Laiv Harmony HP2A shakes things up

[@iiWiReviews]

At the beginning of the video, I said that preamp is a buffer without a gain. This means that the maximum output level is the one that your DAC can provide. For Harmony DAC which is 4V (most modern DACs are 4~5V at balanced output) it is suitable for most power amplifiers on the market. Anything with 20 dB or higher is OK. If you use a DAC with a relatively low line output and have a power amp with relatively low gain - it is not a good choice. It was brought to my mind this may be important in some cases so I'll pin this one here.

[@superspeeder]

If gain is not an issue and assuming volume control is already available, for a simple system with one source is there any other reason to add a preamp in between the DAC and amplifier?

[@keithwhite2916]

❤❤

[@jackfalco5351]

Would this work with Denafrips dac

[@yellow_noise3]

@@superspeeder usually preamp with unity gain is making better impedance compatibility and matching between DAC output and power amp input (preamp output impedance is usually lower than DAC output impedance), also regulated DAC output is very often made in digital domain so attenuating volume, if connected straight to power amp, will decrease DAC resolution and overall should be avoided in high quality audio applications

[@superspeeder]

@@yellow_noise3 thanks!

[@jpstravels9082]

Thanks for the very informative review. I have the Harmony DAC and HP2A headphone amp driving the Focal Utopia headphones. I am no expert but for me personally it’s the endgame I never before have been as close to the music (with recordings) IMHO absolutely worth a try! Truly outstanding musical!

[@SimpleMailWork]

Your reviews and Soundnews reviews is the best! Thank you!

[@IHearEverythingDude]

Oh another the best, just like every month

[@Erelio]

Things improve , so yes it’s better

[@TheVeganVicar]

[@IHearEverythingDude]

@Erelio lol, yes yes

[@robertwang7825]

The newly released Topping Centaurus , a collab between Holo Audio and Topping is a R2R DAC with very high specs THD, S/N , Dynamic range etc. with volume ctl. selling for US1K. Since Holo Audio is a specialist in R2R and Topping is a spec king. This may be the best DAC for the $ this yr. Hope you will review it soon. Cheers n Merry Xmas.

[@TheVeganVicar]

Sounds good!

[@sloboat55]

Excellent review, Excellent product. Cool runnings

[@padde1]

Great review, thank you. Would be interested to see how the Denafrips Athena compares 🙏

[@francisgallagher4783]

nice review - do you still use Cyan 2 dac?

[@kineahora8736]

Active buffers and Vishay resistor stepped attenuators-Placette did this about 30 years ago, but the Balanced was 2x the price of the single ended version. I think single ended was $3500 and balanced was $7k. Check out the Placette active preamp… im thinking this LAiV breaks through on price… im already considering whether to go for the DAC. But I will say the Fosi ZD3 with its HDMI input and a pair of Sparkos ss3602 op amps for

[@cheveyo2403]

Wish the made a more stealth version. Without all the bling.

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

Yeah the gold rings around the headphone connectors... should be avialable in black.

[@dixieflatline1189]

You could spray paint it. Or put a cloth over it 😂

[@iiWiReviews]

Stealthify 😎

[@Artemis_Prix]

Interestingly, I had reached out to Laiv to convey similar sentiments. Although they sympathized with my pleas, they remained resolute a Stealth option would NOT be in the offing... not even at extra cost and not even as a custom option (they like their bling apparently). However, if sales begin to decline, I would hope they would then be forced to reconsider. Until then, patience my friends, patience...

[@dajikbatarang1]

So no more DIY lampizator dac?

[@iiWiReviews]

I still have it and use it occasionally but Harmony is taking the lead.

[@henningbortne8650]

Pre 90 then. Have try them?

[@carloc8763]

A good friend of mine once told me that it is worth spending more money for a preamp than for a power amp. I have never listened to his advice. However, your review has me thinking. Great video as usual.

[@ManweruEmanuilov]

Not sure why I'd pay 350 for the extender device, when I can just get a normal XLR switch box.

[@cheveyo2403]

@@ManweruEmanuilov there is also a phono version for those that are into that

[@jalovecjoffrey9542]

Great and beautiful preamp. Big power supply is often the key for a big, wide and deep soundstage.

