Niels setup – JBL 250ti Jubilee
While 250/500/1000 Watts is a good indicator of an amplifier’s stability and power, there’s nothing quite like an actual test. My own speakers are not very efficient but neither are they extremely hard to drive. That’s why I decided to haul the mono monsters to audio buddy Niels’ place to try them with a pair of Magico Q5’s. Niels is in the fortunate position to own more than a single pair of speakers and he likes to swap them around. Right now, he has the JBL 250ti Jubilee set up instead of the Magicos. So, it made sense to first try the Master 2H’s with these speakers.
After having listened to the JBLs using a Zanden 6000 integrated tube amp with newly placed tubes (which admittedly need some running in) both using the 6000 as a power amp along with the Spectral DMC-30SV preamp and straight from the Zanden 5000 Signature DAC using the 6000 as an integrated amplifier, the Audio GD amplifiers again sound remarkably good. Even though they were switched on only moments ago, the sound is immediately free-flowing and lyrical but also superbly tight, articulate, open and dynamic. We simply could not find fault with these amps’ delivery. I have heard many amps in this setup, and so far, have always preferred the Soulution 711 but in some ways, I think I now preferred the Audio GD’s. While the 711 has richer and deeper textures and even more solid bass, the treble is its weaker area and it is here where the Master 2H’s sound more fluid and organic. I almost don’t dare write it but, especially when coming from the Zanden, the Audio GD’s were remarkably non-transistor-y. It’s not that we were tricked into hearing the Zanden or any tube amp for that matter but that the Audio GD’s consistently seem to have no sound of their own and just mold themselves to the music.
Niels setup – Magico Q5
Since the JBLs have been set up meticulously and Niels has not yet found a reliable method to record their precise precision, what with their angled and curved cabinets, we decided to leave them where they were and place the Magicos side by side. With close to 180 KGs per speaker, this was remarkably easy to do thanks to the castor wheels that Niels fitted prior to moving them out of the way to install the JBL’s.
Switching from the JBLs to the Q5’s positioned on the outside, the imaging and focus were severely hampered so we moved them to in between the JBLs. Considering that this was still far from the perfect position, that was really not bad at all. Since I already knew from my own tests how good the M2Hs are in terms of imaging, this test in Niels’ system was mostly just to see how well the Audio GD amps would drive these speakers.
With a nominal impedance of 4 ohms the Q5’s may not seem all that difficult until you realize that they have minimum values of 2.8 ohms at 40kHz, 2.75 ohms at 56Hz and 3 ohms at 200Hz, along with the kind of phase changes that bring most amplifiers to their knees, and that includes the 711 if pushed hard enough.
Well, not the M2H’s! They drove the Q5’s with full confidence while sounding utterly neutral, linear, even-handed and highly refined while doing so. And, again, there was not the slightest hint of grain of smear. If there is any edginess in an amplifier, the Q5’s will let you know about it, but just as with the JBLs, we simply could not identify a single area where we could fault the amplifiers. Grinningly, I asked Niels if he could locate his torture tracks, the ones that make even his mighty Soulution 711 run out of steam eventually when played loudly enough. I handed him the remote control and prepared for the worst, only for the music to become louder and louder and louder until the woofers were hammering my chest and I started fearing for getting hearing damage. Not that there was ever any edginess or hardness, the treble simply remained pure and clean. No matter what we played or how loudly we played, these amplifiers simply did not cave in. But after 1 or 2 minutes I asked Niels to turn it down because it was just too much for me. At that point, I felt like I had been in a roller coaster thrill ride and needed some time to catch my breath.
Conclusion
The Master 1 preamp majors on neutrality, dynamic expression and transparency with a natural, uncolored tonality which makes it an excellent tool to judge other components with. From using and reviewing extremely high-end components I am used to high levels of transparency but to hear a 1400-euro preamp perform on a level so close to the best I have heard is truly impressive. Because it so craftily combines analysis and neutrality with musicality and emotional involvement the Master 1 is one of my all-time favorite preamps. I won’t say that it equals the absolute best I have heard at any cost and in every aspect but it is easily the most neutral and most engaging preamp I’ve heard in the sub-10.000-euro category. And even beyond that, it equals or even outperforms some contenders in certain aspects.
