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.

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.

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.

AAcentro:  

  • Positioning: A simple integrated amplifier offering excellent value with essential sound performance.  
  • Description: Delivers a straightforward design with clear, reference-level audio ideal for smaller rooms and budget-conscious setups. In comparison to the dual-mode flexibility of the Pure Class A series and the advanced circuitry of the Maestro line, it focuses on providing core functionality without extra complications.

Pure Class A/Class AB Integrated Amplifier:  

  • Positioning: A versatile integrated amplifier with selectable operating modes for varied sound experiences.  
  • Description: Features the unique ability to switch between pure Class A and Class AB modes, offering refined sonic detail or more dynamic power as needed. When compared to AAcentro's simple approach and Puccini's fixed design, it provides adaptable performance for different room sizes and sonic goals.

Puccini:  

  • Positioning: A mid-range amplifier that bridges classic design with balanced, efficient performance.  
  • Description: Offers a well-rounded sound signature with steady output and efficiency for everyday listening in medium-sized spaces. Compared to the Pure Class A's technological flexibility and the higher-end features of the Maestro series, it provides reliable performance at a moderate price.

Maestro:  

  • Positioning: A high-end integrated amplifier serving as the flagship successor to Puccini.  
  • Description: Features advanced driving circuitry and robust design that delivers precise control and enhanced sound output suitable for larger rooms. In contrast to Puccini's conventional performance and AAcentro's value-driven simplicity, it provides improved technical refinement and build quality.

Maestro 2.0:  

  • Positioning: The latest premium integrated amplifier offering the most refined performance in the lineup.  
  • Description: Incorporates state-of-the-art design updates and meticulous circuit improvements for superior audio control and articulation. Compared to the earlier Maestro and the simpler models like Puccini, it delivers cutting-edge functionality, top-tier build quality, and expansive soundstage capabilities.
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

Manufacturer's notes

ABsolute... the essence of this integrated amplifier is perfectly revealed in its name. Audio Analogue's most ambitious project after over twenty-five years of history and certainly the best way to celebrate such an important anniversary. A unique amplifier that gives the opportunity to enjoy the refinement of pure class A sound or the power of class AB sound simply by touching a button.
Airtech designed global zero feedback circuit (SeGeSTA configuration). All amplifier stages are on independent boards and fully balanced, dual-mono configuration and discrete component circuits. Power stage with twelve bipolar transistors per channel, filter capacitance 81600uF per channel. Oversized military grade resistors to minimize thermal distortion. Audiograde components, microcontroller management. Volume control with four selectable curves based on the sensitivity of the speakers. LED brightness adjustable in three modes. Internal wiring with 7N OCC solid pure copper conductors, gold-plated copper output connectors. Available in RR version with analogue volume attenuation based on relays and resistors for further improvement of sonic performance in reference to all parameters. Remote control made from solid aluminum included, available finishes: natural aluminum or satin black.
  • Channels: 2
  • RCA Inputs: 3
  • XLR Inputs: 2
  • Power 8Ω Class A/AB: 50W pure Class A/150W
  • Power 4Ω Class A/AB: 100W (25W in pure Class A)/300W
  • Power 2Ω Class A/AB: 200W (12.5W in pure Class A)/600W
  • Input Impedance: 47 kΩ
  • Maximum Input Signal: 6Vrms
  • Frequency Response: -3dB 1Hz/200KHz
  • Output Resistance: 0.09Ω (Class A), 0.14Ω (Class AB)
  • Noise Level: < 9 µV
  • Damping Factor (8Ω at 1kHz): 89 (Class A), 57 (Class AB)
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: >93dB (Class A), >100dB (Class AB)
  • Distortion @10W, 1KHz: < 0.008% (Class A), < 0.03% (Class AB)
  • Standby Power Consumption: <1W
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 270x483x445mm
  • Weight: 50kg
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Average Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used Products
2
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
201
 of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
11
Founded
1995

Our take on the brand

Audio Analogue is a hifi brand distinguished by their ABsolute integrated amplifier's unique dual-mode operation, which lets users switch between 50W pure Class A and 150W Class AB with a button press, while using zero global feedback circuits for enhanced sound purity. Their Italian-made amplifiers are known for adapting to different music styles, as demonstrated in their Maestro Anniversary integrated amplifier's chameleon-like sound character and the Primo Settanta's ability to create a three-dimensional, emotionally realistic soundstage.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi
Brand Page
Most data on ExtremeHiFi is proprietary—researched and reviewed after thousands of hours of loving labor. We archive our site's data and its pages on Archive.org and take legal action against those repurposing the data. We also fingerprint data to know when text and numbers came from us first.
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What if you spend a bit more?

