I Tested TWELVE HiFi Amps to find “The One”. The Winner is…
By Steve Huff
Let’s just get going…
I have owned and setup countless audio systems in various spaces (of my own) over the last 40 years but it was not until recently that I feel that I have set up my all out hands down favorite system that I have ever owned, in my own space. Yea, I have had some crazy setups in here over the years like when I had a setup here that cost an eye watering $250k (retail), but no that was not my fave setup, proving mega big money is not the solution. At least for me.
This post, article or whatever you want to call it is not a review at all. Instead this is a personal diary of sorts that outlines my search to find the right amp for my speakers, once and for all. I am sure more than one of you have gone through something similar in this hobby with trying to find that one component you will be 100% happy with, even after years. I need to do this myself right now due to a move coming up.
Yes, I am serious as going forward I will not and cannot purchase more gear. It’s just not going to be possible unless I win the lottery so this one has to be it for years to come.
With a move coming up that will take every ounce of my available cash I have to get it right. I will talk about a few things and then get to talking about how each of these 12 amps and the sources did with my particular speakers. Only one can be the victor here but this is all very personal and subjective. I went back and forth a few times and was unsure of myself until the end. This page will describe the journey for anyone interested!
It’s a bit long so sit back, gran a coffee and enjoy!
One of the amps tested is the beautiful and powerful Unison Research Unico DMV2
Let’s start with the speakers which prompted my desire for an amp that will mate perfectly with them.
It was just recently that I discovered the speakers of my dreams… for me personally. They sound more human, more beautiful and more complete than any I have ever had in my space and have the sound signature I seek. This covers 40 years of my life. I have heard close to them, or speakers that had a similar vibe but none really clicked with me like these have. The QLN Prestige series comes to mind as another one that hits me but these speakers here are even grander in how they paint the musical picture.
The speakers I speak of are the SV Audio Gro speakers, the set I hailed as “the one” that ends the search in my review.
Yea, these can indeed end the search and have for me when it comes to speakers. They are stunning from top to bottom and bring such a musical tour de force to my room. Thanks again to Next Level HiFi for selling these beauties (they were demo models used at shows) to me in the Bentley Bronze finish. While I had to work some magic to be able to get the deal and the purchase down, it was worth it in the end. Since I am in the industry and these were demo show units I did get a discount and it was a partial trade (of sorts) and some cash.
But here they are and here I am trying to find the right power for them so they can be the best they can be.
Now yes indeed, these are expensive high end speakers though not even close to the brands (or other brands in this higher end area) middle or top tier speakers which come in at close to $90k. The Gro are $32k retail, are the 2nd speaker up from the bottom and are made in Denmark, in small handcrafted batches. They use top tier parts and sound engineering to deliver a balanced and beautiful performance. This is one high end speaker (there are many out there) that lives up to the promise of high end sound, or at least what I feel it should be. They have a stand mount two way called the Frida that sells for $22k but it is quite striking in design.
The SV Audio Frida is the brands “starter” speaker in the lineup and comes in at $22k
I mean, in reality it took me 40 years to find the SV Gro, and it happened by accident when I was not even looking for them. Kind of like when you meet the love of your life, most of the time it happens when you are not looking. What I mean is…it took me 40 years to be able to not only find but also afford to get a pair of a speakers such as this. So after decades of buying, selling and trading audio gear here we are. I used to do this audio hobby just for fun and hey, who am I kidding? I still do this for fun and enjoyment but these days I talk about it to all of you as well. I love what I do and am so happy I started this website way back in 2004!
The Allegro with T10 Streamer and Synergistic Research Powercell 12SX
Back to 1985 when I was 16…
When I was 16 I had a system I loved very much but this setup was my 1st and only “real” system back then. That was the one that hooked me for life. It wasn’t fancy, overly expensive ($1500 or so in 1985) nor was it anything like most of what I review these days. Even so, I listened to that system almost every single day during my main teenage years. In the AM when I woke, at night as I dozed to sleep. That system was indeed what got me through life in my teens as I was not a popular guy back in those days. I had two good friends and that was it. I did not hang with anyone from school or talk to anyone in class. Having ADHD my entire life (non medicated) I was unique in my own way but man I loved my stereo system, as basic as it was.
I will say it was easier then as when you push speakers up against a wall and so close together things such as “magic” do not exist in the music reproduction. This kind of system is more for jamming out not soundstage performance and imaging. Even so I loved jamming out in the 80’s on my system. I forgot though…I did in fact have a system before this that had me catch the bug. It consisted of a saxophone amp and speaker I found in the trash and a turntable. That was it but that was a hodge podge and even had a reverb control lol. That stayed with me for a few months until I could get the full system.
