Emotiva TA2 vs. IotaVX SA40 vs. Outlaw RR2160 MK2, Is there a Best?

[@NemoPropaganda]

CHoco Emei comparison? First lets keep in mind the CHoco costs on average 70% more money than these 3 amps and on numerous occassions I've said the CHoco can compete with amps that cost double its price. Ultimately we have to remember purist amps without features dollar for dollar will generally outperform full featured integrated amps at the same price, all those features cost money just like all the high end parts the purist amp uses cost money. If you don't need all the features these amps offer and you can afford the higher price of the CHoco you absolutely will gain more SQ by going with a purist amp like the CHoco.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Start with 40 or 60lb amplifier 😊 Amp that doubles down into 4ohms BS Node 2i or N130 on steroids 😊

[@davidrivera2165]

These comparison videos are a true valued gem for our community. Thanks Nemo. I subscribe to half a dozen Hi-Fi reviewers. I value those who do honest no holds bar comparisons, as Sean from Zero Fidelity used to do (Sean is an OG as Ron from New Record Day). Sadly for us Sean is too busy to do reviews (last review was August of 23'). Thankfully, you sir, fit this niche at a high level. I'm hopeful that Manufacturers, distributors, or dealers of true hi end gear recognize your integrity, knowledge level, and choose to provide their products for you to review. Thanks again Nemo.

[@NemoPropaganda]

thank you for the kind words my bro! Some companies are pretty cool to work with, others want to see a higher subscriber count before they feel I'm worth a review sample, it is what it is, luckily I have enough sampes to stay pretty busy and Upscale Audio has been really gracious in loaning me higher end gear to review :)

[@lloydbrown3223]

Thanks for the easter egg! This may be my favorite video you've ever done. I think this is the sweet spot in price that most of us can afford. Would be curious to hear your thoughts on Buckeye and Orchard audio amps. If the opportunity ever presents itself.

[@NemoPropaganda]

good job finding the easter egg!! Buckeye & Orchard seem to only make power amps and I don't review power amps :(

[@02honeydew]

​@@NemoPropagandaMaybe Orchard would be willing to send out one of their DACs for you to try. I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on it

[@Zhorellski]

Loudness is a must! Late night and intimate listening

[@pjmt29]

I'm with you because if I see internet radio I don't think streaming, they need to make this clear as it's a big selling point.

[@joanfrederick9176]

i think of xm radio myself......

[@mr.b4444]

I can't speak for the other two amps but I've owned the Outlaw RR2160 MkII receiver for two years for playing music only. I listen mostly to jazz, classical, and light rock on occasion. For speakers I have Magnepan LRS+, Rel T/Zero subwoofer, Cambridge Audio Azure 851N (for playing FLAC files from SSD), and Rotel CD11 Tribute. Good amp overall but it seems a bit under-powered with 4 ohm loads. I was also using a pair of Emotiva T2+ before I purchased the LRS and I had to turn the volume up to around 75% to get about 86db sound levels even though the Emotiva's are a bit more efficient. The unit gets quite hot as well at those levels. I don't particularly care for the volume display, it seems backwards and negative db as you turn the volume up. It seems like you have to turn and turn to get a decent volume. I keep the dial at around -30db for a decent listening level which is not very loud. I have a 35 year old Carver receiver with less wattage that kicks this receiver all over the place as far as power is concerned, but does not have the modern features. The unit sounds good overall with a nice clear sonic personality and sound stage but you have to turn it way up in comparison to other lesser units I've had. Absolutely no background noise. If you have fairly inefficient speakers this isn't the amp to get, particularity if you may have a few low output recordings that you're trying to listen to. My listening room size is around 15'x18'. The remote is heavy and solid as a brick which may serve a dual purpose to beat someone over the head with it if they try to steal this receiver. For navigating internet stations I found it much easier to use the app. Not necessarily a deal breaker but I noticed there is a second or two delay when switching between input sources and switching speakers. The Burr Brown DAC sounds pretty good but I prefer the sound of the DACs in my Cambridge Azure 951 and Rotel CD11 Tribute. Some folks don't like the looks but I think it's a very nice looking unit and is very heavy and solidly built. At $999 I think it was a good buy and I'll continue to use it and eventually sell it for an upgrade, possibly a Rotel 1592 MkII.

