There are a bunch of great and entertaining hifi reviewers on RU-vid these days. But no one can describe how something actually sounds like this channel. Congratulations to your new amp combo and another great review 👍
I had the Luck and Honor to try Acoustic Invader Preamp and D/A Converter in my system for a week. Both have remote controls and very good build quality. I must say i am very Impressed by the Sound! Compared to other equipment in that price range these are actually a Bargain! The Constructor is very knowledgeable and also a very nice Person. Wholeheartedly Recommended! 👍
Great review! There's a company here in the US like that called Odyssey. Same sort of deal. Direct to consumer, hand made on demand, high performance and super value. Thanks!
Discovered Odyssey just now due to your comment. They have some promising gear that I'm going to be paying close attention to. Thanks for the reference.
hahahaha - I stared at the video thumbnail for a few seconds until I actually comprehended what was going on: "Acoustic Invader'?! Huh, what now? Oh, it's a pre-amp/amp combo! So guess when it comes to your system, Serbia invaded Norway:) Great review, very interesting product! I love the design on that thing - also made in Serbia - definitely would like to see more of that. One thing Acoustic Invader needs to do: Make the pricing and ordering process more clear on their website - also, they need an SSL cert.
many thanks for the great review of this very intresting pre power amp and the quality looks very good .you do a very good job of explaining the audio spectrum of different electronics .always look forward to your videos .many thanks 🙂🙂🙂
Great review, I'm not surprised that you replace the Hegel. Going from an integrated to pre/power seperates usually makes a big difference especially if the preamp is well made.
We have several very small hi-end audio manufacturers in Bulgaria too. Those small companies usually overdeliver at a fraction of the price ot big brands.
Very good review as usual. It is very impressive KEF LS50 allows to hear differences between amps that cost 2 - 3 times more than them. Very good speakers.
LS50s are insane when it comes to scaling. Many experienced audiophiles mentioned it, but you don't know by how much until you actually feed them with something like this. All that said, I'm working on a DIY replacement that should really be the next step in terms of sound quality.
Terrific review. Another direct distributor brand with an amazing Dac (Aquarius) and speakers (Knight 1) for the price is Musician. Perhaps pairing those up with these Acoustic Invader pre/power amps might deliver a giant slaying total performance!
Well my friend, after repeated viewing of this video and rereads of your article, I have ordered both of these AI pieces. Will try them with my Zu dirty weekend 6 speakers playing in a large room. Zoran should send you a fee for your description and enthusiasm! Just kidding… I will let you know how it works out. I enjoy your channel.
Great review! I used to have the LS50 but now have the Dynaudio Special 40 (used for a nice price) plus the GR Research crossover kit. I hope you try it because the sound is so much better than the LS50. Your reviews are stunning and I have made several purchases based on them.
Thanks! Special 40 looks like a great speaker and I do like Dynaudio in general. I'm currently working on a DIY project called Spirit Wind by Jeff Bagby that uses great Danish drivers. Special attention will be given to the crossover. I hope it will outperform LS50 very clearly.
given your glowing review, I would really like to check it out this hidden gem. Since the company is based in your country, why not do a factory visit and interview the owner?
In your opinion what preamp would fulfill the same qualities as the Acoustic Invader preamp that is readily available here in the US? I would be willing to spend in the $2k range . Thank you
Great and very credible review. Got me so interested that I just ordered the Acoustic Invader preamp today 😊👍 My long term integrated amp has proved “un-upgradable” because it sounds so natural, fast and dynamic - and I think it’s the JFETs in the pream and low feedback. Exactly what AI does on a much higher level than my trusted Sugden Mystro amp.
