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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

  • The AMG One communicates the music's inner tension effectively
  • It floats a soundstage with a remarkably low noise floor and sterling transparency
  • It accurately reflects the sonic character of the associated preamp and front end
  • It delivers a spatial impression that most solid-state amps can only dream of
  • Transient speed and control were noteworthy

Product Considerations

  • On its own, it might be too honest for someone seeking a warm balance and tube-like textural liquidity
  • Harmonic textures were somewhat less liquid and rich sounding compared to good tube amps

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Quicksilver Audio V4 monoblocks: The AMG One offers far better bass definition and extension, as well as enhanced soundstage transparency and immediacy

Takeaway: The AMG One is an enjoyable amplifier with plenty of power and finesse that makes music sound great. It is a solid-state amp that checks all the important boxes, so it could be worth buying.

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

AMG One

reviews

[{"title":"NuPrime AMG One Power Amplifier","link":"https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/nuprime-amg-one-power-amplifier","source":"The Absolute Sound","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

The AMG One is a scaled-down version of the Evolution Two with RMS power of 170W@8 Ohm and 220W@4 Ohm.
The NuPrime AMG ONE is a scaled-down version of NuPrime Evolution Two and offers a breakthrough in distortion reduction. We called that Only Distortion Cancellation (ODC) design, continued advancing the state-of-the-art Class-D for the past decade. A typical feedback error correction design inverts the output signal for summation with the original input signal to derive the negative error signal, which adds to the next cycle of the input signal to form a more accurate output signal. Nunprime’s ODC Class-D design derives the error signal from MOSFET devices and the output filter circuit directly, significantly reducing the negative feedback signal, which resulted in a substantial reduction in distortion THD+N of 0.003% @1kHz(5W), 0.004@ 1kHz(50W) and less than 0.006% THD+N at 1KHZ(2W~80W). This breakthrough improvement in Class-D design resulted in a natural and pure sound characteristic.
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:

  • NuPrime's designs incorporate their proprietary Class D amplification techniques, deviating significantly from off-the-shelf modules by using higher switching frequencies and custom-designed circuits.
  • They often include a unique Harmonic Generation Circuit, utilizing Class A transistors, to provide a warmer, more tube-like sound in their solid-state designs.

STA-9

  • Positioning: A hybrid Class A+D amplifier offering both stereo and mono operation with a design aimed at delivering warm, tube-like sound at an accessible price point.
  • Description: Uses an enhanced even-order harmonic circuit, high switching frequency, and refined linear power supply to produce transparent sound with controlled dynamics. Compared to higher-priced models in the lineup, it provides balanced performance for typical home setups and moderate soundstage needs.

PRA-9X

  • Positioning: A fully balanced preamplifier designed for ultra-low distortion and precise phono input processing at an attractive entry-level price.
  • Description: Achieves low THD through a specialized audio relay switch and NJR MUSES8820 op-amp circuitry while offering versatile settings for different MM cartridges. Compared to the integrated IA-9X, it emphasizes refined source input quality for users focused on vinyl playback and detailed analog transmission.

IA-9X

  • Positioning: An integrated amplifier that combines modern Class-D efficiency with adjustable harmonic generation to allow a choice between a neutral or warmer sound signature.
  • Description: Dual-circuit design combines Only Distortion Cancellation with a Harmonic Generation mode, letting users select a sound character that suits diverse musical genres. Compared to the PRA-9X and AMG PRA, it merges amplification and preamplification in one unit.

AMG PRA

  • Positioning: A transparent preamplifier that introduces an active low frequency and harmonic gain control feature to enhance bass performance.
  • Description: Features a selectable four-stage control that extends low-frequency response without raising overall volume, backed by a fully balanced design and high input impedance. Compared to lower-priced models, it delivers advanced analog source input performance and tone customization.