Hybrid Stereo
38000
38000
/
3
Reviews
Absolare

The Signature series is a significant step above the Passion series. The entire signal path utilizes Duelund’s select CAST coupling capacitors together with Echole’s Orius cabling. Critical parts of the power section and signal path utilize other custom components such as proprietary Silver/Gold/Palladium signal path on the PCB and matched Amtrans AMRG resistors to name a few

Absolare pioneered a hybrid amplifier design that combines the warmth of single-ended circuits with the control of push-pull formats, achieving the rare feat of bringing single-ended's signature midrange qualities to a hybrid configuration. Absolare is renowned for its luxuriously designed, leather-wrapped amplifiers and world-class expertise in vacuum tube hifi amplifiers.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Preserves the sonic signature of tube electronics, while being able to drive a wider range of loudspeakers
  • Has astonishing liquidity of timbre, and is utterly grain-free
  • Projects a sense of presence that sounds very much like the best SET amplifiers
  • Creates a directness of musical expression, fostering an intimacy with the music and performers
  • Produces a very warm midrange, and sweet top end

Product Considerations

  • Treble was less bright, and open than that of many other amplifiers
  • Favors warmth, fullness, and texture in the bass rather than slam and extension
  • May not be the most resolving amplifier for the money

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Absolare Hybrid sounded remarkably like the Passion 845 SET, but with deeper bass extension and greater dynamic authority

Takeaway: The Absolare Hybrid Stereo amplifier delivers the emotion of music like an SET amplifier, with the ability to drive a wide variety of loudspeakers. It creates a deep connection with musical meaning.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Absolare pioneered a hybrid amplifier design that combines the warmth of single-ended circuits with the control of push-pull formats, achieving the rare feat of bringing single-ended's signature midrange qualities to a hybrid configuration. Absolare is renowned for its luxuriously designed, leather-wrapped amplifiers and world-class expertise in vacuum tube hifi amplifiers.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Hybrid Stereo
page
Product Page
Aavik U-580
35000
35000
/
1
Reviews
Aavik
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Proprietary noise-control techniques using dither circuits, Active coils, and Tesla coils improve perceived blackness in music
  • A 'natural-based composite material' for the chassis aims to reduce influences from mechanical resonance
  • A large LED-Matrix display is easy to read from a distance
  • A weighty and solid rotary volume dial offers a perfect speed of adjustment
  • Input switching is not straightforward, requiring use of a navigate button and rotation of the volume dial

Product Considerations

  • Menu navigation is cumbersome, requiring toggling through all items or using the remote control to exit
  • The U180 is described as technically correct but not hugely emotional or lyrical, with a darker sound

Takeaway: The Aavik U-series integrated amplifiers offer unique noise-reduction technology and a distinctive design, which could be a great addition to an audiophile's set-up. The amplifier's overall operation is straightforward, and it responds very quickly to all commands.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Aavik U-580
page
Product Page
Telos 690
36250
36250
/
1
Reviews
Goldmund

At the forefront of its design, the Telos 690 addresses the evolving needs of today’s consumers. With an array of digital connectivity options, including USB Audio Class 2.0 interface supporting sample rates up to 384 kHz and a bit depth of 32, as well as Toslink Optical and Digital S/PDIF coaxial inputs, this amplifier effortlessly bridges the gap between traditional high-fidelity audio and modern digital sources.

Goldmund is a Swiss hifi brand known for its "mechanical grounding" technology, which reduces vibrations through heavy, precisely engineered components, and its proprietary Telos amplifier technology that significantly reduces intermodulation distortion. The brand appeals to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction, focusing on musical realism through minimalist design and high bandwidth circuitss.
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Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Impeccably clean and precise presentation
  • Excellent detail resolution
  • Sonic agility and dynamic expression
  • Good digital module
  • Terrific build quality using 12mm thick aluminum alloy panels

Product Considerations

  • No phono stage or headphone output
  • No indication of the incoming digital signal resolution
  • Requires a very solid, high-mass support to work best
  • The amplifier's overall character does still veer slightly towards the dry side—particularly at high frequencies
  • At this level, balanced connections were expected, but Goldmund hasn't specified them

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The soundstage doesn't match the airy spaciousness of the Burmester pre/power

Takeaway: The Goldmund Telos 690 is a highly capable amplifier, known for its clean, detailed sound and dynamic expression. It is a great choice for those who appreciate dissecting recordings and value exceptional build quality.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Goldmund is a Swiss hifi brand known for its "mechanical grounding" technology, which reduces vibrations through heavy, precisely engineered components, and its proprietary Telos amplifier technology that significantly reduces intermodulation distortion. The brand appeals to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction, focusing on musical realism through minimalist design and high bandwidth circuitss.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Telos 690
page
Product Page
Max
30500
30500
/
8
Reviews
Audionet
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.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit our
Max
page
Product Page

What else competes at this price?

