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.
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.
DAC 0.1x
- Positioning: Entry-level model in the Audio Note DAC lineup.
- Description: Features a 1x oversampling technology that avoids digital filtering, which is unique compared to higher models that may include more complex circuitry. Uses a Philips TDA1543 chip and a 6111WA valve output stage, making it ideal for small rooms or budget-conscious users who still want quality tube sound.
DAC 1.1x
- Positioning: Positioned as a step above the entry-level, offering enhanced performance.
- Description: Improves upon the 0.1x with an 18-bit AD1865 chip, providing a richer sound experience. Maintains the no-oversampling approach.
DAC 4.1x
- Positioning: High-end model designed for serious audiophiles.
- Description: Features advanced components like custom transformers and a sophisticated output stage, providing superior sound clarity and detail.
DAC 5
- Positioning: Flagship model representing the pinnacle of Audio Note's DAC technology.
- Description: Features the most advanced digital circuit and highest quality materials, including silver-wound transformers.
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Neiro
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Manufacturer's notes
The Audio Note (UK) NEIRO Mono Power Amplifiers are Pure Class A Parallel Single Ended valve amplifiers that use a pair of the highly regarded 2A3 triode valves per channel, producing a level of performance that is radically superior to the vast majority of current designs.
The Audio Note (UK) NEIRO Mono Power Amplifiers are Pure Class A Parallel Single Ended valve amplifiers that use a pair of the highly regarded 2A3 triode valves per channel, producing a level of performance that is radically superior to the vast majority of current designs. They have been specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than technical specification, and fulfil all Audio Note (UK) Level 4 criteria: - Pure Class A operation Zero Negative Feedback Single Ended Output Stage Valve Rectification Directly Heated Triode operation Materials and component quality
Each amplifier is completely hand assembled, and uses only the finest possible materials and components: - Audio Note (UK) customer Output Transformers, using AN(UK) copper primary windings, AN(UK) silver secondary windings and AN(UK) UHiB double C cores Audio Note (UK) custom 1 Watt Tantalum resistors Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil capacitors Audio Note (UK) Silver internal wiring Black Gate capacitors in critical areas
Each amplifier is completely hand assembled, and uses only the finest possible materials and components: - Audio Note (UK) customer Output Transformers, using AN(UK) copper primary windings, AN(UK) silver secondary windings and AN(UK) UHiB double C cores Audio Note (UK) custom 1 Watt Tantalum resistors Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil capacitors Audio Note (UK) Silver internal wiring Black Gate capacitors in critical areas
Manufacturer Specs
- Input Impedance: 100KOhm
- Input Sensitivity: 250mV for full output
- Maximum Output: 8 Watts RMS per channel into 4 or 8 Ohm loads
- Channel Balance: +/- 0.3dB
- Valve Complement: 2 x 5U4GB (1 per chassis), 4 x 2A3 (2 per chassis), 2 x 6SN7 (1 per chassis)
- Unit Weight: 20kg (per amplifier)
- Unit Dimensions: 195 mm (h) x 205mm (w) x 500mm (d) (per amplifier)
- Mains Input: AC 100-120V / 220-240V 50/60Hz
- Max. Power Consumption: 200 Watts
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Average Price
$20,001-$30,000
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Brand Popularity
50
of 600+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products
54
Founded
1998
Our take on the brand
Audio Note UK is one of Europe's largest manufacturers of valve-based audio equipment, designing and producing nearly all components in-house, including transformers and capacitors. The brand has achieved cult status among audiophiles who appreciate its minimalist, non-oversampling approach and its emphasis on musicality over technical specifications.
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What if you spend a bit more?
AFM25
35800
35800
/
2
Reviews
Riviera
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.
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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.
