880
/
3
Reviews
T+A
In the R 2500 R, the design and performance of our R series come together with the universal usability of a 'One Box System.' Its sources enable an almost limitless selection of playback options, with its integrated DSD and PCM converters transforming digital signals into analog signals of unique quality, which are then output to external speakers by the built-in amplifiers in T+A's typical sound quality.
The new R 2500 R is among the first T+A devices to have access to the third generation of our streaming architecture: It not only allows access to streaming services and USB sources but, for the first time, a T+A device can be controlled directly from the mobile streaming apps Spotify and Tidal via Connect Services.
Measuring 16,5 × 46 × 40,5 cm, the R 2500 R follows our design philosophy of timeless reduction: Few but thoughtfully placed buttons interrupt the elegant front, whose characteristic phases create an almost seamless transition into the side panels, while the entire body of the R 2500 R radiates in the light gloss of hand-brushed aluminum.
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a CD player, FM tuner, integrated amplifier, DAC, and network streamer in one chassis
- Features a minimalist industrial design and is made of thick-walled aluminum, with components machined from solid metal
- Features a class-AB dual-mono amplifier design, outputting 140Wpc into 8 ohms or 250Wpc into 4 ohms
- Has a DAC section with separate paths for PCM and DSD, using Burr-Brown devices for PCM and T+A's True-1-Bit converter for DSD
- Features T+A's High-Frequency Sinusoidal Power Supply for stable power delivery
Product Considerations
- The T+A MusicNavigator app was a bit clunky when it came to pairing the unit to a Wi-Fi network, requiring several attempts, but ultimately it worked
- The app's search engine is not excellent, and interfacing with NAS libraries or attached hard drives requires more finger-punches to get to the desired music than the best streamer apps
- The review unit had not yet been certified by Roon Labs as a Roon Ready device at the time of the review, though this may no longer be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs MOON by Simaudio 390/760A—the MOON pairing had a warmer sound with greater focus on the midrange frequencies, slightly more guttural bass, and greater center vocal focus, but a higher noise floor on the phono stage compared to the R 2500 R
- Vs dCS Bartók—the T+A DAC is like the sharpest HD photo, extremely detailed about the lines around things and the contrasts of sounds, while the dCS is always relaxed and musical, everything in balance always and a tiny bit 'impressionistic'
Takeaway: The T+A R 2500 R is a high-performance all-in-one component that offers many options for playing music from almost any source. Its build quality, powerful amplifier, and detailed sound make it a great centerpiece for a modern audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.
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R 2500 R
page
Product Page
MX180
17000
17000
/
1
Reviews
McIntosh
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Supports 8K video via HDMI.
- Has a total of 16 channels, enough for a sophisticated home theatre setup like 15.1 or 9.1.6 channels.
- Supports HDR and HDR10+ with better picture dynamics, most picture formats and also the 3D surround formats Dolby Atmos, Auro-2D and DTS:X Pro.
- Has 7 Ultra-High-Speed HDMI connectors (5 in and 2 out) that support 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz.
- All HDMI ports support HDCP 2.3, 4:4:4 Color, 2020, Dynamic Lip-sync, and 3D Video pass-through as well as Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Quick Frame Transport (QFT), Quick Media Switching (QMS), and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
- Two HDMI outputs can transfer to two separate projectors, either from the same or different sources.
- Integrated RoomPerfect room correction.
- Has a range of digital and analogue inputs, plus turntable input for MM pickup.
Product Considerations
- Priced at $17,000, before duty and VAT.
Takeaway: The McIntosh MX180 is a flagship AV processor made for those who want a high-end home theater experience. With its support for 8K video, 16 channels, and various HDR formats, it offers a sophisticated and immersive experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Visit our
MX180
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
MHT300
8000
/
Released
2023
McIntosh
The McIntosh MHT300 Home Theater Receiver (or AV Receiver or AVR) is an uncompromising 7.2 (or 5.2.2) channel home theater powerhouse sure to heighten your emotional connection to what you are watching. With support for breathtaking 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video and leading home theater surround sound audio formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, plus delivering 120 – 150 Watts of legendary McIntosh power to your home theater speakers, the MHT300 will make your home theater dreams come true.
