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
- Google Chromecast is supported, easy to set up, and provides seamless integration with many online music streaming services, allowing streaming from Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and Spotify
- A neutral sound field is offered and is capable of very loud sound reinforcement without strain
- A moving magnet phono stage is included, offering a sonic highlight and is rare in digitally-oriented components
- A Class D amplifier design is employed that offers high dynamic current capability with extremely low total harmonic distortion and is energy efficient, creating very little heat
- The amplifier supports connectivity with a wide range of music sources
Product Considerations
- The provided plastic remote is small, directional, and easily lost
- The front panel display is hard to read at a distance
- While the amp has enough life to not sound dull, it struggles to be truly exciting
- The built-in phono stage may not be suitable for larger rooms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Unison Research 'Simply Italy'—the NAD C338 is more neutral, whereas the Simply Italy is colored and enriched with midrange harmonics
- The onboard DAC performs similarly to the Cambridge CXA60 dual Wolfson DACs, with a slight loss of definition and air
- It does not match the class-leading sound quality of the Rega Brio/Cambridge CXA60
- It is outperformed by the other NAD Integrated amplifiers, like the D3020 V2/M32 Masters Series
- The Hegel H95 provides sound separation and bass handling that excels past it
- The Audiolab M-One provides more fun and excitement, but misses some of the flexibility in it
Takeaway: The NAD C338 is a versatile amplifier with streaming capabilities and a neutral sound, offering an easy and enjoyable listening experience with a wide range of music sources. Its ability to easily integrate into a modern, streaming-focused setup makes it a worthwhile choice.
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
C 338
reviews
[{"title":"Review: NAD C338 Hybrid Digital Integrated Amplifier","link":"https://wallofsound.ca/audioreviews/digital/review-nad-c338-hybrid-digital-integrated-amplifier","source":"Wall of Sound","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"NAD C 338 review (or why you should care about Chromecast Built-in)","link":"https://darko.audio/2020/09/nad-c-338-review-or-why-you-should-care-about-chromecast-built-in","source":"Darko Audio","datePublished":"2020"},{"title":"NAD C 338 review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/nad/c-338/review","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"NAD C 338 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier Reviewed","link":"https://futureaudiophile.com/nad-c-338-hybrid-digital-dac-amplifier-reviewed","source":"Future Audiophile","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"NAD C 338 Hybrid Digital Wireless Streaming DAC-Integrated Amplifier","link":"https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1102-nad-c338-hybrid-digital-wireless-streaming-dac-integrated-amplifier","source":"SoundStage! Hi-Fi","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"NAD C338 Integrated Amplifier Review","link":"https://www.avforums.com/reviews/nad-c338-integrated-stereo-hifi-amplifier-review.14140","source":"AVForums","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"NAD C 338 Hybrid Digital Integrated Amplifier Review","link":"https://hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/integrated-amplifiers/nad-c-338-hybrid-digital-integrated-amplifier-review","source":"Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"Review: NAD C338","link":"https://blog.son-video.com/en/2017/05/review-nad-c338","source":"Son-Vidéo","datePublished":"2017"},{"title":"NAD C338 Review: Wireless Giant Killer","link":"https://www.lbtechreviews.com/test/hi-fi/nad-c338","source":"LB Tech Reviews","datePublished":"2019"},{"title":"A GREAT Starter Amplifier! NAD Integrated Amplifier • NAD C 338 Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yRHFgSSeek","source":"Andrew Robinson","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"NAD C338 Amplifier Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71TKZ29YuHw","source":"A British Audiophile","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Hegel Killer? An Integrated Amp for Android at an Affordable Price - NAD C338 Amp Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llsREqZAO84","source":"cheapaudioman","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"NAD C 368(80 watts) vs NAD C 338(50 watts) With KEF LS50 Meta. Do You Need Extra Power?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mPf5RGDRzU","source":"cheapaudioman","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"Can you feel the difference? COMPARISON - NAD C338 integrated Amplifier VS Cambridge Audio CXA61","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIRrHh_54Jc","source":"planetofsoundhifi","datePublished":"2022"}]
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
- Continuous Power: 50W x 2 into 8 or 4 Ohms
- IHF Dynamic Power: 90W/150W/200W into 8/4/2 Ohms
- THD (20Hz-20kHz): <0.03% (250mW to 50W, 8 Ohm and 4 Ohm)
- Signal/Noise Ratio: >98dB (A-weighted, 500mV input ref. 1W out in 8 Ohm)
- Frequency Response: ±0.3 dB (20Hz-20kHz)
- Channel Separation: >75dB at 1kHz, >65dB at 10kHz
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 435 x 70 x 285mm (17 1/8 x 2 13/16 x 11 1/4)"
- Net Weight: 4.85kg (10.7lb)
- Shipping Weight: 5.85kg (12.9lb)
Description
The C 338 adds big sound to your favourite music sources and brings incredible flexibility to any stereo system. With Spotify Connect ® , Bluetooth ® , and the first-ever hi-fi amplifier to have built-in Chromecast ® , the C 338 allows you to stream and cast music directly from any music streaming app, letting you enjoy your music wirelessly.
