ABA AWARDS | Best Amplifiers of 2023!
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- In 2023, I reviewed the largest and most diverse group of amplifiers since starting this channel. Which ones are the best?
Link to sponsor: www.mcru.co.uk
Link to my Patreon: / abritishaudiophile
Related reviews:
Cambridge Audio CXA61 • NOT A FLUKE! Cambridge...
Fosi Audio V3 • A GENUINE BARGAIN? Fos...
Atoll IN300 • BETTER THAN HEGEL? Ato...
Audiolab 7000A • DEVIL IN THE DETAIL! A...
Musical Fidelity • PURE CLASS A HEAVEN ! ...
Accuphase E280 • SONIC PRECISION | Accu...
Moor Amps Angel Pre & Angel 4 • STUNNING TRANSPARENCY!...
NVA P50SA & M600 • WHY SO SPECIAL? NVA P5...
Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
1:31 Cambridge Audio CXA61
3:46 Fosi Audio V3
6:02 Atoll IN300
7:58 Audiolab 7000A
9:55 Musical Fidelity A1
11:54 Accuphase E280
13:35 Moor Amps Angel Pre & Angel 4
15:14 NVA P50SA & M600
17:13 Outro
This is an immensely enjoyable channel but what is most impressive is Tarun's ongoing impersonation of the late great Barry Norman. Thank you.
That is very flattering. Thank you Nick 😊👍
Every bit as erudite as Barry, for sure . But when it comes to expressive hand gestures even the late great Mr Norman would come a distant second to Tarun. At 3.48 to 3.53 witness a master at the top of his game.
@@WhitebrookCentral thank you kindly my friend. That is very much appreciated 😊👍
And Why Not?
Lol, on the money👍🏻🍺
So many great amps to choose from. I've been looking at Leak, Vincent amps, and even Yahama lately but that Audiolabs amp is tempting as well. Love your channel. Have a great holiday!
Thank you and happy holidays to you too 👍
Thank You Very Much for your fantastic videos! My favorite amp is a vintage Accuphase E-212. Speakers are the fantastic Spendor A2. Streamer: Cambridge MXN50 and Qobuz. It brings much of Fun 🎉
Thank you. Much appreciated 👍
I’ve been enjoying the A1 for the past couple of weeks. It truly is outstanding. I’ve paired it with Klipsch Heresy, KLH 5, and Tekton Lore. It competes with my Pass/Ayre amp/pre combo. Tube warmth, big body, chunky detail, shimmering highs. Gives each instrument weight and a glow.
That’s great 👍
Thank you for another year of audio enlightenment, Tarun! Your videos have been downright sublime. A very Happy Holiday and New Year to you and yours 🎄🙏🏼
Thank you kindly. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and yours too 🌲👍
Danke! Dear Tarun, thank you for a year of great value reviews! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thank you for you generosity and support my friend 😊👍
Been watching your videos for the past 2 years. You've set the gold standard on how one should review a subject as subjective as 'audio' and 'sound perception'. Most of the other reviews that I've watched never gave me that confidence that I should consider the review before buying a hifi gear. Thank you for the insights. Now, waiting for your next video.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
My favorite amp (so far) is my Sugden A21 Signature. Gorgeous sound! Merry Christmas, Tarun!
Cool 😎 merry Christmas to you too 🌲👍
Thanks for the year-end video and for all the reviews this year. Happy Holidays!
Thank you. Happy holidays to you too 😊👍
Another top notch review! Merry Christmas! 🎄
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too 🌲👍
Thanks for a very entertaining year Tarun. My favourite integrated amp is my Primaluna valve. Currently running KT88s. This year I have concentrated on my cabling. Everything is now Tellerium Q black. They have really opened up the soundstage and beefed up the bass. In 2024 I will be looking at headphones in greater detaildetail
Thank you Paul 👍
Really enjoyed your videos this year Tarun and your Patreon group is a goldmine of resource and shared love of hifi. I’ve ended the year buying at less than £450 the Arcam SA20. What a year for gear it’s been. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Thank you James. I appreciate all your support. Happy new year to you and yours too 😊👍
I just took possession of my Mf a1 this week and I can’t stop listening to music right now … coming from my Cambridge audio cxa81 it just grabs me…
That is great 👍
I have the same absolute outstanding sound .
