DARN GOOD Under $500 Audiophile Integrated Amplifier Comparison - IOTAVX SA3 VS SMSL DA9

[@Jayiyagi]

Yo ! Hope you guys enjoyed this little comparison. If you want to see other comparisons, let us know (in the comments and by hitting the like button) and we will try our best to make it happen ! 0:00 Intro 1:27 SMSL DA9 VS IOTA SA3 Explanation 3:55 Thujan's Initial Impressions 5:54 Connection differences 7:08 Jay's initial Impressions 10:46 SMSL DA9 VS IOTA SA3 VS IOTA SA3PA3 COMBO

[@randomstranger2472]

Would love a comparison with the NAD 316 bee v2, and the Allo Volt+ D!

[@DenisZ2023]

Can you compare Hegel vs iota. Please.

[@tallpaull9367]

3 minutes in and loving this video so far

[@williamcanada6195]

Sûre!! How about comparing the Triangle 40th Anniversary Comètes, the ELAC Ubi Références and Maybe KEF LS 50 Metas ! Good Work ! Thanx !! What happened to NBT?!? Sounded like a Hip Hop Group or Something ! Merci

[@mag4633]

A really great comparison would be: SMSL DA9 vs. SONY STR-DH190

[@ProjectOverseer]

I've lived with the DA-9 for a good few months now If you don't push it beyond its volume capability, it's a capable amp. It does however produce a strange form of class D clipping on certain types of demanding music ... as you noted, heavy, deep dynamic bass. It sounds like it's breaking up. Something I don't experience on my bigger more powerful amps and pre/power amp combos. Saying that, used with care the DA-9 sounds pretty impressive for a tiny class D amp. I've heard rumors that SMSL are making a more powerful power/pre amp offering that will surprise us all. I'm not sure how true this is, but it makes sense that they would. Great review guys 👍

[@ufarkingicehole]

The smsl 0200 is very similar. It's so much better when you use the sub out for the complete sound for the smsl. Its really designed to use with a sub

[@mnmlist1454]

Thank you. Looking forward to more comparison videos.

[@2HatHudders]

Here's a question, Iota Vs SOUND Artist sa-200ia? That's what I'm comparing for a second system.

[@rayking507]

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

[@erikalexander6602]

Curious if the SA3 by itself would be fine , dynamically, on more efficient horn speakers, as opposed to the apparent necessity for better dynamics requirements of less efficient or low sensitivity loudspeakers?

[@jessicakaine4364]

The sa3 alone is super clean in the highs and mids but although the bass sounds really clear lacks punch without the pa3.

[@edmerkel2407]

So, the Iota stack could handle the LRS?

[@eltonc1505]

Sweet video... 👍

[@freelancer1499]

love such comparisons content!

[@menglim1436]

To be fair to SMSL, you guys should compare SMSL DA9 VS IOTA SA3 on bookshelf speaker and IOTA SA3PA3 COMBO vs SMSL SA400 on floorstanding speaker.

[@TriAmpHiFi]

. So, just dumb down the test huh. Don't let testing reveal a winner I guess & both can get participation ribbons. "To be fair..." meaning the subjects are to be unequally weighted for the purpose of an equal outcome. That's pointless. Both amps had an equal chance from the start. Results weren't known. The performance predictions even favored the SMSL's balanced output. You're right. The test isn't fair. But, we didn't know that until the test was over. Reggae, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@NisuUuno]

SA3+PA3 sound excellent with KEF LS50 Meta`s, together with SVS SB1000

[@Yiannis2112]

Spending a fortune in gear, acting like experts, then go to listen to modern crap rnb

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

Perfect.. Now I want some. NP3 and 2 PA3 amps. 🤙🏻👍🏻

[@francisdelacruz6439]

Nice review. How about smaller easier to drive bookshelf speakers for SMSL, the difference there as large I wonder for speakers under usd 500.

