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.
All
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Manufacturer details
- Power Output: 30 W into 8 Ω
- Input maximum voltage: 3 V RMS
- Output max voltage: 15 V RMS into 8 Ω
- THD: 0.01%
- Signal to Noise: -116 dB
- Operation voltage: 80-250 V
- Inputs: 2x RCA set
- Output: 1 x pair of banana sockets, 1 x 12 V DC jack
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:
- Chord Electronics distinguishes itself with its unique Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) DAC implementation, custom-coded by Rob Watts, offering a tap-length filter far exceeding typical DAC chips for precise digital-to-analog conversion.
- They incorporate a fully transparent custom UHD DSP in their devices, enabling comprehensive lossless tone adjustments across the frequency range, providing unrivaled sound customization without sonic degradation.
- The brand's designs incorporate highly sophisticated switch-mode power supplies with advanced cross-coupling, and high-voltage MOSFETs that create exceptionally clean, stable power delivery which enhances amplifier performance.
- Chord Electronics's distinct design language and high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum casing are featured in their products, setting them apart with unique aesthetics.
Select products
Mojo 2
- Positioning: The most advanced portable DAC and headphone amplifier in Chord Electronics' lineup.
- Description: Features world-first lossless DSP, offering excellent compatibility with a wide range of headphones and equipment. Unlike the Hugo 2, it features a new USB-C input and improved battery management, making it ideal for portable use and budget-conscious buyers seeking high-quality sound without the need for a full-sized setup.
Hugo 2
- Positioning: A transportable DAC and headphone amplifier designed for both home and mobile use.
- Description: Features advanced FPGA technology and four-function switch filter, providing flexible sound shaping. Compared to Mojo 2, it offers extended-range Bluetooth and a remote control.
Qutest
- Positioning: A standalone DAC designed to improve system sound quality without a built-in headphone amplifier.
- Description: Features compact design and FPGA technology, offering high-quality sound. Unlike Hugo 2, it lacks a headphone amp but provides galvanically isolated inputs.
Hugo TT 2
- Positioning: A high-end table-top DAC, preamplifier, and headphone amplifier, positioned just below the flagship DAVE.
- Description: Features a powerful FPGA with 98,304-tap filters, offering significant sonic improvements over Hugo 2. It includes a high-power output stage and super capacitors for dynamic performance.
DAVE
- Positioning: The flagship DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier in Chord Electronics' lineup.
- Description: Features unmatched processing power and advanced FPGA technology, delivering exceptional audio fidelity. It surpasses Hugo TT 2 with its extensive connectivity options and superior noise-shaping capabilities.
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Used
Chord Electronics
What if you spend more?
The Audio Note (UK) CONQUEST Mono Power Amplifiers are Pure Class A Parallel Single Ended valve amplifiers that use a pair of the highly regarded 300B 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 3 criteria: - Pure Class A operation Zero Negative Feedback Single Ended Output Stage Valve Rectification Directly Heated Triode operation Materials and component quality
The Silver version builds upon the already superb performance of the standard CONQUEST, and features the following component upgrades: - Audio Note (UK) AN-V internal cable Audio Note 1 Watt Tantalum film resistors Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil signal capacitors Audio Note (UK) IHiB Double C-core output transformers
The Silver Signature version builds upon the already superb performance of the standard CONQUEST, and features the following component upgrades: - Audio Note (UK) AN-Vx internal cable Audio Note (UK) 2 Watt Tantalum film resistors Audio Note (UK) Copper Foil signal capacitors Audio Note (UK) SHiB Double C-core output transformers
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Classic single-ended triode amplifier that caresses vocals and conveys warmth in vocal recordings
- Delivers rock-solid image placement and transparency, particularly in the midband
- Acts like a higher-wattage amplifier than its 18W rating suggests
- Can drive speakers that aren't absurdly sensitive
Product Considerations
- Build quality is not as refined as the more expensive Japanese-made Audio Note products
- Bass can be waffly/uncontrolled
- Top-end frequency performance can vary
- May not impress those familiar with higher-end Audio Note amplifiers
Takeaway: The Audio Note Conquest is a single-ended triode amplifier that can provide a lush, sweet midband and is more powerful than its specifications suggest. It offers single-ended triode performance at a more accessible price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
