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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
- Incredibly nimble, with every detail highlighted, providing an extra layer of resolution
- Delivers all of the detail and clarity without the traditional fatigue
- The balanced input transformer properly sums the positive and negative legs of the balanced signal, and in so doing retains much of the benefits that you normally achieve with fully balanced amps—noise rejection
- The distortion numbers are exceptional for a tube amplifier
- Compatibility with nearly every commercially available speaker, due to the support of three impedances (4 ohms, 8 ohms, and 16 ohms), and output power exceeding 60 watts with KT88s, and 80 watts with KT150s
Product Considerations
- There are no modern reproductions of the 12BY7A, requiring matched pairs to run the amplifiers
- The bias is fixed—it's selectable between settings, but dialing in the distortion could not be simplified further
- Heavy at nearly 100 lbs each, as there's a lot of iron in both the transformers and the chassis work
- A hint of tube noise was present in one channel when no music was playing, likely specific to the tubes used
- Not a wise choice to any planer but complex crossovers and difficult loads have not compressed the amp in testing
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ampsandsound Zion Monos: The Arch Monos are more neutral, faster, and provide an extra layer of resolution, compared to the richer and more harmonic sound of the Zions
- Vs TAD: The Arch is clean, powerful, and has many characteristics of very good solid-state amp, though the TAD approach was similarly neutral in many ways, albeit with a lightning quickness that the Arch did not have
Takeaway: The ampsandsound Arch Monoblock amplifiers are a technically proficient and beautifully built amplifier that delivers exceptional detail and clarity without fatigue. If one wants a vintage but modern sound, the Arch Monoblocks could be a good choice.
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.
Chubby Jinx
- Positioning: The entry-level stereo amplifier in the lineup.
- Description: Offers a sweet sound with its 6V6 tubes, providing warmth and texture. Unlike the Kenzie Ovation, which focuses on low noise for headphones, this is tailored for stereo listening with a more neutral and resolving sound, making it ideal for small rooms and budget-conscious users.
Kenzie Ovation
- Positioning: A mid-range hybrid amplifier designed for both headphones and speakers.
- Description: Praised for its romantic sound and low noise, making it perfect for high-efficiency headphones. It differs from the Bryce Monos by offering a more intimate sound with less power.
Stereo 17 - Little Nugget
- Positioning: A compact stereo amplifier offering a no-compromise entry into bespoke audio.
- Description: Known for its EL84 tube bliss, provides a stable 17 watts, making it suitable for high-sensitivity speakers in small rooms. Unlike the Nautilus, which offers more power and versatility, this focuses on delivering a liquid midrange.
Nautilus
- Positioning: A flagship personal audio integrated amplifier.
- Description: Celebrated for its dual-mono layout and ultra-wide bandwidth, offering a reference-class sound. It stands out from the Arch Monos by providing a more compact solution with excellent headphone compatibility.
Bryce Monos
- Positioning: High-end single-ended amplifiers in the lineup.
- Description: Deliver ultra-wide bandwidth and high output, making them suitable for most speakers. Compared to the Arch Monos, which offer more power, these focus on single-ended purity.
Arch Monos
- Positioning: The flagship monoblock amplifiers in the lineup.
- Description: Designed for ultimate fidelity and power, with a bandwidth of 2Hz to 110kHz. They surpass the Bryce Monos in power and transparency.
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
Arch Monos
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Manufacturer's notes
The goal of the Arch is to showcase the fidelity and bandwidth that could be possible while still employing strictly analog circuits. Transcending the musicality of the 60s with the bandwidth and transparency possible in modern speakers the Arch seeks to offer true to source tonal character and significant power delivery to enable modern speaker fullest potentials.
Designing an amplifier that would outperform the Zions in bandwidth, output and transparency was a tall order. This amp would need to express all of ampsandsound's most closely held philosophies at an even higher level. More power or complex circuitry for the sake of increasing the cost was out of the question. Where does one go, once they've scaled Everest?
After extensive listening and research, the Citation II was settled on as the basis for the design. This amplifier was designed to be an amplifier in the tradition of Harry Pearson's Absolute Sound - something which had absolute fidelity resulting from the widest and flattest frequency response and as close to an absence of distortion as possible. This amplifier is the proverbial bigger gun for those customers who require even more power than a Zion.
The original Citation II, much like the Citation V, is underwhelming in the power supply. A significantly more robust version was in order, which can supply eight amps per channel, and allows for tubes capable of greater output than the original. This of course necessitated the design of the highest power input power transformer ampsandsound has ever designed. In the process of redesigning the power supply, careful attention was given to improving dynamics, RMS output, regulation and lower distortion.
