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
- 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.
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
Solo
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 per channel: 60W
- Damping factor: 150
- Frequency response: 2Hz - 240 kHz
- Inputs: Two unbalanced RCA, Two balanced XLR (full-balanced)
- Absorption: 270W
- Weight: 34kg (75lbs)
- Dimensions (WxHxL): 14.5 inch (36cm) x 8.3 inch (21cm) x 17.7 inch (45cm)
Description
We are proud to introduce a new product that is the result of a long period of design and development. The new integrated amplifier Solo. We have concentrated years of experience in HiFi development into this new creation. Everything is improved not only the audio quality and the power (now 60W in class A) but even a new design with a huge 9" display full of functions like VUmeter, spectrum analyser and more.
We are proud to introduce a new product that is the result of a long period of design and development. The new integrated amplifier Solo. We have concentrated years of experience in HiFi development into this new creation. Everything is improved not only the audio quality and the power (now 60W in class A) but even a new design with a huge 9" display full of functions like VUmeter, spectrum analyser and more. Grandinote is technology, innovation, flexibility, design and absolute audio quality.
MAGNETOSOLID TECHNOLOGY
Magnetosolid is a unique technology from Grandinote, designed by engineer Massimiliano Magri and a great expression of Made in Italy. Created in 2002 in its first versions, it integrates two words in its name: Magneto and Solid. Magneto because of its ferromagnetic components and output transformers and Solid because of its solid-state components. It is a circuit that brings the best of tubes and solid-state technology to our amplifiers.
As with tube systems, the circuit is as simple and straightforward as possible, but with all the qualities of solid state. The main advantage of tubes over solid state, is the absence of parasitic capacitance. Our Magnetosolid technology, has overcome even this obstacle by delivering a sound that is absolutely faithful to the source without the loss of any detail and with the ability to control any speaker.
The frequency respon...
MAGNETOSOLID TECHNOLOGY
Magnetosolid is a unique technology from Grandinote, designed by engineer Massimiliano Magri and a great expression of Made in Italy. Created in 2002 in its first versions, it integrates two words in its name: Magneto and Solid. Magneto because of its ferromagnetic components and output transformers and Solid because of its solid-state components. It is a circuit that brings the best of tubes and solid-state technology to our amplifiers.
As with tube systems, the circuit is as simple and straightforward as possible, but with all the qualities of solid state. The main advantage of tubes over solid state, is the absence of parasitic capacitance. Our Magnetosolid technology, has overcome even this obstacle by delivering a sound that is absolutely faithful to the source without the loss of any detail and with the ability to control any speaker.
The frequency respon...
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:
- 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.
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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.
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Avg. Product Price
$10,001-$20,000
Used For Sale
9
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
266
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
24
Founding Year
2005
Our take on the brand
Grandinote is an Italian hifi brand that uses their patented "Magnetosolid" technology to combine the benefits of tube amplifiers with solid-state components, achieving a rich, natural sound without actual tubes. Their amplifiers and speakers feature distinctive design choices, including dual-mono construction requiring two power cables, and speakers built without crossovers for a more direct sound.
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Our interview with the brand
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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Used
Grandinote
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What if you spend more?
Grandinote
Supremo
25188
25188
/
3
Reviews
Grandinote is an Italian hifi brand that uses their patented "Magnetosolid" technology to combine the benefits of tube amplifiers with solid-state components, achieving a rich, natural sound without actual tubes. Their amplifiers and speakers feature distinctive design choices, including dual-mono construction requiring two power cables, and speakers built without crossovers for a more direct sound.
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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
Grandinote is an Italian hifi brand that uses their patented "Magnetosolid" technology to combine the benefits of tube amplifiers with solid-state components, achieving a rich, natural sound without actual tubes. Their amplifiers and speakers feature distinctive design choices, including dual-mono construction requiring two power cables, and speakers built without crossovers for a more direct sound.
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Gryphon
Diablo 333
24900
24900
/
9
Reviews
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.
Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
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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
Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
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Burmester
032
25000
25000
/
6
Reviews
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.
Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
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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
Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
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AVIDHIFI
Sigsum
20252
20252
/
4
Reviews
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.
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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.
AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
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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
AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
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What competes at this price?
