The Best Speaker Amps under $500

[@bigdan2828ify]

You are missing the Denon PMA600NE..... have had mine for several years now and still very happy with

[@tacofortgens3471]

Emotiva all the way, also got Cambridge Audio axa35 which is well regarded as well

[@purrito4424]

We need a puppy review. Four on the floor? Decent woofer?

[@danielgriffis9759]

😅

[@MIsterB716]

Indeed. Two videos without a pupdate. Randy is realllly slipping.

[@jukingeo]

A good desktop subwoofer. Good call! Haven't had one of those in a while!

[@geoffwalmsley3066]

Got the yamaha as701 running 5hrough a benchmark dac, tannoy speakers,paradgim sub, superb sound and masses of power.

[@Roof_Pizza]

Never heard of a 701, there is an 801.

[@NA94753]

​@@Roof_Pizza 701 is the same as the 801 except it has a little less connectivity a lesser dac, same amplifier, power etc... 100 dollar cheaper.

[@NA94753]

The 801 has usb connectivity where the 701 doesn't.

[@middleearthltd]

NAD 316BEE $399 a value purchase to be sure Continuous power is a conservative 40 watts, and dynamic power (more important for music listening) is impressively more than 100 watts and .03 THD at all levels Class A/B with MM phono but no pre or line out Classic

[@coolmacho975]

@@middleearthltd Right said. I'm very content with mine. Pared with 20yrs old Infinity beta 20 sound amazing

[@heartlikeasky6532]

Have a Yamaha AS-301 hooked up to a pair of Dali Spektor 2 speakers with a little tweaking on the bass/treble/loudness. and the sound is amazing with clarity on the mid-ranges and a relatively deep bass (without needing to hook up a subwoofer). On some tracks there is a little bit of sybalance but with a small re-adjustment to the treble, it can be minimised. All in all an excellent pairing - imo.

[@ianyates7742]

I have the Yamaha s500 very happy with it good bas response natural mid and a clear top end it was below £500 it’s well Worth a listen to ❤

[@awwboo88]

I got the ta-1 from when u first recommend it. Don't forget ta1 comes with a remote. I got it cause I wanted to future proof my system. Hooked it to the geshelli labs j2 v1 thru a wiim mini. Man can't be any happier

[@Grooverski]

For one box solution Dayton Audio HTA200 Integrated Stereo Hybrid amp looks interesting enough. On sale for $389 on Amazon. Could work for someone looking for all in one solution. Personally I would take a different route for best performance but that’s not what this topic is about. Edit PS Slightly over $500 Yamaha A-S501 and Cambridge Axr100 amplifier could be a worthy addition to those two in the review.

[@user-qm5nl2sk1o]

I have one. Works just fine for a bedroom system.

[@Carl-bd1rf]

If the TA-1 has an FM tuner then it’s a receiver not an integrated amp.

[@d.l.2401]

I purchased my Emotiva LPA-1 around the year 2000 for $499 no shipping costs and no taxes. 125 watts x 5 @ 8 ohms 225 @ 4 ohms. and 2 more channels @ 50 Watts at 8 ohms 90 Watts at 4 ohms. Those 2 channels are bridgable 125 Watts Into 8 ohms. I still have it working perfectly today in my system.

[@purrito4424]

Wiim Ultra + 2x Fosi V3 Mono =

[@snoepox1257]

What if you need a subwoofers?

[@joekelley9311]

@@snoepox1257 ultra has sub out

[@chopkins68]

@@snoepox1257the WiiM Ultra has a subwoofer out with a crossover.

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

too bad the ultra doesn't have balanced outs as the fosis perform better that way. Waiting for the ultra pro version 😀

[@snoepox1257]

@@chopkins68 but 2 of these Fosi's cant only drive 2 speakers right? Need another one to drive the sub?

[@dazza1976]

Cambridge Audio have some great integrated amps under £($)500

[@jukingeo]

Really? Usually most stuff from them is way overpriced.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

I got my TA1 on your recommendation and am still loving it. I was a bit tweaked by the TA2, but resisted the urge. Great review and recommendations. Thank you for your perspectives and for sharing them with us all.