Like the Master 1, the Master 2H mono amplifiers amplify the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Also, like the Master 1, they combine their truthfulness with a very high level of refinement, fluidity and finesse to make for a performance that is not only spectacularly neutral but also highly natural, rhythmically infectious and hugely involving. That these amps also manage to drive the difficult to drive Magico Q5’s with a combination of iron fist-like grip and organic fluidity and no hardness ever, no matter how loud you play, is nothing short of amazing. At 4100 euros, the Master 2H’s must be the absolute best transistor amps that this amount of money can buy. Moreover, they are the best amps I’ve heard below the arm-and-leg price category of CH Precision, Analog Domain and Soulution.
I have to confess to liking the Audio GD system so much that I continue listening to it, even long after completing my assessments. This indicates just how very well-designed the Audio GD components are. I absolutely love the CH components for many reasons but if I am being totally honest, I think I could also live with the Audio GD system very happily. Their no-frills, highly neutral yet unbridledly enthusiastic and expressive sound simply never bores.
(Master 1)
(Master 2H)
External Links
Audio-GD Reseller (including service and repair) for Europe: Magna Hifi
Manufacturer: Audio GD
Read Also:
Audio GD R8 DAC, Master 1 preamp, Master 3 power amp, and Magna Hifi ACSS cables
Hello Christiaan,
This sounds almost too good to be true. But even if it is up to the level you describe I guess sales will not be skyrocketing due to the fact it is a “no-name” Chinese brand. Far too few people buy HiFi components with sound performance as the most important criteria.
In the wrap-up you mention Analog Domain. We have previously exchanged comments about the Analog Domain’s M75D. Which I think has one of the best midrange texture and tonality I have heard in a transistor amp. In the Analog Domain I was lacking a tad of openness in the highs and was craving for a little more fullness and power in the bass. I felt the M75D was very controlled in the bass, but to a degree so the lower octaves almost gave a lean impression.
Can you from your sound memory please give some comparative description between the Analog Domain and the reviewed Audio GD?
I also get curious to what the Audio-GD – MASTER 1 Vacuum Valve – Tube preamplifier can bring to the table? Or the Audio-GD – Vacuum Valve HE1 – Regenerative PSU Tube Preamplifier.
I get however a little hesitant when I look at the product portfolio of Audio GD. There is an overwhelming number of products choices. Has enough time and effort been devoted to each one, is quantity more important than quality? Why not devote and refine a smaller portfolio, I think this alone will have many audiophiles look elsewhere. Thanks for another well written review, keep it up.
/ Per
Hi Per, I fully understand. It DOES sound too good to be true but I promise, their sound is as I described:-) And it’s not only me who thinks so, but my friends and even fellow reviewers also agree. I also understand what you’re saying about many people’s motivation for purchasing hi-fi. Well, perhaps my review won’t take away too many sales from the big Swiss brands but at least it gives people who are shopping at around the 4K-mark a very serious option to contemplate. As far as I am concerned these amps have no competition at their price point and are still competitive far beyond that.
I can follow your comments regarding the AD amp and I feel the same way, which is why I ultimately did not buy the amp. Although I cannot compare them directly now, my feeling is that the Audio GD components have a very similar midrange texture as the Analog Domain M75 while indeed offering a more open and airy treble. With regards to the bass, I’m not 100% sure without a direct comparison but I would say it is at least on par with the AD and likely more solid.
An audio buddy has the M75 integrated, if I make a move with the M2H’s myself and I can convince him to bring it along then I will make a follow-up review. I understand your concern regarding their vast portfolio but all their products so far have been excellent. I can’t speak for other countries but in the Netherlands, they are represented by a very hands-on and trustworthy distributor (Magna Hifi) which should help install confidence. The brand certainly has my interest and I may indeed conduct more reviews in the near future.
Thank you very much for your quick and informative answer. The reason why I find your reviews more interesting than a lot of other reviewers’ is that you generally test your review product in several different setups and you give references to other products so I can sometimes put it in relation to products I myself have hands on experience with. And you don’t always praise the latest review with “the best I have heard”, which is otherwise far too common in the industry. We need some people that are not too afraid of actually expressing a well informed and honest opinion. Sure people do have different preferences which complicates matters but I have very little or no respect for reviewers that are saying everything is the best. They may please the sponsors in the short run but loose serious readers in the long run. We need more reviewers with integrity. Could you perhaps get a comment on the tube pre amps from the guys at Magna HiFi? Do they have any experience you can relay?