Great content as always. Your channel is my current favorite amongst the many out there. Now I just have the long wait for my A1. Was told May when I placed my order 3 weeks ago.
Thank you. I appreciate your support. Enjoy the A1 when it arrives 😊👍
Tatum, thank-you so much for your consistently excellent content! Love your information and insightful comments. For almost 2 years I’ve been enjoying Wisenton R8 with Klipsch RPM 600’s and my old ESS with beautiful Heil AMT tweeters. This year I’m thinking of trying some new speakers. Be very interested in your review/ thoughts on the MoFi Sourcepoint 8 and 10. Happy New Year!
Thank you. Happy new to you too 😊👍
Another year watching your excellent videos from a long-time subscriber. Looking forward to your reviews in 2024. Merry Christmas Tarun.
Thank you my friend. Merry Christmas to you too 🌲👍
Always informative and entertaining! All the best for Christmas and the New Year Tarun!
Thank you Chris. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you too 😊👍
Thanks Tarun, great review round up for this year. Firm believer in 90% of the sound for 10% of the money especially as you depend on room acoustics for truly great listening.
Thank you 👍
Another excellent video Tarun🎥 I can’t comment on best amps of 2023 as I’m living in the 80’s but amps I’ve loved using at home this year are my Quad 34/404-2 combo, my NAD 3020 that got destroyed when rain came during our barbecue & my very old Leak stereo 70. All sound fantastic. Merry Christmas T🎄🎅👊🏻
Nice system. Thank you Carlos. Merry Christmas to you too 🌲👍
Thanks Tarun for another outstanding video review.
I continue to learn so much from you.
IMO, you have a wonderful delivery style and you never loose me as a listener.
In fact, I've binge watched 4 or 5 episodes in one sitting!
I find each video fun, relaxing & informative.
Keep up the fine work.
Happy Belated New Year!
Cheers,
David
Thank you David. It is great to get feedback like that. Happy new year to you too 👍😊👍
I really enjoyed what I heard from the Moor amp stack. Another standout for me is the Yamaha N2000A. The amp that I have at home is the Musical Fidelity M5si. Have a wonderful holiday season Tarun. Thank you for your insights in 2023. All the best to you in 2024.
Thank you, Jason. Happy holidays to you and your family, too 🙂👍
Hello Tarun, thanks so much for your reviews. I jump again in hight quality audio geers this year. As amplifier I choose a Lyngdorf TDAI 1120 to replace my oldMarantz PM6005 for my old Kef Q900. Merry Christmas.
Thank you and merry Christmas 🌲👍
Thank you T. for your effort in keeping us informed on audio things
Great list👍 my personal favourite is the Vincent SV 237mk2. Ive tested 8 different amp last two years included Hegel h190, Exposure 3010s2d, primaluna dialouge premium, and still this wins every battle. Its a gem in my ears.
Thank you 👍
I totally agree with you
Thank you for another year of excellence. I wish you all the best for 2024 and I look forward to more enlightenment in this hobby from your expertise and experience.
Thank you Simon. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones 😊👍
Thank you very much for this best of ‘23. My preference goes for the Atoll IN300, in my listening room( living room). I just upgraded my B&W CM6 S2 for the beautiful B&W 702 S3 😊
The association is just wonderful. I mainly listen with Qobuz through my Bluesound node (as a streamer) + Chord DAC Qutest. Also listen to CDs with the drive Audiolab CDT6000 also using the Chord DAC. Thanks again for your videos and your expertise, have a nice Christmas and al the best for ‘24 😊
Great. Thank you for sharing. Merry Christmas to you too 🌲👍
Tarun, thank you for another wonderful year!
I always enjoy your very insightful, technical, and practical advice.
