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

  • It uses four 12AX7A valves, two per channel with stainless steel individual cage surrounds
  • Delivers deep and dynamic sound, while retaining clarity in the mids and a sweet, yet detailed treble
  • It can separate instruments and vocals, at the same time preserving the coherence of the mix
  • Detailed, dynamic, and very musical
  • Has five analogue inputs, 1 on XLR, 2 on RCA, and user adjustable MM and MC inputs also on RCA

Product Considerations

  • The reviewer had issues selecting XLR inputs initially, which required a factory reset
  • The sound was initially warmer than the reviewer remembered from other McIntosh products
  • Probably not for heavy metal aficionados, and not for those that like crisp clarity over a warmer style
  • It can be overly warm if paired with certain cables

Takeaway: The C8 is a detailed and dynamic preamplifier that combines tubes and solid-state, so it can deliver a great listening experience if one is looking for a musical pre-amp. It has flexible connectivity, and it may be just what one is looking for as a long-term investment.

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

C8

reviews

[{"title":"McIntosh C8 preamp and MC 830-1 Monobloc Power Amps","link":"https://www.referenceaudio.co.uk/news/mcintosh-c8-preamp-and-mc-830-1-monobloc-power-amps","source":"Reference Audio","datePublished":""},{"title":"McIntosh C8 Pre Driving Yamaha A-S1100 Amp vs. 1100 Integrated Alone; Stereopolice Opines at End","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfxBw87tLMA","source":"stereopolice","datePublished":"2024"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Number of Channels: 2
  • Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.08%
  • Frequency Response: +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz, +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz
  • Maximum Volts Out (Balanced/Unbalanced): 16V RMS / 8V RMS
  • Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level): 95dB
  • Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Coil): 75dB
  • Signal To Noise Ratio (Moving Magnet): 80dB
  • Input Impedance (Balanced/Unbalanced): 44K ohm, 22K ohm
  • Power Consumption: 50 Watts
  • Unit Dimensions (W x H x D): 12-9/32" x 7-5/8" x 16-1/4" (31.2cm x 19.4cm x 41.3cm)
  • Unit Weight: 18 lbs (8.2 kg)
  • Shipping Weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
The C8 Vacuum Tube Preamplifier has an open chassis industrial design similar to our popular MC275 Vacuum Tube Amplifier, and MA252 and MA352 Integrated Amplifiers. When combined with an amplifier (like the matching MC830 Amplifier), source components such as a turntable, CD player (see the matching MCD85 SACD/CD Player) or streaming music player, and a pair of speakers, it can help deliver a lifelike audio experience in your home.
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:

  • McIntosh products blend classic, retro aesthetics, reminiscent of their 1970s designs, with modern materials and cutting-edge internal components, offering a unique visual appeal.
  • The brand's amplifiers are known for their substantial power output, often exceeding specifications, and their ability to drive a wide range of speakers across varying impedance levels due to their unique Autoformer technology.
  • McIntosh offers a high degree of customization and control through features like multi-band equalizers, adjustable input sensitivity, and advanced settings accessible via dedicated apps or web interfaces.
  • They distinguish themselves with a focus on long-term reliability and customer satisfaction, with products built to last for decades and supported by a dedicated dealer network.

MHT300

  • Positioning: Positioned as a versatile home theater receiver in McIntosh's lineup, suitable for custom installations or standalone display.
  • Description: Supports 8K/60Hz and 4K/120Hz video, making it ideal for modern home theaters. Unlike other McIntosh products, it offers 7.2 channel audio with expandability to 7.2.4, providing flexibility for future upgrades. This makes it perfect for users looking to integrate advanced video capabilities and immersive audio in a custom home theater setup.

MHA200

  • Positioning: A compact, high-quality headphone amplifier designed for personal audio enthusiasts.
  • Description: Uses vacuum tube amplification, delivering a warm and detailed sound that is distinct from solid-state amplifiers like the MC462. Its compact size and multiple impedance settings make it versatile for various headphone types.

MC462

  • Positioning: A powerful stereo amplifier, offering robust performance for high-end home audio systems.
  • Description: Features a Quad Balanced design with McIntosh Autoformers, providing 450 Watts per channel with low distortion. Compared to the MC1502, it offers a solid-state solution with increased dynamic headroom.

