*Thank You For Stopping by! Have a great week ahead and please click on that like button to support the channel* 0:00 Best HiFi Amplifier 2023! 2:00 Gran Vivace:The Best Amplifier From AGD 3:19 AGD Tube Amplifier? 4:38 Best Class D Amplifier 6:10 AGD Audion VS Gran Vivace 10:04 Best Pre-Amplifier For AGD Amplifiers 11:12 AGD Gran Vivace VS NAT Trasmitter Monoblock 12:05 AGD Gran Vivace VS Luxman M900U 13:09 AGD Gran Vivace VS Hegel H600 15:06 AGD Gran Vivace VS Mcintosh MC462 17:01 Why I bought one! AGD Production Products: Gran Vivace: agdproduction.com/product/vivace-molto/ Audion: agdproduction.com/product/audion/ Alto pre-amp: agdproduction.com/product/agd-alto-reference-preamplifier/ Have questions for AGD? agdproduction.com/contact/ Other Products in this Video: Denafrips Athena Pre-amp: www.vinshine.audio/product-page/denafrips-athena-preamp?currency=USD ANK Mentor Pre-amp: ankaudiokits.com/product/pre-amp-l5-mentor/ Luxman M900U: www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=19 Hegel H600: www.hegel.com/en/products/integrated/h600 Mcintosh MC462: www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers/MC462 Related Videos: AGD Audion review: ruclips.net/video/26bLvCAklHk/видео.html Luxman M900U review: ruclips.net/video/sgA_C3aUz8o/видео.htmlsi=9YhDewdPLJ_mnU4j Hegel H600 review: ruclips.net/video/Xk13XzfWSZ0/видео.htmlsi=gGcqRQ368f9PuqyE Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/ follow on Facebook: facebook.com/jayiyagiofficial Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: ruclips.net/p/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0 Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3 Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/ acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/ acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ amzn.to/3chBuFZ other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1 amzn.to/30bsUCH my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
I own the audions and a lot of equipment has come and gone in the 3 years I’ve owned them , but these are keepers as they sound great with all kinds of speakers.
excellent review Jay... wow ! you have improved quite a lot since I've been following you... I was thinking that it might be interesting to have a comparison with other class D amplifiers, like the Atma-Sphere and some other high-end contenders like the Starkrimson...
I love this review Jay. Because of budget, I just bought another MC2100 to double the power to my Maggies. The AGDs are very attractive when I decide to spend more.
Great video as always Jay. Quick question.. have you had a listen to the AGD duets and/or the Solo? Would love to hear your thoughts on the comparison of them to these AGD’s. Cheers
This is a great video! Lots of potential customers probably had the same question concerning sound quality of the Audions vs Gran Vivace. I just wish he mentioned if you could turn off the LED lights. One of the cool things about Class D amplifiers is you can leave them on all the time. Some even improve after a lengthy extended break in period (PS Audio M700). I am curious how he feels about these amplifiers today. Dealer/RUclipsr OCD Mikey fell out of love with them and prefers NAT tubes and Class AB amplifiers. Keep up the great work!
Jay, you should test both of these amps against the Aavik I280 and the Axxess Forte 1 of the Audio Denmark Group, the other AGD. This would be a very interesting comparison as I am thinking of buying one of these AGD amps soon.
OMG Jay, ....it's just comedy gold. 18:54 Lol..... just how many 'index finger push-ups' needed to get in shape? That button push IS wicked strenuous. Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
I own the AGD Audions MKiii (for full disclosure) and have followed along with a discussion on the Audiogon Forum that started as a review of the Mkiii upgrade and got everyone else who owns a GaN FET amp jumping in, including Ralph and his fanboys. I've had a ton of experience with the OTL topography, owning both Joule Electra Monoblocks and and LTA Integrated amp (and having some original David Berning stuff in for demo) and appreciate what Atma-Sphere probably brings to the table here. That said, the one guy over there who has actually had both the Audions and Atma-Spheres in his system prefers the AGD Audions. He found that the Atma-Sphere may have a ittle more weight, but was also a bit grainy in the upper mids. He described the Ausions as being fast, neutral, delicate, well balanced and having a very black background. FWIW, but someone's actual experience vs the usual conjecture.
Great review the burning question is how does the orchard tree Audio class D compare to AGD? Also if you add a tube based pre amp will this bring some of the holographic sound that’s missing?
@@Jayiyagifor pre amps to pair with AGD that will bring more holographic imaging and take to next level , if you can get any of these three I think you will be impressed.. Audio research LS28 Linear Tube Audio microzotl Backert Lab Rhumba 1.3
Thank you for the suggestions. I’m pretty happy with the ANK mentor pre as mentioned in the video but I’ll have a look at the components you’ve suggested
Gran Vivace is stunning. I’m really excited about the future of Class D. And I typically lean toward tubes. Jay, love the channel. Only thing that would make it better are some Lampizator DAC reviews!
