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.
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.
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97A
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Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Rated Power Output: 80 watts RMS per channel
- Input Sensitivity: 0.50 volts for full output
- Input Impedance: 500k ohms
- Frequency Response: +/- 1 dB from 10Hz to 100kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 10 watts output: < 0.05%, 50 watts output: < 0.15%, 80 watts output: <.90%
- Signal to Noise Ratio: -100 dB below 80 watts
- Damping Factor: 16
- Power Consumption: 400 watts (true RMS)
- Output Impedance: 4 / 8 ohms
- Tube Component (per channel): 8 x 300B / 3 x 6SN7GTB / 1 x 6SL7
- Dimensions (per channel): 435mm W x 825mm D x 275mm H (17.1in W x 32.5in D x 10.8in)
- Net Weight (per channel): 165 lbs
Description
The Western Electric® 97A Monoblocks are created for those of taste and distinction with the means to fulfill their audio dreams. For well-heeled audiophiles who, like other connoisseurs, want to take what's there and make it better. For tube aficionados whose eyes brighten when speaking of the fabled Western Electric 300B, we present the magnificent 97A Monoblocks Amplifiers.
Created for Those of Taste and Distinction. The Western Electric® 97A Monoblocks are created for those of taste and distinction with the means to fulfill their audio dreams. For well-heeled audiophiles who, like other connoisseurs, want to take what's there and make it better. For tube aficionados whose eyes brighten when speaking of the fabled Western Electric 300B, we present the magnificent 97A Monoblocks Amplifiers.
Effortless Power Delivery Demonstrating the WE 97A Monoblocks around the world we realized people quickly fell silent as the music began. The sheer quality and transparency of sound, the focus, the presence and imaging palpability, the depth and width of the recording's soundstage are all extraordinarily rendered. The smooth, low distortion and effortless power delivery, the deep, controlled bass, the delectable WE 300B midrange, and seductive highs deeply engage the listener; it's easier to fall into the music's embrace when it's so enticingly rich and natural.
Plush and Enveloping Sound Regarding the WE 97A Monoblocks' fast, detailed, yet altogether plush and enveloping sound, no less a personage than the late, lamented Harry Pearson of The Absolute Sound wrote: "With no loss of focus or euphonic second harmonic, we can actually hear 'behind' images in the sound-field occasioned by the retrieval of extremely subtle ambient cues, the kind you take for granted...
Effortless Power Delivery Demonstrating the WE 97A Monoblocks around the world we realized people quickly fell silent as the music began. The sheer quality and transparency of sound, the focus, the presence and imaging palpability, the depth and width of the recording's soundstage are all extraordinarily rendered. The smooth, low distortion and effortless power delivery, the deep, controlled bass, the delectable WE 300B midrange, and seductive highs deeply engage the listener; it's easier to fall into the music's embrace when it's so enticingly rich and natural.
Plush and Enveloping Sound Regarding the WE 97A Monoblocks' fast, detailed, yet altogether plush and enveloping sound, no less a personage than the late, lamented Harry Pearson of The Absolute Sound wrote: "With no loss of focus or euphonic second harmonic, we can actually hear 'behind' images in the sound-field occasioned by the retrieval of extremely subtle ambient cues, the kind you take for granted...
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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:
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203C CD Player
- Positioning: An entry-level digital source designed for reliable CD playback in simple audio setups.
- Description: Has a clean design that focuses on precise digital-to-analog conversion to maintain sound clarity and reduce noise, which is a feature not seen in the more complex products in the lineup. It offers basic functionality with straightforward controls and modest connectivity, making it best for small rooms and budget-minded users.
91E
- Positioning: A mid-range amplifier offering a balanced mix of performance and ease of use for everyday listening.
- Description: Features a refined circuit design with improved gain structure that helps deliver clear sound reproduction, standing out against simpler digital sources like the CD player. It provides increased power and connectivity options compared to the entry-level model, yet it does not reach the advanced performance found in the high-end monoblocks.
97A Monoblock Amplifiers
- Positioning: A high-end amplifier series aimed at delivering superior sonic performance and enhanced build quality.
- Description: They incorporate advanced amplification techniques that offer high precision and dynamic range, distinguishing them from the more basic designs of both the CD player and the mid-range amplifier. They deliver a stronger output and a broader range of connectivity and control options.
