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
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Clear and forceful bass, making bass instruments sound more real and natural due to a lack of overhang and correct harmonics
- Immersive soundstage that is very close to real, bringing the listener closer to the recording
- Smooth, grainless, and low-distortion high end that still manages to add lots of space to good recordings
- Dead silent operation with no hum or hiss
- Uses 6C45pi driver tubes because it has very high transconductance, low output impedance and exactly the right amount of gain to make it the perfect input/driver tube, provided it is used with an interstage transformer
Product Considerations
- Only 8 watts of power, requiring careful speaker matching
- Simple aesthetic design of the amp and power supply may not appeal to all users
- Bias adjustments are located on the bottom of the amp, which may be inconvenient
- Caution about mesh-plates, because the 300B tube is run at a level that would be the maximum for a mesh-plate
- Some visitors were not thrilled with the simple aesthetic of the amp and power supply
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Yamamoto A-09: The SE300B has stronger bass with a deeper and more realistic soundstage, while the A-09 pushes images more forward and has more prominent reverb due to extra treble energy
- Vs Yamamoto A-08: The SE300B has an edge in bass and realism
Takeaway: The SE300B is a modern-sounding amplifier using old-fashioned tubes which will leave the listener thoroughly impressed. Its great bass and soundstage definition coupled with its design giving the impression that it will last for many years make it worth considering.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
SE300B
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
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Power Output (S20EXD): 18W per channel
- Power Output (S10EXD): 8W per channel
- Power Output (P20EXD): 20W per channel
- Recommended Speaker Efficiency (S20EXD): >90dB/watt
- Recommended Speaker Efficiency (S10EXD): >95dB/watt
- Recommended Speaker Efficiency (P20EXD): >87dB/watt
- Output Tube Type: 300B
- Configuration: Single-ended and push-pull options
- Construction: Copper and wood chassis
Description
BorderPatrol makes a range of tube power amplifiers that use the ever-popular 300B triode in single-ended, parallel single-ended and push-pull configurations with power outputs ranging from 9 to 20W/channel. All models use inter-stage transformers to couple the driver tube to the 300B's and have no negative feedback to maximise resolution and preserve signal integrity.
The BorderPatrol S10 and SE300B continue to redefine the capabilities of 300B single-ended amplifiers. Using a single 300B output triode for each channel, the amplifiers surprise critics not just with their resolution but with dynamics and control which are thought to be beyond single-ended designs. The poor bass and weak dynamics that are associated with designs of this type are removed by the sophisticated external power supplies and the amplifiers are models of sweetness, clarity and vibrancy together with extended bass and dynamics.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Border Patrol amplifiers utilize tube rectification and choke input filtering in their power supplies, a design choice they consider critical to their sound and not commonly found in other amplifiers.
- Border Patrol's DACs use vintage R2R DAC chips like the Philips TDA1543, intentionally avoiding oversampling, upsampling, and digital filtering to achieve a more natural sound.
- Border Patrol products emphasize their hybrid tube/solid-state design to blend strengths of both technologies.
Select products
Select product comparisons
BorderPatrol DAC SE
- Positioning: A mid-range digital-to-analog converter designed for natural sound reproduction.
- Description: Features a copper chassis and a unique combination of solid-state and tube rectification. Uses a discontinued converter chip, which contributes to its distinctive sound signature. This makes it ideal for users seeking a natural and less digital sound.
BorderPatrol S20EXD Amplifier
- Positioning: A high-end parallel single-ended amplifier known for its power and control.
- Description: Uses interstage transformers, which provide significant technical and sonic benefits over capacitor coupling. It offers superior power, control, and dynamics compared to other amplifiers in the lineup. Its dual mono design and external power supplies enhance its performance.
BorderPatrol P20 EXD EXS Amplifier
- Positioning: A flagship push-pull amplifier offering exceptional musical authority and dynamic response.
