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
- Can connect to a variety of input sources like turntables, CD players, and mixers, offering versatility
- Allows digitalizing audio from various sources (including CDs and vinyl) into FLAC format
- Offers a wide selection of equalization curves catering to different types of vinyl records, including older ones and 78s
- Includes a remote control for total control of settings like input, output, and equalization curves
- Supports various output options like AES, USB, optical, coaxial, and I2S
Product Considerations
- The mixer input is RCA and not XLR
- The user should have some knowledge about equalization, needing to choose the correct equalization even for the oldest CDs and 78s
Takeaway: The M2Tech Joplin MK3 is a versatile product for those who love both analog and digital sound, merging the two by allowing users to transform their vinyl collection into digital format. It offers a way to enjoy the best of both worlds by digitalizing analog formats.
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
Joplin MkIII
reviews
[{"title":"M2Tech Joplin MKIII: review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhAC06KaCec","source":"Marco B (maurilio86)","datePublished":"2020"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- PCM sampling frequencies: 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz (44.1 kHz to 768 kHz I2S output only)
- DSD sampling frequencies: 64x to 256x (I2S output only)
- PCM resolution: 16 to 32 bits
- THD+N: 0,0005% @ 0dBFS
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 122 dBA
- Output impedance: 75 Ohm (S/PDIF), 110 Ohm (AES/EBU), 100 Ohm (I2S)
- Input impedance: 10 to 50000 Ohm (analog), 75 Ohms (S/PDIF)
- Size: 200x200x50mm (WxDxH)
- Weight: 2.0 kg net (2.5 kg gross)
- Input Sensitivity: 2.5 Vrms (gain: 0dB, 0dBFS), 1.4 mVrms (gain: 65dB, 0dBFS)
- Supply voltage: 15 VDC
- Power requirement: 4.5 VA (0.15 VA standby)
Description
By popular demand, the Joplin MkIII ADC/phono returns! For many, the proposal of an A/D converter in the audiophile field, also equipped with the functionality of a very high quality phono preamplifier, may seem like a gamble at the very least. But the success encountered by the Joplin project, since 2011, in its various versions, has exceeded all expectations. In the latest MkIII release, the Joplin offers top-level performance and flexibility that meets any need.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Manunta has a modular "Rockstars" product line that allows users to build a complete system by purchasing individual, matching components like DACs, headphone amps, and power amps.
- They offer advanced control and customization options, such as app-based control, variable output impedance for headphones, and tone controls, allowing users to tailor the sound to their specific preferences and equipment.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Classic DAC/Renderer
- Positioning: A digital/analog converter bridging digital sources with amplifiers.
- Description: Offers a galvanically isolated USB interface and high-quality discrete output stages that ensure a clean conversion of digital signals. Compared to units like the Young MkIV, its focus is solely on conversion, making it ideal for small rooms and budget-conscious setups that do not require integrated preamplification.
Young MkIV Rev.b
- Positioning: A versatile DAC and preamplifier suited for integrating both digital and analog sources into a Hi-Fi system.
- Description: Delivers robust balanced outputs with high voltage and multiple digital inputs while also featuring an integrated preamplification section for direct drive applications. Unlike the Classic DAC which only converts signals, it provides extra control functions at a moderate price.
Tosh Rev.b
- Positioning: A balanced line preamplifier designed to drive high-level sources with minimal noise.
- Description: Uses discrete balanced circuitry with top-grade resistor network attenuators and dual voltage outputs to ensure transparency and low noise performance. Compared to the Young MkIV which offers broader conversion features, the Tosh Rev.b is focused on high-level source handling.
Joplin MkIII
- Positioning: An ADC/phono unit delivering premium analog front-end conversion and digitization.
- Description: Provides adjustable gain and input impedance with high-resolution A/D conversion up to 384 kHz, enabling direct connection of turntables and other analog sources. In contrast to the more general-purpose DAC/preamp models, its specialized conversion and phono equalization curves cater to audiophiles who need both top-quality digitization and flexible phono interfacing.
