High-End Audio Buyer’s Guide 2024: PS Audio Sprout100

$799

Though the original Sprout’s compact, retro-modern form factor remains the same, the new Sprout100 offers a number of upgrades and improvements, including a redesigned phonostage and headphone amp, a new DAC (up to DSD128 and 384/24PCM), a tiny indicator LED, and a remote control. Oh, and twice the power: 100Wpc. The Sprout100 has the ability to coax even more open spaciousness, lively musicality, detail, and low-end extension from the small loudspeakers (especially with the “bass boost” option on). Expect big sound and even more bang for the buck. (289)