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

  • Very efficient design with high output and low linear distortion
  • Operates cool to the touch, even after hours of high volume listening
  • Very solid construction with a simple, yet elegant design
  • Delivers excellent sound quality with a vanishingly low noise floor
  • Flexible input options, accepting Toslink, digital coaxial, RCA analog connectors, and balanced analog input

Product Considerations

  • The audio input trigger could be more sensitive, the amp didn't always turn on with soft music
  • The amp takes a few seconds to turn on, sometimes clipping the beginning of music

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to 200 watt monos, the SDA-2400 had a lower noise floor
  • The Lyngdorf MP-50/SDA-2400 combination had a quieter noise floor than other products, with only a few 5-figure processors from Datasat and Trinnov and amplifiers from Datasat achieving similar results

Takeaway: The Lyngdorf SDA-2400 is a quiet and efficient amplifier that provides excellent sound quality and plenty of dynamic power. Its versatile design and cool operation make it a great option for audiophiles looking for a high-performance Class D amplifier.

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

SDA-2400

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

  • Power Rating: 2 x 400 W @ 4Ohm, 2 x 200 W @ 8Ohm
  • Idle power consumption: 25 W
  • Standby power consumption: 0.35 W
  • Damping factor: 266 (8 Ω, @100 Hz)
  • Inputs: 1 x Analog Single Ended RCA, 1 x Analog Balanced XLR, 1 x Coaxial Digital (≤192kHz / 24 bit), 1 x Optical Digital (≤96kHz / 24 bit)
  • Power Modes: Input detection, Always on
  • Trigger: 1 x Input, 1 x Output for daisy chain
  • Heat dissipation value: 210
  • Dimensions (WxHxD): 45 x 7.3 x 36 cm (17.7 x 2.9 x 14.2 in)
  • Weight: 6.5 kg (14.3 lb)
The versatile SDA-2400 stereo power amplifier features both analog and digital inputs, as well as a range of novel features to deliver outstanding performance in a wide range of applications.
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:

  • The brand's digital amplifiers, underpinned by proprietary Equibit technology, minimize signal conversion for a cleaner, more direct signal path to the speakers.
  • RoomPerfect technology allows Lyngdorf systems to analyze and adapt to the unique acoustic properties of any listening space, optimizing the sound for a more immersive experience.

MH-3

  • Positioning: The entry-level speaker is compact, ideal for small stereo or media room installations.
  • Description: Features a compact design, making it perfect for small spaces while still delivering dynamic performance. Uses a powerful 4-inch midrange driver with a magnet 50% stronger than traditional drivers, offering higher sensitivity and a linear frequency response. Compared to the FR-2 and Cue-100, it's more affordable and compact, making it suitable for those with limited space and budget, but lacks the advanced technologies and larger soundstage of the higher-end models.

FR-2

  • Positioning: A mid-range floor-standing speaker designed for optimal wall placement.
  • Description: Features a shallow cabinet design and high-performance woofers, providing tight and powerful bass when placed against a wall. Uses a downward-facing bass reflex port for consistent acoustic performance. While it offers better bass response than the MH-3, it doesn't match the Cue-100's advanced driver technology and customization options.

Cue-100

  • Positioning: A high-end standmount loudspeaker aimed at audiophiles and design-conscious users.
  • Description: Features Purifi USHINDI technology, which delivers ultra-low distortion and high sound purity. Its unique triangular design and customizable fabric covers offer both aesthetic appeal and acoustic excellence. Compared to the MH-3 and FR-2, provides superior sound quality and design flexibility.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
23
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
161
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
26
Founding Year
2005

Our take on the brand

Lyngdorf Audio is known for its RoomPerfect technology, which learns and corrects room acoustics, and for creating the first fully digital amplifier that converts digital signals directly to PWM without a traditional DAC. The brand's unique Boundary Woofers are designed to be placed against walls to use room acoustics for better bass, setting them apart from traditional subwoofer approaches.

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?

Our own amplifier technology sets our TDAI streaming amps apart. It is a so-called digital amplification which amplifies digital audio directly, without the common analogue conversions, signal paths, and side effects within the unit. We also have a unique, absolutely lossless way of volume control, whereas in most amplifiers the incoming music signal is attenuated.