I LOVE the look of The Audion Mono Blocs waaaaaay more than the Gran Vivace model. I bet I would like the sound! ….but…l will stick with my MacIntosh MC152….I love this thing! ❤
@@stephencosta6814 …lt's a journey…and can be VERY confusing! I am driving mine with a Schiit Freya+ that I upgraded all the caps and resistors in the Tube Circuit. I also found some tight NOS tubes. My streamer is fed thru a Denafrips DAC. I am very happy with the sound….very happy!…. There is always some other "promise" out there…..
I appreciate your video although I can't afford this price range . I am well pleased with my GaN class D mono blocks from Orchard Audio . I couldn't afford their high power pair , but for music and most movies their 150 watt amps deliver superb sound and bass slam when appropriate . What is missing is the true concussion of explosions that greater power can afford . Open Baffle
Thanks for this video Jay. I've read a lot of ppl saying your video of the audion monoblocks were obviously paid for by AGD, although I did not believe that. This video puts that nonsense to rest. Off to check on the ANK pre. :O)
100% correct Jay is not a sellout. He gained his audience, popularity, respect and love from us, for being honest, and true and insightful, and amusing, sometimes as well I personally love this guy wish him all the best in the world.👍🙏🏻❤️
Gato Monos are less dynamic over-all. Less bass. More sparkle and less refinement than the AGDs in the highs. Soundstage is quite impressive on both for a solid state but I find the separation and layering to be much more engaging and musical for my preference.
@@Jayiyagi Amazing considering the cost of the Gatos ! the AGD's seem to be THE Audio Bargain :-) Your reviews are getting better and better every year, Jay!
This is a review that seems to be spot on as to my concerns. I am looking at the AGD Duets. I suspect they would be very similar to the Audions and the Vivace. I have a Hegal H190 now, so the Hegal comparison is appreciated. I have B&W 705-S3 speakers. Is an upgrade to the AGD worth it? Is the sound that much different than the Hegel? I am torn. These things are mega $$$, so I don’t want to purchase till I am sure. Even though B&W speakers are more ubiquitous, it’s still difficult to find say some 800 level speakers to compare in person. The AGDs are even more rare, so in person listening to them is even more difficult. Hegel or AGD… Help! -Thanks.
What a great review, so the difference between AGD Audion and AGD Gran Vivace is small? Or does the gap only happen when people have a large room or a speaker with 2 or 1 ohms? Sill curious if people should purchase Gran Vivace for which case? Or is the half power AGD Audion enough for most audiophiles?
Are you saying the AGD has better vocal than top tier tube amp? Really hard for me to imagine the class D amp can achieve that. Anyone with the experience please help share your thoughts.
I have open baffle speakers (Spatial Audio Lab X5s) at 96db efficiency with the woofer driven by a hypex class d amp. Do you think these mono blocks would work well with these speakers?
Jay. Great job. Can the AGD Audion be synergistically paired with a tube preamp? Synergistic as in greater than their individual contributions eg. that magical pairing.
The review and demo's of these mono's are brilliant. Only small negative point I perceive is a somewhat soft transient attack, but on the other hand that is often associated with increased "musicality". But EDM heads may not be a fan.
I would be curious if the tube amps that you have would deliver the holographic effect if they were isolated in another room. Point is they are microphonic, and that might be the source of the effect.
Or is the holographic effect down to harmonics? I don't know, so am posing the question. If that's the case, how far behind are the SOTA amps from digitally adding these characteristics at a high level? I know there are DACs and DSP filters that can do some of this, I just don't know of a serious HiFi contender that is emulating all these amp topologies and doing it well and believably
Thanks but your video doesn't explore enough the sound differences between the two models. Given the price of the Grand Vivace, this would have been welcome. In the end, we don't know if it's worth paying so much for the Grand Vivace.
I think the tempo DiGan is the same as the audio just in a plain box, but is 2k cheaper. Probably a good option for ppl who dont want to spend as much but get the same sound.
Thats false. Especially if you haven't listened to a AGD in person. Just because it has GaNfets in it doesn't mean it has the same implementation. It's like saying all class A amps are the same, so let's buy the cheaper one. Bruh, you know full well that ain't true. Stop reaching.
@@flashhog01no it has different amp board. you can even compare the distortion specs between the two, one is more than a magnitude higher than the other
@Jayiyagi Another great candidate is the Nilai Monnoblock. It will be very interesting to compare the Nilai Mono 500 to AGD Monoblock, especially since the Nilai is just $1600 for a pair. If the Nilai is just about 80-90% of the AGD in term of SQ, I would think it is a win for the Nilai.