[@bbfoto7248]

LOL...No. That's ridiculous. The SIZE of a Power Supply has ZERO influence on the resulting Soundstage performance. If you actually want to understand exactly what properties of a stereo reproduction system affect the Imaging and Soundstage performance, read the latest edition of Floyd Toole's book, "Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms". It's actually quite simple and straightforward, and has NOTHING to do with the size of any power supply. That's the problem with this hobby and with "audiophiles"... everyone just spouts off whatever they randomly "think" without doing any research or having any real understanding on the topic at hand. This is exactly how all these silly unfounded audio myths get parroted and perpetuated for eternity. :/

[@mikeg2491]

⁠@@bbfoto7248I’m no techie and not speaking with authority, but I have owned dozens of headphone amps and compared them to traditional integrated receivers and power amps and all these small box HP amps, while many sound great, are still ultimately pretty wimpy in headroom compared to hooking right up to something with muscle behind it. Particularly 150-300ohm headphones. My Pioneer m90 could make a Sennheiser HD600 blow out the drivers if I wanted to while it’s max volume on my Sony Tazzy is absolutely anemic.

[@bbfoto7248]

@@mikeg2491 Yes, of course, the power that is required to drive any given set of headphones or loudspeakers is directly proportionate to their sensitivity and impedance (load), and how much that impedance varies over the full frequency range. Many of the newer and better Class-D amplifiers such as the Hypex Ncore & Nilai500 or Purifi Eigentakt based amplifiers are "load agnostic", meaning that they are fairly immune to wild impedance variations, and their output power and frequency response are not governed or affected by the impedance load that the specific headphones or loudspeakers present to the amplifier. In general, larger amplifiers with many farads of low ESR "stiffening" capacitors both in the power supply and output stage will have the potential to provide better instantaneous dynamic transient performance, especially when already operating at or near their upper power limits. But "power" really has little, if any, relevance in determining if any given set of headphones or loudspeakers will perform well in regards to imaging and soundstage.

[@BC-fy1wn]

As always,a passionet review.Happy Christmas Season to you all this year!! Doc BC

[@iiWiReviews]

Happy Christmas! 🎄

[@manrajdha]

Would be great to see a shootout between Laiv Harmony Dac/Amp vs Ferrum Wandla/Hypsos/Oor

[@kuunlaan]

You shoud try/review the Sparkos Aries HP/Pre in order to find a performace chanlenger for Harmony HP. Just contact Andrew Sparkos to see if he agrees to send you a sampling unit (IMO he will). Very nice person to deal with. Cheers !

[@PEM-zt5rd]

Would have hoped you compare this to the Schiit Mjolnir 3 :/ now that is a battle I would have liked to get your input... maybe a separate video? It would be beneficial for all and worth having its own video imo... think about it? :)

[@jasonhilliker2266]

You need to try the Topping Pre90 preamp. Soundnews, Sterophile and Pearl Acoustics have given it great reviews. For the money, Topping is killing it!

[@GadZookz]

Sounds like a great choice for Susvara. I will add it to the top of my list, thanks!👍🏼👍🏼

[@Bhatakti_Hawas]

Plz review Topping Centaurus R2R DAC

[@MinghaoLi-c7d]

Topping + Holo LOL, I don't need a review to know it sounds lifeless boring and shite

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

​@@MinghaoLi-c7d this guy believes in hifi network switches.

[@Bhatakti_Hawas]

@@En_Joshi-Godrez lol

[@AudioRamblings]

I would love to compare this preamp against my all valve preamp, would make an interesting comparison.😃 Happy Christmas and thanks for all this years inspiring videos.🙏

[@dreamstormPL]

Great review. Have you tried your GL2000 on this headphone amp? This should be a good amp to show great performance of GL2000 if you have good DAC and source.

[@iiWiReviews]

I had of course. They sound sweet and great as usual, love them. But this amp and dac combo can output more deteils and dynamics than GL2000 is capable of following. So it would be an overkill. Aune S17 pro is optimal choice in my opinion.