The C 338 adds big sound to your favourite music sources and brings incredible flexibility to any stereo system. With Spotify Connect®, Bluetooth®, and the first-ever hi-fi amplifier to have built-in Chromecast®, the C 338 allows you to stream and cast music directly from any music streaming app, letting you enjoy your music wirelessly. Add a turntable using the phono input and experience the warmth of vinyl collections with the room-filling sound of NAD’s HybridDigital™ amp technology.
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:
- NAD focuses on delivering high power and good sound at a reasonable price point, reflecting a core tenet of the brand's philosophy.
- NAD uses Class D amplification, specifically Purifi Eigentakt or Hypex nCore modules, to deliver efficient and cool-running performance.
- BluOS integration allows NAD products to be part of a multi-room audio system that allows one to explore music services without speculation.
Select products
Select product comparisons
C 379 Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier:
- Positioning: Part of NAD's Classic Series, offering a balance of performance and value.
- Description: Features HybridDigital UcD amplification and ESS SABRE DAC, providing exceptional sonic detail and clarity. Compared to the C 3050, it offers more power and digital connectivity options, making it suitable for larger rooms and those seeking advanced streaming capabilities.
C 3050 Stereophonic Amplifier:
- Positioning: A retro-inspired model in the Classic Series, blending vintage design with modern technology.
- Description: With its HybridDigital UcD amplifier and Texas Instruments DAC, delivers a warm, detailed sound. It offers a more traditional aesthetic compared to the C 379, appealing to those who value classic design and straightforward functionality without extensive digital features.
M10 V3 BluOS Streaming Amplifier:
- Positioning: A compact, high-performance streaming amplifier in the Masters Series, designed for modern music streaming.
- Description: Combines a powerful amplifier with BluOS streaming, offering a sleek design and versatile connectivity. It is more compact and stylish than the C 399.
M33 BluOS Streaming DAC Amplifier:
- Positioning: NAD's flagship streaming amplifier in the Masters Series, offering top-tier performance and features.
- Description: Uses Purifi Eigentakt amplification and advanced Dirac Live room correction, delivering outstanding sound quality. It offers more power and sophisticated room correction than the M10 V3.
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Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
295
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
6
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
41
Founding Year
1972
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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Our interview with the brand
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Used
NAD
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
NAD
C 700
1349
1349
/
16
Reviews
The way people discover and experience music has shifted profoundly. Today’s listeners can stream music from vast catalogues over the Internet, often with better sound quality than discs can deliver. To simplify music selection, streaming services offer discovery tools like curated playlists and recommendation engines. Wireless multi-room audio lets listeners enjoy music throughout their homes. The NAD C 700 BluOS Streaming Amplifier is a compact, “just add speakers” solution that embraces all the possibilities of the streaming age, offering state-of-the-art amplification that will transport you to your favourite musical destination.
