After the Hype! Living with the Iotavx SA3 integrated amplifier. 

So. There's a lot of me in this vid. Sorry boys (and girls). My camera doesn't have a flippy screen... meaning that my framing is slave to lazy guesswork.

Sean you not only do some of the best reviews but you always seem to pick products that are interesting. Keep up the great work, love the follow up reviews.

Really digging these retrospective reviews of yours. Nice one, Sean!

Iota owner here. Fantastic amp. Love the thing.

Keep these long term reviews/addendums coming!!! It serves a market that nobody else serves. Thanks for all the awesome free content Sean. Peace!

I like this review series! And i like the IotavVX sa 3 very much!!! I have owned and reselled different brands of amplifiers, from tube to solid state, from cheap to expensive. The Iota gives me the sound i have searched for a long time. I really hope this brand comes with more products like cd players, streamers, etc.

These post review series is great idea. I personally watch every review more than one time, especially if the product is in my interest at the moment. This kind of reviewing your own review might sometimes be exactly something one is looking for to get a kind of a closure on product. Thank you. Keep it going.

I bought the SA3 combination with S400's-love natural and purity of sound-thank you for your guidance!! Tom

Hi Sean, Thanks for pointing me in the direction of this amp in you previous video. I have to confirm your findings and like it a lot long-term (as an owner).

Hi Sean :) First of all, thank you for all of your high quality reviews! Tee-Jay told me to ask my question here, since you are about to review the IotaVX NP3. I am (as many people) struggling to choose between the IotaVX and AudioLab 6000a for my new Elac Debut Reference dbr52 speakers. I was wondering - do you know if they are using a new (better) DAC in the NP3? Thank you very much in advance! Best wishes

Sean, I thoroughly enjoy your reviews. Doing the follow-up review is an excellent idea, showing that you are a responsible person, peace!

Just order one during IOTA Black Friday sale based on your review. Looking forward to living the hype.

Thank you Sean, due to your positive review and glowing recommendation, I purchased an IOTAVX SA3 and am extremely happy with the amazing music this unit reproduces. I also bought the Bluetooth Adaptor to play my many music files through the SA3. I initially had problems getting it working until I contacted Ian Vermeulen at IOTA Electronics and he responded very quickly with the solution, which was to not use the included plug adaptor with the Bluetooth Adaptor, just plug it straight into the Extension Port and after doing that it worked beautifully. So thanks go to Ian for such swift support and thanks go to you for making me aware of the IOTAVX SA3. Keep up this series, very enjoyable.

I've gone through many budget systems over the years. My first, in the 80's, a Kenwood Reciever with 3-Way giant Cerwin Vega Speakers (the speakers had a mid and treble cut knob on the front). And a Sony programmable CD player. I was a teen with my first job money to spend. This system was AWESOME! A decade later, I ended up with a Denon AVR and Dynaudio Audience 50's with a matching center channel. I'd never heard speakers like those before, and a rarely since. This system was EVEN MORE AWESOME! Now, Vinyl on a vintage Technics -> MF phono preamp -> IOTAVX SA3 pre-outs to -> Schiit Loki passive EQ -> Parasound 100x2 Amp -> Harbeth's little P3 bookshelves.... Plus a REL HT-1205 sub, made for HT, but musical. This system is, by far, the MOST AWESOME! Funny thing is, I really want to hear my first system again. I wonder how it would sound after years of learning audio. Giant Cerwin Vega AT-12 boxes! I bet they still sound great.

I went for the kill and bought the combination after and thanks to your initial review. Absolutely no regrets. That neutral sound was exactly what I was looking for. A friend came over to have a listen and immediately placed an order with Ian. Have mine hooked up to ELAC B6.2’s and a Marantz ND8006.

This series are GREAT Sean. Keep it going. Thank you

Love this series! I’d love to see a video where you show us how you critically evaluate equipment. I’m curious how to decipher a warm or cool midrange. I can easily pick out forward treble or fat warm bass, but midrange (to me) seems more difficult to evaluate. Thanks for all your effort!

I'm saving up to buy a PA3 power amp and a NAD C510 Direct Digital Preamp / DAC at the moment. It's good to know your opinions haven't changed over time, I based my decision on your original review. These review reviews are a great idea..!!

