Rotel is creating a new presence in the US with a new, energized line, epitomized by this small but feature-packed 80wpc integrated which also has employed a very modern DAC within its diminutive frame. We’ve used this little Hungarian amp in many expensive systems and not once did we feel it was the weak link in the chain. That means for a mere $400 more you’re getting a full-function 45wpc integrated that on its own sounds like something much more expensive. This small yet sonically exquisite little integrated amplifier features a Heed phono stage that would normally cost you $500 as a standalone, a headphone amplifier that would cost you another $500. An Editors’ Choice Award winner and a Best Value winner for 2020. “True high-end sound does not have to be a luxury,” we deduced after spending time with Audio by Van Alstine‘s “hand-built, point-to-point wired, Single-Ended-Transistor voltage amplifier which offers 60 Watts per channel stereo into 8-Ohm loads.” The lack of active preamplification, the reason why it’s a “control amp” and not a typical integrated, can be argued against: Does it belong in a list of best integrated amplifiers? The simple design of the SET 120 and it’s operation in Class-A (for the first 10 watts) makes it a natural choice in its price class over the many “trendy” Class-D integrated amps of current day. A mere seven watts per channel may limit your choice of loudspeakers, but the Ether provided a “fast, up-front and very clear sound.”Īudio by Van Alstine SET 120 ($1,199 USD) One of the best integrated amplifiers for the money just got better.įrom the mind of the former designer for 47 Laboratories, the Sparkler Audio minimalist amp is borne from the same principles-simplicity, short signal paths and an impressively small list of internal parts. That Sprout’s successor, the Sprout100, is even better! It costs a little bit more but delivers a lot more in return–more power, an improved high-resolution DAC circuit and a nice remote control. Note though I am not endorsing it because I need to hear it in my system - just a track record sort of thing and given it appears not to be too expensive.We thoroughly loved and appreciated the original PS Audio Sprout for what it was: a small class-D amplifier with a built-in Bluetooth receiver, DAC, and even a phono stage, and all for less than $500. Then again Andy Whittle of Rogers made the AX Two speaker for Audio Note. Rogers and Audio Note work together - Rogers also has a neat looking integrated amplifier - Audio Note makes it for them under the Rogers label. This is the store I heard it in and with the Rogers LS-3/5a speakers - I am trying to get this combination in for review as I was quite impressed with the results. It made the cover of Hi-Fi Review in Hong Kong. ![]() It has remote control and is auto-bias class A and has a built in non oversampling DAC (TDA 1543) 28 watts per channel and has double C-Core transformers (not the standard EI or torroids found in most stuff). If you are still in Singapore you definitely should audition the Audio Note Cobra integrated amp before you buy. LM looks better and has far more cool factor though - AND they have remote control which some folks can't live without. In Asia the LM amps begin to be stronger competion. I would take the Audio Note OTO(or SORO) Phono SE signature over the LM amps and the Audio Note's cost less in the USA. Click to expand.Their value is better in Asia than the USA.
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