Brutally Honest Review! Can You Hear A Difference? Tonewinner AD-8300 11 Channel Amp Review

Let's REVIEW the Tonewinner 11 channel home theater amplifier. Plenty of power, great build quality and an unbeatable price make it hard to beat!
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00:00 - Intro
01:26 - Build/Physical Features
04:10 - Heat's a Non-Issue
04:35 - Performance
06:58 - Comparisons
07:34 - Can You Hear a Difference?
10:01 - Is There Anything Lacking?
Video Edited with Movavi Video Suite

[@williamwilson1393]

I switched from a $3000 5 channel and a $2000 7 channel pair of amps to this 11 channel amp mostly to save some space. I was concerned that there would be a compromise on sound quality. That concern turned out to be misplaced, this amp sounds fantastic. Detail, clarity, and control are all, top notch. No regrets!

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks for the comment Bill, I hope it helps others with the same concerns.

[@troyhenry3267]

Currently i'm using just an Elite Pioneer SC95 A/V receiver to do all of my processing for my 5.2.4 setup. Eventually I want to to upgrade to an external 11 ch amp and when I do, I'll be going with this one. Thanks for the video!

[@SpecOfTech]

No problem, I am glad you found it helpful my friend...cheers.

[@joes3800]

I havent A-B'd amps, but i have had different equipment over the years from source to speaker to everything in between. I agree with others that say speakers and processor affect SQ the most. As long as you are buying quality at any reasonable budget, amps and cables affect sound the least.

[@gamingingalaxy4011]

Currently i have monolith x7 it is absolutely silent no humming sound or anything like that. Running with sr8015 with all klipsch rp line. This amp seems amazing especially for its price.Maybe down the road when i get pre pro i may get this amp

[@robertmedina3195]

I also have a 7x but mine hums sometimes. Monoprice gave me the runaround.

[@jimhamlin6551]

I bought a Anthem MCA 325 3 channel amp in 2020 to run my 4ohm Linn Majik 140 speakers and prior to that I had 2 mono blocks xpa100 from Emotiva doing the left and right channels I thought the mono blocks would sound good for 2 channel music and it was ok but not as good as I thought they should be ...thats when I bought the Anthem MCA 325 hoping for an improvement when listening to 2 channel music and it was better but not leaps and bounds better and when it came to movies they both performed well Then I decided to buy the Tonewinner 7300 amp the newer one and it is running the front 3 and top 4 height channels and the Anthem doing the 2 rear channels and i left the Emotiva out and my Marantz is doing the 2 surround backs I have a OPPO 205 which is the best I have heard over other blu ray players But after having the ToneWinner plugged in for awhile it was a noticeable improvement in music listening and movie watching I cant say enough good about the ToneWinner amp ...I even got out my old Cambridge Audio SACD and DVD Audio player and plugged it in and I never new it could sound so good! This was a good move for me and glad I decided to go with ToneWinner!

[@howardmenkis5252]

Check out the new Anthem gen2 amps big difference, you really can hear things you won't hear on the others, but yes more than double the retail price, if you pay retail !

[@welderfixer]

Personally, I would think the processor would be far more important in creating the sound field/audio quality than the amplifier(s). Of course, that also is dependent on amplifier power and speaker matching. I cannot wait for the day when I can afford a separates system.

[@JohnSmith-qi6co]

It's a shame most of us can't afford top notch equipment until we are past our prime in hearing ability. Unless you are really young, my guess is you could mate an amp like this with, say, a Denon 4800 receiver in full preamp mode (all amps off) and it would sound as good as having an actual separate processor. Not cheap, but that receiver is cheaper than a separate processor and will sound just as good to most of us.

[@supergrissi]

@@JohnSmith-qi6co No it wouldn't! But it would sound good...

[@paulupton5557]

Another excellent and honest review. I thoroughly enjoy your enthusiastic presentations. As long as you continue with your channel, you will have a constant viewer in me. Well done.

