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At US$850, this is a strong buy versus the obvious alternatives: it sits well above the US$487 median but remains comfortably below the US$1,139 upper quartile, and the model’s power and build justify the premium. It is not a bargain-bin price, but it looks favorable for a serious, current-generation Master 19.
The appeal is a genuinely muscular pure-Class-A headphone amplifier that also works as a capable preamp, with balanced and single-ended outputs, ACSS connectivity, low 1-ohm output impedance, and ample power for demanding planars. Its discrete, non-feedback design and unusually robust power supply give it excellent headroom and dynamic weight; the 2022 version should also be easier to live with than older examples. Confirm the correct mains voltage, remote, and both headphone outputs before buying, but assuming those are present and operation is clean, US$850 is a worthwhile enthusiast purchase.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Audio-gd, a high-end Chinese audio brand, traces its origins to over two decades of operation, with products like the DAC-19 now marking a tenth anniversary. Founded and led by Mr. He Qinghua, a First Prize winner in the National Semiconductor (USA) Audio competition, the company has built its heritage on innovative engineering from China, emphasizing proprietary technologies such as the ACSS (Audio-gd Current Signal System) for current-domain signal transmission.
The brand specializes in two-channel hi-fi components, including DACs renowned for R2R ladder converters, preamplifiers, headphone amplifiers, and balanced designs in its flagship Master and HE series. These products incorporate advanced features like regenerative power supplies, positioning Audio-gd as a purveyor of digital-to-analog converters and amplification solutions rather than speakers, turntables, or headphones.
Audio-gd holds a strong niche in the high-end market, celebrated for exceptional price-to-performance ratios that deliver refined, silent soundscapes—earning multiple Qobuzism awards for standout models. Boutique appeal draws discerning buyers seeking value-driven excellence over mainstream luxury pricing, with a reputation for technical prowess that shocks even seasoned audiophiles.
See all Audio-gd listings on RADAR.
