Iotavx SA3 vs Cambridge AXR100. A Duel of High-Value Hi-Fi!

Iotavx SA3 product page:
www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/pro...
Cambridge AXR100 product page:
www.cambridgeaudio.com/usa/en...
My Iotavx SA3 review:
• The IOTAVX SA3 Integra...
My Cambridge AXR100 review:
• Review! The Cambridge ...

[@ZeroFidelity]

Sooo lets go ahead and address some inevitable questions: 1) Some of you are going to mention the Cambridge CXA61. I'm sure it's a fine integrated. It's also literally double the cost of the SA3 and AXR100. A more fair and interesting comparison would be on how it stacks up to the SA3/PA3 combo. 2) Yeah, I know the camera isn't level. I must have knocked it while hitting the record button. But hey... this is a typical D-grade video by Zero Fidelity, not a Darko production! 3) Comparisons, comparisons! I know some people will ask me how this gear stacks up to other stuff that I reviewed in the past, from the likes of Yamaha, PS Audio, Denon, NAD, and the list goes on.. Here's the bottom line: I already spent a lot of time reviewing each component. Take a moment to check out those videos to assess the features and sound, and then pick the product that you think will suit you best. If you're stuck on components with a similar sound description, then odds are you will like either of them just fine. In that case, go with what looks best or what promises the best after-market resale value. 4) Bul Go Gi is one of the better foods out there. Fight me!

[@salmonline]

I heard Bulgogi tastes like ass.😁 Just kidding. This is literally the first time I've heard of it. Sounds good tho.

[@mrpositronia]

Pork bulgogi is alright. Of course the CXA61 would hands-down beat the SA3/PA3 combo, in terms of over all quality, but does it have the same dynamics, as it's power rating is less. Or does power rating always equate to dynamic performance? Maybe you should ask Cambridge for one to review... ;^)

[@chrisvinicombe9947]

The way the focus is set makes your hands seem disconnected when in the foreground 😂😂😂 I can't stop laughing

[@andrewallison70]

You could consider the Cambridge Audio CXA60, it is on discount and is a similar price to these two, 60w RMS, DIgital inputs, tone controls, I bought one second hand and it works really well, 60W rms is more than enough to drive my speakers well,

[@amusikpoem1071]

Good stuff, Sean...I like comparisons and bulgogi is yummy...and D-grade is Darko-grade for short...lol

[@thomasward00]

Cambridge's line of Amps and Receivers have a very warm sound that is non fatiguing, I love my AXA 25... I listen to it all day while I work at home, Love it.

[@deputy3690]

Knocked it outta the park ZF! Great review, because in my opinion this is EXACTLY what audiophiles and non-audiophiles basically want to know. Also electronics and speaker matching is huge knowledge for folks before they purchase or upgrade a system. Your formats are exceptionally well done, and in my opinion this channel is number one for reviews hands down. No disrespect to the other channels, as I watch their channels just as much, and they are also very knowledgable and fun as hell to watch! I know for myself, these reviews give me a ballpark idea of which products are bright, cool, neutral, warm, and so on and so on, so I can make a well educated decision on what to purchase! Thank you again

[@hi-fihaven2257]

Hey Sean caught your episode with Steve Guttenberg on his channel. I found extremely it interesting, and informative. I learned a lot. When It comes to the audio industry I have only been on the consumer end. I was in the automotive replacement part manufacturing, and distribution business for a long time. I can assure you that I was asked many a time " Why is that part so expensive?!" Have a great day man!

[@dbrodbro1]

Sean, thanks for doing the heavy lifting. You were spot on with the previous Iota review. I bought the stack and am really happy with my new sonic hologram. And only three days delivery from England. You are my new best friend!

[@ramondelgado6778]

Thank you soo much Sean! I've narrowed my search down to the Iota SA3, the Emotiva TA-100, and the SVS Soundbase. I think I'm leaning towards the Iota and make take the leap to just add the PA3 (the stack) to power my Wharfdale Diamond 11.2 bookshelves. Love your reviews and hope you are well. Sending regards from Chicago!

[@seb250cr]

I have received all the info I was needed, in a clear, objective and detailed manner ! IotaVx SA + Pa for me ! Thank you very much ! Cheers from France .