[@Feliciano12v]

I feel like an insider. I'm glad I always read descriptions. lol 👍

[@NemoPropaganda]

you are an inside bro! now lets do some insider trading and get rich!

[@JulioCSolar]

I had the Outlaw mark 1 and I traded in for PS Audio M700 and that's when my hi-fi journey started. I didn't like the mark 1 but now I know that it was not the amp, it was my cheese pair of speakers which sounded bad. Long story short, if I've would have known what I know now, I would have kept several thousands in my bank. From that point forward I've spent way to much. I now have a decent system with PS Audio Stellar Gold pre and dac, Parasound JC5 and Mofi 888. It all started with Outlaw mark 1. I should have gone another route and save; but it is what it is and I'm happy now. Thanks. I watched the whole video. :-)

[@NemoPropaganda]

it's the journey that teaches us, people seem to love those parasounds, I need to check those out one day!

[@marklloyd4153]

I agree with others this is a great video . I prefer the outlaw description but like the top ones extra connectivity. I would like the option to go to their site and choose one of these devices with 50, 100 ,200,300watts of power . Not enough to get me to abandon my Michi yet

[@MikeK6046]

Thanks, Nemo for (IMO) providing a "very" unbiased review!!! For many, amps & speakers in this price range are what many (including myself) will, or want to spend on audio equipment these days. It's great that really "good" (not audiophile-excellent) listening pleasure can be had in this price range. Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@NemoPropaganda]

glad you enjoyed it brother!

[@javiers.3433]

Nemo great comparison !!!! Is the Iota, a more affordable Audiolab 9000a ???

[@NemoPropaganda]

not sure, I tried to get a review sample from audiolab's USA distributor and they ghosted me.

[@roccobruno8027]

Outlaw has always been honest about its output characteristics and it's a big reason I've always gone to Outlaw first. Having just said that, Outlaw definitely needs to make two channel and three channel amps.

[@nc3419]

