LAiV Harmony HP2A Review - The ONE that challenged the MANY

[@Eric-q9n]

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

[@Flavius7]

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

[@Soundnews]

Thanks for keeping me motivated, mate!

[@EvgeniyRC]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@davec2007]

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

[@ioanmilos6719]

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

[@edbrumbaugh9202]

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

[@JTB--]

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

[@quarzerrr7474]

Nice to know! Thx for sharing

[@Soundnews]

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

[@Clackbait]

I am hesitant for this exact same reason.

[@corrrect]

Get another dac instead of the harmony.

[@Wharariki]

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

[@antonristo1096]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@antonristo1096]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@antonristo1096]

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

[@Clackbait]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@Stimpo7]

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

[@susokraut3169]

you are a very confused person.

[@Wharariki]

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

[@susokraut3169]

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

[@Stimpo7]

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

[@Wharariki]

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

[@InCerTo_AntiFragile]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@InCerTo_AntiFragile]

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

[@quarzerrr7474]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@quarzerrr7474]

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

[@YTjuanchicod]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@fearwolfbrewery5014]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@Mau10]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@Mau10]

@@Soundnews Thank you Sandu.

[@elhijueputa8423]

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

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

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

[@Soundnews]

My pleasure! ;)

[@D1N02]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@ioannisthpapanagiotou9477]

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

[@NeilWilliams-yt9jm]

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

[@ajayrajkumar3505]

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

[@danielbulcsupekh7922]

Would you choose this over the Prelude?

[@Soundnews]

Yes, but not by a huge margin

[@danielbulcsupekh7922]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@danielbulcsupekh7922]

@@Soundnews I am a Headphone purist

[@lextr3110]

that level of crosstalk is unnacceptable...

[@Soundnews]

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

[@donnywidodo8874]

another lexycon based headamp is the silver fox

[@Soundnews]

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

[@roberts3889]

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

[@Mastermnd1]

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

[@roberts3889]

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

[@Mastermnd1]

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

[@larsv6144]

Compared to the Hifiman Serenade?

[@Soundnews]

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

[@Silver_Joystix]

This is a fancy mf stack

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@susokraut3169]

So much misinformation in a single video, respect!

[@Soundnews]

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

[@samhor33]

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

[@007EnglishAcademy]

Its price not ''price point''.

[@Soundnews]

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

[@007EnglishAcademy]

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

[@masterazlan6999]

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

[@Soundnews]

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

[@masterazlan6999]

@@Soundnews Typical answers.. Peace!

[@fredrikbarthel4803]

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

[@Soundnews]

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