Buchardt Audio i150 Integrated Amplifier Review. An outstanding modern solution.

[@marcusmcmurray77]

As always, fantastic review! I love how your reviews are picturesque. I’ve only gotten into audio in the last couple years and when I watch your videos, I find it easy to picture your impressions. In the words of Robert Deniro in Analyze This, “you, my friend, gotta gift!” Congrats and continue the great work!

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Agree 100%❤❤❤

[@NemoPropaganda]

Thank you bro I appreciate that!

[@mattolsziewski7164]

The fact that you have the Kanta’s is awesome! My dream speakers and I’ve been saving for them for quite some time now. Problem is I can still only afford them used and I have yet to see them come up used in the finish I want. I’ve been looking for months… one day!

[@NemoPropaganda]

I bought these ones used too, just curious what finish are you looking for? I have the Walnut Wood/Ivory.

[@mattolsziewski7164]

@@NemoPropaganda that’s the finish I’m looking for😂 Also just for my knowledge. What color is the front baffle in person? In the promotional pictures it always looks like a darker cream color, but in pictures from people who own them they seem more white.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@mattolsziewski7164 i only bought them to review them so I can let you know when I’m finished, if you’re in the discord I can send you pics that better show the finish.

[@mattolsziewski7164]

@@NemoPropaganda I am not in the discord chat. You’ll have to give me a minute to learn how to use it, but I’ll definitely join up! This seems like it could be a great opportunity so I really appreciate the opportunity. Edit: so I just realized I am a member of the discord, but I deleted the app because I didn’t understand the layout. But I am a member so I will try and learn it.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@mattolsziewski7164 okay cool, i'll send you some pics.

[@joshdekubber3631]

Very cool bro, Sounds Awesome!

[@NemoPropaganda]

aye! thank's Josh.

[@davekosztan4641]

Hi Nemo Another great review 👏 I purchased the S400 mk2 after watching your review and was so pleased and now yes my i150 has turned up after watching this review and OMG absolutely blown away, I thought the s400 sounded fantastic with my Yamaha amp but this is in a totally different class!! I can't thank you enough 👍

[@NemoPropaganda]

oh man that is good looking combination :D I'm happy to help!!

[@davecroft2991]

I bought the amp and same speakers a few months back. Have you hooked up subs?

[@rmstnble]

Nemo, thanks for the great reviews. I switched from LS50 Metas to s400 mkIIs and I love the big scale and smoothness, but I do miss the analytical detail in the high end. Do you think the I150 balances that out well? I’m currently using the cambridge cxa61.

[@NemoPropaganda]

Hi Will, I have not heard CXa61 but I think the cambridge sound is more warm so it is possible the pairing is not the best for detail. the i150 is a little forward, detailed, and analytical which compliments the S400 very nicely. You can of course also try adding a DAC that is more detailed & analytical like one of the affordable chinese dacs topping or smsl.

[@JosephTongret]

Nemo, bro, I was so excited to see you drop this review! Thank you! I've been interested in this ever since Buchardt posted the product page. I'm a fan of Class D amps that are done right and also forward thinking manufacturers that are embracing DSP, Peq and automated room correction. I'm especially interested in Mads low level listening implementation, which outside of AVR's I've only seen RME include. I'd love for you personally to get in the new NAD C399 with the optional Bluos with Dirac card. It sells for 2.5k and I'd be curious to hear your conclusions on both. Killed it again, Nemo! Keep winning Bro! 💯

[@NemoPropaganda]

Thank you bro!! I don't have an in with NAD but I'll reach out, I'll most likely get ghosted though.

[@JosephTongret]

@@NemoPropaganda doesn't hurt to ask... Repeatedly, lol😂 "the squeaky wheel gets the grease"

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@JosephTongret indeed, but at the same time there is no shortage of gear I have to review :)

[@dommyap7763]

another nice review Nemo! so how does it sound? musical? tonally correct? un coloured sound? does it has a tube amp type sound signature? where music lullabies you? randomly rambling here, i hope you get the point :D

[@NemoPropaganda]

no sir, it is as I said in the video cool/analytical.

[@dommyap7763]

Thanks for this Nemo, didn't expect you'd reply :D may I ask on what amp u suggest if I want a middle ground between analytic and the tube amp type sound sig amp

[@dommyap7763]

Which is under $3000

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@dommyap7763 mmm, hard to say, I don't have many data points for amplifiers honestly. I personally chose an analytical amp paired with a warm dac to accomplish the sound I like. Zero Fidelity can answer this question better than I can.