[@SpecOfTech]

I truly appreciate that brother. I have a question for you, and please be honest, do you prefer the overall feel and presentation of my last 2 reviews over the ones previous to them?

[@paulupton5557]

@Spec Of Tech Yes I do. You seem to have made a real step forward with your videos. As I said, I have always enjoyed them and your infectious enthusiasm, but you have certainly reached new heights now.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Loving the new camera setup and mic. Really makes me feel like i am in the room with you , coming along to review the amp. Nice B-roll interspersed as well.

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks brother, I always appreciate your feedback my friend.

[@howardmenkis5252]

Tone winner amps are really good starter amps for one's system, if you don't want to pay double!!!

[@ramonbmovies]

@11:00 - I've always wondered about sound differences between amps. I've seen other channels come out with extreme detail about how one amp is better with certain frequencies than others, and soundstage is different in BLANK way. Meanwhile, I'm sitting here thinking, "I bet it would sound exactly the same." By the way, I will be mentioning you in my next video. It'll be posted within 2 days.

[@SpecOfTech]

Thank you for the shoutout my friend :). When it comes to critical listening, there does seem to be some out there that can hear small differences. Sometimes I do wonder if that is just some expectation bias seeping into their perception though. For me personally, I have been able to hear some differences in amps, BUT, I do feel that those differences were much harder to hear than most people might think. If you ever do any A/B amp comparisons, I would be interested in you sharing your thoughts.

[@CJ-er1pf]

👀 I see you have some new boxes there. Can't wait for that video. Keep up the good work.

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks brother, I can't wait to get into these Arendal boxes.

[@BobbyJ337]

Great explanation. I think people are biased when it comes to audio..if some blind test an expensive amp to a fair amount amp.. they most likely couldn't tell the difference

[@SpecOfTech]

It is definitely harder to tell the difference between amps than some might think. I have heard differences myself, but it took more focus and effort to hear the differences than I thought it would.

[@BobbyJ337]

@Spec Of Tech When you have to listen for it..there's not a much of a difference..a true test is to let someone who doesn't know nothing about audio do a blind test..if they can tell a difference than there's a difference

[@doublet147]

​@Bobby Johnson There definitely can be situational bias when comparing amps. Respectfully though, I don't think having someone unfamiliar with audio, judge differences is a proper test. They don't have a tuned ear. A normal person can here a singer's performance and think it sounds great. A professional could notice that the singer went slightly flat on a few notes.

[@o.c.g.m9426]

It's like TV brand loyalist. Drag a Samsung loyalist person into a best buy & ask them which tv is better they might pick the LG & vice versa. I remember I brought my first 2 4k tvs based off my eyes in store. I f'd up once I started watching comparisons on YT(shakes fist at sky) 😂😂

[@jollyroger3778]

11 channel tone winner power vs 7 channel tone winner power all channels driven 4/8 ohms and 2 channels stereo 4/8 ohms which is a better buy for music and movies the 105 watts gives me some consern with spl with 11 channel amp

[@taxi615]

You will love it with the Arendals. The 7ch I have works great with the 1723's

[@SpecOfTech]

I sure hope so. I am kind of hoping the Arendals blow me away, so I can buy them and then not change speakers for a long time lol...fingers crossed. I am tired of changing out my main speakers to be honest. It's fun and I am happy I am blessed enough to be able to do it, but I just want a long term system for a while.

[@taxi615]

Well I've never own a better speaker but I also haven't heard JTR speakers. For the price I'm hard pressed to find anything better not to mention how good they look. You got 5 towers I think now that's brutal lol I got 2 with 3 monitors also changed my heights since the SVS couldn't keep up lol. I need better subs as my svs pb 2000 don't push as hard as before with these massive towers. Hard to say what you'll think as you have had some nice speakers but I'm hoping you'll love them.