Diablo 333
24900
/
Released
2023
Gryphon
Integrated amplifiers have become the essential audio component, distilling sources, amp, preamp and interconnects into a single chassis. And since 2015, connoisseurs have revered the Gryphon Diablo 300 as the finest integrated amplifier ever produced and a genuine "Object of Desire." Unanimously praised by critics and with thousands sold, it became High End Audio's most coveted "Ultra-Luxe" integrated. Surpassing the '300 was no easy feat; however, thanks to the engineering genius of Gryphon's Chief Designer, Tom Moeller, the artistic sensibilities of Gryphon Founder Flemming Rasmussen as well as the development of cutting-edge component technologies, Gryphon has authored a new benchmark, better in virtually every respect than its iconic predecessor. A completely reimagined amplifier whose ideal feature set, aesthetic beauty, heirloom build quality and enormous performance envelope establish an unprecedented level of excellence. Gryphon proudly introduces Diablo 333: The World's Finest Integrated Amplifier.
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Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional bass control, power, speed, and definition provides a bedrock foundation for the music
  • Wide and deep soundstage with precise imaging
  • Dead-neutral tonal balance with grain-free clarity, effortless speed, and precision
  • Life-like dynamic expression and detail resolution, sounding exquisitely lifelike
  • Lively, energetic sound combined with pleasing harmonics, warmth, and a kind of lusciousness achieves a nice balance

Product Considerations

  • The binding posts are located low on the rear panel, which might be problematic for some installations
  • It gets hot, requiring adequate ventilation
  • It's a heavy unit, making it difficult to move and set up
  • The cost is very high, making it exclusive-level hifi
  • The speaker spiked feet can make it difficult to position the amplifier

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Diablo 300, the Diablo 333 gives more music and musical information, developing the soundstage with harmonic information, knitting all the individual parts together; the music becomes less about individual things and more about the whole
  • Strong resemblance to the Apex Commander combination, but at a fraction of the cost
  • While the Antileon digs deeper and presents a fuller presentation across the low frequencies, the Diablo 333 slams harder and slightly tighter

Takeaway: The Gryphon Diablo 333 is a powerhouse integrated amplifier that combines exceptional power and control with refined sound and detailed musicality making it one of the very best amplifiers, be it integrated or not. Its versatility and musical soul make it a solid choice for anyone looking for an end-game component.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Diablo 333
Page
Product Page
032
25000
/
Released
Burmester
With a mighty power supply and a wide variety of connectivity range, the 032 Integrated Amplifier effortlessly delivers complex loads. Excellent resolution and musicality perfectly describe the 032 amp.
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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

  • Music is delivered without perturbation, showcasing a 'grip' on the music
  • A beautiful sonic palette is present, with a warm, detailed bass and very smooth, detailed highs
  • Understated approach to music replay is pure and precise, without coarseness or grain
  • Fabulously well made, with impressive build and finish
  • Volume control has a hefty, well-damped but very precise feel to it, and the amplifier's on-board software is quick to respond

Product Considerations

  • The headphone output is hidden on the rear panel, making it inconvenient to connect
  • Large and heavy (around 40kg), requiring sturdy equipment support and assistance when unpacking
  • The combination of heatsinks all-round and reflective chrome front panel may not be to all tastes
  • Highly transparent sources and speakers are required to get the best performance

Takeaway: The Burmester 032 integrated amplifier sounds exceptional with refined sound and impressive insight. If the system is talented, this amplifier could be a great match.

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.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
032
Page
Product Page
Sigsum
20252
/
Released
2022
Avid Hifi
Driven by sound quality and our uncompromising approach to offer the best in class, the sensational SIGSUM Integrated was conceived. Our single chassis amplifier offers unparalleled performance for those that desire less clutter or with demands on their dwellings.
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AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
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Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Very low noise floor creates a wide open and clear soundstage with excellent space between each musical element
  • Delivers subtle intricate details of music, the decays, and the harmonics
  • The built-in phono stage—the Pulsus—provides a clear and clean sound, allowing for a more open and see-through soundstage
  • The ALPS RK50 volume knob is satisfying to adjust with its stiff—yet smooth—resistance
  • The unit is handmade in the UK

Product Considerations

  • Limited number of inputs may not be sufficient for all users
  • Lacks a remote control, which may be inconvenient for some users
  • Awkward access to the underside cartridge adjustment for gain, resistance, and capacitance may be annoying to adjust
  • May emphasize upper vocals, which may not be ideal for all types of music, especially at louder volumes
  • The mid/upper bass may be a little shy, lacking the solidity, impact, and warmth that some listeners prefer

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The NAD M23 has a bolder, stronger, and punchier bass compared to the Sigsum
  • The McIntosh sounds more powerful, solid, secure, and full in terms of tone—and bigger overall—compared to the Sigsum
  • The Pulsus phono stage sounds clearer and cleaner than the Avid Pellar phono stage, but the Pellar sounds fuller and thicker

