Website author headshot
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 Riviera Levante is a hybrid amplifier operating in pure class-A, with no global feedback, engineered to measure in an unorthodox manner, with a distortion spectrum similar to that of the human ear, resulting in extremely clean perceived sound
  • It has a fully developed and dimensional sense of harmonic rightness that introduces listeners to music's deeper, richer character
  • The Levante features a tube input (ECC81/12AT7 twin-triode) and a MOSFET output
  • The Levante is equipped with a headphone amplifier
  • Build quality and fit and finish are of a very high standard

Product Considerations

  • The loose power IEC may not be suitable for hard-biting power cords
  • The industrial design aesthetics are inconsistent
  • The weight of 66lbs (30kg) is dense for a 19' wide chassis

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Levante had a unique trick up its sleeve revealing itself after days of listening—a fully developed and dimensional sense of harmonic rightness
  • The Levante offers the wonderful nimble and nuanced silk-appeal of the Kora TB140, the power and gusto of the Line Magnetic LM-845iA, the clarity and quickness of the Ayre EX-8

Takeaway: The Riviera Levante offers great sound and is built with quality materials. Its unique design aims to replicate sound in a way that's pleasing to the human ear.

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

Levante

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

Manufacturer details

  • Dimensions: 44x49x19.5h cm
  • Weight: 30 Kg
  • Class A Power: 2x30W into 8 ohms, 2x60W into 4 ohms
  • Class AB Power: 2x120W into 8 ohms, 2x200W into 4 ohms
  • Inputs: 1 balanced line input (XLR), 4 unbalanced line inputs (RCA)
  • Outputs: Speaker and headphone outputs
  • Optional: Phono card MM
The LEVANTE integrated amplifier has all the elements that distinguish the Riviera amplifiers (Hybrid Circuit and Zero Feedback). It has also an extra feature that makes it unique: the option to choose between pure Class A and Class AB operation. A switch on the front panel allows to select the operating class according to your preferences or needs.
The amplifier is designed to drive any kind of loudspeakers systems. The LEVANTE integrated amplifier has all the elements that distinguish the Riviera amplifiers (Hybrid Circuit and Zero Feedback). It has also an extra feature that makes it unique: the option to choose between pure Class A and Class AB operation. A switch on the front panel allows to select the operating class according to your preferences or needs. In Class A mode it offers 2x30W into 8 ohms (2x60W into 4 ohms); in Class AB it offers 2x120W into 8 ohms (2x200W into 4 ohms). Note that, even in AB Class, the first 6 Watts are in Class A.
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:

  • They are engineered as hybrid designs, combining the sonic characteristics of tubes in the preamp stage with the power and control of solid-state components in the output stage, providing a unique balance of warmth and precision.
  • Riviera's Class A amplifiers are noted for their uncanny ability to create a dimensional and physical sound image, bringing a lifelike presence and immersive quality to reproduced music.
  • Tube rolling provides a customizable sonic palette, enabling users to fine-tune the amplifier's character through subtle but noticeable changes in the sound signature with different tubes.

APL01SE

  • Positioning: The entry-level unit aimed at balanced performance with essential features.
  • Description: Offers straightforward sound purity aided by a simplified preamplification design that suits small room applications. Compared to other models in the lineup, its connectivity and feature set are more basic, making it a good choice for those with modest budgets and straightforward functionality needs.

LEVANTE

  • Positioning: A compact and affordable option designed for casual listening and tight spaces.
  • Description: Provides reliable performance with a focus on intuitive operation and efficient circuit design for clear audio reproduction. In contrast to the APL series, it presents fewer connectivity options and less advanced processing.

APL10

  • Positioning: A mid-range integrated solution that offers enhanced features balanced with solid sound quality.
  • Description: Includes advanced digital processing techniques and refined circuit architecture that result in improved clarity and a wider range of functions. When compared to the entry-level APL01SE and LEVANTE, it offers increased connectivity and output power.

AFM25

  • Positioning: A standard amplifier designed for users looking for more power and refined sound in regular setups.
  • Description: Uses innovative power management and signal processing methods that elevate sound dynamics beyond basic models. Relative to the lower-priced products, it delivers enhanced output and connectivity, while still being less feature-dense than the flagship unit.

