LAiV Harmony HP2A Review - The ONE that challenged the MANY

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  • Опубликовано: 12 дек 2024

Комментарии • 86

  • @Eric-q9n
    @Eric-q9n 27 дней назад +1

    I received my Harmony HP2A & LExt (in black) just the other day and I look forward to unpacking them. What gorgeous components! Thanks for the video!

  • @Flavius7
    @Flavius7 Месяц назад +3

    Excellent build, small form factor, beautiful design, good discreet components, impressive toroidal for the size , everything you need. If you have a high voltage dac on you desk this is A SMART CHOICE. Great written review, Sandu, really enjoyed it.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      Thanks for keeping me motivated, mate!

  • @antonristo1096
    @antonristo1096 Месяц назад +4

    Thanks for the review! I was hoping for comparisons to the Burson Voyager as well as to the Trafomatic Head 2, though.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      Hi, very few units are actually staying not a longer period. The Head2 went back immediately after dropping that review, the Voyager is still here. As a shorter version, the Voyager has more gain, but it's less powerful overall. The Voyager feels more powerful, mostly because a 4V signal is all you need to make it punchy & visceral, the HP2A would need more voltage for a similar feeling. Overall, the HP2A is a bit sweeter, rounder, more mid-centric sounding, and has a somewhat bigger stereo separation as well. The Voyager is all about the bass, clear and detailed trebles, but without inducing as much life into the midrange and without adding so much air in between the notes. I like them both, even if both possess a different set of skills.

    • @antonristo1096
      @antonristo1096 29 дней назад +1

      @Soundnews Thanks for the response! Really appreciate it! So did I understand correctly that the Voyager has a more punchy and attacking sound while the HP2A maybe has a bit softer but bigger sound?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      @@antonristo1096 Yup, that is correct. If punchy and dynamic is everything you need, then the Voyager takes the crown.

    • @antonristo1096
      @antonristo1096 29 дней назад

      @Soundnews Thanks, that was all I wanted to hear!

  • @JTB--
    @JTB-- Месяц назад +9

    Nice one Sandu! I considered the LAiV DAC/Amp stack... but I read a post from GoldenSound(who most know is very Technically savvy and actually was hired to give his input to LAiV on this amps design he said), and he stated how Powerful the HP2A Amp is where it can drive the Modhouse Tungsten, Suvara and other hard to drive HP's with ease. BUT you would need a POWERFUL DAC. GoldenSound said, the HP24 when paired with a high output voltage DAC like a Ferrum WANDLA, Rockna Wavedream, RME ADI-2 etc, then you can get up to 60V output on the HP24 and 12W into 300 ohm!! Awesome right!! But here is the elephant in the Room. The LAiV Harmony DAC doesn't have the power/high output Voltage necessary to achieve the 60V output/12W into 300ohm to achieve what the HP24 is capable of. Really disappointing and a Deal Breaker for anyone like me who was looking at a LAiV DAC/AMP Stack to drive Tungsten, Susvara etc.... Huge oversight by LAiV.

    • @quarzerrr7474
      @quarzerrr7474 Месяц назад +4

      Nice to know! Thx for sharing

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  Месяц назад +8

      I've written about this extensively in my review and partially mentioned this in the video too. Plenty of headphone amps are reacting in a similar fashion, but the HP2A does it better. With the Rockna WD Signature, it takes flight!

    • @Clackbait
      @Clackbait Месяц назад +2

      I am hesitant for this exact same reason.

    • @corrrect
      @corrrect Месяц назад +3

      Get another dac instead of the harmony.

    • @Wharariki
      @Wharariki Месяц назад +3

      Dude, your ‘huge oversight’ is an oddly negative take on what was a late stage decision by LAiV (after technical consultation by Goldensound around a market gap) to add extra capability / flexibility to the HP2A design to scale to higher voltage output when coupled with a high output DAC. Driving high voltage output wasn’t LAIV’s core design behind the HP2A - that was performing equally well to a high standard as a pre and and HPA for driving all but the hardest to drive headphones - it’s a cherry on top.

  • @edbrumbaugh9202
    @edbrumbaugh9202 Месяц назад +1

    Looks and sounds like a very nice unit from your description. Internally, looks very high quality ... look forward to hearing it.