Having lived with an SA3 for a year, I really like this amp! There might be better stuff out there, but not that I have seen in this price range. The "auto power down" can be defeated, if you wish, in the menu (APD in there). Anyway, the sound signature is really nice! I've been able to try it with a mix of vintage and modern speakers and this amp likes them all ; ) I agree that the SA3 high frequencies smoothes out over time. I have no clue why. Caps burning in? Filter caps "Forming up" ... I don't know. It is noticeable! I saw a fair number of comments about trying to communicate with IotaVX and not getting any response. I sent a couple of questions on a Friday evening, and got answers by the following Monday, so that must have improved. Sean, I really appreciate your pointing this amp out...now it's time to save up for the PA3. You know, in the early days of audio, we depended on Stereo Review , High Fidelity and Audio (all hard copy magazines) to point us toward the cool stuff. Reviews like this are actually much more helpful in the real world.

So happy you decided to do this. Really want to pick one of these up for my apt!

Please do continue with this series. Opinions often do change after time. I actually got into this audiophile thing seriously this year and the RP600m was the first set of speakers that I purchased. I am looking forward to your follow up on them.

Good series! This amp intrigues me! Looking forward to the revisit to the Klipsch RP600M.

Sean, once again in total agreement with your opinions of the SA3. I've been living with mine for just over 2 months now. I am loving it every day and am overjoyed that I bought it, so remember that as you read on. I looked for a way to defeat the 10-minute power-off timeout early on. But that faded as I just got used to it. It is no longer a concern. I'll add one nit to the very short list of less than great execution, the Mute function can only be engaged from the remote. You can disengage it from the front panel by turning the multi-function knob a little, but you can't Mute without the remote. Of course with the multiple analog inputs, you can quickly press the knob, select an unused input, and press it again, or manually turn the volume down. If you mute the unit and it powers off, it comes back up muted, which tripped me up a couple times. That's it. One pea-sized issue against a mountain of positive admiration. I'm considering a speaker upgrade at the end of the year. If I get less efficient speakers than I have now, I will happily add the PA3 without hesitation. IOTAVX!!!

This re-review series is an excellent idea and very interesting. Thanks!

Love this series Sean! Keep ‘em coming!

Some of these people”can’t handle the truth!” The thing is being honest about gear is not every reviewers’ forte. It works for you! You are real and honest! That’s just not as common as you think. Plus, you make this thing fun! That’s unique Sean! The world may not all agree, but that isn’t for you to be concerned about. You just keep being yourself! We’re not going away!

I like this format of a post review after the initial one. It added a sense of completeness that I cannot put my finger on. Re the post review for the Buchardt S400's, I have to say that without actually listening to them, the post review helped me get much clearer as to what I may or may not like about the speakers. (I still like them but ... it's a more educated "like".... there - aren't I nice? Okay, now about the IOTA VX.... Your initial review really peaked my interest big time. Considering the price point I thought "this is too good to be true". To be clear I am referring to this amp along with its optional power amp. You said it kinda was like Hegel and Naim had a baby.... "Okay" I thought ... "Either someone has robbed the European Audio Sperm Bank or Sean has come up with the one metaphore that is actually going to make me buy this amp just to find out if this could be true". I'm thinking that this amp just might pair up quite nicely with either the Buchardt S400's or the Ohm Walsh 1000's. I get high just thinking about it. Shit, perhaps I'll buy both and then later on throw in some Harbeths. Okay - I'm not serious but I could be tricked. LOVE YOUR REVIEWS !! Charles, Canada

Very interesting and mature approach. I really enjoyed the video (I also saw the previous 1st review). Thanks for your video!

My Tannoy XT 8Fs that got delivered 3 weeks ago are all getting wet and ready for this IOTAVX combo to be delivered this monthend. Can't wait to see their reaction when they both get connected together

Post honeymoon perspective is huge, and for a seeking buyer that cant get an ear on some of this gear, your "After the Hype" really helps. Excellent video Sir, keep them coming. Be Well

Got the SA3 + PA3 stack a few months ago, have them hooked up to a pair of Klipsch RP160'S. I fucking love em. Both this and your other review is spot on.

I just ordered a stack! Thanks for the reviews on the PA3/SA3.

I absolutely love that you’re making time for this!

Thanks for revisiting the review. If I buy this thing, I'll be living with it, so it's totally worthwhile!

Hey Sean, based on your review of the SA3, I ordered it. Got it and using with Elac Debut Reference 62s, - a great sound. I just ordered a "refurbished" PA3 to compliment it. It is well said by you.... It is Balanced. Listening right now on BT - Tidal - Tom Waits , great satisfying sound. THX for your reviews. Based on Randy - Cheapaudioman, and Steve G man , reviews, you steered me in the right direction. It is a gratifying event (although under COVID crap going on , seems petty), to research a nice product, buy it, and then be pleased by the product and its quality. Oh BTW, the remote is very cool, easy to use and well made.