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Avg. Product Price
$100,001+
Used For Sale
9
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
363
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
4
Founding Year
1869
Our take on the brand
Western Electric, one of the original developers of the 300B vacuum tube since 1938, stands out for their 91E Integrated Amplifier that delivers 20 watts per channel through their patented Steered Constant Current Source technology—significantly more power than typical single-ended triode amplifiers using 300B tubes. The brand's revival and continued production of the 300B tube have earned praise in the audiophile community, with their approach focusing on preserving classic tube sound while adding modern technological improvements.
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Dan D'Agostino
Relentless 800
195500
/
Released
2023
After setting the measure for amplifier excellence, the new Relentless 800 Mono Amplifier extends the Relentless sound quality to a smaller platform. Every major section of the Relentless circuitry - power supply, input, driver, and output stages - have all been enhanced and these all feature in the new Relentless 800. The Relentless 800 incorporates the same circuit platform as its bigger brother with a lower power output. Mind you, the Relentless 800 is virtually unlimited when it comes to power delivery and is only outdone by the Relentless 1600 itself. Nuanced and musical at low volume levels, the Relentless 800 delivers the striking dynamic contrasts – that brings music to life.
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional sound quality right away that continues to improve
- Capable of uncompressed dynamics at both loud and soft volumes, micro and macro, and doesn't harden or distort when playing loud
- Can handle big scale, orchestral, beautiful music to really raw, crazy metal music, all played convincingly at loud and soft levels
- New details are revealed without being hyper-analytical, sterile, or harsh
- Built like military materiel
Product Considerations
- Each monoblock weighs 145kg, so owners will welcome assistance when receiving it
- Inputs are on balanced XLR only, while the solid copper speaker terminals are designed for spade lugs, not 4mm bananas
- The Breguet watch dial-inspired meter's 'time-keeping' is less accurate
Takeaway: The D'Agostino Relentless 800 reproduces a wide range of music genres with detail and dynamics, offering an immersive and enjoyable listening experience. It brings out the best in music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Dan D'Agostino is an ultra-premium hifi brand distinguished by its unique copper heat sinks with holes and distinctive circular green-lit VU meters that give their amplifiers a steampunk aesthetic. Their amplifiers feature proprietary "Super Rail" technology that maintains high voltage for front-end transistors, while their three-chassis Relentless Preamplifier uses 30-pin interlocking connectors to eliminate wiring anomalies.
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Engstrom
Eric Encore
174965
/
Released
2021
Named after a great Swedish choir conductor, ERIC is our no-compromise statement power amplifier. Fully balanced and transformer-coupled, it was created to drive even the toughest loads. ERIC uses separate power supplies for input and output stages and DC filaments.
Engström is a Swedish hifi brand that handcrafts amplifiers with a minimalist Nordic design, featuring fully balanced, transformer-coupled circuits and no negative feedback to preserve natural sound dynamics. Their amplifiers, which use KR Audio's T-100 power tubes, are known for creating an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage with what audiophiles call a "Scandinavian Sound"—characterized by open, detailed, and natural sonic qualities.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Crisp, tight rhythms are allied to a sonorous, close-focused view of vocals
- Capable of bags of detail and definition, while bathed in a lovely warmth
- Massive bass weight is available, with fabulous rosiny bite to the low strings, silky violins, and the feeling of space and air around the performers
- Big, substantial sound makes the most of remasters, bringing out all the character of vocals
- Focus and warmth contributes to a solid, three-dimensional soundstage, and remains clean and tight when cranked
Product Considerations
- The precious bottles should never be left unattended or used without the purpose-designed glass hood installed
- The amps' thermal characteristics may be a problem in a globally-warmed English summer
- Each amp draws 430W from the wall
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dan D'Agostino Relentless Monoblocks—the ERIC Encores are more expensive per watt
Takeaway: The Engström ERIC Encore Mono Power Amplifiers offer a captivating and enthralling presentation that challenges old clichés about valve amps. One should hear them if given the chance, for they sound glorious.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Engström is a Swedish hifi brand that handcrafts amplifiers with a minimalist Nordic design, featuring fully balanced, transformer-coupled circuits and no negative feedback to preserve natural sound dynamics. Their amplifiers, which use KR Audio's T-100 power tubes, are known for creating an expansive, three-dimensional soundstage with what audiophiles call a "Scandinavian Sound"—characterized by open, detailed, and natural sonic qualities.
