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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Delivers power, finesse, and fulfills the promise of Class D amplification
  • Operates quietly with a stated 117dB dynamic range
  • Power seems both effortless and unlimited, with no perceptible shift in sonic character regardless of volume
  • Bass is full of impact and precision in both the recreated attack and pitch
  • Exceptionally rugged and reliable, designed to be something more than just inexpensive

Product Considerations

  • May lose 'that little something extra' when driven from an unbalanced source, so best used as a fully balanced design

Takeaway: The Amphion Amp700 is a well-built Class D amplifier that provides ample power and musicality. It's designed to last, so users can enjoy their music without worrying about replacing the amp anytime soon.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Amp700

reviews

[{"title":"The Amphion Amp700 defines power, finesse and fulfills the promise of Class D.","link":"https://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/amphion_amp700_e.html","source":"TNT Audio","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Power rating: 2x 700W, 4Ω 2x 350W, 8Ω
  • Dynamic range: 117 dB
  • Inputs: 2x Neutrik XLR inputs
  • Speaker connectors: 3-way binding posts (banana, bare wire or spades)
  • Mains: Universal mains, auto select (100-240 V, 50-60 Hz)
  • Casing: 19" rack mountable (2U) high quality aluminium
  • Measurements (H x W x D): 88 x 483 x 300 mm (3.46" x 19" x 11.8")
  • Weight: 5 kg (11 lbs)
  • Assembled in: Finland
Amphion's philosophy is to develop innovative products with high-performance and longevity. Amp700 delivers rock-solid control and tight, fast, highly resolving low-distortion power to get maximum performance from your monitors.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Amphion loudspeakers employ a waveguide-loaded titanium tweeter combined with paper or aluminum mid-bass drivers for improved dispersion and driver integration, which creates a wider sweet spot and reduces unwanted room reflections.
  • The brand emphasizes a simple, uncomplicated crossover design at a low frequency (around 1600 Hz) to avoid the ear's most sensitive frequency range and create a more coherent point-source sound.
  • Many Amphion speaker models utilize a sealed cabinet with a rear-mounted passive radiator rather than a bass reflex port to deliver a more controlled, accurate, and less room-dependent bass response without port noise.
  • Amphion balances accuracy with musicality, resulting in monitors that are suitable for professional studio use and home listening by providing detail and clarity without harshness or fatigue, often at lower listening volumes.

Helium 510

  • Positioning: A versatile bookshelf loudspeaker positioned as the most popular model in the Helium series.
  • Description: Offers exceptional midrange clarity and a room-wide sweet spot, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Its low crossover point and seamless driver integration set it apart from the Argon series, which focuses more on bass extension. This model is perfect for those seeking high performance at lower listening volumes without the need for extensive amplification.

Argon 0

  • Positioning: A compact desktop loudspeaker designed for high performance in small spaces.
  • Description: Praised for its natural sound and compact design, making it perfect for desktop use or small rooms. Unlike the larger Argon models, it focuses on delivering high-quality sound in a smaller form factor.

Argon 1

  • Positioning: A reference-quality bookshelf loudspeaker offering a balance of performance and affordability.
  • Description: Provides a clean and detailed sound with a surprisingly low-reaching bass, making it suitable for both music and home theater use. It offers a more refined midband compared to the Argon 0, appealing to those who prioritize sound quality over compactness.

Argon 7LS

  • Positioning: A floorstanding loudspeaker known for its deep emotional impact and high performance.
  • Description: Uses technologies from Amphion's flagship studio monitors, providing a wide soundstage and exceptional clarity. It offers a more immersive experience compared to the bookshelf models.

Krypton 3X

  • Positioning: Amphion's flagship floorstanding loudspeaker, representing the pinnacle of their audio technology.
  • Description: Features a unique cardioid midrange design that minimizes unwanted reflections, making it suitable for challenging acoustic environments. Its innovative design and powerful bass response set it apart from the Argon series, offering a full-range sound that is unmatched in the lineup.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
18
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
135
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
21
Founding Year
1998

Our take on the brand

Amphion is a Finnish hifi speaker brand that uses passive radiators instead of bass ports and places the crossover point at 1600 Hz (below critical hearing range) to achieve better phase coherence and driver integration. Their speakers, handmade in Finland, are particularly popular in professional studios due to their waveguide technology and electrically simple design that enhances resolution while creating a seamless soundstage.

