Small Amp, Big Sound: LAiV Chorus Stereo & Monoblock Amp Review. Don't Let the Size Fool You!

The LAIV Chorus may be one of the most impressive compact amplifiers I've reviewed in recent memory. Despite its modest size, this beautifully built amplifier delivers the kind of performance normally associated with much larger and more expensive designs. In this review, I evaluate the Chorus both as a stereo amplifier and as a pair of monoblocks to see just how far its performance can be taken. Speakers used during testing include the Philharmonic True Mini Monitor, Fyne Audio F5E, Wharfedale Diamond 12.4, Atohm Sirocco 2.24, and Q Acoustics 3030c. Sources and preamps included the LAIV Verse and Topping Pre90. Can this compact amplifier deliver genuine high-end sound? Let's find out. For more information about LAiV Audio please visit: https://www.laiv.audio • If you wish to join the channel please click here:    / @oldguyhifi   • Community Post Playlists:    • Post   All of my reviews are completely subjective. I do not accept payment for reviews. *DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate links from Skylabs Audio, Amazon, eBay or other resellers. 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. My Reference Set up includes: • Advance Paris A12 Classic: https://shop.skylabsaudio.com?sca_ref... • Black Ice Audio F22 KT88 Integrated Tube Amp: https://blackiceaudio.com/integrated-... Speakers: • Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3WberDp • Martin Logan Impression 11 ESL: https://www.martinlogan.com/en/produc... • Magnepan LRS+: https://magnepan.com/collections/buy-... DACs: • LAIV Harmony R2R DAC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-dac • Douk Audio Q100 Fully Balanced Desktop DAC: https://doukaudio.com/products/douk-a... • Singxer SDA-6 PRO2 AKM DAC: https://aoshida-audio.com/products/si... DDC/Re-Clockers • Singzer SU-2: https://apos.audio/products/singxer-s... • LAiV μDDC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-uddc • Douk Audio U2 Pro (2025): https://amzn.to/3WfNKy8 Streamers: • Audirvana is my primary streaming platform. 30 day free trial here: https://audirvana.com/try/ • Atoll MS120 Streamer DAC: https://www.paragonsns.com/products/a... • Cambridge MXN10: https://skylabsaudio.com/products/cam... CD Transports/Players • Shanling CT90 CD Transport: https://forte-distribution.com/produc... • ONIX Zenith XST20 Top-loading SACD/CD transport: https://forte-distribution.com/produc... Analog: • Fluance RT-84 turntable: https://amzn.to/4aMuZrt. • Black Ice Fusion 9 MKIII Tube Phono Preamplifier: https://blackiceaudio.com/preamplifie... • Audio Technica AT-OC9XEN MC Cart: https://amzn.to/3C0PCna Accessories/Cables: • IsoAcoustics Isolation Products: https://skylabsaudio.com/collections/... • Cabling by VIABLUE: https://viablue.de/en/. • Cabiling by WireWorld: https://www.theaudiolegacy.com/collec... Desktop gear: • LAiV Crescendo Verse: https://www.laiv.audio/crescendo-verse • Fyne F5E: https://upscaleaudio.com/products/fyn... • Cambridge Audio MXW70: https://skylabsaudio.com/products/mxw... • ISOAcoustics Aperta Series Stands: https://skylabsaudio.com/products/iso... • Sound Solver, Large Desktop HiFi Audio Rack: https://sound-solver.com/products/des... Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:37 Product Intro 02:03 Design Philosophy 03:23 Specs 03:38 Key Features 04:58 Build Quality 05:34 Close up Look 08:11 Desktop Evaluation 09:34 Main Studio Evaluation 14:31 Stereo vs. Monoblock 15:35 Ownership 15:57 Overall Thoughts 16:40 Pros/Cons 17:17 Final Sound Assessment 18:01 Comparisons 19:03 Final Thoughts 19:49 Outro