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REVIEW: Sonneteer Bronte Integrated Amplifier (SS)


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Model: Bronte
Category: Integrated Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price: $2300
Description: Sonneteer Bronte Integrated Amplifier Review
Manufacturer URL: Sonneteer
Model Picture: View

Review by parkwest007 on February 20, 2015 at 14:51:17
IP Address: 12.9.194.180
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for the Bronte


I have heard of this Sonneteer Bronte amp as one of the high-end models in Class D category. My only experience with a Class D design was a very small amp called Trends Audio TA-10.1 (paid $120 for it). It sounded ok for the price but there was simply no bass whatsoever. Thankfully I was able to sell it easily because it was pretty popular at that time (and it's feather light).

Sonneteer Bronte integrated is in an entirely different price category (retail $2300). I bought it used for about two thirds of that money (not a scratch!). The original owner said it took him a LONG time to burn it in. Not relevant to me as he did all the work for me.

During the next several weeks I sat down as often as possible and listened to various songs on it. Songs with rich and complex arrangement were definitely made for this map. I could not help but marvel at the sheer holographic imagery of the Bronte on this type of songs. The ample low bass was tight and nicely defined with just a tad bit of roundness. The denser the song got, the more I marveled at the resolving power that the Bronte was displaying.

The acoustic guitar was nicely defined and richly conveyed without any added coloration. The harmonica had just the right amount of bite without any strain or metallic quality that is common on lesser systems. And the vocal... It sounded inviting and tonally rich. A real treat to the ears and certainly not at all something I would have expected from an integrated amplifier.

Overall I am very happy with this amp. Unlike some other units I had in the past, Sonneteer Bronte make the old recordings sound wonderful... with tape hiss and all :-)


Product Weakness: Won't work for you if you intend to add warmth to bright sounding speakers
Product Strengths: Clarity, Transparency, and Rich Details


Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Sonneteer Bronte
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Arcam CDP
Speakers: Revel Performa3 F208
Cables/Interconnects: Audioquest
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classic Rock, New Age, and Folk
Room Size (LxWxH): 15 x 15 x 12
Room Comments/Treatments: None
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 year
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): None
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): _



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