[@adsiem4681]

@@SpecOfTech very interested in your Arendal review, I've seen a few people swap them out, as they were great for sure, but just not that top end game level to some. so that makes me think they're not perfect, but still very good for the price. anyway, interested in that review, particularly against the founders, as im tossing up between them too :)

[@raytherain4030]

Just curious how it compares to Tonewinner own 7300 7 channel amplifier, any differences in term of sound quality?

[@garyausten5939]

Just wanted to mention that after e-mailing Summit about UPS not delivering my amp yesterday (Friday) because nobody could sign for it (they'll try again on Monday) I got a call from them asking what happened. I've never gotten a phone call from B&H, Paducah Home Theater, anyone. It was a real surprise. I told him I might have expected an email, but he said he liked to talk to his "clients." I was shocked!

[@SpecOfTech]

Yup, that sounds like Aamir! I appreciate you dropping that comment here. Glad to see someone else has experienced his top notch customer service besides me haha...cheers buddy.

[@garyausten5939]

@@SpecOfTech No problem :)

[@psyphonyxaudio]

I love the Chinese writing on the back too .. We are use to seeing French on all our stuff in Canada anyways.. Would just get ignored all the same =)

[@SpecOfTech]

haha ain't that the truth!

[@psyphonyxaudio]

@Spec Of Tech ... Statistically... English and Chinese are the 2 highest spoken / used Languages.. French doesnt even hold its own.. so.. I think thats totally fine. They built it.. let the language stand :-) We** used special language stickers to cover English when sending Items to Asian / chinese markets. .. Less expensive than ordering 2 types of silk screen print on chassis. (Manufacturing mentality really plays a role and cost objectives.. parts numbers ..etc )

[@Cyberdine.Systems.Model-101]

Hi there. Thanks for the review. I'm seriously considering this amp. When you were powering your 7.2.4, did you need any additional amps or did the Tonewinner power everything?

[@chloeleedow7250]

Have to say this looks much nicer than the other one even though I didn't mind it it did look a bit cheap and tacky in some ways this is beautiful. 😊

[@DavidSusiloUnscripted]

1000000% agree with your stance of sound demo

[@chebrubin]

I just dont see why we dont buy amplifiers from OSD for bed layer and surroundes and heights. Love Tonewinner AT-300. I like those huges Tonewinner Class A and the Sonus Farbers. I will never do hybrid multichannel again. I can hear sound bleed in the stereo channels.

[@nathandaniels4823]

What do you mean by “hybrid multichannel”?

[@chebrubin]

@Nathan Daniels mixed power rating or worse the module has stereo ports. Most Emotiva and Jade design internals from Tonewinner OEM should keep each model board driving 1 x channel.

[@BG-bd5ye]

I'm looking at the TW 2 channel versus the Anthem STR 2 channel. I've got the Anthem AVM90 as my pre-amp. Thoughts on which you think would be a better combination? Thank you. Great channel btw.

[@michaelschiessl8357]

Yeah sound demo would be good if you could!! Thanks great content!!

[@supergrissi]

Why?

[@BuildMontage]

Very good mate, Tonewinner make great amps. Looks clean and mean. Interesting thoughts on AB amplifiers as well. My amps are AB and super clean low distortion.

[@SpecOfTech]

Hey thanks Tony, those amps you have are top shelf for sure. Haha when I was talking about A & B'ing amps I meant comparing them, but I do love A/B topology amps too.

[@BuildMontage]

@@SpecOfTech haha yep I know… I’ve heard great amps from the Class D all the way to Class H :) either way TW are an excellent amp.

[@madmike8724]

Tonewinner or Emotiva DR2? for music 30%/cinema 70%. I have Integra Research RDA7 and only 150W RMS 8Ohms

[@ROBERT-ml7ml]

Heyyyyy Bear!

[@SpecOfTech]

Heyyyyyy man, sorry I don't recognize the username, is this Bob from work?