Jay, glad you did this...$7k to $19k Usd...you choose if they sound similar. You saving bruhs for real. $7, tho expensive as what, its alot more achievable buy over 19k and you get the same performance
Very interesting! Your shows are great, highly recommend. My taste is different, in music choice, some styles of music don't benefit as much as others, from hi fidelity. If I had your taste, in music, I'd really go cheap, loud bassy. I can't listen to music thru, tv, or surround sound, its really expensive to own quality.
Hi @jayiyagi I am a subscriber and love your videos and nuanced approach to hifi reviews. I currently own the AGD Audions and have paired them with a benchmark LA4 preamp and Zu Soul 6 speakers. Its a match made in heaven.
Jay, I don't know how else to describe it but Class D amps have always sounded "dry" to me. Not sure if you've had the same feeling in the past or know what I mean, but does this AGD amp finally lack that sort of dry and gritty haze to the sound?
Hi Jay - I owned the GV and miss them! I wanted to email you but it looks like you do not take personal email. There are two tracks I want you to AB between any GaN and any other amplifier you own. I would love your take on the result. It is totally worth your time.
Enya "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" - Opening deep synthesizer and second, John Rutter: "Pie Jesu" around the 1:02 minute mark. Both are Qobuz. What is missing? Power and emotion. My question is, why? I do not think other amps are embellishing the sense of power and scale. I am wondering what it means that GaN is not accomplishing the same?
@@Jayiyagi I think this is big and my guess is that GaN may be too fast. They say speed kills and maybe it applies here. The second track is more telling as you should be able to sense and feel the vastness of the cathedral along with the power of the choir and organ. There is something here that requires investigation.
Any interest in reviewing a Rogue Audio Pharoah II? It's another class D, but hybrid with tubes, and folks swear by it being one of the best amps they've heard, let alone for the price. I've also been historically anti class d, but I, and we all, owe it to ourselves to hear it with our own ears...or like just trust yours at a minimum lol
As you say... Nowhere do they claim these are tube amps. BUT, they do a damn good job of leaving that impression; another thing i noticed in the promotional blurb you highlighted is the model number given to the GaN tube: KT88 Mkii, obviously a reference to the famous KT88 tube, as used on many famous true Tube (or valve in my parlance) designs, old and current. Even the shape and size has been imitated. In short, a lot has been done to impress the gullible into thinking this is a tube design. Just be upfront of what it really is: A class D amp (and nothing wrong with that, Nilai, Eigentakt, Ncore, NcoreX are all superb sounding topologies when done right). This just feels wrong on so many levels. It has nothing to do with tubes/valves, let alone true KT88...
Hey Jay, have you heard the Atmasphere Class D by any chance ? i'm taking a guess here but with what people say, it might be the closest competitor to Audion's.
Nirvana !!! Use a aftermarket power cord of good quality and don't plug the Audions directly into the wall. Use a isolation transformer for each Audion amp separately . I pair the Audions with Soundlabs and it's the BEST my Soundlabs have ever sounded !!!!
❤️❤️👍👍 my God Jay your reviews are so spot on so refined just like your mono blocks I remember when you used to review earphones you was a young kid always a big fan. I trust your opinions 100% without doubt I want to sell my McIntosh gear to buy the same ones you got not only because they are better in many ways or let’s just say even the same for the sheer weight of the components I cannot log around, these incredibly heavy pieces anymore and I move around quite frequently at least every couple of years that I would make a switch
Well, if anyone is into gimmicks, this is the gimmick to get. "GAN tube's" isn't even a thing. They just mounted a class D amp module inside a glass tube.
With the transfer of wealth from the middle class to the one percenters, looks like there will be plenty of cool toys to fill their world. I love em but will never own them stuff.
Price with this company is one problem. The bigger problem is the aesthetic obsession making them not fit our rack. Some of us grew up dreading tubes for their frailty and cost. A faux tube is not helpful. They make 12 volt trigger something you have to click on or you don't get it. Suitcases we do not want.
They don't spend the money to market their brand and create a brand persona - Even with the MKII at $7500 (for a Class D amp!), it is still a power only. People need to buy a pre, DAC and streamer on top of it which means it costs $10 to $15k fully loaded. At that price point, there are infinitely more options that have better brand equity and resale value. The value proposition for a Class D is that it uses less power and costs much less to build, resulting in a lower amp price point (some of the newer NAIM, NAD etc). In order to justify the much higher price point of an AGD, the value proposition can't just be limited to sonic output endorsed by RUclipsrs. Even if the AGDs are better sonically (I've heard them and they are), there is no denying that a pure Class A/AB brand like a McIntosh will have infinitely higher resale or trade-in value. AGD either needs to work on their branding (not sales), or they need to rework their price points. I was in the market for an AGD MKII but ended up getting a Hegel H390 instead.
