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This review first appeared in the February 2013 issue of hi-end hifi magazine fairaudio.de of Germany. You can also read this review of Mastersound in its original German version. We publish its English translation in a mutual syndication arrangement with the publishers. As is customary for our own reviews, the writer's signature at review's end shows an e-mail address should you have questions or wish to send feedback. All images contained in this review are the property of fairaudio or Mastersound - Ed.
Reviewer: Ralph Werner
Sources: VPI Scout II with SME M2 12-inch and VPI JMW 9T arms, Denon DL-103, Ortofon MC Rondo Bronce and Zu Audio DL-103 pickups; SAC Gamma Sym phonostage; Luxman D-05 SACD player; Logitech Touch, Readynas Duo NAS-Server, HP Notebook and M2Tech Hiface, Benchmark DAC1 USB
Amplification: Octave HP300 with MC phono preamp, Electrocompaniet AW180 amplifier, Denon PMA-2010AE integrated
Loudspeakers: Dynamikks Monitor 8.12, Thiel SCS4
Sundry accessories, cables and racks
Review component retail: Starting at €1.950


From biggest to smallest. Where our last encounter with Mastersound had dealt with their top Evolution 845 model whose 53kg to this day top the scales for any integrated amplifier, today's North Italian affair is their entry-level offering. Christened Dueundici, it costs one fifth of the Evolution, weighs three-and-a-half times less and, nomen est omen, puts out a solid 2 x 11 watts.

That's not opulent power but one EL 34 per channel simply isn't capable of more. The Dueundici is a class A single-ended power amp sans global feedback. Clearly the Italians here were after maximal sonics rather than maximus power.

And fine by me I might add. My Dynamikks Monitor 8.12 are an honest 93dB/W/m and their impedance doesn't undercut 6 ohms (at around 150Hz). This was definitely worth a try. Boxes barely north of 80dB won't be any fun particularly in bigger rooms and under higher levels of course. The correct match of speakers and amp becomes paramount whenever a mere fistful of watts are on hand.

Visually Mastersound's Dueundici cuts an impressive figure – big enough to garner respect, small enough to remain charming. Not only its design but also manufacture take place in Vicenza northwest of Venice. This shows. Cosmetics, proportions and fit'n'finish don't leave much to be desired.

Needless to say the comparatively higher European labor costs reflect as well. The same coin achieves higher weight, flashier trim and more opulent power with competitors like Audreal's V30, Vincent's SV-236, Opera Audio's Consonance M100+ and Magnat's RV1. It'll simply won't bother those who are fine with 11 watts and three high-level inputs to primarily judge this machine on sonics. As do we here at fairaudio too...