Classic Integrated Amplifier
- Positioning: A high-power stereo integrated amplifier that combines preamplification with a robust amplification stage.
- Description: Engineered to deliver dynamic power and sonic performance using handcrafted through-hole components while remaining energy efficient and repairable. Compared to conversion-focused products and Rockstars series preamps, its integrated design is geared toward users who require a premium, full-function amplifier for larger spaces.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
386
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
9
Founding Year
2007
Our take on the brand
Manunta is a hifi brand known for unique features like their Joplin MkIII's variable gain from 0dB to 65dB and adjustable input impedance between 10 Ohm and 50 kOhm for optimal cartridge matching. Their products stand out with distinctive capabilities like infrared remote control for phono preamps, WiFi control for integrated amps, and the ability to play MQA files through their Young MkIV Rev.B DAC.
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?
Most probably the unorthodox approach to design, even when using off-the-shelf components: we love to think out of the box and give a personal view of the used components in order to reach the best sound quality for the budget. This takes us to the second appeal point for our products, which are always regarded as "sounding better than competitors' products costing more than twice as much."
What's your approach to customer support?
For warranty claims, usually, customers are required to contact the dealer who sold them the product: he's in charge for handling the claim. Whenever the warranty has expired, then the customer may either contact the dealer or directly M2Tech/Manunta. This usually happens with second-hand products. We ask customer to ship the product to Italy, we inspect it and propose a budget for repair/replacement.
Quite often, we also propose the customer to trade the old product for a newer one, usually with some addition by the customer. This is very useful with older products which are no longer reliably supported by Windows and no longer supported by MacOS. The customer is invited to take back a more recent product.
We are quite proud to state that we always service an old product, back to the ones released in 2009, to the extent this is possible, with regards to spare parts availability.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
Well, that's hard to tell, as we have a listening panel made up of people with different tastes and experience. Personally, I often use a track by Tiger Okoshi from his XRCD Two Sides To Every Story, track No. 5: “Yuki No Furu Machi O.”
Another track I like for its openness in the middle-high range and the nice soundstage is “There'll Be Some Changes Made” from Mark Knopfler and Chet Atkins’ Neck And Neck. But pay attention: I use the old Columbia CD, as all remasters I found on Qobuz and Tidal are dark and dull in comparison.
Finally, I'd mention another jazz track from a Red Records CD: The Next Step (Mantilla / Watson / Walrath / Mathews / Lundy / Lewis). It’s the first one on the CD: “Mantilla's Jam.” The entire CD is highly enjoyable, though. Then there are many more tracks, from CDs, LPs, and streaming.
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
Marco Manunta
.
Brand Page
Used
Manunta
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What if you spend more?
NAD
M66
5499
5499
/
11
Reviews
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.
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Product Strengths
- Offers a wide range of features rarely seen in a component of this type, including a high-performance DAC, analog preamplifier, BluOS streaming, Dirac Live room correction, and a high-quality phono stage
- Includes Dirac Live Bass Control for up to four independent subwoofers, allowing for optimized bass performance and integration, and Dirac Live improves clarity and bass definition
- Uses ESS Sabre DAC chips, known for wide dynamic range and low noise/distortion
- Features a modular design that lets one expand its capabilities, helping to ensure product longevity and up-to-date functionality
- Offers versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR, AES/XLR, and HDMI eARC
Product Considerations
- BluOS is limited to a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz
- Does not offer home-theater bypass, though it could be implemented in a future upgrade
- Dirac Live iPhone app not always successful at recognizing microphone
- Touchscreen does not behave in the same way as an EverSolo or a FiiO, because one cannot browse music libraries with it, it is really just for input and settings and just the kind of nitty-gritty of daily use, but not music playback
- Some found the styling a bit overdone, while others appreciated the display
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Is considered better overall than the Anthem STR due to a more sophisticated room correction system and a fully featured multiroom streaming platform with wireless capability
- Sounds more lit up top to bottom with greater avidity than PS Audio, and it better exposes surface textures, and layer separation is more easily seen
- The MC input quite clearly resolves more finer detail and it better inks tonal colors compared to the MC phono stage built into the Cambridge Audio Alva TT 2 turntable
Takeaway: The NAD M66 is a sophisticated and feature-rich streaming preamplifier, offering a versatile set of tools for audiophiles seeking precise sound reproduction and optimized bass performance. With its modular design and future-proofing capabilities, the M66 is a great choice for anyone building a high-end hifi system.