[@ramondelgado6778]

I have a TA-100 (the previous version of the TA-1). I LOVE this integrated amp. I recently purchased an Emotiva PT-1 pre (TA-1 with no amp) and an A2 external amp. I have not made the switch because the TA-100 is fantastic. Just could not pass up a great web sale. The TA-100 sounds WAY better than my previous Marantz slim line receiver, Denon, and Sony ES units. It's THAT good. The high pass filter on the TA-1 and PT-1 are compelling futures. The TA-1 is a KILLER deal for under 500 with a toroidal transformer, real thick aluminum heat sink, and big cap array. Also pre amp out puts. For me, two channel audio is the way and i haven't looked back.

[@welderfixer]

A new Pom! So cute!! Kiddos must be so happy. All the best, Kevin

[@stevezeidman7224]

Nice job, Randy. Always fun. My daughter loves her As-301. I did get the open box special, $299.

[@TheSwissAl]

Hi There - I’m wondering how much difference I would hear in these modern Amps vs a 40yr old Yamaha ax-300 ? It’s been running forever. It’s now paired with modern WiiM pro / smsl su-1 dac and Kef q150s. Any thoughts welcome

[@andimonio]

I got the Yamaha A301 powering the ELAC Uni-Fi 1.0, everything second hand $200 USD for the Amp and $190 for the speakers. They sound great, was a little afraid the A301 wouldn't be able to drive the ELAC's but it has no problem. Music gets distorted about 70% volume knob, but the loudness control is great to get that punch without any distortion. This my first "reference" setup hope to enjoy it for a couple of years before upgrading. Thank you for everything randy, wanting to get into the hobby for years but never knew how until i found your channel.

[@FrightfulMess]

But was the TA-1's phono stage any good? Did it stack up against any $250-$350 externals phono preamps? WE WANNA KNOW!!!

[@hijicker6795]

The denon pma 600ne 😉

[@zuyvox]

Is the Yamaha AS 501 avaliable in Canada/USA? Becuase here in Germany it costs around 430€ and I think it would be the better competitor to the emotiva. At least the build quality is better than the quality of the 301.

[@leehw9394]

@@zuyvox Forget about Yamaha AS501. I have it 5 years ago with extended warranty. Last year the inputs selection automatically switching ON and OFF numerous times and send for repair. Later they have to pay back full refund because spare parts not available. I end up purchased Marantz PM6007 for replacement. The funny thing is Yamaha AS501 was made in Malaysia but no spare parts available from the same place its manufactured.

[@fedurrrass4226]

In UE you have tax included. On USA price is netto without taxes.

[@s.daniel9224]

Life’s pretty good when you have this many choices to play your favorite song. I go between Schiit and musical fidelity….Well done sir!

[@brucesamuelson7541]

So neither can best my 100 wpc Yamaha AX596 int with main in pre out got it thanks

[@stevearodgers]

Help me understand why someone would buy a Yamaha AS301 for $349 when you could buy an A/V receiver like the Yamaha RX-V385 5.1 Channel for the same money. I'm guessing the AS301 might sound better or have better components? Thanks! Great videos.

[@ShazeemKhan]

Nice to see some Yammy love,recently got a great deal on a P2200,no regrets ❤

[@shanedaiken2831]

I love YAMAHA.

[@Kampernaut]

How do they compare sonically when connected by analogue instead of digital? Might the differences mentioned be due to the DACs in each amplifier? Would you expect the DAC in the Ultra to be superior to both?

[@JR-ho5qm]

Good review! The Yamaha stuff gets allot better when you move up a bit. 11:48 The 803 is discontinued and on blow out comes with a streamer and is much better than either of these and cheaper considering you wouldn’t need the WiiM. I would really like to see a Cheap Audioman review on the new Yamaha 800A

[@tpr299]

Nemo just did a review of the Outlaw RR2160 yesterday. He missed it his review, but a viewer mentioned the Outlaw also has a built in streamer that can use several different apps, including the Wiim app. It would could be great if you could review that unit, and maybe do a shootout with the Emotiva “receiver”.