Here are a few potential topics for you to explore in 2024:
(i) General review of the Primaluna line of preamplifiers. Specifically, would be interested in hearing your thoughts on how do they really compare to all the others you have reviewed (tube or otherwise), and also how does the entry Evo 100 compare up the line to the Evo 400 preamp (i.e., is it really necessary to buy the top model or is the Evo 100 good enough); and
(ii) How does a Primaluna tube preamplifier compare to a comparable solid state preamplifier (PS Audio BHK or one of their Stellar line of preamps), when paired with a solid state main amp. Many have commented on how mating a tube preamp with a SS main amp is musical nirvana. But, it would be great to have you make such a comparison through your thorough, technical and practical lense.
Wishing you continued success in the New Year!
Thank you. I appreciate the suggestions. Happy holidays to you too 👍
Thanks for the wonderful reviews this year Tarun! You are the best there is on CZcams. The amps that blew me away this year were the Peachtree GAN 1 and the Schiit Gjallerhorn. They both took my respective systems to another level. See you in 2024! Cheers!
Thank you Bryan. That is much appreciated. Happy holidays to you and your family 🌲👍
I'm running the GAN 1 as well and am happy with it. Intend to try a DDC with the GAN 1 at some point.
@@megrey6926I am going to try out the ifi spdif ipurifer at some point.
Tarun, your videos are a highlight of my week. Always interesting and informative.
I'm going to cheat a little bit on your question and expand the time frame. Schitt Aegir monoblocs. Mostly Class A with that wonderfully integrated mid-range.
Thank you Gerald. Your support, as always, is greatly appreciated. I would like to get my hands on the Aegir at some point 😊👍
Tarun, I'm really pleased to see your very positive review of the Atoll. I bought the Atoll Pre and Power 200 Signature amps a few months ago to partner my Kudos stand mounters and without doubt this is the best pairing I've ever owned. Power, detail and huge soundstage. Awesome. 👍
Great 👍
Love your channel and your insights! Would love your thoughts on the SoulNote line of integrated amps. The A1 and A2 ($4000 and $8000 usd respectively). The A3 looks amazing, but at $25K, it’s a bit out on my reach. Best to you and yours in 2024!
Thank you. Much appreciated. I will check them out 😊👍
Hi Tarun, wow you are simply superb! Have been watching a lot of your reviews lately and you have such a cool innate ability to articulate stuff minus the fluff! Listening to you is like listening to a classic LP record on a nice warm speaker played by tubes 😊. Praises aside, I recently had the opportunity to buy and listen to the Fosi Audio BT20A Pro. My expectations were low from the beginning, but for the price it is just amazing how far good affordable audio has come. No as I mentioned elsewhere, that Fosi amp isn’t replacing anything yet in my setup(s) nor it will. But a pet project of mine was to do something for my Garage using unused but like new JBL Control Now speakers. So finally ended up doing it in a circular ( donut) like array configuration of 4 Control Nows in stereo pairs connected to the Fosi amp. Currently it is on Bluetooth only audio mode. Planning to add a cheap streamer like Arylic S10 or a WiiM Mini for direct streaming. As the JBLs tend to be bright, for me the Fosi BT20A pro tone controls set in their neutral 12 O’clock positions sound the best. The max volume I would go is 3/4 or 3 O’clock position. Beyond that it loses its composure. Your review played a key part in buying the Fosi!
Thank you David. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
Thanks Tarun for the last year of excellent reviews . What I like about your channel is that you have a home system some of which is relatively old but treasured for its performance - not unlike most viewers I suspect. This makes your reviews all the more approachable . Of the current amplifiers available I particularly admire IOTAVX for their economy of design particularly the NP3 combined with two bridged SA3s which could be a quality sound solution for many .
Thank you Peter. That is much appreciated 😊👍
Thanks, charming and technical review as usual. I'm going to buy the musical fidelity A1, matching my B&W 707 S2 (paired with 2 Rel T Zero MKIII). I'm using a Denon 600ne amplifier, good but i think something is missing.
Thank you 👍
Thanks for a great year of reviews Tarun. Looking forward to many more quality videos from you in 2024
Thank you my friend 😊👍
Hi Tarun, i listened to a Michi X3 versus the considerably cheaper Rotel Ra1592 Mk.2 Integrated Amp and chose the Rotel because the difference was so small between their respective sonic performance. A true hifi bargain here in Oz.
Thanks again for the impeccable reviews mate!
