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
- 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.
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
Rhapsody
reviews
[{"title":"Trafomatic Rhapsody Integrated Amplifier","link":"https://www.hifinews.com/content/trafomatic-rhapsody-integrated-amplifier","source":"hifinews.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Trafomatic Audio Rhapsody","link":"https://hifiplus.com/articles/trafomatic-audio-rhapsody","source":"hifiplus.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Trafomatic Rhapsody Integrated Amplifier Lab Report","link":"https://www.hifinews.com/content/trafomatic-rhapsody-integrated-amplifier-lab-report","source":"hifinews.com","datePublished":""},{"title":"Trafomatic Rhapsody Integrated Amplifier Review","link":"https://audiophilepure.com/2024/02/07/trafomatic-rhapsody-integrated-amplifier-review","source":"audiophilepure.com","datePublished":""}]
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
- Output power: 2x20W
- Class of operation: Parallel Single-Ended (class A)
- Tubes complement: 4x 300b, 2x 6SN7
- Inputs: 3xRCA + 1xXLR
- Outputs: 4 - 8 ohm
- Input sensitivity: 0.5V rms
- THD %: 0.55% - 1W
- Frequency bandwidth: 10Hz-75KHz (-3dB)
- S/N Ratio: 80dB
- Input impedance: 100K
- Power consumption: 280VA
- Input voltage: 230V/50Hz (100-120-220-240V available on request)
- Size: 470×370x260mm
- Weight: 32kg
Description
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.
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. The 300B valves are a piece of great audio history that are represented in the Rhapsody in the best and most refined way. The naturalness, the drive, their tonality and rich colour pallets are unmistakable. All of those virtues are combined and moved a step further by Trafomatic dedication into the deep understanding of the cyrcuit. The result is a endlessness adventure in discovering undisclosed hidden places in your favorite recordings.
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:
- Trafomatic is known for designing and hand-winding its own transformers, enabling precise control over the final sound characteristics of its amplifiers.
- Trafomatic's amplifiers, particularly the Primavera, are designed for tube rolling, providing comprehensive options and improving overall audio experience.
- The brand offers a highly customizable experience, allowing customers to request specific RAL colors and gold or silver knobs/feet, for a personalized aesthetic.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Evolution Phono One
- Positioning: The entry-level model aimed at basic vinyl playback setups.
- Description: Uses an OP AMP design with separate MM and MC inputs and selectable impedance to ensure low noise performance. Compared to tube-based or high-power models in the lineup, its straightforward design suits smaller rooms and modest budgets with minimal functionality needs.
Tara 30A
- Positioning: A balanced tube preamplifier crafted for refined audio reproduction at a moderate price point.
- Description: Features Emission Labs 30A tubes, dynamic balance adjustment and an extremely low output impedance for precise channel matching. Compared to the entry-level Evolution Phono One, it adds tube warmth and detailed control, though it remains less complex than higher-powered amplifiers like EOS+ or flagship systems.
EOS+ Power Amp
- Positioning: A dual mono power amplifier engineered to deliver high power for demanding speaker systems.
- Description: Uses push-pull design with KT150 tubes and tuned negative as well as cathode feedback, resulting in well-controlled bass and a dynamic response. In contrast to preamplifiers like Tara 30A, it provides substantial power output.
Elysium
- Positioning: A flagship mono-block power amplifier built with state of the art tube circuitry for uncompromised sound quality.
- Description: Uses pure Class A circuits with Eimac 250TL output tubes and a unique direct-coupled transformer setup to extract every subtle detail. Compared to the EOS+ Power Amp which focuses on power output, it offers a more refined sonic character.
Rhapsody
- Positioning: An integrated amplifier representing the highest achievement in valve amplifier design.
- Description: Features 300B valves in a parallel single-ended Class A configuration to produce natural tonality and rich coloration with unified performance. Compared to standalone preamplifiers or power amplifiers, its all-in-one design delivers exceptional technical sophistication.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$20,001-$30,000
Used For Sale
4
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
247
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
23
Founding Year
1997
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.
