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
- Exceptionally transparent sound output quality
- Exceptionally powerful, capable of outputting 500W into a 4-Ohm load
- Delivers a remarkably clean, transparent sound with very little noise or distortion
- The amplifier's ability to reproduce bass is awe-inspiring and delivers deep, powerful bass without distortion
- Runs cool and weighs very little for its sound output, making it easy to move around
Product Considerations
- Options can be a little pricy, such as the 12v trigger and RCA inputs
- The Starkrimson Stereo Ultra may lead to further system upgrades
- Depending on your sources, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will play exactly what you feed it, good or bad, and if your source components are slow, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will not speed them up
- Power on only after all connections are properly made, including the power cord, analog inputs, and speaker outputs, and wait five minutes after powering it off before removing any of the connections
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Krell S550i integrated amp, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra showed a much faster and finer resolution of the upper frequencies of the human voice and a far greater ability to play more of the microdetails of a recording
Takeaway: The Starkrimson amplifier is well-built and provides a level of speed and transparency to hifi music that makes listening to music very fun. Its GaN modules can be upgraded and it is available in several configurations.
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
Starkrimson Stereo Ultra DMC 2.5
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
- XLR Input Gain: 19.05dB
- RCA Input Gain: 27.05dB
- Power Output: 250/500W into 8/4Ω
- AC Input: 95 to 265VAC
- Size: 45cm (17.72") x 36cm (14.17") x 11cm (4.33") - w/o binding posts
- Weight: ~10kg (22lbs)
Description
The Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra DMC offers phenomenal sonic performance. Its advanced design and meticulous construction ensure exceptional clarity, power, and dynamic range. Experience the nuances of your favorite recordings with crystal clear detail and realism. A must-have for discerning audiophiles, and music lovers/enthusiasts seeking to elevate their musical experience.
This amplifier has an independent power supply for each channel and 87,200uF (43,600 per channel) of added capacitance on the power supply rails. The Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra DMC offers phenomenal sonic performance. Its advanced design and meticulous construction ensure exceptional clarity, power, and dynamic range. Experience the nuances of your favorite recordings with crystal clear detail and realism. A must-have for discerning audiophiles, and music lovers/enthusiasts seeking to elevate their musical experience.
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:
- Orchard Audio prioritizes a minimalist design philosophy, focusing on essential features and high-quality components rather than superfluous aesthetics or connectivity options.
- They utilize cutting-edge Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors in their Class D amplifier designs, enabling high power output, exceptional efficiency (cool running), and remarkably wide bandwidth with minimal phase shift.
- The brand emphasizes a "transparent" and "neutral" sonic signature, aiming to reproduce music accurately without adding coloration, allowing the characteristics of the source and speakers to shine through.
- A key differentiator is their direct-to-consumer sales model, coupled with modular designs and repairable/upgradeable components, offering high-end audio performance at a more accessible price point than many established brands.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Starkrimson Mono Premium
- Positioning: The entry-level high-performance monoblock amplifier in the lineup.
- Description: Offers excellent sound quality with its gallium nitride (GaN) technology, providing clear and distortion-free audio. It is ideal for those with a smaller budget who still want high-quality sound, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms. Compared to the Ultra models, it has a lower power output of 150W.
Starkrimson 150W
- Positioning: A versatile mid-range option in the lineup, offering both dual and triple mono configurations.
- Description: This series stands out with its flexibility, allowing users to choose between dual or triple mono setups, which is great for custom audio configurations. It shares the same GaN technology as the Mono Premium but offers more configuration options. While it provides similar power output to the Mono Premium, its versatility makes it more appealing for users with specific system compatibility needs.
Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium
- Positioning: A high-end monoblock amplifier designed for audiophiles seeking superior performance.
- Description: This model uses advanced GaN technology, delivering exceptional clarity and dynamic range. It offers a significant power increase with 250W into 8 ohms, which is more than the Mono Premium, making it suitable for larger rooms or more demanding speakers.
Starkrimson Ultra 500W
- Positioning: The flagship model in the lineup, offering the highest power and performance.
