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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
- Phenomenally well-made, like a giant jewel, with a flawless, mirror-like stainless-steel case and a refined, elegant viewing panel for the valves
- Combines the high power properties of a good solid-state amp coupled with the tonal beauty of valves
- Delivers so much musical satisfaction, one feels no need to binge
- Vocal articulation and image solidity within that midrange is world leading
- The way things sound on this system is always beauteous and refined
Product Considerations
- Will not find favor among those wanting to cram as much top-end energy as possible into every musical experience
- If used with difficult loudspeakers in a huge room, and then deluged with heavy opera, the Zanden will eventually run out of puff
- Probably not the first choice of the hardcore death metal or dance music fan, because they are likely to go for something more immediate and more overtly dynamic
- Deserves world-class partners, which makes it extremely expensive in context
Takeaway: The Zanden offers a mesmerizing musical experience and draws one into the music, making it sound more approachable and accessible. With its ability to deliver both power and tonal beauty, it will bring musical satisfaction to listening sessions.
All
Model 9600mk2
reviews
Manufacturer details
Specification (per monoblock)
Power output
60W (class A) / 100W (class AB)
Input
XLR
Input impedance
7.5kΩ
Output impedance
2Ω / 4Ω / 8Ω
Analog inputs
XLR
Frequency response
6Hz - 50KHz (-3dB)
Tube complement
KR845 x2
5687WB x3
5AR4 x1
5R4WGB x2
Dimensions
W: 320mm / H: 440mm / D: 450mm
Weight
42.5kg
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:
- Zanden equipment stands out with its unique industrial design, using a mix of mirror-polished stainless steel, frosted acrylic, and brushed aluminum for a visually distinctive aesthetic.
- Zanden has a longstanding expertise in analog playback, and products such as their phono stages offer a range of equalization curves beyond RIAA, aiming for accurate reproduction of a wide range of vinyl recordings.
- Employing the practice of using output transformers, Zanden designs aim to minimize circuit complexity and deliver a pure, refined sound.
- Despite employing tubes, Zanden gear is designed for low noise and high transparency, creating a sound described as neither overly "tubey" nor stereotypically solid-state, but rather emotionally involving and dynamically expressive.
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Used
Zanden
What if you spend more?
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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
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. While the original model launched in 2016 used rare and specially designed T-100 power output tubes, the urge for even more power and refinement could not be ignored. Further R&D led to 845 power output tubes, an evolution so electrifying it earned the title ENCORE. The sound digs deeper, spreads wider and peers farther into the Scandinavian soundscape. Weighing in at 65kg per monoblock, the ERIC ENCORE is a titan of the industry in both size and sound.
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
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
Introducing the MTRX2 V2: A Masterpiece of Precision and Passion. Unlock the pinnacle of audio excellence with EMM Labs' latest innovation, the re-imagined MTRX2 V2. These 1000W Class A/B solid-state mono amplifiers are meticulously crafted to deliver an unparalleled auditory experience, setting a new standard in high-end audio amplification technology.
At the heart of the MTRX2 V2 lies a fusion of expertise and innovation, meticulously curated by Ed himself. With the introduction of the high-current Meitner Power Driver, these amplifiers effortlessly navigate even the most demanding speaker loads. They deliver high power while maintaining low distortion and wide bandwidth, ensuring pristine audio quality. Redesigned proprietary power systems ensure unwavering performance and reliability, promising an immersive listening journey like no other.
The MTRX2 V2 boasts an impressive array of features:
• Proprietary fully discrete circuit topologies
• Latest generation proprietary power system for enhanced performance
• Aerospace-grade ceramic PCB boards for superior durability
• Fully balanced audio paths throughout, guaranteeing optimal signal integrity
• Capability to deliver massive transient currents instantaneously
• Ability to tackle complex loads down to 1Ω with ease
• Internally wired with Kimber Kable, ensuring premium connectivity
The MTRX2 V2 is equipped with real-time protection mechanisms. Even during the most intense listening sessions, users can rest assured that their speakers and amplifiers are safeguarded, providing peace of mind.
