I am running the SVS Sound Base with the SVS Prime bookshelves. I currently have a Topping E30 DAC from my PC (my primary source). I wanted to see if you thought I could get much improvement from replacing the DAC. If so I would like to stay under $1000, what would you recommend?
My wife bought me the SVS Soundbase for Christmas for my first serious 2.1 system. Can’t wait to get it hooked to the Emotiva B1+! You had a lot of influence over my selection of these components. Super excited to hear this combo! Thanks Randy!
@Goes 2 Eleven that is awesome! I cannot wait to see how it sounds with the speakers I’ve chosen to drive with it. I chose the Soundbase specifically for the power at that price. It was the most clean wattage foe the money I could find.
@@RdandTrk1 the short comings are in the software and controls. The Yamaha has a better interface but the amp is not as powerful. I run a speakercraft/ nilies Poweramp d class and a Yamaha preamp/steamer. The soundbase is hard to beat for the $$
@@greyorbit Yeah, I basically chose the Prime to use as an integrated amp for my computer. I imagine I'll largely ignore the streaming features, and the lack of remote doesn't bother me since I'll be sitting right there when I'm using it. I looked at several different amps from SMSL, Cambridge Audio, Emotiva, Yamaha, NAD etc., and the Soundbase was still the most quality wattage for the money. If they had a version of the Soundbase that didn't have the streamer for less money, I totally would have picked that.
@@RdandTrk1 my buddy bought it from.me for that same use and loves it. The amp is amazing it reminds me of my sx828 oddly. The sound has a honey on it and wakes the bass up on all speakers. The led light on all the time is annoying but the sound makes up for every short coming
Just an FYI. I am getting together my first real turntable system. I hope it’s great when everything arrives. For the most part I used your videos to guide my choices. Thanks for all you do. It is appreciated. Turntable-Pro-ject Debut Carbon Evo Integrated Amp-Emotiva BasX TA1 Speakers-JBL Soundstage 130’s Sub to come later.
The standard transformers that we're used to in most receivers and integrated amps (especially vintage ones), that are rectangular or square, sometimes open, or sometimes with a black or other color cover, are called E-core or laminated core. Toroid transformers are the round donut shape ones, complete with a hole in the middle, and with a foil covering
Randy, your video quality is off the charts! Look back at how far you have come! I'll bet that you never thought that you would come as far as you have and how fast you've made it! Good for you man! 🤜
@@labernese I agree. Randy is self editing off the cuff, true to life and rolls with it however it comes out for the most part. Not saying that he doesn't edit, because he probably does. He's doing very well and is a pleasure to watch! 🤜
@@labernese Are you serious, or are you being sarcastic? I found the content great, but for the first 4 minutes it was edit, edit, edit, edit. Could not keep watching, I found his other videos more watchable. My favorite one is audiophiles are full of crap, never laughed so hard.
@@zulumax1 this is a rare case. I originally listened to the whole video from the other room and didn't realize it until now that you mentioned it. Now I see what you are talking about. Not really like him. Now I am going to notice it all the time now, you watch. lol
For DIY amps, The Pass Amp Camp kit is a hell of a deal. It's just $336, can be built in a day or less. 8 watts/channel of Nelson Pass-designed Class A goodness. And if you build a second one you can use them as monoblocks for 15 watts/channel.
Mr. Randy, This is likely your best video ever! Love the background, audio is perfect, camera is perfect and the products are wonderful choices. THANK YOU!!
I just hooked up a Douk Audio Pro M1 amp that I purchased from eBay for $70. It puts out 160 watts per channel. Has USB and RCA inputs, Bluetooth, and a subwoofer output. It comes with a 32 volt 5 amp power supply. I hooked it up to a pair of Boston bookshelf speakers and it sounded great! I would love to see you review this amp to see what you think of it.