Always like these comparisons. My only experience with Emotiva was their zone amp in which I used my tiny Keces E40 as a pre. While the zone amp isn't supposed to perform as well as their integrateds/other amps (per Emotiva), the differences in stage I remember were that I preferred everything in my Keces and Hegel better. The Emotiva did have a more extended treble region which I liked and in comparison to the Keces, but the bass on the Keces was stronger, tighter and more defined and its mids were better. If the Emotiva integrated were better than the zone amp I know it would sound more analytical, but I still don't know about textures in the sound of instruments and voices. There is detail, then there are the textural aspects of music which is detail but not only that. The zone amp did not display the textural aspects I listen for which is also speaker dependent. A speaker can perform really well but not show textural detail as it may perform well in other areas. Sounds a bit nuts but you can like a variety of speakers on what you listen to but only through back and forth comparisons, or really knowing your music can you hear what a speaker is doing or somewhat omitting. I seem to respond to a variety of aspects of SQ but like stage depth and separation, good tonality and sufficient resolution. I like a wide stage but its secondary as are a few other things we notice in sound. I can give up absolute resolution and be happy with good enough but not omissions of sounds I am used to hearing. I miss detail and layering if its gone or too subdued and hate a flat stage. Somehow, some audiophile type speakers bore me so I respond to a bit of liveliness for lack of a better word. Too much can be a problem as well. There's a balance for me personally in overall performance I suppose. Based on the review, I would probably pass on the Emotiva. Would consider the Outlaw or the Iota depending on the speakers I am using. I typically don't do overly warm speakers with too much bass or those that are so dynamic that I have to adjust up and down in volume constantly or that become too tiring to listen to. Perhaps enough warmth but still transparent and resolving enough. When the Hegel h160 was reviewed in Sterophile the reviewer made mention of the Outlaw Receiver so I think I would like it. My Keces, albeit smaller is a fantastic little integrated, without alot of connectivity but sufficient and more rounds the sharper edges especially in the highs and upper mids. I like either but depending on speakers, a speaker either works well and similarly with both (my Focal and Triangle speakers) or differently (Dali). The Hegel is the better amp with a bit better resolution and midrange is a bit more dynamic, livlier but otherwise, its close. I like both. I would expect my preferences to indicate I can enjoy both the Outlaw or the Iota. Outlaw has a track record over the years and most customers have been happy. The Iota has had some issues in the previous generation and their old management so perhaps changes were made to address the issues with the new amp and management. With Emotiva, I have generally heard positive feedback regarding customer service. For what its worth. Any of the above you reviewed could be suitable for most users. I think as to service, all 3 would be serviceable for those who keep their equipment a long time. You could use it for over 10 years and never have an issue or one might need service performed. Which is easier, depends. I have a local guy (were both older) and that may be difficult to find in every area, not to mention expensive relative to the budget of the amp. That's why i prefer a more simple design and just add source player you want. Warranty terms could help. For an all in one, each offers quite alot. I think the Emotiva and Outlaw might be more serviceable as they are based in the US. If my small integrated goes, and I have used it pretty much straight through for almost 4 years, and unless its something simple like an op amp or something, I could just buy a new one. Especially if its older, then I wouldn't care as much to repair it. With a more expensive amp, I would feel compelled to repair it and it could cost more depending on shipping, complexity, parts availability, etc. I think the above amps will suit those that buy them, last a long time (Iota needs to prove they can) without needing repairs or failing, but it depends on one's preferences and speakers. I prefer less warm speakers, even with neutral amps. Dacs affect the SQ as well, as does the recording, one's room, etc. Of the 3, I think performance wise I would choose the Iota but may opt for the Outlaw as well given the other equipment I have now. If I do make changes, there are other brands of integrated amps or even straight Amps, dual or mono as well (then there's finding a good Pre and suitable wiring as well). The Choco could work as well as a few others I have eyed, class A, AB and there's a tube integrated as well that benefits from some upgrading in internals and tubes (something I haven't even any experience in). When I change my space someday, aka move I will revisit that option. Want smaller and lighter too so prefer equipment that isn't too heavy and I don't need gobs of power. So the Hegel will likely go (10 years old but only used little more than half that time) in preference of lifestyle choices. Its a good amp but there are so many these days...and its internal dac still sounds better than most under a grand today, regarding overall performance. The current talk is how well will companies do regarding 2 channel in the coming years? Alot of younger people don't seem interested or compelled to build a good 2 channel system w/wo a sub. Perhaps its financial reasons, perhaps preferences in headsets/IEMs via their phone and streaming? This could be the golden age of 2 channel systems right now.

[@dicmccoy]

I find for the IOTAVX sa40 this new feature is really cool. Amp In: loop in DSP or use as a pure power amplifier. I wish my old sa3 had that when I ventured into miniDSP years ago.

[@crisjr6478]

This man just knows what we want. Go Nemo.

[@justbrowsing5279]

Love seeing the Outlaw in a review. Love your reviews man. I've had the MKI for a long time now and have loved it. What I will say is that I recently got a couple monoblocks from outlaw that were spec-ed significantly higher, just for even more head room at high volumes, and using the MKI as a preamp I actually got less output volume by about 3.5 db when using the "higher powered" monoblocks from outlaw. I wish we had more amp reviewers that put them to the test on a dyno like Williston Audio Labs. What a great service that guy provides but it's just car amps and cheap class D amps at this point. Obviously I returned the monoblocks but I love my outlaw. Wish it had the emotiva ta2 style bass management controls though for crossing lower than 60 hz. TA2 goes down to 40.

[@NemoPropaganda]

bro I tried to buy one of those amp dynos so I could start doing that but the company would not email me back no matter how many times I emailed them :(

[@stevefink6913]

Forgot to ask.... would IotaVX SA40 be a happy match with Zu DWX ?

[@knobbshots]

I second that emotion, actually have the DW6, looking for a nice match

[@NemoPropaganda]

I no longer have the DWX in my care so I did not test that but I'd imagine the pairing should be pretty darn good!