[@TonyBologna999]

The SMSL DA-9 has a serious design flaw. Lots of users experience this problem: after running the amp for a while then shutting it down, it won’t reboot. It will remain stuck on the “SMSL” boot screen. I had two of these with the same problem, and many other reports online of the same issue. Stay away.

[@ProjectOverseer]

Really, that's interesting as well as disappointing.

[@HPLeft]

I had the same issue as well.

[@wot1508]

i'm using the da-9 right now and its been fine for me so far

[@mrenlightened]

Same problem. I had my unit replaced and the new one (replacement) has done it only once. You have to unplug/replug the mains to get it working again. Annoying. But for my near field setup, DA-9 is really good and compact, and I use a sub with miniDSP, and so I am not really counting on the DA-9 to handle my lowest ends as much. The IOTAVX SA3 is too big for desktop use and is Class AB which means slightly higher levels of heat in my already crowded components space.

[@TonyBologna999]

@@mrenlightened I replaced my second broken SMSL DA-9 with the Sabaj a20a, which is almost the same amplifier - but perhaps just different enough not to have this flaw. So far it’s perfect.

[@williamcanada6195]

Just another question : I have heard that the DAC on the Iota is so so ?!? In this case which DAC would you dug/ recommend ?!? Also, for Jay, did you find the Triangles fatiguing on the long haul ?!?

[@johan5660]

Great review. This kind of comparison is really really valuable especially for those who are looking into buying hifi gears and possibly avoid costly mistakes. I am waiting for the Elac UFR52 review from you guys..hahaha

[@davery8627]

dont they make such a lovely couple.....of dorkuses!!

[@fletchermunson6225]

If you are going to keep up the physical stress maybe you should hook up a pair of paddles to one of your amps? The Emota would have made a nice trifecta.

[@Not884]

Wish more manufacturers would implement hi and low pass xovers for better integration with subwoofers

[@dulichion]

I run the Iotavx PA 3 with a schiit Freya, Schiit mani, Schiit heresey ( for headphones) with a fully restored Technics Sl 1200 Mk2 with blue led's new motor, new arm, with either Nagaoka Mp-110 or Denon 103R, the Iotavx sounds really good, slight echo sound stage, but for the money its awesome.

[@jamessherman7492]

Tom's Guide did a famous series of blind tests on DACS, and they discovered that they needed to match output volume *precisely*, or it could throw off the blind test completely. The second thing they found was that it's almost subjectively impossible to match volume precisely from two different audio devices by ear - they resorted to Db measuring meters at the listening position and clear tones to get the output volume exactly equal, then they did the tests. What they found was that a few of the more expensive DACS were able to introduce gain and loudness at an almost imperceptible level, but once they exactly equalized Db between devices, any preference they originally ascribed to 'greater clarity,' etc, was gone. I suggest equalizing audio volume precisely at the listening position using db meters or software, because I don't think the chip in that smsl should be that far behind that SA3. If you were hearing actual distortion at basement frequencies I could be wrong.

[@donnerundblitzen1717]

The Iota integrated does not have an USB input (PC as the source), WHY? I have the Emotiva TA 100 and it does have Coax, Optical, and USB inputs, a quality MM-MC phono stage, etc. There is an updated version of the Emotiva TA 100 now available plus an even more stout new integrated amp with 135 watt RMS, bass management and a home theater bypass feature for only $1,000. Why Iota excluded the USB is a mystery. Their network streamer/pre-amp (NP3) has USB for a computer source but NO analog inputs - what a bad joke this company is. If they had even half a brain, these features would be on their products. With their incomplete solution devices, I end up needing to add a USB capable DAC for their integrated, or I cannot add an analog device such as a phono pre amp with RCA outs to their Network streamer/ preamp. Deal breakers! The true cost of the DA 9 is this question: What other products are needed for the DA 9 to get up and running? I would need to at least buy the Topping DX3 pro+ ($200) that has headphone amp and preamp features and then I still have no analog inputs. NO THANK YOU.

[@randalllawkin]

Man you guys stepped up the video quality!!