You do realize that those class D amps don't actually produce the amount of power than they claim, since 32v x 5A is 160, and so at 100% efficiency, which is impossible, would only produce 80w/channel at full power, and that would be peak power. To get RMS you have to multiply by .63. So, your amp is probably more like 20-40 watts RMS. That being said, they still have plenty of juice for any reasonable volume levels, and have excellent sound quality. I have the same amp, sans subwoofer out and USB in, sold under the Neoteck name, as the same amp is sold with several names on it, Fosi, Douk, Nobsound, Pyle, and others, and one of Randy's very early videos back when this channel was in its infancy, was the Fosi BT20, which is basically the same amp as the one I have, with a different name and slightly different cosmetics
@@DougMen1 I should have worded that differently. It is advertised as 160 watts per channel, but like a lot of cheap amps, the ratings are likely overly optimistic. All I know is, I could only turn the volume up a third of the way before the speakers reached maximum excursion. And the speakers were in the basement and the music could be heard easily on the second floor. And there was no distortion noted by my ears. That's more than enough power for my purpose.
@@T_Burd_75 I agree, mine has more power than I'll ever need too, and is very clear and balanced sounding, but its power rating is exaggerated too. It seems to be the norm for many of these great sounding little affordable Chinese class D amps. My amp only has RCA analog inputs, and no USB in, so the only internal DAC is for Bluetooth and nothing else. But, for $50? I'm ecstatic at the sound quality at that price!
@@DougMen1 I have the amp hooked to a pair of new Jamo S801s on speaker stands. My first impression of the Jamo speakers is not a good one. I have to crank the amp way up to get the same amount of volume as I had with the Boston speakers, plus the vocals were so muted, it sounded like they were in the other room singing. Echoey sounding vocals, too. After a couple days of playing, the speakers began loosening up and the vocals started coming around. It's better than it was, but there's some deficiencies still evident in these speakers. Of course there won't be much bass at all with 4" woofers, but even with stringed instruments, some notes sound nice and strong, then there will be certain notes played that are barely audible. Very strange speakers... Wish I had those Sony SSCS5 speakers.
I started with that and moved up to the d3045. Love that they have everything, sub out, opt in, dac, phono, and it's so compact. I believe it can act as a preamp as well. Any love for NAD?
I had the NAD D3020 with QA Concept 20s as a desk setup and it was great for that. Later when I used this setup for my living room I noticed it was way underpowered. Could've gone with the d3045 but had a good deal on the Marantz pm7000n and it sound nice!
I own the predecessor to the BasX A2 mini, the Emotiva A-100 BasX which does not have a switching power supply but a Huuuuge Toroidal transformer. I initially bought it to power headphones but tried it with speakers temporarily or so I planned. I ended up using it for 5 years off and on. I've put it against vintage Yamaha, Class D Wyred4Sound monoblocks, vintage B&K 300W amps. Even though it was edged out I continue to be surprised by how close the contest was. Really great bang for your buck. And it's completely reliable and built like a rock. Never had a problem with it. Even the Volume control is still smooth and static free after all these years.
I was hoping to pick one of those up for headphones myself. Ungodly levels of power. Grabbing a Schiit Asgard 3 instead since the Emotiva is discontinued- and no one seems to be parting with them on the forums 😁
The Decware Zen tube amplifier is an amazing piece; 2 1/2 whopping watts that require a set of high efficiency speakers. Any proper speaker with an efficiency of 94+, will shine, and the decibel and distance calculations alongside actual volume and quality, will prove that speaker efficiency and not watts, will provide beautiful sound. I know that many will demand at least 100w p/c...but you simply do not need it...the caveat, is that while the Decware doesn't cost much, the speakers will!
Ha! My studio monitors are 102db per 1 watt input and i power them with a 300 watt per channel class A amplifier and YES i DO need that power! Simply because i like my music to sing! I want to feel it! Alot of audiophiles like myself DO need that power so don't say you simply wouldn't need it.
I finally unboxed my Emotiva A2M, hooked up my ELAC UB52’s…well, let’s just say that I’ll be keeping that amp on my desktop until the capacitors fall off. Highly, highly recommended!