[@donaldkisner4515]

Hey Sean. Got your review of the IOTAVX and Cambridge Audio AXR100. I picked up the AXR100 about 6 months ago. Have a few vintage receivers here, Harman Kardon HK730, Pioneer SX3700, and a few others. Although like you stated the AXR100 doesn't have the real muscle like the older vintage stuff. However the sound is very pleasing running through Klipsch Fortes. Did take a little getting used to the volume control. That's just an old guy thing. All in all I believe you nailed it very accurately with your review. Thanks for taking the time to give it a review as you see or hear very little of Cambridge Audio equipment.

[@94saabguy]

I had recently picked up a 20 year old Cambridge A500 (which still sounds great) as part of a package deal. This was the first time I had a piece of Cambridge gear in one of my systems and I was pretty impressed with how well it pushed my Q acoustics 3050i's and even the stand mount 3020i's. Way better performance than the Onkyo TX-RZ810 AVR I was using at the time. So when you showcased the AXR100 I was all in to pick one up. So, I headed to Cambridge audio's site to order one, and then...although discontinued, you can still find the Cambridge audio AXR100's predecessor out in the wild. The Topaz SR20 (also class A/B, 100 watts with a nice toroidal power supply, subwoofer line out and wolfson DAC- and a great phono stage) can be found for a steal. I picked up the Topaz SR20 which was open box for $229 including tax and shipping. I couldn't pass it up and couldn't be happier.

[@shkermanshahi]

Thanks Shawn. I wish you could add Emotiva Basx TA-100, which is in the same price range to these two. Steve has reviewed it, but comparing it with these two helps a lot.

[@stevenpatterson794]

You've flipped the script....hurray. Comparisons are NOT odious !! As much as I truly value your reviews, I find your comparison/reviews invaluable. Thank you again

[@pennfootball71]

I would love for you to test the Schiit Ragnarok 2 as well. for 1500 bucks it looks solid

[@jonweiss9333]

Great comparison Sean! Have the IOTA stack and highly recommend it. Started off with just the SA 3 and took your advice and added the PA 3. What a difference that makes in sound.. I think that they pair well with the Q Acoustics 3050i. Keep the fab audio reviews coming Sir!

[@brnogahr4599]

A tip for anybody who buys the IOTAVX SA3-PA3 stack - check the earlier Zero Fidelity review video for clear, illustrated instructions as to how to connect these two units together. Also, somewhere in one of the comments (as I recall) there’s some advice as to how to connect them for coordinated power & dimmer functions. The instruction manuals aren’t so great.

[@UnconsciousCompetence]

I like it when ZF tells me what to buy. Based on his recommendation I picked up the Triangle bro 3's, and I just added the Cambridge AXR100. I had been sitting on the fence about buying a new amplifier for some time, but after watching last week's video on the AXR100 I took the plunge. I managed to find an open box one for $350. That was $350 very well spent. I've had it since Tuesday, and have been loving it.

[@nunofernandes4501]

For $350 that's an insanely good deal! If my AXA35 has the same sonic signature, that AXR must sound gorgeous with its 100W. Enjoy!

[@lucianvictorgudiu8926]

How does it sound with the Br03 ? I am interested in this combination

[@musiconvinylisbetter.1449]

@@nunofernandes4501 why should a 100w amp sound better?

[@nunofernandes4501]

@@musiconvinylisbetter.1449 did I use the word "better"? Hmmm, let me check... nope, I didn't. What I mean is that if it sounds the same, having more watts gives it more headroom and it will surely sound better at a higher volume. Is this controversial?

[@jaysaudiolab]

Nice review!

[@ysheffer]

I really like your approach and down to earth recommendations. What would be best matching loudspeakers for the IOTA ? How about SVS Ultra bookshelf , are they too revealing match for it? Thanks and keep on the great job 👍

[@simplaymaximus]

"Our audio gear should serve the music not the other way around" I like this sentence. This idea helps to find the balance between enjoying music and obsessing over the purchase of the latest audio device.

[@dougk3905]

Really wish you would review the Cambridge CXA81 integrated.

[@jkerrin]

Sean, thank you for your terrific reviews. Do you have any thoughts about the IOTAVX SA3 compared to the Audiolab 6000A? It's been reviewed by British audiophiles and they put it ahead of SA3. They say it has a better resolution and detail. They also mention that the 6000A's DAC is worth the $200 price difference. Any thoughts you have would be great. Thanks again for your insightful reviews.