Thank you Peter 👍
The A1 is a golden match with my martin logan 40i speakers.
Amazing amplifier😊
Love youre reviews
Have a Merry Christmas☃️
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too 🌲👍
What kind of power? Any volume shortcomings?
@@psysword Volume is not more than 11.00. clock . .
Thank you Tarun for your carefully detailed, balanced and systematic reviews. You have a rare capacity to compare and rank, rather than get haphazardly overexcited by every new kid on the block.
Your channel and whatsapp group have added significantly to my enjoyment of this hobby. Thank you for 2023 and look forward to 2024.
Thank you my friend. It is great to have your support and positive words of encouragement 😊👍
Most grateful on continuously excelent reviews during the previous Years with stable very high quality level.
All the Best in the New Year and the Very Happy Holidays as well!
Thank you my friend. Happy holidays to you too 😊😊
Nice list. Personally I'm interested most in the $1000 - $3000 category most at this point but you should take a look at the SMSL AL200 / AO300, the new Infineon chipset they use sound great (edges out the V3, and has a bit more power), have decent DACs, a remote and HDMI ARC in the case of the AO300.
Thank you for the suggestions 🙂
Nice round up today. I bought an Icon audio ST40 mk5 tube amp this year to pair with my Klipsch Forte 3s and l love it. This amplifier just makes me want to listen to music is all l can say for just over £2,000 a bargain for me.
That is great 👍
This year marked myself back into the audio game. Your channel has helped me understand much. My favorite integrated is the H190.
Thank you. I love my H190 too 👍
I'm an owner of H190 and to say my opinion are a bit of let down. I don't actually see the the hype of Hegel brand. In my case I bought them to pair with mini monitors of Harbeth backed by 7x sub of Rel. The sound is neutral and dull. Music is devoided of engagement and doesn't bring to me the emotional drive of my other rig of Cambridge cx61a paired with Focal Chorus 706 stand mount and a cheap obscure German sub manufacter that cost me less than a quarter than the first rig. The Hegel's 150w power rating deliver the same output as the Cambridge cx61a 60w! Are the Hegel inflating their power rating the way the cheap Chinese brands do? And their 4000 damping factor is missing in action. I don't see it in my case. Very disappointed because it is my most expensive element and I didn't get what I was craving.
@@benjaminqilafku5714 sorry to hear about your experiences. My H190 drives my Bryston A1 loudspeakers very well. I have owned several NAD amps from the 80’s and 90’s and Adcom as well. The Hegel is superior in my case.
@@benjaminqilafku5714the Hegel are maybe a bit polite from the few I've heard so far. It has (to my ears) this homogenized presentation which reminds me more of Sonos or Bose, done better though. I think it's probably a great match for some that get offended by highly resolving, highly separated, extended treble. I thought the Hegel bass was the star. Authoritative. I'm still going to spend more time on the H390 to flush it out more, but compared to others at its price I'm surprised I didn't like it more
@@erics.4113 So polite that lacks the engagement and desire of turning it on. What pissed me most it overrated power. If its 150w output matches my Cambridge cx61a 60w in real world performance in my room and I've an issue here whether those 150w are genuine. The timber is dull and doesn't bring emotion. Its like a robot that does everything a human do but has no heart.
The best amp I heard this year was a vintage Conrad Johnson Premier 11a with NOS GE 6550 tubes that I ended up buying recently after a long home audition. Absolutely loved the sound - full, clean, extremely tactile bass and a magical mid range to die for.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Still haven’t found the suitable amp for my Dynaudio (power/current hungry). But thanks for great channel and happy holidays!
Thank you. Have you tried Hegel or Naim 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Tarun, would you consider reviewing ATC SIA2-150? I think you might be pleasantly surprised. Highly recommended, though not exactly cheap. Have a great New Year
Tarun-ji, thank you for your videos and your honest approach to audio. You've got soul. Based on your review of the Fosi Audio V3 a while back I decided to treat myself to one for Christmas. And I must say, paired with my Vienna Acoustics Haydn Signature speakers they are an absolute treat. A magical little thing, and for the price, sound for pound, can't be beaten.