I have an Emotiva TA-1 and am very happy with it! The internal crossover network really did wonders for my system. I have very capable JBL Studio 580's and not so capable Dayton Audio 12" powered subs. The crossover got the subs integrated very well. AB'ing high pass on and off with and without subs, I can verify that more details come through on the speakers with the high pass. The one detail they got wrong is that you cannot switch the internal amp to high pass and still get full range out of the free pre-out. There are already hardwired high and low pass pre-outs. Leaving one hardwired to full range would have been a no-brainer for adding another power amp for by-amplification of a full range speaker. But they didn't do it. They also only include one sub out. A second plug would have cost them $0.10 and saved me $7.. Otherwise, the unit is perfect and sounds great! It was a very noticeable upgrade over my SMSL AD18, which I still absolutely recommend for
Bought the sound base, ultras and pb 3000. Took me a bit to break them in and get them dialed in but we’ll worth it. Blues guitar is hair raising and the punch on movies will wake the neighborhood. Lots of fun.
I just finished chasing the dragon with my setup. Saga S preamp Vidar Amp by Schiit. Ifi signature 1 DAC running to Polk R700 speakers. My streamer is my cellphone. I've been listening for months and have never been happier.
My absolute favorite AMP purchase in 2022: the circa1986 Nakamichi SR-2E (35W/ch) with Nelson Pass designed Stasis amplifier inside...just bought it (EXC condition) locally for ~US$125. You bet...I went vintage!
I would like to include the Outlaw Audio 7-ch MODEL 7000X to the list ($999) direct from Outlaw Audio. I've been using an older model 7125 for about 10 years now which is conservatively rated 125 watts, 8 ohms, all 7 channels driven, I believe someone tested the 7125 and stated it was actually delivering 140+ watts rms all 7 channels driven. I would surmise the same thing goes for the 7000x. They sell a few things on Amazon but prices may be better direct from Outlaw. The power ratings below are copied from their website. 130 watts RMS x 7 (all channels driven simultaneously into 8 ohms from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with less than 0.03% total harmonic distortion, A-weighted filter) 200 watts RMS x 7 into 4 ohms (from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with less than 0.06% total harmonic distortion, A-weighted filter)
I love Marantz. I have had 5 different receivers over the last 20 years and now use the AV7705. I have to say the Direct and Pure Direct sound the same to me and can barely tell the difference between either of them and stereo. Also if you have a subwoofer, like most people do, they are useless since they kill the sub out. I have 6 Emotiva BasX amps and i do love them, buy I must say the best bang for the buck best amp I have ever bought is the OSD NERO-XA5180 5x120w into 8ohm and gets better from there. It also has balanced and unbalanced inputs. Here are the specs (I use it in 3ch running my front stage on 6 ohm Elac's) 8 ohms 5ch Driven 120w 4ch Driven 160w 3ch Driven 200w 4 ohms 5ch Driven 180w 4ch Driven 220w 3ch Driven 260w It is a BEAST even at $800 (It was $600 when I bought it)
I enjoy your reviews Randy. I just purchased a Cambridge AXA35.last week. Very happy with this amp. great sound,. Very close to the AXA25 I heared in an Audio store. My 85db monitors are just a little too hard to drive. Im looking at 90 db Triangle Borea Br03.
I have the akitika that I bought assembled(used) for $250! X-LS Encores upgraded kind of like the skiing ninja mod. Soncoz La-QX D1 dac. They are sealed and I use them in a nearfield setup. Yeah. 3D indeed. Freaks people out how much they throw sounds around. When you play a video game it really pulls you in and surrounds you. Cheap audio can be world class if you pick the right parts.
Thanks for these reviews, Randy. It certainly started me into the road of better audio components. During the last 5 months when I started watching your channel, I went from having a small pair of powered speakers to a pair of Elac DBR 62 and a TA1, which I'm now very happy with. Wishing you a happy holiday season.
That’s the problem with watching audiophile pages, you want it in your living room. I’ve spent countless hours and dollars trying to achieve great sound and its worth every penny. One of the only hobbies that gives you back as much as you put in.