Takeaway: The Avid SigSum is a specialized amplifier that is designed for the audiophile who values the preservation of detail, particularly from vinyl playback. It's a great amplifier to highlight the nuances of music, while offering a clean and precise sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Sigsum
Page
Product Page
Rhapsody
24122
/
Released
2022
Trafomatic
Rhapsody is the pinnacle of our decades of experience in developing State of the art valve amplifiers. The name itself is the expression of our devotion to the Music and the Art. By definition it implicates the profound roots and legacy to the ancient Greek Art of the rhapsodists in performing Epics, to the most modern compositions, where the one-movement work structure of highly contrasted moods, colours and tonality, is expansive and yet unified in structure.
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Trafomatic Audio is unique for crafting its own transformers in-house, which gives them complete control over their amplifiers' sound quality. The brand stands out for using uncommon materials like Panzerholz (hyper-compressed plywood) for resonance control and rare tube types like the Elmac 250TL direct heated triode power tube in their designs.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers a 'silky sheen' characteristic of SET designs, which helps to prevent listener fatigue
  • Offers a 'room-filling, full-blown' sound, especially with orchestral music
  • The Trafomatic Audio Rhapsody presents an 'expressive' and 'real' dynamic range, creating a live musical experience
  • Has an innate sense of melody that draws you into the musical mix, and an over-arching sense of sonic accuracy
  • Features auto-biasing and toggles for 'Mesh' and 'Solid' 300B tubes, for enthusiasts who wish to try different valves

Product Considerations

  • Limited wattage may restrict loudspeaker choices, requiring pairing with high-sensitivity models
  • Bass frequencies exhibit higher distortion at lower power outputs
  • The amplifier's modest S/N ratio suggests some mild background hiss may be audible
  • Bright red chassis is a fixed color scheme, which may not appeal to everyone
  • Reviews of the Rhapsody should be judged as very specific amplifier/speaker combos

Takeaway: The Trafomatic Rhapsody is a class act that draws attention to itself purely through its vivid and real sound. It plays music in such a way that one might never want to listen to anything else.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Trafomatic Audio is unique for crafting its own transformers in-house, which gives them complete control over their amplifiers' sound quality. The brand stands out for using uncommon materials like Panzerholz (hyper-compressed plywood) for resonance control and rare tube types like the Elmac 250TL direct heated triode power tube in their designs.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Rhapsody
Page
Product Page
Supremo
25188
/
Released
2022
Grandinote
The Grandinote Supremo is a no-compromise hi-end stereo integrated. The best of Grandinote family. His design and his construction born to splurge every virtues of Magnetosolid® sound and the VHP.
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Grandinote is an Italian hifi brand that uses their patented "Magnetosolid" technology to combine the benefits of tube amplifiers with solid-state components, achieving a rich, natural sound without actual tubes. Their amplifiers and speakers feature distinctive design choices, including dual-mono construction requiring two power cables, and speakers built without crossovers for a more direct sound.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Offers superb resolution, transparency, and clarity for a staggering performance.
  • Visceral and well-controlled bass, extending deep into the range.
  • Extremely fast, clean, and exceptionally resolving sound.
  • Delivers even more visceral low tones that, with most speakers, will be perfectly controlled and tight.
  • Better clarity of the treble, and yet there is no hint of harshness or aggressiveness.

Product Considerations

  • Requires a truly balanced source; RCA/XLR adapters will heavily distort the sound.
  • Gets quite hot, so remember about space around the device for proper ventilation.
  • The depth of the chassis is the largest dimension, so you need quite a deep rack/stand/platform to fit it on.
  • Input sockets are set from top to bottom in one channel (numbers 1-4), and in the other channel the other way around (numbers 4-1).
  • Revealing amplifier, so everything in the audio chain has to be well-ordered and refined.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs GrandiNote Shinai: Supremo is more resolving, precise, transparent, and revealing, with better clarity in the treble and more visceral low tones.
  • Vs GrandiNote Shinai: Shinai sounds a bit sweeter, more romantic, more tube-like—delivering the most beautiful side of music.
  • Vs GrandiNote Essenza: The difference between Supremo and Essenza is more significant than between Essenza and Shinai.

Takeaway: The GrandiNote Supremo is a versatile, high-end integrated amplifier that brings out the best in your music with its superb clarity, resolution, and dynamic sound. It offers an immersive and thrilling listening experience for demanding audiophiles.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Grandinote is an Italian hifi brand that uses their patented "Magnetosolid" technology to combine the benefits of tube amplifiers with solid-state components, achieving a rich, natural sound without actual tubes. Their amplifiers and speakers feature distinctive design choices, including dual-mono construction requiring two power cables, and speakers built without crossovers for a more direct sound.
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Visit
Supremo
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.

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.

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