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
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.