[@PhillioDoede]

Would be interesting to know how the SMSL AL200, AO300, Loxjie A40 (all the InfineonMA5332MS amps) compare to these class ABs. Also the Cambridge AXA35 is right around the 301's price too. Also, always leave the "ohm" switch on 8 with these Yamaha amps regardless otherwise you are just limiting current to your speakers.

[@act.13.41]

If you are running Linux, the Emotiva TA1 USB DAC shows up just fine, but seems to be running at 50% volume. I have to run through the Modi for now.

[@jamesschneider3828]

Axa35 Cambridge Audio. Didn’t care for my AS501 Yamaha, nice unit but didn’t care for the sound even with balance and treble and bass controls. My cxa 81 integrated Cambridge just stopped working yesterday. I’ve enjoyed it for 4 years. I was in the process of installing the WiiM ultra and it just didn’t work. Even streaming directly to the Cambridge via Bluetooth there was no output. A real bummer. Do I fix it or replace it with something different? Either way more$$ than I want to part with right now.

[@stevo181]

I'm begging you, would you please do a review of the Onkyo A-9110??? What Hi-Fi? loves this thing. Let's do it.

[@ebernardr]

I have an older version, the BasX TA-100, which I like a lot. Do you think TA1 is better?

[@0robbi0]

Randyman -Update on the Denafrips: USB to Audiolab M-Dac (Pre-Dac - you can have that one lol) to Enyo 15th via Coax = Astonishing!!

[@korntawatpoupart]

Deciding between the Yamaha A-S301 and the Marantz PM6007. Want to buy just one and use for years. Whats you guys opinion

[@nc3419]

Years ago, I had a yamaha 50 watt (late 80s) and later picked up a marantz 75 watt (early 90s). The SQ of the Marantz was noticeably better but today, it's hard to say there would be much of a difference in SQ. Marantz seems to be a smooth performer but fairly revealing and the Yamaha was stated in one review to be warm, kinda tubelike (surprised Randy found the mids thin). To me that means the Marantz may have a bit more extension in the treble, airiness in comparison but only direct comparison. I do not think you would miss it particularly if your speakers were a bit lively and easy to drive. I use a Keces E40 and its a bit warmer side of neutral but you don't miss anything in the highs although some amps are a bit more extended and I tend to have more lively speakers vs warm. It could be kind of like the S301 in that regard. If you like a lively upper mid., perhaps the marantz, if you like a bit more relaxed sound (not boring, just not too lively in comparison) you might prefer the Yamaha. Depending on speakers and source, you may or may not notice a significant difference. Someone who had direct comparisons first hand could comment on what I said better, its an inference from what I read, pretty much a guess. The S301 is less expensive but weighs more too. Seems a bit more powerful but the difference in watts doesn't really do much, but the output current would matter more. If the power follows the predecessor, the S-300, I'd say the S301 will put out more power in current. Given it's far less expensive, it seems to be the smarter buy. Against the other amps mentioned in the vid and by commenters, there are alot of options up to a grand as well. The S301 gives alot of bang for the buck though as Yamaha builds alot of these so it can do it for less. With Marantz, it seems you pay some for the name. The loudness button is nice and useful at lower SPLs too, IMO. Both should prove reliable for many years. You could also ask someone at Crutchfield as they sell both.

[@leehw9394]

I have Yamaha AS501 five years ago but because of spare parts issues was refunded under extended warranty. I purchased Marantz PM6007 for replacement. Marantz PM6007 has better control specially in low frequency, more details, more engaging in soundstages. I use Marantz PM6007 for my 4K blu rays movies and concerts. When play blu ray concerts the sound separation are more refined and precise compared to Yamaha. One thing for sure Marantz has a smoother sound as Yamaha I do feel a bit harsh or vain on certain tracks.