Who sold you the idea that electronic in a bottle would be better. If it was everyone would have done it. It is just a marketing gimmick. See it for what it is. Ship on a bottle that will never sail.
I am not a pmc/focal sound guy. I appreciate what those brand speakers do but a lot of the models are not my taste as I’ve mentioned repeatedly before (especially focal). The AGDs do not sound murky, lifeless, warm and dull to me at all or I would have not bought it.
Ah you must be a really long time watcher haha. Appreciate that. I did appreciate the studio sound at the time because I know it very well from my background but I realized I did not want this “work” sound for my personal enjoyment
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
*Thank You For Stopping by! Have a great week ahead and please click on that like button to support the channel*
0:00 Best HiFi Amplifier 2023!
2:00 Gran Vivace:The Best Amplifier From AGD
3:19 AGD Tube Amplifier?
4:38 Best Class D Amplifier
6:10 AGD Audion VS Gran Vivace
10:04 Best Pre-Amplifier For AGD Amplifiers
11:12 AGD Gran Vivace VS NAT Trasmitter Monoblock
12:05 AGD Gran Vivace VS Luxman M900U
13:09 AGD Gran Vivace VS Hegel H600
15:06 AGD Gran Vivace VS Mcintosh MC462
17:01 Why I bought one!
AGD Production Products:
Gran Vivace: agdproduction.com/product/vivace-molto/
Audion: agdproduction.com/product/audion/
Alto pre-amp: agdproduction.com/product/agd-alto-reference-preamplifier/
Have questions for AGD? agdproduction.com/contact/
Other Products in this Video:
Denafrips Athena Pre-amp: www.vinshine.audio/product-page/denafrips-athena-preamp?currency=USD
ANK Mentor Pre-amp: ankaudiokits.com/product/pre-amp-l5-mentor/
Luxman M900U: www.luxman.com/product/detail.php?id=19
Hegel H600: www.hegel.com/en/products/integrated/h600
Mcintosh MC462: www.mcintoshlabs.com/products/amplifiers/MC462
Related Videos:
AGD Audion review: ruclips.net/video/26bLvCAklHk/видео.html
Luxman M900U review: ruclips.net/video/sgA_C3aUz8o/видео.htmlsi=9YhDewdPLJ_mnU4j
Hegel H600 review: ruclips.net/video/Xk13XzfWSZ0/видео.htmlsi=gGcqRQ368f9PuqyE
Support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/jayiyagi
follow on Instagram: instagram.com/jays_iyagi/
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Follow soundstage take 2 reviews: ruclips.net/p/PLPOzvlhtSqn5xdc__ftuSt4Rxy_wm5Af0
Speaker stands: amzn.to/3ssRhI3
Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7-vintage-hi-fi-speaker-stands/
acoustic panels I use: ua-acoustics.com/
acoustic curtain: amzn.to/31d1zAM
BDI Cabinet I use: bit.ly/2OJRwQQ
amzn.to/3chBuFZ
other BDI Cabinets: bit.ly/3ctxXV1
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my fav hifi tweaks: (Isoacoustics devices) amzn.to/3j5FGvM
I own the audions and a lot of equipment has come and gone in the 3 years I’ve owned them , but these are keepers as they sound great with all kinds of speakers.
Not buying an MC462 now. Great review. Thanks for the insight.
Jay, regarding your videos.
Speaking strictly for myself, my only request is please don't stop making them! 😄
Appreciate it!
excellent review Jay... wow ! you have improved quite a lot since I've been following you... I was thinking that it might be interesting to have a comparison with other class D amplifiers, like the Atma-Sphere and some other high-end contenders like the Starkrimson...
I love this review Jay. Because of budget, I just bought another MC2100 to double the power to my Maggies. The AGDs are very attractive when I decide to spend more.
I can't find the perfect units, at the right price, and even just finding out is cumbersome. Thx, for helping!! Love the gray hair!!!
Great video as always Jay. Quick question.. have you had a listen to the AGD duets and/or the Solo? Would love to hear your thoughts on the comparison of them to these AGD’s. Cheers
No I have not yet!
This is a great video!
Lots of potential customers probably had the same question concerning sound quality of the Audions vs Gran Vivace. I just wish he mentioned if you could turn off the LED lights. One of the cool things about Class D amplifiers is you can leave them on all the time. Some even improve after a lengthy extended break in period (PS Audio M700).