  • @InCerTo_AntiFragile
    @InCerTo_AntiFragile Месяц назад +5

    Hello Sandu! I know you reviewed Holo Bliss, but I'm dying to see a preamp performance comparison between Holo Serene KTE and the Laiv HP2A, and I hope you have the opportunity to do so. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
    And I'd like to know if you've seen any synergies between the X30 and HP2A.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +2

      Hi, mate!
      The Bliss KTE went back a long time ago, so I can't make a proper comparison (from memory), it wouldn't be fair. I also never tried the Serene, but knowing the fact that the manufacturer didn't like my honesty in the Bliss KTE review (including my critique), I'm not sure I will ever receive a review unit from this manufacturer. A review shouldn't be positive, it should be impartial, specifying all of the pros and cons and I will continue doing this

    • @InCerTo_AntiFragile
      @InCerTo_AntiFragile 20 дней назад

      ​@@Soundnews I was going to not reply because I didn't want to bother you, but I couldn't resist. There was a review of the Serene on headfonia recently, so maybe Holo or distributors like Magna hifi would like more reviews to promote the Serene. 😂

  • @ioanmilos6719
    @ioanmilos6719 26 дней назад +1

    Thank you for the review! I have the Laiv DAC connected to a large Acoustic Invader preamplifier. It's rare to find a combination of compact size and impressive sound quality. I will reach out to the Romanian seller to purchase the HP2A.

  • @EvgeniyRC
    @EvgeniyRC Месяц назад +5

    Oh my god!!! I see a new suvara... Sandu, you are the best of the best... The first of the first... I was waiting for a review of the new amplifier from LAiV - Harmony HP2A and had no doubt that it would appear on your channel first. An interesting and comprehensive review turned out. This amplifier is beautiful and powerful. These guys tried hard and make good products. Thanks for an interesting, more complete article about the product. I appreciate your 100-point system of the final result... Despite the long time, my Trafomatic Head 2 is still at a decent level in your rating and paired with the X30 I get a great result.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      I'm just a mortal, passionate music lover, nothing more :) You don't need anything else, Sasha knows his stuff very well, I still consider him a rock star among amp builders. Head2 is still a headbanger amplifier

  • @Stimpo7
    @Stimpo7 Месяц назад +5

    Another great review, thank you. I currently own a Ferrum stack. I auditioned the Holo Bliss amp and felt that I liked the Bliss more than the Orr. In your mind is the HP2A a step above the Bliss? I’d be using the Wandla GS so would be taking advantage of the benefits of the higher voltage. I’d be very interested in hearing your thoughts. Thank you!

    • @susokraut3169
      @susokraut3169 Месяц назад

      you are a very confused person.

    • @Wharariki
      @Wharariki Месяц назад

      From Sandhu’s written review: “HiFiMan’s PRELUDE and Holo Audio’s BLISS KTE are still impressively capable amplifiers, yet they don’t measure up to the kick and impact of the HP2A.”

    • @susokraut3169
      @susokraut3169 Месяц назад

      @@Wharariki haha, so much audiophool BS, astonishing.

    • @Stimpo7
      @Stimpo7 Месяц назад

      @@Wharariki I did read this, I guess my thoughts are that it isn't all about impact. It was more if overall the HP2A is a better amp, soundstage, depth, resolution etc. The holographic nature is what I really enjoyed on the Bliss, I just wondered how this compared on those fronts.

    • @Wharariki
      @Wharariki Месяц назад +1

      @ Fair enough. Well for what it’s worth he rated both the Bliss and HP2A 94/100 for stage size vs the Trafomatic Audio PRIMAVERA 100/100, admittedly a year apart.

  • @fearwolfbrewery5014
    @fearwolfbrewery5014 Месяц назад +4

    I wish they would have created a version without the headphone amp with a even cleaner look and a lower price.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      Well, believe it or not, the most desired feature was the headphone outputs, not the pre-outs, but I get stereo heads like me.

  • @davec2007
    @davec2007 17 дней назад

    I just got my HP2A and it’s not broken in yet, but O.M.F.G….. Ive had the Harmony DAC for about 6 months, and it’s good, but this Amp has me completely floored. Im speechless. I don’t see how it gets any better than this. Pairing with Caldera. Also making a HUGE difference pre-amping to my speaker amp. Just wow.