Evolution STA

  • Positioning: A flagship stereo amplifier delivering exceptional distortion cancellation and robust dual-mono performance for demanding audio setups.
  • Description: Only Distortion Cancellation (ODC) Class-D design, high switching frequency, and enhanced power supply work together to provide natural sound with superior clarity and controlled dynamics. Compared to the other models in the lineup, it targets users with high expectations for premium sound quality and larger room applications.
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Avg. Product Price
$1,001-$2,500
Used For Sale
31
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
123
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Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
32
Founding Year
2014

Our take on the brand

NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

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From our interview with
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What if you spend more?

Product image
Nuprime
Evolution Two
3999
3999
/
3
Reviews
NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Sleek and conservative design with a very high quality cabinet
  • Calmness to the sound that feels expensive
  • Sweet and big sound with a holographic soundstage, absent of any noise
  • Flexible input and format options

Product Considerations

  • Clumsy user experience, including a slow start-up and an unfriendly remote with tiny buttons
  • The software inside feels a bit scruffy, and it includes proven bad ideas, like retaining the preamp volume for each input
  • Offers unnecessary options, like swapping the channels
  • Lacks useful features, like selectable digital filters and a jitter meter/warning

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Eversolo DMP6: The Evolution 2 DAC has a bigger sense of warmth and calmness, with a deeper soundstage and better articulation, the Eversolo appears to sound flat and rather forward in direct comparison with sharper edges, especially noticeable on vocals

Takeaway: The Evolution 2 DAC gives real sound value, hunting that last 5% improvement, which is an improvement in sound quality. Given the price, this can be a very reasonable upgrade to achieve high-end sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Nuprime
Evolution STA
4995
4995
/
2
Reviews

The Evolution STA offers a breakthrough in distortion reduction (Only Distortion Cancellation) and rivals the Evolution One in sound quality. It is a stereo amplifier with a dual-mono configuration. Rated RMS Power: 230W @ 8 Ohm.

NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Sublime bass performance—full-size, unrestrained, rock-solid, full-bodied, weighty, fast, articulate, and nimble
  • Superbly neutral midrange—concrete, clean, open, and expressive, without sounding lean or devoid of saturation or harmonics
  • Excellent tonal saturation and great texturing, without even a sliver of edge or hardness
  • Soundstaging is a surprising strong suit—wide, deep, and room-filling stage with strong focus and depth
  • Exceedingly low noise floor and superb resolution of low-level detail
  • Connectivity options are available

Product Considerations

  • Treble is a bit dry and ever so slightly dark, and not as good as some competitors in an absolute sense
  • May lack fluidity compared to some amplifiers
  • May be less emotionally captivating with certain delicate music
  • Limited macrodynamic reach with challenging speaker loads

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Evolution STA bass is reminiscent of Analog Domain, AVM, and Anthem amplifiers
  • The Evolution STA has similar bass and overall solidity to the NuPrime ST-10, but with more linearity, refinement, and low-level detail
  • The AMG-STA sounds airier, more refined, and more fluid than the Evolution STA

Takeaway: The NuPrime Evolution STA power amplifier offers a balanced and neutral sound with exceptional bass performance and soundstaging. It's a great amp for those seeking a solid-state amplifier that conveys the music as unedited as possible.

Video review

Our take on the brand

NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Cambridge Audio
EVO 150
2999
2999
/
27
Reviews

Tomorrow's Hi-Fi, Today

With Evo 150, we've brought your audio past and present into the future. With outstanding Hypex NCore Class D amplification and our class-leading StreamMagic streaming platform on board, all you need to do is add speakers to enjoy superb high-resolution audio quality from one elegant, discreet box.

And thanks to its suite of digital and analogue inputs, as well as its high-quality digital-to-analogue converter, Evo can be the heart of your hi-fi system for years to come.

Evo 150

Easy to Set Up, Easy to Upgrade

It couldn't be simpler. Connect Evo 150 to the mains and to your speakers. Open StreamMagic, connect to the network, then fire up your favourite music streaming service. Pick a tune, press play and adjust the volume to suit. When you're ready, you can dig deeper to set Evo 150 up just how you want it, adding functionality as you go.

Evo 150 playing through the StreamMagic App 

StreamMagic App

Our StreamMagic app offers full control of Evo, plus access to the world's most popular and high-resolution music streaming services. It's clear, logical and stable – so Evo will do precisely what you want. Alternatively, you may prefer to use the app of your favourite streaming service. Evo's ready for you to listen whichever way you choose.