Depending on the tube selection, the Arch will output between 60-100W in p...
After extensive listening and research, the Citation II was settled on as the basis for the design. This amplifier was designed to be an amplifier in the tradition of Harry Pearson's Absolute Sound - something which had absolute fidelity resulting from the widest and flattest frequency response and as close to an absence of distortion as possible. This amplifier is the proverbial bigger gun for those customers who require even more power than a Zion.
The original Citation II, much like the Citation V, is underwhelming in the power supply. A significantly more robust version was in order, which can supply eight amps per channel, and allows for tubes capable of greater output than the original. This of course necessitated the design of the highest power input power transformer ampsandsound has ever designed. In the process of redesigning the power supply, careful attention was given to improving dynamics, RMS output, regulation and lower distortion.
Depending on the tube selection, the Arch will output between 60-100W in p...
Manufacturer Specs
- Dimensions: 14x14x8
- Speaker Outputs: 4 ohms, 8 ohms, and 16 ohms
- Inputs: RCA and Transformer-coupled XLR
- Noise at idle: ~2mv or less
- Frequency response: 2hz to110khz -3db @ 1 watt
- Output power with KT-88s: ~65watts
- Output power with KT-150s: ~85watts
- Output Tube Compatibility: 6550, KT88, KT120, KT150
- Included Tube Set: 6x12BY7A
- Weight: ~100lbs per monoblock
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Average Price
$30,001-$40,000
Used Products
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Brand Popularity
118
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Products
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Founded
2015
Our take on the brand
ampandsound specializes in high-end, handcrafted tube amplifiers made in the USA. Their low-wattage amps pair perfectly with high-efficiency speakers and headphones. The company is known for classic, minimalist designs and a focus on delivering natural sound.
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What if you spend a bit more?
AW 800 M Reference
45000
45000
/
5
Reviews
Electrocompaniet
Electrocompaniet, a nearly 50-year-old hifi brand recognized by audiophiles and major recording studios worldwide, specializes in amplifiers with unique features like Floating Transformer Technology and fully balanced operation. Their amplifiers are designed with direct-coupled high open-loop bandwidth topology and zero feedback class A operation.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very clean and noise-free output signal provides a stable soundstage with a very black background at any sound level
- Exceptional bass control and depth delivers a powerful and tight bass response that underpins the overall musical experience
- Offers flexibility with mono, stereo, and bi-amping operating modes, allowing for system upgrades and configuration changes
- Dynamic and fast, reacting instantaneously to the signal it receives and delivering power and subtlety where needed
- Continues the company's aesthetic with the massive perspex front panel covering
Product Considerations
- Speaker binding posts may not be compatible with all types of speaker cable terminations, specifically thicker spades
- The control for the illuminated 'E' on the front is located underneath the amp and may be difficult to access
- May be more 'laid-back', which some may interpret as lacking ultimate transparency or strict neutrality
- Provides only for XLR balanced inputs, though Electrocompaniet can provide appropriate high-quality adaptors for RCA connectors
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Brings another level of control and depth to everything, compared to Totaldac Amp 1
- The memorable blackness of bass pinged recognition, compared to Kinki Studio EX-B7 monos
Takeaway: The Electrocompaniet AW 800 M is a powerful and versatile amplifier known for its exceptional bass control, clean output, and dynamic performance. It is a great choice for audiophiles seeking a high-quality listening experience with flexibility for system configuration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Electrocompaniet, a nearly 50-year-old hifi brand recognized by audiophiles and major recording studios worldwide, specializes in amplifiers with unique features like Floating Transformer Technology and fully balanced operation. Their amplifiers are designed with direct-coupled high open-loop bandwidth topology and zero feedback class A operation.
Visit our
AW 800 M Reference
page
Product Page
Momentum S250 MxV
44950
44950
/
5
Reviews
Dan D'Agostino
The Momentum S250 MxV stereo amplifier delivers the extraordinary sound quality of the Momentum M400 MxV monoblock in a more affordable stereo design. The circuit topology and construction of the stereo amplifier mirror those of the monoblock, using the same ultra-efficient copper heat sinks with venturi cooling, the same 1% metal-film resistors, the same 69 MHz output transistors and the same fully complementary balanced configuration. The result is audio fidelity equaled by no other amplifier—except, of course, the Momentum M400 MxV monoblock itself.
The leading compliment to the Momentum S250 MxV Stereo is the Momentum HD Preamplifier, creating a harmony worthy of any aficionado.