A replica of my 1980’s system as a teen. Before I cared about soundstage. layers and “air”!
It was that little system that comforted me through the hard times, the bad times and even celebrated the good times with me. I bought one new record every week (depending on my mood that week) at the local record store and would listen to that front and back until the next week.
Yea. I was all in.
That system at the time had a great sound, or at least I thought so back then. I had no reference as it was my first and only real system. It had a turntable, CD player and even cassette deck. It put out 100 watts and came with the speakers which were about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Looking back they were most likely made of cheap particle board but to me, as a teen, they sounded great. I would blast KISS ALIVE! on the weekends regularly and jam out by myself in my basement room.
That cheap system had a sound of beefy bass, big body, nice but a somewhat of a raggedy treble extension. As long as I didn’t turn it up too loud it sounded just right to me. I had the speakers all the way against the wall and that little setup rocked, at least that’s what I thought back then. It really was a passion of mine and it stayed with me throughout life.
The sound of that simple system stuck with me through life as it was with me for a good 8 years (and all I knew) until I was married and sold it. I had to sell as I was broke and with a kid on the way at 25 years of age. I needed as much cash as I could horde. When my son was 2 back in 1998 I started it up again, with a Marantz integrated and Paradigm flagship speakers. I drove to Canada from Indiana to go buy them myself. Over the next 25-30 years or so I tried so many setups as it was like an addiction.
The interesting thing is that most of these newer systems? I enjoyed them but not as much as my old teenage cheap setup. I was spending more but getting less enjoyment. Little did I know that the more you spend on audio the harder it is to get it to sound good as now we deal with synergy, matching, letting the speakers “breathe” and cables which may or may not alter the sound. There is a lot to it, or so I thought. I was a newbie to this “high end” stuff in the 90s but quickly learned the ins and outs.
I needed the perfect room, the right speakers for the room, the right amp to power the speakers, the right positioning of the speakers in the room and now the source has to be pristine as well. This was not the audio I knew as a kid, it was a whole new thing. I started to enjoy experimenting with new speakers, amps and equipment. I started trading gear as well. I was hoping to find the system that I would love so much I couldn’t get rid of it.
Finding the sound…
Not that I was trying to replicate bad cheap sound, which is in reality what I had when I was 16. No, I was trying to find that body, that groove, the energy that made me get up and dance but in a more refined type of sound that could immerse me in the music more. I wanted a huge soundstage that I could walk into if I wanted and a realism that would put goosebumps on my arm. I searched for much better bass and a cleaner sound.
Many higher end setups in the 90s lacked soul and because digital was in its early days it sounded like…digital. Clean and fast? Yea, sure but most digital sounded a bit cold and hard. The opposite of what I sought.
Vinyl ruled the day in the 90’s for me as well as CD but the compact disc wasn’t there yet for me in all out soul and sound quality. Even so, many of these higher end setups I saw in the 90’s and 2000’s in hifi shops were fast, lean and built for detail and not much else. Hence, the search never ended.
Keep in mind I did not want “slow and syrupy” but something that could bring excitement, thrills, warmth and body with some glow and air. I wanted clarity but not sterility. A human connection to the music. I wanted to hear music like this and without ever having fatigue.
These taught me that speakers, yes, are #1 in any system but only after the room, which will have the biggest effect on sound quality. Then it is source which means your streamer, DAC and/or Analog rig. Then cables to polish it all off. I use Synergistic Research Foundation XL as a full loom exclusively and that alone has helped my system dramatically when it comes to overall balance and refinement.
I found the speakers that fit the room size just right. Now I had to find “the one’ amplifier for them that would please me for long term.
I have tested the SV Gro now with so many amps. Integrated amplifiers, all in one amps, mono amps, stereo amps, big power, low power, tubes, cheap, mid and expensive variety’s. I have heard them with DACs priced from $350 to $25,000. I spent a lot of time trying to find the perfect pairing to these gorgeous speakers (that I can afford) for the kind of sound I enjoy. It’s hard to make these sound bad or even slightly so but with the right power behind them, and source, these can be pure magic in the right size room.
I have found the SV Gro allow me to hear what each amp sounds like as well as what each DAC sounds like and they are remarkable in this way. Most high end speakers do this and it is pretty cool. You will be able to hear what each change to your system sounds like and yes, even cables 100%. These speakers are revealing enough to do this but not so much so that you lose the soul of the music. That is the key word here…”SOUL”. But the amp will have a huge impact on what they sound like, as I was soon about to find out. The SV Gro speakers seem to be neutral with an ever so slight lean to the warm side in a 13X18 room.