[@zetapal]

I set about researching a system 2 yrs ago. I wanted it semi-audiophile but budget minded. Glad to see you recently reviewed the NHT C3's cause that's what I paired up with the Iota stack. Talk about linear ! I also have a cheapish ($100) sub that I run along with. The SA3 has a sub output so that's nice. Instead of using the SA3's DAC I bought a Topping E30 which is run from the computer's usb over a purpose built Supra cable. The DAC has great SNR and low distortion. You can definitely tell the difference between playing Spotify premium (which I think are Ob Vorbis codec files) and Amazon Prime Audio (which I think are FLAC files). The FLAC files sound better. I did all of this not to play music louder but to be able to hear what is going on in the music and to understand what people are talking about when they talk about soundstage and imaging. I gave away an old 7.1 theater setup based on a Harman Kardon AV reciever with some Bose speakers. There was sound flying all over the place ... lol ... too confusing. Now I just have the two stereo speakers. Its much simpler and much better. I'm very happy with the Iota stack C3 system. I use it for all my audio needs and its very transparent. If I was going to experiment with more components I would be interested in the Hegel amps and those Triangle speakers (3 way I think). But I spent enough money and accomplished what I set out to do so its on to the next thing. Thanks for the review !

[@Openeyesopenheart42]

Sounds like you have put together a nice system, as somehow has spent RIDICULOUS amounts of money on audio equipment my advice to you is buy second hand. Audiophiles are picky creatures and change gear often, they also hoard gear and end up selling it eventually. You will save mega bucks . Cheers from Australia

[@todd7070]

Hi Jay, would the IOTAVX SA3 or combo with the PA3 stand out against the SMSL VMV A1 now that you've heard both? Can you say which you might get between them? Thanks, Todd

[@jptok]

Would also like to hear Jay’s views on this, I bought the SMSL VMV A1 after watching his review and am also wondering how it fares against the IOTAVX SA3

[@economicsjingle]

Damn Thujan looking swole

[@terryhk99leung36]

Great to see this comparison, as I have been wondering about the difference between these two amp when both get good reviews.. and really appreciate the straight honest talk on the difference without trying to be diplomatic ... especially when you guys have given the DA-9 excellent review in the past..

[@creville9331]

Klh model 5 with wilsenton r8?.... I know you know!!!

[@gg0297]

I appreciate comparisons more than anything! Great job, guys. 👌

[@MichelLinschoten]

None of those amps would be able to run what I have. Still a cool review, good company and great equipment .

[@deathspatience3613]

Yo Jay I have the Iotavx and the Kef ls50 meta with the chord Qutest as a dac (2 rel sobwoofers), I want to upgrade my amplifier to thedenon pma a110, I am guessing that's a significant upgrade from the Iotavx, however what do you guys think?

[@millsjonah]

I have the Iota, and I really want a set of LRS as my next speakers. But I know there's no chance of that combo working, even with the PA3

[@carloslong839]

I ordered the SA3 and plan to include the PA3. My room is 12 x 12 with a Rel 10 in 300 watt and SVS 12 in 350 watt subs. I'm pretty sure that I'll be able to drive the LRS + in my environment. What do you think? Did you acquire the LRS? 4:55

[@steinarmoenaarvik119]

Smsl d9 is the best, because i have it! :) For the price-mindblown:=

[@strannostrannovasrr]

Progressive insight or wasn't the smsl da9 everyones choice? It's funny but I always felt there would be a follow up to that review.

[@laika25]

Why the binding posts on my iota have some plugs that keep me from inserting banana plugs?

[@larrywarner9775]

Very good review. May I ask what is the specific model of the Elac UniFi reference floorstanders that was used here? Using these Elac floorstanders with the IOTAVX stack do you think you will still need a subwoofer? Thank you.

[@josephchamberlain3681]

Wondering where the Sound Artist SA 200ia would have fit in this comparison.

[@johngault-9597]

Guy with Jay, please look into the camera more than looking at your co host...

[@greenbeginner3353]

Dude! This vid and the last you look so relaxed and easy… like you’re just chilling through life. Love it. Enjoy.

