Intro
Contents
On Sunday, November 27, 2022, we held a large, comparative test of amplifiers in the price range around 2,500 euros. A popular class. In the 3.5-hour livestream, we were able to hear particularly well what the differences are in this price range. And it’s not subtle!
The test set-up this time is nice and simple: the Alpha AudioPC with Sonnet and mutec as the source. And the amplifier under test will be connected to the TAD Evolution 2. We use no filters and no expensive power cords. Things are kept as standard as possible because what matters now is the amplifiers: not the tweaks.
Blind ánd calibrated
To keep everything equal in the test, we calibrate all amplifiers at 70dB on the ‘sample’ microphone. This way the volume doesn’t have to be changed during the test. Convenient for the team and fair: every dB counts in a test and louder is often better…
Also this time we do the test blind. At least: for the team on the couch. Your author has switched the amps while the gentlemen are discussing about the sound and quality. You can see in the video that there is no watching. The reason we do (semi) blind is that it removes a bias. If you don’t know what’s playing, you are much more open to what you really hear and what it does to you.
Measurements
Measurements were done on the Prism dScope III as well as on the new LISN. The LISN measures supply noise. At the time of the review we were not yet able to measure everything with the LISN, but that will come in future tests.
The candidates
- Advance Paris A12
- Arcam SA30
- Atoll IN300
- Cyrus Classic AMP
- MOON 250i
- Rega Elicit MK5
- Yamaha A-S1200
Let’s quickly move on to the test candidates!