[@nc3419]

@@leehw9394 That's interesting. Seems like my experience all those years ago. I would have thought the gap would have closed by now and going by the "professional" reviews, it seemed so. Then the little Keces I have seems better than any intro Yam. as I feel it more similar to the Marantz I had. Not thin at all and really good separation. Marantz I remember sounded very musical as opposed to analytical but still gave alot of detail and resolution without going overboard, perhaps a bit airier. Found a Luxman 50 watt too which was even sweeter and more fluid than the Marantz I had but didn't like the 130 watt everyone raved about so a more powerful amp isn't necessarily better sounding either within the same brand on speakers one may have. Interesting hobby.

[@leehw9394]

@@nc3419 In my early life before develop my home theater set. I’m pretty much spent most of the time listening to HiFi music. Once I visited a HiFi dealer demonstrate a set of first Dali speakers (can’t remember the name but smaller than A4 size) with Musical Fidelity A1 20watt/ch amplifier (first version) plus Nakamichi CD player in a 24’x24’ room fully equipped with acoustic treatment. There was the first time I was bowl over by the sound produced fill up the whole room from such a small tiny speakers with 20 watt/ch amplifier. I can literally seeing and hearing the depth of the soundstage right at the back wall. Vocal sound just right in front of me from Eric Clapton songs. Since then it is importance to have good and understanding acoustic sound treatment rather than spending more money on the set. Now besides I have stereo 2.1 home theater. I spent my musical listening through Dali Spektor 2 speakers, Cambridge AXA35 amp and AXC CD players. All my friends who’ve listened to my sets are astonishing and overwhelming with the money I spent is 3 or 4 times less than their budget. Because there is one thing they are lacking is they don’t have proper acoustic sound treatment………there is the main issues.

[@mgaming7]

I just bought the BasX A2 Amp and the PT1 Pre amp. Sounds Really Really good. I am an Emotiva fanboy now.

[@tdave1234]

I bought the exact combo about 6 mos ago and couldn’t be happier.

[@humanplus4965]

Which would you guys choose if you could get both of them for 350? Is the phono stage way better on the ta1?

[@AdityaSingh-kr6sx]

@cheapaudioman I have seen a few of your videos and love the cost effective solution you share. Now I have some investment plans ongoing so cannot invest in a new audio setup. So, I was thinking about building one from whatever is available with me. 1. An old LED FHD TV (not smart TV) for Display 2. Old Dell Studio laptop, with 5.1 channel support & Realtek HD Audio ALC888 onboard. 3. Creative 2.1 speakers with decent bass for front speakers. 4. BPL Double cassette player with line--in option, stereo support with surround sound setup (2 speakers per channel). Very crisp & clear sound. Planning to use these as back surround speakers. Problem: As soon as I set the sound card to 5.1 the base is very much reduced in the 2.1 speaker and I don't have any center speaker & separate subwoofer. I do have a few bluetooth speakers with aux-in but that woofer is the major missing part. Is there any other way to configure the above setup? If not, can you recommend a product for missing speakers (only subwoofer or may be both subwoofer & center speaker) that I can also use with any other home theater setup that I may purchase in future.

[@davidbartochowski7832]

Yamaha old school is sometimes the best school. Do you ship the Pomeranians by US postal service?

[@Durkhead]

Maybe this is a stupid question but is there a home reciever that uses a mosfet power amp?

[@ginom407]

Great comparison Randy! Love the watch.

[@randomsuper]

i wish the emotiva came in silver and had white lighting instead of blue. the ugly factor is a real thing with emotiva.

[@act.13.41]

At least they are VFDs and not blue LEDs. It also helps that they are dimable.

[@corcaa]

@Cheapaudioman When you use and additional amp in the Emotiva, both are used?

[@gwine9087]

Mids are where the music is. BTW link to Emotiva is down.

[@dudebro777]

Your timing is perfect :D I am thinking about buying my first amp, and this Yamaha 301 somehow is on my list of potential buys at the top. But because I am looking for a desktop setup, I really think this is a little too big :/ But maybe I find a solution to this problem because I would prefer something like Yamaha. The alternative would be an AIYIMA A07.. Still not sure. But thanks for this video!