Model watches TV with Evo in view

Connectivity to Suit Your Needs

Thanks to its suite of digital and analogue inputs, including a built-in phono stage, Evo can be the heart of your system – add a turntable, say, or EVO CD. Video sources can play too, just connect your TV's HDMI output to Evo's ARC input. No matter where your music comes from, Evo 150's ready for it.

Model listens to Evo via headphones

Bluetooth Convenience. Hi-Res Sound Quality

Often nothing's more convenient than streaming via Bluetooth. Evo takes it to the max with aptX HD Bluetooth, which features wireless, high-definition music streaming from compatible devices – including our Alva turntables. And because Evo also transmits with Bluetooth aptx HD, it's perfect for private listening on compatible Hi-Res wireless headphones.

Evo in a lifestyle setting with a turntable and books

Made By Music

Evo 150 uses the best audio components, such as the ESS SABRE ES9018k2m Reference DAC. And then we bring every one of our 55+ years of audio know-how to bear. The result is a performance that celebrates the talent of musicians and producers – one that retains the original raw emotive power and detail.

Model turns the volume knob on Evo

Complete Control

Evo is intuitive and straightforward to operate, no matter if you're using its supplied remote control, our simple yet thorough StreamMagic app, or its physical controls – including the large dual-concentric dial on the unit's fascia.

Evo on a shelf in a lifestyle setting

Neat and Easy Placement

At 317mm wide, roughly the size of a vinyl album sleeve, Evo will sit neatly where you need it to. But thanks to its award-winning deisgn and all-around good looks, it really deserves to be centre stage.

Model adds a vinyl record to Alva

Great for Record Lovers

If you want to connect a turntable, Evo 150's built-in phono stage makes it perfect for decks with with moving magnet cartridges, but no integral pre-amp. That's on top of Bluetooth compatibility with our own Alva turntables.

Evo CD

A New Life for CD

Available separately, Evo CD is the compact disc transport developed to exclusively partner Evo all-in-one players. It shares the same eye-catching design, is crafted from the same premium materials and is engineered to the same exacting standards. Evo CD extracts every piece of musical detail from your discs, then passes it seamlessly to Evo. Your CD collection is now set to join the hi-fi evolution.

Detail shot

Designed to Thrill, Built to Last

Evo's confident sound, timeless looks and premium materials mean that you've found your new long-term musical partner – bringing pleasure to both your ears and eyes for many years to come.

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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Product Strengths

  • Packs many features into a small frame, offering an 'all-in-one' solution by integrating streaming, DAC, preamp, and amplification
  • The sound quality is clear, detailed, smooth, refined, articulate, and neutral, with good soundstage and imaging
  • Offers a wide array of input options (analog and digital) and streaming service compatibility, making it versatile
  • Its Class D amplification (Hypex NCore) is powerful (150Wpc) and efficient, running cool compared to traditional amps
  • The industrial design and aesthetics are highlighted positively, with its sleek look, swappable side panels, and user-friendly interface, enhancing its lifestyle appeal

Product Considerations

  • The headphone preamp may not satisfy serious headphone enthusiasts without a dedicated amp
  • There is a noted lack of bass management
  • The StreamMagic app lags behind the likes of Bluesound and Yamaha MusicCast in terms of its interface
  • Some reviewers found a slight softening of the bottom end
  • One review notes some power supply noise in bench tests, but at inaudible levels

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Offers wider soundstage, depth, and polish than the Naim Uniti Atom, but the Naim Uniti Atom has a greater sense of musicality and tighter rhythmic fabric

Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 is a versatile and attractive all-in-one system with excellent sound quality and a comprehensive feature set, making it a great choice for those seeking a simple yet high-performing audio solution. It provides a streamlined experience without sacrificing sound fidelity.