@@stevenslater4395 I know. Once you start going down that road, you're thinking about what the next improvement should be. I'm looking at subwoofers right now, that will be next for me.
Great stuff as usual.Randy. I think for those like myself that prefer a receiver vs separates and require a good amount of power you should consider the Outlaw Audio RR2160 MkII. 110 watts in 8 ohms and 160 in 4 ohms. It's currently priced at $999. For speakers I have the Emotiva T2+. The Outlaw receiver has a very clean sound and a great Burr Brown DAC with plenty of features including internet radio and MC and MM phono pre-amps. It is a two channel and basically for music only which I use an SMSL DP5 to play FLAC files. I really don't get into using my music system for home theater.
Just a note here. I watched your video regarding a particular Aiyima amplifier (A07?). I bought the Aiyima A03 only a couple of years ago and noticed the price was over twenty dollars more than what I originally paid! Inflation is definitely affecting affordability. Also, American prices are often way lower than what we Canadians are paying. So your Canadian viewers need to keep that in mind. Also, many of the small amps you see on sites like eBay and Amazon cost as much as some full fledged receivers. I paid $250 for my Pioneer surround sound receiver about six years ago. Why on Earth would anyone cough up $200+ for a tiny amp with limited power and features?
Thank you for this review. I’m intrigued by the 3-D soundstage comment. Just the other day, I went to a friends audiophile store and had that same experience with this new solid state power amp along with a Rose DAC. I said, “this is what I’m on the hunt for!” The sound of various musicians appeared past my left shoulder, etc…..And you mentioned this kit amplifier offering the same experience. Since pairing amplifiers and speakers is so crucial do you have an opinion of matching speakers (that have excellent bass) with this kit amplifier? I listen mostly to jazz, classic era Bluenote etc. but also like to crank deep purple once in a while. My greatest concern is getting ear fatigue with harsh digital to analog conversion somewhere in the chain.
You did not mention the Outlaw 5000 5 channel amp. It is underrated to say the least. This thing is a beast and will easily power just about anything available today.
Hi Randy, I’m looking at driving my nearly finished XL-S Encores with either a dedicated 2 channel emotiva T-1 orrr, replacing my 12 year old Denon AVR with a Marantz NR 1711. (2 birds, one stone?) Since you have reviewed them both, and own a pair of Encores, you would be my go to guy. Going for the best sound of the two. Thank you in advance and have learned a lot watching your channel!
Alright, Alright, Alright...........I give - I subbed. I hereby crown you king of RU-vid videos not to mention King of audio equipment reviews. Just NICE man!!!
I know I'm late to the party here, but I'm struggling to understand why people would spend so much on standalone power amps when you can get HT receivers with very good clean output (enough to make ATMOS people happy) lots of power and great tone control options for similar money. That little $80 thing looks cool though.
If you are tweaking the Ayima think about how to give it a bit of internal airflow. The case is not vented and the heatsink is just next to two big electrolytics. Not healthy.
Did you have other speakers paired with the pm6007? I have the pm7000n with QA Concept 20s and I'm wondering if it's worth the upgrade towards the lumina IIs. I'm trying to get a more 'live' and spacious sound in my living room (25m2).
Those little amps remind me of the old radar-detectors that I used to mount on my dashboard. I just cant take a palm-sized amp seriously. Still love the channel Randy :)
I liked the idea of the Soundbase, but the lack of a remote has led me to dump it into the auction and Craigslist for a couple hundred. I’ll recoup a little Christmas cash on it. But, your review was spot on-great power and features. Here’s yer upthumb, Shippie :)
yes. but has a completely different topology and to my ear doesn't sound as good. Your mileage may vary though. more power doesn't always mean better sound in my experience but I think that amp is pretty well regarded.
