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

  • Great build quality with attractive cosmetics, featuring a black-powder-coated steel case, wood front panel, and sculptured wood accent
  • An external power supply helps ensure low noise
  • Flexibility with loading and matching cartridges
  • The circuit layout offers better separation and interference rejection
  • The interior circuit has an elastic suspension for less vibration

Product Considerations

  • The noise floor can be exposed with extremely low-output MC cartridges
  • The MM stage may sound better than the MC stage, or the MC cartridges may not have complete synergy with the product

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Unison Research Simply Phono: The Phono One has more flexibility with loading and matching cartridges, better separation and interference rejection, and an interior circuit that has an elastic suspension for less vibration

Takeaway: The Phono One is an attractive, well-built phonostage with flexible cartridge loading options and an external power supply for low noise. It offers great sound and is a wonderful alternative to a standard black box.

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

Phono One

reviews

[{"title":"Unison Research Phono One Valve Phonostage","link":"https://www.tonepublications.com/review/unison-research-phono-one-valve-phonostage","source":"TONEAudio MAGAZINE","datePublished":""},{"title":"Unison Research Phono One phono preamplifier","link":"https://thevinylanachronist.blogspot.com/2012/07/unison-research-phono-one-phono.html","source":"The Vinyl Anachronist ","datePublished":"2012"},{"title":"Unison Research Phono One phono preamplifier","link":"http://thevinylanachronist.blogspot.com/2012/07/unison-research-phono-one-phono.html","source":"thevinylanachronist.blogspot.com","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

  • Type: Stereo Phono Valve preamplifier
  • Class: Pure A
  • RIAA: passive +/- 0.1 dB (20 Hz / 20 KHz)
  • Output Impedance: 800 ohm
  • Outputs: 1 x line
  • Gain: 54 dB
  • Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.1% at 1 volt output
  • Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N): -80 dB
  • Input Impedance: 47 Kohm – 100 – 50 – 22 ohm / 100 – 200 – 320 – 420 pF (modifiable)
  • Feedback factor: 0 dB
  • Valves: 5 x ECC83 / 12AX7
  • Dimensions: 37.3 x 5.84 x h 24.63 cm
  • Net Weight: 3.6 Kg (including power supply)
The original Phono One was one of the most popular Unison Research products in our history. Its production was discontinued a few years ago, but the requests to bring it back were overwhelming. That's why we've introduced its return, with a new and improved design. The aesthetics of the Phono One is unchanged, however, maintaining the classic and timeless look of the original version. The Phono One, from its beginning, was designed for those who require a phono preamplifier that offers the highest possible 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:

  • Unison Research products are hand-crafted in Italy, using locally sourced materials and distinctive design elements like wood trim and stainless steel, creating a unique visual aesthetic.
  • They specialize in hybrid amplifier designs, using tubes in the preamp stage and solid-state MOSFETs in the output stage, aiming to capture the sonic benefits of both technologies.
  • They custom-design and manufacture their own transformers, tailoring them to specific amplifier models for optimal performance and a unique sonic signature.
  • Unison Research designs incorporate minimal stages and often utilize zero feedback, prioritizing sonic purity and a balanced sound across a wide range of music genres.

Simply Italy

  • Positioning: The entry-level integrated amplifier in the Unison Research lineup.
  • Description: Offers a compact design with a focus on delivering high-quality sound through its single-ended, ultralinear Class-A output stage. It stands out with its optional USB DAC board, making it versatile for digital audio sources, unlike the more traditional analog-only models like the S6.

Unico Primo

  • Positioning: A mid-range integrated amplifier in the Unison Research lineup, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
  • Description: Features elegant design and robust build, with a Dynamic A Class POWER MOSFET output stage. Its multiple RCA inputs, including an optional phono stage, offer greater system compatibility compared to the more basic Simply Italy.

Triode 25

  • Positioning: A versatile mid-to-high range amplifier, celebrating Unison Research's 25th anniversary with advanced features.
  • Description: Notable for its ability to switch between triode and pentode modes, offering flexibility in sound output. Its dual-mode operation and higher power output provide enhanced versatility.

Performance

  • Positioning: A premium offering, designed for those seeking high power and classic design.
  • Description: Delivers 45 watts per channel with a dual mono design, providing a powerful and immersive audio experience. It surpasses the S6 in power. Its bi-wiring capability and elegant design enhance its functionality.

Reference

  • Positioning: The flagship monoblock amplifiers in the Unison Research lineup, offering the highest level of performance.
  • Description: Designed for ultimate power and precision, featuring a double parallel single-ended Class-A design. With 80 watts of output power, they exceed the Performance model. Their superior build and advanced technology represent the pinnacle of the lineup.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
28
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Brand Popularity
116
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
31
Founding Year
1987

Our take on the brand

Unison Research specializes in hybrid amplifiers that combine tube and solid-state technology, with their flagship Unico DM featuring a pure class A double tube stage paired with POWER MOSFET components. Their Black Edition series, including the S6 and Simply Italy models, integrates modern digital connectivity like USB and SPDIF while maintaining their signature tube-based design philosophy.