The amplifiers I loved with the SV Gro? Any of these could be the partner for them 100% but I had to consider cost, heat, size, weight and performance. I wasn’t just seeking the best sound but the best experience and also value for the money.
The ModWright 225i Tested with an Eversolo T10/Matrix NT-1 streamer as well as the Imersiv D1 and FIIO Warmer DACs. This setup has a gorgeous lit up hefty sound with illumination up top and in the upper midrange while staying smooth and soulful with big beefy body and low bass. The midrange here is very big in scale, voices are larger than life. Bass was bombastic and the sound was clean, refreshing, dynamic and alive yet had some warmth hidden in the flow. This integrated is in my top three of all time for design, build and sound. I LOVE THIS ONE!
The MW is a bit old school in design and my only weakness with it is that on some days the transformer would hum a little and it is a bit on the large side. The sound here was crazy good with the D1 DAC and Matrix NT1 streamer going to the SV Gro. The sound was extremely holographic and open yet still had some smoothness and refinement. Huge soundstage in width, depth and height. BIG dynamics. Superb with neutral to slightly warm speakers.
The 225i is Class A/B but the first 15 watts or so is Class A and then goes to Class A/B with big power and current. The 225i comes in at around $10k and is well worth it if you seek a high end all analog old school integrated amp. Made in the USA.
Traits: Illuminating, big scale, powerhouse in the bass, superb imaging
Overall a 9/10 with the SV Gro when using the Imersiv D1 DAC. Dropped to 8 out of 10 with the Warmer DAC so a great DAC is needed here as well to do full justice to the SV Audio speakers. Total cost for a killer setup of the 225i and great streamer and DAC? $20-$25k or $12500 for something like the Warmer.
The Burson Voyager Timekeeper Mono Amps. These sound delicious with the SV Gro as well and are a touch warmer and fluid vs the ModWright yet still have some of the upper end illumination due to being Class A (1st 40 watts). These had a warmth and flow but also a little less body in the midrange to the music vs the 225i. These are also a bit holographic and open with a touch of crisp energy in there as well. Music sounded real, in the room, again with the D1 DAC which was an important ingredient here. With the Warmer DAC it wasn’t as magical but still sounded very nice. These replaced my Kiki Dazzle amp so they are indeed very very nice.
The weakness here is that these run hot as hell and hotter than any amp I have had here. Either way these are faves off mine as well and the Voyager sound as good as some big dollar amps I have heard. Powered by the Imersiv D1 DAC this sound was all out amazing, reference and end game. The heat was killing me long term so I had to take them out for the summer. These come in between $6-$7k depending on power source you choose. Fusion Core highly recommended for best sound. These are amps that are priced super fair and right.
Traits: Powerful, Class A Illumination, some warmth in the mids and superbly quiet.
Overall an 8/10 with the SV Gro with the D1 DAC. Total cost with this DAC and T10 streamer would be $21k
AGD Allegro Integrated All In One. This is one I recently reviewed after having it in for 6-7 weeks. It’s a small all in one, but of the high end variety at $15k. The Allegro uses AGD’s patented tech in the GaN department so yes this is class D GaN and it’s the most mature I have ever heard any class D amp sound. It’s super unique as it has some character of class A. D and even some tube SET action. A mix of all three but not sounding like any single one. Very unique.
No it’s not dull. No it will not get hard or flat sounding as you turn it up. Yes this Class D sounds lovely and it is efficient.
The Allegro brings a sound that is powerful but insanely refined and yes it is more refined than the Burson or Modwright. It’s smoother and yet also brings inner details out like a champ due to the speed here. The treble is much smoother and not as extended or illuminated as the other two but this goes a long way to keeping things human and organic so it is a more mature kind of vibe and sound. Nothing is “off the shelf” here in parts and the AGD is made in California. AGD also has patents on their technology.
The first few days I wasn’t sure about the smooth flow here but then as the weeks went on I started to appreciate this sound. When I would put in a Class A or A/B amp again all of the sudden I heard that extra “bite’ to the sound that seemed exciting at first but with some bad 80’s recordings it was harder to listen to.
With the Allegro everything was big, bold, smooth, clean and extended with high resolution. This is a $15k box but has a streamer, custom made R2R DAC, 250 WPC amp, class A head amp and a phono stage that does MM and MC.
