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
- Numerous inputs and sources
- Lively amplification
- Integrated Deezer and Spotify digital music services
- Effortless WiFi settings
- Touch-sensitive front panel controls are a welcome feature
Product Considerations
- The Cabasse app, used to control the device, may require updates after installation
- A selection of sources from the mobile app isn't fully implemented, but is scheduled for future updates
- An integration of all DEAP profiles from Cabasse compact and column speakers isn't fully implemented, but is scheduled for future updates
- Auto-calibration feature using a mic is optional and scheduled for a later update
- The Stream is missing a SPDIF digital input
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Stream AMP 100 makes up for fewer inputs with better sound quality and ease of use, compared to Pro-Ject.
Takeaway: The Stream AMP 100 is easy to set up and use, and it offers good sound quality. It is a lively musical amp with lots of potential, especially when paired with Cabasse speakers.
All
Stream AMP 100
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Amplifier Power: 2 x 50W RMS/4-8Ω or 4 x 25W RMS/4-8Ω
- THD+N: 0.05% at 50X RMS / 1kHz to 20kHz
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 96 dB
- Dimensions: 9.1 x 21.8 x 19cm
- Weight: 1.9 kg
- Inputs: 4 x Digital stereo (Bluetooth AptX, WLAN/LAN, USB, Optical S/PDIF), 2 x Analog RCA stereo
- Outputs: 1 x stereo RCA, 1 x subwoofer RCA
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:
- Coaxial driver design is a core element, used even in their more affordable models, enhancing spatial coherence and minimizing diffraction, a design choice they heavily promote for its acoustic benefits.
- Cabasse often incorporates DSP technology for room correction (ARCS) and sound signature adjustments (DEAP), enabling their speakers to adapt to different listening environments.
- While known for hifi audio, they also offer integrated streaming options, exemplified by their StreamControl app, compatible with various music services and DLNA playback.
- Their signature design is spherical enclosures, minimizing cabinet-induced diffraction and enabling wide sound dispersion, and they are found throughout their product lines, from the entry level to reference models.
Select products
Jersey MC170
- Positioning: The entry-level floorstanding speaker in the Cabasse lineup.
- Description: Offers a rich and dynamic sound with its coaxial midrange-tweeter, providing a wide and stable soundstage. Compared to the Java MC40, it is more affordable and suitable for those seeking a balanced sound in medium-sized rooms.
Java MC40
- Positioning: A mid-range floorstanding speaker offering high-fidelity sound at a competitive price.
- Description: Stands out with its SCS technology and BC10 coaxial unit, delivering precise and realistic sound. It provides a more immersive experience than the Jersey MC170.
Bora
- Positioning: A high-performance bookshelf speaker designed for audiophiles seeking compact yet powerful sound.
- Description: Features a BC13 coaxial midrange-tweeter and a 21 cm Duocell woofer, offering analytical precision and dynamic capability. It surpasses the Antigua MC170 in sound depth.
Murano Alto
- Positioning: A high-end floorstanding speaker, representing the pinnacle of Cabasse's lineup.
- Description: Excels with its 3-way triaxial TC23 and BC13 drivers, delivering exceptional soundstage and tonal balance.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
I think there are four pillars, but they’re all intertwined. The first is the 75 years of acoustics and R&D. We were one of the first companies to create the coaxial driver itself. Today, a lot of companies use coaxial or geo concentric designs, but we were one of the first in 1958 to develop it. You’ll find this in 90% of our lineup. The second is the connectivity aspect. More than 10 years ago, we were acquired by a company whose specialty was connectivity (UPNP, DLNA, and other connectivity protocols). The CEO saw Cabasse as an amazing brand, and he recognized that the audio market was shifting; similar to how Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio in the mid-market in the early 2000s. The same shift started happening in the high-end hi-fi industry, but very few companies had the expertise. So he purchased Cabasse, and now we have acoustics, coaxial driver design, high-excursion woofer technology, and robust connectivity; plus DSP and active filtering. These are things we’ve been doing for a while. And I’d also say the design makes us stand out.