@@cheapaudioman I agree to an extent Randy. I haven't heard either of them in person, only on RU-vid, and sometimes the AXA35 and AXA25 sound better balanced, and the AXR85 and 100 sound too recessed, laid back, and veiled in the midrange to me, but not always. It seems to depend on the speaker. But, since you've heard both in person, I'll defer to your opinion, because I trust your judgement, and i tend to agree with you about almost all the gear you review. I also like the NAD 316BEE and the Denon PMA600NE that are both a little more expensive than the AXA35, but are still less than $500. However, as good as class D amps under $200 are getting, it's becoming harder to justify the more costly AB amps like these
it´s very nice the two first power amplifiers it can be conected to an old mixing table were the inputs cover everything one might want in a system and with a output conected to the rca input in one of those amplifiers ,it´s simple and one might be better served with a mixing table than with a integrated amplifier that today they are taking out the outputs and limited number of inputs wich is sad to see so many new integrated amplifiers that the ones who could buy it find it very limited as an example the new Yamha with needles in the power meters ,expensive and very limited
Love the video and the list of amps! You've narrowed my list of possibles significantly! Thanks! I did notice a LOT of edits in this one. Was that mainly to keep it concise and/or to go get the next amp on the list? Going to go binge listen to my HD 560s!
I’d really kinda consider that Emo Mini an integrated, because it has a volume control, although I’d give you that an input selector is usually included in such. Has integrated changed to include a DAC? I didn’t think it did, but that seems to be how you are covering it. I’d disagree, but I’m not 100% with the times either. There were integrated amps LONG before they included a DAC.
I have a, let's say, "problem" with balanced inputs on amps... I really don't see that many (if any) components (cd players and the like) having balanced connectors. Does that mean these types of amps (preamps, integratedS) are meant to pair (mainly) with BALANCED dacs? Thanks. And oh yes, love yer shaa nnel!!
Since you have not mentioned the brand I guess you might not know it. Try to get your hands on an Atoll Electronique amp. It's a French company, they are huge all over Europe. I would say Atoll is today what Mission was in the 90s. The sound is not German like knocking on a helmet nor is it American like how low can you go. Imagine Mark Levinson would do a knock off brand with Cello sound, that would sound like Atoll. It is on the warm side but with very good detail and control not like mosfet warm with big bass and no highlights. The small integrated amps and small pre/power amps sound absolutely awesome. I looked it up, there is an American distributer called Audio Excellent in the Chicago area, IMO you should reach out to them and try to borrow one of these amps.
SVS is coming out with an upgrade to the SoundBase, they listened, the SVS SoundBase Pro. It will have a remote! Going to be released in March I believe, and will retail for $599. I see one in my future.
I’d like to see you review the Outlaw Audio RR2160 stereo receiver. It’s supposed to be the modern day version of the great 1970’s era receivers. It does a lot for the money.
Dear Randy, thank You for your review I do really appreciate that you take into consideration cheaper solutions and You are free from stereotypes. I`m new to the hi-fi world. I hope You can suggest to me a combination of speakers for the AUDIO VISTA SPARK (obviously the best in your opinion). Love from Italy
AV receivers are the best way to get TV sound to speakers. TVs with RCA outputs have largely vanished, so they're incompatible with audio equipment. The only audio outputs are digital optical and HDMI eARC, which require a soundbar or AV receiver. Perhaps eliminating the RCAs was a cost-cutting measure, but I think they're trying to force everyone to buy soundbars.
I'm a big fan of little T-class amps. Slap some 2nd hand bookshelf speakers on them, and you've got a killer starter system that will best any bluetooth speaker at 1/2 the cost.
here is what I am looking for: A good sounding Class D amp with Aux or Phono Preamp built in, Optical In, Line in, line out, SW out. Bluetooth would be nice, but I already have an old Chromecast that works well. Being able to swap out the Op Amps would be a plus.
Randy. Love your "resl world" practical reviews! Have you checked out Yamaha's A-S301, A-S501, or A-S801 integrates amplifiers. Just helped a friend purchase a budget system. He loves the Yamaha A-S301 (bought at $280 on sale) paired with the JBL Stage 130 bookshelf speakers. The Yamaha amps named above offer audiophile quality sound, very low distortion, with both analog and digital connectivity,, with phono and single sub outputs. Joe C.
