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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 SW1X LPU-II offers a detailed and fast sound with low noise
  • It has a slightly warmer feel but is not a warm sounding stage, even less so than many transistor stages
  • It is very quiet and less prone to earth hum, unlike some other stages
  • The SW1X LPU-II is beautifully put together and gives the impression of an expensive piece of kit

Product Considerations

  • The SW1X LPU-II is large and may not fit on some hifi shelves
  • The power switch is located at the back of the unit
  • The SW1X LPU-II can veer towards the brighter side of neutral, and changes in cables, supports, and mains supplies will have an affect
  • It is a revealing device and less comfortable to listen to if anything isn't 100% right with the ancillaries
  • The LPU II is fairly typical amongst high-end valve stages in being MM magnet level only—which means you need a step-up

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Lehmannaudio Black Cube SE and Slee Gold: The LPU II outperforms these 'giant killers'
  • Vs ESE Nibiru: The LPU II offers similar detail and sound-staging to the Nibiru but adds 'ease,' more color, and dynamics
  • Vs Audio Note M3: The LPU II offers similar abilities to the M3

Takeaway: The SW1X LPU-II is a high-end phono stage that offers great detail and dynamics, allowing one to immerse oneself in the music. Its quality build and performance make it a great addition to a high-end audio system.

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

LPU II

reviews

[{"title":"SW1X LPU-II - tube phono preamplifier","link":"https://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/sw1x_phono_preamp_e.html","source":"TNT Audio","datePublished":""}]
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: 140mm (H) x 340mm (W) x 410mm (D)
  • Weight: 9.5kg
  • Max Power Consumption: 12W
  • Output Noise, Unweighted: < 0.5 mVrms
  • Output Impedance: <2k Ohms
  • Tube Compliment: 2 x EF86, 2 x EC86, 1 x 5Y3
  • Input Impedance: 47K
  • Total Gain: 50-56 dB
  • Maximum Input Voltage: 350mV
The LPU II is the fuller size & higher gain model of the LPU I. The sound of LPU II is characterised by a lush yet lively and bold presentation that makes vinyl playback stand out above anything else. Acoustic instruments and human voices sound completely naturally with accurate dense timbres, lacking of any mechanical signature.
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:

  • SW1X uses classic circuit designs, often inspired by Kondo and Audio Note UK, reimagined with modern enhancements and a focus on harmonically matched components.
  • A key element is the use of non-oversampling (NOS) DACs and a lack of digital filters, aiming to eliminate digital artifacts and achieve a more analog-like sound reproduction.
  • SW1X offers a wide range of models and versions within each product line, allowing customers to tailor the sound to their specific tastes and system synergy through component and material choices, such as copper or silver wiring and different capacitor types.

SW1X DAC I Special 2

  • Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
  • Description: Offers a pure NOS R2R design, providing a musical and organic sound that is rare in its price range. It features a simple yet effective valve amplification topology. Compared to higher models like the DAC II, it lacks the more advanced power supply and output stage configurations, making it suitable for smaller setups and those with a limited budget.

SW1X DAC II Balanced Special

  • Positioning: Mid-range model with enhanced features for balanced audio output.
  • Description: Combines the digital side of the DAC II with the power tube output stage of the DAC IV, offering a dynamic and engaging sound. It features a balanced signal output transformer and active I/V conversion, providing a more refined audio experience than the DAC I.

SW1X DAC III VSB

  • Positioning: Mid to high-end model with USB connectivity for versatile use.
  • Description: Integrates a USB interface, making it versatile for modern digital setups. It offers a pure NOS design with a valve output stage, providing a rich and detailed sound. Compared to the DAC II, it includes larger power supplies and a more robust output stage.

SW1X DAC IV

  • Positioning: High-end model with advanced power supply and output stage.
  • Description: Features directly heated diodes and a power valve output stage, offering a mature and large-scale sonic presentation. It surpasses the DAC III in dynamic range and musical refinement.

SW1X DAC X

  • Positioning: Flagship model, representing the pinnacle of SW1X engineering.
  • Description: The ultimate endgame DAC, combining technologies from the entire SW1X lineup into one chassis. It features a non-oversampling R2R design with a directly heated power triode valve output stage, delivering a musical and natural sound.
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Avg. Product Price
$5,001-$10,000
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302
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Our take on the brand

SW1X Audio Design creates DACs that use a non-oversampling approach and vintage TDA1541 chips with tube output stages, avoiding digital filtering to maintain a more natural, analog-like sound. Their products feature separate power supply chassis designs and harmonically matched vintage components, including directly heated triode tubes and AB resistors, which are carefully selected for their distinctive sonic qualities.