MC1502

  • Positioning: A high-power vacuum tube amplifier, ideal for audiophiles seeking classic tube sound.
  • Description: Delivers 150 Watts per channel using vacuum tubes, offering a rich, warm sound that contrasts with the solid-state clarity of the MC462. Its Unity Coupled Circuit ensures consistent performance across various speaker impedances.

MC901

  • Positioning: A unique dual mono amplifier, combining both vacuum tube and solid-state technologies.
  • Description: Integrates a 300 Watt vacuum tube amplifier with a 600 Watt solid-state amplifier, providing the best of both worlds for bi-amping loudspeakers. This hybrid approach is unlike any other McIntosh product.

MC21KW

  • Positioning: A flagship monoblock amplifier, representing the pinnacle of McIntosh's power amplification.
  • Description: Delivers 2,000 Watts of power, making it suitable for the most demanding audio setups. Its tri-chassis design and advanced technologies like Autoformer and Power Guard set it apart from other amplifiers.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
543
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
2
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
77
Founding Year
1949

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.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
McIntosh
C2800
9000
9000
/
3
Reviews
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Wide range of inputs, including digital (USB, HDMI ARC, optical, coax) and analog (RCA, XLR, phono)
  • McIntosh has kept the classic blue and green look
  • An app for iOS and Android is available for setup and control
  • High drive headphone amplifier and HXD technology add dimension to the headphone listening experience
  • Excellent performance with no sign of valve quirkiness

Product Considerations

  • Setting up a turntable requires entering stylus details
  • Complex array of connections and settings may not appeal to users seeking a minimalist design

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs C55: The C2800 is a tube preamplifier, while the C55 is solid-state, with a multiband equalizer, at the same price point

Takeaway: The McIntosh C2800 is a versatile preamp with lots of connectivity and flexible features, allowing for a rich and bold listening experience. With its blend of clarity and focus, it delivers exceptional performance and user-friendly operation.

Video review

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
McIntosh
C55
9000
9000
/
2
Reviews
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Richer, denser, and harmonically more expressive sound than previous models, having a warmer and sweeter sound reminiscent of earlier McIntosh products
  • Emotionally engages the listener, drawing them into the music and making them feel more involved
  • Excellent build quality and distinctive McIntosh design ethic makes it visually appealing
  • Can be controlled via the Connect app, offering convenient access to functions
  • Boasts 16 inputs: 7 analogue, 2 phono, 7 digital

Product Considerations

  • It is big and not minimalist
  • The numerical displays were different when measuring the output of the pre-amplifiers, so if the C-53 was set at 40, the C-55 would have to be adjusted to 44-45 to get the same output level to the amplifiers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the C53, the C55 sounds richer, rounder, denser—and more forgiving

Takeaway: The C55 is a high-quality preamplifier that offers a richer, warmer sound and greater emotional engagement compared to previous models. It is packed with features and user-friendly, making it a great centerpiece for any high-end audio system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
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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Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Mola Mola
Lupe
9850
9850
/
10
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

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.
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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.
Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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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.
Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Holo Audio
Serene
2698
/
Released
2021
Check Amazon
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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
AGD
Alto MKII
4999
/
Released
Check Amazon
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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
KECES
S4
3999
/
Released
Single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology and demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter.
Check Amazon
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

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Includes an Optical Phono Stage, which is a bargain compared to other products with just optical capabilities
  • Clean and natural sound, with the internal phono stage being more than adequate for most setups
  • Well-built with excellent quality inputs, including Neutrik XLR connectors, and a machined aluminum remote
  • Excellent value for money, considering its build quality, features, and sound quality
  • Features a built-in dedicated headphone amplifier, with the headphone output offering a good, clean, and natural sound

Product Considerations

  • Only provides a single set of RCA inputs, though it has two XLR inputs
  • Dip switches on the rear for determining the cartridge type are not as user-friendly as a switch
  • LEDs on the front of the power supply and amp are very bright and can be distracting in a dark room
  • High gain may not be suitable for high-sensitivity speakers, and a tiny amount of noise may be audible with sensitive speakers when nothing is playing
  • Placement could prove tricky for some due to size

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Phono stages are more forgiving compared to Yamaha, and every album sounded better than on the Yamaha
  • It is a bargain compared to Pro-Ject, which does not do optical and does not have two balanced inputs

Takeaway: The KECES S4 is a versatile and well-built preamp with a clean, natural sound and an impressive phono stage, including a rare optical cartridge input. It offers value and can be the heart of a high-quality hifi system.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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