[@leo11877]

Cambridge Audio vs Iota VX is a proper comparision

[@danielacosta1998]

Best intro I’ve seen on KZbin in a while

[@lukerabin5079]

Good tripod. That manfrotto is a great workhorse.

[@chadgifford499]

Did y’all try to add the PA3 to the SMSL?

[@dilbyjones]

These comparisons are legit

[@GamingShiiep]

I'm really surprised about this one. I thought that the DA9 would outperform the Iota, since I've heard it would outperform the PSaudio sprout 100, which apparently is suggested over the IOTA. Any thoughts? Great video by the way! I like this format!

[@geevee1045]

The PS Audio Sprout 100 is Class D, same as the SMSL DA-9, while the apparently better sounding IOTAVX is a Class AB design.

[@yogiwp_]

Does it make more sense to go with just PA3 if I already have decent DAC+pre? How does it compare against Burson Funk for mid-field/small room? (Love the Funk btw. It started out with brittle/harsh top end but ended up perfectly smooth after a week or so. It's fantastic)

[@Jayiyagi]

I think the reason you would want SA3 PA3 combo is that you get almost double the power and more headroom. If you don't need all that power... then yea, it would make sense to go for the PA3. Burson Funk vs IOTA, we haven't A/Bed directly but from hearing both, I think the IOTA is a bit more dynamic while the FUNK is a bit more detailed/nuances with smoother mid and high frequencies.

[@yogiwp_]

@@Jayiyagi Thanks!

[@dicmccoy]

@@yogiwp_ if you already have a preamp and DAC, then just get 2 pa3's. When plugging in the RCA's with 2 pa3's, the pa3 in bridged mode only reads the signal from it's left RCA input, so make sure the right RCA out of your preamp goes into the left input on the pa3 that's going to run your right speaker. Just thought I share that bit if information with you because I have an sa3, 2 pa3's and a NAD C658 preamp/DAC.

[@urbz6712]

I'm using the Denon x3600h as a preamp for my Pa3 with hard to drive Pioneer elites. It's my first seperates and I love it.

[@mm-tg8oo]

This is the first time that I've heard anybody ask this and I've been curious about it myself. After buying IOTA VX combo, I kept seeing reviewers online say that the items sound better separated than they do combined. Aside from that, the internal DAC in the preamp is not very highly thought of. I already had the SMSL m400 DAC. I decided to get the Parasound Zpre3 and run it between my DAC and the IOTA amp. (I now have the Iota VX intergrated amp unplugged in another room.) I've been curious about if anybody else has been using an IOTA amp without having the integrated amp unit.

[@ThEKiD.1996]

Iota has wolfson dac built in, smsl da9 does not have a dac.. Is it fair comparison 🤔

[@Jayiyagi]

We didnt use the dacs just an integrated amp comparison :)

[@bobb.9917]

Comparison Request: Hegel H20 vs. Kinki Studio EX-M7 (or EX-B7 Monoblocs). I would LOVE to hear your take on THAT! Let's step it up a notch! 😎

[@maximo90019]

Thanks for doing this! This is the kind of scaled comparison is only possible via KZbin. Before making a decision, we need to explore the limitations and trade offs.

[@scottbennett3119]

Great review! 3D layering front to back, where can I find that in a sub-$2000 integrated amplifier? Can you point me to some units I can investigate that have 3D qualities? Thanks..

[@gbmwaz]

Confusing? The more expensive higher powered combo wins? I doubt anyone with huge $2k tower speakers are looking for a $249 amp anyway? How about testing on a $500-$1k 2 way bookshelf? BTW a 2 ohm amp rating being used on higher impedances doesn't really mean anything on its own. Especially sound quality below clipping. I'm sure you can find lots of cheap Pro amps that will handle low impedances that sound horrible on anything aka the old Crown amps of the 70's

[@Jayiyagi]

Hey, it doesn't matter if it's a huge tower speaker or a small bookshelf speaker. BECAUSE bigger speaker doesn't mean it is harder to drive. It's the sensitivity of the speaker that matters.

