News

Clearly looking to fill a gap in the market, the Ampster TV II from Tangent is a stereo integrated amplifier with HDMI ARC connection, priced at a tempting £199. It also measures just 19.5cm wide, giving it good 'stealth' potential in a living room or media den.

Billed somewhat immodestly as 'the ultimate amplifier to enhance your TV audio', Tangent's latest compact unit is rated at 2 x 50W. Rear panel connections are speaker binding posts, the aforementioned HDMI ARC, a subwoofer pre-out, and nothing else. However, making up for the absence of a stereo analogue audio input is the Ampster TV II's integrated Bluetooth 5.0 (aptX HD) receiver.

The amp's DAC stage supports two-channel PCM to 192kHz/24-bit, while onboard EQ provides bass and treble adjustment to +/- 8dB. Beyond that, features are limited to a remote control, auto-on sensor over its HDMI and BT connections, and 15-minute automated power off. But the Ampster TV II's stripped-down feature set does result in a streamlined front panel, with just status LEDs and a large volume control.

Also fresh from Tangent is the equally compact DAC II model (pictured below). This low-cost (£249) music solution features a digital-to-analogue conversion stage based around Sabre's ES9023 chip, and has two optical inputs, one coaxial, and one USB-B.

Perhaps surprisingly, considering the price, there are both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR analogue outs, in addition to 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone options. Bluetooth 5.0 is also onboard.

File format support is up to 192kHz/24-bit PCM and DSD512. Tangent says the DAC II is an ideal partner for its bijou 2 x 100W PowerAmpster II power amplifier, available for £219.