I went form the 1200’s to the Ultra full blown stereo amp. Did you get the 25’s or the big ones?
Big ones, the Ultra monoblocks. Leo says no difference from the Stereo Ultra other than form factor. I thought it odd no light or indicators on them, but no worries as I’ll not have to turn them off.
Just read the review on LAiV GaNM Class-D amp in Stereophile. I graduated from Class D, but this review is very interesting: “This amp is the closest thing I’ve found to that mythical amp that will drive any speaker.” Hmm, for a second I thought he was describing a Gryphon amp. 
I’m very interested in the LAiV GaNM mono amps. Love the well polished form factor, and based on all the reviews I’ve read, they seem like they’re worth checking out. Only thing holding me back is their restocking fee if you decide to return them.
100% agree until you started talking about living in Florida. To each their own I guess.
You actually own an amplifier that will drive ANY speaker Donald. Sure, it is bigger than the LAiV GaNM. I enjoyed that review though. And they are so cute!
Nothing in any review on any amp that made me thinking about changing amp, nothing! I am happy every time I turned D333 on.
I just read reviews for fun nowadays, even on cables.
I’m going to hear the Marantz Model 10 in a few weeks - very eager to hear this Class D design.
Like his content or not, Darko’s review is compelling.
Considering the exquisite looks and build quality, coupled with the sound quality, based on the review, and the fact that you’re getting an amplifier and a preamp, I’d say the asking price is a bargain. I want one.
It looks very nice. Mmmmmm even!
I love my AGD “The Audion” mono amps in my office/second system.
FWIW
Reviews are the gateway drug to upgrades.
An even worse gateway to the rabbit hole is this forum
The more reviews I read, the smaller the rabbit holes become. I call that a good resistance training.
This place is more dangerous.
This is why I have 7 amps and 11 pair of speakers. I need help:-)
It’s been only 3 days since my Aurender AP20’s installation. I’ve blessed (cursed?) my best friend with all my remaining CD’s 15 minutes ago (only about 200).
BHK 300’s; BHK Pre; DS MkII; PST …. gone! The only upgrade I’ll ever consider, is a theoretical AP20 MkII. Not looking back.
Exciting that you have found your endgame. Funny, the system you just got rid of is my endgame (or so I think).
Yes Tom, knowing both approaches I can understand how the the term “endgame” could apply to us both. On paper, my previous setup with high‑end interconnects and Vivid Giya 1 Spirits (which I still have) should outperform a one‑box solution. Logic would suggest that.
Let me say this clearly upfront: Discussions about ultimate sound quality have become largely moot for me. At no point did I attempt to A/B equipment. I was, of course, influenced to some extent by the Aurender and Astra distributors in SA, who hold the view that these products can comfortably rival separates costing several times more. I was also influenced by reviews and summaries I had read. That said, I actually expected the sound quality to be worse.
But here’s the reality:
I no longer have a reliable sonic memory of my previous PSA system anyway. Too many variables have changed—room orientation, listening position, equipment, cabling, and most critically, my method of listening.
What I can say with certainty is this:
The Aurender sounds very, very good.
I do not feel as though I’ve compromised sonically. If anything, I find the system easier and more relaxed to listen to. I’ll freely admit that this may partly be psychological - "mission accomplished”, so to speak—but that doesn’t make it any less real or valuable to me. Although I’m still finding my way around Tidal, Aurender’s Conductor app, and YouTube, and integrating these with my Synology 16 TB NAS and the AP20’s 1 TB internal SSD, I can already say this without hesitation: This was the best decision for me that I could’ve made.
In hindsight, I’ve come to realise that a major source of my dissatisfaction over the past few years wasn’t the equipment—it was the format and the friction it introduced. The transition from CD to ripped FLAC and DSD written to -R DVD, waiting by the dozen to be “evaluated” constantly, pulled me away from the music itself. And I only had about 200 CD’s left anyways. Re‑orientating both my room and my listening habits has made far more difference than any component swap ever did. People are different: For many, the financial commitment, memories and nostalgia around the “touch and feel” of the media adds up to a lot of the total experience. I’m not that person.
Edited to add:
- I’ve posted it in this thread because the AP20 also has class D amps. Though instead of switch mode PSU’s it has huge toroidals, and the volume control is analogue not digital.
- Not meaning to criticise the PSA equipment at all! It’s just that for too long having the “best equipment” I could afford became secondary to the music itself. My upgrade from DSMkI to II and previous Transport to PST becoming “second best” only 4 months after ownership therefore also contributed, psychologically. I needed a cure, and the Aurender AP20 just happen to be it.
This makes good sense.
My intent was not to criticize your path at all - often the intended humor in my post doesn’t translate as was the case here. What matters most is that you have found the combination of equipment and listening "vehicles” that brings you great satisfaction. Your detailed depiction of the what and why is very much appreciated and has me thinking of the probable future where I start to whittle down my vinyl and CD library. I’ve already begun digitizing much of my library and do enjoy listening via mac mini → Matrix Audio X-SPDIF3 → DSD MKII → BHK Pre → M1200 → FR10s.
Cheers!