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.
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.
AMP
- Positioning: The entry-level mono-block power amplifier in Audionet's lineup.
- Description: Uses Ultra-Linear-Amplifier (ULA) technology, which ensures minimal signal impurity and excellent feedback damping. Compared to the AMP I V2, it offers a more compact design and is suitable for smaller rooms or setups where space is a concern, while still delivering powerful sound with a focus on tonal accuracy and dynamic precision.
MAX
- Positioning: A reference-level mono-block amplifier, positioned as a high-end option for serious audiophiles.
- Description: Features Audionet's latest ULA technology, offering exceptional loudspeaker control and minimal distortion. It surpasses the AMP I V2 with its superior power output and ability to handle complex audio signals.
Heisenberg
- Positioning: The flagship mono power amplifier, representing the pinnacle of Audionet's engineering and design.
- Description: Designed with a focus on ultimate performance, incorporating a unique Floating Pane Design for optimal resistance to microphonic effects. It offers more power and precision than the MAX.
Humboldt
- Positioning: An integrated amplifier that combines the qualities of Audionet's top models, positioned as a premium all-in-one solution.
- Description: Features holistic design and advanced circuitry, providing a seamless audio experience with exceptional tonal balance and dynamic range. It offers the convenience of an integrated amplifier with the performance of separate components like the Heisenberg.
Read the reviews
ART G5
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Manufacturer's notes
The new ART G5 with its new and even better drive redefines the hitherto undreamt-of potential of CDs to produce a really involving and fascinating listening experience beyond anything streaming even of the highest bitrates can give you. It literally conquers unexplored sound dimensions, transforming your music into an unprecedented, wholly satisfying experience for the senses.
The very best hifi critics have "built a virtual pedestal for this top-notch instrument in (their) editorial office", as have our very own scientists for their own use at home. Our development team has re-engineered both the housing and circuitry, subjecting every detail of the machine to stringent checks. The new ART G5 combines an innovative construction and circuitry with the insights gained from the development of STERN and HE...
Our take on the brand
Used
Audionet
What if you spend a bit more?
PLANCK2 is Audionet's final statement re. the classical compact disc. No other machine on the market plays with such utmost precision, formidable ease and deep-rooted musicality. PLANCK2 even surpasses our worldwide successes VIP and ART. The body construction completely made of non-ferromagnetic materials combined with a massive slate board optimizes the resonance characteristics of PLANCK2. The new design with non-visible fixation screws and with a massive and solid aluminium cover pleases both eyes and ears alike.
Converting from digital to analog, newly developed discrete output modules with extremely fast, wide-band high-performance class A output drivers ensure the perfect sonic experience. The current-voltage converter comprises absolutely temperature stable and sonically neutral high-precision resistors. Our high-precision clock generator eliminates the infamous jitter: PLANCK2 gets all music data at the right time and with its correct value. And the internal frequency compensation equipped with custom made mica capacitors of highest grade guarantees absolute precision in the analog domain.
Also, we gave the digital input section a completely new design. PLANCK2 uses the same outstanding USB Audio 2.0 technology as Audionet's famous DNx machines: USB Audio 2.0 support up to 192 kHz / 24 bits. Asynchronous data connection and re-clocking ensuring a clean digital music signal. The USB Audio circuitry is completely galvanically isolated from the rest of the PLANCK2. Therefore no harmful reactions apply from the PC and its "dirty" power supply. Separate and user-selectable electrical and optical digital inputs (SPDIF) – also using DNx technology and up to 192 kHz / 24 bit for enhanced playback of other digital sources.