It’s as high end (or more so) as the ModWright and more in the upper tier vs the Burson which comes in at $6-7k. For me, AGD leads the pack in Class D amplification of all I have heard so far. This is one of the most silent amps I have ever had in here. Sounds like it is off when on but when on this is a very dimensional amp when it comes to sound. Can also be used as a preamp and when tested it was lovely, one of the better preamps I have used in fact though RCA out only for this feature. The remote is gorgeous, most luxurious of the lot and heavy duty. Made in the USA.
Traits: Soul, Beauty, open yet with warmth, beautiful imaging and immersion, smooth and powerful
Overall a 9/10 with the SV Gro using the internal custom voiced R2R DAC inside. Cost $15k retail, $17k with T10 streamer but the AGD has one built in. Also will be updated OTA to bring better streaming functions soon. The D1 DAC brings more life, excitement and illumination but this brings the cost closer to $30k which is insane territory for me. As is, the Allegro is a stunner.
Luxman 509Z. This is a kick butt integrated amplifier and IMO one of the best Luxman integrated models ever made. It’s very GOOD. That says alot right there. It has power, pizazz, gorgeous design and is made in Japan. Luxman has history and legacy and for good reason. Their integrated amps are some of the best you can get in this hobby of ours. With the SV Gro the sound of the 509Z was a bit intoxicating due to the midrange and upper midrange clarity and snap.
The amp stayed pretty quiet as well but not as eerily quiet as the AGD or Burson. There was an illumination up top that also sounded more like the music had a glow about it. The midrange was leaner but cleaner than the others while the bass was very tight yet explosive when called upon. The SV Gro have tremendous bass capabilities and when the right amp is hooked up this becomes obvious. The Luxman sound was close to the Burson sound here but a touch more open, all out cleaner and a hair leaner in the midrange with more clarity. Stunning integrated amp. The Luxman now costs around $14k retail so it is another high end option. Can’t ever go wrong with Luxman these days. Pricey but world class.
Traits: Tremendous detail without being lean or hard, open, texture, layers and illumination in the treble.
Overall the Luxman scored an 8.5/10 with the SV Gro with the D1 DAC and also an 8.5 with the Warmer due to its added warmth . Total retail cost with D1 DAC and streamer would be $29k or $16k for the lower cost DAC.
McIntosh MA 5300 – Not my fave in the McIntosh lineup but I had this amp here twice. The first time I thought it was good but not worth the asking price. The second time with the SV Gro things changed a bit as yes… speakers matter and not all speakers will mate with every amp perfectly. My first experience with the 5300 was with different speakers and I feel that is what made me not like it much. It didn’t have synergy with what I had at the time. This time, it did. The SV Gro are easy to drive and will never sound “bad’ no matter the amp but they can sound unreal and special with the right amp.
The 5300 drove them with a plumpness and shine in the mids with a softer treble kind of like the AGD, almost. Bass was nice but not like the Luxman or Modwright as it was a bit looser and subdued. This one sounded good but wasn’t my “fave” out of all of these though it is more affordable than some of the others. This is around a $7k buy these days. It did sound really good with the Gro.
Traits: Smooth, body, flow and impactful punch
Overall this one gets a 7/10 from me with the SV Gro (using the 5300 DAC) as it sounded just a little bit unfocused compared to other amps here. Total cost with a truly great DAC (internal DAC is not my fave) would be between $14-$20k or under $10k with a non exotic level DAC. This sounded superb with the D1 DAC, again, a $12k endeavor on its own. With the Warmer it sounded very nice but not to the level of the other amps.
Oilily 211 SET TUBE AMP – This is a sweet amp and the most affordable of all that I tested with the SV Gro yet it is one of my fave setups with the Gro. Coming in at $1799 over at Amazon this amp is really a gem hidden amongst the sea of crappy tube amps that exist on Amazon. There are a few gems there but this one is pretty incredible if it floats your boat.
The 211 MKII is a class A Single Ended tube amp that runs in pure Class A. It pumps out 12-14 watts per channel and uses 2X211, 2X6SN7 and 12AX7 tubes. This one has point to point hand wiring, wide bandwidth transformers and quite a bit more. It drove the SV Gro with ease in a 13X18 room at any volume I needed. Even so I could not argue with how gorgeous this one sounds. Real, Human, Palpable…goosebumps territory with rich warmth and a glow along with some holographic imaging. I preferred this to the McIntosh and a few others for sound with the Gro but the 211 tubes get HOT. This is pure Class A as well.
This is about equal in sound than what my old Line Magnetic 2190IA gave and that one cost $8k. I mean, it’s just as good in sound and this is an incredible value. Build, looks, sound is all top notch for a 211 amp. You can buy this amp here.
Traits: Air, glow, smooth rich sound while being open, holographic and layered like any good SET amp.