@@iiWiReviews I really think there is a good chance I will. I have been looking for a good and not-crazy prized JFET-based preamp. Was considering a used Sugden LA-4, but I honestly think Acoustic Invader looks like the better - and better built - design, and it’s also at a price, where I can take the chance on it. Not least based on your thorough review. Thanks again for that. Great review and help since you compare and address to objective reference points, that match my experience. I recognise what you describe about Hegel and typical class D fra NAD etc. I’m now also considering the matching power amp - my only concern is that I’ve never really liked a class D amp. They can sound impressive for 10 minutes, then I get bored - even if it’s 1KW and wrestling big speakers with ease, it’s like Coke Zero to my ears; something essential is missing. But you don’t hear that in this case? I also hear Paul McGovern from PS Audio uses the same ICE 1200as2 class d modules in this power amps, and he’s also sceptical of class d. So I’m considering - and tempted - at the moment 😊
@@franknelissen8041 It is a very good preamp. Fast sounding first and foremost, with excellent flow. If I have to choose between warm and slow and faster and leaner, I will take fast any time. Not that it sounds lean - it dosent. I also tried combining it with an ICE 2000AS2 power module (high power version of 1200AS2) - the same as Acoustic Invader uses - in an other casing and with other connectors etc., but essentially the same circuit. With my speakers at the time - NEAT Iota Xplorer - that ended up sounding a little too dry. Probably also due to the crazy high damping factor of the power amp. For a fully balanced, solid state preamp - if you need such a thing - the Acoustic Invader is an excellent choice. Runs totally quiet, sounds musical, great build, and Goran, the builder, is a great guy and a pleasure to do business with. But it depends what you are looking for. I am looking for music to sound alive, and that, is my best guess, means simple curcuits and low power (SE class A, like the best of Audio Note, although that is crazy expensive and over priced). I have since sold the whole system, and am now having single ended 8w monoblocks and preamp custom built with very linear and fast sounding tubes (GU50 / 6n6P) and top quality components (the fewer components = simplest possible circuits, that are still stable and operating within correct paremeters, the better, is my conslusion after MANY years). New speakers will be Cube Audio Nenuphar v2, full range speakers with no crossover. In such a system, you get even closer to pure and natural sound. Even the best components burn off part of the signal as heat.
Ok, so it's pretty clear your loving your Acoustic Invader preamp. I know it is probably not a fair comparison, but since you review a lot off SMSL and Topping gear, could you make a comparison between your preamp and something like the Topping Pre90? I realize the price difference is huge, however, based on specs alone the Pre90 is supposedly quite the giant killer. Would you say the sound signature would be night and day between the two?
I'm not surprised that your LS50s sounded bigger, more powerful and more detailed when you move up from a 60watt amp. The LS50s need a lot of reserve power to perform properly, because they dip down to 3.2 ohms (which will suck a lot power) and are 85db sensitivity. Even if you are listening at only 30 watts the 3 ohms dips are going to suck close to 100 watts. The LS 50s need a ton of dampening factor to properly control the bass, because everything is happening from the same 5 1/4" single driver. If the bass gets even a little bit sloppy, it destroys the entire sound. A 150watt high current Parasound amp couldn't properly control the bass in the LS50s. When I hooked my LS50s to my Parasound JC1 mono blocks (575 watt 8oms and 1150 watts 4ohms) I was blown away by how well the LS50s performed. The bass and everything else stayed super tight to at least 150watts. I didn't want to blow up my LS50s so I didn't push them any further. I did this test is a very big room and the LS50s were pumping out tight and powerful bass for such a small speaker and in such a big room. I realize people don't listen at 150 watts, but it still matters at lower volumes because none of my decent 150 watt (high current) amps could keep the LS 50s tight at less than half that much power. My other amps can drive my R900s to 150 watts with no problem controlling the speakers. The LS50s need a ton of reserve power and bass control for them to shine their best. Kef uses a 200watt class D amp to drive low frequencies in the wireless version for good reason. The LS 50s are really 4 ohm speakers.
Srboljub, do you think it's pure the combination of the Acoustic Invader pre- and power-amp or is the pre-amp and a power-amp of a different brand also able to produce around the same sound quality? Thanks for your reviews 👍
Another great review. You describe a wonderful picture of the sound stage. From your description, who would not buy these amplifiers? I like the pre-amplifier specifications. I guess it could be used to drive amplified monitor speakers, some of which are bi-amplified for dual driver speakers. It’s great to see some high quality competition for the Chinese amplifiers, which are often made to exacting specifications and can represent good value.
Superb review, my friend (might one ask your name, by the way?). Considering English isn't your first language, all the more astonishing. This is one reason you persuaded me to buy the Earmen Tradutto, which has greatly improved my listening experience. Anyway, your latest description had me salivating and I'm seriously considering the Acoustic Invader preamp -- I already have a class D power amp (XTZ Edge A2-300), with my Audiolab 6000A acting as the preamp. Can you tell me whether in your opinion the sound quality is mainly due to the preamp, the power amp, or some combination of the two? How do you think the preamp would perform with the XTZ (150W/ch into 8 ohms)?
