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
- Considerable power with 250 watts into 8 Ohms and 350 watts into 4 Ohms in stereo, and 700 watts into 8 Ohms when bridged
- Impressive and solid bass handling, with taught imaging on a well-defined stage
- Renders music with notable body and heft, presenting a wonderful sense of musicality
- The amplifier's point-to-point wiring consists of oxygen-free copper and the highest-grade parts
- Has both balanced and unbalanced inputs
Product Considerations
- Requires the use of loudspeakers with a nominal impedance that does not drop below 4 Ohms
- Not recommended for bridged mono mode into loudspeakers that drop substantially below 4 Ohms
- The GFA-565SE comes with a limited 2-year warranty
- The power supply remains charged for up to five minutes after the amplifier is turned off, requiring caution when connecting or disconnecting speakers
Takeaway: The GFA-565SE is a musical amplifier that packs a punch and delivers dynamic content effortlessly. It offers big power for the cost, making it a highly competitive option.
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.
LUNA
- Positioning: An entry-level, portable wireless speaker designed for ease of use and modern connectivity.
- Description: Offers a distinct blend of wireless connectivity, long battery life (22 hours), and a design by Jacob Jensen that emphasizes simplicity and style.
GIA-275 SERIES II
- Positioning: A compact, integrated amplifier combining both amplification and preamplifier functions with a range of connection options.
- Description: Features a built-in high-resolution DAC and Bluetooth V4 with aptX support, offering an all-in-one solution for digital and analog sources.
GFP-915
- Positioning: A stereo preamplifier engineered for high-fidelity signal routing and clean, transparent audio performance.
- Description: Features a 192KHz/24bit internal DAC along with phono connectivity and tone controls, ensuring accurate and detailed audio reproduction. Compared to the integrated approach of the GIA-275 and the high-power focus of the GFA-565se, it is best suited for users prioritizing detailed preamplification in setups where refined signal control is essential.
GFA-565SE
- Positioning: A high-power amplifier built for demanding high-end audio systems with a focus on driving challenging speaker loads.
- Description: Delivers 250W into 8 ohms with high current drive, backed by a robust power supply that maintains low distortion even with complex loads. In contrast to the more integrated and preamplifier-centered designs of the GIA-275 and GFP-915, it is targeted at users needing maximum power output and performance.
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Read the reviews
[{"title":"Adcom GFA-565SE High Current Power Amplifier by Greg Voth","link":"https://www.stereotimes.com/post/adcom-gfa-565se-high-current-power-amplifier","source":"Stereo Times","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
GFA-565se
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Manufacturer's notes
An amplifier that we unhesitatingly recommend for even the most demanding high-end system. This power amplifier is a compact version of our more powerful GFA-575se, yet it sacrifices nothing when it comes to revelation of nuance and inner detail. The GFA-565se is a powerhouse, housing 250W into 8 ohms. GFA-565se's full power output is delivered into any loudspeaker load – unconditionally.
The GFA-565se high power audio amplifier is quite possibly the perfect example of ADCOM’s goal to effortlessly reproduce music with exquisite detail. GFA-565se is an extremely powerful amplifier, offering 250W of pure power with high current drive capability, with both balanced and unbalanced power stage. This power amplifier delivers a high level of noise rejection and lower transient distortion plus the ability of the amplifier to draw maximum current from the power supply as required to follow the musical waveform accurately.
Manufacturer Specs
- Output Power: 250 watts into 8 ohms, 350 watts into 4 ohms, 700 watts into 8 ohms bridged
- Frequency Response @ 1watt, 8-ohms: +0. -0.25dB, 10Hz to 20kHz
- Power Bandwidth (-3dB): 5Hz to 100kHz
- Input Impedance: 100,000 ohms
- Input Sensitivity: 12.1V rms, 250W into 8 ohms; 130 mV rms, 1W into 8 ohms
- Damping Factor: >800, 20Hz to 20kHz
- Dimensions: 7-1/4" x 17" x 14-3/16" (185mm x 432mm x 360mm)
- Weight: 51lbs (23kg)
- Shipping Weight: 55lbs (25kg)
- Power: 120VAC & 230VAC / 50-60Hz
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Average Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used Products
56
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
318
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
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Products
8
Founded
1979
Our take on the brand
ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
Brand Page
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Used
ADCOM
What if you spend a bit more?
