Other Speakers
To make sure I’m not favoring a certain amplifier-speaker match, I also tried a range of other speakers. First, the Driade Premium Model 9 monitors. As it turned out, these speakers behave the same as the Apogees. Refinement and resolution are again notably strong areas, while the speakers sound rhythmically propulsive and dynamically lively. The GaNMs do provide an even more hard-kicking, down-to-the-bone funky/rockin’ sound than the Chorus duo, but the Driades are so inherently lively that I don’t feel I’m missing out with the Chorus pair.
The Apertura Armonia Evolutions’ ribbon tweeters share a few sonic properties with the Apogees, such as very high resolution and transparency. As with the Duettas, the treble is again very good. It’s open and airy, yet fluid, refined, and delicate, and absolutely in no way reminiscent of early Class-D. The Armonia Evos are lusher and more relaxed than the Duettas, resulting in a slightly mellower and laid-back overall presentation when paired with the Chorus amplifiers. Here, the GaNMs provide a more energetic, exciting, and communicative presentation.
The big Apertura Adamante has higher efficiency and a spicier, more direct midrange, and it pairs particularly well with the sophistication of the Chorus amplifiers. Although these speakers deserve a much larger amplification budget, there really is remarkably little to criticize about the Chorus’ behavior. Even the timbre sounds pretty natural in this combination.
Most importantly, the amplifiers perform consistently across all four speakers. The balance doesn’t change, and there’s never a feeling that they lack power. On paper, they may be less powerful than the GaNMs, but aside from the established differences in character that may or may not tie in with this, I don’t notice a lack of power. For my listening habits, it seems that 120 Watts is sufficient.
Conclusion
When used in stereo mode, the Chorus delivers a remarkably sophisticated sound. It’s detailed and transparent, yet fluid, subtly warm, and highly refined, with delicate, airy treble. When using two Chorus amplifiers in Bridged mono mode, all the refinement and sophistication is retained, with increased solidity, drive, expression, and dynamics.
The Chorus, whether a single unit in Stereo Mode or two units in Bridged Mono mode, pairs perfectly with the same-size, similarly-sounding, and equally affordable Verse DAC/Preamp. The level of sound quality achieved by this unassuming duo or trio is remarkable, especially given the components’ miniature size.
While a single Chorus offers great value, I suggest purchasing two and using them in Bridge Mode if your budget allows. Even at double the cost, they remain a cost-effective alternative to the LAiV GaNMs.
External Links
Manufacturer: LAiV Audio