I am curious how he feels about these amplifiers today. Dealer/RUclipsr OCD Mikey fell out of love with them and prefers NAT tubes and Class AB amplifiers.
Keep up the great work!
Nice review Jay. I look forward to other comparisons!
Thanks for watching. Cheers
Jay, you should test both of these amps against the Aavik I280 and the Axxess Forte 1 of the Audio Denmark Group, the other AGD. This would be a very interesting comparison as I am thinking of buying one of these AGD amps soon.
Agreed and I know Jay had a Forte
OMG Jay, ....it's just comedy gold.
18:54 Lol..... just how many 'index finger push-ups' needed to get in shape? That button push IS wicked strenuous.
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
I wonder how they compare to the Orchard's audio amps, they are GaN based class-D too.
Video in the Orchard coming soon ;)
@@Jayiyagi thanks Jay! Looking forward to it 🙌
Curious how AGD and Atma-Sphere Class D monoblocks would compare against each other. Cannot ignore a Class D design from an OTL tube designer.
I own the AGD Audions MKiii (for full disclosure) and have followed along with a discussion on the Audiogon Forum that started as a review of the Mkiii upgrade and got everyone else who owns a GaN FET amp jumping in, including Ralph and his fanboys. I've had a ton of experience with the OTL topography, owning both Joule Electra Monoblocks and and LTA Integrated amp (and having some original David Berning stuff in for demo) and appreciate what Atma-Sphere probably brings to the table here. That said, the one guy over there who has actually had both the Audions and Atma-Spheres in his system prefers the AGD Audions. He found that the Atma-Sphere may have a ittle more weight, but was also a bit grainy in the upper mids. He described the Ausions as being fast, neutral, delicate, well balanced and having a very black background. FWIW, but someone's actual experience vs the usual conjecture.
Hi Jay! Love your videos. Do you think the AGDs would be good to great with Wilson speakers? Dreaming about my next system….
Any plan to review the Maria 350 from Daniel Hertz?
yes sir ;)
Great review the burning question is how does the orchard tree Audio class D compare to AGD? Also if you add a tube based pre amp will this bring some of the holographic sound that’s missing?
Review for that one coming! I’ll compare the AGD amps for sure in that video
Red Dragon M1000 is back in stock.
@@Jayiyagifor pre amps to pair with AGD that will bring more holographic imaging and take to next level , if you can get any of these three I think you will be impressed..
Audio research LS28
Linear Tube Audio microzotl
Backert Lab Rhumba 1.3
Thank you for the suggestions. I’m pretty happy with the ANK mentor pre as mentioned in the video but I’ll have a look at the components you’ve suggested
@@ericelmore887Hi. Do you think the Audions are GREAT, not just adequate,matches for tube preamps? Thanks
I’m definitely not into the looks but I do appreciate that it can easily be upgraded
Love the tube look of it! Looks like hifi jewelry
Gran Vivace is stunning. I’m really excited about the future of Class D. And I typically lean toward tubes.
Jay, love the channel. Only thing that would make it better are some Lampizator DAC reviews!
Hi Jay, you should check out the other AGD (Audio Group Denmark) amps. Class D never sounded so good. However, definitely no where close to under $1K!
You should try the Axxess Forté 1 for class D competition
Oooh yeah
The Bel Canto e1x series is fantastic too. I'm dying to hear their top line
@@erics.4113 Audio Shrink talks about his E1x almost daily.
Would you go MC462 or AGD Audions for Wilson Sabrinas?
I LOVE the look of The Audion Mono Blocs waaaaaay more than the Gran Vivace model. I bet I would like the sound!
….but…l will stick with my MacIntosh MC152….I love this thing! ❤
I got the same amplifier for McIntosh. I do love it, but I think we can have it better. My audio life is so confusing.😂
@@stephencosta6814 …lt's a journey…and can be VERY confusing! I am driving mine with a Schiit Freya+ that I upgraded all the caps and resistors in the Tube Circuit. I also found some tight NOS tubes. My streamer is fed thru a Denafrips DAC. I am very happy with the sound….very happy!…. There is always some other "promise" out there…..
Even the Peechtree GaN400 amp with a Schitt Freya pre tube is an amazing combo.
Will there be an ANK Mentor review?
Absolutely
Whatever happened to your Orchard Audio StarKrimson review?
Coming soon :)
@@Jayiyagi please compare the Orchard's to the AGDs!! They use very similar technology!!
This is a really good video.
thank you!