Thank you for sharing Rohan 😊👍
I found you round up very intertesting and enjoyable. Just wondered if you would have a look at Norma amps from Italy. Norma Amp 70 and 140 amps appear to collect positive reviews from professionals and users, and wondered what you would make of them...
Thank you. The new Norma 80 is on my radar 😊
I own the top of the range NVA and concur with your comments. Excellent sound quality and value for money. Faithfull to the source. The passive pre amp fits in with the NVA philosophy of less getting in the way of the signal path.
Indeed, there are no free lunches in audio 😊
Tarun thank you for your hard work and informative and enjoyable reviews. Looking forward to your review of the Galion over your shoulder! Wishing you and yours the best in 2024.
Thank you. Much appreciated. Happy holidays to you too 😊👍
Ver nice review, will you be doing one for speakers? And another for DACs, and preamps, and maybe one more summary for subwoofers And my 2nd question. What is the microphone you are using in this recording. Your voice sounded very well recorded.
Thank you. New Sony lav mic. I have done another video on the Best Speakers of 2023 and another on Source Components 👍
I’m still running Cambridge Azure 851a 😎😅
Great 👍
Great video as usual Taran.
Wishing you and your family Merry Xmas and Happy new year.
Thank you. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family too 🌲👍
B&H had a huge flash sale on the Yamaha a-s2200 the other day, so it now lives in my living room. Couldn’t be happier! Great video-Happy Holidays!
Thank you Jonathan👍
A pleasing review. I'm hopeful that in 2024 one of the amplifiers that will be reviewed is the Lavardin Technologies Model ISx Reference Integrated. I suspect it is the French rival to the NVA amps. I'd also like to see reviews of two Canadian Speaker Brands and models; The Paradigm Founder 40B Bookshelves and the Reference 3a MM de Capo BE Monitors.
I appreciate the suggestions 😊
I have a new IN300 and love it. Made that decision before seeing your review, but nice to watch it through! Very happy so far...the DAC isn't to my tastes, i prefer either my Schiit MMB 2 or Eversolo DMP-A6 i have on demo. But others might find it better! For me this amp is the best of Class A and A/B together - loads of power, warm, resolving..just a special amp. Like the A1 which narrowly lost out in my demos.
Great! Thanks you for sharing your experiences 👍
i bought the Rega Elex MK4 and i am loving it. works well in my small space with the Pontus and ATC SCM7's
Cool 😎
Thanks Taran always a pleasure watching your videos
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Glad to see the revived NVA gear getting the nod in the 3k plus category. I have extensive experience of the brand under the original ownership, and attended the Penta HiFi show with Richard and others I worked with at the time at a Home Counties HiFi dealership. He was a character with let’s say ‘strong’ opinions and an unshakeable faith for his philosophy and his brand, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from an innovator in this industry.
Thank you for sharing 😊
Thank you for your hard work!
please review the musical fidelity nu-vista 800.2😊
Thank you. It is on my radar 👍
Happy Xmas Tarun, Cant wait to see what you test for us in 2024, really pleased I found your channel on here this year.
Thank you Derek. Merry Christmas to you too 🌲👍
The McIntosh MA9000 I bought in January to partner my B&W803D3's. An excellent mix.
Thank you 😊
I purchased the Cambridge CXA 61 amp recently. Please note it lacks a phono stage therefore I had to buy one. I decided to use it in my second system as I prefer my NAD C316 BEE V2 in my main system. This has a built in phono stage which performs excellently with my Linn Basik turntable. The Cambridge AXC 35 CD player partners the NAD which I definitely recommend.
That is great 👍
Another amazing video. I like burson timekeeper 3ir on desktop setup with gustard r26 n spendor classic 4/5. Was wondering if music fidelity a1 will be n upgrade hump
Thank you. The A1 has a different sonic presentation to Burson amps I have previously encountered 😊
which sound do you find pleasing? i know its a questions with lots of if and buts and it is relative:P@@abritishaudiophile7314
Hi Tarun,
I wanted to wish you (although I don't know if you celebrate Christmas) a very Merry Christmas and a great new year. Well, I finally did it! I purchased a matched pair of completely rebuilt Adcom GFA-565 mono-bloc amplifiers (350W into 8 Ohms, stable down to 2 Ohms). OMG... my 555 was great, these are on another level. They seem to be very well matched to my Parasound Halo P6 preamp. Especially with complex harmonics... so amazing! ☺
About the ESS DACs... You know, I had a Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200 (with the twin Sabre chips), but I didn't really like it. In fact, all the twin Sabre chip DACs I have heard, were not to my liking. I have been using a Schiit Audio Modi 3+. This has been quite good, and really woke up my Pioneer Elite PD-59.
