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
- Astonishing sonic performance excels in all areas, providing absolute control and ease, without sacrificing musical tension or excitement
- Superb build and finish
- Sounds beautifully natural and subtle when the music demands, ensuring timing, tonal balance, and speed are spot on across many genres of music
- Delivers deeper and punchier bass
Product Considerations
- The price puts it well out of the reach of most
- The units run hot due to Class A circuitry, leading to environmental impact and significant electricity costs
- It is large and bulky, with each monobloc weighing 70kg, requiring two people to move them
Takeaway: It offers exceptional sound quality and build, making music sound great. If you have the right setup and want the best sound, these could be worth it.
All
Adrenalin
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Type: entirely balanced, Double INPOL® power amplifier in pure class A
- Feedback: absent
- Inputs: 1 balanced XLR, 1 unbanced RCA
- Input impedance: 100 Ohm
- Output power: 200 W @ 8 Ohm
- Frequency response: 5Hz ÷ 60kHz ± 0.3 dB
- Signal/noise ratio: 98 dB
- THD: 0,01% @ 1W, 0,2% @ 50W
- Absorption at rest: 475 W
- Tubes: 1 x 6H30, 2 x 12AX7 ECC83
- Damping factor: 25
- Rise time: 6µs
- Fall time: 6µs
- Slew rate: 11V/µs
- Dimensions: 68cm (D) x 30cm (W) x 44cm (H)
- Weight: 80Kg
Symposium of power and fidelity The monoblock delivers 200W of power on a load of 8 Ohm and uses a layout tested many times by Pathos. In fact, this is a balanced stage, which means that each amplifier is made of two power stages connected with INPOL configuration, intrinsically functioning in class A.
Hi-End Gotha We would like to underscore that an INPOL stage can work only in class A. It is neither a push-pull circuit (where it is possible to choose how deep to polarize the final stage during the phase of design), nor a single-ended stage; considering the presence of a reactive element that works in symbiosis with an active device (in this case a group of mosfets connected at common drain). INPOL represents an alternative between the two configurations; hence, this topology created and patented by Pathos has properly gained by now its place in the Gotha of Hi-End.
InPol (Inseguitore Pompa Lineare – Linear Pump Follower) is a system patented by Pathos Acoustics which h...
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:
- Pathos products, handmade in Italy, feature a distinct aesthetic that blends modern and classic design elements, utilizing materials like aluminum and wood in visually striking ways.
- The brand's patented InPol (Inseguitore Pompa Lineare) technology combines the sonic characteristics of tubes and solid-state, aiming for a natural and engaging musical reproduction.
Select products
Inpol2 MKII
- Positioning: Positioned as an evolution of the classic Inpol2, offering enhanced power and connectivity.
- Description: Features increased power output on 4Ω loads and improved power supply. Its dual-mono configuration and optional HiDac Mk2 integration for digital sources set it apart from the T.T., which lacks these features. This model is suitable for users who prioritize digital connectivity and a balanced soundstage without needing the highest power output.
T.T.
- Positioning: A classic model in the Pathos lineup, known for its unique design and sound signature.
- Description: Features pure Class A operation and absence of feedback, providing a warm and transparent sound that is perfect for small to medium rooms. Unlike the Inpol2 MKII, focuses on simplicity and analog purity.
InPower MK2
- Positioning: Designed for high-end performance, offering significant power and flexibility for advanced setups.
- Description: Delivers 120W output at 8Ω, making it suitable for large rooms and demanding speakers. Its adjustable gain feature allows for precise control in bi-amped systems, a capability not found in the Adrenalin.
Adrenalin
- Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Pathos' InPoL technology.
- Description: Offers a remarkable 200W output in pure Class A, providing exceptional power and fidelity for the most demanding audio setups. Its double InPoL configuration and zero feedback design ensure a pristine soundstage, surpassing the InPower MK2 in raw power and sonic purity.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Pathos stands out for two fundamental elements that represent our identity: technological innovation and design philosophy.
