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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.
All
HPM-300
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Power Output: 320 W @ 8 Ω, 500 W @ 4 Ω
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 100,000 Hz (–1 dB)
- 1 × High-Level Input (RCA)
- 1 × High-Level Input (XLR, Balanced)
- 1 × Speaker Output
- Dimensions (D × W × H): 35.5 cm × 46 cm × 21.7 cm
- Weight: 18 kg
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:
Select products
KHV-ES
- Positioning: Entry-level headphone amplifier designed for budget-conscious users.
- Description: Offers a straightforward circuit design with low noise and effective impedance matching. Compared to the KHV-ESD and higher-tier models, its simple setup and essential connectivity make it a basic yet efficient choice for small rooms and tighter budgets.
KHV-ESD
- Positioning: Versatile headphone amplifier combining analog and digital inputs.
- Description: Features an integrated digital-to-analog conversion mode that enhances signal clarity and minimizes distortion. Compared to the entry-level model and the more refined HPA-100, it provides extra functionality that suits users needing both traditional and digital connectivity.
HPA-100
- Positioning: High-performance headphone amplifier and preamplifier aimed at refined sound quality.
- Description: Features robust power output with selectable sound modes that deliver clear and detailed audio. When compared to the KHV series, it offers improved build quality and versatility.
HPI-200
- Positioning: Hybrid amplifier that integrates headphone amplification with line-level preamplification.
- Description: Uses a unique analog-digital hybrid circuit to improve channel separation and reduce distortion. Relative to the HPA-100 and HPI-300, it occupies a mid-range spot with balanced build and functionality.
HPI-300
- Positioning: Flagship hybrid amplifier delivering top-tier performance for high-end audio setups.
- Description: Integrates advanced digital controls with high-current analog stages to ensure very low distortion and a wide soundstage. Compared to the HPI-200, it stands out as the premium option, offering advanced features and superior build quality.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Paltauf Audio
What if you spend more?
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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
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
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. The compact minimalist exterior disguises 2 x 80 watts of award-winning HiFi amplification, a premium hi-res DAC design, and access to all the music ever recorded with a tap in our BluOS Controller app for smart devices and laptops.
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
Add a little extra power with the POWERNODE EDGE, the perfect entry point into “just add speakers” HiFi for the streaming age, combining streaming sources, control, and amplification all in one place. Audiophile-grade componentry capable of up to 24 bits/192 kHz hi-res audio, and wireless multi-room capabilities with smartphone controls combine to make the POWERNODE EDGE a great ‘building block’ amplifier to start, extend or complete a hi-res streaming audio system of any size.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Compact design makes it easy to fit in small spaces, like desktops or shelves
- Extensive streaming capabilities via the BluOS app are included, with support for popular services like Tidal, Spotify, and Amazon Music
- Produces a clean, clear, and capable sound with good detail
- Easy to set up and use, making it an accessible entry point for those new to hifi audio streaming
- A variety of connectivity options are offered, including HDMI eARC, optical/analog input, USB, and Ethernet
Product Considerations
- A headphone port is lacking
- Sound lacks outright nuance, dynamics, and punch compared to some rivals
- The BluOS app is required for full control, which might be a drawback for some
- The unit's maximum file resolution support is 24-bit/192kHz PCM, lower than some competitors
- Performance may be limited by the speakers connected to it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Bluesound Powernode (2021) — The Edge has halved the power output and lacks a headphone port compared to the Powernode (2021)
- Vs Technics SA-C600 — The Powernode Edge is not as musically expressive or deft with dynamics as the Technics SA-C600
- Vs Triangle AIO Twin — The Triangle AIO Twin is more entertaining, and is a complete system—speakers included
- Vs WiiM Amp — The WiiM Amp offers many features of BluOS and Chromecast
Takeaway: The Powernode Edge is a compact and versatile streaming amplifier that provides a great entry point into high-quality audio streaming for many. Its ease of use and comprehensive feature set make it a solid choice for modern music systems.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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