I rate this one an 7.5/10 with the SV Gro. It’s a bit big in bass and maybe too big but this amp packs some magic and warmth. The price is fantastic at $1799.
NAD M33 streaming amplifier – This is one I had to hear as I have had three or four music lovers tell me how impressive this unit is, and yes it is. This one is as close to the AGD Allegro as I could get in regards to amp type and features. The M33 has a streamer/DAC/amp and comes in at around $7k for the VII model so half price of AGD. This one is great and I really enjoyed having it here for just a few days. Not enough time for a full review but enough time to know if it is the match to the SV Gro that I have been seeking.
The sound here was a bit illuminated from the ESS Sabre DAC on board. The DAC here could not match what was inside of the AGD Allegro as it’s more of the ESS sound vs R2R (lit up vs richer/deeper). All depends o what YOU seek. More illuminated treble or a smoother treble? The sound is nice as it uses Class D, more specifically a Purifi module. The sound is not like the AGD even though both are Class D.
The AGD Allegro and all AGD amps use AGD patented tech with their GaN modules and the NAD is more “off the shelf” when it comes to chips and parts from what I was told. With the SV Gro the NAD was very very nice but a touch flatter in soundstage depth and height vs the AGD. Maybe this is to be expected as the NAD is half the cost. The sound was smooth and rich but didn’t engage me quite as much as the AGD. Even so, probably worth saving some cash and the savings here are huge. If I didn’t hear a couple of the other amps this one may have ranked much higher.
Traits: Smooth class D sound, powerful, easy to use/operate and punchy. Somewhat open and detailed as well.
This one gets a 7/10 with the Sv Gro with its internal DAC. With the D1 DAC bumps up to 9 though this turns it into a $20k endeavor.
Pass Labs INT-25 – This is an all analog integrated I have always loved and have a soft spot for. I haven’t heard one in years so managed to borrow one for a few days. I reviewed this years ago but never heard it with the SV Gro. Using the Imersiv D1 DAC the sound was alive, real and magical in the upper midrange if not a hair bright. The SV Gro speakers are a very easy drive and the 25 watts of Class A power here drive them to any level I wanted in my room. No issues there. I loved this with the little FiiO Warmer DAC as it warmed it up and brought more beauty vs the D1. So there ya go, a $349 DAC was preferred here vs the $12k DAC. Crazy but not really as it is synergy that matters most.
I spent a weekend comparing this to everything I had in and the result was that the INT 25 brought a very nice, beautiful and open sound. There is a nice humanity to the midrange that was so sweet and nice. Treble was somewhat airy. The INT 25 doesn’t have a DAC or streamer so this would be needed. It’s also class a so runs very warm and costs more to run as well. Man, all of these amps bring something of their own to the table. Going to be a hard decision to make but this one illuminates much more than say the AGD or Burson. I used to have a pass preamp and the 60.8 mono amps here but there is something very charming about the INT-25. Sometimes less is more.
Traits: Detail, shine, energy, an aliveness to the sound with some body and slight warmth in the mids. Open and deep.
With the SV Audio Gro the INT-25 ranked an 8/10 for me with the Imersiv D1 and a 8.5/10 with the Warmer. The Warmer paired very well with the Pass Labs and is a budget DAC. Cost with streamer and D1 would be $22k and with the Warmer and Streamer around $11k retail. This is a solid option but then I would be limited to the lower wattage. This only comes into play if I get tougher to drive speakers in to review.
LAIV Chorus mono amps with Crescendo DAC – These are a budget option yet sound nothing like a budget option. LAIV is doing amazing things in the class D world and here the sound is fat, full bodied and warm. Details are here but nothing extreme or bright. The sound is pure musical..as in..groove, body and a beat that doesn’t quit. It’s not super holographic or open, nor is it very 3D though the LAIV setup has some of these traits which is incredible for the price. The Chorus mono amps sound pleasing, musical and big but more warm and full with some upper illumination, just enough. These cost under $3k for the entire setup WITH DAC so the most affordable and yes I could tell this was the case in the sound when comparing direct to the others. Even so, for this price I do not feel you can find better sound anywhere. These will also never hum or buzz but I did get some slight hiss from my 92db speakers when idle.
Traits: Warm, fluid, beefy and with impact and punch. Full bodied sound.
These mono amps one gets a 6.5/10 with the SV Gro when using the Verse DAC when compared to the rest. Cost is under $3k for the mono amps and DAC/Pre but these are superb in the right setup. I have heard lesser that cost more, that’s for sure. With the D1 these jump up to a 7.5/10.