[@editorjuno]

@@Jayiyagi -- He's referring to typical purchasing patterns, not specs.

[@AmbientWanderer]

@@Jayiyagi exactly, and with more revealing speakers it will show the real strengths and weakness of the amplifiers.

[@dommyap7763]

Will the denafrips ares 2 pair up well with the SA3 pa3 stack? Looking to achieve the middle ground of tube and solid state sound :)

[@allanbarr1975]

Testing out hot spade. Similar dynamics to Daft Punk tron legacy ost. Hifi shop given me a loan of Electrocompaniet ECI 80D while maintenance done on my Roksan Caspian M2 and await delivery of my Gato AMP 150. Eci starting to come alive, but would say instruments don#t sound as real as on the roksan. Hoping gato blows both out water. Anyway, point is, try Tron Legacy as tester, obv if you wish, lol

[@raysky9999]

can u review 5.1 amps with dts and dd/ac3 support from them? brands like kaoshi, sast, qisheng....wondering how their quality are....for below 300usd price range for a karaoke amp with 5.1 home theatre feat

[@jochenhahn540]

Hi Jay, what du you recommend wait for the Elac uni-fi reference or buy the Kef ls 50 Meta....in Europe still the elacs Not available...im just Starting the Hobby now....and i am a little impatient😁

[@rajugupta-chaudhary6467]

Guys wondering if I can ask your advise I have a teac reference 500 amplifier. I want to have four speakers. So thinking of the same amp again. What would you advise? Is there a splitter I can use after source? I am thinking splitter cables but don't want to lose quality of signal if possible?

[@RahzAlGhul]

I got a simple but dumb question for you experts. How would all this compare to if you just used like a Denon AVR say x4400 to drive these speakers for sound comparison? I mean they push the same if not higher power for 2 chan right?

[@andreasheiden7122]

Entertaining review. Had two PA3 with a Marantz NR1710 as Pre for 2ch. Cha no fed it to a PM8006. Sounds better to my ears. More refined and better tone and imaging.... What is your take on the Marantz PM8006 (if you had the chance to listen to it...)....?

[@Jpanic4]

Hey Jay, would you consider the SA3 your go to recommendation under $600 (exchange rate increase) in 2021 if 50wpc is enough power?

[@ahleksi]

I am currently using the Minidsp Studio and paired it with PA3 and really enjoyed the sound and dynamics. Heard a lot of comments from various reviews that the SA3 and PA3 combination will further improves the dynamic. In my case, will I hear the same improvement if I go with 2x PA3 since I don't need the pre-amp features of SA3.

[@mm-tg8oo]

It would be nice to see somebody discuss the IOTA amplifier on its own, without the intergrated amplifier.

[@claudiogil226]

I would love to have heard the comparisons with the da9 filters applied. In my system he filters make a huge difference, especially the sdb filter.

[@one-wayexistence4482]

What was your listening level comparing the units?

[@LuLszicGaming]

you guys should review the Syng Cell Alpha speakers and please give us what songs did you listen on the video, thanks 🙏

[@robertwoodward9231]

It's great. Talking vintage or maybe not. There's a lot of great audio out there that surpasses much higher pricy gear. Thanks

[@retroozgamer]

Uni-Fi Reference Floorstanding Speaker UFR52 is that the speakers?

[@randalllawkin]

Will you guys ever review the Aperion line of affordable speakers, with these amps?

[@peymey]

Great video! Would you pair any of them with KEF LS50?

[@kmvuniverse]

Just wondering,how would these match with the kef ls50meta !

[@wot1508]

I think the smsl should be mainly used for desktop setups with a subwoofer. You can also consider trying the SDB filter in the EQ controls if you do not use a subwoofer

[@terryhu57]

I think IOTA and Emotiva would be better.