What's your approach to customer support?
Now that we’re basically our own distributor in the U.S., we work directly with dealers. We offer warranties on drivers; ranging from 3 to 5 years, or lifetime depending on the product. We just launched a new product in Munich, and it comes with a lifetime driver warranty. If a customer buys a product and a driver fails, the dealer comes to us and says, “Hey, can you help my client?” Then we either get in touch with the customer directly, if the dealer agrees, or the dealer takes care of it. Not every dealer has the ability to repair, especially since many of our products are heavily electronics-based. In some cases, we’ll just replace the entire unit. We also have a policy where, within a certain period, if the electronics fail, we’ll replace the unit for free. Generally, it’s 3 to 5 years for drivers, and 2 years for electronics.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
We actually have a playlist on Qobuz with all of our demo tracks. Off the top of my head, for precision and showcasing microdetails, I really like the track called “Soft Landing” by Hadouk Trio. It’s a very clean and amazingly recorded track. I also like “Magnetic Lies” by Malia to show the low end and precision. and fact that our woofer technology provides a lot of dispersion without distortion. The coil never leaves the magnetic field, so you get a lot of excursion. Plus, our DSP helps a lot. We want people to experience that at a given price and speaker size; they have a lot to play with.
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Cabasse
What if you spend more?
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Open, neutral, and extremely rewarding sound quality
- Excellent phono stage and headphone amplifier
- Beautifully made with a solid build quality
- Transparent sound allows the listener to shape the system's character
- Integrated amp can be partnered to double down on transparency or to shape the system you want
Product Considerations
- Remote control can be a bit difficult to use in low light
- Offers less functionality compared to some rivals at the same price point
- Some reviewers found certain performances to be slightly cool
- Volume adjustments with the remote control could be more sophisticated
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The MOON 250i v2 sounds more open than the MOON 600i v2
- The MOON 250i V2 is not as tactile in the treble region, when compared to Naim Nait XS 3
- The MOON 250i V2 has more bite in the treble region, when compared to Exposure 3510
- The Pass Labs amplifier has a more transparent—involving sound, when compared to the MOON 250i V2
Takeaway: The MOON 250i v2 is a well-made amplifier that delivers transparent sound quality suitable for various audio systems and listening preferences. It is a great choice for those looking for quality audio reproduction without needing all the latest digital features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, the SV-500, by adding HDMI and Bluetooth connectivity
- Features a hybrid vacuum tube and solid-state design, combining tube warmth with solid-state power
- Integrated DAC supports digital input signals, and a built-in Bluetooth module supports modern codecs like aptX and AAC
- Offers versatility by functioning as a standalone preamplifier or DAC, in addition to being an integrated amplifier
Product Considerations
- The omission of a phono pre-amplifier is a mistake
- Absence of a subwoofer output feels like another lost opportunity
- The trademark Vincent porthole that allows one to see inside the amplifier and the glowing tubes is also not part of the package
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Vincent Audio SV-737: The SV-500 MK may not offer the power of the SV-737, but 50 watts might be enough for a lot high-sensitivity bookshelf and floor standing loudspeakers
Takeaway: The SV-500 MK is a versatile amplifier with modern features like HDMI and Bluetooth, combined with the classic warmth of tubes. Its hybrid design and multiple functionalities make it worth considering for those seeking a balance of old and new.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
- Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
- A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
- Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
- The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
- Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
- The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
- Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
- Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound
Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Noted for its impossibly small and ultra-compact size, making it suitable for compact living spaces
- Offers a feature-rich design with an integrated phono stage, aptX HD Bluetooth connectivity, and additional RCA and TOSLINK digital inputs
- The unit runs cool due to its Class D amplifier design, making it energy-efficient
- Connectivity is praised, particularly the aptX HD Bluetooth, which delivers superior streaming quality