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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Our summary
Product Strengths
- BluOS integration offers a slick interface with robust functionality, lossless streaming, and great sound quality
- Compact form factor and lightweight design make it easy to place in various settings
- The 5-inch color display shows album art and track information, contributing to a sleek and sophisticated user experience
- HDMI eARC input allows for easy connection to smart TVs for enhanced audio
- A wide array of connectivity options is available, including digital and analog inputs, pre-outs, and a subwoofer output
Product Considerations
- Lacks a phono stage input for direct connection of turntables without a preamp
- Not a touchscreen
- May sound flat or experience coloration at its peak volume levels
- May lack the macro dynamics of a more powerful amplifier—better suited for efficient speakers and smaller rooms
- Some reviewers found it does not pause playback from the main unit, only mutes it
Takeaway: The NAD C 700 is a versatile streaming amplifier with a compact design and a wide range of features, making it a great option for those seeking a simple way to enjoy high-resolution music. Its intuitive BluOS platform and various connectivity options make it a convenient centerpiece for a modern audio setup
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
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NAD
C 3050
1399
1399
/
12
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
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Retro design takes cues from the NAD 3030
- Modern features include HDMI eARC, digital inputs, phono input, and Bluetooth
- Can be expanded with an optional module to add BluOS streaming and Dirac room correction
- The BluOS app is easy to use and gives access to many streaming services
Product Considerations
- The 'wood' finish is often a vinyl wrap instead of real wood
- Limited analog line ins compared to older amplifiers
- The infinite volume rotary makes it difficult to set precise listening levels
- Dirac Live room correction is limited to 500Hz without purchasing the full version
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Technics SU-GX70: The Technics is more expensive, has a modern look, and a solid DAC, but has less power and no built-in streamer
- Vs NAD C700: The C700 has BluOS built-in, but less power and no room correction
Takeaway: The NAD C3050 is a great-sounding amplifier with a vintage look that's packed with modern features like streaming and room correction. For those seeking an amplifier that combines excellent sound quality with retro aesthetics and contemporary technology, it is a worthwhile option.
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
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NAD
C 399
2199
2199
/
7
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
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Features NAD's HYPEX N-Core amplifier, previously only available on the Master Series, offering high performance
- Nice and clean sound with good detail
- Bass has extra extension and a snappy feel
- MDC2 architecture allows for upgrades, making the unit future-proof
- Handles a wide variety of music well, and can power inefficient speakers
Product Considerations
- Class D amplifiers, such as the C 399, can go quickly from no clipping to straight clipping when clipping, so it's important to watch out for that to avoid damaging equipment
- Lacks a USB DAC input
- The HDMI eARC port can be erratic and may require rebooting the unit
- The chassis has a modestly built aesthetic, and the front-panel display is small
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The C399 essentially combines the C658 and the C298 into a single chassis
- The C399 has more depth in the bass and more power than the NAD C368
- The C399 can deliver more power for less money, in a more traditional looking chassis, while the NAD M10v2 has superior styling and build
- The C399 provides better bluetooth conectivity and is superior with the MDC2 BluOS-D, while the Parasound Hint 6 has a leg up on the NAD for analog audiophiles
Takeaway: The NAD C 399 is a value driven amplifier that can power difficult speakers and offers a clean sound that handles everything well. It gives a lot of tech for the money, especially with the MDC cards.
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
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NAD
M10 V2
1699
1699
/
7
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
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The NAD M10 V2 is a versatile 'all-in-one' device combining a streamer, DAC, and amplifier into a compact unit
- Excellent sound quality–described as clean, clear, detailed, dynamic, and balanced
- BluOS app is easy to use and has a wide range of streaming service support
- The seven-inch color LCD touchscreen is visually appealing and functional
- Dirac Live room correction improves soundstage, clarity, and bass response by smoothing frequency response and correcting impulse
- It lacks center channel support when using the HDMI input for home theater
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers found the initial Dirac setup a bit cumbersome
- The binding posts are reported as inconvenient when using spades
- The bass lower octave is a little bit lacking compared to dedicated units
- The touchscreen is prone to fingerprints
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio EVO 150, both have similar setup, M10 V2 provides Dirac room correction
- Vs Arcam SA-30, M10 V2 offers better design, a nicer screen, and Dirac Live is more user friendly in Lyngdorf
- Vs NAD C700, the M10 V2 features higher-end amplification, a better finish, and Dirac Live
Takeaway: The NAD M10 V2 is a compact, feature-rich streaming amplifier that sounds great and looks good. It simplifies your setup and offers a modern listening experience with its versatile features.
