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
- Wide and deep soundstage
- Remarkably realistic tonal balance, octave to octave, rendering tonality and texture with remarkable accuracy, substance, and faithfulness across the entire audio spectrum
- Simple loading options, with impedance values selected by a front panel rotary switch, avoiding DIP switches
- Gain switch on the front (0 dB, -6 dB and -12 dB) allows matching other sources or using the preamp the way you want
- Very quiet operation—low noise floor
Product Considerations
- Mono/stereo switch is located on the back panel, which can be inconvenient
- Some reviewers found the overall fit and finish to have an industrial feel rather than swish and silky
- Less 'plug 'n' play' than most, seemingly favouring low-to-mid output MCs
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Allnic Audio H-1202 Phono Stage—the PH 9.0 performs comparatively well and is less expensive
- Vs ModWright PH 150 Reference—customers are getting 90% of the performance of the PH 150 for less
Takeaway: The PH 9.0 is a gifted phono stage with beautifully detailed sounds from all dynamic levels and enough gain for any cartridge. It offers great sound and adaptability, making it a remarkable audiophile deal.
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
PH 9.0
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
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- MC Gain: 64dB (58dB, 52dB)
- MM Gain: 52dB (46dB, 40dB)
- Gain Adjust: 0, -6dB, -12dB
- MC Loading: 10-20-50-100-250-470
- MM Loading: 47K fixed
- Frequency: 20Hz – 50Khz (+/-.2dB)
- Tubes: (2)6C45, (2)6922/6dj8/7308
- Power Supply: External, solid state
- Phono Dimensions: 10"Wx10"Dx4"H
- Power Supply Dimensions: 7"Wx9"Dx3"H
- Power Umbilical: 4-pin XLR, 6 ft
Description
We are excited to present the new PH 9.0 Tube Phono stage with on-the-fly loading and attenuation controls. Following in the footsteps and true Design DNA of the Reference PH 150, the PH 9.0 offers most of the same performance and flexibility of the PH 150 at a much lower price and smaller form factor. The rise of interest in vinyl has led to demand for flexible, high performance phono stages to make the most of ALL of our vinyl. The PH 9.0 is quiet, musical, physically compact and flexible enough to suit the simplest to the most complex analog rigs!
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:
- ModWright offers custom modifications, allowing them to leverage deep insight into component behavior and provide tailored solutions.
- The brand stands out by implementing a hybrid design philosophy, often blending tube preamplifiers with solid-state power amplifiers to achieve a balance of sonic characteristics.
- ModWright uses custom-designed "Truth" capacitors, reflecting a high level of vertical integration and quality control in key components.
- For phono products, they offer user-adjustable front panel controls for gain, capacitance, and resistance, facilitating cartridge matching and sonic fine-tuning.
Select products
Select product comparisons
PH-150:
- Positioning: The entry-level phono stage designed for affordable vinyl playback.
- Description: Offers a straightforward design optimized for small rooms and basic phono use, featuring a low-noise circuit aimed at preserving the delicate sound of vinyl signals. Compared to the LS and hybrid models, it lacks advanced tube warmth and integrated functionality, making it ideal for buyers with modest budgets and simple connectivity needs.
LS-100 Tube Preamp:
- Positioning: A tube preamplifier aimed at enthusiasts seeking classic tube warmth at a moderate price point.
- Description: Provides the warm, musical character of a traditional tube circuit and is optimized for setups in small to medium-sized rooms. Relative to the balanced LS-99 and the hybrid KWH-225i, it offers simpler tube circuitry without the added features of balanced outputs or integrated functions.
LS-99 Balanced Tube Preamp:
- Positioning: A balanced tube preamplifier that advances stereo separation with refined tube character.
- Description: Uses a balanced circuit design to deliver improved channel separation and a more precise soundstage, suited for users aiming for detailed musical reproduction in moderate spaces. In comparison to the LS-100, it offers enhanced balance and build quality, though it does not incorporate the extra integration features found in the hybrid KWH-225i.
KWH-225i Hybrid Integrated:
- Positioning: A versatile hybrid amplifier that combines tube warmth with solid-state performance for broader functionality.
- Description: Merges tube preamplification with solid-state power, achieving a sound that is both warm and detailed, making it well-suited for varied room sizes and connectivity demands. Compared with the LS series' pure tube approach, it offers extra integrated inputs and technical sophistication.
KWA-99 Monoblocks:
- Positioning: A high-end monoblock amplifier pair engineered for powerful output and precise stereo imaging in premium systems.