GFA-585se
3799
3799
/
2
Reviews
ADCOM
Enormous power at an affordable price is what this amp is all about. A pure class A/B power unit, driven in parallel to deliver 450 watts/channel into 8 ohms with impeccable quality. While developing the new GFA-585se, every single part was put under the microscope to create a better & upgraded version of what is already considered a great component in audio industry.
ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High power output
- Great sound
- Low noise
- Connectivity options
Product Considerations
- Lack of protection circuitry
- Users should never make any changes to input or output connections while the amplifier is turned on
- Under no circumstances should the speaker terminals be short-circuited or either of the speaker terminal(s) be connected to ground
- The storage capacitors inside continue to be 'powered-up' for many minutes after it's turned off
- The Adcom GFA-585se proved to be unstable into a highly reactive load, meaning it is not recommended for use with electrostatic speakers
Takeaway: The Adcom GFA-585se provides a lot of power and great sound for the price. It's a good option for anyone looking for a high-quality amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
Visit our
GFA-585se
page
Product Page
M23
3749
3749
/
12
Reviews
NAD
Building on NAD’s long tradition of identifying and developing cutting-edge amplification technology, the M23 HybridDigital Stereo Power Amplifier features Purifi Audio’s Eigentakt™ design, a once-in-a-decade innovation that virtually eliminates harmonic and intermodulation distortion. Noise is inaudible, for a completely black background and exquisite micro-detail. Conservatively rated at 2x200W continuous into 8 ohms and 2x380W into 4 ohms, the M23 can deliver live performance levels through any loudspeaker. With its unique combination of features, performance, and value, the M23 represents the new benchmark for the stereo power amplifier.
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The M23's build quality feels solid and elegant, with impressive small design details
- The sound is striking in its purity and clarity
- It offers up to three levels of gain, switchable on the back panel, to best fit the system
- It provides a clear sound without sounding hard
- It features Purifi Eigentakt Class D amplification, which provides virtually unmeasurable distortion levels
Product Considerations
- The bass is clean but may be perceived as a little on the cool side and not as 'wompy-sounding'
- The M23 is not a forgiving amplifier that makes everything sound sweet and wonderful—it's not for those seeking a soft and mellow sound
- Bridging with speakers below 5 or 6 ohms is not recommended, as the amp will current limit and potentially shut down
- The reviewer found ergonomical challenges using fancy speaker cables in bridged mode due to wide terminal spacing
- The capacitive touch power button can accidentally trigger
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bel Canto C6i: The M23 offered a layer of refinement and better reproduction of the recording space
- Vs Pass XA25: The M23 had more transparent sound and detail, especially in the treble and upper mids, but lacked the organic quality of the XA25
- Vs HiFi Rose RS 520: The M23 sounded cleaner and had better separation/depth, HiFi Rose seemed to have an EQ built-in, emphasizing midrange and bass
- Vs NAD C298: The M23 is more neutral, deals with decay more naturally, and has better casework, making it look high-end
- Vs Anthem M1 monoblock amplifiers: The M23 was slightly more transparent throughout the entire frequency range
- Vs Bryston 4B 3: The Bryston had more grunt but the M23 is more neutral
Takeaway: The NAD M23 is a powerful and precise amplifier that delivers clean and clear sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want to hear their music as accurately as possible. It is especially well-suited for those looking to build a high-end system around a quality preamp or DAC.
