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Sound
In a market filled with top-tier DAPs and impressive mid-range offerings, the question arises: does investing in a high-end portable amplifier like the Brise Audio Tsuranagi V2 still make sense? It’s a tough one to answer, as personal preferences and budgets vary greatly. However, based on my experience, I can offer insight into what makes the Tsuranagi V2 stand out.
The original Tsuranagi was already a remarkable amplifier with a reference-level sound, and the V2 elevates that even further. The refinement Brise Audio has achieved with this version results in an even cleaner, more sophisticated sound. The lower noise floor enhances imaging and clarity, while the soundstage feels both wider and deeper. These improvements make a noticeable difference, especially when paired with high-end IEMs.
The Tsuranagi V2 has such an addictive sound quality that you might find yourself constantly wanting to pair it with every high-end IEM in your collection. It offers a soundscape that is incredibly detailed, with a vast soundstage and a nuanced, effortless delivery. In short, this is the best portable amplifier I’ve ever tested. While top-of-the-line DAPs can provide excellent sound, I haven’t been able to replicate the level of performance that the Tsuranagi V2 offers, even with flagship players (excluding ultra-premium devices like the DMP-Z1 or Lotoo Mjölnir).
If you’re after the absolute best in portable amplification and you’re willing to invest, the Tsuranagi V2 stands as a pinnacle of performance.
Step Up the Sound Quality
The Tsuranagi V2 amplifies your audio experience beyond the reach of a typical DAP, unlocking a new tier of sound quality. It maximizes the potential of your setup, serving as a prime example of the law of diminishing returns in high-end audio. At this point, the gains in performance become finer, yet they remain significant for those who demand the absolute best. When you seek that next echelon of sound, the Tsuranagi V2 proves that the price of pursuing perfection in this hobby is high, but the results can be extraordinary.
V2 – A More Refined Take
The Tsuranagi V2 presents a more polished and precise reference sound compared to its predecessor, marked by exceptional control, dynamic range, and speed. Unlike the original model, which leaned towards a warmer, more organic tone, the V2 offers a more neutral and uncoloured output. This upgrade brings improved refinement, separation, and imaging, offering equal prominence across all frequency ranges. The presentation feels expansive and airy, with a notably larger soundstage. The V2 surrounds the listener with a vast, spacious sound that adds a new level of openness to the music.
The Tsuranagi V2 excels in delivering a clean and sharp rendition of each audio element, maintaining a reference sound while avoiding any unnecessary colourations. Instruments and sounds are distinctly placed within the audio space, creating an effortlessly refined and separated listening experience that surpasses the original in almost every way.
The Tsuranagi V2 represents the peak of high-end portable amplification, delivering a sound experience marked by outstanding clarity, imaging, and separation. Its tonal balance is highly refined, offering tight, well-textured bass that maintains depth without overwhelming the mix. The mid-range is accurate, presenting music with near-perfect neutrality and minimal colouration. Treble performance is pristine, offering crisp articulation and excellent extension while remaining smooth and fatigue-free. Brise Audio has fine-tuned the V2 model to provide a harmonious yet technical sound signature.
What made the Tsuranagi V1 unique was its ability to produce lifelike, full-bodied instrument notes and a natural timbre that felt grounded in musicality. While it adhered to a reference and neutral tuning, it never veered into being overly analytical or clinical. With the V2, Brise Audio has shifted gears, focusing more on precision and sharper imaging. This makes the V2 an exceptional choice for audiophiles seeking absolute accuracy in sound reproduction, though some may miss the warmer, more organic feel of the original. I find the V2’s technical advancements and refined upgrades more than justify this shift in tuning.
Technical Performance
The technical prowess of the Tsuranagi V2 is undeniably impressive. One of its defining characteristics is the expansive and immersive soundstage it produces, surpassing even the original model in terms of width and depth. This amplifier excels at revealing micro-details with extraordinary precision, delivering a level of transparency that uncovers hidden nuances in the music, offering a richer, more engaging listening experience.
In terms of resolution, the Tsuranagi V2 stands in a league of its own. The sound is presented with exceptional clarity and articulation, allowing each note and subtle detail to shine with pristine precision. Additionally, the PRaT performance is superb. The V2 captures the flow and energy of the music with remarkable accuracy, placing it at the forefront of portable amplifiers in its class.
Power and Matching
The Tsuranagi V2 doesn’t boast an immense power output, and with the reduced gain in this version, it remains a specialized amplifier primarily designed for high-end IEMs, just like the original model. However, it is capable of driving certain full-size headphones, including the Sony MDR-Z1R, a headphone that, while often considered easy to drive, benefits from the proper voltage to maintain control, especially in the bass region. Despite common assumptions about its ease of driving, the Z1R scales impressively with the V2.
That said, the Tsuranagi V2 shouldn’t be expected to deliver the same performance as a full-size desktop amplifier when driving full-size headphones. Where it truly shines is with harder-to-drive IEMs such as the Annihilator 2023, where it delivers an exceptional match. Another standout pairing is with the PMG Audio APX, resulting in a level of portable audio performance that can be considered summit-fi. I also found the combination with the Lime Ears Pneuma V2 to be exceptional, particularly in terms of soundstage and overall presentation.
One of the biggest improvements with the V2 model is the vastly reduced noise floor compared to the original. The volume pot is also more refined and precise, making the Tsuranagi V2 a significantly more enjoyable and user-friendly experience.
Conclusion
The Brise Audio Tsuranagi V2 portable amplifier stands as a high-end, refined entry into the portable audio market. Developed by Brise Audio, a brand already well-known for its top-quality cables, the Tsuranagi V2 exemplifies their commitment to sonic excellence. Created as a testbed for their cables, the Tsuranagi has evolved into a standalone masterpiece.
Sonically, the Tsuranagi V2 offers a great level of refinement. It amplifies not just the sound but the essence of high-fidelity portable audio, delivering an immersive, accurate, and highly engaging experience. For audiophiles willing to invest, it brings their high-end IEMs to their fullest potential.
If you’re seeking the best possible audio experience from your top-tier IEMs and are comfortable with the steep price tag, the Tsuranagi V2 is a compelling choice. While the cost is eye-watering, its exceptional sound quality could justify the investment for those who prioritize audio excellence and can afford it.
Given its performance and the specific niche it fills, the Brise Audio Tsuranagi V2 easily earns a spot in our Best Amplifier Recommendations, replacing the original version. However, it is primarily recommended for those with summit-fi IEMs and the budget to match.
Conclusion
Pros:
- Impeccable sound performance
- Flawless technicalities
- Good build and pro-style design
- Improved noise floor
- Vastly improved staging and imaging
- The logo is now laser-engraved
Cons:
- The price is too high
- No case included for a premium device
- The front panel is quite busy with inputs/outputs
Page 1: About, Packaging, Build Quality, Design