Thanks John! My name is shyly shown in that short intro under the iiWi logo... I don't mention it because it's a mouthful - Srboljub Stojanovic, and it's as difficult to pronounce for westerners as it looks. 😄 I'm very glad to hear you like Tradutto. Regarding Acoustic Invader, I would say that the final sound is definitely the combination of the two. The power amp is very powerful, dynamic, focused, and clean. Preamp adds width, air, and a sense of relaxation to the sound. Also a bit of sparkle in the highs. I haven't heard XTZ Edge yet so not sure how would those combine, to be honest here.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks very much for your reply, Srboljub. incidentally, I still can't find your name anywhere, even under the site logo. Never mind. I looked it up and as far as I've been able to determine, it would be pronounced phonetically as SHR - BOHL- YOOB, which if correct, doesn't sound too hard. I feel as if I've come to know you a little and it seems rude not to use your given name. From what you say about the preamp, it appears it is largely responsible for the underlying sound signature of the combination. I recognize the general contribution of the power amp from my own class D power amp (also ICE powered) -- it adds dynamism, weight and authority to the 6000A without altering its basic sound signature. See Zero Fidelity's review of the A2-300 here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PX6WHAjAHoU.html&ab_channel=ZeroFidelity My Quad S2 speakers are an excellent match, I find. Very probably the Acoustic Invader power amp, being almost three times the cost of mine, and more powerful to boot, would lend even more dynamism/authority/weight, but it might be worthwhile to get the preamp and see how it works out. Could be it would be sufficient for my needs, as I have neighbours to think about! I will mull it over -- I must say, I am very tempted indeed.
I believe you're right about pairing, and which brings what. You're also right about the name pronunciation (it's on that short gray YT intro at the beginning of every video, that says: iiWi Reviews with Srboljub Stojanovic). A shorter nickname I go by is Srba, but even Serbian kids have trouble saying that because of three consonants, rolling R, and only one vowel. 😅 BTW, it's a very old and uncommon name even here, and I'm the youngest person I've ever known having it. 😄
@@iiWiReviews I can't roll my "R"s at all well (I found this out when some Spanish friends tried to get me to pronounce them and fell about laughing when I tried). But apart from that, I can get pretty close. I enjoy your reviews very much and look forward to them a lot. So I think I'll join your Patreon group as I want to help you with the channel. You should be a lot bigger than you currently are and I want to help you get there.
Hello I am Jeffrey La Fond from Trinidad on the next side of the World from you, I like you take on the Topping PA-5 and what you said about the Acoustic Invader units is how you speak about the units is very good NO seals stuff with you very good. I am In Hi Fi some 40 years and just got the Topping Pre90 and D90 / D90SE well all the high prices just when't out the door. Very good. Jeffrey.
It does seem with product reviews on the internet that it is much more feasible for companies to consider the avenue of selling direct. Consumer reviews are a great selling venue!
Welcome to class d power amps, I have been using a Pascal S-Pro2 for many years now and I have never looked back even though I also have a Leak ST-20 tube amp for comparing and heard a lot of class A-B amps. Driven by a tubed pre amp it is difficult within a sane price range to better it. Also there are lower priced 1200 AS2 power amps available I find the 1400 euro price a bit high but I am curious about the pre. Thanks for your thorough review !
Congratulations for your detailed review , I wonder if this preamp will match with my beloved focal solo be6 that was driven until now with a mytek 192dsd dac via XLR or should I go to a pricier bryston or electrocompaniet preamp
Enjoy your reviews and they have helped me in my search for affordable quality hifi products. The acoustic invader is very tempting. Have you considered reviewing Dayens hifi products? Also manufactured in Serbia!
Fun review! God knows how much the import duty and shipping fees would be to the UK 😂 Still - great to know about the manufacturer. One day, maybe… Thanks, as ever, for an engaging review.
Congratulations for your review and your channel iiWi Reviews, they are very informative. Have you heard the Vincent SA 32 preamp? Do you think the Acoustic Invader is better? I can't decide between these two... Best Regards from México...
Immersive. In my case, the amp I settled on was based , in part , by this disposition which allowed the music to move out into the room. My last amp was a bit laid back. Ultimately, both amps are very good sounding for what they are, but my tastes & the tendency of my speakers had me choose an amp that seemed immersive because music moved out from behind the speaker. And both amps were about the same price!
