Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

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

  • Spacious and balanced-sounding presentation, especially on the X-Axis
  • Works well with a wide range of headphones and IEMs
  • Robust build quality and design
  • The GA-10 is an amp that has both warmth and emotion in its sound performance, suitable for listeners who pursue sound atmosphere and naturalness

Product Considerations

  • Lacks a pre-amp output
  • Potentiometer dial does not have a huge amount of resistance
  • Other competing tube amplifiers offer a weightier low-end
  • The case and volume dial get quite warm during usage
  • The finish is prone to scratching and fingerprints

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs AURIS Audio HA2-SE+, the GA-10 sounds slower, thicker, and warmer, while the HA2-SE+ sounds cleaner, faster, livelier, and more clear

Takeaway: The Goldenwave GA-10 is a great value tube amplifier, built well, easy to use, and easy on the ear. If musical sound performance is desired, the GA10 is worth considering.

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

Goldenwave GA-10

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

Manufacturer details

  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 24 kHz, ±0.5 dB @ 1 kHz
  • THD+N: 0.001% @ 1 kHz / 300 Ω
  • Output Power: 3000 mW @ 300 Ω; 600 mW @ 32 Ω (1 kHz)
  • Inputs: XLR, RCA
  • Outputs: 4-pin XLR balanced, 4.4 mm balanced, 6.35 mm single-ended
  • Power Consumption: 70 W
  • Dimensions: 330 × 110 × 380 mm (≈13″ × 4.33″ × 16″)
GOLDENWAVE GA-10 — Anniversary Tube Desktop Headphone Amplifier with Warmth and Precision.
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:

  • HIFIMAN offers a wide range of headphone models, varying in tonality from warm to neutral to balanced, allowing for different listening preferences and catering to various audiophile tastes.
  • The brand is known for their "Stealth Magnet" design which reduces wave diffraction turbulence to lower distortion and improve transparency.
  • They incorporate planar magnetic drivers in many of their headphones, known for their speed, detail, and impactful bass response.

EDITION XS:

  • Positioning: An entry-level headphone offering compact design and affordability.
  • Description: Features stealth magnets design with a frequency response from 8Hz to 50kHz and low impedance for basic home or portable use. Compared to the mid-range options like AUDIVINA and HE1000SE, it provides essential performance for smaller rooms.

AUDIVINA:

  • Positioning: A mid-range headphone balancing clear audio performance with a reasonable price.
  • Description: Uses refined driver technology to deliver a natural sound signature and balanced frequency response for typical home listening setups. Compared to the simple approach of Edition XS and the more precision-focused HE1000SE, it offers enhanced detail while keeping costs moderate.

HE1000SE:

  • Positioning: A mid-range headphone engineered for improved clarity and dynamic range.
  • Description: Offers an extended frequency response from 8Hz to 65kHz and higher sensitivity for clearer audio reproduction in critical listening. In contrast to AUDIVINA's balanced performance, HE1000SE emphasizes precise tuning and a robust build.

SUSVARA:

  • Positioning: A high-end headphone crafted for immersive and detailed sound reproduction.
  • Description: Incorporates advanced driver engineering that extends its frequency range from 6Hz to 75kHz, supporting a wider and more open soundstage. Compared to mid-range models like HE1000SE and AUDIVINA, it offers broader performance and refined tuning.

SUSVARA UNVEILED:

  • Positioning: A premium headphone representing the pinnacle of the brand's lineup.
  • Description: Features cutting-edge materials and driver technologies that produce exceptionally detailed sound across its wide frequency spectrum. When compared with SUSVARA and other models, it delivers superior engineering and an expansive performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
13
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
286
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
92
Founding Year
2007

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

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From our interview with
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What if you spend more?

Product image
Naim
Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
3799
3799
/
24
Reviews
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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Product Strengths

  • Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
  • Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
  • Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
  • Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
  • Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to

Product Considerations

  • The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
  • The front display is not a touchscreen
  • Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
  • The HDMI ARC connection is absent
  • The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
  • As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
  • Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200

Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Feliks Audio
Euforia Evo
2833
2833
/
8
Reviews

Ultimate achievement in OTL technology. Perfect match with dynamic headphones and most planars. Features XLR and RCA headphone outputs with smooth, neutral and dynamic sound thanks to UPOCC wiring, premium components, and point to point design.

Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
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Product Strengths

  • Delivers a smooth, embracing, and euphonic tone, making it enjoyable to listen to for extended periods without fatigue
  • Offers excellent detail and ambiance reproduction, resulting in a sublime and neutral sound that pairs beautifully with high-impedance headphones
  • Provides a wide and airy sound with neutral tuning, combined with a rich and smooth texture
  • The midrange is powerful, vivid, and lively, offering a unique and analog timbre for engaging listening experiences
  • Produces a wide, three-dimensional soundstage and lifelike, holographic imaging for an immersive listening experience

Product Considerations

  • Lacks power for driving very demanding headphones
  • Generates a considerable amount of heat, requiring placement in a well-ventilated area
  • Has some coloration in the low-end, which may not appeal to all listeners
  • The on/off switch is located on the back panel, which might be inconvenient in some setups
  • May not be 'tubey' enough for some users seeking stronger tube coloration

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Feliks Audio Envy: It 'hits' differently and is a more budget-friendly option for high-impedance headphone owners
  • Vs SMSL SH-X: Both amps generate a lot of heat, but it offers more realistic staging and imaging
  • Vs HIFIMAN Prelude: It offers a neutral, dynamic, and colorful sound, while Prelude is smooth, lush, warm, and bassy
  • Vs Violectric HPA V340: It provides tube richness, a wider soundstage, and better instrument separation compared to the brighter and harder sound of HPA V340
  • Vs Feliks Audio Euforia (original): The Evo delivers more color, contrast, dynamic range, and resolution with better control and lower distortion, especially with hard-to-drive headphones

Takeaway: The Euforia Evo is a tube amplifier that gives music a smooth, rich, and detailed sound. It is great for those who want to experience high-quality audio and enjoy listening to their headphones.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Feliks Audio is a Polish brand that handcrafts tube amplifiers, including their flagship Envy model which features single-crystal copper wiring and 300B tubes known for their linearity and low distortion. Their amplifiers stand out for their ability to drive both high-impedance dynamic and planar magnetic headphones, which is uncommon among tube amplifiers, while maintaining a low noise floor and delivering natural, warm sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
McIntosh
MHA200 (75th Anniversary Edition)
2800
2800
/
8
Reviews
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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Product Strengths

  • A lovely, lush sounding performance that's hard to dislike and sounds smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
  • A sympathetic performer, it prefers to play to its inferior partnering equipment's strengths than overly expose their weaknesses, as many hifi audio examples tend to do
  • It can cater for a wide range of headphones and connections and it is a benchmark product that's highly recommended
  • Zero musical flaws to report and is nearly perfect in execution
  • A stunning design to the eye and ear, it is overall a wonderful addition for the perfectionist who wants the very best performance at home or even in the studio

Product Considerations

  • The volume control operation lacks linearity, making it hard to make subtle changes in level
  • No input selector, so one should only connect one type at once
  • On some samples, the volume control is loose and wiggles in its chassis housing
  • The octal AC socket is a bit of an odd choice, considering most users might prefer IEC
  • The depth, snap and weight of the low end was dynamic and exciting on some recordings and less than stellar on others

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Musical Fidelity M1 HPA—the MHA200 has a lush warmness to the music that brings strings to life in a way that makes the M1 HPA sound somewhat sterile in comparison
  • Vs EAR Yoshino HP-4 reference—the MHA200 was a touch brighter than the reference, though only slightly

Takeaway: The MHA200 is an enjoyable product with a rich, balanced, and powerful sound, that's more forgiving than most rivals and can be enjoyed for years to come. This headphone amp is perfect for personal listening, design, and operation that will work its magic.

Video review

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Holo Audio
Bliss
2998
2998
/
6
Reviews
Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
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Product Strengths

  • Versatile amplifier that breathes life into a wide range of headphones
  • The purity of the sound creates a very natural tonality and a very organic experience in general
  • Incredible depth, note separation, and holography, with a soundstage that envelops the listener
  • Connectivity options...

