This Tiny GaN Amp Makes 300W… Seriously

Links to featured product:

ALSOZONE GaN Mono Amplifier:
https://amzn.to/4xWUzpl

ALSOZONE Official Product Page:
https://alsozone.com/products/gan-mono

Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links above may be affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support Consumer Tech Check and allows me to continue producing independent audio content.

In this video, I take a close look at the ALSOZONE GaN Mono, an ultra-compact monoblock Class-D amplifier built around modern gallium nitride technology.

Despite its tiny size, the GaN Mono is rated at up to 300 watts into 4 ohms and 150 watts into 8 ohms when used with a 48V power supply. It also includes balanced XLR/TRS and RCA inputs, a 12V trigger input, automatic standby, selectable gain, and a remarkably compact 118 × 90 × 35 mm chassis.

One of the most interesting parts of this amplifier is the technology inside. The design appears to use the ACME ACM8816, a highly integrated GaN Class-D amplifier IC with an integrated GaN HEMT power stage. GaN technology allows much faster switching than traditional silicon MOSFET-based designs, which can result in higher efficiency, lower heat generation, and much greater power density.

I also compare the ALSOZONE against a number of other current GaN amplifiers from companies including SMSL, Orchard Audio, LAiV, Peachtree Audio, Class D Audio, and Mascini to see just how unusual its combination of power, size, features, and price really is.

Sonically, I found the ALSOZONE to be quite neutral overall. It does not lean noticeably warm, but it also does not come across as clinical or overly analytical. Dynamics are excellent, bass feels controlled and authoritative, and the amplifier has a very composed presentation.

I also tested different power supplies and noticed something interesting: moving from a lower-voltage supply to 48V did not dramatically change the tonal balance, but it did make the amplifier sound larger, more effortless, and as though it had noticeably more headroom on dynamic peaks.

Perhaps the most surprising part is the thermal performance. Even after extended listening, these little monoblocks remain remarkably cool compared with many conventional high-power amplifiers.

Topics covered in this video include:

GaN vs traditional silicon Class-D technology
ACME ACM8816 GaN amplifier architecture
300W into 4Ω / 150W into 8Ω
RCA and balanced XLR/TRS inputs
12V trigger and automatic standby
0.2W standby consumption
32V vs 48V power-supply differences
real-world heat and efficiency
listening impressions
build quality and chassis design
size comparison
current GaN amplifier competition
value for money

The ALSOZONE GaN Mono is one of the smallest serious power amplifiers I have tested, and its combination of size, output power, efficiency, and price makes it one of the more interesting GaN products currently available.

As always, my comments are based on my own use and listening experience. Manufacturer specifications are referenced where appropriate, and subjective sound impressions are just that — subjective.

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