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Krell
KMA i800
139995
/
Released
2023
The Krell KMA i800 represents the pinnacle of monoblock amplifier design, delivering extraordinary power and precision for the most demanding audio enthusiasts. As a flagship model in Krell's lineup, the KMA i800 is engineered to drive even the most challenging speaker loads with effortless authority, revealing every detail of your music with stunning clarity and depth. Whether you're listening to a delicate piano solo or a full orchestral crescendo, the KMA i800 delivers a sonic experience that is both powerful and profoundly immersive.
Krell is a hifi brand whose amplifiers use iBias technology to operate in Class A up to full power without excessive heat, while maintaining the ability to double power output as speaker impedance halves. Their amplifiers feature XD technology for better control over speaker drivers, and modern models like the K-300i include Bluetooth, HDMI, and streaming features for contemporary audio setups.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 800W of class-A power regardless of the speaker load
- Features XD technology that lowers output impedance, resulting in more control over the speaker drivers and improved soundstage depth
- Employs Sym-Max technology to significantly reduce second-order harmonic distortion, bringing out more detail and improving the sense of timing and pacing
- Has a power supply consisting of 5400VA of transformers and 188,000µF of filter capacitance for substantial power delivery
- Offers protection against excess direct current, short circuits, and voltage sags—brown outs
Product Considerations
- It may be too much power for some users
- High idle heat dissipation at 890 btu/hr per channel
Takeaway: The Krell KMA-i800 is a powerful amplifier with technologies that aim to provide a clean and controlled sound. Its high power output helps to improve sound quality even at average listening levels.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Krell is a hifi brand whose amplifiers use iBias technology to operate in Class A up to full power without excessive heat, while maintaining the ability to double power output as speaker impedance halves. Their amplifiers feature XD technology for better control over speaker drivers, and modern models like the K-300i include Bluetooth, HDMI, and streaming features for contemporary audio setups.
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Goldmund
Telos 4800
260000
/
Released
2024
Telos 4800 is a revolutionary addition to Goldmund's illustrious collection encapsulates the technical brilliance of the Telos 8800 within a more compact form, setting a new pinnacle in high-fidelity audio for discerning audiophiles who seek supreme sound quality and precision. Meticulously crafted with Goldmund's legendary attention to detail and harnessing the latest advancements in audio technology, the Telos 4800 redefines audio performance standards.
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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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Designed to drive even very low-impedance loudspeakers without compromising distortion levels
- Delivers unmatched sound clarity and power with a maximum power output of 1050 watts RMS at 8 ohms and a total harmonic distortion (THD) of only 0.005% across 20 Hz to 20 kHz
- Features a damping factor of 600 at 1 kHz and output floor noise of less than 3 μV, delivering an impeccably clean and detailed sound free from unwanted background noise
- Ensures maximum thermal security and short-circuit protection with fully analog circuitry from input to output and an automatic shutdown feature
- Equipped with analog and digital inputs, including RCA and XLR connectors
Product Considerations
- A preamp is required to supply input switching and any processing needed before sending signals to the Telos 4800 to power the speakers
- As a mono power amp, two units are required for a stereo setup, increasing the overall cost significantly
Takeaway: The Telos 4800 is designed to meet the needs of any audio system and delivers unmatched sound clarity and power. With impeccable specs, it offers a high-end performance for audiophiles.
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.
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Octave
Jubilee Mono Ultimate
135000
/
Released
2023
The Jubilee Mono Ultimate - the next generation. It has the most sophisticated and uncompromising amplifier design in our amplifier hierarchy and sets a new benchmark for state-of-the-art power amplifiers. It features a number of detailed improvements including the use of eight KT 170 tubes with 440 W per channel. The basic idea of the Ultimate series is the extreme expansion of the power bandwidth and the bass range with our highly specialized (newly developed) and oversized high performance output transformer.
Octave is a hifi brand specializing in tube amplifiers that use enhanced pentode configurations to ensure stability with difficult speaker loads down to 2 ohms, while their Super Black Box technology increases power supply capacitance for better dynamics
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Our Summary
Video review
Our take on the brand
Octave is a hifi brand specializing in tube amplifiers that use enhanced pentode configurations to ensure stability with difficult speaker loads down to 2 ohms, while their Super Black Box technology increases power supply capacitance for better dynamics
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