I appreciate your video although I can't afford this price range . I am well pleased with my GaN class D mono blocks from Orchard Audio . I couldn't afford their high power pair , but for music and most movies their 150 watt amps deliver superb sound and bass slam when appropriate . What is missing is the true concussion of explosions that greater power can afford . Open Baffle
Thanks for this video Jay. I've read a lot of ppl saying your video of the audion monoblocks were obviously paid for by AGD, although I did not believe that. This video puts that nonsense to rest. Off to check on the ANK pre. :O)
Thank you for your comment. Any sponsored video on this channel is stated as such. Cheers
100% correct Jay is not a sellout. He gained his audience, popularity, respect and love from us, for being honest, and true and insightful, and amusing, sometimes as well I personally love this guy wish him all the best in the world.👍🙏🏻❤️
@@stephencosta6814 Buff Jay is superior.
Hey Jay! So, how does this compare to the Decware ZMA? I'm interested in buying the decware. So, I'm curious to hear your opinion. Thanks!
Thank you for the review, Jay. It would be great to know how they compare to the Gato mono blocks.😊
Gato Monos are less dynamic over-all. Less bass. More sparkle and less refinement than the AGDs in the highs. Soundstage is quite impressive on both for a solid state but I find the separation and layering to be much more engaging and musical for my preference.
@@JayiyagiThanks for the answer.
@@Jayiyagi Amazing considering the cost of the Gatos ! the AGD's seem to be THE Audio Bargain :-) Your reviews are getting better and better every year, Jay!
This is a review that seems to be spot on as to my concerns. I am looking at the AGD Duets. I suspect they would be very similar to the Audions and the Vivace. I have a Hegal H190 now, so the Hegal comparison is appreciated. I have B&W 705-S3 speakers. Is an upgrade to the AGD worth it? Is the sound that much different than the Hegel? I am torn. These things are mega $$$, so I don’t want to purchase till I am sure. Even though B&W speakers are more ubiquitous, it’s still difficult to find say some 800 level speakers to compare in person. The AGDs are even more rare, so in person listening to them is even more difficult. Hegel or AGD… Help! -Thanks.
What a great review, so the difference between AGD Audion and AGD Gran Vivace is small?
Or does the gap only happen when people have a large room or a speaker with 2 or 1 ohms?
Sill curious if people should purchase Gran Vivace for which case? Or is the half power AGD Audion enough for most audiophiles?
But how do the two models of AGD compare? I thought this was part of your stated focus?
6:13
I wonder how these compare sonically to the more affordable GanFet amps by Orchard Audio...
Are you saying the AGD has better vocal than top tier tube amp? Really hard for me to imagine the class D amp can achieve that. Anyone with the experience please help share your thoughts.
I have open baffle speakers (Spatial Audio Lab X5s) at 96db efficiency with the woofer driven by a hypex class d amp. Do you think these mono blocks would work well with these speakers?
but they are power amps right? So 50% of the sound depends and whatever preamp they are matched with surely.
Jay. Great job. Can the AGD Audion be synergistically paired with a tube preamp? Synergistic as in greater than their individual contributions eg. that magical pairing.
Yes. Check the pre-amp pairing section of this video :)
The review and demo's of these mono's are brilliant. Only small negative point I perceive is a somewhat soft transient attack, but on the other hand that is often associated with increased "musicality". But EDM heads may not be a fan.
Hi Jay ! wil the AGD audion drive my YG acoustic Carmel 2 speakers ? Have them on a NAD M33 now with 380W /ch in 4 ohm . Or do I need the Vivace ?
I would be curious if the tube amps that you have would deliver the holographic effect if they were isolated in another room. Point is they are microphonic, and that might be the source of the effect.
Or is the holographic effect down to harmonics? I don't know, so am posing the question. If that's the case, how far behind are the SOTA amps from digitally adding these characteristics at a high level? I know there are DACs and DSP filters that can do some of this, I just don't know of a serious HiFi contender that is emulating all these amp topologies and doing it well and believably
Thanks but your video doesn't explore enough the sound differences between the two models.
Given the price of the Grand Vivace, this would have been welcome.
In the end, we don't know if it's worth paying so much for the Grand Vivace.
What speakers are those in the background?
Maco speakers
Hey Jay, can you tell me what power cords you are using on the Audions?
NRG. I made a video on them
I think the tempo DiGan is the same as the audio just in a plain box, but is 2k cheaper. Probably a good option for ppl who dont want to spend as much but get the same sound.
Thats false. Especially if you haven't listened to a AGD in person. Just because it has GaNfets in it doesn't mean it has the same implementation. It's like saying all class A amps are the same, so let's buy the cheaper one. Bruh, you know full well that ain't true. Stop reaching.
@@LIL-MAN_theOG Tempo DiGaN is the exact same as the AGD Audion, just with a shared power supply.