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What if you spend more?

Product image
NAD
M23
3749
3749
/
13
Reviews

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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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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Parasound
Halo A52+
4199
4199
/
9
Reviews
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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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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Orchard Audio
Starkrimson Stereo Ultra DMC 2.5
4249
4249
/
16
Reviews

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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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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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McIntosh
MHA200 (75th Anniversary Edition)
2800
2800
/
8
Reviews
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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Product Strengths

  • A lovely, lush sounding performance that's hard to dislike and sounds smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
  • A sympathetic performer, it prefers to play to its inferior partnering equipment's strengths than overly expose their weaknesses, as many hifi audio examples tend to do
  • It can cater for a wide range of headphones and connections and it is a benchmark product that's highly recommended
  • Zero musical flaws to report and is nearly perfect in execution
  • A stunning design to the eye and ear, it is overall a wonderful addition for the perfectionist who wants the very best performance at home or even in the studio

Product Considerations

  • The volume control operation lacks linearity, making it hard to make subtle changes in level
  • No input selector, so one should only connect one type at once
  • On some samples, the volume control is loose and wiggles in its chassis housing
  • The octal AC socket is a bit of an odd choice, considering most users might prefer IEC
  • The depth, snap and weight of the low end was dynamic and exciting on some recordings and less than stellar on others

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Musical Fidelity M1 HPA—the MHA200 has a lush warmness to the music that brings strings to life in a way that makes the M1 HPA sound somewhat sterile in comparison
  • Vs EAR Yoshino HP-4 reference—the MHA200 was a touch brighter than the reference, though only slightly

Takeaway: The MHA200 is an enjoyable product with a rich, balanced, and powerful sound, that's more forgiving than most rivals and can be enjoyed for years to come. This headphone amp is perfect for personal listening, design, and operation that will work its magic.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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What competes at this price?

ToneWinner
AD-7300PA+
1575
/
Released
2023
AD-7300PA+ is a 7 channel Hi-Fi amplifier which is specially designed to match the AD-7300HD processor. It is a high end & high power amplifier with multi-protection including overheat, overload, overcurent, overvoltage protection, so as to offer reliable performancce for home theater system.
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ToneWinner, a leading Chinese audio brand, is best known in the U.S. for its subwoofers and home theater receivers.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Impressively well-powered amplifier considering its asking price
  • Can drive 4-ohm loudspeakers
  • Has a refined character that is easy to listen to and addictive
  • Creates a sizeable sonic soundscape
  • Dynamics are delivered with a satisfying level of attack

Product Considerations

  • Power rating of 310 watts per channel is only for two channels driven, with all seven channels working—the power rating drops to 173 RMS watts per channel into 8 ohms
  • Lacks some of the finesse or refinement of better-known brands
  • Weighs 26.3kg, making it a two-person job to move
  • VU meter emits a bright blue light that may not be to everyone's taste, but has a dimming switch

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs NAD's M28 or JBL SDL-7120: AD-7300PA+ cannot match the dynamics of these more expensive offerings

Takeaway: The AD-7300PA+ delivers a lot for surprisingly little, producing a wonderfully relaxed and classy sound, with plenty of power on tap. It is a perfect stepping stone into separates, and an upgrade to a home cinema system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

ToneWinner, a leading Chinese audio brand, is best known in the U.S. for its subwoofers and home theater receivers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Galion
TS A75
1495
/
Released
2024
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.
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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.
Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Schiit
Tyr
1399
/
Released
2022
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.
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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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Topping
DX9
1299
/
Released
2023
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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.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Peachtree
GaN 1
1499
/
Released
2022
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.
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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.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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