[@991carreras3]

Living in the USA i would never buy the iota if theres an issue or you dont like shipping it back overseas is not fun it will be over a month before it gets past customs and then back to iota and dont forget the cost of shipping you have to pay. I would consider the purchase if it was sold thru Amazon with them i can have my money back in a few hours.

[@Jayiyagi]

Ye, Amazon would be great. I agree !

[@0bzen22]

It's not really about the Iota, it's more general. I'm sure you'd get a similar results with a Denon, Yamaha, SVS, NAD, Emotiva, whatever. Looks like there's a big step up from cheap class-D SMSLs and the likes to proper integrated amps (even class-Ds like SVS), I think that's the point of the comparison, especially if you're gonna spend on decent speakers, there's no point saving $150-$200.

[@zubidoc]

Hi Jay and thanks for what you do. I enjoy watching your channel. It would be very interesting to do another comparison of Iotavx sa3 and pa3 with SMSL A300. It looks like a good competitor (at least on paper). New mighty little amp with 165W into 4 Ohms. It's really close to the Iotavx combo. It should be very interesting to compare them, don't you think? I would appreciate your opinion. Hope, you'll find time and opportunity to do this. Thanks again!

[@gregsmall8774]

I have a Smsl A300 amp clarity is very good but i would say lacking on the bottom end , Defo needs to be paired with a subwoofer . Sometimes i think spend a bit more money and get a audiolab 600a even second hand and be happy

[@josepolanco8157]

Hi Jay from Puerto Rico. Tell me which you buy the Iotavx combo or the Parasound New Classic 200?

[@Jayiyagi]

Personally I'd go for the IOTA

[@erikalexander6602]

As ll I saw was HALF push-ups!

[@gasolin75]

Bridged 2x100watt in 8 ohm 2x180 watt in 4 ohm try the new Sabaj A20A that has a meanwell built in power supply (get the upgraded version)

[@gasolin75]

@Douglas Blake mabye theers a diffrence in power supply

[@geevee1045]

@Douglas Blake There is a beefier LOF350W Pwr Supply in the Sabaj A20A vs LOF225W supply in the SMSL DA-9. Whether that translates into a beefier or better sound remains to be heard.

[@tedtimmis8135]

Great video.

[@ericjohnson829]

Visually, the Iota terminal posts don't look that much further apart than the SMSL, it's still pretty tight.

[@Jayiyagi]

in person, it is much less anxiety haha

[@Wuppie62]

Just use banana plugs. Work great and easy.

[@ben23a31]

Good review 👍🏽 how about playing on an even field and do the IOTA comp vs the SVS Sound Base? Both $499.00 🤔

[@RockCity1111]

Not fair at al the svs is class d

[@ben23a31]

@@RockCity1111 I hear ya but $500 is the price point for both. Whether one is Class A , A/B, D, H or class T. What sounds the best and offers the most value is what's important to the consumer. Outside of loved ones I'm only loyal to my ears and bank account. Competition amongst manufactures are in our best interest. They gotta make their money the old fashion way and earn it from us. Brand names suck every penny out of us for things they've done in the past. With the speed tech is changing I want the best bang for my buck now especially knowing I'll be upgrading in a year or 2 anyway.

[@RockCity1111]

@@ben23a31 true, but class d does have a distinct soumd to most audiophiles . I bought a pair of the Polk Reserve 200s but since the chip shortage I haven't been able to finish my home theater. Budget home theater. I'm either going separates with Emotiva Pt-1 or Ta-1 with a amp or the new Yamaha Adventage Rxa4a. I'm concerned about the Emotiva and home theater? I don't know if it will work with home theater movies correct unlike the Yamaha that's built for home theater

[@seanb3303]

You guys are acting surprised that a Class D amp sounds like a Class D amp…clinical, sterile, edgy.

[@Jayiyagi]

😂 true but hey, a lot of people had this question and we just went for it

[@decoryder]

Not necessarily true - Class D doesn't 'sound' like anything, what you're hearing is the rest of the signal chain, not the Class D amp.

[@seanb3303]

@@decoryder i strongly disagree.

