What we liked
- The design quality
- The outstanding current capacity
- The warm, natural sound reproduction
- The rich, present midrange
We would have liked
- A USB-B port instead of the micro-USB port
- Phono and XLR inputs
- For the mobile app to have been translated
- A higher-quality Bluetooth receiver
Our expert’s opinion
With the Tonewinner AD-86D amplifier, the Chinese brand has made a real splash in the hi-fi market by offering a powerful, generously equipped pure class A amplifier that is surprisingly affordable considering its performance. Listening to this amplifier, its performance lives up to its technical promises: deep, controlled bass, a richly textured midrange, precise, silky highs, all supported by a broad, well-constructed soundstage. Thanks to its extraordinary power handling capacity, the Tonewinner AD-86D manages to combine refinement and energy, for a listening experience that's as lively as it is captivating.
Admittedly, there are a few caveats to consider: the DAC is slightly dated, as is the micro-USB port, and the mobile app is only available in Chinese. But these shortcomings are minor in comparison with the build quality, power and, above all, remarkable musicality of the whole package. Ultimately, the Tonewinner AD-86D is much more than just a bold outsider; it stands out as one of the best value-for-money options currently available in the category of powerful pure class A stereo amplifiers.
At the heart of the Asian manufacturer’s range, the Tonewinner AD-86D boasts specifications worthy of much more expensive references. For €1,090, this imposing integrated stereo amp weighing almost 19kg promises a muscular power output of 2 x 120W RMS into 8 ohms in pure class A, an oversized power supply, a DAC complete with Bluetooth, USB and even HDMI ARC. On paper, it has everything it takes to compete with renowned amplifiers. But is it capable of holding its own against the industry’s heavyweights? Here’s our verdict after listening to it for several weeks.
Presentation
An amp built like a tank
From the moment it’s unpacked, the Tonewinner AD-86D impresses. It boasts generous dimensions (44cm wide, 45cm deep and 16cm tall) and, above all, a substantial weight of over 18kg. This weight is due to the presence of a large 400 VA toroidal transformer and a muscular power supply. The construction immediately inspires confidence, with a solid aluminum chassis adorned with large metal heat sinks on either side. The unit rests on shock-absorbing feet for perfect mechanical stability.
The design of the Tonewinner AD-86D remains faithful to the minimalist, robust aesthetics of the Asian brand. The front panel features three physical buttons: the main power button, a play/pause button for USB or Bluetooth playback (which acts as a mute button for other sources), and a large metal volume control knob. The latter offers precise adjustment in 0.5 dB increments. It is pleasant to use, although we’d have preferred a quieter model that didn’t make a clicking sound with each rotation. Multifunctional, this potentiometer can be pressed and held to access the amplifier’s internal menus for source selection, balance adjustment, bass and treble control, and timer setting. It may take a little time to get used to this multifunction knob. Additional dedicated controls would have made the experience more intuitive and immediate, to the detriment of the minimalist front panel. All information is displayed on the large screen. Clear and easy to read, it indicates the active source and volume level while listening, and facilitates adjustments.
The Tonewinner AD-86D can be operated remotely using the included infrared remote control. Compact and well-designed, it boasts an aluminum chassis that ensures a pleasant grip and appears to be high quality. It provides access to all essential functions: volume control, track navigation, source selection, equalization and more. Its high directivity guarantees smooth operation even without aiming it precisely at the amp. The manufacturer also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android that lets you control the amplifier via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, it is currently only available in Chinese, making it difficult to use for most users. This is a shame, because it’s the main way to manage files stored on USB devices or an SD card.