- Description: Features dual-mono external power supplies and oversized transformers, providing strong voltage regulation and noise rejection. It delivers a solid and planted musical presence, outperforming other models in the lineup in terms of dynamic integrity and speaker control.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
Used For Sale
4
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
242
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
16
Founding Year
1993
Our take on the brand
BorderPatrol is a hifi brand that builds DACs with tube rectification and choke input filtering, using vintage Philips TDA1543 ladder-DAC chips from the 1980s in a copper chassis. Their DACs avoid oversampling and digital filtering, with each unit being hand-crafted and personally tested by designer Gary Dews.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Not sure about technological innovations, as my products unashamedly use old-school tech (valves and R-2R DAC chips), but strong opinions would be:
- I prefer electronics that have minimal signal processing, i.e., DACs without oversampling and digital reconstruction filters, and amplifiers that do not use negative feedback.
- I believe that power supply quality is very, very important and can often define the product’s sound.
What's your approach to customer support?
Direct contact with me. Fast reply, advice on how to get the best from my products or solve technical issues. Quick turnaround with updates on progress of any repair or service issues. I have been in the audio industry for over 35 years as a dealer, manufacturer, designer, service engineer, and just about everything else. Clients get the benefit of that experience when they buy from me.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
This one is hard, as it changes a lot and I listen to lots of different things:
- Wagon Wheels – Sonny Rollins, Way Out West
- Five Feet Tall – Lady Blackbird, Black Acid Soul
- Symphonic Dances – Rachmaninov, Eiji Oue, Minnesota Orchestra
What other products pair best with yours?
Living Voice Loudspeakers
From our interview with
Gary
.
Brand Page
Used
Border Patrol
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Border Patrol
S20EXD
19500
19500
/
1
Reviews
The BorderPatrol S20EXD gives 18 Class A watts per channel from a pair of 300B output valves in parallel single-ended configuration, and can drive a wide variety of loudspeakers.
BorderPatrol is a hifi brand that builds DACs with tube rectification and choke input filtering, using vintage Philips TDA1543 ladder-DAC chips from the 1980s in a copper chassis. Their DACs avoid oversampling and digital filtering, with each unit being hand-crafted and personally tested by designer Gary Dews.
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Product Strengths
- The BorderPatrol S20EXD consistently delighted with a kind of beauty beyond well-balanced, connecting the reviewer to the music well beyond some sober intellectual exercise—right into the heart of the matter
- The S20EXD delivers power, control, scale, and dynamics without any need to talk about tubes or solid state
- The S20EXD proved to be a master of reproducing time, place, and space
- The S20's voice compliments music, not any particular kind, which is as it should be
- The BorderPatrol S20EXD adds more than a touch of delight and beauty to reproduced music that resulted in an uninterrupted flow of magical music moments
Product Considerations
- BorderPatrol recommends mating the S20EXD with loudspeakers of >90dB efficiency with an impedance characteristic that is relatively uniform and does not drop below 4 Ohms
- Initial tube biasing for the 300Bs requires a DC Voltmeter, a screwdriver, and a few minutes of your time
- One review unit experienced a channel failure that was resolved by reseating the tubes, suggesting potential sensitivity to tube placement
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Riviera Labs Levante: The BorderPatrol S20EXD does not offer the stunning dimensional purity of the Riviera Labs Levante
- Vs Vinnie Rossi BRAMA: The BorderPatrol S20EXD offers less silky resolving fluidity than the Vinnie Rossi BRAMA
- Vs soulution 330: The BorderPatrol S20EXD offers less energized refined precision than the soulution 330
Takeaway: The BorderPatrol S20EXD is an amplifier that brings beauty and magic to music reproduction, making it a captivating listening experience regardless of the genre. It offers power, control, and scale, creating a completely believable sound world.
Video review
Our take on the brand
BorderPatrol is a hifi brand that builds DACs with tube rectification and choke input filtering, using vintage Philips TDA1543 ladder-DAC chips from the 1980s in a copper chassis. Their DACs avoid oversampling and digital filtering, with each unit being hand-crafted and personally tested by designer Gary Dews.