Randy I got the a07 aiyima on your recommendation and it is a great little amp for 80bucks. I hope you post your findings and how-to for swapping opamps.. also looking at linear power supplies for mine. I know it's silly considering their cost, but I think it would sound fantastic. You ever venture there?
Please do get a linear PSU for that thing (48v @ 10a), toss some power hungry towers on it, give us a brief review! Im so very interested to know if it can actually bump a pair of 300 watt rated speakers.
I tried several different opamps. My conclusion..... the original opamps are fantastic. I even have Burson classics in 1 of my A07. The original is the way to go. The Burson is better but to me its not worth the added cost. The original power supply is also the way to go. Added power = added audible distortion. Have fun with cheap opamps but the original is one of the best for it. Hope this helps.
@@ufarkingicehole I agree with you 100% and I haven't tried swapping opamps. I just enjoy my A07 pumping joy into my Sony SS-CS5 speakers as is. All I did was add Dolby Atmos for Headphones software to my desktop PC. Yes, the difference is great, even with speakers.
@@ufarkingicehole I wasn't in need of additional power for the a07 (48v) just cleaner power than the SMPS even at the same voltage that the stock unit is at. I'm aware that the Texas instruments chip can handle more voltage but as you mentioned, I'd just be adding distortion too. Thanks for the heads up on the opamps.. maybe I'll just try linear supply. I was thinking of having one on hand anyway for dac or streamer or whatever may need or benefit from it in the future.
@@AllboroLCD I've had the a07 bump my klipsch rp280f (older model to rp8000f) and the aiyima can absolutely call the cops in that setup. The klipsch are pretty sensitive though. But still. For that little brick with it's laptop power supply pushing those four 8" klipsch towers is hilariously satisfying
Hi Randy great thank you help so much Amazon lose me Sony Speakers. Still trying to get a refund. I then bought the Emotive B+ and they are just perfect. Thanks Tons
I was wondering if you've ever had the chance to test a Yamaha WXA-50? On another note, I enjoy your channel, I've found myself 'wasting' hours of my day checking out your reviews, mission accomplished.
I’ve been listening to your channel for a couple of weeks and have learned a lot about audio. I bought a Sony str590 which is still in box and after listening to your channel have decided to exchange it at Best Buy for a different either receiver or maybe an amp to listen to music only. Not a lot interested in home theater. I’m wondering which receiver or amp to exchange it for? I can spend up to 600? Or can I plug an amp into my 22 year old Mitsubishi M-V600 and add two speakers?? I have two Bose bookshelf speakers either 301 or 501 series.
Randy, have you reviewed the Audiolab 6000a if you have I will keep looking, but it seems reviewers give it a wide birth, Why ! When it's outstanding ........ Great stuff as usual Randy .
sorry if this has been asked. I am new to all of this and looking to buy a 2.1 system once and be done. in your opinion would it be better to go with the bluesound powernode or bluesound node with akitika amp? Thanks! I have learned a lot in the last week from you
On the used market Yamaha up to the mid-90s we’re really nice. Older Onkyo, same thing. Still see NAD3020s around classic and they’re good as preamps too. And the vintage Carver stuff…top shelf. The Denon stuff pops up on the used market a lot too
I have a Carver AVR100 that is still rocking after 37 years (but honestly was stored away for about 15). The thing is a beast. Drives my RP-160Ms effortlessly.
Question regarding the Emotiva TA1: can you use the USB input for something like a Raspberry Pi to feed audio to the unit? I have a Plex server at home, and I'm wondering if that might make a good application for a Pi3 I've had laying around not doing anything, to connect to my Plex server and stream music, and then if I can output that through the USB, that might be a pretty good setup to leverage that functionality, assuming it can work that way.
Great timing Randy. Got some leftover Dali Blue 1001's I'm either going to sell for peas or hook up in a 2nd room / kitchen to get more life out of em. Been looking for cheap amps/dacs.
just been reading the listing on the A07 and apparently the 3.5mm aux jack on the back can be both an input and and output, I've had one for my desktop setup for a while and didn't even know, handy for feeding a headphone amp or something.