Sean, as a follow up to my experience with the IOTA SA3 (I have the PA3 as well). At receipt, the speaker connecters were not attached properly. Via instruction from IOTA , I was able to open it up, and tighten the small nuts in the cabinet to correct the losseness. Now . this week, the left channel started to Crackle and be scratchy. Noticed actually about 1 week ago while Streaming Spotify. Thought it was the streaming web interference, but no it was not. Then yesterday the left channel seemed to "arc" crackle badly and then go out. I switched speakers thinking it was a speaker problem. No it wasn't. Isolated the speakers to just the PA3s. they played fine. It is a fault with the SA3. Just emailed the folks at IOTA about what is the next step. It is or should be still under warranty as I purchased it in late December 2020. I'll post what happens .

Enjoyed your confirmation review! Is their shipping to the US delayed due to covid, and supply chain issues, etc? I just purchased one today, and I wonder how long it will take given Covid, Supply chain shortages, cargo vessel queues, Christmas, zombie apocalypse...

After watching your original review, and Thomas' review, I pulled the trigger on the IotaVX SA3 to go with my new Klipsch Heresy IVs. At 61 I'm having a resurgence of my 1970s audiophillia. I miss my Altec-Lansing Model 9 Series II speakers and my Sansui AU-717 amp. I hope my new equipment can live up to my expectations.

What a great idea to review your own review! There will always be things that you wish you had said, and, maybe, some that you hadn’t. From my point of view, as a potential buyer or just an interested by-stander, it is also a way of getting confirmation, or otherwise, of your incisive observations. Great work Sean (Mr. Fidelity! 😀).

As a new comer to this hobby, I find your reviews are very well balanced between technical and pedestrian. Thank you, keep grinding, and keep doing the same. One suggestion is mentioning what you’re running through the amps?

When you said Harman, I'm sold. Even their vintage amplifiers sounded better than all the competition. Harman was my favorite always. Now I will get one of these at some point. Thanks!

Now I'm curious as to how the IOTAVX Stack sounds in relation to the Outlaw RR2160. Almost same price and power.

Sean, i received my SA3 and commented on the sound , connected to Elac Debut Reference speakers. After some hours, I tend to agree with the assessment that it does seem to smooth out the treble a tad. But sadly, the rear speaker terminals which seemed solid , although appear a little cheap , worked loose from their attachment to the rear wall. IOTA's customer service , at least in my case , leaves a lot to be desired. I have not opened the case to check out the condition for fear of damaging the unit or its warranty without their authorization to do so. I've asked via e-mail, for instructions to either do that or should I return it for a new one or refund. I did order a PA3 , refurbished unit, using Paypal, then decided to cancel that order based on the fact that the speaker terminal issue on the SA3 was concerning. They confirmed my email to cancel, BUT I don't see the reversal of the Paypal charge. Not liking the Customer service. Emotiva...... here I come

You look so relaxed and comfortable about things . That’s good indication

Love your long term review keep it up!

Hi Sean, I am glad you brought up the auto shut off feature (actually the lack of auto turn on). The SA3 was the amp that I was looking to buy in a few weeks because the reviews was everything that I am looking for. But the lack of an auto turn on is a deal killer with my family and our listening habits. I hate to say it, but I will have to give up its sound quality to the Cambridge Audio or Emotiva. The amp will power a variety of speakers wired throughout our house. I have 2 Onkyo IA's that are 8 and 21 years old respectively. They are serviceable, but lack clarity/definitition. We listen at low levels (in the high 60 decibels range). Depending on the room, I have Mirage Omnistat speakers or Emotiva AirMotiv speakers. Each room has a powered 8in sub with high level inputs and outputs. The Subs are of varying quality. I tend to like AMT's, silk and soft domes, forward but neutral midrange, and tight bass. Metal domes tend to rip my ears off. Tweeters from Def Tech, SVS, Klipsch, Canton, and Monitor are awful to my ears. The only metal domes that have sounded good so far are from PSB and Mirage (what ever happened to Mirage?). Given all of this, do you recommend Cambridge or Emotiva for an amp? Or anything from Marantz, Denon, NAD, or Yamaha? I want to stay in the $400-600 range.

What you mentioned about the integrated vs the stack is exactly what I experienced with Naim gear. Adding a separate power supply to the integrated gave me more of everything but at the expense of balance. I used to plug/unplug the PSU depending on what mood I was in - impressive sound vs long listening session with low fatigue. More isn't necessarily...more. In the end I sold the PSU (less clutter and more disposable income)

I have been socking away my penny's for the stack,,,,, Thanks for the return to.