The Momentum S250 MxV models feature techniques and topologies initially developed and implemented in the Relentless Mono Amplifier. This fullest expression of the Momentum circuitry is reflected in the new model name, MxV. Those with a physics background will recognize that MxV or Mass times Velocity is the equation for Momentum.
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredibly resolving, with plenty of detail
- Perfectly controlled, 'wide' sound in terms of dynamics and panorama
- A quieter background brings forward a level of detail
- A clearly structured form, with symmetrical divisions and repetitions
- Inspired by the Relentless Epic amplifier series
Product Considerations
- Speaker jacks accept only spades and bare wires, and connecting spades from the top bends the cable significantly
- Components on the rear panel are placed close to each other and not particularly convenient to use
Takeaway: The Momentum S250 MxV amplifier delivers an immersive and detailed listening experience, making it great for those who enjoy actively listening to music. It brings out the best in loudspeakers, offering tremendous dynamics and a wide soundstage.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
Visit our
Momentum S250 MxV
page
Product Page
Klimax Solo 800
45000
45000
/
3
Reviews
Linn
Klimax Solo 800 as a whole is the epitome of efficient, consistent, and accurate circuitry design. Our unique combination of digital and analogue expertise has allowed us to optimise and linearise every internal stage of the amplifier to consistently produce exceedingly high performance.
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a complete and unabridged rendition of music, offering a sense of authority and positively influencing the sound
- Presents music as a tightly unified whole, creating a singular event rather than a collection of individual sounds
- Offers beautifully balanced and poised sound across the entire frequency range, from deep bass to detailed highs
- Maintains steady output voltage regardless of changes in load, defying mains input variations, thanks to the Utopik power supply
- The Adaptive Bias Control (ABC) technology establishes and adjusts bias current in real time
Product Considerations
- The high price dictates that all other system components (source, pre-amplification, speakers, supports) need to be of similarly high quality and expense
Takeaway: The Linn Klimax Solo 800 is an uncompromising amplifier that allows one to hear their music in a new light by delivering a complete picture of the sound. It offers exceptional clarity, balance, and control over the music signal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
Visit our
Klimax Solo 800
page
Product Page
Ferios
43553
43553
/
3
Reviews
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TIDAL
The all new TIDAL Ferios G2. We have pushed the concept of the first Ferios power amplifier to its extreme and developed an all new power supply with a true power regulation. Thus, the TIDAL Ferios mono amplifier board is certain for all practical means and purposes to be supplied with never failing power reserves and a lavish feed of clean current that will drive every imaginable speaker with ease. The generous supply of additional power is merely a welcome byproduct, really. The real goal was the absolute relaxation with which the Ferios performs, to the extent where any attempted description of sound attributes becomes meaningless. The Ferios sets simply a new benchmark over the former award winning generation.
TIDAL Audio is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, creating products that are both visually stunning and acoustically superior, with their Prisma preamplifier and Ferios power amplifiers particularly praised for their build quality. The brand's products deliver a distinctive "liquid" and "sensual" sound quality that avoids clinical sterility, while supporting immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Transparent and uncolored
- Exceptional casework and styling
- Ample power without muscularity becoming the product's defining attribute
- Utterly effortless and transparent magnification of the electrical impulse
- Allows a listener to devote their psychic energy to making an emotional connection to music
- Only has balanced inputs
Product Considerations
- Only has balanced inputs
Takeaway: The Ferios monoblock power amplifiers are some of the best electronics available, combining immediacy, transparency, and tonal beauty. Its ability to effortlessly resolve complex arrangements makes it a worthwhile choice for serious audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
TIDAL Audio is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, creating products that are both visually stunning and acoustically superior, with their Prisma preamplifier and Ferios power amplifiers particularly praised for their build quality. The brand's products deliver a distinctive "liquid" and "sensual" sound quality that avoids clinical sterility, while supporting immersive formats like Dolby Atmos and Sony 360 Reality Audio.
Visit our
Ferios
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
Max
30500
/
Released
Audionet
The at the same time diminutive and unsurpassable name of our majestic power amp reference MAX doesn't just refer to the physical size of these gigantic mono block(s). But rather merrily evokes the ultimate high performance capabilities nature and our scientists – not exactly in this order – have endowed it with.