  • @Clackbait
    @Clackbait Месяц назад +2

    Im torn between the Ferrum stack and this one for headphones, any thoughts my friend? Great review as usual! I prefer a punchy and dynamic sound. I'm also considering Wandla (9v output) paired with Hp2a for maximum voltage, even though i prefer a matching set.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      "Punchy and Dynamic" - go with the Ferrum stack, the Wandla and ORR together can be described exactly like that.

  • @Mau10
    @Mau10 Месяц назад +2

    Outstanding review as usual Sandu, how does the HP2A compares to the Burson Voyager?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      I will copy/paste my response I left for another fellow: The Voyager has more gain, but less power overall. The Voyager feels more powerful, mostly because a 4V signal is all you need to make it punchy & visceral, the HP2A would need more voltage for a similar feeling. Overall, the HP2A is a bit sweeter, rounder, more mid-centric sounding, has a somewhat bigger stereo separation as well. The Voyager is all about the bass, clear and detailed trebles, but without inducing as much life into the midrange and without adding so much air in between the notes. I like them both, even if they possess a different set of skills.

    • @Mau10
      @Mau10 28 дней назад

      @@Soundnews Thank you Sandu.

    • @elhijueputa8423
      @elhijueputa8423 18 дней назад

      @@Mau10 I have both the LAIV stack and the Burson Voyager. I bought the HP2A to see how it compares and honestly, there are so many similarities between the two when it comes to tonality however the one key difference I've found is that the LAIV does seem to stage slightly wider but honestly its very marginal however, where to me the Burson wins is the micro-dynamics and slam is far superior compared to the LAIV which is smoother, more laid back plus the Voyager has more overhead due to its 3 gain stages. My only DAC is the Harmony DAC so I cannot speak to how the HP2A will react with a higher voltage output DAC so I will take Sandu's word for it. Overall both amps are amazing but the Voyager wins it for me based on the factors I mentioned.

  • @YTjuanchicod
    @YTjuanchicod Месяц назад +4

    HP2A or dual Mentor for 3D soundstage, layering and imaging only?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      Hi, you still can't beat the dual Mentor setup for infinite power delivery & headroom and for out-of-head experiences. The Mentors still offer something others don't have.

  • @quarzerrr7474
    @quarzerrr7474 Месяц назад +4

    Short question. If you had to chose between the LAiV stack or Burson Conductor GT4. Which would you take and why?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  Месяц назад +4

      If you don't own a DAC yet, the GT4 makes more sense. If you already own a good-sounding DAC, then get the HP2A. If you don't own anything yet, the LAiV stack will better connect you with the music. For fun factor alone, I don't think you can beat an R2R DAC connected to a MOSFET-based SS amp.

    • @quarzerrr7474
      @quarzerrr7474 Месяц назад

      ​@@Soundnews what a fast responds. Currently a GT4 ist on the way to me, but I felt in love with LAiV stack. Such a beauty. But the GT4 Deluxe incl. a free fusion Core was 3.3k€, the LAiVs would kinda double the price. My main headphones are Mezes Empy II, but I'm lurking for the Final Audio X8000. Tough decission to do here.

  • @ReverendDr.Thomas
    @ReverendDr.Thomas Месяц назад +3

    I probably would have been better off getting one of these, instead of my iFi Phantom. :(
    THANKS, Sandu!

  • @GS-nk5lb
    @GS-nk5lb 4 дня назад

    I think you should have compared with the Ferrum ORR (given that you also reviewed it). I purchased the HP2A based on your review, but when compared with the OOR, there is no way that one can pick the HP2A over the ORR . I will return the HP2A, !!

  • @D1N02
    @D1N02 Месяц назад +3

    How much better is it than the Aune S17 pro you think?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      Hi, the biggest difference would be in how effortless, liquid, and relaxed the sound becomes with the HP2A, there is a bit of strain with harder-to-drive cans on the S17 PRO. Last but not least, HP2A has a cooler operation which ultimately should offer a longer service life.

  • @donnywidodo8874
    @donnywidodo8874 Месяц назад +1

    another lexycon based headamp is the silver fox

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад

      A very interesting combination of words, I like you already :)

  • @danielbulcsupekh7922
    @danielbulcsupekh7922 Месяц назад +1

    Would you choose this over the Prelude?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      Yes, but not by a huge margin

    • @danielbulcsupekh7922
      @danielbulcsupekh7922 29 дней назад +1

      @Soundnews I am drawn to Prelude because of the described sound character. Is this much different to that?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      @@danielbulcsupekh7922 Well, I like the preamp stage of the HP2A quite a bit more, if driving speakers is not a big deal for you, then the gap is so much smaller.

