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
- Muscular sound and copious amounts of power are on tap, capable of driving almost any speaker
- Exemplary build quality, exuding a high-end look and feel with a solid aluminum front
- High-quality phono stage (Pellar) with settings for MM and MC cartridges, offering superb performance
- Incredible level of transparency with such a low noise and silent background for the music to emerge from, instrument separation is sublime with a wide soundstage and excellent depth
- Energetic and detailed making it an ideal performer for the home—with a particularly good bass end and a clear and precise top
Product Considerations
- The on/off switch is hidden underneath the unit, which can be inconvenient to access
- Originally lacked a remote, which has since been added but the volume steps can seem large
- Some may find the upfront delivery not ideal if they prefer a smoother, more laid-back sound
- Not an amplifier that will exhibit an exorbitant amount of lushness or a delicately nuanced feeling within its sound reproduction capabilities
- Does not have digital inputs, which may be a drawback for some users who prefer an all-in-one solution
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Moon by Simaudio 600i, the Avid Integra's volume steps on the remote are larger
- Compared to the Naim or darTZeel, the Integra's soundstage depth is not as exceptional
Takeaway: The Avid Integra is a powerful and well-built amplifier that brings music to life with clarity and realism. If one wants an amplifier that delivers speed, energy, and passion, this could be the last amplifier needed.
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.
Ingenium-turntable
- Positioning: The entry-level model aimed at budget-conscious users.
- Description: Offers a reliable belt drive mechanism and basic isolation features that help deliver clear sound in smaller rooms. In comparison to the other models, it provides essential performance without advanced engineering details for those who need simple functionality at a lower cost.
Diva-II-SP-turntable
- Positioning: A mid-range model that builds on the entry-level design with enhanced mechanical features.
- Description: Introduces an improved suspension system and refined tonearm design that help boost tracking precision and stability over the Ingenium. Compared to other products in the lineup, it offers a balanced step up in engineering for medium-sized setups.
Volvere-turntable
- Positioning: A mid-to-high tier option focused on greater mechanical stability and refined performance.
- Description: Uses an upgraded motor control and enhanced isolation measures that result in steadier operation and improved sound reproduction. In contrast to the Ingenium and Diva-II-SP models, its superior build quality and technical improvements suit buyers looking for a noticeable upgrade in performance and precision.
Acutus-reference
- Positioning: A high-end reference model designed for dedicated audiophile listening environments.
- Description: Features precision machining and an innovative motor system that markedly reduce vibration and enhance accurate tracking, setting it apart from the lower-tier products. Compared to the Ingenium, Diva-II-SP, and Volvere models, it offers advanced isolation and refined control.
Acutus-reference-mono
- Positioning: The flagship model with the highest level of engineering refinement in the lineup.
- Description: Features a bespoke mono-block design that significantly improves channel separation and minimizes interference, distinguishing it from all other models. Compared to the Acutus-reference and the rest of the range, it provides the most sophisticated circuitry and tonearm system.
Read the reviews
Integra
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Manufacturer's notes
Offering an impressive sound quality that's obvious from the first few moments, suddenly you escape into a soundstage you didn't expect to find in your music collection.
SUper Powers
Powering your music is a huge transformer, electrical reservoir and the mono amplifiers from our SIGSUM. Avoiding unwanted circuitry noise which tarnishes the sound, we have harnessed a silky-smooth ALPS volume control and bespoke capacitors from our Reference models offering a warmth that makes listening an endless pleasure.
Winning Design
From inception a multitude of Industry accolades have been bestowed on this musical amplifier, connecting you vividly to the performance, either through the built in Pellar phono stage or its numerous line inputs. Listening with loudspeakers opens up a glorious soundstage and for those moments of solitude you have the exceptional headphone output. A winning design that is also winning hearts and awards.
- Power Output: 90W 8Ω
- Harmonic Distortion: 0.003% (80% power 8Ω 1kHz)
- Loudspeaker Impedance: 4-16Ω
- Phono Inputs: 1x RCA
- Loading Gain: 48dB – 60dB – 70dB
- Input Resistance: 47K - Custom (500Ω loading plugs supplied)
- Input Capacitance: 100pF
- Line Inputs: 4x RCA
- Line Level Output: 1x RCA
- Headphone Output: 10 V RMS
- Headphone Range: 20 — 600Ω
- Input Voltage: 115V or 230V AC
- Dimensions: 470 x 495 x 155mm (WxDxH)
- Net Weight: 22.9KG (50Lb)
Our take on the brand
Used
Avid Hifi
What if you spend a bit more?