Our second key innovation is RoomPerfect, available in our stereo and home cinema products. This calibration measures and addresses room acoustical issues, which affect even the best listening rooms, yet without linearizing and neutralizing the sound too much.

What's your approach to customer support?

Every Lyngdorf dealer can be contacted no matter where one bought the product, but we are proud to also offer direct support by our team here at the headquarters in Denmark. They have direct access to all Lyngdorf products in our demo and test rooms. Furthermore, a Backup function in our amplifiers and processors allows us to mirror customer settings remotely on our device, so we can literally look into it and give better advice — for example, for setting up or finding faults along the audio chain.

Last but not least, we can offer support and repairs even for the first Lyngdorf products made here decades ago, which includes a 24-hour burn-in test — not only to verify functions but to measure the performance-relevant specs. [email protected]

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

Three? You mean three hundred?

Odetta – Hit or Miss. This is an old but excellent recording from 1970. It requires a good system and room to make it sound realistic and alive. Listen for well-separated instruments, good timing, and a tuneful bass. Everything is alright production-wise, so any shortcomings rather come from the listening room and audio system.

Vestbo Trio – Italian Movie, Portuguese Wine. This is a reference for capturing the sound and dynamics of real instruments in a good recording studio. No compression or autotune involved. Listen for the space, soundstage, and realism as the song shifts up one gear. You should almost have the guys playing in your room.

Gidge – Quasar. Electronic music can be quite challenging because there are no microphones as a filter. Someone with a computer and synthesizer can just go crazy, and the audio system has to cope. This Swedish duo will test the limits of your speakers. Listen whether it sounds powerful yet pure and defined at the same time. This kind of music is rather done for clubs, so it requires good speakers, speaker placement, and ideally some degree of calibration to control the energy in a normal living room.

What other products pair best with yours?

One great advantage of our room calibration RoomPerfect is that it doesn't do what many other calibrations do — linearizing and neutralizing the sound, and therefore linearizing the characteristic sound of someone's chosen loudspeaker. What many Lyngdorf owners, dealers, and reviewers like about RoomPerfect is that it preserves what the speaker is good at, so there's real synergy here. No matter whether someone prefers a Dali, Bowers & Wilkins, Dynaudio, Sonus Faber, Spendor, or any other. Our amplifiers also have no problem driving low-impedance speakers, so really not much to worry about regarding system matching. The biggest challenge is the listening room.

From our interview with
Roland Hoffman
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Lyngdorf
MXA-8400
8999
8999
/
3
Reviews

A new benchmark in multichannel amplifiers The MXA-8400 is the most powerful product from Lyngdorf Audio ever, delivering 8 x 400 watts of ultra-linear and stable power. It incorporates Purifi EIGENTAKT technology with the innovative EIGENTAKT ErrorCorrection (EEC), Lyngdorf Audio’s highly efficient and advanced power supply PowerPerfect, ultra-low-noise and precise analog input stages, and a 4-layer main PCB optimized for the best signal purity and grounding. With this range of features, the MXA-8400 sets new amplifier benchmarks in audio quality, measured performance, and reliability.

Lyngdorf Audio is known for its RoomPerfect technology, which learns and corrects room acoustics, and for creating the first fully digital amplifier that converts digital signals directly to PWM without a traditional DAC. The brand's unique Boundary Woofers are designed to be placed against walls to use room acoustics for better bass, setting them apart from traditional subwoofer approaches.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Incredibly clean and transparent sound with ultra-low distortion and exceptional dynamic range
  • Features a powerful and efficient PowerPerfect power supply, optimized for performance and reduced noise
  • Offers flexible configuration with bridgeable channels to increase power output for demanding speakers
  • Runs relatively cool due to the efficiency of the Purifi Eigentakt Class D amplifier modules
  • Provides a neutral sonic character, allowing the speakers' sound to shine through without coloration
  • Only accepts balanced XLR inputs, which may be limiting for some users
  • Speakon speaker connectors may require adapters for those using banana plugs or stripped wire