AFM100SE

  • Positioning: The flagship model built for enthusiasts demanding top-tier performance and comprehensive functionality.
  • Description: Features state-of-the-art amplifier technology with precision engineering that achieves superior sound quality and a detailed soundstage. Compared with models like the AFM25 and APL10, it offers the most extensive connectivity options and dynamic control.
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Avg. Product Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used For Sale
3
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
343
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
9
Founding Year
2017

Our take on the brand

Riviera Labs designs amplifiers that match the human ear's natural distortion patterns, focusing on subjective listening experiences rather than technical specifications. Their products use a hybrid design combining tubes for signal processing and solid-state components for power stages, with the unique ability to switch between pure Class A and Class AB operation in their LEVANTE integrated amplifier.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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

What's your approach to customer support?

Riviera, as many other producer have a network of service centers directly connected with our local distributor. In Europe, we mostly take care of possible issues directly, because it is cheaper and faster than shipping the products to a service, than shipping part to the service and the unit back to the customer. So the customer only have to return the unit to the dealer where they bought the unit.

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
Silvio Delfino
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Absolare
Hybrid Stereo
38000
38000
/
3
Reviews

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

Absolare pioneered a hybrid amplifier design that combines the warmth of single-ended circuits with the control of push-pull formats, achieving the rare feat of bringing single-ended's signature midrange qualities to a hybrid configuration. Absolare is renowned for its luxuriously designed, leather-wrapped amplifiers and world-class expertise in vacuum tube hifi amplifiers.
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Expand Details

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

Absolare pioneered a hybrid amplifier design that combines the warmth of single-ended circuits with the control of push-pull formats, achieving the rare feat of bringing single-ended's signature midrange qualities to a hybrid configuration. Absolare is renowned for its luxuriously designed, leather-wrapped amplifiers and world-class expertise in vacuum tube hifi amplifiers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Aavik
Aavik U-580
35000
35000
/
1
Reviews
Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
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Expand Details

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

Aavik Acoustics crafts amplifiers using natural composite materials inspired by musical instruments, with their cabinets designed to enhance audio potential. Their products feature unique noise-cancelling technologies including Tesla coils and dither circuitry, while offering distinctive features like their U-300's input-specific gain adjustment system and the U-380's signature "aged-in-wood" bass sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Goldmund
Telos 690
36250
36250
/
1
Reviews

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.

Goldmund is a Swiss hifi brand known for its "mechanical grounding" technology, which reduces vibrations through heavy, precisely engineered components, and its proprietary Telos amplifier technology that significantly reduces intermodulation distortion. The brand appeals to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction, focusing on musical realism through minimalist design and high bandwidth circuitss.
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Expand Details

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

Goldmund is a Swiss hifi brand known for its "mechanical grounding" technology, which reduces vibrations through heavy, precisely engineered components, and its proprietary Telos amplifier technology that significantly reduces intermodulation distortion. The brand appeals to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction, focusing on musical realism through minimalist design and high bandwidth circuitss.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Riviera
AFM25
35800
35800
/
2
Reviews
Riviera Labs designs amplifiers that match the human ear's natural distortion patterns, focusing on subjective listening experiences rather than technical specifications. Their products use a hybrid design combining tubes for signal processing and solid-state components for power stages, with the unique ability to switch between pure Class A and Class AB operation in their LEVANTE integrated amplifier.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Harmonic content is reproduced beyond what the reviewer had heard before, making instruments and voices sound more fully formed
  • Creates a dimensional physicality with full voice, turning recorded events into a real-life experience
  • Fast and resolving without being harsh, and presents music with a high degree of tonal saturation without feeling slow
  • Reveals nuance in recordings, making small details easier to distinguish
  • Achieves a balance that makes components worth the money, provides realistic experience regardless of the program material

Product Considerations

  • The single-ended input was found to sound slightly more immediate than the balanced XLR input, though the difference was minor
  • Requires about 90 minutes to fully warm up and stabilize for optimal performance

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Riviera amplifiers have slightly more tonal saturation than the Pass Labs XA 25
  • The separates (APL10 and AFM25) are more quietly seductive and take more time and attention to fully appreciate, compared to the Riviera Labs Levante integrated amplifier