Product Considerations

  • It runs hot and needs space to breathe, as it is a class A amplifier
  • Its hefty size (10kg) might be too much for a small desk
  • Hifiman Susvara users might want to look for another amplifier

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Pass Labs HPA-1 has an unmistakably organic feel, while Bliss leans more towards a very clean and pure neutral presentation
  • Holo Bliss brought a new level of energy and control to the music, while refining the details and presenting them in a purer, more organic way
  • Compared to Felix Audio Euphoria Anniversary Edition, a little of that black background is lost, and more of a sunset feel is gained, with more of a lush midrange akin to the characteristics of the Tube

Takeaway: The Holo Audio Bliss is a versatile and powerful amplifier that delivers an exceptional listening experience, with a focus on purity, holography, and natural tonality, making music vibrant and captivating. With its top-notch build quality, it's designed to be the heart of any high-end audio setup.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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What competes at this price?

HIFIMAN
EF6
1599
/
Released
Hand-built by HIFIMAN craftsmen, the new EF6 flagship headphone amplifier provides audiophile quality for the most demanding listeners. Fit and finish hint at the amplifier's exceptional performance under the hood.
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HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Specifically designed to drive the power-hungry HE-6 planar magnetic headphones.
  • Boasts 5 watts Class A per channel, providing massive output power.
  • Delivers a wonderfully lush and smooth sounding presentation.
  • Offers a clean and neutral tonality.
  • Exceptionally well-rounded in terms of genre selection.

Product Considerations

  • Lacks balanced circuitry option.
  • Does not include a remote control.
  • The buttons feel loose.
  • The lateral heatsinks can get quite toasty to the touch if played long enough.
  • The EF-6 arrived without a power cord.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Schiit Lyr: The EF-6 stays noticeably cooler after an hour or so of usage.
  • Vs Schiit Mjolnir: The EF-6 edges out the Mjolnir for smoothness, the Mjolnir would be the closest for power, though tonally it is a bit brighter and more dynamic than the EF-6.

Takeaway: The EF-6 is a great choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile amplifier, especially for demanding headphones like the HE-6, with a smooth and engaging sound signature. It is a worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking a high-quality listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
iFi
iDSD Diablo 2
1299
/
Released
2023
Surging with infernal power. Sporting cutting edge xMEMS and Lossless Bluetooth technology, the flagship iDSD Diablo leads the charge with future-proof features and raw power - take your most demanding headphones wherever you go, we dare you.
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iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details

Our Summary

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

iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Ferrum
OOR
2094
/
Released
2021
OOR will redefine the category of headphone amplifiers. OOR will drive any headphones effortlessly to the max of their potential, while preserving the essence of the music it amplifies.
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Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Compact size compared to competitors, allowing for easy integration into desktop setups
  • The OOR outputs 8 watts of power at 60 ohms and 1.6 watts at 300 ohms, making it one of the most powerful headphone amplifiers ever made
  • Low gain setting is silent with sensitive IEMs
  • Employs a fully discrete class AB amplifier; there are no op-amps used

Product Considerations

  • Simultaneous use of the balanced and single-ended preamp outputs with the main headphone output is an inconvenience
  • The unit gets quite warm after a few hours of use—recommending a well-ventilated area
  • Powering on the unit requires going from balanced to single-ended

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Benchmark HPA4, OOR felt considerably more alive, fleshed out, and natural sounding
  • Vs Flux Volot, the reviewers felt that the OOR was more visceral sounding
  • Compared to Fluxlab Acoustics, the OOR is a warmer and more soul-infusing amplifier and it never wants to be linear or flat
  • Vs Flux Lab Acoustics Volod, it was easily bigger sounding, easily more impressive sounding, just more layered

