Lavardin A80 Analogue Stereo Power Amplifier France

The Lavardin A80 is a purely analogue stereo power amplifier from France, built on the same Memory-Free philosophy as the manufacturer's integrated amplifiers – as a partner for a separate pre/power chain.

Why the A80?

If you already have a preamp or want to build a separate chain, the A80 gives you access to Lavardin's circuit technology without paying for a second preamp section. The power amp is even used in a professional context: in recording studios it serves to check classical recordings, among other things on reference speakers like Spendor, Quad ESL, Harbeth, Rogers LS3/5A, Quested and ATC – an environment where colouration would show up immediately.

What you hear

The A80 transmits signals with high neutrality and a lot of fine resolution at low volumes, without ever sounding thin or lacking in power. Especially on sensitive, high-resolution speakers, it shows how cleanly it renders even complex passages instead of compressing them.

Who is the A80 for? (and who isn't it for)

For anyone with an existing preamp who's looking for a musical, unfussy power amp – ideal in combination with the CX42. Plain talk: as a standalone unit without a preamp, the A80 does nothing, it absolutely needs a source with its own level control ahead of it.

Our verdict

The A80 is proof that Lavardin's philosophy isn't tied to the integrated-amplifier format. If you already own a good preamp and are looking for a power amp that doesn't push itself to the front, you'll find one of the most honest options in its price class here.

Technical data

• Power: 2× 50 W RMS at 8 Ω, max. 2× 105 W at 2 Ω
• Input sensitivity: 780 mV
• Distortion: 0.005% at full output
• Power consumption: 32 W in standby, max. 180 W
• Dimensions (W×H×D): 430 × 80 × 340 mm
• Weight: 6.5 kg

Frequently asked questions

Do I necessarily need a separate preamp for the A80?

Yes, the A80 is a pure power amp with no volume control of its own. It needs a preamp or a preamp output with adjustable level ahead of it, for example the Lavardin CX42 or a preamp already present in your existing system.

Does the A80 suit sensitive speakers?

Very well, in fact. The A80 is also used in studio environments on reference speakers like Spendor, Quad ESL or Harbeth, where colouration would show up immediately – a clear sign of its high tonal neutrality and restraint in the upper midrange.

How much power does the A80 deliver into 4-ohm speakers?

Officially 8 and 2 ohms are specified; at 4 ohms the power sits in between, usually closer to the 2-ohm figures. For most high-quality speakers used at home, this is more than sufficiently sized and suitable for everyday use, even with more demanding music.

Why buy the Lavardin A80 at HD Zürisee?

We check together with you whether your existing preamp suits the A80 before you order – that saves expensive mistakes. Contact us by phone, WhatsApp or email for a non-binding, honest assessment of your whole system.

Goes well with

Our Lavardin CX42 preamp is an ideal match for the A80; for the power supply we recommend our power cable range.