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
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Naim
Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
3799
3799
/
24
Reviews
Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
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Product Strengths

  • Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
  • Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
  • Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
  • Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
  • Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to

Product Considerations

  • The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
  • The front display is not a touchscreen
  • Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
  • The HDMI ARC connection is absent
  • The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
  • As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
  • Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200

Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Naim Audio is renowned for its distinctive "Naim sound," which focuses on timing accuracy and a unique harmonic distortion profile that creates a musical flow. The brand's meticulous approach involves extensive R&D and proprietary components like custom transistors and power supplies, as seen in their Uniti range which combines streaming capabilities with their signature sound characteristics.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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What competes at this price?

Nuprime
IA-9X
1500
/
Released
2023
NuPrime's IA-9X is an integrated amplifier designed to work well in an analogue audio system. It combines two cutting-edge technologies – NuPrime ODC and Harmonic Generation circuits – to offer adjustable sonic characteristics. This makes it perfect for either studio monitoring or relaxing music listening.
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NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Relaxed and intimate sound invites the listener to engage with the recording
  • Measured and steady presentation exists, without fuss or obvious coloration
  • Tonally neutral, revealing the character of the speakers and sources used
  • Realistic soundstage construction exists, with impressive width and precise imaging
  • Silent background eliminates extraneous noise

Product Considerations

  • May not be the best choice for metal or techno music enthusiasts
  • Phono stage requires careful cartridge matching, favoring MM cartridges with higher output
  • A higher volume level may be needed to get the same sound level as some other amplifiers

Takeaway: The IA-9X is a great choice for critical listeners who value accuracy and simplicity, especially in smaller rooms or with efficient speakers. With its neutral sound and impressive soundstage, it offers a rewarding and relaxing listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Nuprime
STA-9X
1249
/
Released
2023
The NuPrime STA-9X, a 2 X 130W Class A+D stereo amp, bridgeable into a 330W mono amp, is designed with enhanced even-order harmonic circuitry that mimics the most attractive features of tubed and Class-A amp sound without incurring their drawbacks and limitations. The STA-9X's frequency response to 50 kHz elevates vocals into emotional experiences; similarly, instrumental upper registers mimic a live performance's shimmering heights.
Check Amazon
NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Powerful Class A/D stereo power amplifier, with an output of 2x 130Watt at 4 and 8 Ohms
  • Can be used as a 'monoblock' to output 1x 330 Watt of 4 and 8 Ohm output power
  • Dual-mono construction, with both single-ended RCA input and a balanced XLR input
  • Firm grip and well controlled lows
  • Trigger input and output automatically switch it on/off when the DAC9-X or a pre-amp is switched on

Product Considerations

  • When using two STA-9X power amps in bridged mode, you can't connect the high level input of a subwoofer to the speaker terminals on the amp
  • Combining the DAC9-X, STA-9X, and Streamline still results in a slightly bright sound

Takeaway: The STA-9X offers good value for its features and sound quality. With its ability to be bridged for even more power, it is a solution for speakers that need more current.

Video review

Our take on the brand

NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Nuprime
AMG STA-SE
2295
/
Released
2024
The AMG STA-SE incorporates numerous cutting-edge innovations in power amp design. Its exceptional features include a 1M Ohm input impedance, high instantaneous current for efficient power delivery, a >700kHz switching frequency, and a unique combination of Single-Ended Non-Negative Class A module with Double Feedback Class D module, resulting in a powerful 300W mono amp output. The exceptionally smooth sound characteristic of the AMG STA-SE sets it apart from other top NuPrime amps like the AMG One, Evolution STA, and Evolution Two.
Check Amazon
NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • High sound quality for its price
  • Fluidity, delicacy, and refinement reminiscent of classic Jeff Rowland amplifiers
  • A 30% reduction in MOSFET temperature during high-speed operation exceeding 750kHz, enhancing energy efficiency and ensuring sound stability
  • Aerospace-grade ultra-high-precision resistors with a minimal error margin of 1/1000
  • A newly developed AC power supply minimizes external radiation noise interference, while a redesigned SMPS power module ensures an ultra-low-noise system power supply for circuits that require low voltages

Product Considerations

  • Lacks the ST-10's sonorous ballsiness, nor entirely all of its dynamic impact
  • The enhanced realism might not emulate a tube sound