[@elmerbais]

Yummy amps. Thanks for the review.

[@user-ij1pi2ls5n]

Excellent review Barrett!. Would it be worth using the AD-8300 with a Marantz SR7015 for 7.2.4, or should I just go with a Two channel external amp to cover all channels? The AD-8300 is currently on special for A$2399 in Melbourne down under, so it may be an option considering the Marantz MM8077 7 Ch is currently going for A$3999.

[@brickbybrickhometheatre]

Adding Marantz MM8077 will not add any benefits to SR7015. I had SR7011 and I added Tonewinner AD-7200, and there is significant improvement in sound quality.

[@howardmenkis5252]

I've had them and still do, till I switched my good amps to the new Anthem gen2 tamps, yes you can hear a bit of a difference,, things you don't hear on the cheaper amps, but they are also more than double the price retail. If price is not a thing then it's ok. But nothing is wrong with tone winner. Only thing I've found is that the trigger switch stoped working and when it does get hot it will switch off, and yes I do use a ac fan. But if you switch it on again it does turn on!

[@SpecOfTech]

You must really like to crank it up lol, I have never had one of them shut off on me, even after hours of listening.

[@howardmenkis5252]

@@SpecOfTech no not really,, it just turns off,,

[@rayking507]

I wonder how the tonewinner would compare with IOTVX 7 channel power amp.

[@EverythingHomeTheater]

Wow! Great price and stats for the price!

[@DarthPrater629]

Would you choose this over the monolith 11 channel amp? Currently $2,000 for b-stock. Asking because I want to make a decision today lol.

[@SpecOfTech]

Personally, I would. I had the Monolith 7 channel and end up returning it and keeping the Tonewinner.

[@o.c.g.m9426]

Question. What if im pushing 9 channels? 3 LCR & 6 Height. Will i get more power than its 240 lcr & 105

[@SpecOfTech]

Then yes, you will get a little more wattage to each of the channels you are using.

[@o.c.g.m9426]

​@SpecOfTech I got this amp today. I just left my small review. Your videos pushed me to buy this amp and thank you very much for it.

[@keepitshema]

Anyone get a hum while nothing is played from the speakers with this ad8300?

[@TechinaSec101]

Hey, I 100% agree with you, a lot of people don't really understand but think that just because it is more expensive its better. In reality, especially with their system and in a home theater set-up. You would hard press to tell the difference :D great video :)

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@ryankosowsky2189]

This is one to consider, but is still a good premium over the cost of the Emotiva Basx 11 (~$1200USD). Wonder if I’d be able to tell a difference. Basx also has benefit of smaller footprint (15.5 inches deep vs 18.5).

[@garyausten5939]

I saw this on the Emotiva website on the BasX-11. It has a lot less power per channel, especially in LCR since it apparently uses identical modules..I'm really considering this Tonewinner, even though I've never heard of the brand. Power Output (ALL channels driven): 105 watts RMS per channel; 20 Hz - 20 kHz; THD < 0.1%; into 8 Ohms. 140 watts RMS per channel; 1 kHz; THD < 1%; into 4 Ohms. Power Output (two channels driven): 160 watts RMS per channel; into 8 Ohms. 260 watts RMS per channel; into 4 Ohms. Power Output (5 channels driven): 145 watts RMS per channel; into 8 Ohms. 200 watts RMS per channel; into 4 Ohms. Power Output (7 channels driven): 125 watts RMS per channel; into 8 Ohms. 180 watts RMS per channel; into 4 Ohms.

[@ryankosowsky2189]

@@garyausten5939 completely fair. My LCR is only rated to 140 watts (4ohm; 94dB) so the power seemed more than enough. Though if you have less sensitive or a more power hungry front stage I suspect that makes the Tonewinner more attractive.

