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
- Crisp, tight rhythms are allied to a sonorous, close-focused view of vocals
- Capable of bags of detail and definition, while bathed in a lovely warmth
- Massive bass weight is available, with fabulous rosiny bite to the low strings, silky violins, and the feeling of space and air around the performers
- Big, substantial sound makes the most of remasters, bringing out all the character of vocals
- Focus and warmth contributes to a solid, three-dimensional soundstage, and remains clean and tight when cranked
Product Considerations
- The precious bottles should never be left unattended or used without the purpose-designed glass hood installed
- The amps' thermal characteristics may be a problem in a globally-warmed English summer
- Each amp draws 430W from the wall
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dan D'Agostino Relentless Monoblocks—the ERIC Encores are more expensive per watt
Takeaway: The Engström ERIC Encore Mono Power Amplifiers offer a captivating and enthralling presentation that challenges old clichés about valve amps. One should hear them if given the chance, for they sound glorious.
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
Eric Encore
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 at 2% THD+N, 1kHz: 70W
- Amplification: 27dB
- Sensitivity: 1V for full output power
- Inputs: 1 balanced XLR/DIR, 1 unbalanced RCA
- Input Impedance: 40kΩ
- Output Impedance: 4Ω, 8Ω or 16Ω selectable on order
- Tubes: 2 x 845, 2 x 6L6GC, 2 x EC8010, 1 x GZ34, 4 x 6CJ3
- Frequency Response +0dB -1dB: 10Hz – 30 kHz
- Mains Power: 115V / 230V selectable, 50Hz – 60Hz, 500VA
- THD (BW 70kHz) 100 Hz to 10 kHz: 50W less than 0,2%
- Hum & Noise: 90dB below full output voltage
- Weight per Monoblock: 65kg
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 750 x 360 x 480mm each
Description
Named after a great Swedish choir conductor, ERIC is our no-compromise statement power amplifier. Fully balanced and transformer-coupled, it was created to drive even the toughest loads. ERIC uses separate power supplies for input and output stages and DC filaments.
Named after a great Swedish choir conductor, ERIC is our no-compromise statement power amplifier. Fully balanced and transformer-coupled, it was created to drive even the toughest loads. ERIC uses separate power supplies for input and output stages and DC filaments. While the original model launched in 2016 used rare and specially designed T-100 power output tubes, the urge for even more power and refinement could not be ignored. Further R&D led to 845 power output tubes, an evolution so electrifying it earned the title ENCORE. The sound digs deeper, spreads wider and peers farther into the Scandinavian soundscape. Weighing in at 65kg per monoblock, the ERIC ENCORE is a titan of the industry in both size and sound.
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:
- Engström's design philosophy centers on minimizing "disturbance" to the audio signal, prioritizing the preservation of the music's inherent structure and pattern over sheer power or technical specifications.
- They draw inspiration from Scandinavian design traditions, creating visually minimalist and elegant products with carefully considered aesthetics.
- The brand places a strong emphasis on achieving a "Scandinavian sound," characterized by naturalness, clarity, and musical articulation.
- Engström amps are known for their ability to work with a wider range of loudspeakers than typical low-powered tube amplifiers, offering versatility in system matching.
Select products
Select product comparisons
MONICA
- Positioning: An entry-level line-stage offering flexible preamplification and phono capabilities.
- Description: Features a unique two-totem-pole design in a balanced configuration that separates pure signal processing from noise. Compared to Arne's integrated power and the dedicated power amps in Lars and Eric, it is ideal for users with smaller spaces and modest budgets who need essential functionality with versatile connectivity.
ARNE
- Positioning: A fully balanced integrated tube amplifier delivering 30W of power in a classic design.
- Description: Uses DC coupling between its driver and power tubes along with a symmetrical power supply to achieve fast transient response and low distortion. Compared to Monica's basic pre-stage approach and the specialized power amplifiers in Lars and Eric, it is well suited for moderate-sized rooms and mid-range budgets that favor a mix of vintage tube charm with modern engineering.
LARS
- Positioning: A dedicated, fully balanced Class A power amplifier featuring refined construction and a distinctive glass mantle.
- Description: Stands out with its glass outer mantle that creates a chimney effect for constant tube temperature and clear, pure sound. Compared to Arne's integrated design and Eric's high-power solution, Lars offers a traditional yet high-quality option for users with medium to larger rooms.
ERIC
- Positioning: A high-end, fully balanced transformer-coupled power amplifier delivering 70W per monoblock.