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Chord Electronics
Ultima
15375
15375
/
8
Reviews
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Offers a remarkably smooth, unforced, and natural presentation with a touch of warmth
- Excels in detail retrieval and textured presentation of instruments and vocals, making the music feel alive
- Presents a wide and holographic soundstage, especially when paired with speakers that are already strong in this area
- Demonstrates agility, precision, and clarity, combined with a naturalness that eluded earlier generations of Chord amplifiers
- Scales dynamically and has the ability to punch hard when required
Product Considerations
- Has a minimalist design with just four line-level inputs, lacking features like phono stages, tone controls, headphone outputs, or DAC modules
- Some may find its sonic signature prioritizes articulation over qualities such as richness and authority, potentially sounding thin if partnered poorly
- Balance control has no center indent or marked position
- The polychromatic lighting may be an issue for the color-blind
- Remote operation can be affected by direct sunlight
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Elex-R Mk3, the Chord Ultima Integrated delivers undeniably elevated sound in all respects, with greater dimensionality and smoother vocals
- Vs Bryston 7B 3 monoblocks, the Chord Ultima Integrated offers a weightier and more thunderous delivery, especially in the midrange and vocals, with more inner warmth in tone
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Chord Ultima Integrated provides a more energetic and fun listening experience, with Thor-like bass impact and overall superior dynamics
- Vs Accuphase E-270, the Chord Ultima Integrated is warmer, rounder, more powerful, and refined, with a more fluid and emotionally engaging performance
Takeaway: The Chord Ultima Integrated is a unique and well-built amplifier that combines a visually pleasing design with a captivating sound, full of detail and dynamic precision. It brings music to life with an engaging and immersive experience, making it a worthy addition to any audiophile's setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
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AGD
Duet
11500
11500
/
7
Reviews
The AGD DUET Monoblock Amplifier, is the newest addition to our state of the art Hi-End Power Amplifiers family. The AGD DUET is our first compact Monoblock Amplifier utilizing 100% Gallium Nitride Power MOSFET design for both the output power stage and the power supply.
AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size, lightweight, and runs cool compared to traditional high-end amplifiers
- Exceptionally quiet operation, with reviewers noting a complete absence of hum or buzz
- Delivers a clean, crisp, and neutral sound signature without added coloration
- Upgradeable design, allowing users to update the amplifier with new GaN modules as technology evolves
- Produces a Single Ended Triode-like midrange and top end
Product Considerations
- The polished finish is a fingerprint magnet, requiring the use of gloves for handling
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs AGD Audion MKIII: The Duets offer a cleaner and more refined sound with improved bass and greater immediacy and snap compared to the Audion MKIII
- Vs Daniel Hertz Maria: The AGD Duets seem to have a little more inner resolution
- Vs Pass Labs X250.8: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
- Vs Peachtree GaN 1/VTV GaN amps: AGD amps seem to be on another level in regards to design, and the sound is more refined and beautiful
- Vs Aavik U-150, Luxman 595, Yamaha A-S 3200, Axxess Forte 1, Line Magnetic 219ia: The AGD Duets performed to a higher level
Takeaway: The AGD Duet amplifiers offer a blend of cutting-edge technology, exceptional sound quality, and user-friendly design. They are a great option for those seeking a high-end audio experience in a compact and energy-efficient package.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
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ASR
Emitter II
18750
18750
/
6
Reviews
The Emitter II models are considered by real music connoisseurs and uncompromising audiophiles to be the ultimate in amplifier construction. Almost purely by hearsay, a music-addicted and ever-growing fan base has developed worldwide, which has realized its dream of a concert hall in its own home.
Powered by two separate power supplies, the most sophisticated loudspeakers and elaborately constructed dynamic converters are driven to peak sound performance. With an Emitter II Basic, music unfolds in the full dynamic range. From the breath to the slightest rustle on the stage to the power of the full orchestra, the Emitter II Basic reproduces all tones neutrally, powerfully, energetically, with high resolution and unadulterated in the listening room.
Especially at peak levels at concert volume, the playback and spatial imaging remain absolutely stable. Quiet listeners also rave about the noticeable and very pleasant energy in the sound, which makes the music a relaxing and pleasant experience even at low levels.
ASR Audio's Emitter II Exclusive amplifier creates a vast, tube-like soundstage and three-dimensional presentation without tube colorations, while maintaining exceptional transparency and a low noise floor. The brand stands out for its emphasis on measurements and scientific analysis in audio equipment evaluation, often sparking debates between measurement-focused and subjective listening-focused audiophiles.
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Product Strengths
- Known for combining the musicality of tube amplifiers with the precision and power of solid-state amplifiers.
- It provides a transparent sound with steel control, without the electronic 'shine' associated with transistor amplifiers.
