I Once Asked if it Takes 2 to Tango. YES! Definitively! The remarkable LAiV GaNM Mono Amps. GREAT!
LAiV has crafted these amps to perfectly complement the rest of the Harmony Series with a matching footprint, sleek form factor, and cohesive aesthetic for a beautifully stackable setup. By embracing GaN technology, the Harmony GaNM achieves cleaner transients, deeper bass, and more refined detail, especially at low-level passages where precision matters most. The improved power efficiency also translates into lower thermal stress and compact form factors without compromising output power or performance. It’s a future-forward design choice that elevates both the technical and emotional experience of music playback.
Music mentioned in this review:
• Steve Hackett, “At the Edge of Light” :https://tidal.com/browse/album/98301776?u
https://open.qobuz.com/album/trfzmomdjlmmc
• I’m With Her, “Wild and Clear Blue” : https://tidal.com/browse/album/433388044?u
https://open.qobuz.com/album/lfbgqhui3gbea
For more information regarding the LAiV product line please visit: https://www.laiv.audio or visit Vinshine Audio at: https://www.vinshine.audio/category/laiv-audio
If you wish to join the channel please click here: https://www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
All of my reviews are completely subjective. I do not accept payment for reviews.
*DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate Amazon links. If you purchase with those links, I do receive a small commission but, it doesn’t affect your price or your ability to return something. Thank you.
Amplifiers:
• Advance Paris A12 Classic: https://shop.skylabsaudio.com?sca_ref=6609663.MTejnTqC6497
• Black Ice Audio F22 KT88 Integrated Tube Amp: https://blackiceaudio.com/integrated-amplifers-1/p/black-ice-fusion-f22v2-tubeintegrated
• Cambridge EVO150: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com/collections/cambridge-audio/products/cambridge-audio-evo-150?sca_ref=8700910.lWvqI3VLzxuWar5N
Speakers:
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3WberDp
• Opera Callas Speakers: http://operaloudspeakers.com/en/collections/callas-line/callas.html
• Elac Debut 3.0 DB 53-BK: https://amzn.to/4hjyKYC
DACs:
• LAIV Harmony R2R DAC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-dac
• LAIV Harmony μDDC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-uddc
• LAIV Harmony μDAC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-udac
• Geshelli Labs J2S: https://geshelli.com/product/jnog2-socketed-j2s/
DDC/Re-Clockers
• SMSL PO100 PRO DDC/Reclocker:https://amzn.to/3WHbBqS
• Gustard U18: https://aoshida-audio.com/products/gustard-u18?DIST=RENGGg%3D%3D
• Matrix X-SPDIF3: https://apos.audio/products/matrix-x-spdif-3-usb-interface?sca_ref=7308241.j5jMh2ymfF
Streamers:
• Audirvana is my primary streaming platform. 30 day free trial here: https://audirvana.com/try/
• Cambridge MXN10: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com?sca_ref=8700910.lWvqI3VLzxuWar5N.
• WiiM Mini: https://amzn.to/4aJVcrp
CD Transports/Players
• Shanling ET-3: https://aoshida-audio.com/products/shanling-et3?DIST=RENGGg%3D%3D
• SMSL PL200 T CD Transport: https://apos.audio/products/smsl-pl200-t-mqa-cd-transport-cd-player?_pos=2&_fid=df93980b8&_ss=c&sca_ref=7308241.j5jMh2ymfF
Analog:
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: https://amzn.to/4aMuZrt.
• IsoAcoustics zaZen Series Isolation Platform: https://amzn.to/4aFbQsc
• Audio Technica AT540ML MM Cart: https://amzn.to/4diAyzy
• Audio Technica AT-OC9XEN MC Cart: https://amzn.to/3C0PCna
• Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Preamp: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com/collections/cambridge-audio/products/cambridge-audio-alva-duo?sca_ref=8700910.lWvqI3VLzxuWar5N
• Stack Audio (Spindle) Serene Stabilizer: https://stackaudio.co.uk/product/serene-stabiliser/
• Stack Audio Serene Record Mat: https://stackaudio.co.uk/product/serene-record-mat/
Accessories/Cables:
• IsoAcoustics Gaia Series III Speakers & Subwoofer Isolation feet: https://amzn.to/3PXLxEn
• IsoAcoustics Gaia Series II Speakers & Subwoofer Isolation feet: https://amzn.to/4aIrfbm
• IsoAcoustics Iso-Puck Series Acoustic Isolators: https://amzn.to/4aFLeY2
• All cables are from Wire World: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com/collections/wireworld?sca_ref=8700910.lWvqI3VLzxuWar5N
• Stack Audio AUVA Equipment Isolators: https://stackaudio.co.uk/product/auva-equipment-isolator/
Basement desktop gear:
• FiiO K17 Desktop Headphone Amp/DAC: https://apos.audio/products/fiio-k17-desktop-dac-amp?sca_ref=7308241.j5jMh2ymfF
• Philharmonic True Mini Monitors: https://philharmonicaudio.com/products/true-mini?variant=44391547764980
• Sound Solver, Large Desktop HiFi Audio Rack: https://sound-solver.com/products/desktop-hifi-audio-rack-large-standard-height
• Community Post Playlists: https://www.youtube.com/post/UgkxFWsrQVhpupMc-WdqrP_X4ZtMXiQmVz1q
Chapters
00:00 Start
19:15 Music Suggestions
25:26 Summary
#Asked #Takes #Tango #Definitively #remarkable #LAiV #GaNM #Mono #Amps #GREAT
Originally posted by UCnXGgtaGLaY-xsKYgndyuAQ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVsuviEnWc
Capable of delivering 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the Harmony GaNM provides ample headroom to effortlessly drive even demanding speakers with precision and authority. This high power output is maintained without sacrificing detail or finesse, offering an engaging and transparent sonic experience. Whether you're listening at low levels or pushing the volume, the amplifier maintains complete composure, preserving musical nuance and control across the entire frequency spectrum. For more information regarding the LAiV product line please visit: https://www.laiv.audio or visit Vinshine Audio at: https://www.vinshine.audio/category/laiv-audio. If you wish to join the channel please click here: https://www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
The older I get, the more and more I appreciate the newer technologies for flat screen TV sets and Class D amplification, because they're light. Big TV sets in the old days practically needed a forklift to move. And though Class AB amps could be a little cumbersome, they seldom exceeded 50 lbs. Still, with class D, it's nice not to get a hernia carrying your amp up a staircase or two.
