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
- Objectively an excellently performing amplifier with a discrete design and potentially lower noise floor than op-amp based designs
- Subjectively has a slightly bass-focused, full-bodied sound, with a focus on the texture of midrange elements, leading to a more natural vocal presentation
- Offers excellent value for money, competing with Far East manufacturers on both performance and pricing
- Has plenty of power to drive most headphones, including high impedance models
- Features both single-ended and balanced inputs/outputs and can be used as a preamplifier
Product Considerations
- The volume knob may have a scratchy feel
- The halo feedback design may not make a significant difference in terms of measured behavior of headphones
- Protection circuit may kick in and limit power at lower impedances
- Preamp outputs cannot be switched off when using headphones
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Schiit Magni+, the Midgard offers better clarity and separation, especially when using the balanced output, but the tonal balance is similar
- Vs Schiit Asgard 3, the Midgard is more neutral and clarity-focused, while the Asgard 3 is warmer and richer, with a better sense of soundstage depth
- Vs Topping A30 Pro, the Midgard offers a resolution and finesse that the A30 Pro cannot reach—being more natural, open and fun
- Vs Schiit Jotunheim 2, both are similar in terms of overall sound quality, but the Midgard stands out because its midrange is stuff from legends
- The Midgard is a magnificent improvement compared to the Schiit Magnius
Takeaway: The Midgard is a powerful and versatile headphone amplifier with a balanced, full-bodied sound that is well-suited for many headphones. Its discrete design and excellent value make it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles.
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
Midgard
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
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20Khz, +/-0.01dB
- Maximum Power, 16 ohms: 5.5W RMS per channel
- Maximum Power, 32 ohms: 4.8W RMS per channel
- Maximum Power, 50 ohms: 3.2W RMS per channel
- Maximum Power, 300 ohms: 750mW RMS per channel
- Maximum Power, 600 ohms: 375mW RMS per channel
- THD+N Low Gain: Less than 0.0001% (-118dB) at 4V RMS into 300 ohms
- THD+N High Gain: Less than 0.0003% (-108dB) at 4V RMS into 300 ohms
- IMD Low Gain: Less than -112dB at 4V RMS into 300 ohms, CCIF
- IMD High Gain: Less than -110dB at 4V RMS into 300 ohms, CCIF
- SNR Low Gain: Greater than 128dB, referenced to 4V RMS
- SNR High Gain: Greater than 118dB, referenced to 4V RMS
- Crosstalk: Less than -80dB, 20 Hz-20 kHz, 300 ohm load
- Output Impedance SE ¼" TRS: less than 0.1 ohms
- Output Impedance XLR: approximately 2 ohms
- Preamp output: 75 ohms
- Input Impedance: 50k ohms
- Gain: 1 (0db) or 5 (14db)
- Power Consumption: 3W idle, 16W max
- Size: 9 x 6 x 1.5"
- Weight: 2 lb
Description
Midgard is simply the best measuring, highest power discrete headphone amp we've ever made. But that's not all. Midgard's new Halo™ topology also offers the potential for higher performance where it matters—at your ears.
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:
- Schiit Audio offers product modularity, allowing users to upgrade individual components like DAC and USB boards within their existing devices, extending product lifespan and enhancing performance over time.
- They directly challenge industry norms by releasing new versions of flagship products (like the Yggdrasil) at lower prices than existing models.
- The brand focuses on in-house design and manufacturing, keeping production and component sourcing largely within the US.
- Schiit is known for its idiosyncratic, humorous marketing and branding. This aims to counter hifi audio pretentiousness and appeal to a broader customer base.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Modi Plus:
- Positioning: The entry-level DAC, offering a budget-friendly option for those new to high-fidelity audio.
- Description: Features Schiit's Unison USB for superior connectivity. It stands out with its ESS ES9018 DAC chip, providing a clean and detailed sound that competes with more expensive models. Compared to the Modius, it lacks balanced outputs, making it more suitable for simpler setups or smaller spaces where budget is a priority.
Modius:
- Positioning: A step up from the Modi Plus, offering balanced outputs for enhanced audio performance.