SoulNote A2 and D2 M KII – This combo is stunning and wow, wow, wow with the SV Gro. This brings and paints a large 3D stage with the focus being on “holographic and open”. The midrange is supremely clean and bordering on “too clean” at times but it never crosses that line. It’s energy, it’s alive, it is remarkable. This one is all about detail, illumination and soulful energy. The SN boxes manage to bring a balance of audiophile sound and being musical. The midrange is a little leaner and more pushed back vs ModWright which is more forward, and the bass is just as bombastic. This setup is up there in WOW factor. The D2 MKII DAC is stunning as well as the integrated. Made in Japan, this set costs between $18-$19k so up there in price vs the rest. Would need a streamer and the T10 would be perfect.
Traits: Very open in sound, like a window that has just been cleaned. Holographic as I have heard with some soul.
This duo gets a stunning 9/10 with the Sv Gro. Cost with streamer would be $21-22k
Unison Research DMV2 and Pre V2 – These tube hybrid options are the latest flagship from Unison research and they are large, old school and sound ultra sweet and precise yet also have some romance built in. Made in Italy, I have this set here now and have for many weeks. The amp for me is the star of the show and it sounds clean, has superb detail retrieval and has massive impact as in punch. This is a great amp and will power even hard to drive speakers. This is meant for those big fancy speakers that cost a ton of cash as it can drive them with authority and ease ; )
The dynamics here are just behind the ModWright which has won the dynamic contest so far. Bass is tight and clean but not so tight it sounds lean, not at all. This one can shake the room with precision as if subs are hooked up. Less character and human nature than the AGD yet it brings more soul and richness vs the more direct McIntosh. This setup is just under $20k and the amp is quite large. This is around the same price as the SoulNote and $5k more than the AGD option.
Traits: Texture, solidity, density and richness to the sound. Details done just right. Not too warm, not too cool. Just right.
I give the Unison duo a 7/10 with the SV Gro as it wasn’t the perfect match to them, though it was for the Helios and there I gave it a 9/10. All depends on the speaker you choose to drive. Cost of the pre and amp and adding a T10 streamer would be $21k as the Pre V2 has a built in DAC, which is great but not a magical kind of thing.
Benchmark DAC 3 and AHB2 – Many have asked me to review this setup and one guy told me it is the “best” regardless of cost or brand and he was dead set on that. I have been skeptical of course. I was able to get this set in for a 30 day trial. What you have heard about Benchmark is right. They are dead neutral and do not seem to color the sound at all, but what is this sound? Is perfection in amplification real? Is this perfection even desirable?
There is a somewhat very clean full bodied sound with fast bass and a big midrange with the SV Gro and BM gear, which is not what I expected at all. With that big clean beefy sound there is also quite a bit of detail being exposed though it does it more jarringly than the AGD and some of the others. This set is dynamic and punchy and really brings out the treble shine and stays ultra quiet as well. Think clean but not quite sterile. The goal of benchmark was to create the sound of Class A by using Class A/B with Class H voltage rails for the best efficiency. This also uses some kind of THX tech. The sound is different from all the others here, but each set here does sound quite different.
This set has the chime and shine of a great class A but much of the body and speed of a great class A/B. It’s small, runs slightly warm but never hot and puts out 100 WPC into 8ohms, 190 into 4ohms. I love the size and energy of this combo. I tested it with the DAC 3 HGC from Benchmark which has a preamp and remote. With the Eversolo T10 going to the DAC and then going from DAC to ABH2 amp via XLR the sound was quite “perfect” really but is that a good thing for everyone? No this setup will not be for all. I enjoyed this sound but was wondering if it is too much of a good thing and would get to be too much over time. It doesn’t polish turds at all so bad recording in will mean bad sound out. No color here.
This setup is compact, nice looking, runs cool and comes in at around $5200 TOTAL for the AHB2 amp and DAC3. This is a great price point as it comes in for far less than the options from Luxman, Soulnote, AGD and even the McIntosh integrated. Just add streamer though you will not find a phono stage here nor a proper preamp. Benchmark makes a dedicated preamp but I did not get that in for the review.
Traits: Detail, Shine, Treble illumination, some body but not alot of soul. Brutally honest.
I did get these from a place I have been buying from for 30+ years B&H PHOTO is an authorize dealer.
I give the benchmark an 8/10 with the SV Gro though for all out sound. This setup sounds like perfection top to bottom but doesn’t have the same amount of soul or scale that the Tubes, AGD or ModWright deliver. Even so this set is small, more affordable, quiet and runs cool. It’s a contender for sure and with the T10 would cost $7500 or so complete.