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • AMG STA-SE narrows the gap between the different sound characteristics of models such as the NuPrime ST-10
  • AMG STA-SE improves the tonality and elevates the realism, deeper stereo imaging, tighter bass, more dynamics, and transparency

Takeaway: The AMG STA-SE delivers high sound quality with enhanced precision and detail. It is a true value amplifier that is worth keeping for a long time

Video review

Our take on the brand

NuPrime Audio is known for its proprietary Class-D amplification technology that delivers high power with low distortion through its Only Distortion Cancellation circuit and high switching frequencies of 650kHz. Their amplifiers produce a natural, tonally dense, and warm sound character similar to tube amplifiers, making them particularly appealing to listeners who appreciate the warmth of tubes but want the efficiency of solid state.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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iFi
iDSD Diablo 2
1299
/
Released
2023
Surging with infernal power. Sporting cutting edge xMEMS and Lossless Bluetooth technology, the flagship iDSD Diablo leads the charge with future-proof features and raw power - take your most demanding headphones wherever you go, we dare you.
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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

  • Delivers a vividly detailed and balanced sound, handling complicated mixes with skill
  • Able to extract a lot of information from digital audio files with apparent ease
  • A volume lock prevents accidental volume adjustments when the device is in a pocket or bag
  • Extensive specification including Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless compatibility and multiple inputs/outputs for versatile connectivity

Product Considerations

  • Some reviewers feel the device is not very pocket-friendly due to its size and sharp edges, making it better suited as a transportable—rather than a truly portable—device
  • The gain is set too high, making precise volume control difficult, especially with sensitive IEMs
  • Using IEMatch adds output impedance, which can negatively affect the tonal balance and dynamics of some IEMs
  • The length of the included USB-C cable is short, making it difficult to position the device on a desk

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the iDSD Diablo 1, the Diablo 2 offers slight sonic improvements and better build quality, but at a higher price
  • Compared to the iDSD Signature, the iDSD Signature is considered by some to offer a better result for less money, with a more realistic instrument and vocal timbre, larger soundstage, and customizable features like crossfeed and bass boost
  • Compared to the FiiO Q7, the iDSD Diablo 2 has a vivid sound, where the FiiO Q7 has a smooth and wide sound

Takeaway: The iDSD Diablo 2 is a powerful and versatile DAC/amp that enhances headphone listening with its detailed sound and extensive features. It is a good choice for users who want a high-quality audio experience on the go or at their desk.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Chord Electronics
Anni
1680
/
Released
2021
Anni is a desktop integrated amplifier that introduces our next-generation ULTIMA technology to both headphones and compact loudspeakers.
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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.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Joyful sound signature with detailed output
  • Can power a wide range of headphones, due to Ultima technology
  • Compact design, stacks perfectly with the Qutest and Huei
  • Employs trickle-down Ultima technology to allow delivery of enormous peak current outputs
  • Solid build quality using CNC-milled aluminum casework and good heat dissipation
  • Connectivity options include headphone and speaker outputs

Product Considerations

  • No gain switch for the headphone output
  • Default gain level a bit high for sensitive IEMs
  • More power limitations with speakers than headphones—best for smaller, efficient speakers or nearfield listening
  • Runs hot, requiring good ventilation
  • The volume control feels a little wobbly and might be difficult to use in a very precise way, and there is some channel imbalance at very low volumes

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Qutest/Anni pairing justifies its price premium thanks to a more composed and insightful presentation that offers notably more low-end authority, dynamic punch and tonal richness
  • Cyrus ONE HD is plusher, showing that Anni has strong niche appeal
  • The iFi xDSD Gryphon has digital inputs and built-in DAC, while Anni can power speakers

Takeaway: The Chord Electronics Anni is a compact and well-built amplifier that delivers a joyful and detailed sound, making it a great addition to a desktop setup for headphone and nearfield speaker listening. Its use of trickle-down Ultima technology ensures high-quality performance in a small package, and its ability to stack with other Chord devices makes it a good choice for those already invested in the ecosystem.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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