Hafler 9180 Amplifiers
Hafler 9180 Amplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[Sep 06, 2023]
cecelia
Strength:
After I completely hooked up the Adcom GFA-5500 that way like my Adcom GFA-555's are the 5500 sounded a lot smoother and much more toned down with much more clearity. It was still just a shade and I mean a shade different in complete clearity and warmth than the GFA-555's sound. The GFA-5500 is still a great amp and you wouldn't notice the difference like I would since I'm used to listening to the 555. tow truck service Weakness:
None . . Purchased: New
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[Sep 13, 2022]
highfalutin
Strength:
The Hafler, Philips and Thiel are old but the music sounds true. As a former musician I hear what I think is quite natural sound. The Thiels I have read are quite revealing of anything "upstream". I believe it! towing service Weakness:
none . . Purchased: New
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[Dec 05, 2020]
gabrielahammond4
Strength:
Interior Residential Painting This is so good!!! Weakness:
I really want it!!! |
[Aug 03, 2020]
stevens
Strength:
The 9180 is a good product to start with - I did. However, it is not up to par with High end amps. My mid fi McCormack absolutely puts any Hafler amp to shame - Better bass, mids and highs with pinpoint imaging. Weakness:
custom stickers | print stickers | business printing | printing company Purchased: Used
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[Jul 29, 2020]
Nick202
Strength:
I acquired my Hafler 9180 from a friend who was moving. He said it didn’t work and if I can get it repaired, it’s mine. I found a guy who could make the amp work and have been enjoying it for over five years. Once it warms up the sound is rich and lively. I use an Adcom preamplifier and run the system to a set of klipsch infinity floor speakers. There are tracks that blow my mind. I struggle with the idea that there might be an amp bette than this one. It would have to be damn good. Weakness:
Like some have mentioned, the right channel can get wonky. I happen to think the issue lies primarily with my preamp since it has no DAC. I’m working on improving the device. The amp, though, is wonderful other then the occasional channel fade out. Price Paid: 0
Purchased: Used
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[Jan 11, 2018]
Steve
Audio Enthusiast
I agree with all other compliments about the Hafler 9180. Owned mine since I think 1993 or '94? Purchased it through a close out sale for a mere $400!! At the time I knew this was a really good price for this amp. I was a bit surprised no one wanted it.
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[Aug 13, 2017]
Allen Chou
Audio Enthusiast
Perfect addition o my frankenstein home theater system. This is a 25 year old amp and still amazing! Beats the pants off all the budget separate amps i've owned like Adcom, Emotiva, Acurus and Parasound. It even goes head to head with the expensive British equipment like Naim and Audiolab.
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[May 10, 2017]
Dario Fosca
Audio Enthusiast
To me the Hafler 9180 amp is one of the very best amps money can buy in the used audio market. I bought mine brand new in 1994 and can you believe, I still own this amp. I currently have it hooked up to a 1989 Conrad Johnson preamp. Musical fidelity from the combo is amazingly pleasurable and sweet to hear. Today, you can find this amp in good condition for about 200 bucks on average. Overall, the Hafler 9180 amp is constructed with the finest materials inside and out. Believe me, you will be totally delighted and pleased when you combined it a good quality pre-amp. Keep always in mine that in a sound system the most important audio piece is your pre-amp. That is the heart of great sounding music. So if you prefer individual components, spend your most money on your pre-amp and I assure you, you'll be left delighted. |
[Jul 18, 2015]
Mike McCauley
AudioPhile
I have owned this amp for 15 years,im the second owner.what people do not realize is if you arent happy with the lows or highs of a amplifier,then try another preamp .its not always your amplifier.The 9180 is one of the best sounding amps ive owned and that is why i stopped buyingt his amp and that amp.I think ive owned 1000 amps and i finally stuck to this one because of its layout,low ohm drive and sound.A amp does what its named for,it amplifies,you put poo poo sound in you are gonna get poo poo sound out bottom line.Do research people before you trash a amplifier.I found a set of Hafler rack handles for another model and put them on my BLACK unit and the handles are black and its a pretty piece.They make the 9180 and 9270 in silver that has rack handles and are 19 inches wide for rack mount ,the black ones are 17 inch so i wanted that look of the 19 inch models.I found mine with the matching preamp for $200 a long time ago in their boxes,one owner.The DH110 wasnt the sound i was looking for,it was not the amp.changed preamp and i had it.If you find a clean one for no more than $350 bucks today,remember this isnt 10 years ago now,buy it. |
[Oct 26, 2009]
Adventurer
AudioPhile
Hafler's 9180 is the final evolution of the landmark DH-220 power amplifier that was the rage when released in the early 1980's. Excellent performance at a value price resulted from well-engineered complimentary circuitry employing the latest (at the time) power MOSFETs. I assembled and modified several, and installed the earlier versions in many audio systems, both home and professional venues. Reliability was high, and sound quality was quite good. The 9180 has several circuit improvements over the original Hafler 'DH' models including a complimentary FET differential input amp, turn-on transient supressor, larger power supply, other subtle circuit refinements as well as improved board layout, less wiring and notably higher quality parts. (Note that Hafler TransNova amplifiers employed a much different circuit topology.) Packaging/chassis are very good--substantial, functional build quality--I still find the 9180 to be quite attractive and the best looking of Hafler amplifiers. I could describe the circuitry further, but you're likely wondering about the sound. Against the latest state-of-the-art, mega-buck power amplifier, there are some shortcomings. In my listening tests, the low end in particular lacks some heft and control. None-the-less, this amplifier performs quite well over the audio spectrum providing clean, no-fatigue audio, and still holds its own which is quite an accomplishment considering that the basic design is around 30 years old! I call that good value. If you find one at a reasonable price, go for it and own a classic with a fine heritage while enjoying its performance for a long time. |