Product Considerations

  • Relatively expensive, especially when considering needing multiple units for a full home cinema setup
  • The input gain adjustment lacks granular control, with the sensitivity setting applying to all inputs at once
  • Limited flexibility with stereo/three-channel options, with users having to wait longer for these varieties

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Parasound HCA-1205A—the MXA-8400 offered greater precision and accuracy, with the Parasound sounding bolder
  • Vs Anthem M1 monoblocks—the MXA-8400 had cleaner midrange and upper frequencies, resulting in improved image sharpness and soundstage depth
  • Vs NAD Masters M23—the MXA-8400 had a touch more weight in the bass and more sparkle in the highs

Takeaway: The MXA-8400 is a powerful and versatile amplifier that delivers exceptionally clean and dynamic sound for both home cinema and hifi setups. Its advanced technology and flexible configuration options make it a good choice for those seeking a high-performance audio experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Lyngdorf Audio is known for its RoomPerfect technology, which learns and corrects room acoustics, and for creating the first fully digital amplifier that converts digital signals directly to PWM without a traditional DAC. The brand's unique Boundary Woofers are designed to be placed against walls to use room acoustics for better bass, setting them apart from traditional subwoofer approaches.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Primare
A35.8
5247
5247
/
8
Reviews

The A35.8 is Primare’s most powerful and flexible multi-channel amplifier, designed to serve the needs of virtually any high-performance multi-channel system through its ability for each pair of channels to be bridged to mono for an incredible level of power delivery and system building options, including 1500 watts of total output in a fully bridged bi-amped stereo configuration. Shipping June 2022!

Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
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Product Strengths

  • The A35.8 provides eight channels of 'unimpeachable Class D power in a fairly compact and very flexible package'
  • Flexible configuration options for power output to speakers are available, such as bi-amping and bridging
  • Each stereo pair can be bridged separately to make four times 375 watts (8 Ohms) from the eight times 150 watts
  • Fault-free sound quality
  • High quality fit and finish
  • The A35.8 offers flexible connectivity options

Product Considerations

  • The 20-amp power inlet is the seldom-seen variety with three horizontal blades
  • The speaker output posts are spaced too widely for dual-banana plugs
  • Cabling can be tricky
  • A high current power cord is needed
  • Lower gain is present, though this doesn't necessarily need to be an issue

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs NAD M28, the A35.8 gets you one more channel and more versatility for a 10% price increase
  • Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Benchmark presented a more neutral tonal balance and undistorted soundstage
  • Vs NAD C 298 stereo amplifiers, the Primare seemed slightly more forward, often conveying an appealing liveliness

Takeaway: The A35.8 power amplifier is a flexible and versatile product worth considering for anyone seeking a high-quality multi-channel setup. Its ability to bridge channels offers many ways to configure your speaker system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
EAR Yoshino
EAR 890
6351
6351
/
5
Reviews
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
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Product Strengths

  • The EAR 890 produces 70Wpc in stereo, and can be bridged to 140W in monoblock
  • Neutral sound that gets out of the way and lets the user enjoy the music
  • Complex and dense music textures are handled with ease, and dynamically demanding passages are sailed through
  • Articulate midrange
  • Detailed and realistic bass

Product Considerations

  • Removing/installing tube cages is difficult and time-consuming
  • The loudspeaker binding posts are positioned too close to the output transformers, making it hard to tighten them properly
  • Some assembly work appeared amateurish, specifically the use of silicone in various locations, such as fastening chassis wires
  • The amplifier can operate quite hot
  • May not have as much bass impact compared to solid state amps

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The EAR 890 monoblocks achieve SET-like definition along with the authority and swagger necessary for most full-size speaker systems, when compared to Cary Audio 300B SET amps
  • The EAR 890 is as textured as the top LAMM designs, but with noticeably better neutrality and more power
  • The EAR 890 surpassed the deHavilland KE50As with a more articulate midrange, producing more color and separation in the microtones of instruments

Takeaway: The EAR 890 is easy to set up and sounds good with very little tweaking, making it easy to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. It's a good choice for people who want a tube amp that is both musical and powerful for their home listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Parasound
Halo A51
5749
5749
/
5
Reviews
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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Product Strengths