[@anthonybecerra5243]

Hey Sean, I love your videos. Keep up the good work. I was wondering how you would compare the iotavx PA3 to the Parasound new classic 275 that you reviewed two years ago.

[@headunits]

Might be the first time the term "curb stomp" has been used in an audio component review 😂

[@mohammadtohami7707]

Thanks for your continuing product reviews .. really appreciated. Can I connect the Rec out stereo RCA on the axr100 to an external amplifier ; class D VTV Purifi amp? What do you think about it? Regards

[@randykelly5692]

I love receivers. Everything you need including radio, best value plus very reliable.

[@JetEarlewood]

Yeah. We were wondering who was at your door and you answered us. 👍

[@3212Dre]

I've had the IOTAVX Stack for almost 2 weeks now and it is awesome, especially when you consider it costs less than $1,000. I considered Cambridge until I read a few reviews and folks were complaining about equipment failures.

[@paulwibb.8944]

Hi, what did you have before,, is the iota an upgrade, or a startup from scratch.

[@ralex3697]

3212Dre I don’t like Cambridge, always problematic

[@d2kno]

Robin Alexander Been using Cambridge stuff since around 2002, Used loads of there amps. A5, A500, P500, 340, 640, 851 and currently an CXA80, used their Dac2, Dac3, Dacmagic, Dacmagic 100. non of these have ever let me down. And most of the stuff sits in my garage working perfectly. Far from always problematic.

[@colinarmstrong5970]

Great review! I also would like to hear your views regarding the sound quality between the SA3/PA3 and Cambridge Audio CX81. Just out of interest have you heard the creek A100?

[@ZeroFidelity]

Nope. Cant say that I have!

[@margento101]

At the moment I'm running my old Denon PMA-980 R with a pair of XTZ 95.24 bookshelf speaker. I wonder how the IOTAVX will work with my XTZs'? And would it be a step back from my good old 80's Denon?

[@themastroiannis]

fantastic review! i have been enjoying the iota SA3 for the last year and half and it has opened a whole new world of audio enjoyment! ready to make an upgrade (will be keeping my iota for a secondary system) that can give me more resolution, clarity, finesse, space...but that will not break the bank! is there any integrated amp up to $1200 that would provide a significant upgrade? listen to mostly classical, jazz and some folk rock. my main speakers are a pair of Q acoustics concept 40 (floorstanding) which now sound absolutely beautiful with the Iota... any suggestions anyone??

[@bugsla]

Hey Sean, good comparison, a very good contender in that rage, also from Britain and that has the looks on top of that is the Audiolab A6000 which is very well well built and sounds darn good too. Check it out!

[@manzanaresantonio]

I love that classy British sophisticated sound of Cambridge Audio and Arcam! Cambridge Audio has a warm and smooth non-fatiguing sound and that's what I like about it! I have diffferent high end gear, from Tube amps to class A amps and the sound of Cambridge Audio I have in my bedroom and I play it for long periods with zero ear fatigue!

[@Joldrath]

Excellent. Thank you

[@cuchanu]

It's amazing how many people want to know how a product being reviewed compares to their specific speakers and amp combination. What are the odds that the reviewer would have tried that combination and how long would it take them to answer all those questions if they did?

[@robskinnershow]

I want to be told what to buy. I want more videos like this one. Excellent content.

[@TheRjee]

Sean, thanks again for pointing me at the IOTAVX. Still love it!

[@ZeroFidelity]

Sweet! Glad you're enjoying it!

[@TheRjee]

@@ZeroFidelity Sure am, more than enough power as a desktop amp :D

[@thunderpooch]

@@ZeroFidelity Hey Sean, could you locate some dual mono integrated amps and review them? The iota is kinda a dual torodial in one chasis, if one opts for the additional power and just pretends a bit. :) I'm interested in either a dual mono integrated or something like the iota. Both configurations are what I'm looking for!

[@jameswalls4172]

I've been reading your great reviews on the Iotavx integrated,but where can I buy it online?I see the UK site,but I don't see an option for USD,or for 110V.Can anyone help me out?