[@knobbshots]

Thanks for the heads up on easter egg, surprised i didn’t see it. I was leaning towards the Outlaw, based on another video (basically saying you get a lot for your money from this direct to customer offering). Now? Hmm, leaning towards SA40. I get the impression it’s warmer like a tube amp or vintage gear, i have always preferred that over cool and analytical. Eventually, there will only be one way to find out😬😳

[@NemoPropaganda]

good job finding the easter egg!! All 3 of these brands are high value consumer direct so they're all pretty darn good!! I wouldn't say the IotaVX sounds like a tube amp but I would say its holographics are about on par with Prima Luna Evo100 on the stock tubes when paired with the Totem Bison.

[@thierrible7]

Thank you Nemo... Any possibility comparing the IOTA's sound quality with a cambridge cx80 or CX81? Cheers, & thanks for you work & passion..!

[@NemoPropaganda]

I have very limited experience with cambridge, I only tried their streamer MXN10, and it was pretty good.

[@elmerbais]

I have both iotavx sa40 with pa40 and Cambridge. I like the Cambridge better. Iotavx has weak bass to my experienced.

[@stevefink6913]

Great Stuff Nemo !! Any chance you could review the Zu Union 6 Spkrs? Apparently the GALION TS A20 or TS A75 would be a Killer match, Thanks in Advance !!

[@NemoPropaganda]

unfortunately not my bro, I don't review power amps or towers :( I have a full time job and the YT channel is a side project so I gotta stay in my lane and stick to bookies, integrated amps, and subs.

[@nc3419]

If I were to go amps, Galion is a brand I would consider as is van Alstine among a few others. Then there's the Pre which is the next project for Galion. At least Van Alstine has an basic integrated. Would be nice if Galion comes out with one as it's less expensive, cumbersome than the simplicity of an integrated.

[@carlbrown3634]

Good review! Thanks for sharing.

[@jmakc3541]

Gotta say, I'm pretty done with Emotiva after about 12 years of owning their products. It's good stuff right up until it isn't. XDA-2 Reference DAC developed a bad power supply that could not be repaired due surface-mount components. I have a Bas-X A300 power amp that works, but one of the flimsy PCB-mounted RCA input jacks has broken (board snapped) and needs a repair that will cost nearly as much as the amp, so it's currently a paper weight. I had a PT-100 preamp connected to that A300 that developed the exact same PSU issue that the XDA-2 did- also non repairable. And I am about to order my THIRD Bas-X A100 mini amp in 10 years for my desktop setup b/c it is the only affordable class A/B amp of its size available and I will not suffer the low audio quality of ANY Class D amp. The issue with the A100's is one of the channels will eventually just burn out. My 2nd one is on its way out as we speak, constant static from right channel. It's 4 years old. Alas, there exists no competitive alternative. You can have a PSA Sprout for $800, or one of the litany of awful digital amps- the Emotiva Class A/B stands alone in the void. So frustrating.

[@NemoPropaganda]

unfortunately that can be the case with inexpensive electronics, sometimes you get a great one and sometimes it fails early. All my friends use cheap Samsung 6 series TV's for years without any problems, I bought one for my mom and it failed after only 6 months :(.

[@JMN_ALC]

@@jmakc3541 Schiit has 2 desktop class AB power amps if you are looking to power small bookshelf speakers. And a wide range of headphone amps if that is your use case.

[@liegelord135]

I’m intrigued by the Iota/Totem Bison pairing. Can it achieve decent volume in a 16’ x 14’ x 8’ room?

[@NemoPropaganda]

it will all depend on your listening habits, musical taste, and how loud is "enough" for you. That room is on the low side of medium, I think it should be totally fine, the IotaVX has plenty of power so maybe email Totem and see what they have to say about it just to be 100% sure.

[@samidebs3559]

Great video I like the Outlaw product,I own the Outlaw 5000 5 channels power amplifier in my home theater!

[@NemoPropaganda]

I've heard that's a really great amp, I know the theater guys love it!

[@HaamRadio54]

Oohh maann how bout compared to the more expensive billie amp mk2?