[@dommyap7763]

@@NemoPropaganda Many thanks for this Nemo, you gave me an idea, that just might be it for me :D

[@Spierdalajyoutube]

I am thinking to change my amp. I wish to see comparison of buchardt with classe sigma 2200i. I have buchardt s400 and with classe sounds fantastic but... You know 😉

[@NemoPropaganda]

I have not heard the Sigma amp.

[@bobb.9917]

I do separates, like you Nemo….but I do not think I would like the output sound quality/balance of this amp… as I like full, lush midrange. I would love to hear it as a point of reference, though and compare it to an opposite in the same price range, just for learning and general awareness….but sadly that is not possible unless my neighbor buys one! 😀. It is an impressively "loaded" integrated amp!

[@NemoPropaganda]

based on our previous chats for sure you will not like it. It's sound is very much like the Kinki Studio voicing.

[@bobb.9917]

@@NemoPropaganda It is good to know what sound you prefer so that each person can work toward having that. As I found out…it can be expensive to find out what you don't prefer. 😀 The British Audiophile has just dropped an interesting video on higher-end integrated amps. Some interesting choices. There is so much out there!

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@bobb.9917 omg yeah, tons of options indeed! I'll check out his vid, love his work!!

[@Audfile]

Nice for an integrated but like $600 more gets you Schiit Tyr monoblocks and call it a day.

[@NemoPropaganda]

indeed but that's a totally different setup needing it's own preamp soooo little more than just $600 more :p

[@JOXperience]

What about soundstage?

[@NemoPropaganda]

I feel like most modern gear has a really big sound stage & imaging including this amp.

[@tonezoneuk]

The minute he said he took his Pontus II out of the system, that rang alarm bells. I took from that, this amp may kill the expansiveness that dac puts out

[@davidlee4358]

I have two speaker Martin Logan Speakers 60xti ati 2 Channel amplifier You can go be a good upgrade please let me know

[@NemoPropaganda]

I'm not sure, I have not heard those.

[@CharlesHoop]

Thanks!

[@NemoPropaganda]

thanks again Charles, you're the man!!

[@Rene_Christensen]

Can the line in be volume bypass as a Home Theater In?

[@NemoPropaganda]

I'm not sure if it has HT bypass or not but I believe the answer is no.

[@edleung4925]

hey how does this compare to your Kinkis for driving the S400 mk ii? I am consider getting these or the EM 1+

[@NemoPropaganda]

I have not heard the EXM1+. I have the Kinki EXP7 preamp & EXB7 mono blocks which is more than double the price of the i150.

[@edleung4925]

@@NemoPropaganda noted -- would you say that i150 in this case in value for money

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@edleung4925 value is a very personal thing. Each of us can only answer that question for myself.

[@gokhanersan8561]

Does it have tone controls?

[@NemoPropaganda]

oh yes, and room correction.

[@gokhanersan8561]

@@NemoPropaganda awesome!

[@bobb.9917]

Sexy lighting for a sexy looking amp! 😬

[@erics.4113]

Now that you got the kanta you can sell me the aria. I can't get them in your color scheme anywhere and those be the ones I want lol

[@NemoPropaganda]

my Aria are still here to stay. Kanta No1 will be sold after the review. I have a lot of money into them and it's not my personal aesthetic. The sound of course is amazing though. I would keep them if they were Sopra or Diablo, those ones are beautiful!!

[@erics.4113]

@@NemoPropaganda I'm on a bright speaker hunt currently and the Aria 906 are prime candidates. Have you looked into the K2 906 at all? I can't find much in the way of comparison. I was also surprised that the focal line doesn't seem to have the 3-4k range represented with a bookshelf. They go aria at $2k and then jump right to 8k with the kanta.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@erics.4113 yeah I also think it's a little odd that there is nothing in between. Aria 906 is great but I think the K2 is just like a special edition before the line gets replaced so maybe sit tight for now if you can because my guess is something new is coming for Aria.

[@erics.4113]

@@NemoPropaganda well that doesn't satisfy my instant gratification hunt but as usual, wise words. The aria have been around for some years now and i would be a little sick to pay the now $2200 "inflation" price for some aria only to see them replaced in a year. I'd love to get some Buchardt but I'm really in search of bright. Any recommendations? Maybe something bowers? I think they have 705 in that range and I got a local shop to demo so maybe that's my answer for now

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@erics.4113 mmm, I'm not really in love with bright sound so nothing really comes to mind. Are you sure you're looking for bright? Or are you looking for sharp, or open sounding? Bright is just elevated treble and doesn't have any inherent benefit aside from voicing. S400 is more detailed than many cheaper brighter speakers for example.