The first is INPOL, our exclusive patented technology: a hybrid circuit that combines the warmth and musicality of tubes with the strength and precision of MOSFETs. The tubes shape the sound in terms of amplitude, offering transparency and naturalness, while the MOSFETs provide the current needed to drive the speakers, working in pure Class A, without distortion or feedback. The result is a dynamic, detailed sound that is incredibly faithful to the original. With the evolution of DOUBLE INPOL, this philosophy reaches higher power and even more refined performance, while maintaining the sonic character that defines us.
The second is our choice to remain true to the essence of sound and the true meaning of “Made in Italy.” Every one of our products is designed and built in-house at our facility in Vicenza: from the electronics to the processing of aluminum and wood, to the painting, every phase is closely overseen by our team with artisanal care and obsessive attention to detail. We don’t just build amplifiers: we create unique objects, designed for those who seek an authentic, thrilling listening experience, without compromise, where beauty, technique, and passion coexist in perfect balance.
What's your approach to customer support?
In general, the ideal procedure is for the end user to contact their retailer or local distributor, who are always the first points of reference. However, it often happens that customers reach out to us directly: depending on the situation, I either direct them to our partner or assist them personally.
What truly matters to us is that the customer feels listened to and taken care of. That’s why, even remotely, I often personally handle support cases: not due to a lack of trust in our distributors – with whom we have excellent relationships – but to show that every customer is important to us. We know that our amplifiers have a value that goes beyond the cost: they represent a passion, a conscious choice, often a dream come true. And those who own them have every right to feel in good hands.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Pathos
What if you spend more?
The Signature series is a significant step above the Passion series. The entire signal path utilizes Duelund’s select CAST coupling capacitors together with Echole’s Orius cabling. Critical parts of the power section and signal path utilize other custom components such as proprietary Silver/Gold/Palladium signal path on the PCB and matched Amtrans AMRG resistors to name a few
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Preserves the sonic signature of tube electronics, while being able to drive a wider range of loudspeakers
- Has astonishing liquidity of timbre, and is utterly grain-free
- Projects a sense of presence that sounds very much like the best SET amplifiers
- Creates a directness of musical expression, fostering an intimacy with the music and performers
- Produces a very warm midrange, and sweet top end
Product Considerations
- Treble was less bright, and open than that of many other amplifiers
- Favors warmth, fullness, and texture in the bass rather than slam and extension
- May not be the most resolving amplifier for the money
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Absolare Hybrid sounded remarkably like the Passion 845 SET, but with deeper bass extension and greater dynamic authority
Takeaway: The Absolare Hybrid Stereo amplifier delivers the emotion of music like an SET amplifier, with the ability to drive a wide variety of loudspeakers. It creates a deep connection with musical meaning.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Proprietary noise-control techniques using dither circuits, Active coils, and Tesla coils improve perceived blackness in music
- A 'natural-based composite material' for the chassis aims to reduce influences from mechanical resonance
- A large LED-Matrix display is easy to read from a distance
- A weighty and solid rotary volume dial offers a perfect speed of adjustment
- Input switching is not straightforward, requiring use of a navigate button and rotation of the volume dial
Product Considerations
- Menu navigation is cumbersome, requiring toggling through all items or using the remote control to exit
- The U180 is described as technically correct but not hugely emotional or lyrical, with a darker sound
Takeaway: The Aavik U-series integrated amplifiers offer unique noise-reduction technology and a distinctive design, which could be a great addition to an audiophile's set-up. The amplifier's overall operation is straightforward, and it responds very quickly to all commands.
Video review
Our take on the brand
At the forefront of its design, the Telos 690 addresses the evolving needs of today’s consumers. With an array of digital connectivity options, including USB Audio Class 2.0 interface supporting sample rates up to 384 kHz and a bit depth of 32, as well as Toslink Optical and Digital S/PDIF coaxial inputs, this amplifier effortlessly bridges the gap between traditional high-fidelity audio and modern digital sources.