Takeaway: The Ferrum OOR is a powerful amplifier in a small package, and it is built with great attention to detail. It has an engaging sound with a touch of warmth.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Ferrum Audio, a Polish hifi brand, stands out for its unique HYPSOS power supply that combines switching and linear designs for better performance, and its OOR headphone amplifier's rare quad-mono configuration that easily drives demanding headphones like the Hifiman Susvara. Their Wandla DAC features custom digital filters developed with HQ Player and uses a proprietary ARM-based platform called SERCE to reduce signal paths, both uncommon features in DACs.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Luxsin
X9
1599
/
Released
2025
Luxsin X9 is a flagship-class, all-in-one desktop unit combining DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier. It supports ultra-high-resolution digital formats (PCM up to 768 kHz 32-bit, DSD512), features a 4-inch 1080P touchscreen UI, and includes advanced DSP-based features like HP-EQ, headphone impedance detection, crossfeed, and customizable VU meters—all wrapped in a CNC-machined aluminum chassis.
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Luxsin is a hifi audio brand best known for DACs featuring headphone-specific EQ correction from a built-in database of 2,500+ models, plus relay-ladder R2R volume control with 1024 discrete steps. The brand focuses on headphone-first design and feature completion, with uncommon additions such as subwoofer integration, DSP-implemented crossfeed, and rapid OTA firmware updates driven by community feedback.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Striking design with an angled diamond cut faceplate and a large touchscreen display
  • Comprehensive I/O, including XLR and RCA outputs, USB-B, C and SPDIF input, WiFi and Bluetooth antennas, and subwoofer outputs
  • Features a built-in parametric EQ that can be configured using the Luxman app
  • Excellent build quality with a CNC machined aluminum case
  • Has a self-developed headphone impedance checking system that automatically sets the most suitable output gain setting

Product Considerations

  • Automatic EQ correction may not give great results due to the lack of compensation for the HRTF of the measurement rig used
  • The DAC's neutral presentation may come across as a little less engaging for some listeners
  • Engaging DSP features may result in giving up a little bit of sound quality
  • There is no streaming built into the X9
  • Some settings are only available through the touchscreen

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus FIIO K17, both sound very similar, with X9 being smoother but K17 sounding crisper and having superior soundstaging
  • The Element 4 is warmer with tighter and more impactful sound and a little more open in terms of staging

Takeaway: The Luxsin X9 offers a polished listening experience with great features, offering versatility as a DAC, preamp, and headphone amplifier in one device. With comprehensive connectivity and customization options, the X9 allows users to tailor their audio experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Luxsin is a hifi audio brand best known for DACs featuring headphone-specific EQ correction from a built-in database of 2,500+ models, plus relay-ladder R2R volume control with 1024 discrete steps. The brand focuses on headphone-first design and feature completion, with uncommon additions such as subwoofer integration, DSP-implemented crossfeed, and rapid OTA firmware updates driven by community feedback.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Linear Tube Audio
Velo
2100
/
Released
2024
The Velo carries on the legacy of David Berning's microZOTL circuit and LTA's MZ2, bringing significant enhancements to this world-class headphone amp and preamplifier. We've taken everything learned about building ZOTL amplifiers and started from scratch to reimagine our foundational product and create the best sounding, most enjoyable, and most reliable headphone amplifier/preamplifier possible.
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Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Wonderfully enjoyable and transparent sound, described as smooth, resolving, and engaging, enhancing music without coloration
  • Open design makes it easy to swap out the tubes
  • It opens the soundstage in depth and width, increasing the ability to hear the placement of instruments, and micro details and spatial cues become more accessible
  • Versatile, the Velo works well with different headphones (low/high impedance, dynamic/planar)

Product Considerations

  • Not particularly powerful, the Velo might require more volume dial rotation compared to other amps to reach desired listening levels
  • Bass might sound a little too rounded and lacking texture compared to some setups
  • Lacks balanced XLR features
  • The included switching power supply is not at the same performance level as the upgraded linear power supply

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Linear Tube Audio MZ3: The MZ3 is more resolving and detailed, while the Velo is richer and smoother, the MZ3 is more technically engaging, but the Velo is more emotionally engaging
  • Vs Burson Soloist 3X-GT: The Soloist 3X-GT has more power and greater resolution/clarity with a balanced cable, but the Velo is more intimate and relaxing
  • Vs Oliver Sayes Type 26 DHT preamplifier: The Velo strikes a nice middle ground between the overly 'emotional' tube stage and the 'straight' sounding TVC mode
  • Vs Eddie Current Zana Deux SE OTL: Unlike the Zana Deux, it doesn't go too far in warmth to the point of sounding mushy

Takeaway: The Velo is a versatile tube amplifier that provides a wonderful and enjoyable listening experience by being transparent and smooth. It's designed for music lovers who value emotional engagement with their music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Linear Tube Audio uses ZOTL technology, invented by David Berning, which eliminates traditional audio output transformers for clearer sound and operates tubes at lower currents to extend their life to 10,000-20,000 hours. Their amplifiers are known for extremely low noise levels and work well with both high-efficiency speakers and headphones, while featuring a distinctive clear acrylic top that shows the internal components.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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