[@JustBrowsing777]

Cheers, great review, interesting product

[@ChaiBearProductions]

Hi Nemo, I’m very interested in this amplifier for my S400 MKII. I previously used them with a Nova300 Peachtree (450w/4ohms). Would I notice a big difference in terms of power and dynamics? Seeing as these are both class d amplifiers I would think similar performance. I know Thomas Stereo mentioned he was getting 85db at 90% volume at 6ft away which is why I’m curious how loud this amp can get full throttle with the 400s. Also, I would be high passing the S400 in use with my T9/x which should theoretically allow the speakers to play louder.

[@NemoPropaganda]

The i150 volume is a bit odd at 90% you think man it's not that loud to be at 90% but the last 10% has a crazy amount of power left. I think the amp has plenty of power. Buchardt just needs to make some small changes to the way the volume changes as you click the buttons. Too much of the adjustment is at the end in my opinion.

[@ChaiBearProductions]

@@NemoPropaganda Okay that makes sense. I read that they recently changed the volume steps in a firmware update. I think they should fix this if this is the case. How was things such as soundstage, imaging bass through the i150 with the MK2?

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@ChaiBearProductions it was all very good. If you are in the market for a full featured integrated amp this is a really amazing option.

[@jmlaso]

I also have a Peachtree and I'm swapping to the I150. I think I have seen all the reviews and I'm convinced to get it and at least try it for the 45 days offer.

[@RockCity1111]

What !? My mind is exploding . It looks stunning. Kinda stunning ?

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

I love your honesty when comparing it to your reference system. Thanks for the review.

[@NemoPropaganda]

gotta keep it real :)

[@gerarddunne9806]

My question is around the sound quality difference between say the i150 and s400 MK2 as opposed to Kinki studio EXM1 and s400 MK2. I know you have a DAC so say denafrips Ares 2, are you getting much better sound from the second combo or just save the money and buy the Buchardt combo as well as the bonus reduction if you buy both from Buchardt.

[@NemoPropaganda]

Kinki & Buchardt amps have a similar sound. The buchardt amp has more features while the Kinki is a purist piece so all of your money goes to the highest components possible for the best sound possible but you don't have many features. So it just depends if you want the features of the Buchardt amp then for sure get that but if you're not going to use any of those features then it's better to get the more purist Kinki.

[@gerarddunne9806]

Appreciate the reply, I am leaning towards the Kinki as a purist piece, the unknown for me is whether the room correction in the Buchardt can close the gap to the Kinki.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@gerarddunne9806 I'd say just keep in mind the room correction is primarily for bass and will not really impact midrange or treble so if your room has lot of bass issues it could be helpful.

[@eyeshezzy]

You should listen to the Music Fidelity M5si and compare it to this

[@NemoPropaganda]

I will try.

[@robk5745]

Everyone seems to like this unit, clearly a great all rounder choice! Especially considering the dac in there also.

[@seanb3303]

Looks like NAD has some competition. Does anyone know what Class D amp module it’s using?

[@seanb3303]

To answer my own question it appears to be Hypex Ncore

[@NemoPropaganda]

ahahaha, that's good because I didn't know.

[@wichiewichie]

Great review! Off topic, how do the Kantas pair with the Kinki setup? I planning to get a EX-M1+ and I’ve been wondering how good would it be for more resolving speakers that I would like to get in the distant future. Thanks!

[@NemoPropaganda]

it's a great pairing as the Kinki sound is very refined however both Kinki and Focal have similar voicing. Both are fast, dynamic, detailed, analytical, etc... Neither product is warm or romantic sounding so you're doubling down on the same sound signature. If doing that I would recommend having something in the chain that will add some romance like a Denafrips DAC for example but it will still be a very analytical system. That is for sure my taste so I like it but if you want warmth Kinki/Focal combo is not going to give you that.

[@wichiewichie]

@@NemoPropaganda that’s kind of what I was thinking, based on a comment you made about your system in a previous review. Thank you!

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@wichiewichie Good job stringing that all together! I wish more people paid attention like that :).

[@tycheesey]

Spectacular review. Your channel and this hobby are not friends with my wallet.