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What if you spend more?

Product image
SW1X
LPU III
15268
15268
/
2
Reviews
SW1X Audio Design creates DACs that use a non-oversampling approach and vintage TDA1541 chips with tube output stages, avoiding digital filtering to maintain a more natural, analog-like sound. Their products feature separate power supply chassis designs and harmonically matched vintage components, including directly heated triode tubes and AB resistors, which are carefully selected for their distinctive sonic qualities.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Achieves positive aspects of vacuum tube-based circuits, especially timbral and textural generosity and transient delicacy
  • Produces see-through transparency, transient clarity, and precision, free of edgy artifacts, grain, and grit, especially in the mid and upper frequencies
  • Delivers well-saturated, natural instrumental timbres with rhythm'n'pacing and 'punch' to spare
  • Creates a convincing 3D presentation and airy spatial staging
  • Added mono input is great for mono fans
  • The auditioned sample of the 'Balanced' version lacked a true balanced output due to a temporary shortage of output transformers

Product Considerations

  • Rockers needing full electric bass extension and transient grip might prefer alternatives
  • The LPU III chassis is not especially rigid and benefits from good aftermarket feet to improve bass focus

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs SW1X LPU I: The LPU III Balanced is considered 'the most transparent' of all the circuit iterations
  • Vs CH Precision P1: The LPU III places the musical event closer to the listener, with more exuberant three-dimensionality and air, while the CH Precision P1 places the musical event further back in space, with more bottom-end weight and solidity, and somewhat muted colors

Takeaway: The SW1X LPU III Balanced is a sweet-sounding phono preamplifier that is great for jazz, classical, and acoustic music, providing an immersive and detailed listening experience. The added mono input and transparent sound make it a great option for audiophiles who want to hear their vinyl records at their best.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SW1X Audio Design creates DACs that use a non-oversampling approach and vintage TDA1541 chips with tube output stages, avoiding digital filtering to maintain a more natural, analog-like sound. Their products feature separate power supply chassis designs and harmonically matched vintage components, including directly heated triode tubes and AB resistors, which are carefully selected for their distinctive sonic qualities.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Gold Note
PH-1000
11999
11999
/
7
Reviews
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
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Product Strengths

  • Unparalleled cartridge matching capabilities with adjustable gain levels and load options
  • Features a multitude of equalization options, including preset EQ options alongside the option to set up custom curves
  • Exceptional build quality with a chassis precision-machined from solid aluminum, offering superior electromagnetic shielding and aesthetic elegance
  • Intuitive operation is ensured by the clear display and the Single Knob Control (SKC) system, despite the unit's complexity
  • Class A circuitry throughout delivers a warmth and naturalness that brings vinyl playback to life, while maintaining exceptional detail and clarity

Product Considerations

  • Premium price point makes it a high-end investment
  • Complex feature set may require a learning curve for full usage
  • Large form factor requires adequate rack space
  • The remote control has a mute function that requires two clicks to unmute, which can be slightly annoying
  • The Owners' Manual could be improved and is not very informative

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Gold Note PH-10: PH-1000 has more cartridge loading possibilities
  • Vs Gold Note PSU-1250 & TUBE-1012: PH-1000 lacks a warm tube sound, but if you add the PSU-1250 & TUBE-1012, details are brought out with added sharpness and the music becomes more cohesive—reaching a new level of harmonic wholeness

Takeaway: The Gold Note PH-1000 is a sophisticated phono preamplifier with a wide range of features and exceptional sound quality, perfect for vinyl enthusiasts seeking to get the best out of their collections. Its flexibility and upgradeability make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about analog audio.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Pass Labs
XP-27
12075
12075
/
6
Reviews
Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Separate chassis for the power supply and signal circuitry minimizes noise, improving low-level detail retrieval
  • Front panel controls for gain, resistive loading, and capacitive loading, provide flexibility for cartridge matching
  • Two RCA inputs accommodate two turntables or tonearms, simplifying analog setups
  • Superb detail, clarity, and a clean sound, leads to a musically involving experience
  • A high-pass filter reduces low-frequency noise, helpful for systems with subwoofers