- Description: This groundbreaking amplifier is a powerhouse, providing 500W per channel, making it ideal for large spaces and high-demand audio systems. It features state-of-the-art GaN technology, ensuring unparalleled sound quality and efficiency. Compared to other models, its superior power output and advanced features justify its premium price.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
1
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
220
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
12
Founding Year
2017
Our take on the brand
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
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Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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What if you spend more?
AGD
Tempo di GaN
5500
5500
/
5
Reviews
The AGD “TEMPO” Stereo Amplifier is the new addition to our state-of-the-art Hi-End Power Amplifiers family. TEMPO is our first compact Stereo Amplifier utilizing the same unique technology of Gallium Nitride Power-Stage design already in use with all its Hi-End AGD siblings.
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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Our summary
Product Strengths
- GaN technology allows for efficient power usage, with 94% of energy being turned into sound
- Compact size challenges the notion that high-quality amps need to be large
- Design and packaging create pride of ownership
- It can be run in bridged mode to deliver 400 watts into one channel
- Stability and ability to handle complex impedance loads
Product Considerations
- The slight sonic signature may not be for everyone
- If truly outrageous amounts of power are needed to drive speakers, a second AGD Tempo amp might be needed to run in a bridged configuration
- High-frequency noise was discovered when XLR cables were not connected between them
- Power cords can make a large difference, the included power cord doesn't flatter the amp
- Some traditionalists may find it hard to accept that it's a Class-D amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Peachtree Audio GaN400, the AGD Tempo reports to have better overall specifications
- Compared to Parasound Halo A21+, the AGD Tempo is simply superior
- Compared to Bricasti M30 monoblock amplifiers, the level of which the most subtle detail exists approaches reference Bricasti M30 monoblock amplifiers
Takeaway: The AGD Productions Tempo is a cutting-edge amplifier that offers a new take on audiophile amplification and rivals more expensive amplifiers. It can drive speakers easily while being energy efficient.
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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Primare
A35.8
5247
5247
/
8
Reviews
The A35.8 is Primare’s most powerful and flexible multi-channel amplifier, designed to serve the needs of virtually any high-performance multi-channel system through its ability for each pair of channels to be bridged to mono for an incredible level of power delivery and system building options, including 1500 watts of total output in a fully bridged bi-amped stereo configuration. Shipping June 2022!
Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The A35.8 provides eight channels of 'unimpeachable Class D power in a fairly compact and very flexible package'
- Flexible configuration options for power output to speakers are available, such as bi-amping and bridging
- Each stereo pair can be bridged separately to make four times 375 watts (8 Ohms) from the eight times 150 watts
- Fault-free sound quality
- High quality fit and finish
- The A35.8 offers flexible connectivity options
Product Considerations
- The 20-amp power inlet is the seldom-seen variety with three horizontal blades
- The speaker output posts are spaced too widely for dual-banana plugs
- Cabling can be tricky
- A high current power cord is needed
- Lower gain is present, though this doesn't necessarily need to be an issue
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs NAD M28, the A35.8 gets you one more channel and more versatility for a 10% price increase
- Vs Benchmark AHB2, the Benchmark presented a more neutral tonal balance and undistorted soundstage
- Vs NAD C 298 stereo amplifiers, the Primare seemed slightly more forward, often conveying an appealing liveliness
Takeaway: The A35.8 power amplifier is a flexible and versatile product worth considering for anyone seeking a high-quality multi-channel setup. Its ability to bridge channels offers many ways to configure your speaker system.