Audionet is a hifi brand whose Ultra Linear Amplifier technology, originally developed for medical applications, provides exceptional signal purity and stability. Their products, particularly the MAX monoblocks and DNP/EPX combo, are known for extraordinary dynamic performance and bass control.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Ample power with minimal distortion
- Audionet's ULA (Ultra-Linear-Amplifier) technology, originally developed for medical engineering
- Impressive dynamic prowess and the ability to plumb the hidden depths of CDs and LPs
- Subtle musical and instrumental details come through cleanly and coherently, without compromising life-likeness of tone colors and harmonic expression
- Exceptional bass reproduction, with a rich, detailed, and uniform low end
Product Considerations
- Positive and negative speaker terminals are close together, requiring caution when connecting speaker cables
- Balanced input use involves an op-amp, which some believe impacts sound quality, single-ended inputs are preferred by some
- A preamp should be used to get the best sound from these amplifiers
- Display text changes locations randomly, which some may find distracting
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Burmester sounded cleaner, airier, and more revealing, but could not quite compete with the AMP II MAX in authority over the bass frequencies and in blackness of the background
- The Pass Labs was tonally rich and pleasurably soft, plus the amp gave an extraordinarily punchy presentation, in that it bettered the performance of the AMP II MAXes, on the other hand, it was rather general in the organization of the soundstage and the background wasn't quite as black as with the AMP II MAXes
- Plinius shone in resolution, as well as delivered exceptionally dimensional soundstage and very neutral overall sound, especially in Class A mode, however, it did not have the same punch as the AMP II MAXes, and the sound wasn't equally gentle
- The McIntosh MC-501 delivered a richer and warmer sound, but with less power and extension than the AMP II MAX
Takeaway: The Audionet Max monoblocks offer a powerful and refined listening experience, making music sound engaging and detailed. Their ability to control speakers and reveal nuances in recordings makes them a great choice for serious audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audionet is a hifi brand whose Ultra Linear Amplifier technology, originally developed for medical applications, provides exceptional signal purity and stability. Their products, particularly the MAX monoblocks and DNP/EPX combo, are known for extraordinary dynamic performance and bass control.
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Max
Page
Product Page
911 MK3
35000
/
Released
Burmester
The 911 MK3 power amplifier is a close derivative of the reference power amp 909 and is regarded as one of the quickest and most powerful amps in the audio world. Its strong performance is the result of the knowledge and experience gained during the design and manufacture of the much-acclaimed 909 power amp. The MK3 moniker indicates that Burmester's second largest power amp has reached its third generation of refinement.
Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Neutral and grain-free sound, not like typical solid-state or tube amplifiers.
- Powerful and articulate bass, seamless and smooth mids, and extended, non-harsh highs.
- Exceptional build quality and a luxurious feel with immaculate laser-cut detailing and silver anodizing.
Product Considerations
- The glitzy appearance might be divisive.
- High-quality source components and speakers are required to perform at its best.
- The unit is large (almost 50cm wide) and very heavy (32kg), requiring a sturdy rack and careful handling during setup.
Takeaway: The Burmester 911 mk.3 provides exceptionally intricate, powerful, and dynamic sound, making it a very refined amplifier that is a treat for your ears. It is a top-performing amplifier made with great craftsmanship and build quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Visit
911 MK3
Page
Product Page
216
35000
/
Released
2023
Burmester
The 216 stereo power amplifier seamlessly joins the legendary family of Burmester power amplifiers that have won many international awards. It combines powerful performance with great dynamics and excellent timing and shines sonically with an impressive spatial stage and musical warmth. The 216 helps even speakers with the lowest impedance values and complex loads achieve a spacious sound image with superior dynamics.
Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Completely balanced and DC-coupled
- Uses the Class A 'X-Amp' input stage technology from the 159
- Has a high damping factor over the entire frequency range and a very wide, distortion-free Class-A range
- The thermal concept uses 'universal heat pipes' to keep temperatures constant and low, increasing the lifespan of the amplifier
- Signal processing reaches the input signal unaltered via silver cables
Product Considerations
- The Burmester visual aesthetic will not please everyone
- Power needs are consistently overestimated, and this amp has 100Wpc continuous into 8 ohms
- The single-ended RCA inputs are not available on the back panel, unbalanced input requires an adapter
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Burmester 911 Mk 3: The 216 adds extra depth, precision, control, and ability to 'wig out' bass, also more reactive and dynamically dynamic
- Vs Burmester 911 Mk 3: The 216 is the more liquid sounding of the two, is more dynamic, has better bass definition and control, a more even sounding treble, a more open midrange, a keener sense of rhythm
Takeaway: The Burmester 216 is a musical chameleon that is carefully and meticulously crafted, it will bring the best out of any genre. Its utter lack of electronic character is a huge plus, making it a worthwhile consideration for any audiophile.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Visit
216
Page
Product Page
Grandioso M1X
35500
/
Released
2021
ESOTERIC
Transforming the full range of music from dignified silence to surging passion, a new milestone in amplifiers brings together wisdom and technology. Esoteric's Grandioso M1 "X" Edition.
Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sound is better lit than previous Grandioso series, with more color and brilliance
- More natural and realistic sound
- Smooth, captivating midrange that produces no listening fatigue
- Fine detail is exposed due to its somewhat laid-back presentation
- Incredible bass
Product Considerations
- Takes days to warm-up and sound its best
Takeaway: The Esoteric Grandioso M1X is a monoblock amplifier that delivers a burnished sound effortlessly, making it good for audiophiles. It offers a natural sound with impressive bass and a smooth midrange.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Esoteric is a Japanese hifi brand that manufactures CD and SACD players with their unique VRDS technology, which provides superior stability in disc playback through a rigid disc-clamping system. Their products are built in Tokyo with proprietary technologies like the Master Sound Discrete DAC, and their Grandioso series is considered among the world's best for sonic capabilities.
Visit
Grandioso M1X
Page
Product Page
AFM25
35800
/
Released
2025
Riviera
AFM25 Monophonic Power Amplifier
Riviera Labs designs amplifiers that match the human ear's natural distortion patterns, focusing on subjective listening experiences rather than technical specifications. Their products use a hybrid design combining tubes for signal processing and solid-state components for power stages, with the unique ability to switch between pure Class A and Class AB operation in their LEVANTE integrated amplifier.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Harmonic content is reproduced beyond what the reviewer had heard before, making instruments and voices sound more fully formed
- Creates a dimensional physicality with full voice, turning recorded events into a real-life experience
- Fast and resolving without being harsh, and presents music with a high degree of tonal saturation without feeling slow
- Reveals nuance in recordings, making small details easier to distinguish
- Achieves a balance that makes components worth the money, provides realistic experience regardless of the program material
Product Considerations
- The single-ended input was found to sound slightly more immediate than the balanced XLR input, though the difference was minor
- Requires about 90 minutes to fully warm up and stabilize for optimal performance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Riviera amplifiers have slightly more tonal saturation than the Pass Labs XA 25
- The separates (APL10 and AFM25) are more quietly seductive and take more time and attention to fully appreciate, compared to the Riviera Labs Levante integrated amplifier
Takeaway: The AFM25 monoblocks offer a unique and captivating sound that expands the enjoyment and connection to music. When paired with efficient speakers, they provide a realistic and detailed listening experience that makes the music feel more alive.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Riviera Labs designs amplifiers that match the human ear's natural distortion patterns, focusing on subjective listening experiences rather than technical specifications. Their products use a hybrid design combining tubes for signal processing and solid-state components for power stages, with the unique ability to switch between pure Class A and Class AB operation in their LEVANTE integrated amplifier.
Visit
AFM25
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
- Incredibly nimble, with every detail highlighted, providing an extra layer of resolution
- Delivers all of the detail and clarity without the traditional fatigue
- The balanced input transformer properly sums the positive and negative legs of the balanced signal, and in so doing retains much of the benefits that you normally achieve with fully balanced amps—noise rejection
- The distortion numbers are exceptional for a tube amplifier
- Compatibility with nearly every commercially available speaker, due to the support of three impedances (4 ohms, 8 ohms, and 16 ohms), and output power exceeding 60 watts with KT88s, and 80 watts with KT150s
Product Considerations
- There are no modern reproductions of the 12BY7A, requiring matched pairs to run the amplifiers
- The bias is fixed—it's selectable between settings, but dialing in the distortion could not be simplified further
- Heavy at nearly 100 lbs each, as there's a lot of iron in both the transformers and the chassis work
- A hint of tube noise was present in one channel when no music was playing, likely specific to the tubes used
- Not a wise choice to any planer but complex crossovers and difficult loads have not compressed the amp in testing
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ampsandsound Zion Monos: The Arch Monos are more neutral, faster, and provide an extra layer of resolution, compared to the richer and more harmonic sound of the Zions
- Vs TAD: The Arch is clean, powerful, and has many characteristics of very good solid-state amp, though the TAD approach was similarly neutral in many ways, albeit with a lightning quickness that the Arch did not have
Takeaway: The ampsandsound Arch Monoblock amplifiers are a technically proficient and beautifully built amplifier that delivers exceptional detail and clarity without fatigue. If one wants a vintage but modern sound, the Arch Monoblocks could be a good choice.
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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