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.
Musical Obsession
SIGSUM swiftly dispels any preconception that single chassis amplifiers limit performance. Condensing our reference designs into class leading premium products is our forte and its clarity and power will expose a musical revelation.
Lurking behind our trademark embellished front panel we have distilled, condensed and shoe-horned our reference technology into a singular monument to convey true musicality.
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Incorporating our Pulsus phono stage solidifies our vinyl heritage and with a dedicated mains transformer giving independent power to each channel, your favourite records will sound outstandingly realistic.
Independently powering the Pre and dual mono amplifiers is a phenomenally large mains transformer and capacitor reservoir, delivering an unadulterated sound through the worlds best volume control to your ears. Simply Awesome.
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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
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.
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
The 032 Integrated Amplifier offers a wide variety of connectivity that far exceeds the normal range of integrated amplifiers. A PRE OUT output, for example, allows the connection of a separate power amplifier or the central volume control of different listening zones within a multi-room application. With its mighty 650 VA power supply the 032 Integrated Amplifier effortlessly delivers continuous high current in order to perfectly control even large speakers with low impedance and complex loads. Excellent special resolution and musicality are the hallmarks of the 032.
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
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. The 300B valves are a piece of great audio history that are represented in the Rhapsody in the best and most refined way. The naturalness, the drive, their tonality and rich colour pallets are unmistakable. All of those virtues are combined and moved a step further by Trafomatic dedication into the deep understanding of the cyrcuit. The result is a endlessness adventure in discovering undisclosed hidden places in your favorite recordings.
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
What else competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Astonishing agility, precision, and clarity
- Spacious and uncluttered presentation
- Sturdy build
- Combines the precision and speed of older designs, but renders the sound with a naturalness
- Provides plenty of power without compromising on detail or clarity
Product Considerations
- Most rivals are better equipped
- Can sound thin if partnered poorly
- Could deliver stronger dynamic contrasts
- The balance control has no center detent or marked position
- No digital inputs or Wi-Fi
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Mark Levinson's No.5805 or PMC Cor, some may prefer the warmer, fuller presentation of rivals
- Vs Naim Supernait 3, it doesn't track the music's rhythms with the skill of the Naim
- Vs Rega Elex-R Mk3, the Chord Ultima Integrated delivered undeniably elevated sound in all respects
- Vs Bryston 7B 3 monoblocks, midrange, especially with vocals, was more lifelike through the Ultima Integrated—smoother and more liquid
- Clear preference for Chord Ultima, especially the dynamics
- Vs Accuphase E-270, the Chord is more natural and closer to the CH Precision system in terms of tonality and neutrality
Takeaway: The Ultima Integrated offers much of the performance of Chord's pre/powers in a neat one-box solution, presenting a refreshingly straightforward product to use. The Chord Ultima Integrated is a thrilling and soothing amplifier capable of weaving a wonderfully spellbinding sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Dual-mono design delivers 303W per channel into 8 ohms, providing power and control for any speaker
- High damping factor of over 4000 ensures absolute control over speaker drivers, resulting in pristine sound reproduction
- New DAC implementation based on ESS Sabre 9038Q2M chip offers pure audio fidelity without any resampling or upsampling
- Supports streaming via Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and UPnP/DLNA
Product Considerations
- Does not have a phonostage
- Lacks an HDMI jack with ARC
- The supplied RC10 remote is slender with tiny buttons
- Weighs 22kg
- Minimalist design may be a bit bland for some
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bryston B135 SST 2, the H600 delivers more effortless presentation at high output
- Vs McIntosh MA9500, the H600 has bigger sound, is crisper and has higher resolution
Takeaway: The H600 is a versatile and powerful integrated amplifier that excels in delivering high-quality audio from both digital and analog sources. Its robust amplification makes it a great choice for audiophiles seeking a simplified yet high-end audio solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional audio quality from its line inputs, optional streaming DAC, and optional Phono stage
- Stunning transparency, commendable focus, and open and airy sound staging
- Inspired and seamless reproduction—with a spark of life quality