Hello Srboljub, how timbre (bass, treble) regulation can be adjusted for Acoustic Invader (as I see, there is no possibility to do it in preamp? Thanks.
Hi from Ireland, great review as usual. My new towers from Arendal Sound I think need a lot more current and Watts than I'm giving them at the moment and they have mentioned Class D to me. I went searching for acoustic invader and found their site. But could not find prices or contact email to ask a few questions like cost of shipping etc. Keep up the good work, your one of the best out there that I think I can trust.
@@iiWiReviews thanks for that. I try that email now. A word on the pre-amp. If it doesn't sound good until its warmed up for about 4 hours. Can it in your opinion be left of permanently.
Aloha Srboljub! Great review-your descriptions help to create a fantastic impression of what’s possible with the Acoustic Invader gear. I hope you will be reviewing their DAC and phono stage as well ( with comparison to your Denafrips unit). Also eager to hear about the DIY speaker-any hints: open baffle, traditional speaker,etc ? Thanks!
Thanks James! Well, I'm not a good person to test phono stages since I've been a fully digital guy for a decade now. But I guess it is doable to test Ai DAC. As for the speakers, it's a traditional boxed design but a truly high-quality one. It's the project Spirit Wind by Jeff Bagby. He was a well-respected designer with many highly praised speakers. Drivers alone are state of the art and a big chunk of the price, so I'll just make an effort that cross-over and box are up to the challenge.
Well to me talking about comparison (forget the price for a moment) this is totally unfair you are comparing an integrated of only 60 watts RMS with other with 620watts the difference in dynamic headroom is really huge and I assume that's why you hear that big difference . Maybe a fair comparison would be Hegel 290 or 390 , i know you can say the gap price is huge too, but to me this would be a fair comparison talking about power and sound quality , thanks for your review I liked .
I agree about H90, it's definitely not fair but I'm just sharing my own experience thinking it might be of use to someone who's wondering about what this kind of upgrade brings to the table. When it comes to H190 and M32, I find that to be a perfectly fair comparison price-wise... While this kind of power in Hegel preamp and amp combos cost an arm and a leg. The same goes for any big name brand of course.
@@iiWiReviews maybe not only the cost of an arm maybe a kidney or a lung, bur remeber any audiophile could win the lottery and make dreams come true . As i read from other comment now is time to pairing with the proper speakers that can show you all the highlights that you mentioned in a bigger scales of sound. Thanks for yiu response.
@@iiWiReviews the effortless sound that you referred in your review comes from the almost unlimited power reserve of the amp, better dynamic headroom better scale and as I say "big sound".
You're right, and I already have something in the workings... A DIY speaker project from the respected constructor Jeff Bagby. Hope it turns out well. 🤞
Thanks for another great review. I'm very interested in getting this preamp in a few months. I have contacted Goran and he immediately replied with info and a price list.
I'm just about ready to make a purchase and have been considering the Parasound P6 or PS Audio GainCell DAC (out of stock) to go with my Parasound A23+ amp. But I can't get Acoustic Invader out of my mind. I have contacted Goran again and just like before he was very helpful and sent me a new price list. My question is to you think the AI pre will be a good choice even though I won't be using the AI power amp. I have an SMSL SU-9n DAC. Thanks for your thoughts.
Hello. I just watched your review and comparison on the Schiit Freya + and the Acoustic Invader preamp. WOW! Thank you for the review. I was itching to try the Schiit but after listening to your review, I have decide otherwise because some of the qualities you mentioned that you did not like about it will surely be the same I wouldn't like about it, additionally I don't think I want to spend the time and money playing around and tweaking tubes in hunting for better soundstage depth. Yeah, thanks a bunch! Great review! BTW: what are you speakers? And where on Earth do I get this Acoustic Invader? And how much is it, USD?
You can check acousticinvader.com/, there's contact details there. I am not sure about pricing at the moment so best check with Ai. It's a small brand and will personally answer any questions you may have.
Hi Srb, do you know Alpha Audio (Dutch reviewing site) is about as positive about the Hypex Nilau500 DIY power amp (1,500 Euro) as you are about the Acoustic Invader preamp (similar price). It would be great if you could review these working together!
If i buy this combo i guess I should expect significant improvment from my r300 curently with old arcal a19 and ir dac. Would you recomend biwire or single wire is the way ?
Hi Srboljub… Have seen this review several times. Thank you for very informative and analytical review. I have one question for you though. Are you still using this Acoustic invader combo as your reference Stereo system ?