[@mikehogan8442]

With the IOTA, can you use two PA3 power amps? Lets say you wanted to to power two speakers in your listening room and two speakers in another room (e.g., workout room).

[@Vic-qu3io]

Hi Sean. Which one is a better match with the BR03?

[@patricaomas8750]

Iotavx you've reviewed very well but what about their home theater set up? Or don't you do ht?

[@jamessimmons8761]

I just bought a pair of Carnegie CST-1 that were left over : Two-way floorstanding loudspeaker Frequency Response: 40 Hz to 20 kHz Sensitivity: 91dB/W/m Impedance: 8 Ohms, minimum 5.5 Ohms Recommended Amplifier: 8 to 150 watts. And looking for advice for a amplifier.

[@richardblaauwgeers4349]

I am looking for a better dac/preamp between my bluesound node2i and xtz edge-a2. Any recommendations?

[@mohammedalomari1998]

Thanks for your great channel and Which is better among these cambridge or Iota or Marantz PM8006? Kind regards and best wishes

[@rodrigootavio534]

I would like to see the Audiolab 6000a included in this comparison !!

[@CM-dw3gh]

Sean, did you ever try the triangle bro3's with the Iotavx? If so, did they compliment each other well?. Cheers.

[@ChicagoRob2]

Just a heads-up regarding SA3 pricing. Current exchange rates put the unit at $550. With shipping to the US, you’re looking at $600.

[@kennethedmonds365]

Shawn can you please review the Outlaw audio RR 2160 mkii , I'm sure people would love to hear a comparison to the Cambridge audio

[@hurricanebillbass1]

YES, at one time Outlawaudio was the Big Underdog and well respected alternative comparable to the way Iotavx is today . Their latest receiver , the RR 2160 Mkii , which is actually a modern version of their long lived and well appreciated 2150, would be a great alternative to either of the units in this video. But that is just my humble opinion. I would love for Shawn to do a review and make any notable comparisons to his reference go to SA-3 and PA-3 combo. It would be interesting to hear your, professional opinion and evaluation. Thanks and keep up the outstanding work 😎

[@cristi724]

I own the SR20 from Cambridge and the AXR100 looks like a silver SR20 with bluetooth. I got it used for 200$. I think it recently got discontinued and replaced by the AXR100. I can't really review the sound because it's actually my first stereo setup ever. It sounds... good. I also use it with headphones, it's... good. Paired with Monitor Audio Bronze 2, I could notice it benefits from a better DAC, so that could be a first step to upgrade with it. I also tend to set a -2 on the Treble sometimes, then go back to flat... Maybe I picked the wrong speakers for a desk, maybe I just don't like it... anyway it's nice to have the option in the actual amp. Very versatile unit, good for a startup system. Minor gripes are: 1. Auto power off - can't disable it. Annoying if you use it with PC since it can turn off when you go make a sandwich(30 minutes) and it's not instant startup. I think my computer boots faster. 2. Fan is too loud for "in your face" desk use. Tuck it away somewhere, under the desk is fine for me. 3. Remote is generic crap with many useless buttons. Keep in mind these could be "fixed" with the AXR100. Overall good unit, try to not pay full 500$ price.

[@jamesr8770]

Thanks for the vids; I'm still deciding between this two receivers, what would be your recommendation for a sub $800ish pair of floorstanders for each of these (music only, no sub)?

[@nushar]

I don't get this: Is Iotavx actually a receiver? I thought it was an integrated amp.

[@scorpion9248]

I have a pair of birch Klipsch LaScalas. 89’ model I’ve had since new. I’m wanting an integrated amp; and also doesn’t more wattage usually means more headroom? I listen to everything: Jazz, Classical, Rock, Country, etc.. Of the 2 amps which would be a better choice for my highly sensitive LaScalas? Thanks! Love your reviews!

[@donvittoriosierra]

Is the NAD c316beev2 much more energetic than the iotavx? the old version vista spark as well

[@mr.george7687]

Would of liked to see speaker pairing w/ these receivers.

[@timothylittlefield3129]

I’ve had the AXR100 since February. I’ve paired them with the Polk S55s and added S15s to the second channel just because of my room layout and a big chimney right smack in the middle of my room. I mounted the S15s about a foot from the ceiling to push the sound thru the room. The Cambridge has no problem driving these Polks. The sound is buttery smooth no matter what music I listen to. I agree with his review that the Cambridge lacks a little detail . But as far as listening and playing whatever choice of music you have the Cambridge does everything very well. I’m also using 2 Klipsch R12 subs that help add a little low end. The Dac is very good and the BT works flawlessly.