Chord Electronics
Ultima Integrated
11700
/
Released
2023
The ULTIMA INTEGRATED is a class-leading 125-watt integrated amplifier benefitting from the latest dual-feed-forward error-correction topology, Chord Electronics' legendary proprietary ultra-high-frequency power supplies, plus an unmistakable industrial aesthetic.
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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Astonishing agility, precision, and clarity
- Spacious and uncluttered presentation
- Sturdy build
- Combines the precision and speed of older designs, but renders the sound with a naturalness
- Provides plenty of power without compromising on detail or clarity
Product Considerations
- Most rivals are better equipped
- Can sound thin if partnered poorly
- Could deliver stronger dynamic contrasts
- The balance control has no center detent or marked position
- No digital inputs or Wi-Fi
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Mark Levinson's No.5805 or PMC Cor, some may prefer the warmer, fuller presentation of rivals
- Vs Naim Supernait 3, it doesn't track the music's rhythms with the skill of the Naim
- Vs Rega Elex-R Mk3, the Chord Ultima Integrated delivered undeniably elevated sound in all respects
- Vs Bryston 7B 3 monoblocks, midrange, especially with vocals, was more lifelike through the Ultima Integrated—smoother and more liquid
- Clear preference for Chord Ultima, especially the dynamics
- Vs Accuphase E-270, the Chord is more natural and closer to the CH Precision system in terms of tonality and neutrality
Takeaway: The Ultima Integrated offers much of the performance of Chord's pre/powers in a neat one-box solution, presenting a refreshingly straightforward product to use. The Chord Ultima Integrated is a thrilling and soothing amplifier capable of weaving a wonderfully spellbinding sound.
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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Hegel
H600
12500
/
Released
2023
H600 is our reference integrated amplifier. With its 303 watts in 8 ohms, a damping factor of 4000, and 2 ohms drive capability, this powerhouse of an amplifier can drive any speaker with confidence and ease. The amplifier is a dual mono design, bringing it as close as possible to the performance of two mono amps in a single box. It also boasts a state-of-the-art preamplifier with the extremely precise volume attenuator found in our reference P30A amplifier.
Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Dual-mono design delivers 303W per channel into 8 ohms, providing power and control for any speaker
- High damping factor of over 4000 ensures absolute control over speaker drivers, resulting in pristine sound reproduction
- New DAC implementation based on ESS Sabre 9038Q2M chip offers pure audio fidelity without any resampling or upsampling
- Supports streaming via Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and UPnP/DLNA
Product Considerations
- Does not have a phonostage
- Lacks an HDMI jack with ARC
- The supplied RC10 remote is slender with tiny buttons
- Weighs 22kg
- Minimalist design may be a bit bland for some
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bryston B135 SST 2, the H600 delivers more effortless presentation at high output
- Vs McIntosh MA9500, the H600 has bigger sound, is crisper and has higher resolution
Takeaway: The H600 is a versatile and powerful integrated amplifier that excels in delivering high-quality audio from both digital and analog sources. Its robust amplification makes it a great choice for audiophiles seeking a simplified yet high-end audio solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
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Mola Mola
Kula
15055
/
Released
2021
Imagine a sleek, compact design that oozes class. Imagine an amplifier design that packs enough power to comfortably handle even the most demanding of loudspeakers. Imagine a complex yet agile and easy to use fully transparent line stage. Imagine every possible Phono EQ setting available from the comfort of your listening chair. Imagine a highly acclaimed discrete DAC boasting the best specs and sound around. Imagine, combining all of the above! Reality. Is. Kula!
Mola Mola is recognized for bringing innovative Class D amplification to hifi through the work of renowned engineer Bruno Putzeys. Their products deliver clean and efficient performance with extremely low distortion, and their DAC is considered among the best.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional audio quality from its line inputs, optional streaming DAC, and optional Phono stage
- Stunning transparency, commendable focus, and open and airy sound staging
- Inspired and seamless reproduction—with a spark of life quality
- User-configurable phono stage that competes with pricey dedicated boxes
- The DAC module, based on the Tambaqui, rivals many uber-expensive standalone units
Product Considerations
- The Kula gets quite hot during operation, needing a decent amount of ventilation
- The LEDs are very bright, and there is no way of turning them off
- The remote is borrowed from Apple TV and is not refined enough to give decent control over volume
- There is no coaxial digital input
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Kula sounds a little sweeter than Mola Mola Kaluga mono amplifiers
- The Mola Mola Kula sounded like a sibling to Leben CS600
Takeaway: The Mola Mola Kula is a state-of-the-art, all-in-one amplification solution that brings music to life with transparent and life-sized sound. With optional modules, it becomes a highly versatile and elegant solution for audiophiles who want top performance in a single box.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Mola Mola is recognized for bringing innovative Class D amplification to hifi through the work of renowned engineer Bruno Putzeys. Their products deliver clean and efficient performance with extremely low distortion, and their DAC is considered among the best.