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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Java Hi-Fi
Integrated (Single)
8995
8995
/
7
Reviews
1ETI Research RCA connectors 2ETI Research speaker binding posts 3Solid 8mm anodised aluminium front panel 4CNC-machined solid wood outer case with luxury real wood veneers 5Innovative inverted PCB assembly for vibration and resonance control of audio circuit 6Dimensions: 44 cm x 41.5 cm x 13 cm (w/d/h) 7Weight: 9.5kgs (21 lbs)
Java HiFi stands out for using GaN FET transistors in their Class D amplifiers and LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) technology in their preamp stage, with the latter controlling volume through varying light intensity for a purer audio path. Their amplifiers deliver high power with remarkably low distortion while challenging the typical limitations of Class D technology, producing a natural, un-electronic sound signature that rivals more expensive Class A/B designs.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Clean, neutral, and transparent sound signature that neither adds nor takes away from the source material, ensuring high fidelity music reproduction
- Excellent built-in DAC using dual Burr-Brown PCM1794A chips, comparable to some standalone DACs
- Well-implemented built-in MM phono stage, outperforming entry-level outboard phono stages and suitable for higher-end MM cartridges
- Gorgeous casework with customizable finish options, blending wood and metal for an elegant appearance
- High power output (200W into 8 ohms, 400W into 4 ohms) capable of driving a wide range of speakers with ease
- Single Shot only has single-ended RCA inputs, the Double Shot variant is needed for balanced inputs
Product Considerations
- The built-in phono stage lacks loading and gain options, potentially limiting compatibility with some moving coil cartridges
- The DAC section is USB input only and might not be as keen on very high sample rates (above 192kHz)
- Some reviewers would like to see a COAX digital input
- The lights on the front panel might be too bright for some listeners, even though there is a dimmer switch
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Ayre 8-Series separates: Ayre provided a greater sense of dimensional fullness
- Vs Leben CS600: Leben coaxes more emotion, because it places more emphasis on tone color and body
Takeaway: The Java Hi-Fi Single Shot is a beautifully designed, all-in-one integrated amplifier that delivers a neutral and transparent sound, suitable for those who appreciate high-fidelity audio and want a streamlined system. Its versatility and excellent built-in components make it a worthwhile investment for a high-quality audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Java HiFi stands out for using GaN FET transistors in their Class D amplifiers and LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) technology in their preamp stage, with the latter controlling volume through varying light intensity for a purer audio path. Their amplifiers deliver high power with remarkably low distortion while challenging the typical limitations of Class D technology, producing a natural, un-electronic sound signature that rivals more expensive Class A/B designs.
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EAR Yoshino
EAR 890
6351
6351
/
5
Reviews
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- The EAR 890 produces 70Wpc in stereo, and can be bridged to 140W in monoblock
- Neutral sound that gets out of the way and lets the user enjoy the music
- Complex and dense music textures are handled with ease, and dynamically demanding passages are sailed through
- Articulate midrange
- Detailed and realistic bass
Product Considerations
- Removing/installing tube cages is difficult and time-consuming
- The loudspeaker binding posts are positioned too close to the output transformers, making it hard to tighten them properly
- Some assembly work appeared amateurish, specifically the use of silicone in various locations, such as fastening chassis wires
- The amplifier can operate quite hot
- May not have as much bass impact compared to solid state amps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The EAR 890 monoblocks achieve SET-like definition along with the authority and swagger necessary for most full-size speaker systems, when compared to Cary Audio 300B SET amps
- The EAR 890 is as textured as the top LAMM designs, but with noticeably better neutrality and more power
- The EAR 890 surpassed the deHavilland KE50As with a more articulate midrange, producing more color and separation in the microtones of instruments
Takeaway: The EAR 890 is easy to set up and sounds good with very little tweaking, making it easy to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the music. It's a good choice for people who want a tube amp that is both musical and powerful for their home listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
EAR Yoshino is a British hifi brand where each product is handmade from start to finish by a single engineer, with their amplifiers featuring a unique balanced bridge mode output stage design that assigns separate windings to each electrode on the output transformer. Their tube-based equipment, inspired by founder Tim de Paravicini's professional recording studio experience, is used by renowned artists like Pink Floyd and Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs.
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What competes at this price?
Orchard Audio
Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium LPS (Limited Edition)
2999
/
Released
2024
A total of 66 (33 pairs) of these limited edition amplifiers will be made. Elevate your audio journey with the Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium LPS* amplifier. This state-of-the-art power amplifier employing gallium nitride (GaN) technology is meticulously engineered to deliver a truly immersive listening experience. With its exceptional sonic clarity, dynamic range, and precise control, this amplifier effortlessly captures the essence of your favorite music.