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
Used
Trafomatic
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
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.
Expand Details
.svg)
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Preserves the sonic signature of tube electronics, while being able to drive a wider range of loudspeakers
- Has astonishing liquidity of timbre, and is utterly grain-free
- Projects a sense of presence that sounds very much like the best SET amplifiers
- Creates a directness of musical expression, fostering an intimacy with the music and performers
- Produces a very warm midrange, and sweet top end
Product Considerations
- Treble was less bright, and open than that of many other amplifiers
- Favors warmth, fullness, and texture in the bass rather than slam and extension
- May not be the most resolving amplifier for the money
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Absolare Hybrid sounded remarkably like the Passion 845 SET, but with deeper bass extension and greater dynamic authority
Takeaway: The Absolare Hybrid Stereo amplifier delivers the emotion of music like an SET amplifier, with the ability to drive a wide variety of loudspeakers. It creates a deep connection with musical meaning.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
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.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
SW1X
AMP V Titan
22295
/
Released
AMP V is a 3 gain stage Power Amplifier coupled with a High Quality Pre-amplifier using our in house designed and in house made stepped attenuator volume control. It is not only extremely musical but also powerful and in the same time refined sounding Integrated Amplifier. The Directly Heated 300B Triodes at the output need no introduction. They are driven by equally powerful 6N6P/5687/E182CC driver tubes or by popular 6SN7 input/driver tubes to produce seemsless linear and balanced sound.
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
- Alluring and sophisticated midrange with a tonal and textural directness
- Class-leading differentiation of dynamics and tonalities between instruments
- Engineering feat so thorough in forging a signal path of the purest as to be fanatical
- Brings a whole new level of sophistication to the art of music reproduction
- Exerts complete control of speakers with high sensitivity
Product Considerations
- The RCA jacks are closely spaced, necessitating the use of thin interconnects
- Eight watts may not be enough for speakers with lower sensitivity in larger rooms, potentially leading to dynamic compression and distortion
- Low output limits the range of suitable speakers compared to solid-state amplifiers
Takeaway: The SW1X AMP V 'Titan' Special is a handcrafted, ultra hifi amplifier from the United Kingdom, offering definitive performance, beauty of sound, and functional options. It stands apart in the field of the most exalted directly-heated triode amplifications, especially when paired with high-efficiency speakers.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
Trafomatic
Glenn
25456
/
Released
2024
The ''Glenn'' Parralel Single Ended 300B mono amplifiers are Trafomatic Audio's latest statement amplifiers and truly formidable to behold. These elegant, handbuild amplifiers provide the shortest paths between components. Combine Sasa Cokic experience of over 30 years of tube amplifier buildings with oversized output transformers and the best components possible and you get what the Glenn amplifiers are all about: a true work of art!
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
- Highly customizable, allowing users to request specific configurations and tube types
- Offers a wide range of tube rolling options to pinpoint the desired sound signature
- Price-to-performance ratio is excellent, competing with amps costing around $5,000
- Can drive high impedance headphones like ZMF, HD 800, and T1, as well as planars and low ohm headphones with specific tube configurations
- Can sound very good with inexpensive tubes, but can be elevated to a ridiculous performance level with higher end tubes
- There is a HeadFi thread to help with connectivity options
Product Considerations
- Ordering process is unconventional, requiring direct communication through a HeadFi thread
- There is a wait time for builds, potentially around six months
- Tube rolling can become expensive due to the variety of options and the cost of some tubes
Takeaway: The Glenn is a highly customizable amplifier that provides excellent performance for the price, especially for those who enjoy tube rolling and experimenting with different sound signatures. It is a versatile amp that can drive a wide range of headphones, making it a great choice for many audiophiles.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
.png){kind=small}
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Product Page
Product Page
Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.
All Dealers
How to buy
Amplifiers
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
