Lavardin is reference integrated amplifier

One of my last real jobs in audio was to let down what would become Lavardin. I was working lavardin is reference integrated amplifier a well-known audio retailer at the time, and we already had more than our fair share of amplifiers. Although we were always interested in new designs, the chances of the store taking on a new brand both new to the store and new to audio were limited.

You know - the feeling that you've been somewhere, or done something before? Well it does happen, and it's just happened to me, in the shape of a slightly average looking amplifier that relatively recently redefined my hi-fi quality parameters, set my ears alight, and completely convinced me that I would never, ever, find any amplifier that could out-perform it. Rule 1: Never say never! From this review, you would - quite correctly - have got the impression that, as far as I was concerned, the IS integrated was undoubtedly the finest 30 Watt amp known to man, and that it was significantly better than sliced bread - or unsliced, or toasted! I was content that, at last, I had discovered the audio Holy Grail, and all was well with the hi-fi world! The only problem with it was that I eventually had to give it back. I did put up a hell of a fight though, and it took four of them to Wrest it from my grasp.

Lavardin is reference integrated amplifier

If we look closely, it turns out that there is really no such thing as "lineup" in their case. At least if by lineup one understands the ordered, structured logically fitting to different price shelves set of devices, then only medium and large size manufacturers are able to plan the lineup and refresh it on regular basis. On the one hand, new devices appear spontaneously when the designer - usually the owner at the same time - prepares something that can be called a "new" and at the same time "satisfying" his expectations product. In such a case, we are offered something really new and well-thought-through. This is an advantage that I would call "personal". But there is also the other side of the coin. The bigger manufacturers can do more - it's a truism, but it perfectly shows the importance of the so-called "large scale". Purchasing a larger number of components of a certain kind a given manufacturer is able to negotiate a much better price for them. As a result they constitute a much smaller percentage of the costs of a given device. This is an advantage which we must naturally call a "scale". No wonder that the Lavardin company, which we are talking about this time, does not hurry with new products. It is small, so it can't use the effect of a scale, nor is the brand known to the mass customer, so it is not compelled to regularly refresh the offer. Partially for this reason, the previous IT amplifier has evolved extremely slowly - the basic model was created in , the color of the knobs was changed in , and in the input circuit was improved and the recording output was added. Version with these modifications was given the name 2K5.

A perfectly made system with excellent components inside and good quality connectors outside. Never has an amplifier done so much at such an affordable price, for music and for the pleasure of the listener.

Model ISx Reference Red edition optional. Its exacting circuits and power supply receive special upgrades in order to further allow the fantastic potential of our low memory technology to come to fruition. The power output remains the same as for the Model ISx, but micro-dynamics and resolution are increased to allow greater expression of the feeling and intention of the music. Thus also the sound stage is wider, detail is sharper and the presentation is more mature, even if the sound balance remains respectfully neutral as with the Model ISx. Its extreme transparency, over the full bandwidth is in contrast with midband focused transparency of the best tube amplifiers.

One of my last real jobs in audio was to let down what would become Lavardin. I was working in a well-known audio retailer at the time, and we already had more than our fair share of amplifiers. Although we were always interested in new designs, the chances of the store taking on a new brand both new to the store and new to audio were limited. Sadly, we still had no choice but to turn down Lavardin, but in fairness, it was still very much a work in progress. Fast-forward to the present, and Lavardin has built a small, but loyal, following in the audiophile community. So, when the opportunity arose to test the latest Model ISx integrated from the brand, we jumped at the chance. Lavardin remains suitably gnomic about the new models, having made no announcement on its site and having virtually no information about the new product made available to the public as yet. This is an attempt to overcome the memory effect inherent to semiconductors, where a large signal leaves a small after-effect that can influence the following signal.

Lavardin is reference integrated amplifier

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test. Rarely will you see such a plain-looking product on our print edition's Temptations pages as the Lavardin IS Reference integrated amplifier. The kit featured in this section of the magazine is usually highly priced and massively engineered, with luxury cosmetics the norm, which is why the puritanical Lavardin sticks out even more. Take a closer look at the spec list and things don't get any flashier. Headphone output? Remote control?

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After turn-on, the IS Reference comes into song within ten to twenty minutes. Cons - Nothing to shout about physically - no remote control. This is the second time I have ever been so completely and utterly impressed with any single piece of equipment. It was similar with remixes of this song, including the excellent, electronic Psilonaut Mix. Latest Videos. This is an advantage that gives any music a value, which it lacks with many other, still great devices. The aluminum profile in turn is screwed to the bottom of the chassis, which acts as a heat sink. Paul Szabady. It sounded different, though, in a way that was appropriate for this recording, which I'd listened to hundreds of times before. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. You can get small stuff, big industrial stuff, or fairly flashy stuff. Manage consent.

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi?

One can order a device with one of three additional options: a phono MM preamplifier, a front panel in the red color and with a "bypass" input. How do you know what can dance? Next to the sockets, you can see plugs - the amplifier uses chassis shared with other models of this company, which allows to reduce costs. The Misty album is one of the top achievements of the Japanese art of sound recording, because of the remarkably well conveyed sound attack. Such a formidable array of talents means the Lavardin is at home with all types of music. But also as part of this offer, bass presentation is something that we have to get used to. The Lavardin achieves this rarefied performance with a grace that makes it look easy. Our highest possible recommendation today, and judging at the rate Lavardin changes its products, this will still retain our highest possible reputation a dozen years from today! A garden-variety AC cord was up to the job; more exotic and expensive after-market cords offered no musical improvement. However, having been joined by Number Two Son, we were both up way past our bedtimes, with no intention of going anywhere. I recall in-print remarks from engineers of this a-musical technoid school in Audio and Stereo Review stating that it would be nice to eliminate the subjective listener from design considerations altogether. Moreover this amazing revelatory grace applied to virtuosi in all kinds of music. Play something less sublime, though, and the Lavardin still shines, where others begin to dull. RCA sockets are of good quality, gold-plated with Teflon spacers, but it is also not of the top shelf. Crozel recommends an outboard moving-coil transformer for low-output moving coil use.