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers clean, transparent, and powerful sound, with extraordinarily low noise and distortion
- Provides abundant power on tap
- Demonstrates a neutral sonic character, adding nothing and taking away nothing from the music
- Features a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to place near speakers and move around
- Operates with high efficiency and cool running due to GaN transistors and a universal power supply
- Has only balanced (XLR) inputs, requiring RCA-to-XLR adapters if your preamp lacks balanced outputs
Product Considerations
- The physical appearance of the amplifiers is simple and may not appeal to those prioritizing aesthetics
- Some reviewers would have liked a front-panel power switch and pilot light
- When paired with Magnepan LRS+ speakers, it lacked low-end punch without a subwoofer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It sounded a little more transparent and colorful than the Benchmark AHB2, while the Benchmark sounded a bit more mellow
- The Ultra Premium model provides more power, headroom, and expanded dynamics than the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Mono Premium Amps
Takeaway: The Starkrimson Mono Ultra Premium amplifiers offer a powerful and neutral sound experience in a compact design. They are a great option for audiophiles seeking a transparent and dynamic sound without unnecessary coloration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
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Orchard Audio
Starkrimson Stereo Ultra 2.5
2899
/
Released
2024
Experience audio nirvana with the Starkrimson® Stereo Ultra Amplifier. This cutting-edge amplifier delivers superb sound quality and a truly immersive listening experience. Crafted with precision and passion, Starkrimson amps offer state-of-the-art technology and a timeless design, making them the perfect choice for audiophiles and music lovers/enthusiasts seeking an enhanced sonic journey.
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Runs cool and weighs very little for its sound output
- Delivers exceptionally transparent sound output quality and is exceptionally powerful
- Uses GaN modules that can be upgraded
- Shows a much faster and finer resolution of the upper frequencies of the human voice, and a far greater ability to play more of the microdetails of a recording
Product Considerations
- Depending on your sources, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will play exactly what you feed it—good or bad
- If your source components are slow, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will not speed them up
- The Starkrimson Stereo Ultra may lead to further system upgrades
- It must not be powered on until all connections are properly made
- One must wait five minutes after powering it off before removing any of the connections
Takeaway: The Starkrimson is a very transparent and powerful amplifier that can reveal new levels of detail in music. It is a great choice for audiophiles looking for exceptional sound quality and the ability to upgrade its components
Video review
Our take on the brand
Orchard Audio is a direct-to-consumer hifi brand that uses Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology in their Starkrimson amplifiers, which allows for faster switching and less distortion compared to traditional amplifiers. Their compact Starkrimson Mono amplifiers deliver 150 watts per channel with very low noise, and the company provides detailed specifications and measurements that are valued by the audiophile community.
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NAD
M23
3749
/
Released
2022
Building on NAD's long tradition of identifying and developing cutting-edge amplification technology, the M23 HybridDigital Stereo Power Amplifier features Purifi Audio's Eigentakt™ design, a once-in-a-decade innovation that virtually eliminates harmonic and intermodulation distortion. Noise is inaudible, for a completely black background and exquisite micro-detail. Conservatively rated at 2x200W continuous into 8 ohms and 2x380W into 4 ohms, the M23 can deliver live performance levels through any loudspeaker.
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 M23's build quality feels solid and elegant, with impressive small design details
- The sound is striking in its purity and clarity
- It offers up to three levels of gain, switchable on the back panel, to best fit the system
- It provides a clear sound without sounding hard
- It features Purifi Eigentakt Class D amplification, which provides virtually unmeasurable distortion levels
Product Considerations
- The bass is clean but may be perceived as a little on the cool side and not as 'wompy-sounding'
- The M23 is not a forgiving amplifier that makes everything sound sweet and wonderful—it's not for those seeking a soft and mellow sound
- Bridging with speakers below 5 or 6 ohms is not recommended, as the amp will current limit and potentially shut down
- The reviewer found ergonomical challenges using fancy speaker cables in bridged mode due to wide terminal spacing
- The capacitive touch power button can accidentally trigger
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bel Canto C6i: The M23 offered a layer of refinement and better reproduction of the recording space
- Vs Pass XA25: The M23 had more transparent sound and detail, especially in the treble and upper mids, but lacked the organic quality of the XA25
- Vs HiFi Rose RS 520: The M23 sounded cleaner and had better separation/depth, HiFi Rose seemed to have an EQ built-in, emphasizing midrange and bass
- Vs NAD C298: The M23 is more neutral, deals with decay more naturally, and has better casework, making it look high-end
- Vs Anthem M1 monoblock amplifiers: The M23 was slightly more transparent throughout the entire frequency range
- Vs Bryston 4B 3: The Bryston had more grunt but the M23 is more neutral
Takeaway: The NAD M23 is a powerful and precise amplifier that delivers clean and clear sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want to hear their music as accurately as possible. It is especially well-suited for those looking to build a high-end system around a quality preamp or DAC.