[@NemoPropaganda]

oh get out of here, your system is already pretty badass!!

[@tycheesey]

@@NemoPropaganda Thanks! Definitely trying to narrow things down, but with products like the i150, I wish I could start over in the composition of my system. These functions are crazy awesome. Buchardt is leading the industry in some exciting directions!

[@denizekintanrsever4749]

What components do you have in your $6k separates set up? I'm pretty new to this but listening to so many different reviewers, S400 sounds like one of the best speaker options in its price range. I'm almost decided on that. Need to figure out the rest of the set up. I was hoping to go the separates route, although not up to $6k. I had my eyes on a Schiit stack with an Aegir but the more I research the more I see both how much everyone loves it and how the low power could be difficult in matching speakers. If I were to spare up to $2,500-$3,000 for separates (without the source like a streamer or turntable) would you have any recommendations? Or would that money be better spend on a similarly priced integrated? If that makes a difference, this is for primarily classic and modern jazz, classical music, and 1970-80-90s rock. It will be placed in an a living room that opens up to a small dining area. If you don't mind throwing in your $0.02, I'd be grateful.

[@NemoPropaganda]

My separates are Kinki Studio EXP7 and EXB7 mono's. As far as what you're after why not buchardt's own amp? Since you'll have the system in a mixed space the built in room correction would help out and the Buchardt amp is tonally a great match for their speakers.

[@IrenESorius]

Top shelve review as always Nemo,, 👍‍‍⭐👍‍‍. Cheers and have the best of weekends,, 🍻😎🤟‍.

[@NemoPropaganda]

oh hallo!

[@IrenESorius]

@@NemoPropaganda ❤️

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@IrenESorius hey dude! I sent you a message on discord. did you see?

[@pablosanchezgonzalez7776]

Great review, did you compare the I150 - S400 mk2 combo with the active A500?

[@NemoPropaganda]

I've already sent back the A500 but I prefer i150 with S400 MKII for sure but it's just my personal taste. I like to have more flexibility & control over the equipment.

[@Simplyveej]

How does it compare to the Kinki Studio that is in the same price range, and is even visible in on screen (though that is Class A).

[@NemoPropaganda]

My Kinki is a preamp paired with their mono block so the price is 3x more. I have not heard the kinki integrated but it is more of a purist piece while the Buchardt amp is a full featured pieces so they're not really comparable. If you need the funcitonality of the Buchardt then you will buy something like that. If you don't need the functionality of the Buchardt then it's better to buy a purist piece.

[@Simplyveej]

@@NemoPropagandaThank you!

[@FPSkillerPC]

What do you reckon would be a better choice? Kinki EX-M1+ or the Buchardt I150?

[@NemoPropaganda]

what's up FPS! Depends what you value. If you will not use any of the features of the Buchardt amp then it makes sense to buy the purist Kinki as it does not have any of those features and instead focuses on using extremely high quality components. If you will use the features of the Buchardt amp then for sure get that instead.

[@FPSkillerPC]

@@NemoPropaganda Thanks man I appreicate the feedback, I currently own my own DAC so I'm not too bothered by the feature range but I was just wondering what is the sound quality like compared between the Buchardt and the Kini? You mentioned the Buchardt amp has a lot of clarity so would you say the Kinki steps up on that clarity?

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@FPSkillerPC My experience with Kinki is with the $6000 separates so keeping that in mind the Kinki steps everything up, most notably refinement, dynamics, and low volume performance. People say the integrated is near identical but I'm not sure that's the case. I'd like to review it at some point in the future to find out.

[@g000se99]

sold!

[@niekoneprisimenu5529]

I can get the Hegel H190 for approximately the same price as the Buchardt i150. Which one would you suggest getting when price difference is not an issue at all?

[@NemoPropaganda]

they're pretty different, the Buchardt amp is the clean & clear sound with a crazy amount of features while the Hegel is more of purist amp that is a little smoother in the high freq and a little warmer in the mids. If you have a lot of room issues you may prefer the i150 for its built in room correction features but if your room doesn't have any major issues you may prefer the H190 for its slightly more refined sound & tone. Both are good amps.

[@focalfan6324]

Similar to the Lyngdorf 1120, is it not? Same look same features. But Regardless, good video

[@NemoPropaganda]

Indeed seems like a competing unit with fairly similar functionality. The Buchardt offers up more power otherwise they are most likely direct competitors.