Product Considerations

  • The two-chassis design may be problematic for audiophiles with limited space, as the power supply is ideally placed separate from the main unit
  • No remote control is included, requiring manual adjustments at the unit itself
  • Settings are not automatically remembered when switching between tonearm inputs, requiring manual readjustment
  • Some reviewers would have liked to see larger LED indicators and labels for easier visibility

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The XP-27 offers a host of useful features and operates with a great deal of attention paid to lower distortion, even RIAA performance is accomplished at much lower distortion levels than previous versions in the same price class
  • Vs Pass Labs XP-25, the XP-27 offers incremental improvements including lower noise and better bass performance due to dual transformers—vs single in the XP-25—lower noise resistors, upgraded rectifiers and improved power filtering and regulation
  • Vs Pass Labs XP-17, the XP-27 offers superior dynamics, clarity, imaging and musicality
  • Vs Pass Labs XP-22, the XP-27 is the star of the two-component show: XP-22-line preamplifier and XP-27 phono preamplifier

Takeaway: The Pass Labs XP-27 is a versatile and high-performing phono preamplifier that extracts remarkable detail and clarity from vinyl recordings. Its flexible loading options and dual inputs make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound quality.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Pass Labs Class A amplifiers are celebrated for their distinctive sonic character, delivering a rich, full-bodied sound with a notably lush midrange. They imbue a unique sense of "plumpness" and warmth to the music, an intentional coloration that many enthusiasts find highly engaging. The pure Class A design ensures smooth, beautiful sound but comes with the trade-off of generating significant heat, which can warm up a room.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
CANOR
Hyperion P1
14055
14055
/
4
Reviews
Canor Audio is a hifi brand that uses proprietary CMT circuit board technology to match the performance of point-to-point wiring while maintaining consistency in manufacturing. Their tube-based designs include unique features like a tube output stage in their DACs and custom-made output transformers with Permalloy cores in their amplifiers, setting them apart in the high-end audio market.
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Product Strengths

  • Delivers a natural, spacious, and clean sound
  • Attenuator is located in a special aluminum box (10 mm thick walls) which provides perfect shielding and absorbs the vibrations
  • Is a Class-A preamplifier and was designed to avoid ANY global feedback
  • Analogue part is separated from the power part by a solid aluminium wall (10 mm thick) which contributes to the elimination of interference

Product Considerations

  • The tubes require a lengthy break-in period of several hundred hours
  • The system remote control could be bigger

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Hyperion and Virtus combo's sovereignty brings the acoustic events to 'life' more convincingly

Takeaway: The Hyperion P1 is made to provide high signal quality sound. It has excellent workmanship to ensure amazing sound quality.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Canor Audio is a hifi brand that uses proprietary CMT circuit board technology to match the performance of point-to-point wiring while maintaining consistency in manufacturing. Their tube-based designs include unique features like a tube output stage in their DACs and custom-made output transformers with Permalloy cores in their amplifiers, setting them apart in the high-end audio market.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

SW1X
LPU I
5050
/
Released
The phono pre-amplifier is based on a classic all valve circuit design used to master vinyl recordings and master tapes. It is a two gain stage design consisting of 2 (one for each channel) pentode valves on the input and one double triode valve on the output.
Check Amazon
SW1X Audio Design creates DACs that use a non-oversampling approach and vintage TDA1541 chips with tube output stages, avoiding digital filtering to maintain a more natural, analog-like sound. Their products feature separate power supply chassis designs and harmonically matched vintage components, including directly heated triode tubes and AB resistors, which are carefully selected for their distinctive sonic qualities.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Communicates the spirit of the music and is refined and harmonically rich
  • Sounds highly neutral yet wholly natural, not overly warm or lacking harmonic richness
  • Treble is superbly refined, airy, and extended with no harshness whatsoever
  • Dynamics are expressive
  • The pairs of rear-panel RCA jacks are relatively close together

Product Considerations

  • Bass may not be as punchy as some solid-state preamps

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Schiit Mani, the LPU I has a more inviting sound, whereas the Schiit Mani's solid-state control works well for the bass, but not so well for the midrange
  • Compared to Pass Labs X-Ono phono stage, the LPU I would beat it in terms of resolution, refinement, and harmonic purity, but would not have the Pass' bass heft