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AFM25
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Product Page
PA-01
37713
37713
/
1
Reviews
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Zeiler
Design
Extremely sturdy enclosure, CNC-milled from a solid block of aluminium
All surfaces are glass-bead-blasted and then anodized with a highly resistive ceramic coating
Power supplies mounted on suspended sub-chassis to mechanically isolate them from the audio circuits
Extremely reduced circuit design with parts chosen in extensive listening tests
Components
Parts are manually channel-matched to close tolerances and hand-soldered point to point
Oversized choke-regulated power supplies and custom made power transformers
Internal wiring with cryogenically treated oxygen free copper
Customized Lundahl C-core output transformers
Usability
Intuitive handling, no adjustments required
The PA-01 can be switched ON/OFF automatically from the Pre-Amp → turn on/off the whole system with one switch
Gentle operating conditions ensure long tube life
Widely used, reliable tube types to ensure future availability without expert knowledge
Impedance matching for 4, 8 Ohm speakers, 16 Ohm option on request
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed to disappear from the audio chain functionally, leaving just music behind.
- Built to an impeccable standard, CNC machined out of solid billets of aluminium, then glass-bead-blasted and treated to a ceramic form of anodising, giving it a velvety feel and solidity of build and finish that few can match.
- Delivers both cultured and refined sound, and the dynamic force and energy needed to place you in the room with the musicians.
Product Considerations
- The degree of minimalism might be too much for some.
- Its 10W power output will limit loudspeaker options.
- Lack of indicator lights might be a negative for some.
Takeaway: The PA-01 power amplifier is a well-made product that focuses on delivering the music as purely as possible. With the right speakers, it offers a very engaging and dynamic listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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PA-01
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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.
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Max
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Product Page
911 MK3
35000
35000
/
5
Reviews
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. With the distinctive appearance of the silver anodized fins of its heat sinks the 911 MK3 exudes power and elegance. It tightly controls any bass driver and proves that there is a lot of musicality in the bass line. Excellent spatial resolution, detail and musical warmth characterize the sonic signature of the 911 MK3.
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 our
911 MK3
page
Product Page
What else competes at this price?
Glenn
25456
/
Released
2024
Trafomatic
The ''Glenn'' Parralel Single Ended 300B mono amplifiers are Trafomatic Audio's latest statement amplifiers and truly formidable to behold. These elegant, handbuild amplifiers provide the shortest paths between components. Combine Sasa Cokic experience of over 30 years of tube amplifier buildings with oversized output transformers and the best components possible and you get what the Glenn amplifiers are all about: a true work of art!
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.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Highly customizable, allowing users to request specific configurations and tube types
- Offers a wide range of tube rolling options to pinpoint the desired sound signature
- Price-to-performance ratio is excellent, competing with amps costing around $5,000
- Can drive high impedance headphones like ZMF, HD 800, and T1, as well as planars and low ohm headphones with specific tube configurations
- Can sound very good with inexpensive tubes, but can be elevated to a ridiculous performance level with higher end tubes
- There is a HeadFi thread to help with connectivity options
Product Considerations
- Ordering process is unconventional, requiring direct communication through a HeadFi thread
- There is a wait time for builds, potentially around six months
- Tube rolling can become expensive due to the variety of options and the cost of some tubes
Takeaway: The Glenn is a highly customizable amplifier that provides excellent performance for the price, especially for those who enjoy tube rolling and experimenting with different sound signatures. It is a versatile amp that can drive a wide range of headphones, making it a great choice for many audiophiles.
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.
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Glenn
Page
Product Page
Rex 500
25000
/
Released
2024
Balanced Audio Technology
Balanced Audio Technology's flagship solid-state power amplifier, REX 500, represents the culmination of the company's decades-long pursuit of sonic and engineering excellence. Victor Khomenko, BAT's chief designer, observes that the unit's massive power output is largely academic. "BAT has never designed for power alone, and I am most proud of the elegant simplicity in how the REX 500 delivers that power," he says. For those who demand numbers, the stereo REX 500 produces 500 watts/channel into eight ohms and 1000 watts/channel into four ohms.
Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) designs all their components with fully balanced circuits and dual-mono power supplies, which deliver better channel separation and cleaner sound reproduction. BAT's signature approach includes zero global feedback and their Unistage circuit design, which amplifies the signal only once through a short signal path to preserve the original audio characteristics.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Powerful, able to drive any speaker at any level with ease
- Delivers a new dimension in realism at any volume level, exposing the timbre of bass instruments unlike ever heard before
- Reveals harmonic quality of instruments and voices
Product Considerations
- Heavy, weighing 140lb (63.5kg), requiring assistance for moving and unboxing
- High running temperature (55-65oC across the chassis) and draws 500W from the wall when idle
- When speaker cables are terminated with spade lugs, caution is advised as the posts are close together
- Output is floating—it should not be connected to any loudspeaker with a grounded 'black' terminal
- BAT components take a long time to "break in" (400-500 hours of use)
Takeaway: The BAT REX 500 is a very powerful amplifier that drives speakers with ease and reveals new levels of realism in familiar recordings. It is a must-audition for those seeking reference-level power amplification.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) designs all their components with fully balanced circuits and dual-mono power supplies, which deliver better channel separation and cleaner sound reproduction. BAT's signature approach includes zero global feedback and their Unistage circuit design, which amplifies the signal only once through a short signal path to preserve the original audio characteristics.
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Rex 500
Page
Product Page
MC3500 Mk II
30000
/
Released
2021
McIntosh
Inspired by the amplifier that inspired a generation. There's no denying the historic significance of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair. There had never been anything like it, and many would argue there's not been anything like it since. With an unexpected crowd of over 400,000 people, there was a lot that could have gone wrong – and some things did. But one aspect that's nearly universally agreed upon was how great all the musicians sounded. That sound quality is thanks in part to the McIntosh MC3500 Vacuum Tube Amplifiers that exclusively powered the sound system used at Woodstock.
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 350 watts into 2-ohm, 4-ohm, or 8-ohm loads
- The design has a purity that is quite amazing
- Effortless power
- Soundstage is big
- Transparent
Product Considerations
- Not necessarily suitable for pairing with extremely cold sounding, sterile or bright speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- MC3500 is more open and airy, with base not as hard fisted, compared to Krell KSA 250
- It compares with brands like soulution, big Audio Research, and CH Precision, but at a lower cost
Takeaway: The MC3500 is an impressive amplifier that delivers a natural and pure sound, able to drive almost any speaker. If you're in the market for a McIntosh amp, this is the one that makes music sound pure, simple and unadulterated.
Video review
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Visit
MC3500 Mk II
Page
Product Page
AW 300 M
29000
/
Released
2023
Electrocompaniet
The AW 300 M is Electrocompaniet's latest Mono Power Amplifier. This amplifier embodies an updated, yet unmistakable Electrocompaniet design, perfectly complementing both current and legacy Electrocompaniet products.
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
- Prodigious bass output and rich tonality, especially for a solid-state design
- Great presence, a black background, and strong resolution playing effortlessly at very high volume levels
- Offers a wide, well-defined soundstage
- Beautifully designed with a luxurious appearance, relatively compact dimensions, and attention to detail in its internal layout
- Reserves of power will comfortably drive a wide range of speakers to high levels
Product Considerations
- Attacks can be slightly soft on some material
- The soundstage, while wide and well-defined, may lack the pinpoint accuracy and layered depth of some reference amplifiers
- Requires support beneath it on carpeted floors to allow sufficient airflow
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs soulution 511, the soulution 511 was faster and more accurately conveyed bass notes, threw an image with greater accuracy, and was more open on top
Takeaway: The Electrocompaniet AW 300 M is a gutsy and poised monoblock amplifier that delivers lots of power and handles a variety of speakers, giving an excellent listening experience. Its solid build and high performance make it a great choice for those seeking high-end audio quality.
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.
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AW 300 M
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.
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.
Visit
Rhapsody
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.
Video Review
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