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?

We’re an Italian company that sources everything as locally as possible. Italian through and through—everything we do is done here in Italy. Italian gear really does have its own sound. Sounds more romantic, less analytical. Very listenable. Low levels of ear fatigue.

We’re still hand making tube amps and continually refining them. New innovations in grounding, such as each component being grounded independently so they're really quiet as far as tube amps go, is an ongoing focus—always evolving mature tech.

But we also have new modern tech that's a hybrid of solid state and tube—to give you the best of both worlds. You can run pretty much any speaker you want.

In short, it’s a really easy to listen to sound.

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?

Opera speakers are a great pairing because they're under the same parent company . When Unison is voicing their amps, they use Opera speakers, and vice versa.

However we've had no issues with pairing with Unison research. (But if you're looking at tube gear, you do have to be more careful because you do need a more sensitive speaker.)

In fact, are your speakers very technical? Pairing with Unison Research can help tame that a bit.

From our interview with
Eric Smith
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
NAD
M66
5499
5499
/
11
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

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
Product image
Mola Mola
Lupe
9850
9850
/
10
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

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
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Lumin
P1
10000
10000
/
10
Reviews
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.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

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
Product image
Hegel
P30A
8995
8995
/
9
Reviews
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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Expand Details

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.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Cambridge Audio
Edge NQ
4999
/
Released
Impressively revealing – our most detailed pre-amplifier and network player with StreamMagic award-winning streaming built-in, hand-picked components, and built-in DAC with digital inputs including TV ARC and Bluetooth aptX HD.
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Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Exemplary build quality, with a visually pleasing design
  • The StreamMagic app is well-made and capable, offering a good user experience
  • Delivers music in an extremely lifelike manner, limited more by the source than its own limitations
  • Offers a strong musical sense of rhythm across all inputs, contributing to a well-rounded performance
  • Presents a clear, bold, and spacious presentation

Product Considerations

  • The volume dial may be slightly loose
  • Lacks a phono analog input
  • The acceptance angle of the remote sensor is limited
  • The USB has trouble with large music collections
  • The high frequencies can be bright with the system

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Musical Fidelity M8Xi: The M8Xi has more power output and exhibits more control over loudspeakers, but lacks the built-in streaming of the Edge NQ
  • Vs Naim electronics: The Edge system is neutral, and not as warm as the Naim electronics
  • Vs Gold Note DS-10: Provides a bigger soundstage and more detail
  • Vs PS Audio DSD Jr: The Cambridge Audio Edge NQ and the PS Audio DSD Jr are sonically comparable, but the NQ delivers more precise lateral focus

Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Edge NQ is a versatile, well-designed preamplifier and network streamer that delivers high-quality sound. It provides an enjoyable listening experience, making it a great choice for those seeking both performance and elegant aesthetics.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Primare
SP25 Prisma
4985
/
Released
2022
The SP25 Prisma is a multi-channel processor designed for both cinephile and audiophile, composed of carefully considered and crafted features and functionality to provide the best home cinema experience for the greatest number of people.
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Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The SP25 Prisma includes 4K dynamic HDR switching and eARC
  • Eleven channels of processing and preamplification
  • Dual eight channel DAC chips allow for unique digital to analogue conversion, allocating four channels of conversion when delivering signal to the pair of front left and right analogue outputs
  • Versatile, with single ended analog inputs, USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs, and HDMI inputs
  • Prisma streamer, wired and wireless

Product Considerations

  • Good surround sound gets expensive fast
  • Operation and setup can be complex

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The SP25 Prisma lacks the power amplifiers of the SPA25 Prisma, making it only an AV processor or preamplifier

Takeaway: The SP25 Prisma is designed for cinephiles and audiophiles. It provides the best home cinema experience with carefully considered features and functionality.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Primare is a Scandinavian hifi brand whose UFPD 2 Amplification technology provides a consistent 26dB feedback loop gain across the entire audio range, making their amplifiers exceptionally stable and accurate. Their modular design approach lets users customize their systems by adding or upgrading components like DACs and network modules.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Holo Audio
Serene
2698
/
Released
2021
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Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Highly detailed, clear, and clean sound with musicality, but without sterility
  • The KTE version includes a beautiful aluminum remote
  • Truth, neutrality, and accuracy, making it fun to listen to music
  • Enhanced spatial presentation, adding force and rhythmic nuance
  • First class build quality
  • It does not have a built-in DAC or phono preamp

Product Considerations

  • The buttons on the remote are a bit loose
  • It is not possible to directly select inputs, it is necessary to click through