Takeaway: The SW1X LPU I is a refined and harmonically rich phono preamplifier that communicates the spirit of the music without being overly lush or sacrificing neutrality. It is equally suited for smooth soul and uptempo rock, and could be a great addition to one's system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

SW1X Audio Design creates DACs that use a non-oversampling approach and vintage TDA1541 chips with tube output stages, avoiding digital filtering to maintain a more natural, analog-like sound. Their products feature separate power supply chassis designs and harmonically matched vintage components, including directly heated triode tubes and AB resistors, which are carefully selected for their distinctive sonic qualities.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
NAD
M66
5499
/
Released
2023
The Masters M66 BluOS Streaming DAC-Preamplifier is a revolutionary hi-fi component that combines an audiophile-grade DAC with a high-resolution multi-room music streamer. Featuring Dirac Live Room Correction and Dirac Live Bass Control, its elegant design and vibrant 7″ touchscreen exudes quality and class.
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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

  • Offers a wide range of features rarely seen in a component of this type, including a high-performance DAC, analog preamplifier, BluOS streaming, Dirac Live room correction, and a high-quality phono stage
  • Includes Dirac Live Bass Control for up to four independent subwoofers, allowing for optimized bass performance and integration, and Dirac Live improves clarity and bass definition
  • Uses ESS Sabre DAC chips, known for wide dynamic range and low noise/distortion
  • Features a modular design that lets one expand its capabilities, helping to ensure product longevity and up-to-date functionality
  • Offers versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR, AES/XLR, and HDMI eARC

Product Considerations

  • BluOS is limited to a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz
  • Does not offer home-theater bypass, though it could be implemented in a future upgrade
  • Dirac Live iPhone app not always successful at recognizing microphone
  • Touchscreen does not behave in the same way as an EverSolo or a FiiO, because one cannot browse music libraries with it, it is really just for input and settings and just the kind of nitty-gritty of daily use, but not music playback
  • Some found the styling a bit overdone, while others appreciated the display

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Is considered better overall than the Anthem STR due to a more sophisticated room correction system and a fully featured multiroom streaming platform with wireless capability
  • Sounds more lit up top to bottom with greater avidity than PS Audio, and it better exposes surface textures, and layer separation is more easily seen
  • The MC input quite clearly resolves more finer detail and it better inks tonal colors compared to the MC phono stage built into the Cambridge Audio Alva TT 2 turntable

Takeaway: The NAD M66 is a sophisticated and feature-rich streaming preamplifier, offering a versatile set of tools for audiophiles seeking precise sound reproduction and optimized bass performance. With its modular design and future-proofing capabilities, the M66 is a great choice for anyone building a high-end hifi system.

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Mola Mola
Lupe
9850
/
Released
2023
The standalone version of our well-known archival grade Phono stage features three single-ended inputs and one balanced input. It has a balanced output as well as a single-ended output. The Lupe with its dedicated power supply, k and the added "subsonic filter" provides the discerning record aficionado with the most accurate set-up for recreating the magic of the turntable as it was intended.
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Mola Mola is recognized for bringing innovative Class D amplification to hifi through the work of renowned engineer Bruno Putzeys. Their products deliver clean and efficient performance with extremely low distortion, and their DAC is considered among the best.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Incredibly saturated sound packed with information, resulting in a deep and detailed presentation
  • Separate gain paths for MM and MC cartridges, optimizing performance for each
  • Extremely silent and powerful signal transmission capabilities
  • Offers a wide range of settings to optimize performance for any cartridge, including extensive gain and loading options, and dozens of equalization curves
  • Parameters can be adjusted on the fly using a custom Mola Mola app
  • Design allows it to get out of the way of the music, allowing the music to swell and breathe majestically

Product Considerations

  • The new review sample took some 300 hours to stabilize
  • A slight faltering of absolute pitch definition and texture below about 40-45 Hz
  • Some may find the sound too neutral and challenging—preferring a more lush sound
  • With so many parameters to adjust, people may use the unit's abilities as a tone control and stray away from the intended EQ curve
  • There are so many options, that it may be changed too far