Hi Per, thanks for the positive feedback:-) I can only comment on what I have heard myself and, alas, I don’t have any experience with Audio GD tube componenents yet.
Hi Christiaan, I wanted to let you know that I purchased the Master 2H monos after reading your review. They are replacing a McIntosh MC402 amplifier. I totally agree with your review and wanted to ask if you have heard or are planning to review the Audio-GD Vacuum HE1 XLR?
Hi James, congrats! And nice to read that you hear it the same way:-) Alas, there are no plans as of yet to review any other AGD gear.
Being so close to Sweden, you could try the Hulgich Duke speakers, they are Kingwa’s reference speakers and they were voiced with a R8, Master 1 and Master 2H (same as what you have) I think you’d be surprised how well they perform for the price. You can contact Göran Niréus at Audio Excite, they are in Stockholm.
Hi Jia, I’ll keep it in mind.
For me, it’s always a pleasure to read reviews of Audio-GD products, especially when compared to other – high-priced – products.
I own a Master 3 amp and a HE1 preamp.
I wonder if the Audio-GD regenerated power supply preamplifiers will be tested?
HE1 or Vacuum valve HE1?
I didn’t have a chance to compare Master 1 and HE1, but many people think there’s a big difference in favor of HE1.
Hi Nandor, Indeed, supposedly the regenerative PS makes a big difference. ATM I’ve not planned to review the HE1 or Vacuum HE1 but you never know:-)
Another suggestion, when placing the monoblocks on wooden floors, best to place them higher as they’re are prone to failures from condensation.
Good tip, thanks. In my case that will not be an issue though as it’s a well-isolated, moisture-free apartment that is pretty much always 20 degrees celsius at minimum.
Plans on reviewing his new XA150 ?
No plans for that ATM.
Great review. I am currently using the R7HE, Master 11S and Master 2H monoblocks driving Verity Leonore, ATC SCM 19 and Raidho C3.1.
The most impressive Audiogd component in my system is actually the Master 2H. Never once have i felt that the amp is running out of steam driving these speakers. i would dare say the weak link in my system are my speakers rather than the Master 2H. the value that they offer are seriously out of this world. in the last few year, i had the opportunity to test out several amps such as Accuphase, Jeff Rowland, Audio Research, Pass Lab (Aleph 0 mono) and YBA but none of these really gave a real world advantage in comparison to the Master 2H. This amp is truly a keeper.
Thank you for the response, Christiaan. Based on the positive comments that I’ve gotten from several Vacuum HE1 XLR owners, I purchased one and it should be shipped at the end of the week. I’ll let you know my impressions when I get it run in.
I am looking for some new monoblocks to try. The AGD M2H has to be one of the better value/performance propositions out there. The AGD HE-2 MK2 is a fair bit more money I cant help but wonder how the 2 AGD amps compare to eachother. I can only assume the HE-2 MK2 must be one hell of an amp.
Alas, I’ve not heard the HE-2 Mk2’s.
Dear Christiaan,
Kinki Studio has received a lot of press and reviews lately.
You reviewed the Kinki Studio EX M-1 back in 2018 and the Audio GD Master 2H Mono Power Amplifiers two years later. I guess you may not have heard the Kinki Studio’s EX B7 mono blocks.
I know I’m out on a thin limb now, but do you have a lasting sonic character impression of Kinki vs. Audio GD from your reviews?
Best regards,
Per
Hi Per, indeed, I have not heard the Kinki Monos. I do have a strong memory of the integrated’s sound and it is very different from the M2H’s. The former is robust, lively and forward and a little rough, the latter is extremely linear and even-handed and more refined, while still very expressive but not rough. However, do note that the Kinki mono’s are said to sound warmer and sweeter than the integrated that I reviewed.
Hello! Very interesting information. Thanks.
After some years from this review, any comment about preamp Audio GD HE1 – SolidState?
Thank you
Alas, I haven’t heard the AGD HE1.