I was actually scoping the Aiyima amp last night. A proper PSU for max output will likely bump the price up by double, but still.... If its actually capable of 300 watt, you really cant go wrong if you need that power and are broke like me : D
that's a fun amp to get and can really grow with you. get the base model now and then upgrade the power supply later and then add in better op amps after that. very versatile.
What do you think about the fosi audio da2120c and the moukey M20-3 I have both of them coming in and was wondering if I should go with something else I want it manly for music but also as a sound bar
How about Reisong A10? Also could you rate the difficulty level of DIY gear they you review, please. Thanks for a great year of reviews. Happy Holidays to you and your family.
@@cheapaudioman Andrew actually did the 6000 Play, which is a 6000 with a bunch of extra added features for streaming, and costs 50% more than the 6000 does, $1500 vs. $1000. But, at its price, the standard 6000 is one of the best amps going, with its only serious competition being the Arcam SA10, which is also awesome at that price. The Rotel A11 and A12 are also very good, but are a bit brighter and thinner than the Audiolab and the Arcam, and I prefer the fuller and warmer sound of them. Marantz has a couple of amps in that price range too, the 6007 and 7000, but I haven't heard them, and the 7000 is $1200. .
Hi Randy, i always look forward to your entertaining and informative reviews! I hope you get to review the Audiolab 6000a as it has received many positive reviews. Not inexpensive, but certainly not out of reach at $1000 now 👍
First of all, thanks for your help with understanding this maze. I currently have a Crown Power Line 2 that I am sending in for repair as the left output is no longer working. What would be a good temporary replacement? I play a lot of albums and I have heard the tube amps give a little better sound. I will be using my Crown Straight Line 2 preamp, a project Debut EVO turntable and Q Acoustics 3030i speakers. Your help is much appreciated.
While I enjoy this channel agree with you about the value of av receivers, I Confess to struggling mightily with the idea that a $300 chip amp or 2 pound Chinese amp is going to begin to compete with higher level gear. Perhaps part of it revolves around one’s definition of audiophile. I have been a music lover and yes, a gear lover for over 45 years. I have owned equipment in the 10k range as well as less expensive such as Emotiva. Are there pieces that sound good for the price? Yes! Are there pieces that punch above their class? Yes! But IMO very few can be called audiophile gear..nor should they be. Are there items out there whose price is outageous and bear little relation to superior performance? Of course there are. Just don’t buy into the idea that small, inexpensive speakers and 10lb digital integrateds are on the same level. They can be good for what was paid…and if you’re happy, good. Most of the stuff that approaches audiophile levels just costs more. There is a point of diminishing returns that leads one to stop buying. Accept that this point is different for different people. Cheers.
Which one would work best for outdoor speakers with Spotify playback. Remote volume control via phone would be great or alexa compatible bonous. Only two speakers.
Nice list Randy, with the range there is something for everyone to fill their soul with happiness. But I am starting to think I don't need a half dozen to fill my room with happiness.
Hi I own the Marantz PM6005 in my No 2 hi fi set up It's the same power as the newer PM6007 45 watts into 8 ohm / 60 watts into 4 ohm It's been the top seller here in UK for over a decade although has more completion now. It's quite versatile with analogue, optical & coaxial inputs. The sound known for gentle roll off at both ends of the frequency range to avoid solid state circuitry harshness As with built in DACs not cutting edge but good for likely partnering equipment Until today it drove Monitor Audio Bronze 2 speakers it was bundled with. Good with vinyl but lacked depth for digital cd Now have new Mission QX2 Mk 2 a huge step up in sound & 20% cheaper retail than Wharfedale EVO 4.1 ( £400 Vs £500 Uk ( were £450 ! 🙄) Inc ,20% vat /sales tax I would have bought those after seeing C.O.M review but EVOs apparently they sound better with more & higher quality watts Slightly leaning to warm but with detailed treble from a ,38mm tweeter but not etched like my Focal floor standing speakers