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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What competes at this price?
NAD
AMP1
660
/
Released
2022
The AMP1 adds big sound to your favourite music sources and brings incredible flexibility to any stereo system. This hi-fi amplifier has Chromecast built-in, and allows you to stream and cast music directly from a mobile device or any music streaming app, letting you enjoy your music wirelessly. With Bluetooth® also natively integrated, the AMP1 can wirelessly connect to any smart phone, tablet, or Bluetooth-enabled device within range so you seamlessly stream your favourite music apps or libraries in high-fidelity.
NAD Electronics pioneered affordable hifi equipment by focusing on essential features for good sound, with their classic NAD 3020 becoming the best-selling hifi amplifier in history. Their Masters Series features DirectDigital technology, the world's first closed-loop digital amplification that corrects output every 10 nanoseconds.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Warm, rich, and inviting sound with a good midrange focus and fine sound bottom
- Easy to use and connect to the network via Chromecast streaming
- Includes turntable input for MM pickups, plus an analogue line input and a preamp output
Product Considerations
- Not among the most powerful amps and can loosen its grip when the volume is cranked up
- May not shine quite so much upwards in the harmonics
- Doesn't have an Ethernet connector, so it needs to be somewhere with good Wi-Fi coverage
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Sonos Amp—the NAD Amp1 sounds better
Takeaway: The NAD Amp1 is easy to use and offers a pleasant listening experience with a warm sound. If you want a small amplifier with Chromecast streaming and turntable input, this could be a great fit.
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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Chord Electronics
Mojo 2
650
/
Released
2022
The British designed and built Mojo 2 is the most advanced portable DAC and headphone amplifier in the world today. Winner of Best DAC (£300-£500) in the What Hi-Fi? Awards 2022, the Mojo 2 is entirely engineered around a powerful, custom-coded FPGA processor and benefits from several unique technologies.
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved battery management offering faster charging rates and better efficiency than its predecessor
- Features a new USB-C data input for greater flexibility alongside other inputs
- Offers the world's first lossless DSP for tone adjustments without degrading sound quality, providing customization options
- Excellent resolution and dynamics with a large soundstage and extreme detail
Product Considerations
- The Mojo 2 can get warm when in a pocket for a period of time
- Complicated menu navigation with color-coded buttons that may require the manual
- Still uses Micro-USB for charging, which some find outdated
Takeaway: The Chord Mojo 2 is an exceptional DAC/headphone amplifier for those seeking high-resolution audio and customized sound in a portable format that is easy to move. Its sonic accuracy, detailed soundstage, and improved features provide a versatile and enjoyable listening experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for audio enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
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iFi
xDSD Gryphon
599
/
Released
2021
On the desk or in your pocket, be ready for anything. Packed with award-winning features and functionality, the xDSD Gryphon takes the best tech from our desktop DACs to create a portable DAC/Amp that can rise to any challenge.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Versatile connectivity with both wireless (Bluetooth 5.1 with various codecs) and wired options (USB, S/PDIF, analog inputs) makes it suitable for various setups—from desktop to portable usage
- Eloquent, informative, and entertaining sound quality, able to produce clear, non-artificial sound across different headphones
- Features such as XBass II and XSpace provide additional sound shaping options for the user to customize the sound to their liking
- The aluminum build provides a robust and premium feel, with a design that's described as sleek and comfortable to handle
Product Considerations
- The user interface is not very intuitive
- Decent headphones are needed to reveal its quality
- The OLED screen can be difficult to read
- Battery life is around six to eight hours
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the hip-dac2, the Gryphon offers better sound quality, more features, and flexibility
- Compared to the iFi GO bar, the Gryphon is bigger and has a built-in battery, and the GO bar is much smaller and draws power from the source device
- Compared to the iDSD Diablo, the Diablo has more power for very demanding headphones, Gryphon has more functions
- Compared to the Zen DAC, the xDSD Gryphon has a more sophisticated and detailed sound
Takeaway: The iFi xDSD Gryphon is a portable and versatile device delivering high-quality sound with extensive features that cater to audiophiles. Its ability to improve sound quality from various sources and its robust build make it a worthwhile investment for music lovers on the go.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Bluesound
Powernode
949
/
Released
2021
The Bluesound POWERNODE is the HiFi amp reinvented for the streaming age, combining audiophile-grade componentry and multi-room music capabilities to create an intuitive "just add speakers" hi-res sound system for modern music lovers.