- Description: Features balanced outputs and high performance, using the ESS ES9028 DAC chip and Schiit's Unison USB. It provides a more refined sound than the Modi Plus, with better soundstage and connectivity options.
Bifrost:
- Positioning: A mid-range DAC in Schiit's lineup, offering advanced features like True Multibit technology.
- Description: Uses True Multibit architecture, providing a rich and detailed sound that surpasses the Modius. It includes Schiit's proprietary digital filter, enhancing both time and frequency domains.
Gungnir 2:
- Positioning: A high-end DAC, offering advanced features and modular design for serious audiophiles.
- Description: Uses Schiit's Multiform architecture, providing exceptional sound quality with its balanced multibit design. It includes two USB inputs and the Forkbeard system for enhanced control and future-proofing. Compared to the Bifrost, it offers more connectivity and modularity.
Yggdrasil:
- Positioning: Schiit's flagship DAC, offering the pinnacle of audio performance and modularity.
- Description: Features True Multibit architecture and proprietary digital filter, delivering groundbreaking sound quality. It offers a fully modular design, allowing for future upgrades and customization. Compared to the Gungnir 2, it provides even greater precision and detail.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
36
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
62
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
31
Founding Year
2010
Our take on the brand
Schiit Audio, an extremely popular direct-to-consumer hifi brand, specializes in entry-level DACs and amps for both headphones and speakers. Through their distinctive, authentic voice and low-price philosophy, they've built a very loyal customer base.
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Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
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What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
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Used
Schiit
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
Musical Fidelity
MX-HPA
799
799
/
2
Reviews
The MX-HPA’s technical performance is stunning. Typically, distortion from 20 Hz to 40 kHz is less than 0.005%. Signal-to-noise ratio is better than 120dB (‘A’ weighted). Frequency response is ruler flat from 10 Hz to 20 kHz (-0.1dB). The MX-HPA is capable of a short-term peak of 10 watts (for one cycle) and has two gain positions: 18dB (8X) and 24dB (15X). Inputs are either balanced or single-ended. The MX-HPA will automatically convert single-ended inputs to balanced. The MX-HPA is genuinely fully balanced from beginning to end.
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
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Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic
- Fully balanced design
- Exceptional signal-to-noise ratio (>120dB 'A' weighted)
- Versatile because it automatically converts single-ended inputs to balanced signals
- Dual gain settings for versatility with virtually any headphone impedance
Product Considerations
- May be overkill for entry-level headphones
- The twin-XLR alternative is not the only means of balanced connection
Takeaway: The Musical Fidelity MX HPA is a remarkable piece of equipment that represents a significant achievement in balanced amplification design. It delivers a listening experience that is hard to surpass with technical excellence and practical versatility.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Musical Fidelity is known for its unique amplifier designs, particularly the A1 integrated amplifier that uses its top plate as a heatsink and features a distinctive current-mode phono stage. The brand stands out for its innovative dual-monoblock approach in integrated amplifiers, where separate power transformers and dedicated power supplies are housed in a single chassis, as seen in their M8xi and M6i models that deliver exceptional power output.
Product Page
Product Page
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SMSL
VMV P2
999
999
/
2
Reviews
Fully balanced design, 4 ultra-low distortion precision linear feedback circuit (PLFC)! The distortion is as low as 0.00006%, and the SNR is as low as 133dB! A total of 99 low-noise op-amps are used in a parallel design. High output power, 16 ohm output power up to 12W, 32 ohms up to 6W; The specially designed volume potentiometer greatly reduces channel deviation; 3 gears gain control, low gain is specially optimized for IEM; Pre-out function, can be used as Hi-End pre-amp; Classic retro toggle switch operation; Ultra-compact design, very suitable for desktop headphone system; High-precision low-temperature drift resistance, performance is not affected by temperature; High-quality relay and non-impact sound design; 20Hz to 100KHz(-0.5dB) frequency response; The headphone amplifier has comprehensive protections such as DC, overvoltage, and overload protection; Built-in high-efficiency and low-noise power system.