I have a combo of iotas and I'm very happy with it, I've started just with sa3 but i prefer combo after i tried it. But for me it was appearance of this amps what i was looking for, plus performance, with i believe other have very much equal. I do recommend combo definitely. I'm using elacs b6,2 and they good enough! Which i'm changing for pmc twenty5 23 because i like this speakers and 20 years of warranty speaks for itself, but elacs sound is amazing as well

Love this series and appreciate the why behind it. Keep it up!

Well played sir. Keep em coming. I have an old HK 3490 driving a pair of Tannoy xt6f's. Good sound. I'm thinking of getting the stack for 2 reasons. 1. If I heard correctly you said combined that would give me 180 watts at 4 ohms. Man, that's a lot of current. Compared to buying a $iooo dollar integrated. 2. somehow my optical in is broken and I like to listen to movies through my mains and super cube. I'm not into home theatre. As I said in the beginning well-played, sir. Oh my Onkyo 730 cd player is getting old does this company make a cd player ? I couldn't find 1 as of yet. Thanks, man.

Thank you. Looking forward to the next one.

Recieves my iotavx sa3 yesterday pluged it in today. Worked fine for a few houers. We went out and 5 houers later when I turned it on it no longer works. The display is blank and all I can do is turn it on and dim the light in the power button and wolume wheel😭 and its my birthday🥺 Also I ordered the bluetooth BT01 and it was not in the box? This is a terrible first impression!

Hi Sean: Do you think the IOTAVX SA3 would be "good enough" to use with the Acoustic Entergy AE500, or do you think one should look for a better integrated with those excellent speakers?

Keep these coming. I like the second look at concept. I'm curious if you ever have buyers remorse. Or would it be reviewers remorse. Whatever, I like the vids.

I got mine! Plus Klipsch RP600M, plus Morrow Audio SP2 speaker cables. Great system for ~$1,000

Outlaw Audio RR2160 should be on your list of things to research if you are looking for a Receiver.

This series is interesting so far. I'd keep it up. Thanks!

I totally agree with u. I got this amp cos of your vid. I didn't use it as integrated but I use it as a pre amp to my existing amps and boy it sounds very neutral and it's good with vocals surprisingly. I got this amp cos want to 'play' with SS for abit cos I've been using tube for the longest time. Highly recommended amp!!

I've had the sa3 for a few months now and can attest to the treble getting sweeter over time, s few minutes ago I just purchased the PA3 on eBay for $200, I don't really need it at the moment but for that price I couldn't pass on it.

Saw your initial review a few weeks ago and after trying out couple other amps I decided to bite the bullet and order the SA3 just a few hours before you posted this video. Thanks for initially pointing me in its direction and then quickly reaffirming my decision. Now I can’t wait till it gets here on Monday.

Sean, what do you think of their NP3? It looks like it has everything I have been wanting, but I have ZERO knowledge of this company. How do they sound with Monitor Audio's 100s?

Love the video! Keep doing these please!

what pieces make up an 'IOTA stack'? Are you just bypassing the amp in the SA3 and going out to the PA3? What about the NP3 with the CD player. Isn't it a real preamp? It is just like the SA3 without the amp and with cd player added?

After the HYPE, is my new favorite review. We all get excited when we get that "NEW". Be it car, Audio component, etc......... It's easy to be in rapture during that time. Without a doubt I respect this type of review more than the "NEW". So clever!! Still a fan of the others but your take here puts you a step above. Thank YOU!

You can say thank you at any time for your new title review of a review

Hi Sean, would you also consider reviewing the Audiolab 6000A amp? Thanks

Thanks Sean, I was so close to getting the Yamaha A/S-801 when I was you review. Decided this the way I wanted to go. The IOTAVX is a very nice product with a nice remote and bluetooth dongle. Works well with my Klipsch Forte II's. Do it again in a second.

Any opinion on the phono stage? Is it punchy or anemic? I like the forward weightiness of Marantz/Rotel vs. Yamaha/NAD. If it's similar or better..I will swipe my card.

Thanks for the update, Sean. Are you able to comment at all on the Headphone Output/quality of the SA3?