- Description: Features an advanced evolution to 845 power tubes paired with transformer coupling, which drives even the toughest loads with deep, expansive sound. Compared to Monica's basic preamplification, Arne's integrated approach, and Lars' classic performance, Eric is designed for larger spaces.
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Avg. Product Price
$100,001+
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
419
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
4
Founding Year
2008
Our take on the brand
Engström is a Swedish hifi brand that handcrafts amplifiers with a minimalist Nordic design, featuring fully balanced, transformer-coupled circuits and no negative feedback to preserve natural sound dynamics. Their amplifiers, which use KR Audio's T-100 power tubes, are known for creating an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage with what audiophiles call a "Scandinavian Sound"—characterized by open, detailed, and natural sonic qualities.
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What competes at this price?
Dan D'Agostino
Relentless 800
195500
/
Released
2023
After setting the measure for amplifier excellence, the new Relentless 800 Mono Amplifier extends the Relentless sound quality to a smaller platform. Every major section of the Relentless circuitry - power supply, input, driver, and output stages - have all been enhanced and these all feature in the new Relentless 800. The Relentless 800 incorporates the same circuit platform as its bigger brother with a lower power output. Mind you, the Relentless 800 is virtually unlimited when it comes to power delivery and is only outdone by the Relentless 1600 itself. Nuanced and musical at low volume levels, the Relentless 800 delivers the striking dynamic contrasts – that brings music to life.
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality right away that continues to improve
- Capable of uncompressed dynamics at both loud and soft volumes, micro and macro, and doesn't harden or distort when playing loud
- Can handle big scale, orchestral, beautiful music to really raw, crazy metal music, all played convincingly at loud and soft levels
- New details are revealed without being hyper-analytical, sterile, or harsh
- Built like military materiel
Product Considerations
- Each monoblock weighs 145kg, so owners will welcome assistance when receiving it
- Inputs are on balanced XLR only, while the solid copper speaker terminals are designed for spade lugs, not 4mm bananas
- The Breguet watch dial-inspired meter's 'time-keeping' is less accurate
Takeaway: The D'Agostino Relentless 800 reproduces a wide range of music genres with detail and dynamics, offering an immersive and enjoyable listening experience. It brings out the best in music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
Product Page
Product Page
Krell
KMA i800
139995
/
Released
2023
The Krell KMA i800 represents the pinnacle of monoblock amplifier design, delivering extraordinary power and precision for the most demanding audio enthusiasts. As a flagship model in Krell's lineup, the KMA i800 is engineered to drive even the most challenging speaker loads with effortless authority, revealing every detail of your music with stunning clarity and depth. Whether you're listening to a delicate piano solo or a full orchestral crescendo, the KMA i800 delivers a sonic experience that is both powerful and profoundly immersive.
Krell is a hifi brand whose amplifiers use iBias technology to operate in Class A up to full power without excessive heat, while maintaining the ability to double power output as speaker impedance halves. Their amplifiers feature XD technology for better control over speaker drivers, and modern models like the K-300i include Bluetooth, HDMI, and streaming features for contemporary audio setups.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 800W of class-A power regardless of the speaker load
- Features XD technology that lowers output impedance, resulting in more control over the speaker drivers and improved soundstage depth
- Employs Sym-Max technology to significantly reduce second-order harmonic distortion, bringing out more detail and improving the sense of timing and pacing
- Has a power supply consisting of 5400VA of transformers and 188,000µF of filter capacitance for substantial power delivery
- Offers protection against excess direct current, short circuits, and voltage sags—brown outs
Product Considerations
- It may be too much power for some users
- High idle heat dissipation at 890 btu/hr per channel
Takeaway: The Krell KMA-i800 is a powerful amplifier with technologies that aim to provide a clean and controlled sound. Its high power output helps to improve sound quality even at average listening levels.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Krell is a hifi brand whose amplifiers use iBias technology to operate in Class A up to full power without excessive heat, while maintaining the ability to double power output as speaker impedance halves. Their amplifiers feature XD technology for better control over speaker drivers, and modern models like the K-300i include Bluetooth, HDMI, and streaming features for contemporary audio setups.
Product Page
Product Page
Goldmund
Telos 4800
260000
/
Released
2024
Telos 4800 is a revolutionary addition to Goldmund's illustrious collection encapsulates the technical brilliance of the Telos 8800 within a more compact form, setting a new pinnacle in high-fidelity audio for discerning audiophiles who seek supreme sound quality and precision. Meticulously crafted with Goldmund's legendary attention to detail and harnessing the latest advancements in audio technology, the Telos 4800 redefines audio performance standards.