    • @danielbulcsupekh7922
      @danielbulcsupekh7922 29 дней назад +1

      @@Soundnews I am a Headphone purist

  • @roberts3889
    @roberts3889 Месяц назад

    LAiV advises that it's perfectly fine if you want to place the HP2A under the DAC. Heat is not a factor based on the spike height.

    • @Mastermnd1
      @Mastermnd1 Месяц назад +2

      Might be ok, but heat goes up. If you put the amp on top you take better care of the dac.

    • @roberts3889
      @roberts3889 Месяц назад +1

      @@Mastermnd1 if the manufacturer says it's fine (in their own video they show the HP2A under the DAC), it's good enough for me. They designed the units to be stacked...I'm sure they tested the heat output and determined it to be a non-issue.

    • @Mastermnd1
      @Mastermnd1 Месяц назад

      @@roberts3889 one would hope they tested that, yes. and having the amp below is more comfortable if you plug/unplug headphones often, but to each their own. I'd probably not stack them at all.

  • @lextr3110
    @lextr3110 Месяц назад +4

    that level of crosstalk is unnacceptable...

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад

      In the SE output...Yes, I concur.

  • @ajayrajkumar3505
    @ajayrajkumar3505 26 дней назад

    Hey guys, I have got lost into the abyss of the Audio community looking either for a stack or a Dac amp combo around the £500 mark. At present I am leaning towards the Aune S9C. Has anyone got any recommendations. I will be pairing them with the Hifiman Ananda Nano to mix and master music....for fun in my room. Thx

  • @larsv6144
    @larsv6144 Месяц назад +1

    Compared to the Hifiman Serenade?

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  Месяц назад +2

      Serenade is a DAC & headphone amp, while HP2A is a headphone amp and preamp...different strokes for different folks.

  • @samhor33
    @samhor33 Месяц назад +2

    The build quality is amazing, and it look pretty enough.👍

  • @ioannisthpapanagiotou9477
    @ioannisthpapanagiotou9477 26 дней назад

    Is that preamp a passive preamp or a unity gain preamp?
    i saw in the specs a zero db gain output and 600ohms impedance which i think (from what i know) is a very high output impedance for a preamp
    Thank yuou

    • @NeilWilliams-yt9jm
      @NeilWilliams-yt9jm 25 дней назад

      Per the preamp function - unity gain with 200 ohms output impedance.

  • @Silver_Joystix
    @Silver_Joystix Месяц назад +2

    This is a fancy mf stack

  • @mrsinghsstereos6662
    @mrsinghsstereos6662 Месяц назад +1

    Looks very nice but it only has one input ! And 2 outputs .. what an odd configuration and not really practical .

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад

      True, but there wasn't more space on its back panel...so compromises needed to be made.

  • @susokraut3169
    @susokraut3169 Месяц назад +2

    So much misinformation in a single video, respect!

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +1

      This is the Only way I can film and write my content. Glad you enjoyed it

  • @masterazlan6999
    @masterazlan6999 Месяц назад +2

    The new Warwick aperio IS the world best..yup they beats Reviera aic10, mass Kobo 465 n so on..Peace!

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад

      I can argue with that...but I chose not to.

    • @masterazlan6999
      @masterazlan6999 29 дней назад

      @@Soundnews
      Typical answers.. Peace!

  • @007EnglishAcademy
    @007EnglishAcademy 21 день назад

    Its price not ''price point''.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  21 день назад +1

      For someone who never had English in school, university, and later Master's, it's not that bad if you think about it :)

    • @007EnglishAcademy
      @007EnglishAcademy 21 день назад

      @@Soundnews You think about it. Its price not price point. I can see English is not your first language so I would not dream of correcting your mistakes (unless you paid me) but it drives me nuts to hear so many reviewers just repeating this mistake as if it is a new fashion.

  • @fredrikbarthel4803
    @fredrikbarthel4803 Месяц назад

    Headphones bla bla bla, how did it sound with the Kinki Studio mono as e preamp.

    • @Soundnews
      @Soundnews  29 дней назад +3

      As I presume you didn't watch the video, you'll have all of your answers in there. PS: I don't use Kinki Studio monoblocks.