@@flashhog01no it has different amp board. you can even compare the distortion specs between the two, one is more than a magnitude higher than the other
Jay one question if you don't mind. Did you try balanced vs single ended on the audions which did you use/prefer ?
I used both and preferred balanced but not a huge difference with rca to be honest
@Jayiyagi Another great candidate is the Nilai Monnoblock. It will be very interesting to compare the Nilai Mono 500 to AGD Monoblock, especially since the Nilai is just $1600 for a pair. If the Nilai is just about 80-90% of the AGD in term of SQ, I would think it is a win for the Nilai.
Thanks! Not really a fan of Hypex designs and I've tried quite a few but I'll take a look
Do you think the Meishu Tonmeister silver Signature has more magic?
Holographicness, naturalness and ✨?
Jay, glad you did this...$7k to $19k Usd...you choose if they sound similar. You saving bruhs for real. $7, tho expensive as what, its alot more achievable buy over 19k and you get the same performance
Thanks!🙏
Ok, what are the open baffle speakers ? Did i miss something?
Maco speakers
@@Jayiyagi Looking forward to the review of the Maco Speakers 😇
@@Jayiyagi
Cool. Do you have a projected review date?
Very interesting! Your shows are great, highly recommend. My taste is different, in music choice, some styles of music don't benefit as much as others, from hi fidelity. If I had your taste, in music, I'd really go cheap, loud bassy. I can't listen to music thru, tv, or surround sound, its really expensive to own quality.
Hi @jayiyagi I am a subscriber and love your videos and nuanced approach to hifi reviews. I currently own the AGD Audions and have paired them with a benchmark LA4 preamp and Zu Soul 6 speakers. Its a match made in heaven.
Thanks for sharing!
Jay, I don't know how else to describe it but Class D amps have always sounded "dry" to me. Not sure if you've had the same feeling in the past or know what I mean, but does this AGD amp finally lack that sort of dry and gritty haze to the sound?
Yes. I know exactly what you mean and the AGDs do not some dry to me at all. Especially with the ANK pre
Did you buy the audion or grand vivace?
Both
I'll see if I can connect a torroid xfmr to one of the red lamp exterior light fixtures off our industrial warehouse to cut cost 😂
Hi Jay - I owned the GV and miss them! I wanted to email you but it looks like you do not take personal email. There are two tracks I want you to AB between any GaN and any other amplifier you own. I would love your take on the result. It is totally worth your time.
Sure! What’s the track?
Enya "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" - Opening deep synthesizer and second, John Rutter: "Pie Jesu" around the 1:02 minute mark. Both are Qobuz. What is missing? Power and emotion. My question is, why? I do not think other amps are embellishing the sense of power and scale. I am wondering what it means that GaN is not accomplishing the same?
@jayiyagi ^
Ill be sure to try. Thank you
@@Jayiyagi I think this is big and my guess is that GaN may be too fast. They say speed kills and maybe it applies here. The second track is more telling as you should be able to sense and feel the vastness of the cathedral along with the power of the choir and organ. There is something here that requires investigation.
There are many class D amplifiers everywhere that offer good value and sound for a fraction of that "flagship."
Any interest in reviewing a Rogue Audio Pharoah II? It's another class D, but hybrid with tubes, and folks swear by it being one of the best amps they've heard, let alone for the price. I've also been historically anti class d, but I, and we all, owe it to ourselves to hear it with our own ears...or like just trust yours at a minimum lol
I second that
As you say... Nowhere do they claim these are tube amps. BUT, they do a damn good job of leaving that impression; another thing i noticed in the promotional blurb you highlighted is the model number given to the GaN tube: KT88 Mkii, obviously a reference to the famous KT88 tube, as used on many famous true Tube (or valve in my parlance) designs, old and current. Even the shape and size has been imitated. In short, a lot has been done to impress the gullible into thinking this is a tube design. Just be upfront of what it really is: A class D amp (and nothing wrong with that, Nilai, Eigentakt, Ncore, NcoreX are all superb sounding topologies when done right). This just feels wrong on so many levels. It has nothing to do with tubes/valves, let alone true KT88...
Won't power 20.7s 😮
Coda v3 800w@4ohms
We can assure you the Gran Vivace can drive the 20.7 and even larger and less efficient speakers easily.
They drive my Soundlabs very well better than any previously used amplification !
I want it...
Hey Jay, have you heard the Atmasphere Class D by any chance ? i'm taking a guess here but with what people say, it might be the closest competitor to Audion's.
I've heard good things about it and also some rumor that AGD contributed to their class D endeavours so I am not surprised!
@@Jayiyagi i didn't know about that one, thank you !