High power in class A
The Tonewinner AD-86D adopts a pure class A amplification section, an audio architecture generally reserved for the most prestigious models. Thanks to the use of eight Toshiba transistors and nine Texas Instruments operational amplifiers, the manufacturer promises a very generous power output of 2 x 120 watts RMS into 8 ohms and 2 x 250 watts into 4 ohms. Unlike many amplifiers, which only operate in class A on the first few watts before switching to class AB to avoid overheating, the Tonewinner AD-86D maintains continuous polarization of the output transistors, enabling a totally linear reproduction, whatever the volume level. This means that the transistors remain constantly conductive, avoiding any crossover distortion as the signal passes from one transistor to another. The result: extremely low harmonic distortion, enhanced transparency and remarkable sonic stability.
To power this particularly energy-hungry design, the Tonewinner AD-86D relies on a hefty power supply that uses a huge shielded toroidal transformer occupying a large portion of space inside the chassis. It’s backed up by a large number of filter capacitors, arranged symmetrically for better thermal distribution and optimum voltage stability. The result is a current capacity of over 57,400 μF, well above that of many multi-channel AV receivers. The Tonewinner AD-86D therefore guarantees an energetic reproduction and solid bass, even with the most demanding speakers.
Naturally, class A amplification of this scale generates a lot of heat. This is why the manufacturer has equipped the amplifier with massive radiators, combined with optimized air circulation inside the device. During prolonged listening sessions at high volume, the amp heats up noticeably, but remains within perfectly controlled limits, without having to use an active fan that generates unwanted noise.
A wide range of connectors
The Tonewinner AD-86D amplifier also takes care to ensure the versatility of its connectors, with a wide range of inputs and outputs capable of accommodating both traditional analog and digital sources. It features three RCA inputs, as many coaxial inputs and an optical input for connecting a CD player, a pre-amplified turntable or a network player. There’s also an HDMI ARC port for direct audio retrieval from a compatible TV. The Tonewinner AD-86D can also act as a USB DAC, thanks to a dedicated input to connect a computer, smartphone or tablet. We regret, however, that this port is in micro-USB format, a standard that has become obsolete, more fragile, and for which quality cables are now hard to find. The amplifier also features an AMP IN input for use as a power amp, and a PRE-IN for connection to an external preamp. Finally, two dedicated outputs allow you to connect one or two subwoofers. The absence of a phono and balanced XLR input is regrettable, although it’s hard to ask for more from an amp priced at under €1,100.
Expert’s note: While the Tonewinner AD-86D amplifier accepts bare cables, it is often preferable to use banana plugs or spade connectors to connect your speakers. Their role is twofold: to ensure better electrical contact and to facilitate installation.
The Tonewinner AD-86D amplifier can also play content stored on an SD card or USB stick. However, storage capacity is limited to 128GB, a constraint that can quickly become apparent if you wish to store a large number of high-resolution files. Its DAC supports a wide range of formats, including APE, FLAC, WAV, MP3 and WMA at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. It is also compatible with DSD files up to DSD128. Conversion is entrusted to a renowned but relatively old Analog Devices AD1955 DAC. On the whole, it does a decent job, especially for TV. The most meticulous users will find it worthwhile to switch to a higher-quality external DAC (especially dual-chip models) to get the most out of Hi-Res files and harness the amp’s full potential.
Bluetooth receiver
In addition to its comprehensive connectivity, the Tonewinner AD-86D amplifier features a Bluetooth receiver, making it easy to listen to music wirelessly from a smartphone, tablet or computer. With an advertised range of 15m, you’ll be able to enjoy a fair amount of freedom of movement around the amp without the music cutting out. However, compatibility is limited to the SBC codec, which is still functional, but far from the quality offered by aptX or LDAC codecs, which are absent here.
Listening conditions
Once the Tonewinner AD-86D amplifier is in place, the speakers can be connected via the high-quality screw terminals, compatible with banana plugs, spade connectors and wide gauge cables. For this test, we combined a wide range of models, from small bookshelf speakers to floorstanding speakers with 12″ woofers. In all configurations, the amp maintained total control. Playback was via the Eversolo DMP-A6 Gen 2 network player, a CD player plugged into the optical port and a TV connected via HDMI ARC.
