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
- Unique 'Magnetosolid' technology combines aspects of both tube and solid-state amplifiers, resulting in a holographic and precise sound signature
- Offers a beautiful mid-range, similar to tube amplifiers, with a warm and luscious tonality
- Delivers a tight, impactful, and well-controlled bass response, going deep without exaggerating the mid-bass
- A powerful amplifier—despite its 37W rating—with enough headroom for various speakers
- The sound is coherent, cohesive, soft, full, and dense, with excellent dynamics and range extension
Product Considerations
- A fairly expensive integrated amplifier
- High frequencies can be too bright and sparkly when paired with brighter speakers
- The chassis may not be sturdy enough and can resonate easily
- The volume control has a limited number of steps
- The remote control response can be iffy
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Shinai outperformed Pass Labs amps in three-dimensionality, naturalness, and bass
- Shinai sounded more liquid and free-flowing than Ayon Spirit III
Takeaway: The Grand Note Shinai offers a unique blend of tube-like warmth and solid-state precision, delivering a holographic soundstage with tight bass and plenty of power for most speakers. Its unique technology and versatile sound make it a potentially great addition to any high-end audio setup.
All
Shinai
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Power per channel: 37W
- Damping factor: >150
- Frequency response: 2Hz - 240 kHz
- Inputs: Two unbalanced RCA, Two balanced XLR (full-balanced)
- Absorption: 270W
- Weight: 40kg
- Dimensions (WxHxL): 318 x 196 x 473 mm
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:
- Grandinote's "Magnetosolid" technology uses solid-state components in circuits inspired by tube amplifier designs, aiming to capture the desirable characteristics of both.
- The brand's amplifiers employ output transformers, a rare feature in solid-state designs, which are designed and manufactured in-house.
- Grandinote prioritizes a Class A, no-feedback, and direct-coupled design philosophy, seeking simplicity and purity in the signal path.
- They are dedicated to dual-mono construction with independent power supplies for each channel, ensuring minimal crosstalk and enhanced channel separation.
Select products
Mach 2R Loudspeaker
- Positioning: The entry-level model in the Grandinote lineup.
- Description: Features a straightforward design with two woofers and a tweeter, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Its unique feature is the absence of crossovers, which enhances impedance linearity and reduces time distortion, unlike the more complex Mach 36. This model is suitable for those with a moderate budget who prioritize simplicity and efficiency over the expansive soundstage of higher-end models.
Mach 4 Loudspeaker
- Positioning: Sits in the mid-range of the Grandinote lineup.
- Description: With four woofers and a tweeter, provides a balanced sound suitable for larger rooms. It features the Semi Resonant Tube (S.R.T.) technology, offering deep and fast bass, setting it apart from the Mach 2R's simpler bass reflex design.
Mach 2 Estrema Loudspeaker
- Positioning: A high-end model within the Grandinote series.
- Description: Stands out with its horn compression tweeter, delivering a wide frequency range and dynamic sound, ideal for audiophiles with larger spaces. Its S.R.T. technology provides superior bass performance compared to the Mach 2R.
Mach 36 Loudspeaker
- Positioning: The flagship model of the Grandinote lineup.
- Description: Features an impressive array of 36 woofers and 25 tweeters, offering groundbreaking sound coverage and clarity, perfect for expansive spaces. Its advanced S.R.T. technology ensures deep, tight bass, distinguishing it from the simpler Mach 4.
Our take on the brand
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Our interview with the brand
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Used
Grandinote
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Offers superb resolution, transparency, and clarity for a staggering performance.
- Visceral and well-controlled bass, extending deep into the range.
- Extremely fast, clean, and exceptionally resolving sound.
- Delivers even more visceral low tones that, with most speakers, will be perfectly controlled and tight.
- Better clarity of the treble, and yet there is no hint of harshness or aggressiveness.
Product Considerations
- Requires a truly balanced source; RCA/XLR adapters will heavily distort the sound.
- Gets quite hot, so remember about space around the device for proper ventilation.
- The depth of the chassis is the largest dimension, so you need quite a deep rack/stand/platform to fit it on.
- Input sockets are set from top to bottom in one channel (numbers 1-4), and in the other channel the other way around (numbers 4-1).
- Revealing amplifier, so everything in the audio chain has to be well-ordered and refined.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GrandiNote Shinai: Supremo is more resolving, precise, transparent, and revealing, with better clarity in the treble and more visceral low tones.
- Vs GrandiNote Shinai: Shinai sounds a bit sweeter, more romantic, more tube-like—delivering the most beautiful side of music.
- Vs GrandiNote Essenza: The difference between Supremo and Essenza is more significant than between Essenza and Shinai.
Takeaway: The GrandiNote Supremo is a versatile, high-end integrated amplifier that brings out the best in your music with its superb clarity, resolution, and dynamic sound. It offers an immersive and thrilling listening experience for demanding audiophiles.