Doesn’t sound like it’s worth the additional money then?
They just made the Audions too good
Traded in Luxman M900u for AGD Audion MK3 (due any day now UPS)
Had an AGD Tempo loaner from Verdant Audio
Nirvana !!! Use a aftermarket power cord of good quality and don't plug the Audions directly into the wall. Use a isolation transformer for each Audion amp separately . I pair the Audions with Soundlabs and it's the BEST my Soundlabs have ever sounded !!!!
❤️❤️👍👍 my God Jay your reviews are so spot on so refined just like your mono blocks I remember when you used to review earphones you was a young kid always a big fan. I trust your opinions 100% without doubt I want to sell my McIntosh gear to buy the same ones you got not only because they are better in many ways or let’s just say even the same for the sheer weight of the components I cannot log around, these incredibly heavy pieces anymore and I move around quite frequently at least every couple of years that I would make a switch
Well, if anyone is into gimmicks, this is the gimmick to get. "GAN tube's" isn't even a thing. They just mounted a class D amp module inside a glass tube.
With the transfer of wealth from the middle class to the one percenters, looks like there will be plenty of cool toys to fill their world. I love em but will never own them stuff.
Too expensive....the price of a small car...never be able to have that! 😢
19k is not alot of money. its just that you arent getting alot for 19k.
Made him cry award 😂
Please turn off the noise pollution
Price with this company is one problem. The bigger problem is the aesthetic obsession making them not fit our rack. Some of us grew up dreading tubes for their frailty and cost. A faux tube is not helpful. They make 12 volt trigger something you have to click on or you don't get it. Suitcases we do not want.
Just like any design, it is not for everyone. They did also start making non-tube enclosure versions as well
Bruh, this is not a issue. You know what the deal is going into buying AGD. You act like they're a blind buy....you're reaching
Check out my boys at Quadraspire - modular rack bro. It's 🔥 no 🧢
I think it’s cool. Out of the box
Too expensive, most could live very fine without.
true but most could live fine without a stereo system in the first place
Every time I hear AGD I think of the other chifi brand Audio-GD.
They don't spend the money to market their brand and create a brand persona - Even with the MKII at $7500 (for a Class D amp!), it is still a power only. People need to buy a pre, DAC and streamer on top of it which means it costs $10 to $15k fully loaded. At that price point, there are infinitely more options that have better brand equity and resale value. The value proposition for a Class D is that it uses less power and costs much less to build, resulting in a lower amp price point (some of the newer NAIM, NAD etc). In order to justify the much higher price point of an AGD, the value proposition can't just be limited to sonic output endorsed by RUclipsrs.
Even if the AGDs are better sonically (I've heard them and they are), there is no denying that a pure Class A/AB brand like a McIntosh will have infinitely higher resale or trade-in value.
AGD either needs to work on their branding (not sales), or they need to rework their price points. I was in the market for an AGD MKII but ended up getting a Hegel H390 instead.
So they can't charge those prices because they don't brand themselves well? Wut?
Only a few years late 🤦♂️
Who sold you the idea that electronic in a bottle would be better. If it was everyone would have done it. It is just a marketing gimmick. See it for what it is. Ship on a bottle that will never sail.
Its not that electronics in a bottle sounds better. Thats for aesthetics.
Sorry but in my view this AGD in nothing more than a marketing trick
A class D amp at $18900? What’s wrong with a $200 Fusi?
Does the $200 Fusi have a cool looking tube sticking out of it?
Fozi's aren't GaN afaik. BTW high-end prices are crazy, not connected to costs by any means.
Agd looks to me like a cheap Chinese brand, too much polished and cheap looking gimmick! A no go for me.
Tube look is like fake stick-on air vents from pep boys. These are class D amps….
Dumb.
I have 4x PMC 5.22 Speaker's on the ceiling
Sony Tae86 amplifier
3x rotel Rb990bx bridged power amplifier
Smsl dac
Sony HSP1
You're a PMC Focal sound guy, this is garbage because tube is always warm dead dull lifeless dark murky.
I am not a pmc/focal sound guy. I appreciate what those brand speakers do but a lot of the models are not my taste as I’ve mentioned repeatedly before (especially focal). The AGDs do not sound murky, lifeless, warm and dull to me at all or I would have not bought it.
@@Jayiyagi you've changed you're taste, I remember when you started new few years ago, you was into studio sound.
Ah you must be a really long time watcher haha. Appreciate that. I did appreciate the studio sound at the time because I know it very well from my background but I realized I did not want this “work” sound for my personal enjoyment
@@Jayiyagi yes I am, I remember you're first few videos, you was were pmc fan
I'm a big Sony fan from 80s