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Original and stylish design
- High power output, up to 12 watts
- Overload protection
- The XLR, RCA input switch, the headphone amplifier or preamplifier switch, and the low, mid, and high gain switches are located on the back of the unit, potentially making them difficult to access
Product Considerations
- The unit uses 99 low-noise op-amps in parallel, which is considered excessive and potentially detrimental to sound quality
- The unit uses the cheapest balanced potentiometer
- The unit uses a couple of switching power supplies
- The total harmonic distortion is only at its super magical level with a very high wattage
Takeaway: The VMV amp has high power and overload protection that might work to drive headphones. It could be a great amp for someone willing to try it out.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Product Page
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Chord Electronics
Mojo 2
650
650
/
65
Reviews
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
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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
Chord Electronics designs and manufactures all their products in Great Britain, setting themselves apart by using proprietary FPGA technology instead of off-the-shelf DAC chips found in most competitors' products. Their DACs and portable audio devices, featuring distinctive color-changing buttons and portholes, deliver studio-grade performance through unique technologies like the Watts Transient Aligned filter, which provides more natural and detailed sound reproduction.
Product Page
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iFi
xDSD Gryphon
599
599
/
30
Reviews
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
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
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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What competes at this price?
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality, featuring a CNC milled aluminum chassis and durable construction
- Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA) technology by THX, aiming for transparent sound reproduction without coloration
- Relay volume control provides precise channel matching
- Plenty of power to drive a wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to demanding planars
- Balanced XLR inputs and outputs
Product Considerations
- No pre-amp output
- The notched volume control might not be to everyone's liking
- Gets quite warm during use, especially with the SU-9 DAC stacked on top
- Some reviewers noticed a clicking noise when adjusting the volume
- The three-feet design may not be as stable as a four-feet design
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. SMSL SP200: Better unit at repelling noise, with a higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower total harmonic distortion—completely solved the SP200's issue with not having a pitch-black background
- Vs. Benchmark HPA4: Very close to the HPA4 in performance, with some minor differences observed only with high-end headphones
Takeaway: The SMSL SH-9 is a well-built and powerful headphone amplifier with a clean, transparent sound. It is a good choice for audiophiles looking for an accurate and detailed listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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SMSL
HO100
217
/
Released
2022
HO100 Headphone Amplifier features an ultra-low distortion precision feedback circuit with distortion as low as 0.00006%, and an ultra-low noise power supply design that outputs noise as low as 1.3uV.
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Budget-friendly headphone amplifier focused on quality
- Robust all-aluminum exterior, with rigid toggle switches, and smooth volume control, giving it the same fit and finish as SMSL's higher-end HO200
- Delivers a clean, neutral, and transparent sound, faithfully reproducing the source audio without adding coloration
- Extremely low noise floor
- Versatile due to its three gain levels (low, mid, high) and its ability to drive both sensitive IEMs and harder-to-drive headphones
Product Considerations
- Lacks balanced and unbalanced outputs for connecting to powered speakers, functioning solely as a headphone amplifier
- Does not have preamp capability
- Reviewers have noted average microdetails
- While the design looks smart and subdued, the tempered glass panel easily grabs fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs SMSL HO200: HO100 lacks RCA/XLR outputs and has lower wattage, but is more compact and is preferred if the extra power and outputs are not needed
- Vs FiiO K5 PRO: It has better driving power, a lower noise floor with IEMs, and lower distortion at maximum volume
- Vs JDS Labs Atom+: It has higher maximum power, handles maximum volume better with lower distortion, and offers better overall detail in the micro detail, and a more relaxing signature
Takeaway: The SMSL HO100 is a compact yet powerful headphone amplifier that delivers clean, neutral sound suitable for various headphones. It is well-built and offers excellent value for audiophiles seeking a high-quality listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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SMSL
SH-8S
229
/
Released
2021
SH-8S Headphone Amplifier features an ultra-low distortion precision linear feedback circuit (PLFC), with distortion as low as 0.00006%! It has an ultra-low noise power supply design, with output noise as low as 1.3uV.