[@dreamstormPL]

@@iiWiReviews GL2000 needs not only a great gear but they also need really high end cable to reveal it's full potential. I use 6N litz silver cable with them. If you have a chance please try. This stock cable is quite good, but not good enough. Making theese headphones sound like other high end headphones is a pain in the ash and is not cheap :(

[@mw3640]

It's more expensive than the Ferrum Wandla. I know which one I would pick, since that is also a brilliant DAC.

[@kobush18]

There are cases that 0 db gain will not be enough! According to chat gpt typical preamplifier gain is usually between 10 - 20 db (3.16 to 20 voltage gain). Your preamplifier acoustic invader has a gain of 12db which is x4 times the input voltage. Chat gpt also say that while 0db gain is enough for digital sources it is most probably not enough for older dac or other analog devices (tuners) and most importantly a turntable with a phono stage! In this case you are advised to use an additional gain stage ! This limits this preamplifier use. Your preamplifier is more versatile and can use any source connected to it.

[@robk5745]

This thing with their dac combined would be an end game set up for me. But I think a ladder Bach and toppings mono amps will do just fine also haha

[@janwege150277]

Dziękuje za bardzo ciekawą wstawkę 👌 Gorąco pozdrawiam Szefa i Wspaniałych Widzów! 👍

[@JTB--]

I think SoundNews and GoldenSound both said this Harmony HP2A Amp can drive the Susvara and Madhouse Tungsten if you have a powerful DAC that gives it the proper amount of juice. Sadly the Laiv Harmony DAC doesn't have the power needed. Shame

[@TheKeldman]

iiWi Reviews , how does this compares to acousticinvader Line Preamp ? Thanks in advance

[@bbfoto7248]

As a preamp and headphone amp, the 10 year old OPPO HA-1 was and is more versatile in regards to input options! It's a quite powerful headphone amp as well. The balanced outputs actually powered and drove a pair of high-efficiency DIY loudspeakers that I built quite well. :-P The HA-1 was also a "half width" HiFi component in regards to its size, and while in that same form factor it also included a decent DAC, which this specific Laiv product does not. Yeah, I'm sure that this Laiv is higher quality overall, but it's more than double the price as well. And it's certainly not as versatile for use as a PREAMP. Just Sayin'! P.S. I DO actually like the option of being able to add the Phono Preamp "Extension" module to the Laiv. However, IF we want to say that this particular Laiv unit was designed primarily as a Preamp first, and as a headphone amplifier second, then it should include a wider variety and number of inputs in the base model...IMO.

[@SomberShroud]

man, I would love to hear how this compares against the LTA Velo

[@KJ-yq5gm]

Really good review, I been thinking of replacing my Kinki EX-M1+ to separates. I’ve been waiting for a review of something that would feel like a major upgrade. Not sure if you ever reviewed the Kinki EX-M1+ but if you have this or if anyone has experience with both, would love to hear input.

[@Alberto-gl7mu]

Would love to see you reviewing Topping Pre90

[@jpaulog9809]

Can we expect a review of the Volumio Rivo+? 🙏

[@iiWiReviews]

Yes, soon.

[@TheVeganVicar]

I'm flying to Hong Kong next month to collect a brand new iFi Phantom, to use with the Mod House Audio Tungsten.

[@swinkles]

I've been enjoying the Harmony DAC since it came out. Was looking forward to the HP2A release all this time. When I saw it was lacking an RCA input, I was in disbelief. I have to buy a LEXT unit just for one RCA input? Sorry LAIV, you lost me there. I'm sticking with my Benchmark LA4.

[@cesarjlisboa7586]

As preamplifier, some limitations there’s some concerns. As headphone amplifier have very tough competition out there.

[@rapier5]

Like many people I and using a streamer/DAC analog output to a power amp. ( I'll go with the little Chinese amps with volume controls as a power amp.) This is logically sweet because it thus a more 'pure' source. I think I know now that in fact preamps are vital for the best HiFi experience. Thing is there are very few low price ones. Please focus on preamps in any case and perhaps discuss why the logic of a pure signal breaks down.

[@redrockdejan2507]

Malo se odmakni od kineskih proizvoda ?