[@garyausten5939]

@@ryankosowsky2189 I've never owned 4-ohm speakers, my LCR are Klipsch RP-600Miis and an RP504Cii. The center can actually handle more power (150 cont./600 max vs 100/400, but I have them bi-amped, with which I personally can tell a difference....I figure more power the better as long as I don't overdo it i.e., I'm not going to hook them up to 1 kW monoblocks.

[@SpecOfTech]

They aren't very well known in North America yet...but they will be. They are bigger overseas. Tonewinner actually is a large manufacturer that builds for some big brands...Emotiva being one of them.

[@user-fl4so3to5q]

Hi, I hv few sets of 20+ yrs interconnect, it is wise to buy new or can use back for most channels? TIA

[@SpecOfTech]

I would say it's time for an upgrade in my opinion haha...cheers.

[@michaelnyansafo7343]

It’s the power rating in America different from the one in Europe …… because they are advertising it as 300W at 8 ohms for the LCR and other 8 channels at 155 at 8 ohms in Europe?

[@SpecOfTech]

Europe uses 240V and North America uses 120V, so you technically can get better output in Europe.

[@bedbath9056]

Does adding this power amplifier helps for my system ? I have an old Marantz SR5006 with 5.1 channel setup Martin Logan 4 ohm speakers with SVS SB16. I watch movie and listen to music with 80% of volume. Thank you in advance ~~

[@SpecOfTech]

I believe you would experience better dynamics and clarity adding an external amp IMO.

[@bedbath9056]

@@SpecOfTech thank you so much !

[@originalRoyalty1]

I am curious if you will notice a difference with the Amp/Arendals combo since they are 4 ohms. Does the Tone Winner offer a Rack Ear option?

[@taxi615]

I have the 7ch tone winner with Arendals are they perform great tons of power.

[@SpecOfTech]

I can't wait to get the Arendal speakers plugged in. Yeah this amp comes with rack ears in the box.

[@BMWliterbikes4life]

The back looks like a prior model? The title of the video is a different model sold currently correct?

[@SpecOfTech]

The back may look a little similar to the Tonewinner 7300, but this is an 11 channel amp. I've never covered an 11 channel Tonewinner amp on my channel before. The 8300 is fairly new and is currently being sold, yes.

[@florianvogelgesang9436]

Can you say something about a huming sound coming froming the device itself with no load (just turned on) and with load? Not talking about speaker output or fan noise - power supply humming

[@SpecOfTech]

I haven't heard any humming coming from the amp internals at all, it's been dead quiet.

[@florianvogelgesang9436]

Thx a lot!

[@howardmenkis5252]

Summit hifi rocks, Amir is great!

[@doublet147]

6:04 you stated: 3 LCR channels = 516 watts per channel @4ohm, but then stated *2 channels driven*. I'm just asking for clarification. Is it 516w in the LCR, or 516w 2 chan driven? I enjoyed the review (& previous reviews). I have yet to audition a Tonewinner amp, but my interest has been peaked.

[@SpecOfTech]

It's 516 watts per channel 2 channels driven, but that is applicable to the LCR channels, because they provide more power than the other 8 channels. So you can get up to 516 watts with any 2 channels out of the LCR, but if you are driving all 3 of the LCR channels then the wattage would be slightly lower, but not much. Does that help clear it up?

[@doublet147]

@@SpecOfTech yes, thanks.

[@dreadedtred]

I’m in Florida. Should I deal directly with Summit or authorized dealer in Florida?

[@SpecOfTech]

Deal with Summit, in my opinion. He is the authorized distributor for North America, so all warranty and service goes through him as far I as I know anyway. But do whatever you feel comfortable with my friend.

[@dreadedtred]

@@SpecOfTech is it the AT-300 Processor that pairs with the AD-8300?

[@dreadedtred]

@@SpecOfTech I contacted Arron at Summit. Let me know your rack info. I think you got it from CAN. 👍🏻

[@SpecOfTech]

@@dreadedtred My rack is an MW rack MWER27 is the model. It's a 27U rack.