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to ModWright LS-99, the Serene KTE is more accurate and neutral, while the ModWright LS-99 is juicier
  • Compared to Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL, the Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL added more midrange warmth and flavor

Takeaway: The Serene is a preamplifier that offers a clean and neutral sound, and it is excellent for those who want to hear the sound of other components without coloration. It is built with high-quality components.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Holo Audio has established itself as a leader in the modern mid-level R-2R DAC movement, focusing on creating DACs with a natural, rich sound that emphasizes musicality over pure detail. Like Denafrips, Holo Audio is known for precise engineering, low noise levels, and exceptional value, offering performance that rivals far more expensive competitors. With a similar approach and price range, Holo Audio is frequently mentioned alongside Denafrips as a top choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality sound without the high-end price tag.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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AGD
Alto MKII
4999
/
Released
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AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Fully balanced design provides less noise and coloration to the sound.
  • Supports both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) phono cartridges with a high-performance phono stage.
  • Passive ladder volume control with precision resistors provides superior channel separation, low distortion, and high signal integrity.
  • Superior noise performance and extended bandwidth, with a very low THD+N and wide frequency response.
  • Large, high-resolution display is visible from a distance

Product Considerations

  • Limited features for its price, lacking an internal DAC, room correction, or bass management.
  • Small, non-standard form factor might not match other hifi equipment aesthetically.
  • Limited to one balanced input and one balanced output.
  • Reviewers noted a chintzy plastic remote that needs to be synced.
  • Sensitive to cable changes and may exhibit high-frequency noise if XLR cables are not connected

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Alto was equal in sonic performance to the Amped America AAP-1, but the AAP-1 has dead-neutral tonality.
  • There is not a lot missing between the Alto and the Bricasti Design M20 preamplifier in terms of sound, but at a little more than double the price, the Bricasti Design M20 had better dynamics and ultra-fine resolution.
  • Both the Alto and the Pass Labs XP-12 stereo preamp are very high-end stereo preamps that do just that—do what they say on the box.
  • Trilogy's set emerged rounder, bloomier, more massive, and atmospheric against the quick snappy team AGD that prioritized dynamics, outlines, clarity, and had its spatial projections sensibly more oxygenated.
  • The Alto is like the Anthem without the DAC and streamer.

Takeaway: The Alto preamplifier is well-engineered to provide clean, high-quality sound, and it's a good choice for audiophiles who prioritize core preamp functions. It offers great performance for vinyl and digital sources when additional features aren't needed.

Video review

Our take on the brand

AGD Productions uses GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology in their amplifiers, which are housed in glass tubes reminiscent of classic vacuum tubes, delivering high power from a compact size with near-perfect square waves. The amplifiers are designed to be upgradeable as technology advances, with GaN modules that can be replaced, while handling complex impedance loads similar to high-end Class-A or SET tube amps.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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KECES
S4
3999
/
Released
Single-ended, zero feedback circuit topology and demanding pure Class A valve operation and removing the need for a phase splitter.
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Keces Audio specializes in power conditioning and filtering through their high-quality toroidal transformers and circuits that separate digital and analog grounding. Their products use thick aluminum chassis to block EMI/RFI interference, and they're particularly known for their S3 DAC/AMP that offers balanced, uncolored sound with high resolution and transparency.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Includes an Optical Phono Stage, which is a bargain compared to other products with just optical capabilities
  • Clean and natural sound, with the internal phono stage being more than adequate for most setups
  • Well-built with excellent quality inputs, including Neutrik XLR connectors, and a machined aluminum remote
  • Excellent value for money, considering its build quality, features, and sound quality
  • Features a built-in dedicated headphone amplifier, with the headphone output offering a good, clean, and natural sound

Product Considerations

  • Only provides a single set of RCA inputs, though it has two XLR inputs
  • Dip switches on the rear for determining the cartridge type are not as user-friendly as a switch
  • LEDs on the front of the power supply and amp are very bright and can be distracting in a dark room
  • High gain may not be suitable for high-sensitivity speakers, and a tiny amount of noise may be audible with sensitive speakers when nothing is playing
  • Placement could prove tricky for some due to size

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Phono stages are more forgiving compared to Yamaha, and every album sounded better than on the Yamaha
  • It is a bargain compared to Pro-Ject, which does not do optical and does not have two balanced inputs

Takeaway: The KECES S4 is a versatile and well-built preamp with a clean, natural sound and an impressive phono stage, including a rare optical cartridge input. It offers value and can be the heart of a high-quality hifi system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Keces Audio specializes in power conditioning and filtering through their high-quality toroidal transformers and circuits that separate digital and analog grounding. Their products use thick aluminum chassis to block EMI/RFI interference, and they're particularly known for their S3 DAC/AMP that offers balanced, uncolored sound with high resolution and transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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