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.
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Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Incredibly saturated sound packed with information, resulting in a deep and detailed presentation
- Separate gain paths for MM and MC cartridges, optimizing performance for each
- Extremely silent and powerful signal transmission capabilities
- Offers a wide range of settings to optimize performance for any cartridge, including extensive gain and loading options, and dozens of equalization curves
- Parameters can be adjusted on the fly using a custom Mola Mola app
- Design allows it to get out of the way of the music, allowing the music to swell and breathe majestically
Product Considerations
- The new review sample took some 300 hours to stabilize
- A slight faltering of absolute pitch definition and texture below about 40-45 Hz
- Some may find the sound too neutral and challenging—preferring a more lush sound
- With so many parameters to adjust, people may use the unit's abilities as a tone control and stray away from the intended EQ curve
- There are so many options, that it may be changed too far
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier, Lupe reminded the reviewer more of their Class A GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier than the other of my references—ESE Lab Nibiru MC
- Versus ESE Lab Nibiru MC, each of those features could be pointed out as Lupe's advantages, although they were not as prominent as with Nibiru MC
Takeaway: The Mola Mola Lupe is a versatile and high-performing phono stage that delivers a sophisticated and musical sound. Its extensive features and convenient app control make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want to optimize their listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Mola Mola is recognized for bringing innovative Class D amplification to hifi through the work of renowned engineer Bruno Putzeys. Their products deliver clean and efficient performance with extremely low distortion, and their DAC is considered among the best.
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Lumin
P1
10000
10000
/
10
Reviews
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Combines a network streamer, DAC, and preamplifier with digital and analog inputs, offering versatility
- Features Leedh Processing lossless volume control, which minimizes distortion and loss of resolution, maintaining sound quality even at high attenuation levels
- High-quality build with an aluminum chassis and a well-designed internal layout, including dual toroidal transformers and a Femto Clock System
- Has three HDMI inputs with 4k passthrough and ARC (Audio Return Channel), making it work as part of a multimedia system
Product Considerations
- Analog input signals are digitized because the P1's volume control operates in the digital domain
- The Lumin app is not as graphically compelling as Roon, nor is it as easy to navigate and manage a music library
- When the volume is set at '100' or the output level is set to 'fixed,' both Leedh and the conventional volume controls are bypassed
- It appears to have no discernible colorations of its own and delivers extremely high resolution, probably more than most systems will be able to realize
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the AURALiC Aries G1.1, the P1 delivers a considerably more realistic, musical, and engaging sound
- Compared to the Copland CSA 100 amplifier, the P1 is a more musical and competent sounding player with greater resolution, extension, dynamics, and ease
Takeaway: The Lumin P1 is a versatile network player, DAC, and preamplifier offering high-quality sound and a wide range of features. It delivers a powerful and immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
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Hegel
P30A
8995
8995
/
9
Reviews
Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Allows the music to play as intended, with transparency being a key attribute
- Offers excellent control, grip, and dynamic headroom
- Fully balanced design from input to output, maximizing performance with balanced sources
- Provides a very quiet background, improving separation and detail
- Very low noise floor, revealing a lot of detail without sounding analytical
Product Considerations
- The volume control lacks a digital readout
- Minimalist design with a basic remote that some may find lacking
- There are only two XLR inputs
- The simple lines may not appeal to those seeking a visually flashy product
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Hegel H390, the P30A/H30A surpasses it, making the H390 sound inferior
- Compared to the Luxman M900U, the Hegel H30A exhibits greater soundstage depth
- Compared to the Constellation Revelation Series, the P30A/H30A revealed plenty of sonic information but didn't sound stilted or forced, though Constellation had "peer into the recording" transparency that the Hegel combo probably can't match
- Compared to older Hegel models, the newer models sound more extended and focused in the upper frequencies and are slightly warmer than neutral compared to the older versions' more apparent tilt toward warmth
Takeaway: The Hegel P30A is an excellent preamplifier that prioritizes transparency and control, letting the music shine through with exceptional detail and soundstage depth, and minimal coloration of its own. It ensures a clean, powerful, and natural presentation.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
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What competes at this price?
