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

  • Exceptional build quality, with a focus on in-house engineering and manufacturing in Germany
  • High power output, capable of driving a wide range of speakers with ease
  • Neutral and transparent sound signature, accurately reproducing recordings without coloration
  • High Voltage (HV) technology implemented to emulate the sound characteristics of tube amplifiers, while using solid-state components
  • Precise volume control using discrete precision resistors and gold-contact relays for accurate channel tracking

Product Considerations

  • High price point, making it an investment piece
  • Lacks built-in digital features like DAC or streaming, requiring separate components for digital playback
  • Large size and heavy weight may not be suitable for all listening spaces
  • Optional phono stage and APM (Audio Processing Module) add to the overall cost
  • Requires a 20-amp power cord, which may require electrical upgrades

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the McIntosh MA9000, the PA 3100 HV has firmer, more controlled, and punchier bass
  • Compared to the Devialet D-Premier, the PA 3100 HV offers more tonal density and solid images, whereas the Devialet is wispier and airier
  • Compared to the Vinnie Rossi L2i SE, the T+A is more effortless, flowing, and open in sound, whereas the Vinnie Rossi was a little sharper and flatter (based on memory)
  • Compared to the D'Agostino Momentum and Vitus RI-100, the PA 3100 HV falls tonally somewhere in between these two premier integrated amplifiers
  • Compared to Audio Research separates, the PA 3100 HV holds its own, with exceptional highs and bass
  • Compared to the Esoteric K-01X SACD/CD/DAC, both are excellent digital front ends, but the PA3100HV provides a richer palette of color and purity, though did not sacrifice much of what the K-01X can offer

Takeaway: The T+A PA3100HV is a high-end, meticulously engineered integrated amplifier that offers exceptional sound quality and power. It is a worthwhile option for those seeking a long-term, no-compromise audio solution focused on pure analog amplification.

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

PA 3100 HV

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

  • Frequency response: + 0 / – 3 dB 0,5 Hz –300 kHz
  • Signal / noise ratio: 105 / 110 dB
  • Total harmonic distortion: < 0,001%
  • Channel separation: > 90 dB
  • RMS output per channel into 8 Ohms: 300 Watts
  • RMS output per channel into 4 Ohms: 500 Watts
  • Peak output into 8 Ohms: 380 Watts
  • Peak output into 4 Ohms: 700 Watts
  • Power bandwidth: 1 Hz – 150 kHz
  • Damping factor: > 65
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 17 x 46 x 46 cm
  • Weight: 38 kg
The PA 3100 HV is a further development of the PA 3000 HV, and most of its sub-assemblies are identical. The immediately obvious difference is the pair of VU meters in the front panel, which display the power generated per channel in logarithmic form in Watts into 4 Ohms. A revision of the pre-amplifier section (D.C. coupling) has brought an additional improvement in sound quality.
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:

  • T+A leverages a high-voltage (HV) power supply to achieve a tube-like response from solid-state components, increasing the voltage rail to 100 volts compared to the typical +/-16 to 24 volts.
  • They employ a proprietary "True 1-bit" DSD converter, processing DSD data in its native bitstream form, rather than converting it to PCM, in select DACs and players.
  • T+A incorporates in-house designed switching power supplies over off-the-shelf components, maximizing current delivery and improving sonic payoff.

CALA Series:

  • Positioning: Designed for music enthusiasts who value compactness and simplicity without compromising on sound quality.
  • Description: Offers a sleek design with a purist front panel. Features a DSP-controlled sound management system, which is not found in the more traditional E-Series, providing enhanced sound customization options.

Caruso Series:

  • Positioning: A compact all-in-one music system that combines modern functionality with high-quality sound.
  • Description: Stands out with its integrated 7-inch HD touchscreen and NavigatorOS, offering intuitive control and a modern user interface, unlike the more traditional controls of the E-Series. It handles streaming, CD playback, and radio in a single device.

E-Series:

  • Positioning: A classic stereo system that integrates modern digital capabilities with traditional high-fidelity sound.
  • Description: Combines the sound quality of an audiophile amplifier with digital streaming capabilities, offering a balance between traditional and modern audio needs. Unlike the more compact Caruso, provides higher power output and more connectivity options.

R-Series:

  • Positioning: T+A's oldest and most important product group, known for its high-end performance and classic design.
  • Description: Uses high-voltage technology for superior linearity and transient response, setting it apart from the more compact Series 200. Designed for users who prioritize high power output and detailed sound reproduction.

HV-Series:

  • Positioning: T+A's flagship line, representing the pinnacle of high-end audio technology and performance.
  • Description: Uses high-voltage technology to achieve exceptional sound quality, with separate high-performance converters for PCM and DSD. Offers the highest level of performance and build quality compared to other series.
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Avg. Product Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used For Sale
15
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
75
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
47
Founding Year
1978

Our take on the brand

T+A is a hifi brand that combines transistor and valve technologies in their HV-Series amplifiers, using high voltage for linear performance, while their A 200 Power Amplifier uses PURIFI Eigentakt technology for low distortion regardless of speaker load.

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?

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

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
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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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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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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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
Audionet
Max
30500
30500
/
8
Reviews
Audionet is a hifi brand whose Ultra Linear Amplifier technology, originally developed for medical applications, provides exceptional signal purity and stability. Their products, particularly the MAX monoblocks and DNP/EPX combo, are known for extraordinary dynamic performance and bass control.
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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

Audionet is a hifi brand whose Ultra Linear Amplifier technology, originally developed for medical applications, provides exceptional signal purity and stability. Their products, particularly the MAX monoblocks and DNP/EPX combo, are known for extraordinary dynamic performance and bass control.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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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
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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
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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
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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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