All-LAiV System
Now that I had a solid understanding of the GaNM’s performance, it was time to evaluate the entire LAiV system, which includes the uDDC, Harmony DAC, HP2A preamp, and GaNM amplifiers.
At a total cost of approximately 12,000 Euros, this is not a trivial investment. However, considering that renowned reference components can often cost two to three times as much each, this perspective alters the perceived cost of the system.
Of course, the question remains: how does the complete LAiV system perform?
I’ll admit that I totally skewed the affordability again by using the Antipodes Oladra Music Server as a source. Then again, I also use it for the big reference system. Among this server’s many abilities is the presence of an I2S output, which is ideal for the Harmony uDDC and Harmony DAC.
I’ve been waxing lyrical about the GaNMs in this review, but regular readers will already know I am equally impressed with all other LAiV components. And with that in mind, all these components combined should logically lead to a great combined result. The reality is that using individually great-sounding components does not guarantee great synergy. With these LAiV components, however, it most definitely does!
The LAiV components work together to deliver a vivid, expressive, and engaging performance that is uniformly neutral, coherent, upbeat, and convincingly realistic in timbre and texture. The system sounds so well-balanced that it is hard to come up with any criticism. But if I had to single out one area that could divide opinion, it is that it is very revealing and does not romanticize the sound. There is no added body, bloom, richness, or warmth. This is an incredibly neutral system that will let you hear precisely what cables you use and what is in the recordings.
Conclusion
The GaNM amplifiers have impressed me deeply. Not only are they the best Class-D amplifiers I’ve heard, but they are also among the highest performing amplifiers I’ve heard in a league well beyond double their price point, regardless of technology.
These gorgeous little amplifiers are also musical omnivores, performing equally well with any music genre. Whether playing intimate soul, hard-hitting rock, dark blues, fast-paced electronic music, or small ensemble acoustic performances, the GaNMs simply deliver the acoustic realism and emotional intent with great fidelity.
Forget prejudice against Class-D: with the GaNMs, it’s no longer a matter of accepting a technically impressive performance that lacks musicality and emotional depth.
The LAiV GaNMs present a sizable slice of the true reference performance in a gorgeous enclosure, at an attainable price.
In fact, I liked these little beauties so much, that I made them a permanent part of the system. This means that they are not only Highly Recommended, but also HFA Favorites.
External Links
Manufacturer: LAiV Audio
Hi Christian, Thanks for another very interesting review. I have 2 Nuprime amg sta power amps. I’m considerihg upgrading to the SE version you also reviewed. I was wondering how these compare to the LAiV GaNM power amps. You discuss the Nuprime sta-10 but not these. Would be interesting to hear if the LAiV GaNM would be a significant further upgrade.
Hi Marcel, I still have the ST-10, which allowed me to do a one on one comparison. I no longer have the AMG-STA, and only had the AMG-STA SE temporarily for review. Thus, I cannot make any valid comparisons with these models and the GaNMs. I trust you read my AMG-STA SE review? It should tell you all there is to know to decide whether the upgrade is for you. In a nutshell, the AMG-STA SE upgrade adds body and tonal saturation to the AMG-STA, addressing the AMG-STA’s slight leanness, while introducing more lushness and warmth. NuPrime has always had a unique sound and none of their amplifiers sound like the LAiV GaNMs. For their purity, neutrality, and crisp energetic performance, the GaNMs are my current favorite attainably priced amplifiers. But whether that means they are also “better” for you, is something only you can decide. Basically, the decision is between a warm, smooth, fluid, and organic presentation (AMG-STA SE) versus one that is cleaner, crisper, purer, more open, and more transparent (LAiV).
Very nice review. Hard to believe that these amps bettered the Mola Mola Perca! Horses for courses!
They do not better the Perca altogether, but in certain areas, they do. And vice versa. Overall, they are on the same level, but quite different. So, indeed, horses for courses! 🙂
Well said!
I enjoyed the review very much, especially the part concerning the Centaurs.
Having the same speakers in my system brought extra meaning to the review. What I’m trying to find out is how well the GANM’s interfaced with your preamp, most specifically their sensitivity of 1.4V seems like a lower than normal value for full power.
Hi Mike, the Centaurs remain special, don’t they, even after all those years! I find that, in reality, the specified input sensitivity is relative. In this case, the GaNMs sound 2-3 dB louder than the CH A1.5 when driven from the same CH L1 preamp. And the amplifiers go way beyond loud enough, even with the low-ish sensitivity Centaurs. I find that I don’t even reach beyond half their volume scale, before my ears start protesting. So, I wouldn’t worry:-)
What my concern is quite the opposite.
My preamp sounds best in the 1-2 o’clock position but that’s way too loud with my DAC in its fixed output position. So I drop the digital volume control about -25db yet anything more than that takes away something. (According to the Centaurs)
Hi Christian, can you briefly compare Laiv Harmony to the previously reviewed Audio GD monoblocks (Master 2H). Are there any major differences between them or do they play at more or less the same level?
Hi Wojciech, the AGD monos, that was quite a while ago, in a less ideal room, making it hard for me to compare them in my head to the LAiV GaNMs. All I can say is that they have a similar neutral character/non-character, and both are lively and direct. Beyond that, I’d have to hear them side by side.