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lot of clean power with all channels driven, ensuring consistent performance across all speakers
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing immersive soundscapes for movies and music
- Features Dirac Live Room Correction, one of the best systems for optimizing sound in any room by addressing both frequency and time arrival
- Built with McIntosh's build quality, known for longevity
- Has HDMI 2.1 connectivity supporting 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz
Product Considerations
- Lacks analog inputs, which may limit connectivity for some users
- There are very few features aside from an FM tuner
- The remote is not backlit, which may make it difficult to use in a dark home theater
- The price may not be justified when other receivers on the market can do more
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Emotiva MR-1L: The reviewer preferred the Class-AB sound of the Emotiva–to the Class-D sound of the McIntosh
- Vs Denon A1H: The MHT300 is sexier, better built, and runs cooler, while sounding every bit as good if not better
- Vs Arcam AVR31: The Arcam has a similar philosophy overall, in that it provides seven amplified channels out of the box (class-G in this case, not class-D) and can be expanded beyond that, in this case to 9.1.6
Takeaway: The MHT300 is a receiver that provides a lot of power, solid performance, and an immersive sound experience, making it great for someone who wants an easy-to-use, well-built, and powerful system. This receiver would be an excellent choice for anyone willing to invest in a high-quality product
Video review
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Visit
MHT300
Page
Product Page
AVR-A1H
6499
/
Released
2022
Denon
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fifteen channels of built-in amplifier power
- A flagship AV receiver fully worthy of the name
- Superior build quality
- Great dynamics, transient response, tonal balance, control of speakers, decoding, D-to-A conversion, processing, imaging, and soundstage
- The AVR-A1H can command up to four discrete subwoofers, each independently addressable via Dirac Live Bass Control
Product Considerations
- The A1H generates a lot of heat
- The remote is not as nice as older remotes
- Dirac Live Bass Control is recommended to get the best performance, though not included
- It lacks a global preset option, where combinations of input, surround-mode and other modes, speaker settings, channel-level tweaks, and more can be stored for one-touch recall
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Denon A110, the A1H is superior in every way
Takeaway: The Denon AVR-A1H is an excellent fifteen-channel receiver that provides immersive sound for an advanced home theater experience. It has comprehensive features and provides audio performance that would satisfy any AV enthusiast.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Denon, which pioneered the AV Receiver over 110 years ago, continues to set industry standards with their HEOS Built-in technology for multi-room wireless audio. Their receivers deliver up to 13 channels of output and include 8K HDMI with eARC support, while their limited edition models like the PMA-A110 combine classic design with modern performance.
Visit
AVR-A1H
Page
Product Page
SPA25 Prisma
6192
/
Released
2023
Primare
The SPA25 Prisma is an award winning multi-channel integrated amplifier and processor designed for both cinephile and audiophile, composed of carefully considered and crafted features and functionality to provide the best home cinema experience for the greatest number of people.
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful, elegant design, described as a visual masterpiece with a European feel
- Top-notch sound quality is delivered from both 2-channel and multi-channel sources
- The unit has the ability to access Rune capabilities
- It features Dirac Live, an advanced speaker calibration system
- Plenty of amp power is available for most speaker setups
Product Considerations
- The SPA25 only processes a single subwoofer channel, so even though there are two sub outputs, they both get the same signal
- Some reviewers experienced occasional glitches with no sound upon startup, requiring a hard reset
- Four HDMI 2.0 inputs may not be enough for users with larger systems
- It lacks HDMI 2.1 ports, impacting future-proofing
- Dirac Live Bass Control or Active Room Treatment (ART) are not supported
Takeaway: The SPA25 is a great option for someone who wants both high-quality sound and good looks in their home theater. It has plenty of power for a standard setup and includes advanced features to improve the audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
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SPA25 Prisma
Page
Product Page
AV41
5250
/
Released
2022
Arcam
The AV41 is a high-performance, audio/visual processor that delivers stunning realism for the ultimate home cinema experience. With native 16-channel decoding of immersive audio from Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Auro-3D, the AV41 can deliver incredible theatre experiences in partnership with Arcam power amplifers.
The Arcam AV41 is designed with a passion for music and movies, bringing both to life with high fidelity and dynamics. The AV41 boasts XLR balanced outputs for all 16 channels to deliver the highest quality analogue connection to power amplifiers.
The performance and musicality can be assured with Dirac Live® room optimisation included, and accessed instantly with integrated streaming using Apple®Airplay2, Google Chromecast®, Bluetooth with aptX®HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and UPnP with the MusicLife app.
The Arcam AV41 is designed with a passion for music and movies, bringing both to life with high fidelity and dynamics. The AV41 boasts XLR balanced outputs for all 16 channels to deliver the highest quality analogue connection to power amplifiers.