I have been looking for a fully balanced preamp with 2 XLR input. It would be good to compare with Schitt Freya. Acoustic Invader seems to be better built. I wish they had balanced phono preamp as well!
Hi pal .When you said that this firm is located in Serbia ,i recalled the ΚΟRΑΤΟ preamps -power amps that had a jaw dropping performance back in the late 90s.They must be remarkable devices indeed.![judging by the high quality components inside the preamp] If only there was a retailer in Greece to have a listen ? ! keep up the good work and stay safe .
Thanks! Big greetings for Greece! Unfortunately, Acoustic Invader is doing auditions only locally, cause it's a small scale operation. Hope it will grow and maybe implement some sort of return policy that would make it more accessible to everybody. Cheers!
This amps based on Icepower 1200AS2 it something that could be made by everyone at home...you buy the module with under 400$ and put in a box...with added connections and a button...fancy aluminium boxes made by some firms with all included...only to screw the module inside it cost 300$, but you could put the module in a simple box made by you from plexi or wood...minimal cost. I understand that this ice modules sound good but they have a somewhat sintetic sound to them.
Great reviews. Wider soundstage, because of their preamp or power amp? I know you will say combination of both. If I want to get one of those, which one do you recommend?
I didn't do enough testing separately to say with confidence, but connecting Gustard X18 directly to the power amp had great amount of details and focus, while lacking some width and air, and that sense of effortless sound that both amp and preamp provide. So I would say that amp brings power, dynamics, and control... While preamp is most deserving for the big soundstage, air, some tone timbre. I will keep testing them both in different configurations.
How would you compare this combo vs Musical Fidelity M5si? I was planning on getting the Hegel H190, but I found it to be slightly dull and missing the midrange punch and surround that im looking for. Im now interested in the M5si and the Acoustic Invader preamp and amp. Thanks!!
Hi, I followed your recommendation and went for hegel h90 and am very happy with it as i can also use that for HT bypass my receiver signal. As I understand accoustic invader equipment has not ht bypass function, do you recommend me to get the preamp from acoustic invader and use the bypass on hegel so i can get the good from both worlds?
Hello Srbo, I see thatthere is some standard volume atenuator on preamplifier. Isnt it tricky atenuating volume for low levels listening with such powerfull power amp?
Thanks for the awesome review on this product . I ordered both the Acoustc Invader Pre and power amp because of you . But you have not tested their DAC! Is there a reason for that? Because i was thinking of gettin one if it is any good that is.like the Ladder Schumman dac? .Kind regards from Norway
I haven't had a chance to test Ai DAC yet but I've heard it in someone else's system. It sounded like a very good Delta Sigma DAC - great focus and details, but not as rich in timbre as good R2Rs. I can't say more from that experience, but for now I am more confident recommending the ones that I have tested in my own system. I hope you'll enjoy the preamp and amp combo. Don't judge it harshly first few days, preamp needs sometime to settle.
@@iiWiReviews Thanks a lot for taking the time answering me! I was thinking if i bought all three componets from them they maybe would have intergraded better in the system. But i will listen to you and buy the Ladder Schumann or maybe Gustard? Again thanks for anwering!!
@@iiWiReviews really looking forward to that review! Then after that i have the knowledge to choose whether is gonna be a Ladder Schumann or Gustard for my Ai system! Thanks 🙏
If they could get this SQ with an integrated albeit at lower power, and size, that would be great. I don't need a really powerful amp and loud music. Maybe they'll build one, say 60 watts or so?
Well if you want great dynamic and big sound (wide deep soundstage and great dynamics) i think you need at least 100wpc and speakers with 90db/ w. Even with high efficiency speakers as Klipsh you need more dynamuc headroom to better control of the woofer to create a "big sound"
@@luislunacortez1929 An amp with certain speakers can still give good enough dynamics and staging even at relatively low power and sound full, especially in small to medium sized rooms. If you want really load music, then a higher powered amp might be needed. Depends on system synergy and listening habits too.
@@nc3419 i agree I forgot the room factor but if the room is small the soundtsge will be limited by the boundaries , for big and deep soundstage you need space behind the speakers and clearence between them and the walls.
@@luislunacortez1929 Size, placement. position all comes into play. In my room, that little Keces with my Focals astounds me. Just don't need gobs of power.
