A new player has entered the streaming amplifier market, and it's making waves. Arylic's LA150 is a powerful addition to the company's lineup, offering a host of upgrades over its predecessor, the LA50. But what makes this device truly stand out? Let's dive into the details and explore why the LA150 is a game-changer for audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike.
Power and Performance
One of the most notable upgrades is the LA150's amplifier power. With 110W RMS per channel, it delivers twice the power of the LA50. This is a significant boost, especially for those looking to drive larger floorstanding speakers or more demanding bookshelf speakers. The LA150 is built around Texas Instruments' TPA3255 Class D amplifier chip, known for its clean and efficient power delivery. While the published specifications list 110W for both 4Ω and 8Ω speakers, it's worth noting that this is an unusual figure, and we'll need to wait for Arylic's official documentation to confirm the exact measurements.
Connectivity and Versatility
The LA150 takes connectivity to the next level. It adds a built-in MM/MC phono stage, allowing users to connect a wide range of turntables directly without the need for a separate phono preamp. This is a game-changer for vinyl enthusiasts, offering seamless integration into their hi-fi systems. Additionally, the LA150 includes a coaxial digital input, RCA pre-out, optical digital output, and a dedicated USB-B DAC input, providing a comprehensive range of wired and wireless connectivity options.
Bluetooth support has also been upgraded to Bluetooth 5.4, adding support for higher-quality codecs like aptX, aptX HD, LDAC, and LC3. This ensures that wireless headphones and speakers can enjoy superior audio quality. Furthermore, the LA150 supports a wide range of streaming services, including AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, and Roon Ready, making it a versatile choice for music lovers.
Design and Size
The LA150 is physically larger than the LA50, measuring 215 × 65 × 245mm. This extra space accommodates the more powerful amplifier section and expanded rear-panel connectivity. While the LA50 remains an attractive choice for smaller listening rooms or desktops, the LA150 is clearly aimed at more serious hi-fi systems, offering a substantial step up in performance and features.
Streaming Features and Ecosystem
The LA150 continues to support Arylic's latest streaming platform, ensuring seamless integration with popular services. Apple users can take advantage of AirPlay 2, allowing them to add the LA150 to their Home app, create automations and scenes, and group it with HomePods and other AirPlay 2 speakers for whole-home audio. Android users, on the other hand, benefit from Google Cast support, making it easy to control their music from their smartphones.
Questions and Specs
While the LA150 has been making waves, there are still some questions surrounding its specifications. The retailer lists an AK7735 as the DAC, but this is actually an AKM digital signal processor rather than a standalone DAC. Similarly, the published power figures warrant further clarification. These details will be crucial in understanding the LA150's true capabilities and performance.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the LA150 is a significant step forward for Arylic, offering a compelling alternative for those looking to combine traditional hi-fi with modern wireless streaming. With its powerful amplification, expanded connectivity, and support for a wide range of streaming services, it's a device that demands attention. While there are still some questions surrounding its specifications, the LA150 is undoubtedly a player to watch in the streaming amplifier market. As for me, I'm excited to see how it performs and how it compares to other top-tier streaming amplifiers on the market.
