XTZ Edge A2-400

Sometimes, a logical area of development in one product category is slightly undermined by other areas not necessarily producing the kit to make use of them.

Our DAC Group Test (HFC 482) is a case in point. Five of the six models can be used as preamps to streamline your system if you have no need for analogue inputs. The catch is that affordable power amps are rare.

Into this gap steps XTZ. The Swedish company is best known for its speakers, but also produces a small selection of standalone amps. One of these is designed to power a subwoofer, but the other two are stereo power amplifiers ideal for the task of being run with a DAC preamp to form a compact but very capable system. When you think about a small amp, you'd be forgiven for assuming the power on offer will be limited. This would be a mistake.

The Edge A2-400 can produce 400W into 4ohm over two channels (this halves into 8ohm). The figure is at a slightly high one percent THD, but should mean that even without going near the maximum it has enough power to drive any price-comparative speaker to a room-filling level.