[@Adi-hj3nd]

I see there is an Advance Paris X-iI75 review coming

[@Berzerker6666]

have a wiim mini connected to Topping d30 dac and to Yamaha a-s501 with Q Acoustics 5040 speakers. sounds great

[@bengleason508]

Thanks Randy

[@jawadtaheri4989]

Hi Randy,,,thankyou for your videos and your humour ,,,,jus a request can you by any chance take a look at marantz pm 6007 ,,,,whre does ot stand between these and denon pma600,,,wish ya good health 🎉🎉🎉

[@seekstruth5968]

Cambridge axa35 gorgeous sound. Yamaha good build. Uninspiring sound.

[@moe5809]

How do the headphone amps in these sound ? Why do receivers never get headphone love ?

[@ShazeemKhan]

Many ppl who buy receivers / integrated amps like power and impact, microscopic all in one speakers don't have that effect nor clarity❤

[@harrisarp3841]

Hi Randy how are you? Is it possible to give me 1,2 options under 900$ amps for Pmc Prodigy 1.I have one in my mind the Rega Brio!!What do you think?Thank you!!!

[@jimlyall8624]

You didn't mention how the usb dac on the ta1 sounds like is it better than the smsl su-1

[@cassettedecksresurrection7204]

I have the Yamaha AS701 paired with Whaferdale Diamond 12.2 speakers... That little Yamaha AS301 is a little gem though

[@barbieoconchannel2255]

How does it sound? I have Wharefadale 12.2 too but with Aiyima A08 Pro

[@cassettedecksresurrection7204]

@@barbieoconchannel2255 in terms of sound in my small/medium room I have nice clean lows,warm clear mids and clear but not fatiguing highs I think the Diamond 12.2 is a warm-mid speaker that it suits my taste mostly for metal music and rock... In some productions I lower a little the loudness control in my Yamaha AS 701 witch I found is basically a mid-scoop and the Diamonds sound sweet In general I'm very happy with the Yamaha/Wharfedale combo

[@jukingeo]

Gritting my teeth here, I am going to agree with Randy on this one. The Emotiva certainly has more on it that I would find useful, such as the bass management system with the built in crossover. As it is a phono input and two analog inputs are far more than enough. If he says the amp is built better than the Yamaha, then that might be enough to justify the extra $150 it costs. Overall, I am going to say that when it came to classic amplifiers, I was never fond of Yamaha. They were one of the best built units made back in the 70's through 90's, but I just didn't like the sound. There was plenty of bass, but the issues came in the midrange and high end. Midrange, as Randy says, was very sterile and analytical sounding. High end is veiled. I had found that Denon was very close in build to Yamaha, and it had good bass as well, but a much improved and more lively midrange and high end. I have not heard an Emotiva amplifier yet. If could find a TA-1 used for a good price, I would give it a shot!

[@robandrews9826]

Are there any alternatives to the smsl al200? I'm looking for a amplifier with headphone amp, preferably with a smaller footprint for a desk set up, hopefully around the same price (or cheaper? 👀)

[@robandrews9826]

I'll also be using my computer as the audio source

[@ibrahimhakim6232]

Emotiva TA1 on their own website is 727$ after price reduction from 872$. That doesn’t sounds like a deal of your life…

[@Pirxel]

I'd love to know the difference between the yamaha and the fosi v3 with those Elac beauts ;)

[@JoshColletta]

Randy, I have a request. I'm looking to go the separates route. Have you done anything on stereo preamps that **don't** have all the bells and whistles? I've been trying to find something that just has several analog inputs (5 or 6 maybe) with a volume knob and a remote control. That's it. I can supply my own streamer, DAC, HDMI converter, phono preamp, tuner, and all of that. But I can't seem to find anything like that. Do they simply not exist?

[@tdave1234]

Schiit Freya/Kara?

[@s.daniel9224]

@@tdave1234they have a new saga 2. It has xlr.

[@JoshColletta]

@@tdave1234 Basically what I'm looking for, but those are WAY too expensive. I could buy an integrated system off the shelf at Best Buy in that price range and get more than what I need. Schiit may make good stuff, but I can't justify spending that much on what should just be a switch with a volume control. It doesn't need to be THAT over-engineered. Just good enough that I'm not noticing any noise injected into the signal paths.