Thank you Tasha. We absolutely celebrate Christmas in our household. Glad those monoblocks are signing. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family 🌲👍
Hey Tarun. CXA81 for me. Nice round up and thanks.😊
Thank you 😊
My favourite Amp is the Yamaha 1200. I purchased it for £1895 and I'm delighted with its looks, build ( heavy) and sound quality.
Cool 😎
Thank you for your advice on these amplifiers.
That Fosi V3 seems promising indeed for a simple setup. I will check the review.
I was about to buy one of those Atoll IN, an old dream. However I have realised that build process is only interesting from in300. You don't really know what to expect in the others (no pics, basic features).
So I have decided to go separate and got myself a Rotel 1552 MKII for now. I will need a proper preamp afterwards I guess. So far I am happy with the sound that I get with my AVR and DAC.
Any idea for someone who only needs a preamp with a good built quality, not many sources input, no DAC included, with XLR I guess ?
@daiblaze1396 I guess the Atoll PR300 Signature preamp has the same build quality as the IN300 and would be a good match. Unfortunately, is has no XLR input and the price is a bit above the Rotel. Have you been considering a tube preamp yet? The Vincent SA-32 could be your choice then! I don't know its price in the UK, but in Germany it sells for about the same as the Rotel 1552 MkII. It has an XLR input and XLR output, and Vincent gear has good build quality. It also has bass and treble tone control which can be bypassed, and a gain switch allows you to reduce the output level by 8dB to protect the power amp against high source levels.
As I am looking for an upgrade from my Rega Elek Mk4, I myself take this Vincent pre-amp into consideration (with Vincent power amp SP-332) and would recommend it as a possible option. I add a link of a review in German hifi magazine "stereoplay" from 2018. (Use a translation app if interested)
www.vincent-tac.de/fileadmin/pdf/Tests/deutsch/Test_D_SA-32_SP-332-stereoplay.pdf
I hope this could be helpful, please let me know which pre-amp you will be going for. And all the best for 2024 🙂
Got both A1 and V3. (Short names for big toys in terms of fun and value). Picking A1 for nostalgia. It got me hooked on this hobby.
That is great 👍
I'm increasingly impressed by what NAIM is doing, and in a wide assortment of price points. It's a divisive opinion to be sure, but here's what I notice more and more lately: When is the last time you heard a reviewer, who was testing a pair of speakers with more than one amp, say, "Next I tried them with the NAIM blah-blah-blah, and *that* combination didn't work at all."
I have literally never heard anyone say that in a review about a pair of speakers being driven by a NAIM piece. And I can't think of another brand that this is both (a) true about and (b) operates at the kind of price/quality points that would make the NAIM stuff a valid apples-to-apples comparison.
Thank you for sharing 😊
My favorite is the Sony A/V Flagship as the 3-D surround is done to perfection. It is not tonally the match of the Maratntz 8015 in music but is the power house for surround 4K.
Thank you 😊
Great video, why are there no reviews of exposure 5010 mono and pre amp???
I am waiting for my review sample. They have a backlog of orders to fulfil 😊
Enjoyable review, as always. I'd like to prove that in my experience the A1 is unfortunately limited from low volumes already with 86db speakers like Elac DBR62. The amp sounds just as good at high volumes, gain bypassed. I don't understand this very much, the amp has enough power without distortion, but it didn't move the woofer in coherence with the tweeter as other amps did from low volumes.
Thanks for sharing 😊
I own the Fosi w/ +ps. Incredible.
Cool 😎
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I also own a Denafrips Thallo and Aragon vintage.
Happy Holidays Tarun!
