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I’m no diehard fancier of Latin American music and though Rodrigo Y Gabriela’s finest is only partly defined as such whose artists deliberately reject the Flamenco classification on top, it does sound a bit like it. This Mexican duo only plays acoustic guitars and nothing else yet their music is contagious as they don’t regard guitars as merely stringed instruments but also major percussion. "Diabolo Rojo" blisters with such violence that one wonders how many guitars the duo destroys with their massive and fast hammering on wooden bodies. Holà.

What kills this music is blunting or blurring of transients where they run into each other. I’ve nothing against flow, calm and organized sorting but where those terms are euphemistic spin for lame-assed, they’re outed at the latest at this juncture. This is essentially nothing but a test track for acceleration and breaking powers whose every impossible bend the Plinius navigated with bravura. This integrated proved unbelievably fast and taut across the entire audible spectrum. That’s what fleet-footed spells like. Even if it ultimately was perhaps a slight transient emphasis, it also was massive fun.

No demerits then? Not with such music though it’s certainly conceivable that not everyone will cotton to such a brisk direct approach and that some might outright favor a fuller midrange over one this energetic. So the Plinius will trigger personal preferences but for those it can’t be blamed. More money can of course still buy more. With my reference separates that would include
  • more low bass with concomitantly scaled-up soundstaging.
  • higher resolution.
  • greater plasticity of instruments and vocals.
  • more transparent staging with particularly greater rear illumination.

But to get this will cost you. Relative to the 9200’s asking price, none of these aspects were weaknesses. That said, the two latter points weren’t leading the class, just "okay but improvable". The Plinius does stage properly and the virtual stage is quite generous of width and height. It’s with depth layering where accusations of "flat" are avoided but those who are particularly fond of this attribute will not be impressed. Ditto for complete sonic embodiment or fleshiness. That element is fine but truly sculpted holographically peeled-out plasticity is not on the menu.


What I enjoyed about the Plinius stage was its slight forward projection. This didn’t have things stick to the line between the speakers or behind but occasionally jump in my lap. Additionally the lighting upon the stage was always day rather than twilight. This created great clarity and intelligibility. Nothing had to be assumed in the half shadows. This in conjunction with the half step closer to the microphone added up to great involvement with an already lively amplifier.
I really had fun with this assignment. I also ended up mightily impressed not only by its great joie de vivre always freely on tap but the price/performance balance in general. Whilst clearly asking for more than pocket change, I view it as an excellent option in this sector of transistorized integrated amplifiers.


A recommendation comes easy then to book an audition if you’re in the market. That’s particularly apt if you’re not stuck on just string quartets but fancy a rhythmically taut presentation.
 

Psych profile:
  • The tonal balance is neutral and even.
  • The lower range is noticeably dynamic, brisk, very articulate, fast, bouncy and altogether rare in this price class to be a definite strength.
  • The midband favors crisp directness over fulsome saturation as a slight tendency rather than personality flaw.
  • The treble is brilliant and energetic but not hard.
  • Rhythm and timing are spot on. This is a lively groovy amp and a master of dynamics.
Facts:
  • Weight & dimensions: 14kg, 45 x 12 x 40cm WxHxD
  • Trim: Black or silver
  • I/o ports: 4 high-level inputs (one RCA/XLR switchable), two tape loops, switchable MM/MC phono input, one pre-out, biwire speaker terminals, processor loop
  • Other: Remote control
  • Power consumption: 50 watts at idle, no standby
  • Warranty: 2 years
redaktion @ fairaudio.de
Plinius website