Audio Video News

NAD D 3045 Integrated DAC/Amplifier: $699

At a glance, NAD’s D 3045 could easily be mistaken for its predecessor, the D 3020 we reviewed with accolades back in 2013. But looks are about as far as the similarity goes. Power output has been doubled and a number of features added, including aptX HD-enabled Bluetooth streaming, MQA processing, an HDMI-ARC input, moving-magnet phono input, and line-level preamp/subwoofer outs. Given its compact size, the D 3045 — one of our 2019 Top Pick of the Year finalists in integrated amps — is best described as a powerful integrated amp with the bonus attraction of an eminently capable onboard DAC that will be at home on your desk or in your component rack. Available through Amazon for $649 with free shipping.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Impressive power and sonics from a sub-compact design
Useful Bass EQ/subwoofer filter options
Minus
Digital conversion does not extend to 32-bit/384kHz

Full Review Here (posted Feb. 27, 2019)

Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated Amplifier: $1,195

From a company that earned its stripes as a key player in audio electronics decades ago comes the NewClassic 200 — an impossibly thin integrated amplifier/DAC that delivers a robust 110 watts per channel into 4- or 8-ohm loads while providing high quality digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion and surprising flexibility at a reasonable price. Enamored with its rugged build quality and range of features, which includes a nice selection of inputs and outputs and a built-in phono preamp, veteran audio reviewer Dan Kumin praised the 200 for balancing utility with simplicity and for squeezing “all the music out of your music.” Heck, Parasound even throws in a full-function remote.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Generous power from a super-slim chassis
Bypass input for surround system integration
Flexible, analog-domain subwoofer filtering
Full-size, backlighted remote control
Minus
Digital conversion limited to 24/96 via USB
No built-in Bluetooth or other wireless features

Full Review Here (posted March 25, 2020)

Primare Prisma I15 Integrated Amplifier/DAC: $1,999

Sweden’s Primare has broadened its audiophile appeal with the Prisma I15, one of our 2019 Top Pick of the Year finalists in audio separates and integrated amps. The amp provides a generous selection of wired and wireless connectivity options, streaming flexibility, and impeccable sound quality thanks to its use of top-performing components, including a Hypex Class-D amplifier and AKM digital-to-analog converter (DAC) capable of conversion up to 24 bits at 384 kHz. Dan Kumin cut to the chase in summarizing his impressions of the I15: “I was surprised by both the scope and excellence of its reproduction, which came shockingly close to good-as-it-gets levels.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Unimpeachable sound quality
Impressive power and dynamic ability
Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect support
Minus
No phono input or headphone output
No native streaming (requires smartphone, tablet or similar)

Full Review Here (posted May 29, 2019)

Hegel Music Systems H390 Integrated Amplifier: $6,000

Hegel’s H390 is guaranteed to capture the imagination of inveterate audiophiles with its robust build quality, flexible and future-proof feature set — including a serious selection of inputs and outputs — balls-to-the-walls 2 x 250-watt amplifier, and outstanding sound quality. And we haven’t even mentioned its proprietary SoundEngine technology. Reviewer Al Griffin was captivated by the H390’s “clean, highly transparent rendering of recordings and effortlessly dynamic presentation.” This could well be the last integrated amp you’ll ever need. As if that’s not enough, the H390 was also one of our 2019 Top Pick of the Year finalists in the audio separates category.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Clean, dynamic sound
Tank-like build quality
Ample power
Minus
Pricey
Streaming requires wired network connection
Unintuitive setup menu

Full Review Here (posted Nov. 20, 2019)