- Exceptional bass performance, described as deep, explosive, and completely controlled.
- Homogeneous frequency range, offering a very high degree of transparency and control.
- Offers an ability to resolve even the finest musically significant details.
Product Considerations
- Requires a substantial amount of space due to its multi-component design.
- The sound offered might be 'too beautiful' for some listeners, as it is not 'brutal' or 'terse' enough.
- Requires care in using its switches to avoid shutdowns.
- Some reviewers note it was 'dark sounding' on the highs, though it did not lack information.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Quad ESL loudspeakers, it surpasses the musicality and clarity achieved with many tube amps, rivaling even high-end options like Lamm Industries ML2.2 and Miyajima Laboratory 2010.
- The ASR has better bass and is more transparent than MBL, however, it lacks the grace that MBL offers.
- Compared to Rogue 180W monoblocks, the ASR Emitter II delivers better bass.
- The ASR Emitter II has slightly better bass control than Manley Neoclassic 500, but the Neoclassic 500 has a more marvelous style of fiddling.
- Compared to Edge and Audio Research, the ASR is darker sounding.
Takeaway: The ASR Emitter II Exclusive offers a combination of tube-like warmth and solid-state precision, making the listening experience a very involving one. It provides exceptional control and detail across the entire frequency range, making it a great choice for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ASR Audio's Emitter II Exclusive amplifier creates a vast, tube-like soundstage and three-dimensional presentation without tube colorations, while maintaining exceptional transparency and a low noise floor. The brand stands out for its emphasis on measurements and scientific analysis in audio equipment evaluation, often sparking debates between measurement-focused and subjective listening-focused audiophiles.
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What competes at this price?
Primare
A35.8
5247
/
Released
2022
The A35.8 is Primare's most powerful and flexible multi-channel amplifier, designed to serve the needs of virtually any high-performance multi-channel system through its ability for each pair of channels to be bridged to mono for an incredible level of power delivery and system building options, including 1500 watts of total output in a fully bridged bi-amped stereo configuration.
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The A35.8 provides eight channels of 'unimpeachable Class D power in a fairly compact and very flexible package'
- Flexible configuration options for power output to speakers are available, such as bi-amping and bridging
- Each stereo pair can be bridged separately to make four times 375 watts (8 Ohms) from the eight times 150 watts
- Fault-free sound quality
- High quality fit and finish
- The A35.8 offers flexible connectivity options
Product Considerations
- The 20-amp power inlet is the seldom-seen variety with three horizontal blades
- The speaker output posts are spaced too widely for dual-banana plugs
- Cabling can be tricky
- A high current power cord is needed
- Lower gain is present, though this doesn't necessarily need to be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD M28, the A35.8 gets you one more channel and more versatility for a 10% price increase
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Benchmark presented a more neutral tonal balance and undistorted soundstage
- Vs NAD C 298 stereo amplifiers, the Primare seemed slightly more forward, often conveying an appealing liveliness
Takeaway: The A35.8 power amplifier is a flexible and versatile product worth considering for anyone seeking a high-quality multi-channel setup. Its ability to bridge channels offers many ways to configure your speaker system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
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EAR Yoshino
EAR 890
6351
/
Released
Push-pull power amplifier using eight KT90 output valves (four per channel). 70 Watts per channel stereo (bridgeable to 140 watts mono) into 4, 8, or 16 ohms. Self-biasing design with Balanced or unbalanced input.
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The EAR 890 produces 70Wpc in stereo, and can be bridged to 140W in monoblock
- Neutral sound that gets out of the way and lets the user enjoy the music
- Complex and dense music textures are handled with ease, and dynamically demanding passages are sailed through
- Articulate midrange
- Detailed and realistic bass
Product Considerations
- Removing/installing tube cages is difficult and time-consuming
- The loudspeaker binding posts are positioned too close to the output transformers, making it hard to tighten them properly
- Some assembly work appeared amateurish, specifically the use of silicone in various locations, such as fastening chassis wires
- The amplifier can operate quite hot
- May not have as much bass impact compared to solid state amps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The EAR 890 monoblocks achieve SET-like definition along with the authority and swagger necessary for most full-size speaker systems, when compared to Cary Audio 300B SET amps
- The EAR 890 is as textured as the top LAMM designs, but with noticeably better neutrality and more power
- The EAR 890 surpassed the deHavilland KE50As with a more articulate midrange, producing more color and separation in the microtones of instruments
Takeaway: The EAR 890 is easy to set up and sounds good with very little tweaking, making it easy to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. It's a good choice for people who want a tube amp that is both musical and powerful for their home listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
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Parasound
Halo A51
5749
/
Released
The Parasound A51 is a high-powered five-channel amplifier designed to bring your home theater system to life. Delivering 250 watts per channel at 8 ohms, the A51 ensures powerful, clean, and dynamic sound across all five channels. This amplifier is THX Ultra2 certified, providing exceptional performance for even the most demanding speaker systems.