Just saw this review. Thanks for the info. Can Acoustic Invader ship to the US? I am ready to sell my PS audio gear, not happy with it, I have sent my Stellar Gain Cell DAC back for repair 2 times. Have you tried the pre amp only without the amp with other amplifiers. Is it the Preamp that is delivering the spacious sound stage or the combination of amp and preamp? Thanks for any input
In my opinion preamp is the soul that sets that tonality and big soundstage. Amp is simply very transparent not to impose much of its own, but provides great power and drive. About sales and shipping, best to contact Goran directly at acousticinvader@gmail.com. I know shipping is possible but it is done by DHL or FedEx and expensive. I hate that situation every time I order anything from the US too.
It's difficult to digest for some people but cables and connectors do make a difference. Here, WBT binding posts are used, IeGo gilded IEC, and Duelund internal wiring across the board. I had a chance to hear the same module with different connectors and wires and it does make a noticeable difference. Danny GR research is not lying about that. 🙂
I am considering a Hegel 190 in combo with a set of Monitor audio Platinum 100G3 's ... any hunch on how these would fit wit the AI setup? and what dac would you put un there ? the EVER SOLO ? great reviews ... ( if you mention music or songs, add a 5 second cut? ) . tx :)
WOW! surprising review. Class A/B guy here…always have been more than "stand-off-ish" about the claims associated with Ice Modules. ….I need to know more and hear more opinions I am very impressed with this review and it has weight because of the reviewers experience with gear…And , the Hegel-Dumping is testament! , also the fact that this is coming out of Serbia is very intriguing to a westerner. I remember, Sean at Zero Fidelity waxing poetic about this Serbian Amp that he had had or listened to a few years ago. The maker had disappeared or something…but he talked about it like a girl he had lost and had wanted to find again…I WONDER if this is somehow connected…hmmmm….🤔
I believe Sean talked about the Karan Acoustics. They're still around, but focused mostly on insanely expensive hi-end. Just recently released a 77 000 € reference amp, a Class AB beast. But that's so far from where I'm at... can't even... 😄
@@iiWiReviews OK…thanks for clearing that up…I think the piece Sean was talking about was in a more realistic price range. I really enjoy your channel!
Hello, Could I connect this Accustic Invader power amp directly to the Bluesound Node, without adding the pre amplifier? I am searching for a good power amp to move my Wharfedale Lintons. Seeing Hegel H95 and Audiolab 7000A and 9000A. Thanks!
I just listened to your new review on the Hegel H190. You mentioned this (Acoustic Research) amp combo and I got extremely intrigued. I wrote some comments on that review regarding the Acoustic Research website. This amp combo sounds wonderful but I do wonder how it would sound at low to mid volumes?
Combo itself sounds very good at lower volumes because it has full sound that doesn't feel depleted and thins when you decrease the volume. But this also depends on speakers a lot.
Hold on. Your Serbian? All kidding aside, your figure skating analogy was terrific. Really helped me understand your experience. I am curious if the prices you quoted were what you paid second hand or brand new from Acoustic Invader. Great review. Really enjoyed it.
I'd like that too but it's expensive to get it here with all taxes and everything. Maybe sometimes. Also, I think Acoustic Invader ships worldwide, but yeah...expanses and everything.
I recently swapped a class A/B with an equally priced but considerable more powerful class D Hypex NCore (both products in a much cheaper price bracket than the ones you discuss here), and recognize much of what you say. I guess the A/B amp was slightly underpowered and class D has serious benefits, particularly concerning base and 'soundstage'. I do wonder if you need to pay so much as this for a class D to hear the benefits in base control, etc. You can get affordable, excellent and very powerful class D amps for audiophonics in Europe. Also could it be the Hegel was simply a bit underpowered for your speakers? Finally, what is the added value of putting this expensive pre-amp between your DAC and power amplifier, given all of the excellent DACs with balanced out and volume control you reviewed?
Good points there but even a much more powerful H190 and M32 couldn't really match this one. When it comes to the preamp, I tried several DACs including Gustard X18 directly to the power amp. That sounded good, detailed and focused, but not as wide, effortless, and airy as with the preamp. I can only suppose that the way these DACs do attenuation of the signal is not as good as the preamp is doing it. There are also some other things like impedance matching that could be responsible, but I didn't want to explore it that much. I like having a preamp with multiple inputs anyway, makes testing different DACs easy.