The performance and musicality can be assured with Dirac Live® room optimisation included, and accessed instantly with integrated streaming using Apple®Airplay2, Google Chromecast®, Bluetooth with aptX®HD, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and UPnP with the MusicLife app.
Arcam is a hifi brand known for its unique Class G amplifier technology, which uses multiple power supplies that switch based on demand to achieve both high efficiency and pure Class A sound at low volumes. Their AV receivers and processors stand out for their use of Dirac Live Bass Control technology, which precisely optimizes subwoofers to improve in-room performance and reduce room modes.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, and Aural 3D formats
- Includes Dirac Live for room correction, with optional Dirac Live Bass Control for single or multiple subwoofers
- Uses dual ESS 9026PRO audiophile DACs with ESS reference voltage regulators
- Has native streaming integrations with Roon, Spotify Connect, Google Chromecast, and Apple Airplay
- Supports 8k video at 60 frames per second and 4k video at 120 frames per second and is fully HDMI 2.1 and HDCP 2.3 compliant
Product Considerations
- Unusual placement of the power switch and volume dial, and translucent labels on front panel buttons, may make operation challenging in daylight
- The included manual lacks detail
- Arcam does not publish which HDMI 2.1 features it supports
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Anthem has one additional channel, allowing for a 9.2.6 configuration without compromises
- Marantz has fewer channels (13) and a lower caliber DAC chip (AKM4458)
- Emotiva does not support Aural3D and lacks HDMI 2.1 support
- The main difference is the addition of the 8K HDMI 2.1 capability in the AV41—compared to the AV40
Takeaway: The Arcam AV41 is a feature-rich AV processor that offers excellent audio processing and immersive sound capabilities. Its support for various streaming services and room correction technology makes it a great choice for creating a high-quality home cinema experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Arcam is a hifi brand known for its unique Class G amplifier technology, which uses multiple power supplies that switch based on demand to achieve both high efficiency and pure Class A sound at low volumes. Their AV receivers and processors stand out for their use of Dirac Live Bass Control technology, which precisely optimizes subwoofers to improve in-room performance and reduce room modes.
Visit
AV41
Page
Product Page
SPA25
6206
/
Released
2022
Primare
The SPA25 Prisma is an award winning multi-channel integrated amplifier and processor designed for both cinephile and audiophile, composed of carefully considered and crafted features and functionality to provide the best home cinema experience for the greatest number of people.
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fantastic core sound quality
- Very solid construction with a modern, clean design
- Plenty of amp power for most speaker setups
- Ability to bridge main amp channels if more power is needed
- Prisma app integrates all streaming into one location
Product Considerations
- Cannot calibrate two subwoofers independently
- No Dirac Live Bass Control or Active Room Treatment (ART)
- Switch to a more reliable HDMI chipset with HDMI 2.1 support
- Roon Ready certification is still pending
- Prisma app struggles with high-resolution files
Takeaway: The SPA25 offers exceptional audio performance and strong amplification, making it a great central hub for a multichannel system. It has the sonic ability to stand toe-to-toe with many two channel integrated amplifiers while providing enough processing power for a high-quality home theater setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
Visit
SPA25
Page
Product Page
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
- Elegant design with solid build quality and a cool, informative 7-inch touchscreen interface
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and offers a high channel count—up to 13.3 or 20 channels depending on the version
- Easy to set up and operate, with an intuitive touchscreen and web interface
- Delivers excellent audio quality with a wide, open, and cohesive soundstage
- Built in the USA
Product Considerations
- Lacks automated room EQ, though Acurus is developing ASPEQT
- The included remote control is fairly basic
- Some reviewers found the setup process to be manual and requiring a good understanding of room dynamics
- The original ACT 4-16 is limited to either 7.3.6 or 9.3.2, it cannot decode 9.3.4 or 9.1.6
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Trinnov Audio Altitude16: The Altitude16 offers more impressive room EQ capabilities
- Vs Lyngdorf MP-50: The Lyngdorf MP-50 includes Auro3D processing and RoomPerfect room correction
Takeaway: The Acurus ACT 4 is a well-designed AV processor with great sound quality that is easy to use. It is a good option for building a high-end home theater system and is perfect for people who want an easy to set up device.
How useful are hifi reviews? We consider them useful for three things: (1) Surfacing new products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've ever heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's unique attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on everything—rarely being negative for fear of souring relationships with manufacturers. Further, they seldom have more than a couple products on-hand at once, relying on their imperfect memories to compare to past products.
Video Review
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