[@editorjuno]

@@seanb3303 --- The numbers don't lie: the performance of good modern Class D amplification is indistinguishable from Class AB stuff with comparable measurements. That old "clinical, sterile, edgy" complaint might have had some merit circa Y2K, but it doesn't apply to the better Class D stuff available nowadays, e.g. Purifi and Hypex modules -- and he||, even the little, TPA3255-based Aiyima A07 "chip amps" that drive the vintage JBLs I use as surround/ambience speakers are audibly better performers than the widely-praised, Nelson Pass designed Adcom GFA-535 I swore by back in the day. IOW and IMO your thinking regarding Class D is obsolete -- it reflects ignorance of the evolution of the technology and/or "audiophile" snobbery.

[@seanb3303]

@@editorjuno if you can’t hear the issues or perhaps like that presentation, good for you.

[@markitoxi]

Oh boy… now I’ll have to sell my DA-9 and purchase the IOTA 🥴. By the way has anyone solved the hissing/static sound coming from the speakers that the DA-9 makes when you crank up the volume to 70 when playing absolutely nothing ?

[@perandersson3356]

Nice example on music that will put your combination to limits - how would a tube amp manage the Hot Spade track ? - please do some more push-up's :-)

[@karlhendricks8864]

Wheres the glasses?

[@Jayiyagi]

wearing lenses on this one and virtually all videos I've made without glasses. I switch back and fourth depending on how my eyes are doing XD

[@carlsitler9071]

And the Aiyima A07 is $70 and with a $35 48v 7amp power supply is 150 wpc at 8 ohms. It probably measures better than both. A/Bing would tell all.

[@AmbientWanderer]

hmm i doubt that.

[@peterseaman9542]

.... seriously not. Had tried Aiyima .... you get what you pay for. Love my IotoVX combo .... such a good pre / power set-up i can now focus on other items in my system

[@mdr4670]

Please compare amps and integrated amps made in USA vs internationally made amps/integrated a. Then note the prices so we, your subscribers can make informed decisions. Also I'm drooling over Schiit's NEW Monoblocks. 200watts 8 ohms 400 watts 4 ohms in full size chassis. 600 voltage amps block transformers with equally sized chokes. $1500 each monoblock.

[@Jayiyagi]

Hey, wanna give specific models made in the USA that you want us to compare? Btw, prices are all USD on this video.

[@mdr4670]

@@Jayiyagi Rogue Audio Pharaoh. 185 wpc tube/ss hybrid. Boulder 2160 as 600 wpc peak no rms listed.

[@mdr4670]

@@Jayiyagi PASS int 60. New Schiit monoblocks 200 wpc 8 ohms 400 wpc 4ohms. No name yet. Jason Stoddard showed them on. Recent interview. Full size beasts. $3000 pair. Schiit Vidar for budget stereo.

[@igaldins]

I liked the fun easy going review stile. Do more blind tests please!

[@Jayiyagi]

oh when it calls for it, Why not ! it's fun and the findings are surprising sometimes

[@RossEvans12]

You two are very good salesmen and please keep the good work up.

[@Jayiyagi]

thanks ! but we are not salesmens 😂 Used to work as one tho.

[@deeplyclosetedindividual]

Those were girl push ups...

[@ThujanK]

Agreed.

[@Jayiyagi]

I call for a pushup contest. Thujan VS Deeply Closeted Individual

[@deeplyclosetedindividual]

@@Jayiyagi First off, I love the channel. About the pushup challenge, I'm pretty good at pushups, and I'd hate to hurt anyone's feelings... lmao

[@Jayiyagi]

@@deeplyclosetedindividual I believe you.

[@bobb.9917]

@@Jayiyagi Jay…"Deeply Closeted Individual" fits YOU to a tee!!! 😂😂😂

[@HPLeft]

Love to see a comparison between the SMSL DA-9 and Burson Funk. Battle of the desktop amps.

[@TheHolographicMan]

Can we get the link for the acoustically transparent projector screen? That is dope!

