A Revered British Hi-Fi Brand Just Introduced a Old-School Amplifier for Modern Audiophiles

It’s the first amplifier that’s part of the brand’s “pro-sound-to-home revolution.”

Black Enso INT-125 integrated amplifier with digital display showing "Phono-1 -41dB" and a silver source knob.Ultrafide Audio

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You may not be familiar with Ultrafide Audio. It’s a British hi-fi company that specializes in ultra-high-end amplifiers typically reserved for professional studios and live venues. Basically, its gear not designed for average consumers.

But with many audiophiles adopting its amplifiers in recent years, the company has seemingly shifted focus to pro-grade products better suited for home use. This is showcased by the launch of its first-ever integrated amplifier, the Enso (INT-125), which the brand introduced at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show.

Black audio amplifier front panel with silver volume and source knobs and a digital display showing "Phono-1 -41dB".
The Enso (INT-125) is an integrated amplifier with a built-in phono stage.
Ultrafide Audio

A debut integrated amplifier

In today’s modern hi-fi age, the term “integrated amplifier” can be pretty ambiguous. But the Enso (INT-125) is more of an integrated amplifier in the traditional sense. It combines a power amplifier, a preamplifier, and a built-in moving-magnet phono stage. It doesn’t support streaming of any kind.

This makes the Enso (INT-125) well-suited to be the hub of a traditional stereo hi-fi system. It features pre-amplifier controls, tone adjustments, and an OLED display. The phono stage makes for easy turntable integration.

If there’s another “perk,” the Enso (INT-125) also includes a Class AB stereo headphone amplifier, in case you’d like to enjoy a more private listening session.

Black audio amplifier with silver knobs labeled Bass, Treble, and Volume on a beige background.
The amp is capable of delivering 125 watts (into 8 ohms) or 250 watts (into 4 ohms) per channel.
Ultrafide Audio

As you’d expect from Ultrafide Audio, the Enso (INT-125) is a robust stereo amplifier designed for serious audiophiles. It’s capable of delivering 125 watts (into 8 ohms) or 250 watts (into 4 ohms) per channel.

It features a linear toroidal power supply and draws on technology previously showcased in Ultrafideโ€™s higher-end U500DC and SP500 power amplifiers. According to the brand, “the result is superior audio performance with a clear focus on sonic purity, headroom and musicality.”

Black Enso INT-125 integrated amplifier with silver source knob and green power button on a tan background.
Its “Enso” name is inspired by the Japanese enso circle, which the brand explains symbolizes “completeness, unity and balance.”
Ultrafide Audio

Pro to home audio

Additionally, the Enso (INT-125) is highly scalable. It can be used as a stereo amplifier to drive passive speakers or switched to a multi-amp slash fully active system with external equalization.

โ€œThe Enso (INT-125) is a huge moment for the Ultrafide brand. Itโ€™s a flexible and powerful integrated amplifier that lets you focus on the music,” explained Mark Bailey, a product specialist at Ultrafide Audio, in the press release.

Bailey continues: “Having been asked for this by many customers since our inception, we are pleased to offer a competitive price point โ€” driven by our mission to make exceptional audio accessible.”

Black MC² Audio ENSO pre-amplifier with multiple RCA, XLR, and power connectors on a white surface.
Its features include pre-amplifier controls, tone adjustments, an OLED display, a stereo Class AB headphone amplifier, and a high-quality adjustable MM phono stage.
Ultrafide Audio

Price and availablity

As for what that “competitive price point” is, that’s still a little up in the air … at least as far as US customers are concerned.

Ultrafide’s Enso (INT-125) integrated amplifier costs ยฃ3,500, which converts to approximately $4,000-$4,500 USD. It’s available now in the UK and Europe. US availability has not yet been announced.

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