Manunta
Young MkIV Rev.b
2599
/
Released
The Young MkIV Rev.b is a very high quality digital/analog converter. It converts the digital signal coming from your digital sources into the analog format, which is the one accepted by amplifiers and speakers. It is also much more: it is in fact equipped with an output section with an integrated resistor network volume control and gain buffer which, together with the analogue input which the Young MkIV is also equipped with, make it a real preamplifier capable of directly driving a power amplifier.
Manunta is a hifi brand known for unique features like their Joplin MkIII's variable gain from 0dB to 65dB and adjustable input impedance between 10 Ohm and 50 kOhm for optimal cartridge matching. Their products stand out with distinctive capabilities like infrared remote control for phono preamps, WiFi control for integrated amps, and the ability to play MQA files through their Young MkIV Rev.B DAC.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A big jump in detail resolution, precision, and clarity is offered, making the decay on piano far more obvious
- Excellent depth of image is delivered, and is a tremendously fluent and well-timed converter
- There is a relaxed, calm presentation with excellent depth of tone and finely nuanced detail
- A very decent preamplifier section is featured, comparable to standalone preamplifiers at its price point
- App control is available via Bluetooth for adjusting various parameters
Product Considerations
- The included wall-wart power supply is the basic option, with an upgraded power supply (Van Der Graaf MkII) available separately
- Styling is straightforward, and the unit is presented in a small box, which may not convey its capabilities
Takeaway: The Young MkIV is a remarkably good sounding and capable DAC and preamplifier with many features that offers great value for the sound quality it delivers. It is an audiophile bargain especially when combined with the upgrade power supply.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Manunta is a hifi brand known for unique features like their Joplin MkIII's variable gain from 0dB to 65dB and adjustable input impedance between 10 Ohm and 50 kOhm for optimal cartridge matching. Their products stand out with distinctive capabilities like infrared remote control for phono preamps, WiFi control for integrated amps, and the ability to play MQA files through their Young MkIV Rev.B DAC.
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Cambridge Audio
Edge NQ
4999
/
Released
Impressively revealing – our most detailed pre-amplifier and network player with StreamMagic award-winning streaming built-in, hand-picked components, and built-in DAC with digital inputs including TV ARC and Bluetooth aptX HD.
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exemplary build quality, with a visually pleasing design
- The StreamMagic app is well-made and capable, offering a good user experience
- Delivers music in an extremely lifelike manner, limited more by the source than its own limitations
- Offers a strong musical sense of rhythm across all inputs, contributing to a well-rounded performance
- Presents a clear, bold, and spacious presentation
Product Considerations
- The volume dial may be slightly loose
- Lacks a phono analog input
- The acceptance angle of the remote sensor is limited
- The USB has trouble with large music collections
- The high frequencies can be bright with the system
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Musical Fidelity M8Xi: The M8Xi has more power output and exhibits more control over loudspeakers, but lacks the built-in streaming of the Edge NQ
- Vs Naim electronics: The Edge system is neutral, and not as warm as the Naim electronics
- Vs Gold Note DS-10: Provides a bigger soundstage and more detail
- Vs PS Audio DSD Jr: The Cambridge Audio Edge NQ and the PS Audio DSD Jr are sonically comparable, but the NQ delivers more precise lateral focus
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Edge NQ is a versatile, well-designed preamplifier and network streamer that delivers high-quality sound. It provides an enjoyable listening experience, making it a great choice for those seeking both performance and elegant aesthetics.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
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Primare
SP25 Prisma
4985
/
Released
2022
The SP25 Prisma is a multi-channel processor designed for both cinephile and audiophile, composed of carefully considered and crafted features and functionality to provide the best home cinema experience for the greatest number of people.