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.
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
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.
awesome
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.
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
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Produces a large, powerful, smooth, and refined sound that belies its 50W power output, described as 'gutsy and dynamic while at the same time subtle and delicately nuanced'
- Offers superior tonality and a neutral/natural tonal quality that's mellow and warm without being soft or lacking in focus
- A very fast and lithe-sounding amplifier, offering outstanding clarity and definition
- Bass is clean, powerful, and deep, remarkable for a transformer-coupled tube amp
- Impeccably well put together, weighs a ton, and manages to look expensive without looking garish
Product Considerations
- Being pure Class A, the I-70 runs quite hot, which may impact electricity bills
- The remote control is considered sub-par compared to the amplifier's build quality
- Lacks balanced (XLR) inputs, which could be limiting for some users
- The I-70 is heavy (40kg), making it difficult to move
- Due to the limited power output of 50W, Jadis suggests partnering the amp with loudspeakers with a sensitivity of at least 90dB to ensure adequate headroom for transient peaks
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audia Flight FLS9: The I-70 offers superior tonality, while the FLS9 sounds thinner, tonally drier, and harder
- Vs Opera Audio Consonance M100S Plus: The I-70 has a smoother, more sophisticated finesse and pace
Takeaway: The Jadis I-70 is a well-built amplifier that offers a large and refined sound with great clarity, bass, and dynamics. This amplifier is perfect for those who prize warmth, delicacy, subtlety, finesse, and seek assertive dynamics without aggression.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a large degree of presence and dynamic potential, sounding pressurized and potent
- Has a very engaging way of conveying musical interrelationships, contributing to a strong sense of realism
- Neutral and faithful in its reproduction of music
- The DAC is very organic and analogue sounding, with not a hint of any digital signature, and dimensional, joyful and bold
- Good for driving difficult speakers through its particular circuit and excellent stability
- The front soft-touch buttons are very sensitive, which can lead to accidentally switching the amplifier off during power-up
- Care needs to be taken when switching to the digital input
Product Considerations
- The front soft-touch buttons are very sensitive, which can lead to accidentally switching the amplifier off during power-up
- Care needs to be taken when switching to the digital input
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Thrax Ares: The Enyo has extra body and depth of tone, making it the more appealing amplifier
- Vs Vitus RI-101 mk2: The Enyo has lessened tightness, and the music feels like it has been allowed a little more freedom, and there is a sense that it is holding nothing back
Takeaway: The Enyo Mk2 is a versatile all-in-one tube amplifier with a neutral sound that brings out the details and timing in music, making listening sessions enjoyable. The optional DAC is a great addition for those seeking a single-box solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- 16% more power output RMS across the board compared to its predecessor
- 11% less noise than the E650, improving the signal-to-noise ratio from 102 dB to 103 dB
- Features Accuphase's ANCC technology, which cancels noise and distortion, resulting in a cleaner signal
- A damping factor of 1000, a 25% increase from the E650, which allows it to drive larger speakers more effectively
- The headphone output is phenomenal, better than other integrated amps or preamps, allowing for high-quality headphone listening without needing a separate headphone amplifier
Product Considerations
- The optional DAC and phono boards are not included and must be purchased separately
- The spade connection on the speaker terminals has a collar that limits the angles from which the spade can be inserted
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs E650: A lower noise floor, more dynamic range, and it can drive large speakers in large rooms more effectively due to the increased damping factor
Takeaway: The E700 is a powerful and refined amplifier with improved noise reduction and the ability to drive demanding speakers. It offers high-quality sound and versatile features for a premium audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Described as 'absolutely gorgeous' and a 'real statement piece' due to its build and appearance
- Operates in class A, using KT-150 output tubes, which results in a smoother and more relaxed presentation
Product Considerations
- The KT-150 tubes require a fair amount of drive, which is handled by 12AX7 tubes
- The reviewer is not entirely sure how the phase split is done in the design, but it's required for the push-pull class A operation due to the absence of bias adjustment
Takeaway: The Jadis I50 is a beautiful amplifier that sounds amazing. It delivers 50 watts per channel in class A with KT-150 tubes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Pure Class A amplifier provides high quality sound
- Amazing heat dissipation for a 60 watt Class A amplifier
- Does not use capacitors on the signal path, maintaining signal purity
- Uses no negative feedback, improving gain stability and the linearity of the frequency response
Product Considerations
- Base version retail price makes it a very high end product
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Grandinote speakers: Paired well together at the Munich show and in the Grandinote room, described as one of the best sounding rooms of the show
Takeaway: The Grandinote Solo is a Class A amplifier designed to deliver the purest possible sound. With its high build quality, it could be a great addition to any high-end system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.
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