Welcome to our Perreaux Audiant 80i Integrated Amplifier Review, where we dive deep into one of the most compelling stereo integrated amplifiers on the market. From its sleek capacitive-touch interface to the ESS Technology Sabre ES9006 DAC under the bonnet, the Audiant 80i marries high-fidelity performance with refined design. Whether you’re building an audiophile desktop system or elevating your living-room theatre, this is the versatile powerhouse you’ve been searching for.

Design & Build Quality

At just 67 mm tall with a robust aluminium front panel, the Audiant 80i exudes minimalist elegance. The capacitive touch buttons respond with just the right amount of haptic feedback, and the dimmable LED display lets you customise the ambience from bright party mode to candlelit serenity. Perreaux’s high-current toroidal transformer sits encased within a low-vibration chassis, ensuring the amplifier remains rock-solid even at high volume levels.

Key Features at a Glance

• 80 Wpc Class-AB Output into 8 Ω (130 Wpc into 4 Ω) for distortion-free peaks
• ESS Sabre ES9006 DAC with upsampling to 24-bit/96 kHz for ultra-low jitter
• Asynchronous USB input for direct computer streaming and bit-perfect playback
• 8 Stereo Inputs: 3 × RCA line, 1 × MM phono, 1 × USB, 1 × coaxial, 2 × optical
• Selectable Home Theatre Loop for seamless integration with AV receivers
• MOSFET Output Devices yielding a dynamic, engaging soundstage
• Energy Efficient: <1 W in standby, 50 W idle

Ready to explore? View full specs and purchase on our product page.

Sound Performance & Tonal Character

Whether feeding floor-standing speakers or compact monitors, the Audiant 80i delivers a sound that is at once transparent and engaging. The low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N of 0.002% @1 kHz) ensures vocals emerge with lifelike presence, and the tight, controlled bass—thanks to a 400 damping factor at 1 kHz—adds authoritative punch without ever sounding bloated.

On classical recordings, the wide frequency response (20 Hz–20 kHz ±0.1 dB) lets you trace every bow scrape and piano resonance in precise detail. When switching to modern rock or electronic, the MOSFET-driven Class-AB stage serves up rhythm with a visceral impact that invites you to lean into the beat.

Connectivity & Digital Experience

The asynchronous USB DAC is a real game-changer for PC or Mac users. By employing an independent clock, jitter is virtually eliminated, and your high-resolution files translate into pristine, three-dimensional sound. You’ll also find coaxial and dual Toslink optical inputs for CD transports, game consoles or set-top boxes, plus an MM phono stage with 40 dB of gain for vinyl enthusiasts.

The selectable home theatre loop means you can lock the amplifier into your AV system and still enjoy the Audiant’s sonic signature during two-channel passages. And with infrared remote control, you’re free to adjust volume or skip tracks without leaving the couch—or even control iTunes and compatible apps over USB.

Who Should Consider the Audiant 80i?

• Desktop and Small-Room Audiophiles looking for a slimline amplifier with serious grunt
• Vinyl Purists seeking a low-noise MM phono stage and precise tone control
• Home Theatre Fans who want to blend music and movie playback with one integrated solution
• PC/Mac Streamers demanding an asynchronous USB DAC with bit-perfect performance
• Environmentally Conscious Listeners appreciating <1 W standby power and efficient Class-AB operation

If this sounds like you, why not pick up the phone and speak with our team on 1300 308 711? You can also email us at sales@theaudiotailor.com.au for personalised advice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stunning clarity and low noise floor (105 dB S/N).
• Solid 80 Wpc output with tight bass control.
• Superb ESS Sabre DAC with 24-bit/96 kHz upsampling.
• Sleek, intuitive capacitive-touch interface and dimmable display.
• Comprehensive input array including phono, USB, optical and coax.
• MOSFET outputs deliver dynamic and detailed sound.
• Eco-friendly standby draw <1 W.

Cons

• Limited to 24/96 via USB (no native DSD).
• No balanced XLR inputs (RCA only).
• Slim profile may restrict large-scale instal­lation cooling (though it’s exceptionally well-ventilated).

Next Steps to Audiophile Bliss

In the crowded world of hi-fi amplifiers, the Perreaux Audiant 80i stands out for its perfect balance of power, versatility and sonic finesse. It’s an ideal stepping stone for anyone seeking to refine their audio system without sacrificing connectivity or style. To elevate your listening journey, get in touch with our experts today. Call us on 1300 308 711, email sales@theaudiotailor.com.au, or visit the Perreaux Audiant 80i product page for more information and to secure your amplifier.

Let our team help you unlock the full potential of your music library—because at The Audio Tailor, we believe every note deserves to be heard with crystal-clear accuracy and emotion.