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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Parasound
Halo A52+
4199
/
Released
The Parasound A52+ is a versatile five-channel amplifier, delivering 180 watts per channel at 8 ohms. Its high-current design ensures powerful, clear sound, making it ideal for multi-room audio setups or home theaters. The A52+ combines power, efficiency, and precision to bring out the best in your speakers, whether used in stereo, multi-channel, or surround sound configurations.
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers ample, clean, and dynamic power to all channels, ensuring speakers reach their full potential
- Designed by John Curl, featuring Class A/AB circuitry for a balance of warmth, richness, efficiency, and punch
- Pleasing sound for dialogue and music, with very high-quality and detail
- Versatile, suitable for both movies and music, with a low noise floor for quiet passages and great transparency—that doesn't color the sound
- Built to last, with high-quality internal components
- Signal-sensing power-on mode can be fussy and may require adjustment
Product Considerations
- Super heavy and large, potentially requiring rearranging a system or dedicated rack space
- Only available in anodized black
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The A52 Plus has bigger parts and bigger power than the Outlaw Model 5000, including balanced XLR connections
- A52 Plus is the 'teenager' compared to the elder Parasound A51
- Parasound A52+ sounds better, is more accurate, and more powerful than the Denon receiver's amplifier section
Takeaway: The Parasound A52+ Halo is a versatile and powerful amplifier that delivers clean, dynamic sound for both home theater and music systems, with a build quality designed to last. This is a worthy investment for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who seek high-quality audio performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Parasound amplifiers are a favorite among hi-fi dealers because they offer a ton of power and performance without hitting crazy price levels. Designed by John Curl, their hifi and home theater amps are known for clean, neutral sound and an ability to power just about any system with ease. Sure, you can find better amps, but they come with serious diminishing returns. For a lot of people, Parasound hits that sweet spot where you feel like you’ve reached the endgame without spending a fortune.
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McIntosh
MHA200 (75th Anniversary Edition)
2800
/
Released
2021
The MHA200 Vacuum Tube Headphone Amplifier is designed for discerning headphone enthusiasts who demand the most from their headphones. Its versatile set of connectivity options, including balanced inputs and outputs, allows for nearly all headphone types to be connected to enjoy an extraordinary personal listening experience.
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- A lovely, lush sounding performance that's hard to dislike and sounds smooth but far from lifeless, delivering high levels of detail in a cohesive and musical manner
- A sympathetic performer, it prefers to play to its inferior partnering equipment's strengths than overly expose their weaknesses, as many hifi audio examples tend to do
- It can cater for a wide range of headphones and connections and it is a benchmark product that's highly recommended
- Zero musical flaws to report and is nearly perfect in execution
- A stunning design to the eye and ear, it is overall a wonderful addition for the perfectionist who wants the very best performance at home or even in the studio
Product Considerations
- The volume control operation lacks linearity, making it hard to make subtle changes in level
- No input selector, so one should only connect one type at once
- On some samples, the volume control is loose and wiggles in its chassis housing
- The octal AC socket is a bit of an odd choice, considering most users might prefer IEC
- The depth, snap and weight of the low end was dynamic and exciting on some recordings and less than stellar on others
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Musical Fidelity M1 HPA—the MHA200 has a lush warmness to the music that brings strings to life in a way that makes the M1 HPA sound somewhat sterile in comparison
- Vs EAR Yoshino HP-4 reference—the MHA200 was a touch brighter than the reference, though only slightly
Takeaway: The MHA200 is an enjoyable product with a rich, balanced, and powerful sound, that's more forgiving than most rivals and can be enjoyed for years to come. This headphone amp is perfect for personal listening, design, and operation that will work its magic.
Video review
Our take on the brand
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
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