- Delivers a lively and engaging sound with excellent detail across phono and digital connections
Product Considerations
- The limited power output (23W at 8 ohms, 40W at 4 ohms) may be better suited to smaller listening spaces and efficient loudspeakers
- Some reviewers found the bass to be slightly lean, lacking heft or roundness
- The included remote control's button configuration for volume and input selection is unconventional
- The phono stage may benefit from an upgrade with an external phono amplifier for improved performance
- One reviewer found the line out voltage for the subwoofer is not strong enough to drive a powered sub
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Pro-Ject Stereobox DS2, the MaiA S3 is more affordable and has digital inputs and superior Bluetooth connectivity
- Compared to the Rega Io, the MaiA S3 has strength in depth—specifically referring to the detail across the line, phono and digital connections
- The MaiA S3 is described as more resolving and ultra clean compared to the Rotel amplifier, with the Rotel offering a slightly more colored and warm sound
- Compared to the Technics amplifier, moving to the MaiA S3 results in a faster transit response, especially noticeable in classical music, while the Technics sounds slow in comparison
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject MaiA S3 is a compact and versatile integrated amplifier that delivers impressive sound quality and a range of connectivity options, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles with limited space. It is especially appealing to vinyl enthusiasts looking for a convenient and high-performing solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Pleasant, smooth, and relaxed playback
- More insight and tightness in the music
- Much insight into sound and musical structure
- A fresh and modern-looking product with a clean and unfussy exterior, which looks simple yet elegant
- Manages a difficult balancing act superbly—forgiving enough not to emphasise the shortcomings of limited partnering equipment, yet still having the insight and transparency to make the most of more capable signals
Product Considerations
- The front panel display lacks crispness due to the 'frosted' finish
- The speaker terminals don't offer a great deal of space
- The back panel itself shows a certain amount of flexibility, which is a little worrying in terms of longevity
- The power on paper is a little optimistic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Atoll IN50: The Atoll plays a bit bigger, but Arcam gives more insight and tightness
- Vs Cambridge Audio Azur 840A: The Arcam A5's midrange and voice reproduction that the Cambridge just couldn't quite match
Takeaway: The Arcam A5 is a well-rounded performer that plays music enjoyably without getting in the way and is affordable, feature-rich and uncomplicated. It is a great amp for someone looking for a balance of performance and features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with a robust aluminum facade
- Delivers 40 watts per channel of clean, musical power in pure Class AB
- Characterized by natural tonal balance, excellent micro-dynamics, and precise imaging
- Offers versatile analog connectivity with 5 RCA inputs, a dedicated MM phono stage, a 3.5mm auxiliary input, and tape output
- Delivers excellent value for money and simple, intuitive operation
Product Considerations
- Lacks digital inputs, which maintains signal purity
- Does not have a headphone output
- Power output may not suit very large rooms
Takeaway: The Rotel A10MKII offers pure analog amplification with musicality and engaging sound, making it great for both new and experienced audiophiles. Its clean sound and quality build make it a compelling choice for enjoying music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality due to class A type technology
- A fair selection of analogue inputs, including a turntable input
- Stylish design with a perspex front fascia and steel case
- Detailed and engaging sound
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming from smart devices
Product Considerations
- USB input only offers MP3 playback
- Class A type technology runs at higher temperatures
Takeaway: The X-i50BT is a good amp that can drive speakers well and sounds great. It has many ways to connect devices, making it a useful addition to any audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very good built-in DAC
- Sounds good at low volumes
- Voices are reproduced closely to much bigger and more expensive amps
- Midrange is well-tuned, especially with Elac speakers
- Elac speakers produce a lot of bass
- Has very good connectivity options
Product Considerations
- A tiny, but audible amount of hiss comes from the tweeter when using the amp
- The Elac app is not flawless yet
Takeaway: The Elac DS-A101-G is a good-looking streaming amplifier with a very good DAC, that sounds great with Elac speakers and has a well-tuned midrange for voice reproduction. Its compact footprint and ease of use make it a good option for those looking to simplify their setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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