Love this series! Keep it up

Appreciate your great content Sean, I know this video has been covered, but do you know what's the Damping Factor for these in Stereo/Mono? With your honest opinion, do you really think the IOTAVX is the baby child of Hegel & Naim? That's some big shoes to fill, but great for many that don't have the budget for those brand's. I've been a Hegel person for many year's especially for that stunning neutral sound, I've just recently upgraded from the Röst to the H190 and would like to get the IOTAVX stack for my office coupled with B&W 706 S2. Thanks again for your great content!

great channel Shaun👍👍

Great reviews!! Would I be better off buying a vintage amp for that price or just buy something modern like this?

Sean, I am not sure if you have had the opportunity to hear the Audiolab 6000A Integrated Amp? But I am looking to pick up a new one and were considering either Iotavx SA3 or the Audiolab. I know there is cost difference, but I am willing to pay extra if the Audiolab does truly sound better. If you had any thoughts, I would love to hear them. And thank you for insightful reviews. I find them very helpful.

That's an awesome review. I know the inside looks very impressive. Looks like a product that should be selling for about 2k.

Great follow up review. I appreciate your returning to previously reviewed equipment. I have been wondering about this unit as a replacement for my vintage Yamaha CR-620 (that appears to be dying) - rest of the system - Fluance RT85, Audiolab 6000CDT, Schmitt Modi, and Klipsch RP 600M. Any thoughts? Thx - Keep up the great work.

SA3 vs. The STACK - are the differences you highlight between the. SA3 and SA3/AMP stack consistent with sonic changes you would notice when adding an amp (or mono blocks) in other equipment? For example Schiit Freya + Vidar vs. Freya + two Vidars as mono blocks. I guess I'm asking if the differences described are due to having more available power, or is it something inherent that the Iota Amp is adding.

Who said reviewing audio needed to be produced and directed by Spielberg? Any camera is passable these days. You're good!

Yup, love the "living with it" perspective

I already trust you,... Sorta 😁 oh really good reviews, your up there with, Randy, Ron, Steve ❤️🤘

You're entrance was brilliant! :D I thought my phone had frozen AGAIN so when you popped up it was a relief. Good stuff. 👍

hi Sean, will there be any chance in you reviewing the IOTAVX NP3 in combination with the SA3? Maybe a comparison with other CD players/streamers in this price range (Marantz) as well?

Sir, Please help me Is it better sound then 1 denon pma800ne 2 Audiolab 6000a 3 Cambridge audio cxa61? 4 Marantz pm6006?

What size/type of connector is used for the trigger and dimmers on the SA3? Thank in advance!

When you say the sound changes and gets warmer using the PA3... Is it when you use the SA3 as a preamp only and the PA3 as the poweramp? Or would I need to use the two units to bi-amp the speakers? I am asking because I cannot bi-amp my good old "regular" speakers 😋 Thank you

Not a review of a review. It’s a reassessment of your initial opinion. Which I find valuable.

it only shuts off automatically, when there is no signal from the source anymore?

Enjoy your videos. I have the Elac UB5 bookshelf speaker (85db sens and 4ohms). What amplifier would you recommend to get the most out of these speakers? Something around $1,000 or less.

Hi Sean, how would you compare the Audiolab 6000A against the Iotavx Sa3 with regards to sound? Which one would be your pick? Thanks and keep up the excellent work.

Would be curious to know if you had the opportunity to test a tube amp with your upcoming RP-600M re-review. Stereophile’s Herb Reichert raved about the DIY Elekit Tu 8600 amp pairing with it, saying it was equal to a $26,000 combo.

My IOTAVX SA3 is incoming in 1-2 days, now I'm in the market for a matchin pair of speakers. What kind of speakers will fit this amp the best? I like me a good punchy bass especially since I will also watch movies with this unit. Oh, a front or bottom bass port would be appreciated since my speakers will be in close proximity to walls. Thanks!

"Check the impedance of your speakers. Only connect speakers with an impedance of 8 ohms or more". From the IOTA manuals - seems to indicate not a good match for my 4 ohm speakers. What say you? Thanks

Question... When you run "the stack" did you run them as mono-blocks, so the integrated does left and the amp right?

Hi Sean. Recommend you to do some research about NAKAMICHI I had NAKAMICHI and I tell you now they were fantastic. Peace

Have you listen to IOTAVX AVX17. How does it perform with movies and 2 channel music.

Hi, can you please tell me, what kind and what topology is the Wolfson DAC in the SA3? Thanks.

Hey Sean, would you consider the SA3 your go to recommendation under $600 (exchange rate increase) in 2021 if 50wpc is enough power? Especially considering I could get the AXR100 refurb for $450?

hey sean, what about the headphone input in this unit? is it good at all? thanks as always for your reviews.

Do you know if it pairs well with KEF R100 or KEF LS50 Meta? I have both🙂