[@mykhailoskachkov5946]

It is similar. But Lyngdorf 1120 has eARC and streaming. So featurewise Lyngdorf is better. Powerwise this one is better as long as Lyngdorf provides 60/120 watts.

[@scottconoryea7961]

Hi does this amp have ht bypass. Thanks

[@NemoPropaganda]

I can't remember honestly, I'd email buchardt to be sure. They respond to emails really quickly.

[@ben23a31]

Great review! But how is it they don't have mono blocks or just a 2 channel power amp? I'm not giving up my processor (Yamaha A- 5200) anytime soon but I would entertain a 2 or a H.T. multi-channel amp with xlr's tho. Smh

[@NemoPropaganda]

the simple answer is because this is an integrated amplifier. It's what buchardt wanted to make :)

[@ben23a31]

@@NemoPropaganda oh you playing captain obvious and got jokes 😄 luv your channel bro ! But real talk, why aren't there more power amp reviews out there? I luv listening to 2 channel music but I also watch a lot of tv/movies (in surround sound) so integrated amps ain't cutting it. It's there a bigger market for integrated amps vs those who want to add a power amp to an avr or avp ?

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@ben23a31 ahaha, thanks man!! my guess is it's a little too niche. Or maybe they feel the itegrated amp is a better expression of the brands sound. For buchardt I don't think we will ever see a separate power amp. As a brand they seem dedicated to a simple aesthetic & convenient function.

[@ben23a31]

@@NemoPropaganda 👍🏽✊🏽

[@IRQ1Conflict]

Law of diminishing returns.

[@NemoPropaganda]

Indeed, but keep in mind that diminishing means less, not zero!

[@backrack01]

That app seems like a game charger.

[@NemoPropaganda]

I loved it, makes all the features extremely convenient and friendly especially to newer audiophiles.

[@jackfalco5351]

Does it have a phono stage

[@NemoPropaganda]

I don't use phono and I no longer have this amp. I would check on buchardt website.

[@milosdunjic8718]

It's based on Hypex nCore Class D module ... that explains its neutrality

[@lsaideOK]

Sounds like it could work very well with my zu dirty weekends. They are more about the liveliness of sound rather than clarity. If it doesn't erase the character of the speakers but just brings more out of them, could be a great match. Much more power than is needed for these speakers. Zu spokespeople use tubes so this would be going in the opposite direction.

[@NemoPropaganda]

I've never heard Zu so I can't really say how that will pair.

[@lsaideOK]

@@NemoPropaganda yeah, zu audio speakers are not often reviewed. Steve Guttenberg likes them but didn't have this amp for a comparison.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@lsaideOK I tried, I ordered a pair, 3 months later I was still waiting and the communication was very poor so I cancelled my order.

[@lsaideOK]

@@NemoPropaganda wow! I had the total opposite experience. I emailed them a few times asking them a variety of questions and got immediate responses. Usually the same day. Then I place my order. Called because I wanted the black trim around the drivers not the steel. They got them started right away and I had them in a couple of weeks. I have communicated with them further since I got them. Mostly concerning speaker isolation as strong bass could rock and roll the room. They gave me a few ideas. Not just their own footers. Makes it hard to even think about returning them!

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@lsaideOK I'm happy to hear that, maybe I just got unlucky and caught them at a bad time.

[@Novilicious]

If only it had ARC, it would be a winner! The Marantz 40n may be a better choice only for this reason 🤓

[@NemoPropaganda]

Hey what's up man, what is the benefit of having arc?

[@Novilicious]

@@NemoPropaganda Bro, HDMI ARC is the audio return channel. Then you just hook it up to your TV and you can have Apple/Roku/smart TV remote control the speakers 🔊 it’s way better than the optical out. And it’s the highest resolution because optical caps out :) check out the Marantz 40n

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@Novilicious oh okay, so then you don’t have to use the amps remote? That is desirable for sure!! I have 2 remotes in every room lol

[@Novilicious]

@@NemoPropaganda correct my friend :) HDMI ARC allows me to use the Apple TV remote 4K and control my TV and Preamp all with one remote. It can be your TV remote or Roku/Apple TV remote/integrated amp remote, doesn’t matter. Having two remotes is a deal breaker for me and especially my wife..lol..so that’s why! Smaller companies can’t put it in, so only companies like NAD/Macintosh/Marantz have it on their newer integrated amps. It’s tech that comes from AV receivers but has better sound that optical out, especially lossless audio from apple. Check it out in NAD M33 and other newer integrated amps that have Arc bro!