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Enjoyable overall presentation with a punchy bassline, slightly euphonic midrange, and crystalline treble response
- Expansive soundstage that allows the music to breathe and come to life
- Enough power to drive most moderately hard-to-drive headphones, even those with higher impedance
- Detailed and textured vocal range that is a touch more forward and warmer than clinically accurate
- Tactile controls allow quicker access to changing any of the settings on the device
Product Considerations
- Slight bright tilt, which may require careful pairing with other components
- Bass is present, but slightly rolled off
- Lacks a screen, which some users may find to be a downside
- Balanced connection is present for convenience, as the amplifier itself is not a differential design—meaning it's single-ended by nature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SMSL SH-8s bass tends to be a touch more forward, SMSL SH-9 delivers a slightly tighter bass line
- The SMSL SH-9 has a markedly more controlled treble response
- Both have similar power output at 16Ω, but Topping A30 Pro maintains higher power at 32Ω
- The SMSL SH-8s has a fuller instrument timbre, but Topping A30 Pro has a more euphonic vocal range
- The SMSL SH-8s has much bigger headroom, and feels more spacious compared to the Geshelli Labs Archel 2.5 Pro
- The SMSL SH-8s is clearly digging more details, and is also able to develop a wider soundstage with better separation and layering than the Topping L30
Takeaway: The SMSL SH-8s is a well-built amplifier that sounds promising. If the listener has darker sounding headphones or a darker source, the SMSL SH-8s might be worth checking out to open the sound a little bit.
Video review
Our take on the brand
SMSL, a Shenzhen-based hifi brand, stands out for its use of advanced chipsets like Infineon's MERUS and ES9039Q2M, which have been objectively verified to deliver exceptionally low noise and distortion levels. The brand has earned acclaim from value-conscious audiophiles.
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iFi
ZEN CAN 3
229
/
Released
2024
For those who crave more from their headphones, this all-analogue amplifier delivers 2,000mW of power, supports xMEMS drivers, and offers five EQ modes – including presets that electrify gaming and movie marathons.
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Multiple analog and DSP-free modes are featured
- Class A circuitry is designed for flagship iCAN Phantom
- XBass+ and XSpace analog signal processing modes are included
- It can drive a wide range of headphones, including xMEMS IEMs and high-end planars, with up to 2000mW output
- Build quality is robust and durable with a premium aesthetic
Product Considerations
- The included generic power adapter is a disappointment
- XBass+ can sometimes be overpowering, and XSpace might artificially widen the soundstage
- The amp may be too powerful for very sensitive IEMs, giving little volume control in these situations
- Some reviewers found the sound profiles not to audiophile tastes
- The 4.4mm Pentaconn input/output can be somewhat limiting and costly
Takeaway: The ZEN CAN 3 is a versatile amp with a robust build and unique features like XBass+ and XSpace, making it a good choice for those seeking enhanced sound without digital processing. It is great for gaming, movies, and music listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
iFi Audio specializes in portable hifi audio players, offering compact DACs and headphone amplifiers for audiophiles seeking quality sound on the go. The brand also provides affordable audiophile gear, making quality hifi audio accessible to more people.
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Topping
NX7
152
/
Released
2021
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Respectable power for a portable amplifier
- Features Nested Feedback Composite Amplifier (NFCA) module as a portable package
- Rugged construction and good battery life
- Delivers detail and texture with a transparent, uncoloured sound
- Three gain modes and is compatible with everything from sensitive IEMs to full-size headphones
- Performs well with hard-to-drive cans and with IEMs that tend to produce hiss
- Build quality is quite good with an all-aluminum chassis
- An SNR of 135dB makes it one of the cleanest portable amps on the market
Product Considerations
- Can be too clean and dry, so synergy is important
- A bit big for a pocket
- Charging the 4000mAh battery takes up to 4 hours
Takeaway: The Topping NX7 is a very good amplifier that works wonderfully with a clean, unaltering nature. It's versatile with lots of clean power and can be used in a desktop setup as well as for portable listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Topping Audio is a measurement-focused hifi brand that developed its own proprietary PSRM DAC architecture and NFCA amplifier topology to achieve exceptionally low distortion levels. Their products, from the flagship D90 III Discrete DAC to entry-level interfaces like the E2x2, use advanced technologies like custom I/V conversion stages and high-feedback Class B designs to deliver clean, accurate sound reproduction.
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