Most of dacs have internal volume chip (component) that are good sounding but I don't know how good they are, If you don't have volume control on your power and your dac don't have volume chip (like my denafrips) I use studio balanced/unbalanced Volume attenuator between the two. But you must be careful about amplifier input impedance because attenuator is 20k. To my opinion preamplifier add coloration to the sound (which may be good if you like it). I think more is less. Preamplifier can artificially beautify sound. I can make analogy for that. When I replaced my old tv Toshiba to newer Sony ,I got Stunning colors very vibrant beautiful no realistic colors,not true to life as I see with my eyes , but fantastic non realistic. And when I tried to adjust colors to be realistic like previous tv I failed. Keep it simpler is better. Most of the good sounding amplifier are simple as can be. Tiode amplifier is simpler and better that push-pull amplifier, Keep it simple less complex as possible. Sound will be more pure and faithful to the source. In the end of the day you choose what you like most.
Thank you again for your great review. I have a denafrips Hestia preamp and denafrips Thallo amp which are very good. I do feel they are a bit slow, but with excellent quality. I though about changing the amplifier alone and stay with the preamp. Do you think that it's OK just to switch the Thallo with acoustic invader amplifier? Did you hear about Kinki studio amplifiers? Thank you again!
I just installed the XTZ Edge A400 ICE amp in my Hades/Thallo setup, it sounds good with the Hades and Ares II. Cannot say it sounds better, just different, in a good way. I'm using the KLH Model 5 speakers.
Excellent review! You mentioned at some stage that you had reviewed, or listened to, the Primare gear. I have Primare preamp Pre30 and the line amp A32. I was thinking to match the line one with the AI preamp. Can you tell me, if you had a chance to hear the Pre30, what is the difference between it and the AI and what do you think about the synergy of the AI and Primare? Many thanks in advance.
Hi, I have heard i22 and i32 but not their separates, so not sure about mixing and matching... If you're from Serbia, Acoustic Invader would probably provide their preamp for testing, no strings attached.
Nice channel, enjoying every video, thank you. One question, regarding the power amp from Acoustic Invaders, how it handles temperatures, I mean does it get hot after 2-3 hours of listening? Thank you
Thanks! It gets warm to the touch but not alarmingly hot. Unlike some ICEpower implementation that use casing only to disipate heat, this amp has an aluminium heatsink inside the unit and plenty of venting openings. I guess that makes a difference.
I really enjoyed your video here. I would like to have know about the warranty & how an Acoustic Invader product is repaired in the event of a failure?
It would have to be sent back to Acoustic Invader for repair. I'm sure that Goran at Acoustic Invader can give more deteils about the warranty if you write him an email.
Unfortunately webpage is old and seriously lacking at this point. Price inquiries and ordering is done by email that is on the website (somewhere) and it is acousticinvader@gmail.com
Excellent review. Thanks. I have H190 paired with Harbeth M30 speakers and Pontus 2 DAC. In low level listening it lacks the power in the mid range and details. I believe Harbeth can do much beef. I usually listen to 80% of vocals and acoustic music. Thinking of upgrading to H390 if I have the budget. What is your opinion on replacing H190 with Acoustic Invader combo ? So far i didn’t like the class D sound due to its usual thinner mid range with other brands. Are you in a position to put some sound demo clips with acoustic combo and H190/90?
Thanks! I was initially planning on moving to H190 myself so a friend brought it to my place and we compared them directly in my system. To my ears, Acoustic Invader sounded fuller and more present in the midrange with simply more palpable sounds, which is opposite of my previous experiences with class D. Music just sounds more life-like. So I purchase these instead, and that friend is thinking about doing the same. The only thinness and lack of richness I can hear happens when the preamp is disconnected from the mains and gets cold completely... On the next power up it needs 4+ hours to get to its usual rich tonality. This doesn't come up in normal use but just wanted to say that no critical listening should take place in those first few hours after connecting it in the system cold. Personally, I haven't heard H390 and can't comment on it, but another owner of this preamp/amp combo told me he did actually compare it to those and still preferred Acoustic Invader. By the way, very nice rig. I'm also contemplating upgrading to Pontus II sometime when my budget recovers from this and the new speakers that are in the making. Cheers!