AMPS I WANTED TO TEST BUT COULD NOT: Any Accuphase amp (have one coming in August for a world premiere review), AGD Adante II and DUET Amps (Can’t afford), Modern Day Audio Research (have a review set coming in August). I can’t wait any longer to pick an amp though for a few reasons as a few of these either have to go back now or be purchased. Deal goes away if sent back.
So after hearing all of these (and a few others that didn’t make the cut right out of the gate) I decided on the one that would be the mate to the Gro. It has synergy, beautiful long term kind of sound enjoyment and features everything I could want or need in an amplifier.
The Eversolo T10 Transport. Due to my move and needing cash last minute I sadly no longer use the gorgeous Matrix stack. Going forward my streaming transport is right here. The Matrix has a more airy open sound, the T10 is more authoritative and open.
The Winner
So what did I ultimately choose to go with the SV Audio speakers that I purchased?
This was tough as I truly enjoyed all of these in their own ways. Some I loved and a couple I kept flip flopping on. I was all set for the ModWright to be the winner (and it was early on), then I decided SoulNote was just so beautiful in all ways that it would be the setup I needed. The A2 MKII and D2 MKII would be stunning. Then I thought about the size and having two heavier silver metal boxes when I originally wanted to go to an integrated. There were so many options here that would work and have me happy for a long time but…I wanted to spend less, get the sound of seperates in one box and well, get more for my money. If I could sell off other expensive gear to offset the cost even better. Even better if I gain some cash back in my pocket for the move.
And the one that I chose for the SV Gro?
The one I chose is the AGD Allegro
Here is the system that I landed on with the SV Audio Gro. It turned out to be my fave system that I have ever had here when it comes to soulful sound and all out refinement. Digital sounds analog. Zero fatigue. Perfect balance. The real cost to enter the Allegro is high but any of these truly great options above would have been just as high or much higher after adding a great DAC.
- SV Audio Gro Speakers
- AGD Allegro Integrated
- Eversolo T10 Streamer
- Synergistic Research 12SX power conditioner
- Synergistic Research Foundation XL Cable loom
Either way, I had choices to go with any of the amps mentioned but with the Allegro there is no real need for an external DAC or preamp as I love the way each one in the Allegro sounds and functions. I really do not need the Eversolo T10 streaming transport with the Allegro but I love the features/convenience of it as well as the display. It allows me to use Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify connect with ease and sounds almost as good as the Matrix NT1 that costs double. Close enough when I am trying to save cash and even drum up some for the move. We need all new appliances, window coverings and a lot of furniture!
Since I am trying to save money, this is ok with me. There is just something about the soulful clean AGD sound for ME and my best advice to YOU is that when you find your sound, stay with it and do not stray. You may never find it again. I had big regrets when I had to let go of the AGD Duets a couple of years back and now I cannot afford them. The good news is the Allegro sounds just like the AGD I remember.
I love the simplicity of the Allegro without compromising the sound in any way as to how I like it.
It’s not just about the speakers as some will say “yea, I am sure $32k speakers do sound amazing”. This is not the whole story as it really is about the whole package here. The room, the synergy of the amp and DAC, the cables, the placement. Everything works together in an audio system and one weak link can kill the sound or not allow it to be all it can be. The good news is my new room is the same dimensions as this one, just a touch larger.
Some will email and say “get the topping B200 with D90 DAC and save thousands”! I already tried that set and no, did not make the top 12. In fact I have tested a few very affordable options as I wanted to come here and say “this $2500 amp won”! Sadly, that was not the case. I went with what will work best for me and my situation. That means for my room, speakers, cables, etc. I can say the ModWright and SoulNote offered up a more “wow” sound but the sound I never tired of was that of the Allegro.
The AGD doesn’t sound lean but doesn’t sound “fat” either. It doesn’t sound bright or shiny at all but still brings forth those deep inner details like a champ, in a gentle real way vs a “wow” way. I love the design and what it stands for. I love that I can use less cables. I love that it has power to drive any speaker I test. I love the remote. I adore the simplicity yet large size of the display. I love that it has warmth and body yet is also somewhat immersive using the internal R2R DAC. It runs just slightly warm and has zero noise, ever. Its connections are solid as can be with zero play on the back plate as everything here is built to last. The build quality is also quite beautiful, industrial and artistic. I love the 5 year transferable warranty and reliability of AGD gear. I love that the sound can be as dimensional as all get out with the right tracks.
