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.
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.
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Susvara&EF1000
reviews
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Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Input Stage: Vacuum Tube SRPP Circuit
- Headphone Output for 35Ω Load: 20w. pure Class A
- Amplifier Output for 8Ω Load: 50w. pure Class A, 110w. Class A/B
- SNR (A weight): 108dB
- Dynamic Range: 111dB
- Weight Main Unit: 13.45 kg (29.65lb)
- Weight Power Supply: 11.2 kg (24.69lb)
- Dimensions Main Unit: L460x280x170 mm3 (18.11" x 11.02" x 6.69")
- Dimensions Power Supply: L360x200x170 mm3 (14.17" x 7.87" x 6.69")
Description
Designed for HIFIMAN’s Flagship Headphones
Created as the perfect partner for elite models like the SUSVARA, the EF1000 combines a vacuum tube SRPP input stage—featuring six 6922 tubes in parallel—with powerful solid-state output stages.
Delivering a pure Class A headphone output of 20 W into 35 Ω, the EF1000 also functions as a speaker amplifier, providing 50 W per channel in Class A or 110 W per channel in Class A/B into 8 Ω.
A dedicated external power supply and relay-based volume attenuation ensure ultra-low distortion, precise control, and seamless operation, elevating the listening experience to true reference levels.
Created as the perfect partner for elite models like the SUSVARA, the EF1000 combines a vacuum tube SRPP input stage—featuring six 6922 tubes in parallel—with powerful solid-state output stages.
Delivering a pure Class A headphone output of 20 W into 35 Ω, the EF1000 also functions as a speaker amplifier, providing 50 W per channel in Class A or 110 W per channel in Class A/B into 8 Ω.
A dedicated external power supply and relay-based volume attenuation ensure ultra-low distortion, precise control, and seamless operation, elevating the listening experience to true reference levels.
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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.
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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
$10,001-$20,000
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.
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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Used
HIFIMAN
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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?
Jadis
I70
13748
/
Released
2021
For a long time now, we've been thinking about developing a new reference mixing compact design and increased performances…and KT170 tube comes, giving the starting signal of I-70 project.
Jadis Electronics is renowned for their meticulous handcrafting of tube amplifiers, with a unique process of hand-winding output transformers that's integral to their signature sound. Their tube amplifiers deliver unusually high power outputs without distortion even at maximum levels, setting them apart in the tube amplifier market.
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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
Jadis Electronics is renowned for their meticulous handcrafting of tube amplifiers, with a unique process of hand-winding output transformers that's integral to their signature sound. Their tube amplifiers deliver unusually high power outputs without distortion even at maximum levels, setting them apart in the tube amplifier market.
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Thrax
Enyo MK2
15390
/
Released
2022
Enyo is the distilled result of years of experience as manufacturer where we were gathering feedback from the end users as to what their dream system is.
Thrax Audio is distinguished by its use of transformers for volume control instead of traditional potentiometers in their Dionysos preamplifier, and their Spartacus amplifier features a unique two-stage shunt regulated Directly Heated-Triodes push-pull design in pure class-A with no feedback.
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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
Thrax Audio is distinguished by its use of transformers for volume control instead of traditional potentiometers in their Dionysos preamplifier, and their Spartacus amplifier features a unique two-stage shunt regulated Directly Heated-Triodes push-pull design in pure class-A with no feedback.
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CANOR
Canor Virtus I2
10535
/
Released
2023
The Virtus I2 is a new-generation tube amplifier that utilizes KT88 high-power tubes and features an entirely new topology. The goal of its development was to enhance the superior sound quality of the previous model version. This amplifier runs in a pure class A with an auto-bias function, as well as cathode feedback.
Canor Audio is a hifi brand that uses proprietary CMT circuit board technology to match the performance of point-to-point wiring while maintaining consistency in manufacturing. Their tube-based designs include unique features like a tube output stage in their DACs and custom-made output transformers with Permalloy cores in their amplifiers, setting them apart in the high-end audio market.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality with imposing casework and high-quality finish
- Offers flexibility with switchable ultralinear and triode modes for different sound characteristics
- Features auto-bias with cathode feedback for safe and easy tube operation
- Precise gain control with a relay volume control and individual blocks for each channel, attenuating the signal in steps of one decibel
- Transparent yet warm organic sound profile suitable for various music genres
Product Considerations
- Generates significant heat during operation, requiring ample space for air circulation
- High power consumption of 150 watts in idle
- Switching between triode and UL modes can only be done on the amplifier itself, not via the remote
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Virtus I2 is a step up from the Canor AI 1.10
- The Virtus I2 is more affordable than the Canor Virtus M1
Takeaway: The Canor Virtus I2 is a well-engineered tube amplifier with a focus on in-house manufacturing, offering a transparent and engaging sound. Its flexibility and ease of use make it a worthwhile consideration for audiophiles seeking a high-quality tube listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Canor Audio is a hifi brand that uses proprietary CMT circuit board technology to match the performance of point-to-point wiring while maintaining consistency in manufacturing. Their tube-based designs include unique features like a tube output stage in their DACs and custom-made output transformers with Permalloy cores in their amplifiers, setting them apart in the high-end audio market.
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Accuphase
E-700
16975
/
Released
2024
The E-700 is an evolutionary integrated amplifier that incorporates numerous technologies from our 50th anniversary flagship model, the E-800. The preamplifier section uses a Balanced AAVA type volume control with ANCC to create a balanced configuration from input to output and achieve driving perfection. The power amp stage that drives the speakers has been fortified from three elements to four, further increasing reliability. Experience the full breadth of emotion in live performances with the E-700's superior expression.
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
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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
Accuphase is a highly respected Japanese amplifier brand, renowned for its ability to deliver lifelike sound reproduction. Their amplifiers are known for their exceptional phase coherence, which creates an engaging, natural listening experience that appeals to musicians and audiophiles alike.
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Jadis
I50
12226
/
Released
2022
I-50 was specially designed to work with KT150 through adapted diagram and specific output transformer for powr tubes optimal use. This integrated delivers 50W per channel in pure class A and is equipped with digital input ( USB) for a direct connection to a computer.
Jadis Electronics is renowned for their meticulous handcrafting of tube amplifiers, with a unique process of hand-winding output transformers that's integral to their signature sound. Their tube amplifiers deliver unusually high power outputs without distortion even at maximum levels, setting them apart in the tube amplifier market.
Expand Details
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
Jadis Electronics is renowned for their meticulous handcrafting of tube amplifiers, with a unique process of hand-winding output transformers that's integral to their signature sound. Their tube amplifiers deliver unusually high power outputs without distortion even at maximum levels, setting them apart in the tube amplifier market.
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