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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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The SP25 Prisma includes 4K dynamic HDR switching and eARC
- Eleven channels of processing and preamplification
- Dual eight channel DAC chips allow for unique digital to analogue conversion, allocating four channels of conversion when delivering signal to the pair of front left and right analogue outputs
- Versatile, with single ended analog inputs, USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, and HDMI inputs
- Prisma streamer, wired and wireless
Product Considerations
- Good surround sound gets expensive fast
- Operation and setup can be complex
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The SP25 Prisma lacks the power amplifiers of the SPA25 Prisma, making it only an AV processor or preamplifier
Takeaway: The SP25 Prisma is designed for cinephiles and audiophiles. It provides the best home cinema experience with carefully considered features and functionality.
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.
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Holo Audio
Serene
2698
/
Released
2021
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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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Highly detailed, clear, and clean sound with musicality, but without sterility
- The KTE version includes a beautiful aluminum remote
- Truth, neutrality, and accuracy, making it fun to listen to music
- Enhanced spatial presentation, adding force and rhythmic nuance
- First class build quality
- It does not have a built-in DAC or phono preamp
Product Considerations
- The buttons on the remote are a bit loose
- It is not possible to directly select inputs, it is necessary to click through
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to ModWright LS-99, the Serene KTE is more accurate and neutral, while the ModWright LS-99 is juicier
- Compared to Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL, the Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL added more midrange warmth and flavor
Takeaway: The Serene is a preamplifier that offers a clean and neutral sound, and it is excellent for those who want to hear the sound of other components without coloration. It is built with high-quality components.
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.
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AGD
Alto MKII
4999
/
Released
AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fully balanced design provides less noise and coloration to the sound.
- Supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) phono cartridges with a high-performance phono stage.
- Passive ladder volume control with precision resistors provides superior channel separation, low distortion, and high signal integrity.
- Superior noise performance and extended bandwidth, with a very low THD+N and wide frequency response.
- Large, high-resolution display is visible from a distance
Product Considerations
- Limited features for its price, lacking an internal DAC, room correction, or bass management.
- Small, non-standard form factor might not match other hifi equipment aesthetically.
- Limited to one balanced input and one balanced output.
- Reviewers noted a chintzy plastic remote that needs to be synced.
- Sensitive to cable changes and may exhibit high-frequency noise if XLR cables are not connected
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Alto was equal in sonic performance to the Amped America AAP-1, but the AAP-1 has dead-neutral tonality.
- There is not a lot missing between the Alto and the Bricasti Design M20 preamplifier in terms of sound, but at a little more than double the price, the Bricasti Design M20 had better dynamics and ultra-fine resolution.
- Both the Alto and the Pass Labs XP-12 stereo preamp are very high-end stereo preamps that do just that—do what they say on the box.
- Trilogy's set emerged rounder, bloomier, more massive, and atmospheric against the quick snappy team AGD that prioritized dynamics, outlines, clarity, and had its spatial projections sensibly more oxygenated.
- The Alto is like the Anthem without the DAC and streamer.
Takeaway: The Alto preamplifier is well-engineered to provide clean, high-quality sound, and it's a good choice for audiophiles who prioritize core preamp functions. It offers great performance for vinyl and digital sources when additional features aren't needed.
Video review
Our take on the brand
AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
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