Product Strengths
- Impeccably clean and precise presentation
- Excellent detail resolution
- Sonic agility and dynamic expression
- Good digital module
- Terrific build quality using 12mm thick aluminum alloy panels
Product Considerations
- No phono stage or headphone output
- No indication of the incoming digital signal resolution
- Requires a very solid, high-mass support to work best
- The amplifier's overall character does still veer slightly towards the dry side—particularly at high frequencies
- At this level, balanced connections were expected, but Goldmund hasn't specified them
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The soundstage doesn't match the airy spaciousness of the Burmester pre/power
Takeaway: The Goldmund Telos 690 is a highly capable amplifier, known for its clean, detailed sound and dynamic expression. It is a great choice for those who appreciate dissecting recordings and value exceptional build quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Ample power with minimal distortion
- Audionet's ULA (Ultra-Linear-Amplifier) technology, originally developed for medical engineering
- Impressive dynamic prowess and the ability to plumb the hidden depths of CDs and LPs
- Subtle musical and instrumental details come through cleanly and coherently, without compromising life-likeness of tone colors and harmonic expression
- Exceptional bass reproduction, with a rich, detailed, and uniform low end
Product Considerations
- Positive and negative speaker terminals are close together, requiring caution when connecting speaker cables
- Balanced input use involves an op-amp, which some believe impacts sound quality, single-ended inputs are preferred by some
- A preamp should be used to get the best sound from these amplifiers
- Display text changes locations randomly, which some may find distracting
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Burmester sounded cleaner, airier, and more revealing, but could not quite compete with the AMP II MAX in authority over the bass frequencies and in blackness of the background
- The Pass Labs was tonally rich and pleasurably soft, plus the amp gave an extraordinarily punchy presentation, in that it bettered the performance of the AMP II MAXes, on the other hand, it was rather general in the organization of the soundstage and the background wasn't quite as black as with the AMP II MAXes
- Plinius shone in resolution, as well as delivered exceptionally dimensional soundstage and very neutral overall sound, especially in Class A mode, however, it did not have the same punch as the AMP II MAXes, and the sound wasn't equally gentle
- The McIntosh MC-501 delivered a richer and warmer sound, but with less power and extension than the AMP II MAX
Takeaway: The Audionet Max monoblocks offer a powerful and refined listening experience, making music sound engaging and detailed. Their ability to control speakers and reveal nuances in recordings makes them a great choice for serious audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional bass control, power, speed, and definition provides a bedrock foundation for the music
- Wide and deep soundstage with precise imaging
- Dead-neutral tonal balance with grain-free clarity, effortless speed, and precision
- Life-like dynamic expression and detail resolution, sounding exquisitely lifelike
- Lively, energetic sound combined with pleasing harmonics, warmth, and a kind of lusciousness achieves a nice balance
Product Considerations
- The binding posts are located low on the rear panel, which might be problematic for some installations
- It gets hot, requiring adequate ventilation
- It's a heavy unit, making it difficult to move and set up
- The cost is very high, making it exclusive-level hifi
- The speaker spiked feet can make it difficult to position the amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Diablo 300, the Diablo 333 gives more music and musical information, developing the soundstage with harmonic information, knitting all the individual parts together; the music becomes less about individual things and more about the whole
- Strong resemblance to the Apex Commander combination, but at a fraction of the cost
- While the Antileon digs deeper and presents a fuller presentation across the low frequencies, the Diablo 333 slams harder and slightly tighter
Takeaway: The Gryphon Diablo 333 is a powerhouse integrated amplifier that combines exceptional power and control with refined sound and detailed musicality making it one of the very best amplifiers, be it integrated or not. Its versatility and musical soul make it a solid choice for anyone looking for an end-game component.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Music is delivered without perturbation, showcasing a 'grip' on the music
- A beautiful sonic palette is present, with a warm, detailed bass and very smooth, detailed highs
- Understated approach to music replay is pure and precise, without coarseness or grain
- Fabulously well made, with impressive build and finish
- Volume control has a hefty, well-damped but very precise feel to it, and the amplifier's on-board software is quick to respond