@@iiWiReviews I was using LS50 meta with Audiolab pre and Orelle power (Orelle brand no longer exists and taken over by Naim around late 1990) was very happy with the combo. Unfortunately, with the transformer hum, I misjudged as a fault and replaced with H190. I believe Orelle had much higher current (but only 75W at 8ohms) and was a better match compared to H190. But H190 has a cleaner background. Then I have replaced LS50 with Harbeth M30 XD and I have no words to explain how good these Hrabeth speakers are. With the lack of midrange energy in H190 I should change my amp when I have sufficient budget for an upgrade. I am reluctant to invest on class D amp until I am convinced that it can match at least to a class A/B amp. With the pricing, even I sell my H190, I should be able to get acoustic pre/power combo. It is hard to find any one in Australia for a sound comparison. Not sure you have any plan to have some demo clips in the future for comparing acoustic combo with H190. All the best for your new project building speakers. After changing my speaker cables from AQ rocket 88 to Ramm Audio AMADEUS-5 MK2 SPEAKER CABLE, I was able to achieve much of the midrange but still lacking the energy, i believe due to the less peak current availability on H190. This speaker cable is highly recommended.
Cijena tog icepower modula je oko 500eura, kutija se napravi za max 200 eura, znači pojačalo u izradi košta oko 700 eura, a drugih 700 je zarada što i nije tako malo. Možda ipak bolje od brendiranih komercijalnih pojačala.
Verovatno i nešto više uzevši u obzir WBT konektore, IeGO utičnicu, Duelund ožičenje... Ali svakako, praviti nešto sam je uvek najjeftinije, barem što se novca tiče. Kad god se upustim u nekakav DIY, obično mi potroši više vremena i živaca nego što sam očekivao. A neretko i planirani budžet probijem. 😄
I am curious about the preamp in particular, but also the power amp, so they can be used in balanced mode. I emailed Acoustic Invader, and Goran replied promptly - he sent me a price list, and says that shipping to the USA would cost between about 260 euros and 350 euros; depending on the unit.
Hi I got to this review rather late. Very interested in this type of company. Your earlier reviews have lead me to purchase the Hidizs S9 Pro and the Verum headphones. You were spot on with these items so I have no reason to doubt that Acoustic Invader is another gem. However I'm on a different path at the moment. I'm waiting on the Brooklyn Bridge II Roon by Mytek. Have you listened to Mytek products and if so how do they compare to Acoustic Invader. I realise that only general comments can be made as you may have no products to specifically compare. Once again a great review
Thank you a lot. Great review. I am asking myself if the power amp would sound as great with another, cheaper (Smls ?) Preamp. Regards and again, thank you a lot. It's a pleasure to listen to your thoughts.
In that case, most would depend on the quality of that preamp. You know that one - the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. For example, I've tried this amp hooked directly to the Gustard X18 DAC (which has volume control) and while the sound was more than OK with plenty of punch and details... But it lacks width and airiness compared to using this preamp. Considering that you do save money that way it might be an OK compromise really, but it can't fully match the high quality preamp. As always, I'll keep testing and searching for more affordable gems out there.
You ought to to have a reference amp which you compare all new amplifiers to. I would recommend you to get a Job 225 as they are not made any more but there are not many if any that beats it.
I was thinking about to buz atoll in100 or unico primo. But it seems that money will go for this preamp. However I am thinking about to seve some bug and buy some secon hand poweramp. If any sugestions from anybody I will be happy....There are a lot NADs,....could by known sterility of nad be coused by its power section or it is more likely its preamp (refering to M32)?
Finally I am impressed, now could there be a tube preamp out there that is worthy of partnering with this amp, or maybe Acoustic Invader should make one.
Ai is not making tube preamps but this JFET from the video is actually aimed to achieve some good aspects of tubes like big holographic soundstage and smooth sound. He knew what he was doing in my opinion.
@@iiWiReviews From your description of AI preamp, it would seem that it sets the benchmark for preamps both solid state and tube, and as the Schiit failed to surpass, my question was, is there perhaps other tube preamps in this price range that can equal or surpass the AI preamps stellar performance and work well with his power amp, there is perhaps another contender, the Musical Paradise MP-701 mk2 tube preamp from Canada at $720, it looks better build quality than that Schiit, I would very much like your opinion on this one partnered with AI's power amp, thanks.
@@pounceonyou1958 It might be a very good match but I haven't tried it so I could only guess at this point.. BTW, even though I didn't like Freya+ more personally, with some nice NOS tubes it is also a really good match in my opinion. Especially for US based buyers that can get it at advertised price.