[@jhallo7740]

After one year of owning the iota sa3 amplifier, i am still very very pleased with it! Before i had the cambridge cxa60 integrated amp, highly recommended by Whathifi. The Iota is really far ahead in sound quallity over the cambridge amp! My main concern with stacking up the Iotavx sa 3 with the dedicated power amp, is how well will it match if you buy the power amp later in time? I mean components will degrade over time, and some manufactors will use other components in later revisions of the gear...

[@MrPigeonaids]

I can confirm that Iotavx SA3+PA3 sounds great with Klipsch RP600Ms

[@Lovelacewatkins139]

Hmm I was a bit scared as I have the rpms and have been looking at the iota amps

[@charlesratcliff7436]

I have the iota SA3 and later added the pa3. Over time it seems to me that it’s lost its smoothness and now a lot of music, especially piano and vocals, seem harsh and somewhat distorted. I’ve tried to contact Iota several times but no response, whether using their support link, or emailing directly. So now not so happy.

[@Grindstaff09]

How much better does it get in an intergrated amp if one spends 6x the cost of an Iotavx? I have one, very impressed including soundstage. Just don't know how a Pass labs would compare...

[@Miguel8131981]

Hey Sean do you have any experience with Audiolab gear? Specifically, the Audiolab 6000A integrated amplifier.

[@ralex3697]

Miguel Aguilar I have the bigger 8000 model and it’s a great integrated amp

[@nushar]

I have an Audiolab 8000S which needs repair. Wondering if I should repair, buy 6000A, or Iotavx.

[@boppernostopper8598]

can you compare the cambridge cxa61 vs the iota sa3 on how it sounds w the borea 3s plssss

[@jldkrank]

I just found this after commenting on another one of your other videos asking for this comparison

[@jldkrank]

However. If im plugging into a tv as well, which would be better?

[@myplaguesify]

what would you recommend listening to killswitch engage still trash recording B-side album?

[@cliffordcostley9798]

IMHO. It might be nice if you talked about soundstaging in your reviews. Also, if you could reference the dimensions of the listening room.

[@kurtc7290]

I am considering the Cambridge AXR100... I have the B&W 606s anniversary bookshelves with the B&W 600 8inch sub... I mostly listen to vinyl but would like to connect bluetooth from time to time... home theater is only on occasion and not really looking for anything but volume. I am currently running an old yamaha RX V465... and find that Rock (VH, ACDC, weezer) albums are a bit fatiguing - but albums like pink floyd, joe jackson, van Morrison, early tom waits, or even Boston sound pretty good and the experience is enjoyable. I mostly listen about 12-14 feet away and at about 85db peaks. I am looking for a tad more warmth and ability to adjust bass and treble as well. Any recommendation would be greatly appreciated for gear under 1000. thanks for your content.

[@jeremymegit968]

I have Paradigmn monitor 11 v7 speakers. I am having a hard time matching up to amps. I have tried Adiolab 6000A, too bright. Tried NAD C316BEE; too forward in the mids. Would I be better with the Cambridge or the Iota?

[@brochg]

By any chance do. you plan to review the AXA35?

[@griffithpeters5685]

Hi Sean just quickly, I want to get the Cambridge Audio AXR100 & partner it with Wharfedale Diamond 11.4...please look into it & advice if it will be a match. Griffith

[@kalbo74]

How would compare against a Yamaha A S501? I'm in the market for a leap in quality I'm powering some old Revel Performa f32's

[@dougefresh133]

Have you reviewed the Audiolab 6000a?

[@AromaFrank]

How would u compare Iotavx SA3 to Parasound NewClassic 200. Thanks so much!

[@stole063]

which speakers do you recommend for the cambridge audio axr100 receiver

[@franklandgraff1190]

Can the SA3 and the PA3 be set up in mono, apposed to being stacked?

[@Audfile]

Hey did you see Darko throw a little shade on his new video?

[@Grooverski]

Can you review ZOTL ULTRALINEAR INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER?????????? It supposed to be their best integrated amp.