In short: In PLANCK2 we tuned all relevant parts with scientific meticulousness and musical passion to achieve the ultimately possible sonic quantum leap. Including two separate DACs, one for each channel and carbon fibre turntable.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Superb clarity and dynamics, delivering well-known music samples with clarity and dynamics directly from the package
- Accurate timing that cooperates successfully with technical improvements, leading to speedy actions in attacks and releases of the music
- User-friendly and inspires confidence, with a well-designed, metallic remote control
- Delivers a lot of information without details exposure, differentiating recordings remarkably with ease and grace
- Exemplary build quality
Product Considerations
- The finish of the player (light bronze) is not found on any Audionet preamplifier, which is a cosmetic issue for some users
- DSD capability of the USB input is omitted
- It builds slightly smaller phantom images than some other sources
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Planck can do its job even more accurately than ART G3, especially in the time domain, improving articulation and clarity of music performances
- Planck is not as soft and warm as MSB
- Planck is not so open and perfectly defining the sound as dCS
- Planck builds slightly smaller phantom images than CEC TL0 3.0 and DA0 3.0
- The definition of sound can be more precise than the Rossini model and Reimyo DAP-999EX PROGRESS High Fidelity Edition
- The lower end is as good as the Gryphon Mikado's
Takeaway: The Audionet PLANCK offers superb clarity and dynamics combined with user-friendly design, offering a natural listening experience. Its solid build quality and ability to differentiate recordings with ease makes it an excellent choice for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The Player 4+ is the affordable premium DAC and CD player for all audiophiles, characterized by fabulous sound reproduction. The converter part is accessible through the USB or S / P DIF input and decodes all audio file formats up to DSD 512. In its silver or black aluminum livery, the Player 4/4+ will integrate its premium finish with the greatest elegance.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality
- Superb sound in a single box
- Recreates music effortlessly and naturally with reference-level clarity, coherence, and transparency
- Offers a digital streaming option
- Commendable connectivity
Product Considerations
- The streaming app functionality was found to be sub-optimal, specifically the mconnect player
- The remote control doesn't match the same quality as the unit itself
- If the existing system is lean/analytical, the Metronome might not be the first choice
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Performance is a little more on the lively side of neutral, but still very well composed, and not so far from the Gryphon's performance
Takeaway: The Le Player 4+ offers superb sound and build quality with the added bonus of a digital streaming option, which is great for audiophiles still interested in CD collections. It functions as a complete digital hub, negating the need to purchase separate components.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Equipped with quiet and smooth disc loading, the high rigidity and low center of gravity of the SA-CD/CD drive vastly improves readability, while the MDS+ type D/A converter with four parallel circuits accurately reads disc information and converts analog signals. It also supports a digital connection with a voicing equalizer and provides a programmable playlist feature that lets you enjoy listening in the order you prefer. Enjoy listening to the DP-570, the next step in the pursuit of the ideal disc playback experience.
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Plays CDs and SACDs
- Lower noise floor than the DP450, resulting in a darker sound
- Bass notes are richer sounding compared to the DP450
- More soundstage in terms of width and height compared to the DP450
- More three-dimensionality in sound compared to the DP450, with better placement of instruments
- More texture and detail to the sound
Product Considerations
- Not the cheapest option for a CD/SACD player
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DP450: DP-570 has a lot lower noise floor, so it was quite a lot darker sounding, and also the bass notes were particularly richer sounding
- Vs DP450: DP-570 has more detail, better positioning of elements, and sound stages
- Vs DP450: DP-570 offers a wider soundstage
Takeaway: The DP-570 is a great CD/SACD player if you are looking for richer sound and detail. It offers great improvements in soundstage and dimensionality compared to other models.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Equipped with the same SACD drive as T+A's high-end SACD player, the MP 3100 HV
- Developed to reproduce high-resolution audio files without any trace of compromise
- Equipped with both symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) analogue outputs, it features a jitter-free digital output
- As a source controller, it is equipped for pretty much every contingency
- The built-in digital tuner offers FM, FM-HD, and DAB+ capabilities
Product Considerations
- The Music Navigator app refused to acknowledge the presence of the MP 2500 R, a message appearing that the app was only compatible with T+A's Cala CDR/SR and MP8 network devices
- There was no sign of the player on the Roon network, so clearly this will come in a future update
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs MP 3100 HV: The MP 2500 R comes equipped with the same SACD drive as T+A's high-end SACD player—the MP 3100 HV
Takeaway: The MP 2500 R is a versatile multi-source player that can play SACDs, stream music, and tune into radio. It has high-resolution audio capabilities and offers many connectivity options, making it a convenient addition to any hifi system
Video review
Our take on the brand
What else competes at this price?