To you too 🌲👍
Merry Christmas Tarun. Thanks again for another year of your audio reviews. I've moved to
a very nice location here in the Vancouver area and with that expense out of the way it is time
to finally replace my Adcom GFA 5500. (I've been putting this off for far too long.) With everything
I've learned through you and others I am setting my sights on a Hegel 120 or 190 but I am also
very intrigued with the Music Fidelity A1. With these 3 amps as serious contenders for my new
(mid sized) listening room I am also very intrigued by the Kinki Studio integrated. To be honest,
if cost was no object I'd just get the Hegel 390 and be done with it but it is a wee bit pricey for
my wallet. Maybe Santa will put a 390 under the tree this year but with the way I behave at 73
years.... I am still migrating from the naughty to nice list. Anyways Tarun... I do hope that you
and your family have a festive Christmas and a very happy new year.🎄
What are you going to do with the ADCOM amplifier, is it in spot on condition? Are you going to sell it ? , I lost my gear due to theft and would love to have another 5500 .
Thank you. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and your family too 🌲👍
I'll probably sell it but it needs some work. It has a slight thump when turned off (in one channel. Could be capacitor? Other than that it sounds beautiful. I have only used it about 100 hours since buying it 15
years ago. I have a few other amps (tubes)
but they definitely need work.
@@charlesclifton1006 how are you going to list them, ? Ebay or another sight like reverb
@@charlesclifton1006 whereabouts do you live , I live in arizona near the california Nevada border .
for me one of the best amplifiers of 2023 was Electrocompaniet ECI 80D... maybe because i bought it to play with my desktop Fyne Audio F1-5 speakers and Innuos Pulse Mini streamer :)
Cool 😎
Great presentation and delivery, Tarun. You wouldn't have been out of place presenting a vintage 'Top Gear.' Shades of Tiff Needell mixed with a dash of your own special sauce.
Thank you Jon. I am very flattered 😊👍
Thankyou Taran
I bought the Musical Fidelity A1
Paired with ESL 57 - sirca 1974
Beautiful sound
Vocals and acoustic instruments fantastic
(Definitely no Bruckner or heavy metal )
Nice system 😊
Happy holidays, big man!
Thank you buddy. Happy hols to you too 👍
Hi British Audiophile, first I wish you a Merry Christmas. How would you rate my Aiyima A07 Pro against the V3, ZA3 and the other Chinese mini amps?
Merry Christmas to you. Unfortunately, I haven’t compared them 🌲👍
Hi Tarun interesting choice for the high end amp , which I personally find not very attractive . But yes I know I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover . Just as a point of interest will we in the new year see the bare plaster in your loft room be given a coat of paint . Obviously it’s a work in progress , but I can’t help but focus on its lack of progress . 😂 Bless you and have a very happy Christmas and new year , and thank you for all the content you are prepared to put on your amazing channel . 🙏
Thank you. You should speak to my Mrs 🤣
Excellent vlog, Happy Holidays
Thank you and happy holidays to you too 😊👍
Tarun! You do give a mature look at products, typical lovely English style. Would like you to test the Fosi ZA amp. Make it two and try them as mono blocks, compared to your exposure mono blocks. Mini Cooper agains a Jaguar? Jaaag?
Thank you my friend. I may well do that 😊👍
Hi, Tarun my favourite integrated amplifiers have to be all in one but cannot sacrifice any sound quality.
The amplifiers have to have headphone jack 3.5mm, a phono amp and tone controls, loudness also. Digital input and can hook up to two pairs of speakers will be a bonus.
The following amplifiers may not meet all the above requirements :
Yamaha AS - 1200 all rounder has all the above features just missing loudness control , pure anolog.
Atoll 200n has no tone controls and loudness , has headphone input, digital and phono input are option, can hook up only one pair of speakers.
Rega elec mk4, has headphone jack 3.5mm, phono input and digital input no tone controls and loudness , can hook up only one pair of speakers. Sadly not many reviews can be found in CZcams.
Accuphase all rounder but the price is out of reach.
Thanks you for your hard work this year and looking forward for more gears to be reviewed in 2024, wishing all audiophiles have a Merry Christmas and happy New year, cheers 🥂🍾.