[@alexupshurbmw8377]

@iiWiReviews what difference would i hear vs using the in built preamp on the Gustard A26?

[@gavinhou3261]

Thanks for the review though this thing is way out of my league considering its price😅. Your depiction of music is just enjoyable as the music itself🙂.

[@JingoLoBa57]

Does it have a DAC? Does it have a remote?

[@JohnLee-db9zt]

Did you not see the review? 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Wharariki]

Tip - press or click the white triangle in the middle of the picture above for the answers to your questions and more.

[@MinghaoLi-c7d]

How would this compare to the Violectric HPA550?

[@christiantessier1661]

Gustard have a great headphone/preamp.I would like you to compare

[@antonioalvarez5253]

Usually I like how you review products, but here you forgot to mention a very important thing in my opinion that this preamp uses unity gain for outputs and that is problematic for people that use low gain power amps.

[@iiWiReviews]

I have mentioned in the beginning that it is a buffer without gain I believe. Maybe you missed that bit, but I'l check again anyway. if it happens I forgot that part than it's my mistake and I'll pin a comment with that info.

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

Big fail on this unit, idd

[@antonioalvarez5253]

@@iiWiReviews great that you take the time to explain that! To me It is a nonsense decision if you want to build a high end pre, as most of high end units have at least 5db of gain. There may be scenarios when the power amp has only single ended rca input and as you metioned Max output from source in single ended is 2volts (ex. Pass XA25, low gain as well).

[@armandoalvarez1805]

Gracias por utilizar la opción donde puedo escuchar en español

[@carlsitler9071]

Does it sound 1% better than my $220 Asgard 3 or worse?

[@johnshaw359]

What's the point of a preamp feature with no gain available. If you have do not have studio levels it's going to be what I call 'windy sounding'.

[@052RC]

Its not really a preamp. Its just acting as a volume control, and is typically called a passive preamp. Technically speaking, there's no such thing as a passive preamp, but that's what everyone calls them. To answer your question about what's the point of doing it this way, in some cases its a good option. But its not for everyone. If you're looking for high quality sound on a budget, a passive unit can save you a small fortune. An active preamp has huge effect on the sound, and to make a really good one can be expensive. Most budget active line stages don't sound all that good. Eliminating an active line stage bypasses all the problems associated with cheap preamps. The signal from your source remains untouched aside from running it through a volume control and some connectors. A solution like this can sound very good. However, the downside is you need match all of your components carefully because your source will be driving the input on your power amp directly. Simply put, if you do it correctly, it can sound great. Otherwise, it can sound worse.

[@redstarwraith]

Good to see a review of something other than a DAC for a change. You are a good reviewer, and I've loved your speaker, amplifier, and preamplifier reviews, but I don't have much use for DACs. 90% of my listening is on my turntable.

[@sbwlearning1372]

Maybe not necessary for your setup but I've got a £300 Dac which takes the optical out from my TV so I can listen to radio or concerts from my T. V. my Xbox, Blu-ray, Chromecast etc etc It can also receive LDAC Bluetooth and my phone can play DSD files direct via an OTG cable and usb audio.connection. It is very very handy. Like you my main preference is to listen to vinyl

[@D1N02]

Well I guess when you get a €6700 headphone, you are not going to cheap out on the amp. Susvara is not price appropriate to Aune. I still like it a lot as preamp. I think I'll try some China Accuphase preamp clone, to replace it as pre-amp. And save up for something like this or even better in a few years

[@kopczas]

You forgot that we have VAT in Europe. It's closer to 3300$ in reality.

[@nonchalantd]

♥

[@marxman00]

Anything requiring a pre amp is not fit for purpose , like buying a car that does not include an engine .

[@sbwlearning1372]

So your integrated?? Your turntable??

[@yellow_noise3]

What a pity LAIV didnt make ONLY preamp for less money. I personally NEVER use headphones at home and it would be waste of my money to buy pre/headphone combo. I don't understand producers who literally EVERYf***ingWHERE apply headphone amps. my curiosity is what is percentage of real headphone users among all audio freaks?

[@PEM-zt5rd]

High. The Audiophile headphone marked is crazy.