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MOON
641
10999
/
Released
2023
A thrilling integrated amplifier and gateway to the North Collection.
MOON by Simaudio is known for their warm and natural "MOON sound," achieved through their proprietary Lynx circuit that eliminates global-feedback loop in their amplifiers. Their products feature fully balanced circuitry and customizable interfaces, with designs that minimize noise and distortion while revealing intricate audio details without harshness.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Stunningly handsome design and aesthetics, with a curvaceous chassis and easy-to-read display
- Offers a rare sense of liberation and fluidity, allowing music to flow freely and cleanly
- Delivers a wealth of transient definition, deep and solid bass, heaps of dynamic contrast, and plenty of timbral information
- Capable of driving difficult speaker loads without issue
- Excellent build quality and finish
Product Considerations
- Lacks digital inputs, phono stage, and headphone output
- Only has a single balanced input
- May be considered minimalist in specification by some, especially considering the price
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It performs better than Moon 600i v2 and 700i v2 amplifiers, apart from ultimate power compared to 700i v2
Takeaway: The Moon 641 is a well-designed, high-performing integrated amplifier that prioritizes sound quality and ease of use. It is a good choice for those who appreciate a refined and engaging listening experience with a focus on analog sources.
Video review
Our take on the brand
MOON by Simaudio is known for their warm and natural "MOON sound," achieved through their proprietary Lynx circuit that eliminates global-feedback loop in their amplifiers. Their products feature fully balanced circuitry and customizable interfaces, with designs that minimize noise and distortion while revealing intricate audio details without harshness.
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Luxman
L-509Z
12495
/
Released
2023
Taking our Z-Series integrated amplifiers to a performance peak. As the premium model for the new Z-Series generation, the L-509Z has evolved beyond the concept of a traditional integrated amplifier. Both the preamplifier and power amplifier sections simultaneously use our new generation amplification feedback engine "LIFES" for the first time. The volume control is supported by our new "LECUA-EX" attenuator system that suppresses sound quality deterioration and realizes a more precise feel of operation.
Luxman is distinguished by its proprietary LECUA volume control technology and unique negative feedback system, both designed to maintain exceptional sound quality at low volumes while reducing distortion. The brand's integrated amplifiers feature precision resistors, advanced phono preamps, and rare tone controls that allow users to fine-tune their listening experience, all housed in durable, classic-styled components.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Strikingly clean and detailed presentation
- Plenty of power to drive difficult speaker loads, with close to doubling of output as impedance halves
- Exceptionally well made with reassuringly solid casework and precise controls
- Adaptable phono stage offering easy switching between MM and two MC options
- Wonderfully unforced and natural performance at any listening level
Product Considerations
- Needs care in system matching to avoid a slight lack of richness/body, tone controls can help
- No impedance adjustment on the phono stage
- Very large physically, which may pose placement issues
- Plastic battery cover on the metal remote is a misstep in overall exemplary build
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Moon by Simaudio 641 or McIntosh MA8950, the L-509Z has a slight lack of richness and body to the sound
- Compared to McIntosh MA8950, the L-509Z requires separate source equipment—unlike the all-in-one MA8950
- Compared to Vitus RI 101 Mk II, the Vitus is a bit more dynamic and slightly brighter—but costs significantly more without a sound difference worth the price
- Compared to L-509X, the newer L-509Z is more dynamic and has more high-end sparkle
Takeaway: The Luxman L-509Z is a meticulously crafted and powerful integrated amplifier that delivers a refined and balanced sound. Its exceptional build quality and versatile features make it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking a top-tier analog listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Luxman is distinguished by its proprietary LECUA volume control technology and unique negative feedback system, both designed to maintain exceptional sound quality at low volumes while reducing distortion. The brand's integrated amplifiers feature precision resistors, advanced phono preamps, and rare tone controls that allow users to fine-tune their listening experience, all housed in durable, classic-styled components.
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