Video review
Our take on the brand
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
Visit our
M23
page
Product Page
Halo A52+
4199
4199
/
9
Reviews
Parasound
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers ample, clean, and dynamic power to all channels, ensuring speakers reach their full potential
- Designed by John Curl, featuring Class A/AB circuitry for a balance of warmth, richness, efficiency, and punch
- Pleasing sound for dialogue and music, with very high-quality and detail
- Versatile, suitable for both movies and music, with a low noise floor for quiet passages and great transparency—that doesn't color the sound
- Built to last, with high-quality internal components
- Signal-sensing power-on mode can be fussy and may require adjustment
Product Considerations
- Super heavy and large, potentially requiring rearranging a system or dedicated rack space
- Only available in anodized black
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The A52 Plus has bigger parts and bigger power than the Outlaw Model 5000, including balanced XLR connections
- A52 Plus is the 'teenager' compared to the elder Parasound A51
- Parasound A52+ sounds better, is more accurate, and more powerful than the Denon receiver's amplifier section
Takeaway: The Parasound A52+ Halo is a versatile and powerful amplifier that delivers clean, dynamic sound for both home theater and music systems, with a build quality designed to last. This is a worthy investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who seek high-quality audio performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
Visit our
Halo A52+
page
Product Page
Starkrimson Stereo Ultra
4249
4249
/
8
Reviews
Orchard Audio
This amplifier has an independent power supply for each channel and 87,200uF (43,600 per channel) of added capacitance on the power supply rails. The Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra DMC offers phenomenal sonic performance. Its advanced design and meticulous construction ensure exceptional clarity, power, and dynamic range. Experience the nuances of your favorite recordings with crystal clear detail and realism. A must-have for discerning audiophiles, and music lovers/enthusiasts seeking to elevate their musical experience.
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptionally transparent sound output quality
- Exceptionally powerful, capable of outputting 500W into a 4-Ohm load
- Delivers a remarkably clean, transparent sound with very little noise or distortion
- The amplifier's ability to reproduce bass is awe-inspiring and delivers deep, powerful bass without distortion
- Runs cool and weighs very little for its sound output, making it easy to move around
Product Considerations
- Options can be a little pricy, such as the 12v trigger and RCA inputs
- The Starkrimson Stereo Ultra may lead to further system upgrades
- Depending on your sources, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will play exactly what you feed it, good or bad, and if your source components are slow, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will not speed them up
- Power on only after all connections are properly made, including the power cord, analog inputs, and speaker outputs, and wait five minutes after powering it off before removing any of the connections
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Krell S550i integrated amp, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra showed a much faster and finer resolution of the upper frequencies of the human voice and a far greater ability to play more of the microdetails of a recording
Takeaway: The Starkrimson amplifier is well-built and provides a level of speed and transparency to hifi music that makes listening to music very fun. Its GaN modules can be upgraded and it is available in several configurations.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
Visit our
Starkrimson Stereo Ultra
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
GFA-555ms
1399
/
Released
ADCOM
For those who desire the power finesse in a two-channel amplifier, look no further than GFA-555ms. The GFA-555ms amplifier can drive a very broad range of loudspeakers, including those with very low impedances, at sustained high-power levels, even when the impedances are highly reactive.
ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Still relevant and able to drive difficult speaker loads
- Neutral and natural sound reproduction
- Built to last
- Provides a good upgrade path by adding a second GFA-555ms in bridged mode to get more power
- Incredible soundstage, dynamic capability, and handles high volume with ease
Product Considerations
- Industrial design hasn't changed in 30+ years
- There are no options in silver
- It uses more power than new class-D amps
- It doesn't have new-school amplifier technologies
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Pass Labs XA25: The Adcom GFA-555ms is a lower cost way to get a time-tested amp designed by perhaps the greatest amp designer ever, while the XA25 costs about 400 percent more
- Versus Orchard Audio Duo: The Orchard Audio Duo brings all of the advantages of today's new class-D power to an audiophile system at about the same price as the Adcom GFA-555ms
- Versus PS Audio Sprout100: The most noticeable difference was the fullness and dynamic range that the Adcom provided
Takeaway: The GFA-555ms is a powerful amp with a retro design that delivers great sound. It's a good pick for audiophiles who want excellent performance without unnecessary frills.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ADCOM is a hifi brand that pioneered high-current amplifier designs with their GFA-1 model in 1979, and their Nelson Pass-designed GFA-555 became a milestone in budget amplifiers. The brand caters to audiophiles who prefer physical media, offering features like phono stages for vinyl enthusiasts, while maintaining a trade-in program for older ADCOM gear that reflects their commitment to product longevity.
Visit
GFA-555ms
Page
Product Page
TS A75
1495
/
Released
2024
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Galion
The performance of this amplifier is so good that you will question whether the significantly more expensive amplifier you are currently shopping for is truly better than this one; for those who prefer XLR, the TS A75 comes with both XLR and RCA inputs.