[@swiftraider759]

Loving my Unison Research Unico..Any thoughts or experience with Peachtree Integrated amps?

[@s.daniel9224]

Hey. Did you buy the one on sale a couple of weeks ago on the music room site? I missed it.

[@swiftraider759]

@@s.daniel9224 No, I have had mine for at least 8 years..I've known about this great little integrated amp for a while now. Paired up with my Chord Mojo Dac and you have a real nice setup.

[@RichardDodson-c3n]

what do you think of the outlaw rr2160 mk 2 compared to the emotiva ta2

[@tpr299]

Nemo just did a review on your question yesterday. He likes both, and mentions the advantages of both. The Outlaw apparently has a built in streamer that can use several apps including the Wiim app. Outlaw doesn’t really advertise it “bigly”, and Nemo missed it in his review, but a viewer brought it up.

[@vannk73]

Is it Oreo flavor? 😋

[@Anox99]

Make it under 1000 with HDMI eARC, most people i know use their tv as a source (or boxes like appletv)

[@perlman-t2g]

Agreed. I have an Onkyo receiver with HDMI ARC. And pretty soon when I upgrade I'm not even considering any receiver or integrated amp that doesn't have HDMI ARC. Right now the Marantz cinema 70 and Onkyo TX-RZ50 on my short list.

[@broeheemed32]

I wish Yamaha hadn't cancelled the silver finish on the A-S301. Tired of the "black box" look..... even moreso in speakers.

[@gregorywhite3511]

What about the denon 600

[@pzboyz72]

Yamaha RN303D too.

[@peterkemper6999]

Marantz PM 6007?

[@SastusBulbas1]

What I want is an actual power amp, under $99 that isnt specced with unwanted crap. A plain black box, single rocker switch on front, internal PSU so IEC socket at rear, with a pair of inputs, and a pair of outputs. I personally think many people would be happy top buy a straighforward no bells or whistles power amp, pre amp, dac. I am giving up with this budget crap simply because its doing my head in how every single item is full of bullpoop features and to be frank as such overpriced. Look at the SMSL A100, identical to dozens of budget integrated amps. Strip it down and take out all the fluff, we have a nice super budget power amp, all it needs is an identical little sized box, with a rocker switch, a selection knob, a volume knob. Thats two boxes allowing purchasers to have a real pre and power that doesnt look like somethinmg your kid made in high school. Add a simple DAC to the range that has no volume, simply the multiple digital inputs. Imagine that, simple looking fully functional small budget items for adults!

[@MaxAudio88]

Ecco perchè al mio yamaha a-s301 ho abbinato le Polk audio xt60,loro hanno una gamma media ottima,un bel basso e un tweeter mai affaticante… Accoppiata fantastica rimanendo nell’entry level…😎

[@cameronbrady7351]

Onkyo A-9010!

[@bigd835]

Yamaha should have put a blue tooth reciever in this amplifier. that was a big miss. all plastic knobs on the yamaha ? wow, that sucks. i expected more. I wish emotiva had treble and bass knobs, that would be a big plus for me

[@vjyamat6527]

Funny but the cheaper S201 has one.

[@luxlamf]

Those aint running my LS50's

[@Nogoodpoints]

Always need soul in the midrange. Shame on you Yamaha.

[@kimbaleon27]

pAxa punch

[@ShazeemKhan]

Lotta ppl praisingbthe knock off Nintendo name product, is it so good? They in the game long?😮

[@tonykazz2779]

Say'n "Insane" so many times makes you very hard to listen to ! In fact, soon as you say it I'll switch off ! You are a smart guy , using cliches defeats at least 50% of your content value .

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

He seems pretty successful too me….

[@patrickdowning7674]

First!

[@ethimself5064]

149th

[@Audiodreamer192-24]

@@ethimself5064 😂😂😂

[@ethimself5064]

@@Audiodreamer192-24 You have any content on Hi Res Audio?

[@ethimself5064]

The TA1 shows $733.00

[@hartsickdisciple]

He's talking about the BasX TA1. It's $499 right now.