[@Kickinitwithd18]

Tonewinner amps are awesome

[@SpecOfTech]

I have to agree, for a budget amp they are really hard to beat.

[@michaelnyansafo7343]

We need a sound demo

[@deanschmidt5566]

I have two monolith 7 amps and both had a hum from the amp when new. I was almost ready to send back for replacements or repair and it stopped making the loud hum. Not sure if they need to break in but I tried replacing trigger cable and power but hum was still there and even tried hooking a cable between the ground of amp and processor. Nothing worked and then it just quit and never came back.

[@billybobby7607]

Likely torodial PSU humming, either due to being loose or DC offset. Large torodials can hum. Potted ones are reduced. I had one that had tons of Hum it was like mobile phone on vibrate on glass

[@SpecOfTech]

I have had several different amps with toroidal transformers and never had one make noise before. The Monolith was easily audible from my listening position. Glad to hear that yours went away on its own though.

[@godfather1116]

Rack ears included? That's a win! :)

[@justinpenn9250]

I’ll pay more for product not made in China.

[@SpecOfTech]

Best of luck finding one in these days though

[@bumblecat23]

😂😂😂

[@gobucs22]

It's actually easier than you think. Try harder

[@tazoriginal]

I spy with my little eye ARENDALS!!

[@SpecOfTech]

You sure do lol, good eye.

[@MrFahelz]

This guy lost all credibility to me when said the amps wont sound that different it may be a suddel difference but can make a massive difference

[@SpecOfTech]

Wow! I lost all credibility because you took 1 thing out of context and you disagree with it? Don't you think that is a little hyperbolic...just a little tiny bit? I made quite few clarifications and put things in context with my statements in this video about the sounds of amplifiers. I didn't just simply say amplifiers all sound the same. Where as your statement that "it can make a massive difference", is quite vague and misleading because there is no context. This is the second negative comment you made one of my videos, so I feel you might just be a bit of a negative person in general. I hope you find a way to be happy my friend, I truly do. P.S. Not to be "that guy", but subtle is spelt subtle, not "suddel". So I could say, "this guy lost all credibility when he misspelled subtle". Do you see how ridiculous that sounds...? How can a person loose all credibility for one comment taken out of context, or for misspelling 1 word?

[@eddietours3728]

Is true all amp sound the same 😅

[@SpecOfTech]

lol...almost. I have heard differences in amps before, but the differences are not as noticeable as a lot of guys might think.

[@eddietours3728]

@@SpecOfTech is sooo minimum 😅

[@doublet147]

I'll respectfully disagree. All amps do not sound the same

[@GurnamSinghchannel]

Your meaning of BUDGET is so wrong. It means very expensive for us

[@SpecOfTech]

I think you are misunderstanding. This IS a budget 11 channel amp, no question. What makes it a budget 11 channel amp, is the fact it costs less than all the other 11 channel amps. But if you are expecting an 11 channel amp to cost the same as a 2 channel amp, those aren't realistic expectations. I mean, I wish I could get an 11 channel amp for the same price as a 2 channel amp too, but unfortunately, that isn't how the economy works. I hope that helps clear it up...cheers.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

I think you don't understand how budget pertains to 11 channel amplifiers😅😂

[@donjaun540]

This is not true. When I looked this amp up it is $2300. Even the processor is higher than you mentioned.

[@williamwilson1393]

Canadian vs U.S. $2250 Canadian, to your door! Tax in, shipping in.

[@SpecOfTech]

Are you looking at Canadian or US prices?

[@SpecOfTech]

@@donjaun540 Use the links in the description of my video.

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

I think it is Don Juan not "Jaun" 😂

[@Adam-yp2iu]

Hello Is 105 watts enough for surround sound?

[@billybobby7607]

Plenty

[@SpecOfTech]

Oh yeah, that is plenty for surround and heights.