Galion Audio designs amplifiers with truly balanced architecture and tube-like sound characteristics, featuring unique controls for feedback levels and tone adjustments that avoid typical tonal discoloration. Their amplifiers are distinguished by robust power supplies with dual toroidal transformers and the ability to switch between Class A and Class AB modes, which is rare in their price range.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a tube-like sound, with a warm and musical presentation
- Robust power supply with substantial capacitance (200,000 microfarads) provides good bass control and dynamics
- Transparent and precise sound, with a wide and deep soundstage
- Balanced design with both RCA and XLR inputs, the latter offering a cleaner and more dynamic sound
- Offers excellent value, outperforming other amplifiers in a similar price range
Product Considerations
- Requires a pre-amplifier to control volume
- May exhibit slight transformer noise when close to the unit
- Does not have pop control, requiring caution when plugging/unplugging connections
- Some reviewers found the logo placement slightly off-center and the blue LED power light too bright
- Bass control is not as punchy or defined for some tastes, leaning towards a tube-like bass delivery
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The TSA-75 has a different, more flavorful sound signature compared to the Orchard Audio's neutral sound
- The TSA-75 provides superior micro detail, cleanliness, clarity, and stereo imaging, compared to Schiit Audio Vidar 2
- Performance is head-to-head with the Denafrips Thalo, depending on sound preference—the more balanced, snappy presentation of the Thalo, or the more V-shaped sound with greater depth and soundstage of the TSA-75
- The TSA-75 has a distinct sound signature, unlike Emotiva amps
- The TSA-75 outperforms the McIntosh MC275 Mark VI in audiophile performance
Takeaway: The Galion Audio TS A75 is a well-built amplifier that delivers a warm, tube-like sound with good bass and a wide soundstage. It provides excellent value and is a great choice for those looking for a musical and engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Galion Audio designs amplifiers with truly balanced architecture and tube-like sound characteristics, featuring unique controls for feedback levels and tone adjustments that avoid typical tonal discoloration. Their amplifiers are distinguished by robust power supplies with dual toroidal transformers and the ability to switch between Class A and Class AB modes, which is rare in their price range.
Visit
TS A75
Page
Product Page
Tyr
1399
/
Released
2022
Schiit
Tyr is a monstrous, old-skool, crazy heavy, over-the-top mono speaker amplifier. It uses the best of today's and yesterday's technologies to create something totally unique—and It has enough power to run almost anything.
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Robust, effortless power with excellent control makes it easy to drive all speakers with authority and deliver a satisfying listening experience.
- Balanced and neutral sound, with a solid low end that prevents it from sounding dull or anemic, while also ensuring it is not too aggressive to cause listening fatigue.
- Excellent timing makes music engaging and foot-tapping, and is particularly impressive with genres such as R&B and soundtracks.
- Built in the USA, it has a 5 year warranty and 15 day satisfaction guarantee
Product Considerations
- Not ideal for listeners seeking a romantic, sweet, and smooth midrange, or those who prefer a very lively sound.
- The amp required careful system matching to achieve its full potential, particularly needing a high-end preamp to unlock greater refinement and resolution.
- Bass performance might be seriously challenged by more modern amplifiers.
- There is a slight differential in gain
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Emotiva A1s, the Tyr has more bass, more clarity in the bass, and is less veiled overall
- Reminiscent of McIntosh 7270—the Tyr gives off similar 'Mac vibes'.