Note that the Tonewinner AD-86D needs time to be broken in before it can fully express its musical potential. Over the first few hours of listening, it may seem a little cold and restrained in the midrange, with a narrow soundstage and unnatural highs. A technical reproduction, but without any real emotion. After a few dozen hours of operation, the transformation is striking. The amp opens up, gaining in balance and richness. This is one of the few amplifiers tested where the change in personality after running-in was so pronounced. It’s a real before-and-after experience, which means you shouldn’t jump to hasty conclusions when you first listen to it.
Listening impressions
Once properly broken in, the Tonewinner AD-86D delivered a smooth reproduction, without any harshness, even at high volume. Attacks were marked, the bass perfectly controlled and the highs detailed without being strident. The very high current capacity enabled this amplifier to maintain a constant dynamic range to feed energy intensive or low-efficiency speakers without faltering, where others would run out of steam. It maintained tonal coherence and constant energy, no matter the complexity of the track or listening volume.
On several of The Weeknd’s albums, the Tonewinner AD-86D descended very low, with a solid, deep foundation, without ever falling into excess. The bass was well maintained, precise and perfectly controlled, even at high volume, with no noticeable slowing or lagging, the sign of a well-dimensioned power supply. On more subdued tracks such as Lorde’s Royals or Chris Jones’ No Sanctuary Here, the low register retained authority and impact, while demonstrating exemplary articulation. Every drum hit, every double bass resonance was reproduced with accuracy and nuance, without heaviness or excess.
The Tonewinner AD-86D deliberately emphasized the midrange, which was rich, well articulated and reproduced with a particularly pleasing smoothness. Vocals stood out naturally, carried by fine textures. On acoustic recordings or intimate performances, such as Rhye’s album Home, the amplifier managed to establish a real emotional closeness with the performer. The singer’s ethereal voice took shape with delicacy and sensuality, while retaining a beautiful transparency. Every inflection, every breath, every vocal vibration was rendered with hushed precision, enhanced by a suave, bewitching texture. This unctuousness in the midrange extended to the highs, which inherited the same fluidity without losing definition.
Tonewinner AD-86D vs NAD C389
Slightly more expensive (€1,399), the NAD C389 amplifier offers up to 2 x 130W into 4 and 8 ohms thanks to its Hypex Ncore hybrid digital amplification. In the listening room, it is more analytical, with greater clarity and more pronounced neutrality. Thanks to its more compact format and limited heat generation, it’s easier to install in a hi-fi cabinet. However, the Tonewinner AD-86D offers a warmer, more emotional listening experience.
Who is this amplifier for?
The Tonewinner AD-86D is an excellent gateway to the harmonic richness and distinctive musicality of class A at an affordable price. Its high power and generous current capacity enable it to efficiently drive all types of speakers, including the most demanding models with large woofers. It will appeal to lovers of warm, full, textured sound as well as to enthusiasts of dynamic music, thanks to its flawless responsiveness and exemplary control across the entire spectrum. However, it’s a very hefty device, weighing in at 19kg, that heats up and needs space. It’s therefore best to reserve a special place for it.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Yes, like all amplifiers operating in class A, it gives off noticeable heat. It’s advisable to place it in a ventilated spot with several centimeters of space around it to avoid overheating and ensure optimal operation.
Absolutely. The amp has two subwoofer outputs (RCA), so you can connect one or two active subwoofers to reinforce the bass response.
The amplifier has no built-in phono input. For a turntable, you’ll need an external phono preamp or a turntable with a built-in preamp.
Yes, thanks to its AMP IN input, the Tonewinner AD-86D can only be used as a power amplifier together with a separate preamplifier or AV receiver.
Yes, thanks to the CEC protocol, the amplifier’s volume can be adjusted with the remote control of the associated TV.
As with all pure class A amplifiers, power consumption remains high, even at low volume. On average, we measured a power consumption of 180W.
Yes, thanks to its high current capacity, it can power small bookshelves as well as demanding floorstanders with large woofers, while maintaining firm, controlled bass.