[@Jayiyagi]

Acoustically transparent projector screen I use: amzn.to/3A3PoFT in the descriptions next time !

[@andrewmorgan4889]

The first IOTAVX PS3 that I received had lights on the front that did not work. After several weeks, IOTA sent a replacement that came to me dead on arrival. When these amps work, they sound very good but good luck getting one that works. I regret this purchase. I’ve heard that three times is a charm and will update my comments as this plays out. I am not hopeful and will not be surprised to that they are declaring bankruptcy. It seems they are only clearing the remainder of their inventory from the warehouse before the final death rattle. And, that inventory is defective b stock.

[@peterseaman9542]

sounds like you have some other agenda ... sure i have read similar comment on other channels ? .. i have the SA3 and PA3 combo - no problems and sounds superb all-round

[@timothytimmmedrano3132]

the name "soulsik" makes me cringe but i stay for the objective reviews

[@Jayiyagi]

Why does that make you cringe. Lol Do you know what it is?

[@timothytimmmedrano3132]

@@Jayiyagi the band.. stills raises the hair in my arms for some reason

[@timothytimmmedrano3132]

any thank you for this review i was so near buying the DA9

[@Jayiyagi]

@@timothytimmmedrano3132 no. It is not the band. English spelling of Soulsik or sosik or sosig. whichever way you want to spell it… means “news” in korean. My background is korean. Cheers and I understand the misunderstanding and mix up with the band so it is not your fault on this one but please don’t call out cringe before you understand.

[@geevee1045]

Great review guys and very informative. It's good to finally hear how these little Class D amps compare to Class AB amps. However, I have to express my concern when reviewers accept, and perpetuate puffed up Class D power ratings. Class D is always measured at 10% distortion, to exaggerate their power. It's what you might call "Fake News" to compare their power against Class A/AB amplifiers which are always measured at 1% distortion. The SMSL DA-9 when measured at 1% distortion is a 40wpc amplifier @8ohms. It's 75wpc @4ohms, and 100wpc @2ohms. But with that little complaint aside, I must commend you on both this review and the one comparing IOTAVX and Rotel A11 Tribute amps. Great info. GeeVee.

[@johnshaw359]

I've said this to you before, Class D is a modified FM transmitter and receiver, good for cars.

[@bobb.9917]

COOL! My system survived Hot Spade! Two way stand-mounts, but I have 250 wpc @8 ohms…We had the depth! 😁😎. Nice rich song! No subwoofers….but my body was vibrating. The bass notes were like something physically in my room!!

[@RumblestripDotNet]

I'd almost go over to ASR to read the comments about how you found the "poorer" measuring IOTA drop a 30 yard dumpster of cow poo on the "superior" measuring SMSL.

[@dicmccoy]

ASR is a clown.

[@editorjuno]

@@dicmccoy -- Yeah, mere science correctly applied by an accomplished audio pro using SOTA test gear will never prevail over "audiophile" folklore believed by gaggles of hobbyists who get their information from former -- and sometimes *current* like Paul McGowan -- sales and marketing people who are essentially industry cheerleaders. BTW, AFAICT and FWIW, ASR has never measured these particular products -- but thanks for the gratuitous name drop.

[@dicmccoy]

@@editorjuno I'll trust my ears over ASR's equipment any day of the week. He obviously doesn't listen to any of the gesr he tests. He just reads a graph which is pretty sad. He said the IOTAVX sa3 sucks, which is wrong. I have the sa3 and 2 pa3's and they kick the shit out of a lot of amps when you actually hook them up to a set of speakers a listen with a set of human ears. He also said the NAD C658 is bad too, which is wrong. I have that also and again, when playing music on it, it's bliss. Next he's going to say the JL Audio subs are a joke too? He's an idiot. He should start listening instead of reading.

[@RumblestripDotNet]

@@dicmccoy no argument from me!

[@markitoxi]

Never trust ASR except a little bit for DACs and still I trust my ears more

[@riccosx8143]

You mean like the Tesla Model Y is to the Toyota Prius...yeah, there is a difference.