[@sbwlearning1372]

Not sure !! I'm classic. Preamp, power amp, large speakers turntable, step up transformers and movie coil cartridges. My headphones amp is around £300/400 as are the headphones. I find the experience very inferior to listening to the speakers. I just don't want to have to spend £2000 on a headphone amp and another £2000 on headphones to still sound inferior to properly amplified loudspeakers. Each to their own I suppose

[@middleearthltd]

Memo to higher quality Chinese component manufacturers Preamplifiers can have multiple inputs and especially a couple pre-outs or a pre-out and a line out or even, I am getting crazy here, add a sub-out or two These are crazy expectations but help me out here I am not asking for an AV processor just something useful

[@cheveyo2403]

All money wasted for most people looking for a headphone amp/ pre amp. that is most likely to be used on a desktop. Or close to the listening position. Also as stated there is an extention unit for those that have more sources

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

Not a very useful preamp when it lacks inputs .

[@cheveyo2403]

If you had payrd attention you would have known there iare extention units for more inputs

[@D1N02]

Just switch XLR 's. They were made for that

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

@ I am aware of the extension unit . They decided to use the space for a trigger switch when another analogue input would have been far more useful . You might be happy to buy a pre amp that requires an extra box to connect more inputs but I don’t

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

@@D1N02 I run my dac directly into my pre amp via xlr . If this unit had 2 rca inputs I could run my dac into it for occasional headphone listening and also connect up my turntable. It’s clear they designed this unit to be solely used with their dac but to consider it a useful preamp is fanciful. A shame and a missed opportunity

[@cheveyo2403]

@ there are various external input options you can either choose for 2 extra inputs or for phono. for most people it is better not to have to pay extra for inputs that they’d never use. And have them optional.

[@datdudeinred]

I think this is worst kind of function combo. A preamp & headphone amp should never be combined (they do it because it's cheaper & easier) but no one uses their headphones in living room especially if they are going to have speakers & want a preamp. & a headphone amp is made mostly for desktop use but at that point everyone should use active studio monitors if they want desk speakers. So i will rather take a 1.4k preamp & 1.4k headphone amp seperates with exact same as this but in 2 boxes.

[@anatol1204]

With 2700 i get married

[@iiWiReviews]

We have the same saying here but during tough economic times in 90s we would say that for much less, like couple of hundreds. 😁 Cheers! 🍻

[@anatol1204]

@iiWiReviews 😆 There is No crisis Some folks take ALL THE MONEY they don t disappear !!!😉

[@dixieflatline1189]

You buy wife? 😮

[@anatol1204]

@@dixieflatline1189 yes if you are willing to travel a bit..👀

[@sbwlearning1372]

It'll cost you 100 times that to get divorced 😁😁😁

[@73Xtian]

For a fraction of the price i´d take the Topping L70. The sound quality of the Topping is so good that you´re not gonna find much better in any price range. The looks of audio gear are personal preference, but in my opinion the Topping looks classier, i really don´t like the gold details.

[@HerbertShooler]

one can get better performance at a fraction of the cost..Topping A90

[@cheveyo2403]

You are funny 😂

[@jackfalco5351]

Topping a 90 awful

[@carljung9230]

nah, not worth the $$

[@MegaEpstein]

Another snake oil....

[@iiWiReviews]

Snake oil, snake oil everywhere...

[@Wharariki]

I’m guessing you meant ‘more snake oil’, or perhaps ‘another oily snake’?

[@alstonmaccow9386]

What a joke its not worth it

[@jayem1826]

$2,700. Why watch? Sorry. People have lives, kids and fixed income

[@iiWiReviews]

I often watch car shows and cars that I can't possibly afford in my lifetime, just for fun and to see what's out there.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

Your lack of aspirations is perverse

[@dixieflatline1189]

Save up? It's not hard for anyone working to afford modest luxury once in a while - it's just some time and not getting distracted.

[@dizzle1119]

I'm not an obscenely wealthy person, but I have gear that costs more $$$ than this Laiv component. Patience and passion are a must if you want to own this type of gear. If you're happy with cheap stuff, that's fine as well.

[@nick_yt23]

Then click next . Complaining is waste of time for everyone 😂