Goldmund is a Swiss hifi brand known for its "mechanical grounding" technology, which reduces vibrations through heavy, precisely engineered components, and its proprietary Telos amplifier technology that significantly reduces intermodulation distortion. The brand appeals to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction, focusing on musical realism through minimalist design and high bandwidth circuitss.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed to drive even very low-impedance loudspeakers without compromising distortion levels
- Delivers unmatched sound clarity and power with a maximum power output of 1050 watts RMS at 8 ohms and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of only 0.005% across 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Features a damping factor of 600 at 1 kHz and output floor noise of less than 3 μV, delivering an impeccably clean and detailed sound free from unwanted background noise
- Ensures maximum thermal security and short-circuit protection with fully analog circuitry from input to output and an automatic shutdown feature
- Equipped with analog and digital inputs, including RCA and XLR connectors
Product Considerations
- A preamp is required to supply input switching and any processing needed before sending signals to the Telos 4800 to power the speakers
- As a mono power amp, two units are required for a stereo setup, increasing the overall cost significantly
Takeaway: The Telos 4800 is designed to meet the needs of any audio system and delivers unmatched sound clarity and power. With impeccable specs, it offers a high-end performance for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Goldmund is a Swiss hifi brand known for its "mechanical grounding" technology, which reduces vibrations through heavy, precisely engineered components, and its proprietary Telos amplifier technology that significantly reduces intermodulation distortion. The brand appeals to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction, focusing on musical realism through minimalist design and high bandwidth circuitss.
Product Page
Product Page
Octave
Jubilee Mono Ultimate
135000
/
Released
2023
The Jubilee Mono Ultimate - the next generation. It has the most sophisticated and uncompromising amplifier design in our amplifier hierarchy and sets a new benchmark for state-of-the-art power amplifiers. It features a number of detailed improvements including the use of eight KT 170 tubes with 440 W per channel. The basic idea of the Ultimate series is the extreme expansion of the power bandwidth and the bass range with our highly specialized (newly developed) and oversized high performance output transformer.
Octave is a hifi brand specializing in tube amplifiers that use enhanced pentode configurations to ensure stability with difficult speaker loads down to 2 ohms, while their Super Black Box technology increases power supply capacitance for better dynamics
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Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Octave is a hifi brand specializing in tube amplifiers that use enhanced pentode configurations to ensure stability with difficult speaker loads down to 2 ohms, while their Super Black Box technology increases power supply capacitance for better dynamics
Product Page
Product Page
Meitner
MTRX2 V2 Mono
115000
/
Released
Introducing the MTRX2 V2: A Masterpiece of Precision and Passion. Unlock the pinnacle of audio excellence with EMM Labs' latest innovation, the re-imagined MTRX2 V2. These 1000W Class A/B solid-state mono amplifiers are meticulously crafted to deliver an unparalleled auditory experience, setting a new standard in high-end audio amplification technology.
Meitner Audio's MA3 DAC uses a unique one-bit circuit that upconverts all audio to 16xDSD, with proprietary MFAST and MDAT2 technologies for jitter removal and upsampling. The MA3 features a VControl digital volume system that maintains signal integrity without requantization, while offering network streaming and Roon Ready capability.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High amounts of power, supreme bass weight, and woofer control
- Velvet-smooth sound throughout the audioband, particularly in the midrange, with high resolution
- Images with tube-like dimensionality, creating soundstages of convincing depth
- Sound reproduces without colorations
- Functions flawlessly, with no operational glitches, and is bulletproof in terms of safety and reliability with a comprehensive monitoring system
Product Considerations
- The MTRX2s are big and heavy, making them difficult to move and install
- The MTRX2's big, blocky look was not well-received
- High power output might be overkill for rooms of typical size
- The balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs seem of good quality, if nothing extraordinary
Takeaway: The MTRX2 offers exceptional sound quality, high power, and reliability. If you desire a top-tier listening experience with no coloration and are seeking an end-game amplifier, the MTRX2 could be the perfect choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Meitner Audio's MA3 DAC uses a unique one-bit circuit that upconverts all audio to 16xDSD, with proprietary MFAST and MDAT2 technologies for jitter removal and upsampling. The MA3 features a VControl digital volume system that maintains signal integrity without requantization, while offering network streaming and Roon Ready capability.
Product Page
Product Page
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