[@Rich28448]

Surely if you get the ARC connectivity from a streamer such as the bluesound node?

[@atopedecurvas]

hola nemo con el s400 mk2 que comprarias el buchard i150 o hegel 190, si solo nos fijamos en lo que a calidad de sonido desde tu punto de vista , gracias y un saludo.

[@NemoPropaganda]

The H190 sound quality is a little better but the treble might be too smooth with Buchardt for some listeners. I think personal taste will be the biggest factor.

[@cammaman8124]

Great review, went over some very important points

[@yayhoo8848]

Too expensive! You can buy a 5 channel, newer version of this type of amp for less money, and use a micro computer for room correction and a usb interface for analogue output for stereo music and home theater. Or, you can get a 5 channel version of this ncore amplifier for half the price of this amp. Then get a quality usb to analogie interface and a micro-compute for room correction, and a calibration microphone and you would be around the same price as this 2 channel buchardt.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

Maybe it will go down in price with time. Everything is way more expensive at release.

[@NemoPropaganda]

You can also buy a 5 channel AVR for only like $500, doesn't mean it will sound the same :)

[@yayhoo8848]

@@NemoPropaganda I am talking about a 5 channel ncore amplifer that uses the exact same amplifier as the buchardt. You can even buy a better 5 channel amp that uses the next generation ncore amplifier, for less than the buchardt. The Purifi 1et400a is the improved version of the ncore and engineered by the same guy. You can buy a 5 channel ncore for $1300, while $1900 will get you a 5 channel amplifier with the front 3 channels using purifi amps and the rear 2 using ncore amplifiers. If course you do not get the built in convenience of room correction and DAC, which may be worth it to some people. I perdonally don't like integrated solutions as they are too limited.

[@ben23a31]

What's the link for that 5 channel N-Core?

[@yayhoo8848]

@@ben23a31 google vtv amplifiers

[@ThePalle44]

Just got the amp 😍 Using them with S400 mk2 and it's just Amazing 👌 It replaced the mighty Musical Fidelity M6si that got totaly crushed. M6si costs Mutch more...

[@NemoPropaganda]

Very nice!

[@davidlynch433]

Only one analogue input, Its no good to me.

[@NemoPropaganda]

not every amp will have all the features for everyone, luckily there are many options these days :D

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

The new studio lighting is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@NemoPropaganda]

thank you bro, I'm just tryna get more consistent with it.

[@michaelgatti3811]

Very nice review on this integrated. A good pairing with Dynaudio Special 40s?

[@NemoPropaganda]

Yes I think so, the amp sound is mostly neutral so it should pair with most speakers.

[@michaelgatti3811]

Thanks for your response. I went back and listened to your review again and it did address speaker matching convincingly...thanks again.

[@chrisselner5005]

Great review as always. The kantas are incredible. I heard them once. They had a holographic sound, crisp and tight bass, ultra detail. But my ears were ringing after 5 minutes. No one can deny their beauty and build and if you like that type of sound you'll be in heaven. Oh yeah this amp looks pretty sweet.

[@NemoPropaganda]

Just curious was that the floor stander? I ask because that's not what I'm experiencing with the No1 bookshelf and I am rather sensitive to sharp/bright.

[@chrisselner5005]

@@NemoPropaganda It was the floorstander in a minor audio show in Madrid in 2018. I don't remember anything about the room, so the floor could have been marble or carpet. I'm guessing the walls were flat with little to no treatment if any. I was in the third row but only a few meters from the speakers. High clarity and detail, but sharp.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@chrisselner5005 I was just curious because I've heard similar but it's always the floor standers, I kind of wonder if the bookshelf is a little more forgiving. It certainly has a sharper presentation but you wouldn't run out of the room either :). I def need to spend more time with them though.

[@chrisselner5005]

@@NemoPropaganda It could have been the track as well. It was one of those audiophile instrumentals with drums and cymbals ad nauseum. In any case, if I won a pair, id put a blanket over my head if necessary. Its weird because I have ls50s which many call bright, but I dont think they are at all. My vienna acoustics betoven baby grands have even more detail than the kef's but arnt bright. I actually had some jamo c95 mk1s at one point that had one of the sharpest tweeters I've ever heard.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@chrisselner5005 I didn't feel the LS50 Meta was bright either. I think people confuse bright with sharp or clarity very often.