Arylic's LA150 streaming amplifier is a powerful addition to the company's lineup, offering a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the LA50. This device is a testament to Arylic's commitment to enhancing the audio experience, particularly for audiophiles seeking a seamless blend of traditional hi-fi and modern wireless streaming. What makes the LA150 truly stand out is its ability to cater to a wide range of users, from those looking for an affordable desktop amplifier to audiophiles demanding the highest quality sound.
A Step Up in Power and Connectivity
One of the most notable upgrades is the power output, which has more than doubled from 50W per channel in the LA50 to 110W RMS per channel in the LA150. This increase in power is crucial for driving larger floorstanding speakers or more demanding bookshelf speakers, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking to expand their audio setup. The LA150 is built around Texas Instruments' TPA3255 Class D amplifier chip, known for its efficiency and clean power delivery.
The LA150 also boasts an expanded connectivity suite, adding a built-in MM/MC phono stage, coaxial digital input, RCA pre-out, optical digital output, USB Host for local music playback, and HDMI ARC with CEC. These features make it a versatile amplifier, capable of handling a variety of audio sources, from turntables to digital music libraries.
Bluetooth and Streaming Enhancements
Bluetooth has also received a substantial upgrade, moving from Bluetooth 5.0 to 5.4. This upgrade supports higher-quality codecs like aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, and LC3, ensuring a superior wireless audio experience. The LA150 can also transmit audio over Bluetooth using SBC, aptX, and aptX HD, providing greater flexibility for wireless headphones or speakers.
Streaming features remain a strength, with support for AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Roon Ready. This means Apple users can seamlessly integrate the amplifier into their AirPlay 2 multi-room audio systems, while Android users benefit from Google Cast support.
Design and Physical Considerations
The LA150 is physically larger than the LA50, measuring 215 × 65 × 245mm, which accommodates the more powerful amplifier section and expanded rear-panel connectivity. This larger form factor is a trade-off for the enhanced features and performance, making it a more substantial investment for audiophiles.
Unanswered Questions and Future Outlook
While the LA150 has been listed on specialist HiFi stores, there are still some unanswered questions. The retailer lists an AK7735 as the DAC, which is actually an AKM digital signal processor rather than a standalone DAC. This suggests that the specification may have been listed incorrectly. Additionally, the published power figures warrant further clarification once Arylic releases its official specification sheet.
In conclusion, the Arylic LA150 is a compelling addition to the streaming amplifier market, offering a substantial step up in power, connectivity, and streaming features. While there are some unanswered questions, the LA150 represents a significant upgrade over the LA50 and is well-positioned to become Arylic's most capable integrated streaming amplifier to date. For audiophiles seeking a seamless blend of traditional hi-fi and modern wireless streaming, the LA150 is a must-consider option.