[@greyemrednus]

Thanks!

[@bryanherr1093]

Sean, I am looking at either the Iotavx stack or the Denon PMA 1600NE. Do you have any thoughts to help me out? Driving Maggie LRS’s. Thanks

[@aviandy]

Under one of the Iotavx reviews (I think for the stack) he was asked what speakers would be best for the Iotavx stack. “Maggies and Tekton” was his answer.

[@paulwibb.8944]

Great comparisons Sean,, proformace aside, the IOTA makes the Cambridge look so dated,, dont know if the Cambridge does Bluetooth,, but plug the BT. adaptor into the IOTA and enjoy excellent Bluetooth aptx streaming. 👍

[@gigabyte2573]

Yes the AXR100 has Bluetooth and a phono stage built-in, plus mine has DAB radio as well as FM, the sound is excellent with my Q Acoustics 3050i speakers and AXC 35 cd player, for what you get for the same money makes the AXR 100D an easy choice for me !

[@moribnd]

I know this is 2 years old, but I've found the Cambride Audio AXR100 harsh in the top end and upper mids while using optical input from desktop. Perhaps I am hearing the inherent distortion of a type A/B amplifier however, which is different to my previous yamahas and Onkyos --presumably all class D. At this point, I have no idea what to do because I actually LIKE the mids of the AXR100 but this distortion is ruining the experience for me. I've experienced similar distortion with a Marantz type A/B amplifier, albeit the Marantz did not sound as good as the CA.

[@maxrider2887]

Iotavx sa3 vs Cambridge audio cxa60? Please suggest me. Best sound needed

[@andreassouth1523]

Does the axr 100 have a digital potentiometer or an analog one?

[@georgedomse]

As nobody mentions in their reviews: the AXR100 has active cooling ( built in fan), that may be pretty silent, yet it was extremely annoying when watching movies. I ended up returning mine for this reason.

[@rft2001]

I read that they got rid of the active cooling and have now switched to passive cooling. The only problem with that is that, like many other amps, if you push it too hard and don't have adequate ventilation, it will go into shut-down model

[@TheAlphaWolf2013]

@@rft2001 I've just purchased a AXR100 and it has a heat tunnel with fan for cooling at the back.

[@rft2001]

@@TheAlphaWolf2013 Yeah, it looks like they did not get rid of it or brought it back. They were considering it but must have decided not to or ran into overheating problems. I'm sorry if I gave you the wrong info. Anyway, if your fan comes on and bothers you, and most people's do not, you simply put 1 or 2 small, super quiet AC Infinity fans on it and the fan should never come on. It is still a great unit for the money and those little fans should solve any problem with the fan coming on.

[@TheAlphaWolf2013]

@@rft2001 No need to apologise. I've only use it on BT so far for a couple of hours as I only set it up a couple of days ago. I can tell the fan is running by putting my hand against the grille on the back but mine certainly isn't noisy.

[@rft2001]

@@TheAlphaWolf2013 Okay, that is good to hear. I think that you are going to like the unit as it has such good power, fuctionality and sound. I love mine.

[@kymvalleygardensdesign5350]

The CXA100D now has a DAB radio, so that's Blue tooth connectivity a 100 Watts per channel amp, a phono preamp, a DAC and a DAB plus FM tuner with RDS for £499 retail, but if you look hard you can find it cheaper. 😀

[@anzuhanz8826]

How about service around the world? Does it have a good coverage?

[@johnsoriano3812]

Hi! You have very good reviews. Do you have plans of reviewing other hi-fi audio products like headphones, iems, daps and dacs?

[@johnsoriano3812]

I've reached out to you via email. I hope we can trade emails. We'd love for you to review some of our audio products. Thanks.

[@califmike2003]

Does anybody own the iota I want to know how the photo stage sounds nobody ever talks about hooking up a turntable to it?

[@nats7645]

Have you noticed any problems with the AXR100 fan noise? I have been reading a lot about people complaining that the fan noise is too loud, and it would seem to me that this issue would negate the sound quality of the Cambridge because one cannot listen to the amp without the fan running loud.

[@pappason2761]

I’ve had this unit for six months. I have never heard the fan.