Takeaway: The AFM25 monoblocks offer a unique and captivating sound that expands the enjoyment and connection to music. When paired with efficient speakers, they provide a realistic and detailed listening experience that makes the music feel more alive.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Riviera Labs designs amplifiers that match the human ear's natural distortion patterns, focusing on subjective listening experiences rather than technical specifications. Their products use a hybrid design combining tubes for signal processing and solid-state components for power stages, with the unique ability to switch between pure Class A and Class AB operation in their LEVANTE integrated amplifier.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Gryphon
Diablo 333
24900
/
Released
2023
Integrated amplifiers have become the essential audio component, distilling sources, amp, preamp and interconnects into a single chassis. And since 2015, connoisseurs have revered the Gryphon Diablo 300 as the finest integrated amplifier ever produced and a genuine "Object of Desire." Unanimously praised by critics and with thousands sold, it became High End Audio's most coveted "Ultra-Luxe" integrated. Surpassing the '300 was no easy feat; however, thanks to the engineering genius of Gryphon's Chief Designer, Tom Moeller, the artistic sensibilities of Gryphon Founder Flemming Rasmussen as well as the development of cutting-edge component technologies, Gryphon has authored a new benchmark, better in virtually every respect than its iconic predecessor. A completely reimagined amplifier whose ideal feature set, aesthetic beauty, heirloom build quality and enormous performance envelope establish an unprecedented level of excellence. Gryphon proudly introduces Diablo 333: The World's Finest Integrated Amplifier.
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Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
Expand Details

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

Gryphon is one of the most respected high-end amplifier brands in the world. Its bass grip is phenomenal, thanks to an unusually high level of capacitance, which keeps everything tight and controlled, even with demanding speakers. Gryphon is also known for its bold, brutalist design—a look that a lot of people love. You’ll find their gear all over Europe and Asia, and the Diablo 333 is often considered an ‘endgame’ amp by those chasing the very best sound and aesthetics.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Burmester
032
25000
/
Released
With a mighty power supply and a wide variety of connectivity range, the 032 Integrated Amplifier effortlessly delivers complex loads. Excellent resolution and musicality perfectly describe the 032 amp.
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Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Expand Details

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

Burmester, a high-end audio brand renowned for its German craftsmanship, designs and handcrafts its components in Berlin. Known for its distinctive industrial aesthetic with chrome finishes, the brand supplies premium sound systems for Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
AVIDHIFI
Sigsum
20252
/
Released
2022
Driven by sound quality and our uncompromising approach to offer the best in class, the sensational SIGSUM Integrated was conceived. Our single chassis amplifier offers unparalleled performance for those that desire less clutter or with demands on their dwellings.
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AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
Expand Details

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

AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Trafomatic
Rhapsody
24122
/
Released
2022
Rhapsody is the pinnacle of our decades of experience in developing State of the art valve amplifiers. The name itself is the expression of our devotion to the Music and the Art. By definition it implicates the profound roots and legacy to the ancient Greek Art of the rhapsodists in performing Epics, to the most modern compositions, where the one-movement work structure of highly contrasted moods, colours and tonality, is expansive and yet unified in structure.
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Trafomatic Audio is unique for crafting its own transformers in-house, which gives them complete control over their amplifiers' sound quality. The brand stands out for using uncommon materials like Panzerholz (hyper-compressed plywood) for resonance control and rare tube types like the Elmac 250TL direct heated triode power tube in their designs.
Expand Details

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

Trafomatic Audio is unique for crafting its own transformers in-house, which gives them complete control over their amplifiers' sound quality. The brand stands out for using uncommon materials like Panzerholz (hyper-compressed plywood) for resonance control and rare tube types like the Elmac 250TL direct heated triode power tube in their designs.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Grandinote
Supremo
25188
/
Released
2022
The Grandinote Supremo is a no-compromise hi-end stereo integrated. The best of Grandinote family. His design and his construction born to splurge every virtues of Magnetosolid® sound and the VHP.
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Grandinote is an Italian hifi brand that uses their patented "Magnetosolid" technology to combine the benefits of tube amplifiers with solid-state components, achieving a rich, natural sound without actual tubes. Their amplifiers and speakers feature distinctive design choices, including dual-mono construction requiring two power cables, and speakers built without crossovers for a more direct sound.
Expand Details

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

Grandinote is an Italian hifi brand that uses their patented "Magnetosolid" technology to combine the benefits of tube amplifiers with solid-state components, achieving a rich, natural sound without actual tubes. Their amplifiers and speakers feature distinctive design choices, including dual-mono construction requiring two power cables, and speakers built without crossovers for a more direct sound.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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