An amplifier designed for the most demanding enthusiasts of 300B tube sound. The unprecedented PSE structure operating in class A was built using the highest quality toroidal transformers, designed especially for this amplifier. This guarantees linearity and wide frequency response. Extended tube life is ensured by delayed anode voltage switching. The unique tone of the 300B tubes is free, spacious and very involving.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Neutral and transparent sound, more so than the reference amplifier
- Bass performance is remarkably tight, articulate, solid, and weighty, without typical 'tube character'
- Very good rhythmic capabilities
- Maintains control even with inefficient or difficult speakers
- Threads a fine middle path between a typical transistor sound and a typical tube sound—with an unmistakable midrange charm
Product Considerations
- Some might find it 'not characterful enough' because it is superbly even-handed
- With some speakers, the balance can be a little too lean and overly controlled
- Its low power rating ultimately imposes a limit on how loud one can play, which may not suit everyone
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Ayon Spirit III: The Lybra sounds almost as powerful and robust in the bass while being perhaps even tighter and articulate, and is more highly refined with subtler and airier treble
- Vs Trafomatic tube amps and MP's Jadis amplifiers: The Lybra offers something different, it's not as voluptuous, rich, and relaxed as the Trafomatic
Takeaway: The Fezz Lybra is a neutral and controlled amplifier that offers a balanced sound without sounding like a typical tube amp, providing articulate bass and a charming midrange. It could be worth buying if you like very good sound, especially if you have efficient speakers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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The Little Nugget is meant to pair with the stereo pre and provide a no compromise entry into bespoke audio. With 17watts you can run nearly any speaker practically in most rooms. Fantastic pairings include JBL L100, KEF LS50, Tekton double impacts, Zu Dirty Weekend 6s, Klipsch Fortes, LS3/5a, Harbeth 30.1s.
The Stereo 17 (Little Nugget) is an EL84 ultra linear amp with 17 watts of tube bliss. 2 EL84 tubes in push-pull configuration per channel with 12AX7 for input and a 12AU7 for the phase splitter. The Stereo 17 is based on the famous Halfer circuit with cathode bias allowing trouble free operation. 8ohm and 4ohm taps with 8ohm and 16ohm combination as an option.
The circuit used is widely famed for its stability and liquid midrange. With fixed bias, tube rolling is a breeze. The removable tube cage protects your tubes when family and pets cant be trusted. The Stereo 17 produces perfectly stable 17 watts RMS with 22watt peaks.
The output transformers utilize massive cores which resist saturation and deliver jaw dropping low end performance. Like all ampsandsound amplifiers, it is dead quiet with reliable performance. When we say dead… we mean put your ear to the mouth of your horn-loaded system and all you will hear is silence!
Product Strengths
- Metal chassis provides better ergonomics and structural integrity compared to the previous wood chassis
- Robust power supply prevents compression, even with demanding speakers
- Has full bandwidth down into the low 20s without problem
- Warm lush midrange and the right 3d spatial cues up top
- Fast, accurate, proportionate sound that is warm but not dry or analytical
Product Considerations
- The reviewer mentioned they are going to work on adding name badges to the next versions
Takeaway: The amplifier is great sounding with a robust power supply. Its proportionate and warm sound makes it ideal for nearfield listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Creates an extraordinarily vivid sound
- Has the seeming ability to turn up the contrast knob on everything passed through it
- Offers great color and body
Product Considerations
- When playing very loud passages at extravagant volume levels, it clipped less elegantly
- Bass output was just a bit excessive
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Surpasses the Haut-Brion in terms of color saturation
- The Haut-Brion has a somewhat better sense of scale overall, is capable of greater delicacy when needed, and sounded a shade righter, timbrally, on trumpets and singing voices
- The Haut-Brion offered the more well-balanced bass, relative to the volume of sound in the rest of the audible range—the Haut's bass was also drier and a little more detailed
Takeaway: The Shindo Montille CV 391 is a hand-wired tube amp that delivers vivid and colorful sound, making music come alive. It's a great match for less sensitive speakers and offers a unique listening experience.
