Arylic has quietly launched its latest broadcast amplifier, the LA150which brings a great improvement over the the LA50 has just been released. Most importantly for Apple users, the new model last AirPlay 2 supportallowing it to be seamlessly integrated into existing AirPlay multi-room audio systems alongside HomePods, Apple TVs, and other compatible speakers.
Beside AirPlay 2, LA150 also supports Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connectagain Roon Readymaking it one of Arylic’s most versatile amplifiers to date. Beyond streaming, however, the LA150 introduces a number of significant hardware upgrades over the LA50, including more than double the power of the amplifierbuilt in MM/MC phono stageextended cable connection, Bluetooth 5.4 with high-resolution codec support, and a very capable rear I/O panel.
MORE POWER UP
Perhaps the biggest improvement comes in the amplification phase. While the LA50 delivers 50W per channel, the The LA150 increases this to 110W RMS per channelmaking it better suited for driving large floorstanding speakers or demanding bookshelf speakers. The amplifier is based on Texas Instruments’ well-regarded TPA3255 Class D amplifier chip, which has earned a strong reputation for delivering clean, efficient power to integrated hi-fi amplifiers.
Although published specifications list 110W for both 4Ω and 8Ω speakers, this is unusual, so we’ll wait for Arylic’s official documentation before confirming how those figures are measured.
A BIG STEP IN COMMUNICATION
While the LA50 is already offered HDMI ARC, USB audio, analog RCA input, optical inputand a subwoofer outputthe LA150 significantly increases its connectivity.
The new model adds:
- MM/MC phono input for turntables
- Coaxial digital input
- RCA before exit
- Optical digital output
- USB host for local music playback
- HDMI ARC with CEC
- Dedicated USB-B DAC input
The addition of a built-in MM/MC phono stage is invaluable, allowing users to connect a variety of turntables directly without requiring a separate phono preamp.
BETTER BLUETOOTH SUPPORT
Bluetooth is also getting a big upgrade. The LA50 uses Bluetooth 5.0 with SBC and AAC support for audio. The LA150 migrates to Bluetooth 5.4, adding support for higher quality codecs including:
It can also transmit audio via Bluetooth using SBC, aptX, and aptX HD, providing great flexibility for headphones or wireless speakers.
BREAKING FEATURES ARE ALWAYS POWERFUL
Like the LA50, the LA150 continues to support the latest Arylic streaming platform, including:
- AirPlay 2
- Google Cast
- Spotify Connect
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Roon Ready
This means that Apple users can integrate the amplifier into AirPlay 2 multi-room audio systems, while Android users benefit from Google Cast support.
PURCHASING PHOTOS
A wireless network includes:
- Dual-band 2.4GHz / 5GHz Wi-Fi (802.11ac)
- 10/100 Ethernet
- Bluetooth 5.4
MADE FOR BIG PROGRAMS
The LA150 is also physically larger than the LA50, measuring 215 × 65 × 245mm compared to the LA50’s enclosure of 148 × 148 × 43mm. That extra space accommodates a high-powered amplifier section and extended rear panel connections.
SOME QUESTIONS REMAIN
While the published details reveal a lot more than the original FCC filing, there are still a few details we’d like Arylic to clarify. The seller lists the AK7735 as a DAC, although this is actually an AKM digital signal processor rather than a standalone DAC, suggesting that this part of the description may have been listed incorrectly. Likewise, the published power figures warrant further clarification if Arylic releases its official spec sheet.
The LA50 remains an attractive choice for anyone looking for an affordable broadcast amplifier for a desktop or small listening room, but the LA150 is clearly intended for more serious hi-fi applications. With double the amplifier outputs, built-in MM/MC phono stage, greatly expanded inputs and outputs, enhanced Bluetooth capabilities, and support for the same full range of streaming services, it represents a big step up from just the powerful version of the LA50.
Although the LA150 doesn’t appear to support Matter, that shouldn’t be a big deal for Apple users. Thanks to AirPlay 2, it can already be added to the Home app as a speaker, included in automations and scenes, and integrated with HomePods and other AirPlay 2 speakers for whole-home audio. For anyone already invested in the Apple ecosystem, that will be a very important feature.
On paper at least, the LA150 looks set to be Arylic’s most efficient integrated broadcast amplifier to date, offering a compelling alternative for anyone looking to combine traditional hi-fi with modern wireless streaming.
Although not yet listed on the company’s website, the LA150 has already appeared in some specialist HiFi stores, including MycHiFi, in Sweden.