  • Delivers amazing quality of sound and detail
  • Bulletproof amplification
  • Has a rhythmically soulful sound with a tremendously rich and natural midrange
  • The A51's bass is well-defined, extremely textured, and robust
  • With 250 watts on tap, the Parasound A51 will power virtually anything

Product Considerations

  • Due to its class A/AB design, the A51 does get a bit warm and should be installed in a properly ventilated space and/or rack
  • The A51 is large and heavy, and is best moved and/or positioned by two people

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Rotel, the Rotel makes the M&K Sound system slightly bright with a bit of sibilance, while the Parasound is more neutral
  • Compared to Acurus A250, the Parasound had tighter bass, which is probably attributed to a better damping factor

Takeaway: The Parasound Halo A51 is a high-performance amplifier with great sound quality, detail, and build quality, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. Its ability to deliver power and control to speakers makes it a valuable addition to any high-end audio system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

NAD
M23
3749
/
Released
2022
Building on NAD's long tradition of identifying and developing cutting-edge amplification technology, the M23 HybridDigital Stereo Power Amplifier features Purifi Audio's Eigentakt™ design, a once-in-a-decade innovation that virtually eliminates harmonic and intermodulation distortion. Noise is inaudible, for a completely black background and exquisite micro-detail. Conservatively rated at 2x200W continuous into 8 ohms and 2x380W into 4 ohms, the M23 can deliver live performance levels through any loudspeaker.
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NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The M23's build quality feels solid and elegant, with impressive small design details
  • The sound is striking in its purity and clarity
  • It offers up to three levels of gain, switchable on the back panel, to best fit the system
  • It provides a clear sound without sounding hard
  • It features Purifi Eigentakt Class D amplification, which provides virtually unmeasurable distortion levels

Product Considerations

  • The bass is clean but may be perceived as a little on the cool side and not as 'wompy-sounding'
  • The M23 is not a forgiving amplifier that makes everything sound sweet and wonderful—it's not for those seeking a soft and mellow sound
  • Bridging with speakers below 5 or 6 ohms is not recommended, as the amp will current limit and potentially shut down
  • The reviewer found ergonomical challenges using fancy speaker cables in bridged mode due to wide terminal spacing
  • The capacitive touch power button can accidentally trigger

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bel Canto C6i: The M23 offered a layer of refinement and better reproduction of the recording space
  • Vs Pass XA25: The M23 had more transparent sound and detail, especially in the treble and upper mids, but lacked the organic quality of the XA25
  • Vs HiFi Rose RS 520: The M23 sounded cleaner and had better separation/depth, HiFi Rose seemed to have an EQ built-in, emphasizing midrange and bass
  • Vs NAD C298: The M23 is more neutral, deals with decay more naturally, and has better casework, making it look high-end
  • Vs Anthem M1 monoblock amplifiers: The M23 was slightly more transparent throughout the entire frequency range
  • Vs Bryston 4B 3: The Bryston had more grunt but the M23 is more neutral

Takeaway: The NAD M23 is a powerful and precise amplifier that delivers clean and clear sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want to hear their music as accurately as possible. It is especially well-suited for those looking to build a high-end system around a quality preamp or DAC.

Video review

Our take on the brand

NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Parasound
Halo A52+
4199
/
Released
The Parasound A52+ is a versatile five-channel amplifier, delivering 180 watts per channel at 8 ohms. Its high-current design ensures powerful, clear sound, making it ideal for multi-room audio setups or home theaters. The A52+ combines power, efficiency, and precision to bring out the best in your speakers, whether used in stereo, multi-channel, or surround sound configurations.
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Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Delivers ample, clean, and dynamic power to all channels, ensuring speakers reach their full potential
  • Designed by John Curl, featuring Class A/AB circuitry for a balance of warmth, richness, efficiency, and punch
  • Pleasing sound for dialogue and music, with very high-quality and detail
  • Versatile, suitable for both movies and music, with a low noise floor for quiet passages and great transparency—that doesn't color the sound
  • Built to last, with high-quality internal components
  • Signal-sensing power-on mode can be fussy and may require adjustment

Product Considerations

  • Super heavy and large, potentially requiring rearranging a system or dedicated rack space
  • Only available in anodized black