Video review
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What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful and elegant design and high build quality
- Delivers a true single-ended triode sound field, offering enormous delicacy and a full organic sound presentation
- Simplifies the process of using tube amplifiers with automatic bias control
- Sound is concentrated in the midrange, dense, saturated, and organic
- Offers a variety of color options without an extra cost
Product Considerations
- Requires careful speaker matching
- The on/off switch's location on the back might be awkward
- The acrylic glass on the front of the tube cage might be scratched easily and its mounting is questionable
- May not be ideal for hard rock due to a tendency to smooth out some of the pain
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Unison Research Triode 25: The Unison has more interesting, bolder, more dynamic, transparent, and engaging sound
- Vs Unison Research Preludio: The Mira Ceti has better design, build quality, and sound performance
Takeaway: The Mira Ceti 300B is a beautiful amplifier that provides a delicate and organic sound, especially when paired with the right speakers. It's a great option for anyone looking for a quality tube amplifier.
Video review
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and airy treble provides a holographic and three-dimensional soundstage
- Musical, transparent, and realistic mid-range
- High-quality internal components are used, including expensive capacitors
- Class A performance with less heat compared to some other Class A amps
- Well-constructed and uses parts sourced from North America
- Only has RCA inputs, no balanced inputs
Product Considerations
- Bass quality may be perceived as loose or lacking control compared to some other amplifiers
- Pairing with the right preamp is crucial to achieve desired sound characteristics
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Pass Labs XA-25, the TS-A20 has more detail and air in the treble, while the XA-25 is warmer and richer in the mid-band
- Vs AGD AGR2, the TS-A20 is richer and warmer, while the AGR2 has better bass articulation, quickness, and separation
Takeaway: The Galleon TS-A20 is a well-built Class A amplifier known for its detailed, airy sound and holographic imaging. It's a great option for listeners seeking a transparent and realistic sound signature with quality components.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Uses a Static Induction Transistor (SIT), which has characteristics similar to a triode vacuum tube
- It expands and opens up soundstage, with a gorgeous sound and great midrange, with voices sounding present and full-bodied
- The amp holds a conversation with the speaker, letting it 'have it your way'—rather than forcing its own sound
- It's spectacular on tone complexity, spatial hydration, fleshiness and vividness, making it sound off-charts organic, elastic and tangible
- The main aspect that positions it noticeably above all other amps is immersion, making music three-dimensional, material, enveloping
Product Considerations
- The SIT-4 is a limited production piece due to the limited availability of the Tokin SIT transistors
- The power output is limited (10 watts into 8 ohms, 5 watts into 4 ohms), so it's not a universal amplifier
- It is not ideal for speakers that require a lot of power, like Magnepans or electrostatic speakers
- The power switch is located on the rear of the unit
- Runs very hot
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs First Watt SIT3: It sounds cooler in tonal balance and has more 3D imaging and body
- Vs Pass Labs XA-25: It sounds more immersive, while the XA-25 is sharper and more focused
- Vs First Watt F7: SIT-4 felt more gathered, punchier and texturally juicier, the F7 was more diffused, innocent, icier, leaner and color-wise opaque
- Vs Elekit TU-8900: It is more rugged and expressive, while the TU-8900 presents recordings more aesthetically
Takeaway: The SIT-4 is a specialized amplifier that produces great sound with the right speakers, with beautiful tone and expands the soundstage. It's a good option for people who like tube amps but want a solid-state amplifier.
Video review
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Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality, indicated by its substantial 18kg weight and 5mm aluminum face panel
- Versatile tube compatibility, compatible with 6550, KT88, KT120, and KT150 tubes
- Zero feedback design ensures a pure signal path
- Stunning analog VU meters
Product Considerations
- 25W output might not suit all speaker choices
- Premium price point
- Requires regular tube maintenance
- Size may challenge some rack spaces
Takeaway: The Lab 12 Suono is a well-engineered tube amplifier that offers a blend of classic warmth and modern precision. Its exceptional build and engaging sound make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers.
Video review
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