Crafted, manufactured, and meticulously built in Canada with an unwavering commitment to quality, the MTRX2 V2 mono amplifiers redefine the boundaries of audio reproduction. For discerning enthusiasts who demand nothing short of perfection, the MTRX2 V2 stands as the ultimate expression of uncompromising audio excellence.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- High amounts of power, supreme bass weight, and woofer control
- Velvet-smooth sound throughout the audioband, particularly in the midrange, with high resolution
- Images with tube-like dimensionality, creating soundstages of convincing depth
- Sound reproduces without colorations
- Functions flawlessly, with no operational glitches, and is bulletproof in terms of safety and reliability with a comprehensive monitoring system
Product Considerations
- The MTRX2s are big and heavy, making them difficult to move and install
- The MTRX2's big, blocky look was not well-received
- High power output might be overkill for rooms of typical size
- The balanced (XLR) and single-ended (RCA) inputs seem of good quality, if nothing extraordinary
Takeaway: The MTRX2 offers exceptional sound quality, high power, and reliability. If you desire a top-tier listening experience with no coloration and are seeking an end-game amplifier, the MTRX2 could be the perfect choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers lots of current due to a new 2000VA toroidal transformer
- The Apex Stereo's ease of presentation was immediately obvious—it fully engaged the reviewer
- The amp exuded supreme self-confidence
- The amp simultaneously speeds things up and slows things down
- Superior speaker grip, improving organization, timing, and musical flow
Product Considerations
- Initial start-up can be alarming due to flashing error lights
- The size and weight (445 lbs) can make installation challenging
- It's gigantic and heavy, requiring special equipment and tools to handle its production
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Boulder 2060: The Apex revealed more tonally saturated sounds
- Vs Boulder 2060: Apex cast a larger soundstage, and within those huge spaces, images were generally larger and more three-dimensional
- Vs Boulder 2060: Apex exposed more detail in the music
Takeaway: The Gryphon Apex Stereo is a powerful amplifier that brings music to life with a balanced and full sound at any volume. Its ability to reveal the resonant nature of instruments transforms listening sessions into immersive experiences.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exquisite aesthetics with a sleek design and a power meter that glows green
- Delivers a smooth and satisfying sound
- The sound is described as 'louder' and more powerful
- Said to be able to drive any speaker to its maximum output
- Upgrades are retrofittable to earlier Momentum models
- Balanced input only
Product Considerations
- Runs warm
- The scale on the power meter is essentially uncalibrated
- Requires a return to the factory for MxV upgrades on earlier Momentum Models
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Momentum M400 MxV incorporates technology from the Relentless line and gets very close to the Relentless sound regarding space and depth
- The Momentum M400 MxV is smaller and lighter than the Karan Acoustics POWERa mono
- The Momentum M400 MxV is smaller and lighter than the D'Agostino Progression M550 Mono amplifier
Takeaway: The Momentum M400 MxV monoblock is a beautifully designed and powerful amplifier that delivers a smooth and satisfying listening experience. It incorporates technology from the flagship Relentless model, making it a top-tier choice for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Fully balanced design, handcrafted in the USA
- Employs a sextet of KT170 valves, ECC83, and 6H30, with hand-selected and matched valves
- Features Audio Research's 'Auto-Bias' circuitry and an internal hour meter for monitoring valve usage
- Aesthetically elegant design with unique 'Ghost Meters' which are LED-illuminated and can be dimmed or switched off
- Capable of delivering high power at low frequencies, controlling and driving speakers like a big solid-state amplifier
Product Considerations
- High price point
- Requires a 20A IEC cable (supplied)
- The bass control and sheer bass output of the Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO (solid state) could not quite be matched by the Reference 330M
- The unit use a variable speed fan, although it was essentially silent during testing, this may still present a point of concern for some users
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO: The Gryphon Audio Antileon EVO (solid state) has slightly better bass control and output
Takeaway: The Audio Research Reference 330M is an intelligently engineered and beautifully styled amplifier that embodies the meaning of 'Reference' in sound quality. Its powerful valve design delivers excellent performance and is sure to be a conversation piece in any high-end audio setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Build quality is among the best, with all pieces fashioned from solid aluminum
- The system delivers an effortless and truly reference-level sound
- Produces deep and powerful bass that energizes the room with ease
- Offers stunning analogue playback with incredible soundstaging, holographic image, depth, and width
- Delivers music with startling clarity across all genres
Product Considerations
- The Reference Preamplifier lacks a remote, focusing on a purist design
- The Reference Three speakers are very heavy—weighing 100kg net
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Avid Hifi Reference system performed similarly well with Fanfare for the Common Man, producing impressive bass and dynamics, compared to the YG Acoustics system with Boulder
Takeaway: The AVID HiFi Reference system is a top-tier system delivering exceptional sound quality and effortless power. It is designed to provide an extremely enjoyable and immersive music experience, making it a worthwhile investment for serious audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Handcrafted in the USA
- Beautifully designed and superbly assembled
- Skillfully balances accuracy and romanticism, combining precision and beauty
- A powerful amplifier that controls and drives speakers effectively
- Provides panoramic vistas of large orchestras in grand acoustic spaces
Product Considerations
- Requires a 20A IEC cable (supplied)
- Bass output could not quite be matched by the Gryphon Audio's Antileon EVO
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Outdid the Audio Research Reference 160S, which performed superbly
- Outperforms the Audio Research 750SEL in every way
Takeaway: The product is intelligently engineered, superbly built, and elegantly styled, with a sonic standard that epitomizes the meaning of 'Reference'. It is a blindingly powerful valve-glow beacon of amplification excellence.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.
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