Thank you James. I appreciate your support 😊👍
Serious question. I have Pro-Ject Debut Carbon with a 2M blue stylus running to a Marantz NR1200. Would I benefit from an external phono stage such as the Pro-Ject phono box MM/MC?
I would upgrade the amp first 😊
Waiting for your accuphase e4000 review soon! 🤞
I appreciate that. But no plans as yet 😊
I would head over to Audio Excellence Canada. His reviews are spot on from the brands they sell as to no BS.
Hello MR British Audiophile.. a huge fan of your channel! since you have both the V3 and Audiolab 7000A (i know its a big comparison), how much of a sonic improvement can you notice in the 7000A over the V3?
thank you!
Thank you. The 7000A is a big step up in performance 😊
As far as integrated amps, I like the Vincent Audio SV-237MKII Hybrid Stereo Integrated Amplifier.
Great 👍
Thanks!
Thank you Jason. I appreciate your support 😊👍
I got the V3 with the 48v. It is impressive for the money.
Cool 😎
OiOi! Mate , wishing you and all a Merry Christmas and a better year .
Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too 👍
I'm not so sure about the Fosi V3 being suitable only as a desktop or small system amp. Mine performs brilliantly with Magneplanar 1.7's in a largish 4.5 meter X 7.5 meter room
What did you do about a power supply?
Surprising info ..thank you
Surprising indeed and Fosi have just launched the ZA3, switchable to mono and still only €150 or €300 for a pair. Now that should be spectacular with the Maggies if you're already getting good results from the V3.
@@jasontimothywells9895 I use the Fosi 48 volt 5 amp power supply
@@gaborozorai3714 Possibly. I went ahead and decided to purchase the ZA3 We'll see how that turns out.
If there was a review of reviewers at any price point you’d be top of the pile. Keep doing what you do in 2024.
Thank you, Patrick. That is very much appreciated 🙂👍
Thanks for a quick round up of best amplifiers reviewed in 2023.I recently updated to Cambridge Audio Azur851w Class XD Amp. Class XD , designed by Douglas Self , boasts of class A which transition to class B at higher signal levels. For me this transition from class AB has provided better 3D depth in music alongside smoother midrange with pinpoint vocal positioning.
Thank you 😊
Got my Musical Fidelity A1 couple days ago. Can’t wait to get rid of it. Feeding it with a Pontus dac and using Buchardt 400 mk II. Lack of detail is startling.
Heaven 11 Billy kills it. Maybe I’ve been spoiled by my McCormack DNA .5.
That was my first impression, and now after a week with the A1 I Enjoy music more than ever
You need to let it run in......🙄
@@rochcoulombe2248 what changed?
Thank you. I would also give it a long run in before deciding 😊
Hi Tarun, How about putting in something like Lyngdorf 3400 and Micromega M150 in the mix.... Any chance you have heard these all-in-one boxes with Room correction stuff ?
I have heard them but not at home. I appreciate the suggestion 😊
another great 7:27 video my friend merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours brother
Thank you and happy holidays to you too 😊👍
Kudos for having a sponsor that fits the theme of this channel and not food ,VPN or insurances as seen elsewhere .
Thank you. I only have sponsors in areas where I won’t review products. That avoids any conflict of interest 😊
I hope you can get a Advance Paris A12 to review
Great video as always
Thx,TK
Thank you 👍
Tarun as always precise and engaging. I want to ask you why the high tier amplifier manufacturers skip digital inputs and sub out ports in their products. Why they think these features are irrelevant to the consumers. In my scenario they are the fondaments of my ecosystem.
The sub output is not an issue. The best way to connect a sub is to use the speaker cable inputs. It offers the best integration with your main speakers. As for built in dacs on high end integrated amps, its a matter of cost. Building a dac that preforms in the same league as the amp and preamp raises the cost substantially. Most audiophiles buying some of the more expensive gear simply doesn't want a built in dac. Some may already have one, or plan to buy something else. You would be forcing them to pay extra for an expensive feature they don't want or need.
Thank you. Many consumers go the separates route at higher price points to gain extra performance 😊
4:30 has a mistake , Fosi Audio V3 has one 3255 that handles two channels . not two tp3255s .