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Versus GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier, Lupe reminded the reviewer more of their Class A GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier than the other of my references—ESE Lab Nibiru MC
  • Versus ESE Lab Nibiru MC, each of those features could be pointed out as Lupe's advantages, although they were not as prominent as with Nibiru MC

Takeaway: The Mola Mola Lupe is a versatile and high-performing phono stage that delivers a sophisticated and musical sound. Its extensive features and convenient app control make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want to optimize their listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Mola Mola is recognized for bringing innovative Class D amplification to hifi through the work of renowned engineer Bruno Putzeys. Their products deliver clean and efficient performance with extremely low distortion, and their DAC is considered among the best.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Lumin
P1
10000
/
Released
2021
Our most flexible player yet, LUMIN P1 is designed to sit right in the heart of your audio system. Use as a streamer, a DAC, a pre-amplifier or all three!
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Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Combines a network streamer, DAC, and preamplifier with digital and analog inputs, offering versatility
  • Features Leedh Processing lossless volume control, which minimizes distortion and loss of resolution, maintaining sound quality even at high attenuation levels
  • High-quality build with an aluminum chassis and a well-designed internal layout, including dual toroidal transformers and a Femto Clock System
  • Has three HDMI inputs with 4k passthrough and ARC (Audio Return Channel), making it work as part of a multimedia system

Product Considerations

  • Analog input signals are digitized because the P1's volume control operates in the digital domain
  • The Lumin app is not as graphically compelling as Roon, nor is it as easy to navigate and manage a music library
  • When the volume is set at '100' or the output level is set to 'fixed,' both Leedh and the conventional volume controls are bypassed
  • It appears to have no discernible colorations of its own and delivers extremely high resolution, probably more than most systems will be able to realize

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the AURALiC Aries G1.1, the P1 delivers a considerably more realistic, musical, and engaging sound
  • Compared to the Copland CSA 100 amplifier, the P1 is a more musical and competent sounding player with greater resolution, extension, dynamics, and ease

Takeaway: The Lumin P1 is a versatile network player, DAC, and preamplifier offering high-quality sound and a wide range of features. It delivers a powerful and immersive listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Lumin Music, known for launching the world's first DSD-capable streamer, develops all hardware and software in-house to ensure seamless integration across their product line. Their digital sources are praised for delivering warm, analog-like sound quality, with features like upsampling to DSD 256 and dual-drive music servers that require zero setup configuration.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Hegel
P30A
8995
/
Released
2022
The P30A is our reference preamplifier. We have nicknamed it The Conductor because its job is to control the power amplifier with a signal that is as true to the music as possible. In our view, the preamplifier is the most critical component in a great sounding system, and it is also the hardest to get right.
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Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Allows the music to play as intended, with transparency being a key attribute
  • Offers excellent control, grip, and dynamic headroom
  • Fully balanced design from input to output, maximizing performance with balanced sources
  • Provides a very quiet background, improving separation and detail
  • Very low noise floor, revealing a lot of detail without sounding analytical

Product Considerations

  • The volume control lacks a digital readout
  • Minimalist design with a basic remote that some may find lacking
  • There are only two XLR inputs
  • The simple lines may not appeal to those seeking a visually flashy product

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Hegel H390, the P30A/H30A surpasses it, making the H390 sound inferior
  • Compared to the Luxman M900U, the Hegel H30A exhibits greater soundstage depth
  • Compared to the Constellation Revelation Series, the P30A/H30A revealed plenty of sonic information but didn't sound stilted or forced, though Constellation had "peer into the recording" transparency that the Hegel combo probably can't match
  • Compared to older Hegel models, the newer models sound more extended and focused in the upper frequencies and are slightly warmer than neutral compared to the older versions' more apparent tilt toward warmth

Takeaway: The Hegel P30A is an excellent preamplifier that prioritizes transparency and control, letting the music shine through with exceptional detail and soundstage depth, and minimal coloration of its own. It ensures a clean, powerful, and natural presentation.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Known for producing all-in-one integrated amplifiers, Hegel has become a favorite among hi-fi enthusiasts and dealers worldwide. Their amplifiers are particularly praised for their exceptional bass control, attributed to their high damping factor, which ensures precise management of even difficult-to-drive speakers like planar magnetics and dipoles. With competitive pricing and high performance, Hegel integrateds stand out as some of the best options available for audiophiles seeking simplicity and excellence in a single component.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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