- User-configurable phono stage that competes with pricey dedicated boxes
- The DAC module, based on the Tambaqui, rivals many uber-expensive standalone units
Product Considerations
- The Kula gets quite hot during operation, needing a decent amount of ventilation
- The LEDs are very bright, and there is no way of turning them off
- The remote is borrowed from Apple TV and is not refined enough to give decent control over volume
- There is no coaxial digital input
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Kula sounds a little sweeter than Mola Mola Kaluga mono amplifiers
- The Mola Mola Kula sounded like a sibling to Leben CS600
Takeaway: The Mola Mola Kula is a state-of-the-art, all-in-one amplification solution that brings music to life with transparent and life-sized sound. With optional modules, it becomes a highly versatile and elegant solution for audiophiles who want top performance in a single box.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Stunningly handsome design and aesthetics, with a curvaceous chassis and easy-to-read display
- Offers a rare sense of liberation and fluidity, allowing music to flow freely and cleanly
- Delivers a wealth of transient definition, deep and solid bass, heaps of dynamic contrast, and plenty of timbral information
- Capable of driving difficult speaker loads without issue
- Excellent build quality and finish
Product Considerations
- Lacks digital inputs, phono stage, and headphone output
- Only has a single balanced input
- May be considered minimalist in specification by some, especially considering the price
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It performs better than Moon 600i v2 and 700i v2 amplifiers, apart from ultimate power compared to 700i v2
Takeaway: The Moon 641 is a well-designed, high-performing integrated amplifier that prioritizes sound quality and ease of use. It is a good choice for those who appreciate a refined and engaging listening experience with a focus on analog sources.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Strikingly clean and detailed presentation
- Plenty of power to drive difficult speaker loads, with close to doubling of output as impedance halves
- Exceptionally well made with reassuringly solid casework and precise controls
- Adaptable phono stage offering easy switching between MM and two MC options
- Wonderfully unforced and natural performance at any listening level
Product Considerations
- Needs care in system matching to avoid a slight lack of richness/body, tone controls can help
- No impedance adjustment on the phono stage
- Very large physically, which may pose placement issues
- Plastic battery cover on the metal remote is a misstep in overall exemplary build
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Moon by Simaudio 641 or McIntosh MA8950, the L-509Z has a slight lack of richness and body to the sound
- Compared to McIntosh MA8950, the L-509Z requires separate source equipment—unlike the all-in-one MA8950
- Compared to Vitus RI 101 Mk II, the Vitus is a bit more dynamic and slightly brighter—but costs significantly more without a sound difference worth the price
- Compared to L-509X, the newer L-509Z is more dynamic and has more high-end sparkle
Takeaway: The Luxman L-509Z is a meticulously crafted and powerful integrated amplifier that delivers a refined and balanced sound. Its exceptional build quality and versatile features make it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking a top-tier analog listening experience.
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.
Product Strengths
- Muscular sound and copious amounts of power are on tap, capable of driving almost any speaker
- Exemplary build quality, exuding a high-end look and feel with a solid aluminum front
- High-quality phono stage (Pellar) with settings for MM and MC cartridges, offering superb performance
- Incredible level of transparency with such a low noise and silent background for the music to emerge from, instrument separation is sublime with a wide soundstage and excellent depth
- Energetic and detailed making it an ideal performer for the home—with a particularly good bass end and a clear and precise top
Product Considerations
- The on/off switch is hidden underneath the unit, which can be inconvenient to access
- Originally lacked a remote, which has since been added but the volume steps can seem large
- Some may find the upfront delivery not ideal if they prefer a smoother, more laid-back sound
- Not an amplifier that will exhibit an exorbitant amount of lushness or a delicately nuanced feeling within its sound reproduction capabilities
- Does not have digital inputs, which may be a drawback for some users who prefer an all-in-one solution
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Moon by Simaudio 600i, the Avid Integra's volume steps on the remote are larger
- Compared to the Naim or darTZeel, the Integra's soundstage depth is not as exceptional
Takeaway: The Avid Integra is a powerful and well-built amplifier that brings music to life with clarity and realism. If one wants an amplifier that delivers speed, energy, and passion, this could be the last amplifier needed.
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