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Punchy and musical performer
- BluOS is a treat to operate
- Convenient design as a source and amplifier in one, only needing speakers to complete the system
- Engagingly musical performer—dynamically fluid and punchy, with plenty of energy
- More neutral sounding now, making gains in clarity and insight across the frequency range
- Connectivity options are through 3.5mm headphone-type connectors, shared with mini-TosLink connections
Product Considerations
- Tough competition from other streaming amplifiers
- No way to send data out to an external DAC
- The Powernode was occasionally hard on transients and dynamic bursts
- There is no included remote
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Marantz has a wider-scale, roomier soundstage and greater subtlety
Takeaway: The Bluesound Powernode is a superb streaming amplifier that is better than ever, offering excellent sonic talent and a well-rounded feature set. It provides a convenient and high-quality music experience for anyone looking to simplify their home audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Bluesound is one of the best entry-level amps if you're looking to dip your toes into hifi. Reviewers love it for what it offers at the price—solid dynamics and tight bass, which is exactly what you expect from good Class D. It’s the go-to pick for people new to hifi since it gives you about 75% of the high-end experience without needing a ton of power. It’s perfect for smaller setups where you want good sound without going all-in on expensive gear.
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aune
S17 Pro
699
/
Released
2023
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fully balanced technology, with balanced inputs and outputs.
- Delivers powerful amplification, with up to 7.5 watts of power, capable of driving a wide range of headphones, including hard-to-drive models.
- Features a linear power supply with a large transformer and capacitor bank, providing a stable and powerful power source.
- Provides two current modes (50mA and 100mA) to tailor the sound tonality, allowing users to choose between a more forward/analytical sound and a warmer/fuller sound.
- Employs an R2R network for volume control, ensuring channel balance even at low volumes.
Product Considerations
- Runs quite hot due to its Class A amplification, requiring adequate ventilation, with chassis temperatures potentially reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius, and the unit may switch from 100mA to 50mA mode if it overheats.
- High power output might not be ideal for very sensitive IEMs, potentially limiting volume control flexibility.
- The preamplifier output is always active, meaning it doesn't mute when headphones are plugged in, requiring caution to prevent damage.
- The LCD display cannot be dimmed or switched off, and the red color of the 100mA mode may appear washed out.
- Some report volume slots are not regular or have large jumps, and/or that the remote control can be buggy.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Topping A90 Discrete: The S17 has a richer sound, wider soundstage, and easier dynamics, especially in 100mA mode, placing it in a higher tier.
- Vs. Topping A90D: The S17 Pro is capable of even stronger dynamic swings, with a slightly cleaner and less cluttered soundstage.
- Vs. Violectric V222: The Aune S17 Pro is more 'tubey' and warmer sounding than the V222.
- Vs. HIFIMAN EF600: The Aune S17 has better volume control, higher dynamic range, better driving power, and better resolution.
Takeaway: The Aune S17 Pro is a powerful and versatile headphone amplifier that delivers rich, detailed sound, allowing listeners to experience music in new ways. With its balanced design and flexible current modes, it can enhance a wide range of headphones and audio setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aune Audio is a hifi brand known for its unique approach to DAC design, using custom-built clock generators and dual DAC chips to achieve exceptional transparency and natural sound. Their products, from the Yuki DAC to the S17 PRO headphone amplifier with its symmetrical Class A design and Twin JFET, deliver a tube-like sound signature that's easy to drive without high-end amplification.
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