Thanks Ed for this deep dive. Very informative.
Thanks for the great review. I am currently using a tube based Primaluna Evo 400 pre amp and Evo 300 power amps with KT150 tubes. Retirement is telling me I am a little tired of 70 pound monoblocks. I am looking for something with deep and impactful bass punch that would match my Evo 400 pre amp. Would the impedence specs of the 2 brands be a good match. Any further thoughts would be much appreciated before I pull the trigger on ordering these.
You had me until $4500/pr.
Beautiful little designs but the brass or gold looking spikes just flat out ruin the appearance of their gear IMO (being brutally honest). Harps back to the spiked feet craze of the 2000's in which people put spikes in everything. Hell, their microwaves and toasters were on spikes. Alarm clock too so the sound was better to wake up to???? ???? Wish it would stop.
Bonus points for the Steve Hackett album! ❤
Hello again, sir, another great review. We as audiophiles are glad that people like you exists in the audio world, helping us narrow in choosing different electronics that match well with each other (synergy). So, talking about synergy how do these amps compare to starkrimson 25 mono amps powering the LRS+. Does the price difference justify in terms of sound quality and power? For a person like me who considers value vs performance, which do you recommend. Well If theres really a big difference of both amps then i may extend my budget, for the laiv amps , I will be very grateful for your opinion. TY
These seem incredible, but out of my price range. Would love to hear your recommendations for a good performing and neutral sounding amp around $1000.
I really enjoy your honest no b.s. reviews. Especially this one. I heard these amps with the complete Laiv stack at Axpona this year.2025 with the Pure Audio Project Duet 15 open baffle speakers. Wow! To use a Star Trek reference, what a “tractor beam” of a sound. Just awesome and so immersive.
But thank you for doing what you do. Your interest, time and
passion are obvious. See you next time.
Another nerd like you.. As a EE I really appreciate the electronics lesson. (seriously, not being sarcastic) $5k sounds like a lot for a pair of class D amps, though. I'm sure they get them for less, but those little gan transistors are expensive! $5/each from digikey if you buy 100.
Great review as always: I'll be seeing I'm With Her live in Denver in October. I'm really looking forward to it!
Who needs a gym when you’re moving all those speakers around. Jeez my man your reviews are just amazing.
interesting review but… no comparisons? WHY!? o_O You have other class-d amps right there it's a crime not doing a proper comparo, it would be very useful for us as consumers. ????
Love this evaluation. Great to get the technical insights and learn why these amps perform so well. Some of the most comprehensive reviews out there. Thanks OGH.
That last bit ????
Why doesn’t Laiv list 4ohm power specs? Can it handle below 3ohms?
You should try them with Mon Acoustic PlatiMon speakers. A great review, by the way!
With all due respect. You have great knowledge working with great hi res audio gear. May I suggest a little bit of work on your graphics. Seems dated. You can use chat gpt and canvas to design a better graphic page for your YouTube. Twice I almost switched away from your channel except for the audio hardware. I bought the small po100 pro after watching your channel. Please not a negative review but a helpful one. This could be a better channel with a more warm welcoming graphic page. No hate sir, all in good advice sir
Ed why did the Rogue lose out to the Black Ice and the AI (love that they are still out there plugging) ??? Was Rogue not smooth/soft enough?I am thinking Rogue RP plus a D amp I can afford at some point to hook up to monitors that will most likely have a lively top end
Just love your thoughtful reviews and your nerdy technical description, excellent!
I just don’t know how you can review components every few days. Most reviewers spend weeks/months with components.
Appreciate your deep technical dive. In the end it’s the sound that counts, but understanding the evolution of the tech and the quality of the components helps me understand the value of the Laiv GaNM amps. You are a connoisseur of music as well.
With all respect and my apologies, last of your reviews so far sounds like: 45% technicals, 45% albums/songs/singers, 5% it sounds good, 5% explanations of how you can’t compare it to another amps. But how do we know which one to by if you say to us it all sounds good and amazing? Please, do some comparisons, otherwise it’s just wasted time for us.
Now these are a thing of beauty and wow that's incredible power output, and at the end of the day if whoever buys them believes that they sound better than any other well built transparent power amp then that's all that matters. Again, they are gorgeous, if in future I'm looking for some audio jewellery then these would definitely be on the list.
With so many recently tested GaN Fet amps, which one was your favorite?
@Ed, great review as always…
It seems like the power supply really put this high on the list of GanFET amps.
Have you seen any other power supplies that are that 'crazy' in terms of pushing the tech?
Great review of a very interesting amp and design. What is your opinion on the value of these $4,500 a pair mono blocks? I commented on an earlier review about Van Alstine DVA M225 mono blocks at $3,400 a pair, 200 watts into 8 ohms and not much bigger than Laiv's. If you or anyone is exploring similar options in amplification, give them an audition.