Review sample provided by LAiV Audio
Retail price: USD 994 + VAT (~1.000 Euro in the EU)
Crescendo Range
The Crescendo series represents LAiV’s recently introduced entry-level lineup, designed to make high-end performance more accessible while staying true to their design DNA and engineering philosophy. The Verse DAC was the first product in the new Crescendo range, and the Chorus power amplifier reviewed here is the second.
Chorus is available in a silver and black powder-coated finish
Chorus
The LAiV Crescendo Chorus is a GaN stereo power amplifier with bridge-mono capability. A trickled-down design from the Harmony GaNM, the Chorus saves costs in the right places to bring Gallium Nitride amplification technology to a Crescendo price point.
For instance, Chorus uses a stamped aluminum chassis rather than CNC-machined aluminum, a powder-coated finish rather than an anodized finish, and a 160W power supply compared to GaNM’s 250W supply. Nevertheless, the Chorus still excels in transparency and resolution, thanks to its high-bandwidth frequency response and the inherent advantages of GaN technology. Its compact form makes it a natural fit for both full-size and desktop systems.
Both XLR and RCA inputs are provided. In bridge mono mode, even the RCA input is internally converted to a balanced signal path, enabling a fully differential amplification architecture.
The Chorus can operate in two distinct modes, each optimized for different system configurations and listening priorities.
In stereo mode, Chorus operates as a single-ended amplifier with two independent channels, delivering 50W per channel into 8Ω or 80W per channel into 4Ω. Both XLR (balanced) and RCA (single-ended) inputs are accepted, though the internal amplification remains single-ended regardless of input type. The balanced input offers better THD and SNR performance. This is the plug-and-play configuration for most two-channel systems, offering broad compatibility with virtually any preamplifier or DAC.
Switching to bridge mono mode transforms Chorus into a fully differential, true balanced amplifier. A single input is received and internally converted into a balanced signal, driving both amplifier channels in a bridged configuration to produce 120W of true balanced power into 8Ω and 4Ω, stable into 2Ω, with a maximum instantaneous power of 165W. Even when using the RCA input, the signal is internally converted to a balanced signal path to take full advantage of the fully differential amplification architecture. Overall performance in mono mode is higher than in stereo, with improved noise rejection and dynamic range.
For ultimate performance, pair two Crescendo CHORUS units, each operating in bridge mono mode. In this configuration, each unit takes one channel, converts it to a balanced signal, and delivers 120W of true balanced output. With complete electrical separation between left and right channels, separate power supplies, and separate amplification stages, crosstalk is eliminated entirely.
At the heart of the Crescendo Chorus is Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistor technology, a fundamental advancement over traditional silicon MOSFETs in audio power amplifier design. GaN transistors switch at ultra-fast speeds, translating directly into lower total harmonic distortion, wider audio bandwidth, and higher overall efficiency.
Unlike conventional Class D amplifiers, the GaN power amplifier topology in Chorus achieves its performance without the thermal penalties and signal degradation that often accompany high-power output. The result is an amplifier that runs cooler and occupies less space.
The amplifier features three layers of protection to safeguard both the amplifier and your loudspeakers. Upon startup, the built-in microcontroller runs a full system check before switching into operation mode, verifying that all circuits operate within safe parameters before any audio signal is passed.
DC Offset Protection detects DC offset at the output and disconnects the speaker terminals to prevent driver damage. Over-Current Protection monitors output current and limits the drive to prevent damage during sustained high-level playback. Over-Temperature Protection triggers automatic shutdown if internal temperatures exceed safe thresholds, protecting components and extending service life.
Chorus is engineered for continuous operation, delivering optimal performance and convenience without the need to power cycle between listening sessions. Standby power consumption is under 2W, and idle power sits below 20W, making always-on operation both practical and efficient.
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