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The A52 Plus has bigger parts and bigger power than the Outlaw Model 5000, including balanced XLR connections
  • A52 Plus is the 'teenager' compared to the elder Parasound A51
  • Parasound A52+ sounds better, is more accurate, and more powerful than the Denon receiver's amplifier section

Takeaway: The Parasound A52+ Halo is a versatile and powerful amplifier that delivers clean, dynamic sound for both home theater and music systems, with a build quality designed to last. This is a worthy investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who seek high-quality audio performance.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Orchard Audio
Starkrimson Stereo Ultra DMC 2.5
4249
/
Released
2021
The Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra DMC offers phenomenal sonic performance. Its advanced design and meticulous construction ensure exceptional clarity, power, and dynamic range. Experience the nuances of your favorite recordings with crystal clear detail and realism. A must-have for discerning audiophiles, and music lovers/enthusiasts seeking to elevate their musical experience.
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Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exceptionally transparent sound output quality
  • Exceptionally powerful, capable of outputting 500W into a 4-Ohm load
  • Delivers a remarkably clean, transparent sound with very little noise or distortion
  • The amplifier's ability to reproduce bass is awe-inspiring and delivers deep, powerful bass without distortion
  • Runs cool and weighs very little for its sound output, making it easy to move around

Product Considerations

  • Options can be a little pricy, such as the 12v trigger and RCA inputs
  • The Starkrimson Stereo Ultra may lead to further system upgrades
  • Depending on your sources, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will play exactly what you feed it, good or bad, and if your source components are slow, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will not speed them up
  • Power on only after all connections are properly made, including the power cord, analog inputs, and speaker outputs, and wait five minutes after powering it off before removing any of the connections

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Krell S550i integrated amp, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra showed a much faster and finer resolution of the upper frequencies of the human voice and a far greater ability to play more of the microdetails of a recording

Takeaway: The Starkrimson amplifier is well-built and provides a level of speed and transparency to hifi music that makes listening to music very fun. Its GaN modules can be upgraded and it is available in several configurations.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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McIntosh
MHA200 (75th Anniversary Edition)
2800
/
Released
2021
The MHA200 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier is designed for discerning headphone enthusiasts who demand the most from their headphones. Its versatile set of connectivity options, including balanced inputs and outputs, allows for nearly all headphone types to be connected to enjoy an extraordinary personal listening experience.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

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
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KECES
S300+
3467
/
Released
2024
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Keces Audio specializes in power conditioning and filtering through their high-quality toroidal transformers and circuits that separate digital and analog grounding. Their products use thick aluminum chassis to block EMI/RFI interference, and they're particularly known for their S3 DAC/AMP that offers balanced, uncolored sound with high resolution and transparency.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent build quality
  • Clean and clear sound delivery
  • Wide and precise soundstage with astounding bass power that's remarkably tight and tuneful
  • Speakers can sound as if they're coming from outside the room, creating a holographic soundstage
  • The S300+ can power basically any speaker

Product Considerations

  • Runs hot, especially in high bias mode
  • Somewhat heightened noise floor that presents as a light 'hiss'
  • Bright power LED can be distracting in a dark room
  • High gain may not be suitable for high sensitivity speakers
  • Lacks any kind of volume control

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Jadis Orchestra Reference—the S300+ wins in clarity, soundstage, instrument separation, and distortion level
  • Vs Burson Funk—the S300+ sounds far cleaner, more detailed, and has better dynamics, resolution, and transparency
  • Vs Cyrus One Cast—the S300+ sounds far more controlled, more dynamic, and punchy; the bass is tighter; the treble is crisp and airy; and the midrange is sweeter and more vivid

Takeaway: The KECES S300+ is a well-built and powerful amplifier that delivers a clean, detailed, and engaging sound for a variety of speakers. It is worth a try for those seeking a top-performing amplifier.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Keces Audio specializes in power conditioning and filtering through their high-quality toroidal transformers and circuits that separate digital and analog grounding. Their products use thick aluminum chassis to block EMI/RFI interference, and they're particularly known for their S3 DAC/AMP that offers balanced, uncolored sound with high resolution and transparency.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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