Review sample provided by LAiV Audio
Retail prices:
4.494 USD per pair + VAT (5.129 Euro in EU)
Singapore-based manufacturer LAiV is on a roll!
In September of last year, the company announced a complete product line as part of the Harmony range. With the recent release of the GaNM mono power amplifiers, all announced products are now available, except for the NET2 streamer.
Harmony Range
The complete Harmony range consists of the Harmony DAC, HP2A Preamp/Headphone Amp, LExt IN2 Input Extension Interface, LExt Phono Input Extension Interface (not reviewed), uDDC D-D Reclocker, uDAC, and GanM Mono Power Amplifiers (the subject of this review). The final pending introduction is for the Net 2 Streamer, which is scheduled for Q3 2025.
In this review, I will cover the GaNM mono power amplifiers.
GaNM Description
The Harmony GaNM mono amplifiers have been designed to perfectly complement the rest of the Harmony Series with a matching footprint, sleek form factor, and cohesive aesthetic with top-panel dimples in matching positions for footers for a cleverly stackable setup.
Like all other products of the Harmony range, the GaNM monos’ enclosures have been CNC-milled out of aerospace-grade aluminum.
As the name implies, the Harmony GaNM amplifiers have GaN (Gallium Nitride) Technology at their core. This technology uses Next-Gen GaN transistors to deliver exceptional speed, efficiency, and sonic purity. Unlike traditional silicon-based designs, GaN transistors switch faster, with lower losses and significantly reduced distortion. GaN also leads to improved power efficiency, which translates into lower thermal stress and enables a compact form factor.
The Harmony GaNM has a fully balanced architecture, meaning both the input and output stages operate symmetrically with completely isolated signal paths for the positive and negative phases, ensuring that common-mode noise is effectively canceled.
With 200 watts of clean, high-current power per channel into 8 ohms, the Harmony GaNM is said to provide ample headroom to drive even demanding speakers with precision and authority.
The custom-made, ultra-low noise Switched Power Supply is specifically engineered for audio purposes, implementing the NXP TEA2017AAT controller that integrates PFC (Power Factor Correction) and LLC resonant topology into a compact package. This level of integration reduces the number of external components while enabling cleaner and more efficient energy conversion.
To ensure maximum reliability, the power supply features premium components such as Infineon Silicon Carbide CoolSiC MOSFETs, known for their high switching efficiency, low on-resistance, and extended lifespan. Complementing these are Rubycon electrolytic capacitors from Japan, chosen for their excellent temperature stability and longevity.
The power supply supports a broad voltage input (90–264VAC) for global compatibility and meets stringent EMI standards suitable for medical-grade applications. With its fanless, high-density design and ripple-suppression capabilities, the supply guarantees quiet operation and superior electromagnetic compatibility.
Robust Protection Circuitry guards from over-voltage and over-current protection to input undervoltage and surge shielding, and ensures safe operation under any condition.
At the front, the user can choose between different modes for the dimmable OLED display. One can choose between an elegant level display, the LAiV logo, or a switched-off display, in which case an elegantly small and suitably dimmed white or red LED still shows the power status. Lastly, the displays can be used to make a range of user settings, such as display brightness, auto-dim, power meter range, and the option to perform a firmware update via a micro SD card that can be inserted in a slot on the bottom.
As firmware updates go, it’s one thing to offer the option, but quite another to actually release updates. In this case, I can confirm that LAiV proactively supplies updates, as I received an update to the power meter range to provide visually engaging meter movements even at low listening levels. The update process is easy-peasy and done in seconds.
The left and right corners provide switchable left and right channel LED indicators to quickly identify left and right monoblocks in multi-unit setups. If desired, the indicators can also be switched off via a switch on the back.
Also on the back, a 12V trigger input and output allow synchronized power control for a streamlined listening experience.
Next: Review Context and Listening with Driade and Magico
