Audiophilepure

https://www.hifinews.com/content/audio-research-ls-2s-200-prepower-amplifiers

If you’re looking for maximum impact amplifiers, with the excitement dialled up to 11, you won’t go far wrong here. The no-frills approach, flexibility of the LS-2 with those plug-in options, massive power of the S-200 and the purposeful styling will also all appeal. But there’s a nagging doubt that these amps sometimes try too hard, meaning care with partnering components may be needed to tame them a little.

https://www.headfonia.com/laiv-crescendo-verse-review/

Over the course of the past weeks, I used the LAiV Crescendo Verse mostly at work in the office and at home. It was placed as a standalone DAC/Amp using an array of different IEMs and headphones. I used the FIR Audio Radon 6 and Project K, as well as the Volk Audio Étoile, 64 Audio Fourté Noir and Noble Audio Kronos. At home I hooked up the HiFiMAN Arya Unveiled and Susvara, next to the Nur Headphones Harmonia.

The Verse did not have issues driving any of the above IEMs or headphones, with the only exception being the Susvara. While it gets loud enough, it misses proper grip to unleash Susvara’s full potential. But honestly, you cannot blame the Verse here. Susvara is a beast to drive right.

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I enjoyed my time having the AVM AS 5.3 Integrated Streaming Amplifier in my media room. Besides its good looks, it was easy to use and sounded musically lush and detailed. It is not inexpensive, but it is a high-resolution streamer, a powerful amplifier, a tube pre-amp, and can breathe new life into your CD and LP collections. Purchasing separate components would also cost you some coin, but the AS 5.3 does it all in a small, compact powerhouse. It is well designed and flexible enough to control all your musical needs. The App is more than an afterthought and was intuitive and functional. The Cellini Chrome finish was just icing on the sonic cake. I still like my all-analog Musical Fidelity, but if I had vinyl or digital devices, I’d consider the AVM AS 5.3 as a lifetime component.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/burmester-232-classic-line-integrated-amplifier

Examining the bottom of the unit, I discovered thin felt pads rather than dedicated footers. Since I hadn’t yet received a link to an online manual or conducted technical interviews, I checked with Norm Steinke, Burmester’s US sales manager, to see if he objected to me trying aftermarket supports. Once he gave the okay, it took all of 15 minutes to learn how much better the unit sounded when supported by Wilson Pedestals. “Dramatically quieter backgrounds,” I scribbled in my characteristically hideous handwriting. “A HUGE improvement. Everything seems louder because it stands out more against a blacker background.” Bass was strong and excellent from the get-go, but now it sounded even more controlled. I urge prospective owners to explore different support options and to use whatever works best for their sound and wallet.