iiWi Reviews Tests the Crescendo CHORUS: "Half the Price but High Performance"
- Laiv
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
A big thank you to Srboljub of iiWi Reviews for one of the most methodical reviews the Crescendo CHORUS has received. With 59,200 subscribers, 427 videos, and a reputation for honest, no-nonsense evaluations that "focus on the real worth and sound quality of the product without beating around the bushes," iiWi Reviews has earned serious trust in the audiophile community. This is also the third LAiV product Srboljub has reviewed, having previously covered the Crescendo VERSE and the Harmony GaNM. He uses the GaNM as his main reference amplifier, so he came into this review with deep familiarity with the LAiV house sound.
What sets this review apart is the comparison-driven approach. Srboljub tested the CHORUS against two similarly priced GaN amplifiers in both stereo and mono configurations, then compared it directly against the Harmony GaNM. That kind of structured, head-to-head methodology gives viewers exactly the context they need.
In stereo mode, Srboljub describes the CHORUS as "full-bodied, ever so slightly warmish," "tonally correct, mature, quite revealing," and notes a cozy, laid-back character that never pushes toward anything forward or aggressive. But the real story begins in mono mode. Moving to a dual mono setup, he found the improvement dramatic: dynamics gained "better bite, better pop," the soundstage became "wider, deeper, better layered," bass hit "harder, weightier, and with more intent," and the overall presentation became "more expanded, livelier, snappier." His summary of a pair of CHORUS amplifiers in mono? "Absolute bangers."
That stereo-to-mono transformation also proved decisive in his comparisons. Against two similarly priced competitors tested in both modes, the CHORUS in mono mode pulled clearly ahead with "much more dynamic, more authoritative, better layered soundstage." His verdict on mono mode was unambiguous: "Definitely CHORUS. No question."
On the Harmony GaNM comparison, Srboljub offers a measured and fair assessment. The two models share the same house sound, the same tonality, and the same core qualities. The GaNM, at $5,100, pushes the limits slightly higher in bass control, airiness, and soundstage scale. But the CHORUS, at $994, delivers what he estimates as "80 or 85% of what you would get with the bigger ones." Do they cannibalize the GaNM? "No, they do not really, because GaNMs are still a higher performing unit." But for those who have been eyeing the GaNM and found the price out of reach, the CHORUS brings "a lot of those qualities at a noticeably lower price." His title says it all: half the price, but high performance. And as he puts it, "pushing the limits is always expensive."
Srboljub closes with a recommendation that speaks directly to system building: the Crescendo VERSE paired with two CHORUS amplifiers creates "a really competent setup with a serious sound." Compact, lifestyle-friendly, but with no sacrifice in fidelity. "Don't make a mistake thinking that the sound quality and fidelity were sacrificed to achieve this sort of compact, cute, lifestyle appearance," he says, "because thanks to new technologies like gallium nitride, great power and great sound are now possible with this sort of form factor."
Watch the full review at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbDMR7dlKDg. Srboljub goes deep on stereo vs mono, runs three head-to-head comparisons, and breaks down why GaN technology keeps winning. It is well worth 21 minutes of your time.
LAIV Designing Dreams, Yours Specifically!
Credit: Srboljub Stojanovic
Creator @ iiWi Reviews and YouTube channel