Affordability and flexibility are key factors for consumers looking to build a desktop or home audio system in 2024 and there are few network amplifiers priced below $400 that tick off both of those boxes as well as the Arylic H50.
It has been almost twelve months since we reviewed a trio of Arylic Streaming Amplifiers and their 4Stream app and whilst there were a few issues with each product, the overall performance for the money was quite good.
These are all very capable products that are not expensive.
There is clearly a market for affordable streaming amplifiers and streamers based on the popularity of the Bluesound NODE, and Raspberry Pi-based streamers. If you don’t mind the DIY route, you can save a lot of money and the performance can be remarkably good.
The Arylic H50 supports Wi-Fi 2.4G/5G, Airplay2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qplay, DLNA, UPnP, and Bluetooth 5.2 which should satisfy almost any user.
Arylic’s new flagship utilizes the ESS9023P Sabre DAC and Qualcomm QCC3040 aptX HD Bluetooth chip; codec support includes aptX HD, aptX LL, aptX Adaptive, SBC, and AAC.
The DAC can decode up to 24-bit/192kHz PCM but the outputs are limited to 16-bit/44.1kHz — there is no support for DSD or MQA.
Rather surprisingly, there is a MM phono input, along with one additional RCA input for other sources.
The digital inputs include a TOSLINK Optical input (24-bit/192kHz), HDMI ARC, and USB Type-C — which is connected directly to the DAC.
The rear panel also includes a USB input for a memory stick, LAN port, and a subwoofer output.
The 2.23″ OLED display panel conveys just enough information to keep track of which source you are using, music streaming platform, and other system functions.
Users can switch between 8 and 4 ohms through a tiny switch placed beneath the grounding post; the switch is recessed and will require a tiny knife or screwdriver to move it from one impedance setting to the other.
The class D amplifier will output 30 watts per channel (8 ohms) and 50 watts per channel (4 ohms) which makes it a decent option for high sensitivity loudspeakers or desktop systems.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Arylic H50 is its diminutive size; the chassis is only 185 x 155 x 50mm (W x H x D) and weighs 901 grams.
The volume control is not very precise and I would recommend using the supplied remote or the app.
The target audience might wonder if they are overpaying at $399, but the reality is that H50 offers a rather unique blend of performance, connectivity options, and platform support that makes it a rather excellent value for the money.
A Flock of Speakers?
Before we take a look at some viable options, there needs to be a discussion about the tonal balance and presentation of the H50.
Neutral would be a polite way of saying that the H50 does not add any coloration whatsoever to the signal and that it can be somewhat precise and bright sounding at the top end.
The low end control is more than adequate at this price point, but this is not an amplifier that will sound its best with overly neutral sounding loudspeakers; anything that tilts that way should be avoided.
The goal with this system was to create something affordable under $1,500 which includes a turntable.
Ambitious? Maybe not.
RSL Speakers CG3M
The new C3GM bookshelf loudspeakers replace the best-selling CG3 that were discontinued in 2022 and it’s almost impossible to find a better pair of loudspeakers at the price; RSL sells all of their products direct to consumers and there is enormous value here for $210 USD/pair.
The C3GM work well on both stands or a desktop; the loudspeakers do not take up a lot of space (9.5”H x 5.3″D x 6.7”W) and there is a keyhole mount for those who might wish to mount them on a wall and use them as rear channel speakers.
The 4-inch mineral-filled woven aramid fiber cone woofer and 1-inch silk dome tweeter offer a fairly robust sound, but there is noticeable roll-off around 90Hz making these ideal candidate for a subwoofer.
The 86.5 dB (6 ohms) sensitivity is on the lower side but they will work just fine with 30-50 watts; and they certainly won’t implode if you drive them with 100 to 125 watts of power either.
A clean sounding pair of bookshelf loudspeakers with above average detail and speed considering the entry-level price tag.
Where to buy: $210/pair at rslspeakers.com
Q Acoustics 3020i
Very much like Jason Statham’s character in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, the Q Acoustics 3020i are a tad unleashed. They communicate music like an effortless weapon, and with some serious punch in the lower registers with the right amplifier.
They borrow some of their driver technology from their much larger sibling; the Q Acoustics 3050i floor-standing loudspeaker that retails for almost three times the price.
Q Acoustics have tweaked something in the cabinet design and crossover of the 3020i making it hit much harder than one would expect considering the size of the cabinet and drivers.
The 3020i s not a very difficult loudspeaker to drive (88 dB, 6 ohms) but it definitely benefits from an amplifier with some grip and midrange punch. Stay away from amps that veer dark because the 1-inch soft-dome tweeter needs some illumination.
Available in Graphite Grey, English Walnut, Carbon Black or Arctic White. All are finished with an attractive chrome bezel around each driver and feature magnetic speaker grilles.
Ditch the grille covers and do not use the foam bungs even if you need to place them closer to the wall; the mid bass and lower midrange loses some of clarity in the process. The price has increased over the past 12 months which is a shame because these are very fine loudspeakers.
Where to buy: $449 at Amazon
Wharfedale Diamond 12.1
The Diamond series receives a facelift every 3-4 years, and the new Diamond 12 series have remained in the line because they are consistently good and an excellent value for the money.
Wharfedale understands that most consumers don’t have a lot of space and are working within a very specific budget when buying a hi-fi system.
There are specific brands of electronics that work exceptionally well with Wharfedale’s loudspeakers; Audiolab, Croft, Marantz, Cambridge Audio, Quad, Rega, and NAD.
The Wharfedale Diamond 12.1’s are the ideal size for a desktop loudspeaker or placement on a credenza in a home office scenario.
These stand-mounters are a two-way, bass-reflex design. The 5-inch mid/bass driver uses a polypropylene/mica composite cone material, and the tweeter is a 1-inch textile dome design that offers a very smooth sounding top end and excellent dispersion.
Where to buy: $449/pair at Crutchfield
You Spin Me Round
Whilst almost all of us are thrilled that vinyl made a huge comeback, there is a growing segment of manufacturers who feel the need to include a phono pre-amplifier in every product they manufacture — and that’s not a good thing.
The market has driven a lot of those decisions but the final results have not always worked out.
I understand why companies manufacturing wireless loudspeakers feel the need to include a MM or MM/MC phono section in their products; the hope is to attract the young buyer who just invested in their first turntable and desire the path of least resistance.
The problem is that most of them are average at best — some are even terrible.
Arylic’s attempt is actually rather passable in a device at this price point, but I’m going to recommend that you take a different path.
U-Turn Audio’s new Orbit series offers one the option of adding an internal version of their Pluto 2 phono pre-amplifier and it’s a much smarter long-term path to take.
The real wood plinth and acrylic platter options make a substantial difference as well; the additional weight and sturdiness of the table adds some tonal weight and impact — which is rather noticeable with entry-level turntables.
A U-Turn Custom Orbit pushes this system closer to the $1,500 ceiling but I think it’s worth the expenditure.
The overall system delivers access to almost every streaming platform, a small footprint, only a few cables, and can also be used in the context of a 2.1 music/home theater system because of the HDMI ARC input.
The Arylic H50 has a few warts and its tonal balance will not be for everyone — but that’s why a very specific type of loudspeaker such as those mentioned makes the most sense.
Where to buy: $399 at Amazon | Arylic