Product Considerations
- The headphone output is hidden on the rear panel, making it inconvenient to connect
- Large and heavy (around 40kg), requiring sturdy equipment support and assistance when unpacking
- The combination of heatsinks all-round and reflective chrome front panel may not be to all tastes
- Highly transparent sources and speakers are required to get the best performance
Takeaway: The Burmester 032 integrated amplifier sounds exceptional with refined sound and impressive insight. If the system is talented, this amplifier could be a great match.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very low noise floor creates a wide open and clear soundstage with excellent space between each musical element
- Delivers subtle intricate details of music, the decays, and the harmonics
- The built-in phono stage—the Pulsus—provides a clear and clean sound, allowing for a more open and see-through soundstage
- The ALPS RK50 volume knob is satisfying to adjust with its stiff—yet smooth—resistance
- The unit is handmade in the UK
Product Considerations
- Limited number of inputs may not be sufficient for all users
- Lacks a remote control, which may be inconvenient for some users
- Awkward access to the underside cartridge adjustment for gain, resistance, and capacitance may be annoying to adjust
- May emphasize upper vocals, which may not be ideal for all types of music, especially at louder volumes
- The mid/upper bass may be a little shy, lacking the solidity, impact, and warmth that some listeners prefer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The NAD M23 has a bolder, stronger, and punchier bass compared to the Sigsum
- The McIntosh sounds more powerful, solid, secure, and full in terms of tone—and bigger overall—compared to the Sigsum
- The Pulsus phono stage sounds clearer and cleaner than the Avid Pellar phono stage, but the Pellar sounds fuller and thicker
Takeaway: The Avid SigSum is a specialized amplifier that is designed for the audiophile who values the preservation of detail, particularly from vinyl playback. It's a great amplifier to highlight the nuances of music, while offering a clean and precise sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a 'silky sheen' characteristic of SET designs, which helps to prevent listener fatigue
- Offers a 'room-filling, full-blown' sound, especially with orchestral music
- The Trafomatic Audio Rhapsody presents an 'expressive' and 'real' dynamic range, creating a live musical experience
- Has an innate sense of melody that draws you into the musical mix, and an over-arching sense of sonic accuracy
- Features auto-biasing and toggles for 'Mesh' and 'Solid' 300B tubes, for enthusiasts who wish to try different valves
Product Considerations
- Limited wattage may restrict loudspeaker choices, requiring pairing with high-sensitivity models
- Bass frequencies exhibit higher distortion at lower power outputs
- The amplifier's modest S/N ratio suggests some mild background hiss may be audible
- Bright red chassis is a fixed color scheme, which may not appeal to everyone
- Reviews of the Rhapsody should be judged as very specific amplifier/speaker combos
Takeaway: The Trafomatic Rhapsody is a class act that draws attention to itself purely through its vivid and real sound. It plays music in such a way that one might never want to listen to anything else.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers superb resolution, transparency, and clarity for a staggering performance.
- Visceral and well-controlled bass, extending deep into the range.
- Extremely fast, clean, and exceptionally resolving sound.
- Delivers even more visceral low tones that, with most speakers, will be perfectly controlled and tight.
- Better clarity of the treble, and yet there is no hint of harshness or aggressiveness.
Product Considerations
- Requires a truly balanced source; RCA/XLR adapters will heavily distort the sound.
- Gets quite hot, so remember about space around the device for proper ventilation.
- The depth of the chassis is the largest dimension, so you need quite a deep rack/stand/platform to fit it on.
- Input sockets are set from top to bottom in one channel (numbers 1-4), and in the other channel the other way around (numbers 4-1).
- Revealing amplifier, so everything in the audio chain has to be well-ordered and refined.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GrandiNote Shinai: Supremo is more resolving, precise, transparent, and revealing, with better clarity in the treble and more visceral low tones.
- Vs GrandiNote Shinai: Shinai sounds a bit sweeter, more romantic, more tube-like—delivering the most beautiful side of music.
- Vs GrandiNote Essenza: The difference between Supremo and Essenza is more significant than between Essenza and Shinai.
Takeaway: The GrandiNote Supremo is a versatile, high-end integrated amplifier that brings out the best in your music with its superb clarity, resolution, and dynamic sound. It offers an immersive and thrilling listening experience for demanding audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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