Takeaway:
The Schiit Tyr monoblocks deliver a lot of power and control, making music sound good with a balanced and neutral style. It's a great option for an amplifier that can handle almost any speaker and is versatile.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
Visit
Tyr
Page
Product Page
DX9
1299
/
Released
2023
Topping
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Breathtaking design with curved corners, symmetrical front faceplate, and a glass component revealing internal circuitry
- Powerful headphone amplifier capable of outputting up to 10W at 16Ω and 7W at 32Ω
- Good sound quality, described as clean, detailed, and punchy, with a balanced tonal presentation
- CNC machined aluminum remote control with rubber buttons
- Multiple inputs and outputs, including 6.35mm, 4.4mm, and 4-pin XLR outputs on the front, and optical, coaxial, AES, IIS, USB, and Bluetooth on the back, with RCA and XLR outputs for lineout and preamplifier lineouts
Product Considerations
- Glass top panel gets hotter than the aluminum housing
- The glass panel is a fingerprint magnet and requires cleaning regularly
- No analog line-in to pair the amplifier with 3rd party DACs
- No streaming capability via WiFi or LAN
- Some menu navigation can be cumbersome, requiring cycling through options rather than direct selection
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Topping A90 and D90 stack, the DX9 has similar inputs, outputs and power, but the stack is more versatile, as the amp and DAC can be used separately— the DX9 has additional coaxial and optical inputs, and the sound is somewhat similar
- Compared to the HIFIMAN EF400, the DX9 has more inputs/outputs and more power, but the EF400 sounds warmer
- Compared to the Topping D90SE, the DX9 sounds more fun, its bass and midrange has more energy and oomph, but the D90SE is more transparent, though ultimately quite flat
- Compared to the AURALiC Altair G2.1, the DX9 sounds cleaner and better separated, with a small reduction in digital hash
Takeaway: The Topping DX9 is a beautiful and powerful all-in-one DAC/amp that offers a clean and detailed sound, making it suitable for both headphone and speaker setups. Its versatility and attractive design make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality audio solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Visit
DX9
Page
Product Page
GaN 1
1499
/
Released
2022
Peachtree
The GaN 1 is a 200 watt-per-channel power amplifier designed to be the sole interface between your variable output digital audio device, like a Bluesound NODE, and your speakers. The GaN 1 is a simple, pure and cost-effective audio solution. Connect the GaN 1 to a streamer and a pair of speakers. That's it...no DAC, no preamp and no input switching. The signal path from the music to your speakers is remarkably short and free from artifacts.
Peachtree Audio, a popular entry-level hifi brand, delivers Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their amplifiers, making Class D sound more like Class A with a richer midrange.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- GANFET transistors switch faster, are more heat resistant, and produce less distortion than MOSFET transistors
- A monstrous 400-watt regulated power supply
- Designed to work specifically with a source with a variable output, be it a silver disc-spinning device or one of today's best yet affordable HD music streamers
- Offers a level of audiophile performance that well exceeds any reasonable expectations that come with the amp's modest price tag
- Offers a super clean minimal setup when paired with the Bluesound Node
Product Considerations
- Has only one digital coaxial input, limiting connectivity options and expansion
- Lacks volume indication on the unit itself, requiring reliance on the source's volume control
- Some reviewers noticed a high-pitched noise coming from early prototypes, which was later fixed by Peachtree
- Isn't the type of amp that makes a poorly recorded song sound better
- Is a non-standard size
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bluesound Power Node: Setup has a much more substantial mid-range, better low-end control, and ever so slightly better speed with rhythmic transient attack
- Vs NAD M10 V2: Is the more dynamically relaxed
- Vs Hegel H190: Reviewers actually preferred the more forward presentation of midrange
Takeaway: The GAN1 is a forward-thinking piece of tech that prioritizes simplicity and sound quality for those who want to just stream music. It provides outstanding value and impressive performance, especially for those looking for a minimalist, high-fidelity system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Peachtree Audio, a popular entry-level hifi brand, delivers Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their amplifiers, making Class D sound more like Class A with a richer midrange.
Visit
GaN 1
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
- Considerable power with 250 watts into 8 Ohms and 350 watts into 4 Ohms in stereo, and 700 watts into 8 Ohms when bridged
- Impressive and solid bass handling, with taught imaging on a well-defined stage
- Renders music with notable body and heft, presenting a wonderful sense of musicality
- The amplifier's point-to-point wiring consists of oxygen-free copper and the highest-grade parts
- Has both balanced and unbalanced inputs
Product Considerations
- Requires the use of loudspeakers with a nominal impedance that does not drop below 4 Ohms
- Not recommended for bridged mono mode into loudspeakers that drop substantially below 4 Ohms
- The GFA-565SE comes with a limited 2-year warranty
- The power supply remains charged for up to five minutes after the amplifier is turned off, requiring caution when connecting or disconnecting speakers
Takeaway: The GFA-565SE is a musical amplifier that packs a punch and delivers dynamic content effortlessly. It offers big power for the cost, making it a highly competitive option.
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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