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size, making it suitable for smaller spaces and versatile placement
- True all-in-one system integrating a CD player, streamer, DAC, phono stage (MM & MC), and amplifier
- Stable and fast app control for comprehensive management of features and music collections
- Large soundstage with nice imaging
- Phono stage is better than expected
- Connectivity options are comprehensive
Product Considerations
- Optional remote control is an added expense
- Front fascia controls are considered eccentric or half-hearted
- Some reviewers found the high frequencies to be bright and thin
- Speaker binding posts are small and may not accommodate larger spade lugs
- Streamer could be better
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AVM CS 2.3 includes a CD drive, while the Cambridge Audio EVO 150 does not, the phono stage in the EVO 150 is only MM
Takeaway: The AVM Inspiration CS 2.3 is a compact and versatile all-in-one system that combines streaming, CD playback, and amplification into one device, making it a convenient solution for many music lovers. It is a good choice for people wanting a small but mighty stereo.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Can act as a DAC and play anything that's not vinyl at an excellent level
- High quality chassis, connectors, and buttons exude a high-end feel
- Features a smooth-operating 'LxDTM' mechanism that eliminates vibration and noise during disc playback
- Handled tracks with exceptional control, dynamics, and large soundscapes
- Outstanding fit, finish, and engineering
Product Considerations
- Fast forward and fast reverse across track breaks is not allowed, making comparisons difficult
- Absolute-polarity selection is only available on the front panel, not the remote
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The D-07X is positioned between the D-03X and D-10X in Luxman's lineup
- Compared to the Luxman D-10X, the D-10X produces an even larger soundstage with images more clearly defined and dynamics handled with more poise—it has a slightly more full bodied balance and is less forward in overall presentation
Takeaway: The Luxman D-07X is a versatile and high-quality SACD/CD player and DAC that delivers a smooth and musical sound. It is an investment for those who appreciate physical media.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Electrocompaniet EMC 1 MKV offers a consistently detailed sound with tonal nuance and vibrancy
- It is a well-engineered machine that is a real pleasure to use
- The Electrocompaniet EMC 1 MKV is an intrinsically 'organic-sounding' player, which results in a very natural feel
- The mechanical filter is designed to remove both internal and external vibrations from entering the laser pick-up assembly, which in turn is said to bring sonic benefits to the unit
Product Considerations
- The included remote is plasticky and not as high quality as the player itself
- The Perspex front panel is a magnet for fingerprints
- It only plays CDs and does not have digital inputs for use with other devices
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Leema CD player using both players' internal converters, the Electrocompaniet wins hands down, but so it should given the price difference between the two
- Vs Leema DAC, CD via the Electrocompaniet had a more involving sound, though perhaps not as analytically precise as the rip through Roon and the Leema DAC, particularly at the top end
- Vs Leema Essentials as a transport only, the Electrocompaniet wins in every way—more stability to the image, more welly and more detail throughout
Takeaway: The Electrocompaniet EMC 1 MKV is a great CD player that makes CDs sound thrillingly musical, and it's built to last. If you love CDs, it will draw you into the music and make you want to listen for hours.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous sonic performance
- Extraordinary playback quality
- Deep bass and a black and hash-free background
- Strong on precision but not lacking warmth
Product Considerations
- The display is rather basic; it won't show sample rate information
- Only has a coaxial (phono) connector for electrical digital input, requiring a USB-to-S/PDIF adapter for computer sources
- The CD drawer has a plastic tray
Takeaway: The Burmester 102 CD player provides a smooth and powerful sound with good precision. It offers excellent playback quality, making it a worthwhile addition to any audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Accuphase DP450 sounds fantastic and goes great with just about any component
- Very neutral sounding
Product Considerations
- Just a CD player, so it will only play standard CDs (not SACDs)
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs DP570: The DP570 has a much lower noise floor, was quite a lot darker sounding, and the bass notes were particularly richer sounding
- Vs DP570: DP570 brings more detail, better positioning of elements, and sound stages
- Vs DP570: DP570 has more soundstage in terms of width and height
- Vs DP750: The DP750 sounds much more organic; it sounds like real instruments again, and the layering of each individual element and sound staging is a lot better
Takeaway: The Accuphase DP450 is a fantastic-sounding and neutral CD player. It would be a worthwhile product for playing standard CDs with great sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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.
Want to see more similar products?
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