The Allegro plays well with any kind of music yet reproduces music in an open soul stirring way. Makes me move, get up, smile and feel good. Even with death metal this system KICKS! It’s a high end refined sound with a smooth flow. Now the AGD Allegro doesn’t sound as illuminating as the SoulNote or Pass Labs. It just has the nicest mix or warmth/body/detail and imaging performance to these ears. Also, I feel it brings the nicest set of features and sound with the Gro for the price I paid for it.
I love that nothing is overdone in sound with the AGD but stays refined and composed, effortless and flowing. It’s a hair darker and denser in sound than the 225i, Luxman, SoulNote and some others but brings a nice balance of the complete audio spectrum with nothing sticking out. Dynamics are not as sharp or explosive as the MW 225i or SN but this can be a double edged sword as well. These kind of huge dynamics can sometimes make some music sound leaner and harder. I mean bad recordings. I listen to a ton of genres and many of these tracks sound awful on some amps and pretty good on others. I will take verygood over awful any day. I will say the MW and SN may have the edge on pristine recordings but that is only 20% of what I listen to. I listen to what I like, not just what sounds awesome. ; )
The little Allegro is astounding. The sound here really is a bit of tubes, solid state and SET, all in one.
ONE THING – This was my choice for the SV Gro speakers. This doesn’t mean this amplifier will deliver what you love with your speakers and room. Audition is always a must. With a different speaker another amp could have won the battle.
If I had cash oozing from my pockets my ultimate set would be the AGD Adante II and Gran Vivace MKIV amps but this is a $34k endeavor (retail). Double Ouch. One can dream. I would also love the Adante II and DUET amps again, but this is a $25k leap. The Allegro brings a big dose of that sound for less, in one small package.
In The End
I will say there was a moment I almost went to ModWright, Soulnote and even considered the Benchmark. These had more of a pristine clarity and brought forth more all out shine and transparency as well. They wowed me out of the gate quickly. I decided against them only due to size, weight and possible transformer noise. Also, I fell for the soulful sound of the AGD. As for the Benchmark pieces, they are indeed distortion free but sometimes a bit of distortion brings beautiful color to the sound. Color blooms and is beautiful to look at and sometimes to hear. While the Benchmark has some body and is not lean it can lean that way with bright speakers or bad recordings. It has a push in the upper mids if my ears are serving me well. It’s a truth teller and it’s one of the most impressive truth tellers I have ever heard. The BM pieces were a touch flatter in sound than the AGD, ModWright and SoulNote as well with the Gro speakers.
At the end of it all, the one I never wanted to turn off was that little Allegro. That’s all that matters and that told me what I needed to know.
So there ya go. Will I keep this SV Audio Gro and AGD system for the rest of my life? Well, very unlikely as that is just me. I always like to try new but that’s part of my ADHD kicking in. I hope to keep this setup for a log while as I know in my brain and soul I cannot get better AND to add to this, I cannot afford to keep trying new things for my personal enjoyment anymore. New home, new expenses, new bills and well, LIFE comes first!
It is why I had to get it right this time.
The Video Review
The SV Gro are special in the speaker realm though I feel they may be overpriced a bit in the USA. Tariffs are a SOB. The D1 DAC is special as well, first of its kind. The AGD is also super unique and yea, it’s special too. The Synergistic Research cables and PowerCell bring it all together as they deliver resolution, depth and warmth as well. YES CABLES MATTER when you set up a high end system in a dedicated space, 100% fact. The SR cables allow this setup to be all it can be, period but just like the amp they are not about the “WOW” to impress out of the gate. These have a really nice flow and offer body and warmth as well, just a bit. This system is not about sizzle and flash but about long term enjoyment. I adore it and it is perfect for me now, as is. Phew.
I thought I had my “retirement system” set with all of the multiples of boxes and cables I had here just a few months ago but in the end, I had to downsize, simplify and save some money while allowing the speakers I invested in to sound as good as they can sound.
Sometimes a downsize is a good thing and we had no idea our home would sell on day 1. We were told it could take 1-2 years due to our location! When it sold we were in a mad rush to find a new home, and it cost more than we were hoping as it was hard to find something in our price range, impossible it seemed. I had no choice but to downsize some right now as life and home comes before audio, even for me. My new room will debut sometimes in August over at my YouTube channel. Similar size, just a little larger but same shape.
Also, to be clear, all amps and setups here were ones I LOVED. So these were all 100% valid options and many of them are end game. Superb gear but there could only be one for me in the end and I have no regrets with the AGD. I managed to get a good price on the demo review unit and still have the 5 year transferable warranty. See more on the Allegro at the AGD website here.
I also adore the Oilily 211 as well along with the FiiO Warmer DAC. A very lovely combo indeed and was in my top four.