- Description: Features advanced monoblock design that delivers robust power and exceptional channel separation, making them ideal for larger rooms and demanding listener setups. When measured against the integrated and preamp models, they stand out with superior build quality and performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
11
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
225
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
11
Founding Year
2000
Our take on the brand
ModWright Instruments, born from founder Dan Wright's background in modifying audio gear, specializes in tube-based equipment including their signature Analog Bridge, which adds tube warmth without typical tube limitations. Their product line includes highly configurable phono stages and amplifiers that combine tube and FET hybrid technology, with many models allowing for tube rolling to customize the sound signature.
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Our interview with the brand
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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Used
ModWright
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
ModWright
LS 99
7056
7056
/
3
Reviews
ModWright Instruments, born from founder Dan Wright's background in modifying audio gear, specializes in tube-based equipment including their signature Analog Bridge, which adds tube warmth without typical tube limitations. Their product line includes highly configurable phono stages and amplifiers that combine tube and FET hybrid technology, with many models allowing for tube rolling to customize the sound signature.
Expand Details
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Product Strengths
- Offers a balance of detail and clarity, allowing for tonal shaping with tube rolling
- Delivers depth, detail and clarity, without sacrificing transparency and provides the ability to shape the tonal presentation with different tubes
- Very quiet for a tube preamplifier, with no noticeable tube hiss or noise
Product Considerations
- The remote control feels cheap and is not very user-friendly
- Placement relative to its external power supply requires consideration due to potential RF interference
- The stock tubes might be too clean sounding for some listeners looking for a more romantic or vintage sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Manley Jumbo Shrimp: Cleaner and more hifi, while the Jumbo Shrimp has a fuller—more romantic—presentation
- Vs. Holo Audio Serene: Sounds more open, spacious, and dimensional, while the Serene sounds clearer but flatter
- Vs. Linear Tube Audio Micro Zodal: The Micro Zodal is livelier and more dynamic, while the LS-99 adds more body to the music
- Vs. Naim stack: Offers more excitement regardless of listening level with more incisive drive, a quicker transient step, and a dash more color to timbre
- Vs. ModWright LS300: Offers 95% of the performance of the flagship LS300
Takeaway: The ModWright LS-99 tube preamplifier can bring a special and engaging quality to music, creating a more immersive listening experience with meticulous build quality. It could be a good choice for audiophiles looking to add a touch of tube magic to their systems.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ModWright Instruments, born from founder Dan Wright's background in modifying audio gear, specializes in tube-based equipment including their signature Analog Bridge, which adds tube warmth without typical tube limitations. Their product line includes highly configurable phono stages and amplifiers that combine tube and FET hybrid technology, with many models allowing for tube rolling to customize the sound signature.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
ModWright
PH 9.0X
4750
/
Released
2021
We are excited to present the new PH 9.0 Tube Phono stage with on-the-fly loading and attenuation controls. Following in the footsteps and true Design DNA of the Reference PH 150, the PH 9.0 offers most of the same performance and flexibility of the PH 150 at a much lower price and smaller form factor. The rise of interest in vinyl has led to demand for flexible, high performance phono stages to make the most of ALL of our vinyl. The PH 9.0 is quiet, musical, physically compact and flexible enough to suit the simplest to the most complex analog rigs!
ModWright Instruments, born from founder Dan Wright's background in modifying audio gear, specializes in tube-based equipment including their signature Analog Bridge, which adds tube warmth without typical tube limitations. Their product line includes highly configurable phono stages and amplifiers that combine tube and FET hybrid technology, with many models allowing for tube rolling to customize the sound signature.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sounds emerge more dynamically and with more authority
- More scale, even more organic and satisfyingly epic bass
- Imaging took a distinctive step forward, with auditory soundstage cues popping out more tangibly and with a more natural sounding decay
- Removes itself further from the signal path, seeming to adapt to program material and disappear with greater ease
- Portrays great recordings on great playback gear more invisibly
Product Considerations
- The upgrade requires sending the original PH 9.0 back for modifications
- The original PH 9.0 was decidedly a little cooler and more neutral than some other options
- The original PH 9.0 sounded like a smooth piece of gear
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The upgrade makes the original PH9.0 less smooth
- It was a little cooler and more neutral than the Manley Steelhead RC
- The circuit change made to it make it much closer to the PH 150 in terms of overall circuit design
Takeaway: The ModWright PH 9.0X upgrade brings more dynamic sounds and organic bass, improving the imaging. It invisibly portrays great recordings on great playback gear, making it a worthwhile upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
ModWright Instruments, born from founder Dan Wright's background in modifying audio gear, specializes in tube-based equipment including their signature Analog Bridge, which adds tube warmth without typical tube limitations. Their product line includes highly configurable phono stages and amplifiers that combine tube and FET hybrid technology, with many models allowing for tube rolling to customize the sound signature.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
Expand Details
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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