[@johnsmiff9649]

I've never heard it in mine.. But if it's that bad, pop a nocta in there

[@rft2001]

Supposed they fixed the issue and are now using passive cooling. You have to give it adequate ventilation though. If you don't give it enough ventilation and push it very hard, it will go into shut-down mode as many other amps with passive cooling will do.

[@gigabyte2573]

Just bought one of these and no problems with the fan, but maybe mine doesn't have one ! (2023 version)

[@ufarkingicehole]

You get it!!!!! Hahahaha basic summary with this vs that ... thank you!

[@markharris2798]

Hi, i have the mistral bow a2's. How much power would you suggest to use for optimal listening... I am not an audiophile...just a music listener....

[@ZeroFidelity]

Nice choice on the BOW A2's. I'd say 45-100wpc is the sweet spot for those speakers. If you're choosing between these integrateds, both should be good, but the Cambridge may be a tad better to 'warm up' the sound of those A2's.

[@markharris2798]

@@ZeroFidelity awesome, thanks for your advice...

[@blakenewton2781]

Yes. Iota VX for sure

[@rayking507]

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

[@williamvezina1944]

How about the xbass 300 or 2a,more power and Quality sound!?? 🤘😁

Bro, I need your help desperately. Yamaha RN-803 vs Cambridge AXR100? What should I get?

[@Oculus729]

Where can the SA3 be bought in the USA. Thanks.

[@nushar]

It does not seem to be an apples to apples comparison: The Iotavx is an integrated amp while Cambridge is a receiver?

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

I don't know about the Cambridge amp but the IOTA SA3 is a tone master for its price point 😆 I call it the BUDGET-FI-BANDIT ! ! 😆 'Thanks Sean'

[@daledrolet1332]

After seeing your review on the IOTAVX stack I bought the tandem. You and Sean put them over the top. Using Triangle BRO3 speakers as well. Unreal combination. Thanks for the great reviews guys.

[@maxrider2887]

They do a good review on iota vx sa3

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@maxrider2887 Thank you all ! And yeah the IOTAVX SA3 /Triangle bro3 have very good Synergy !! My review of bro3 comes out Aug 14th 😆

[@edmerkel2407]

I see the Cambridge price is up to $600 now. I've been considering it...but...I don't know if it likes 4 Ohm loads. The Iota has a 4 Ohm rating. Just something I'm exploring.

[@cybergod77]

was surprised that Iotavx SA3 best the Cambridge in terms of SQ...

[@LongHoang-ul5uz]

Can you review the Marantz PM7000N?

[@ZeroFidelity]

That was the goal! I was told numerous times that it was coming my way. Never happened.

[@LongHoang-ul5uz]

@@ZeroFidelity I appreciate you!

[@ZeroFidelity]

@@LongHoang-ul5uz Back atcha man. :D

[@Sluper84]

and where is the emotiva TA-100? :)

[@harilroyster4065]

Does the Iotavx SA3 have a USB (Type B) input to connect a laptop??

[@daledrolet1332]

No unfortunately it doesn't.

[@HeyYall398]

IOTAVX product might be of good quality, but their customer service leaves much to be desired. If you encounter an issue, wish to file a warranty claim, or need to return their product, you may find that they do not respond to your emails or calls. I strongly recommend considering products from companies known for good customer service, especially if you value responsive support in the event that things don't go as planned.

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Too bad there's no Hifi stores left. One could go in and listen to gear oneself. And a good store would let you audition gear in a listening room that wasn't full of speakers. And you could bring your own reccords/cds.

[@Megellin]

LMAO! I agree with your comment on alternative rock, it does sound like recorded trash to me as well. (I'd go as far to put modern rap in that category as well. Bottom line I have found there is a different stereo for each type of music. I like a lot of different music so I have several different stereo systems in my house, and If you can afford HiFi you can afford to experiment or even have several different systems. Let's face it anything better than a off the shelf yahama receiver is going to require speakers that cost more than a yahama receiver to hear the difference in quality.

[@kingcarcas1349]

In the old days entry level would come with 30WPC, makes me wonder how these companies rate their amps

[@gigabyte2573]

I have just got the AXR100D and while it is pretty powerful it's not really 100 wpc in my humble opinion, my daughters Arcam A85 has more power on tap even though it says 85 wpc, I would say it's nearer 75 wpc in reality !