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers amazing quality of sound and detail
- Bulletproof amplification
- Has a rhythmically soulful sound with a tremendously rich and natural midrange
- The A51's bass is well-defined, extremely textured, and robust
- With 250 watts on tap, the Parasound A51 will power virtually anything
Product Considerations
- Due to its class A/AB design, the A51 does get a bit warm and should be installed in a properly ventilated space and/or rack
- The A51 is large and heavy, and is best moved and/or positioned by two people
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Rotel, the Rotel makes the M&K Sound system slightly bright with a bit of sibilance, while the Parasound is more neutral
- Compared to Acurus A250, the Parasound had tighter bass, which is probably attributed to a better damping factor
Takeaway: The Parasound Halo A51 is a high-performance amplifier with great sound quality, detail, and build quality, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Its ability to deliver power and control to speakers makes it a valuable addition to any high-end audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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AGD
Tempo di GaN
5500
/
Released
2021
AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- GaN technology allows for efficient power usage, with 94% of energy being turned into sound
- Compact size challenges the notion that high-quality amps need to be large
- Design and packaging create pride of ownership
- It can be run in bridged mode to deliver 400 watts into one channel
- Stability and ability to handle complex impedance loads
Product Considerations
- The slight sonic signature may not be for everyone
- If truly outrageous amounts of power are needed to drive speakers, a second AGD Tempo amp might be needed to run in a bridged configuration
- High-frequency noise was discovered when XLR cables were not connected between them
- Power cords can make a large difference, the included power cord doesn't flatter the amp
- Some traditionalists may find it hard to accept that it's a Class-D amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Peachtree Audio GaN400, the AGD Tempo reports to have better overall specifications
- Compared to Parasound Halo A21+, the AGD Tempo is simply superior
- Compared to Bricasti M30 monoblock amplifiers, the level of which the most subtle detail exists approaches reference Bricasti M30 monoblock amplifiers
Takeaway: The AGD Productions Tempo is a cutting-edge amplifier that offers a new take on audiophile amplification and rivals more expensive amplifiers. It can drive speakers easily while being energy efficient.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
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Parasound
JCM250
6000
/
Released
2024
The Halo JCM250 is an uncompromising mono power amplifier that sets new standards in power and fidelity. With 250 watts at 8 Ω up to 800 watts at 2 Ω, it delivers exceptional audio performance. The balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs ensure compatibility with various audio sources. Its dual-mono design with two transformers provides exceptional channel separation and sonic accuracy. The direct-coupled design, without capacitors in the signal path, preserves signal integrity and enhances transparency.
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Impressive parts quality uses FR408 circuit boards and an R-Core transformer to suppress power line noise
- The amplifier has a harmonic richness and bloom to the sound that's seductive
- Bass was tight, controlled, very extended with pitch definition and detailed
- The amplifier's ability to resolve low level spatial cues is amazing—sound stage layering, image specificity, size and shape are outstanding
- Excellent build quality includes a heavy duty chassis and heat sinks
Product Considerations
- It is only available in black
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The JCM250s give a performance very similar to Cambridge Audio JC1 Plus
- The JCM250 is a bit warmer than the Cambridge Audio Edge M, and includes controls to set bias and gain
- With the JCM250 monoblocks having a separate power supply for each channel, it has lower noise compared to the Cambridge Audio JC5
Takeaway: The JCM250 is a high-quality amplifier that uses the best components. It offers great versatility, fitting well with any preamp and speakers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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