[@NemoPropaganda]

mmm, the billie with gold tubes is kind of like the SA40 but a little more refined in the top end.

[@nc3419]

Looking forward to this comparison too. May not be in the market or consider any of these amps but they seem to be strong brands in their respective price points. The Choco might suit me better I think, among a few others. Don't know if I would buy the Bisons looking at their measured frequency response but that doesn't mean I wouldn't like them. For small speakers I am eyeing the Closer OGY (which means a good low powered amp or tubes) or perhaps a larger speaker in the Fritz BE at double the price which could be great with the Choco. While overall gains in SQ are sought...I respond to stage depth, a more holographic stage whether its real in the original recording or added through processing. Just sounds engaging. Hate a flat wall of sound. What I have now fits the bill well and I am happy. But I can dream.

[@NemoPropaganda]

I was about to say CHoco is your amp based on what you're saying but looks like you already know that :). I tried emailing OGY for a review sample but no luck :(

[@elmerbais]

I have emotiva, iotavx40, pa40, i have outlaw amp and emotiva.. you are right with outlaw and emotiva, for some reason i have different experienced with my iotavx. I need to experiment more with this iotavx of mine.

[@NemoPropaganda]

remember break-in is a real thing my bro, give it some time, let it play at low to medium volumes while you're at work if possible, that will help move things along.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Also make sure you got the stereo and mono switch in the correct position, else you have no imaging and bass.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@ThomasAndStereo very good advice, I made that mistake at first and thought it was broken lol, then I remembered that feature and looked at the back, yup, it was in mono mode lol.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@NemoPropaganda Happened to others I have lent the Iotavx too.

[@longplayer8600]

"Internet radio" here just seems a really clumsy way of promoting the fact your receiver has streaming capability. That aspect should be front-and-center. Someone at Outlaw is really dropping the ball marketing wise.

[@JMN_ALC]

Emotive has an FM tuner as well. All 3 have phono stages.

[@NemoPropaganda]

I think so, I don't do phono myself and my knowledge is very limited so I prefer to not speak about it.

[@JMN_ALC]

@@NemoPropaganda All good mate. Just FYI. Would appreciate your opinion of CHoco EMEI SQ vs Galion TS-A75.

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@JMN_ALC unfortunately I don't review power amps only so I can't make that comparison.

[@fletchermunson6225]

I dont really need any of these products but I need to hang in there for the "Nemo stretch."

[@NemoPropaganda]

ahahahaha, thank you!! You may more enjoy next weeks video, it will be the Fyne Audio Vintage Five, I'm not sure it's your sound but its a cool little speaker.

[@IrenESorius]

Have the best of weekends friend,, 👍‍‍😎🍻

[@NemoPropaganda]

Thanks Irene you too!

[@Zhorellski]

Which one have HD FM?

[@NemoPropaganda]

I don't know what that is.

[@nate_8403]

Nothing like a good "three way"

[@NemoPropaganda]

eifel tower, high five!

[@jC-kc4si]

How does the Outlaw compare to Yamaha amps?

[@NemoPropaganda]

yamaha makes a lot of amps my bro and I have not heard most of them.

[@elmerbais]

Outlaw is better. I have both.

[@edbek2442]

Just saw from the Livestream ^^

[@cesarjlisboa7586]

Iota is by far best sound quality from the 3. That’s the truth, on my opinion.😅

[@joanfrederick9176]

i listen to you because you are great............bur i am interested in the outlaw receiver against the iota vx sa40........sorry but not a fan of emotiva anything ...............

[@NemoPropaganda]

2 out of 3 aint bad, hopefully the comparison gave you the info you were looking for between the RR2160 and SA40, the easiest take away is do you want neutrality or a little coloration? That's the biggest difference. Oh, and the aesthetics of course.

[@joanfrederick9176]

@@NemoPropaganda i do not know why but i love the looks of the outlaw ....... with that said i also love the hdmi aspect as none of my equipment has that..........but 90% of my equipment is seperate from the 80s and 90s and the only receiver i own is a nad L54 that rarely gets used...........i guess i am stuck in a different world..........keep up the great work nemo as i must watch your videos at least 2x....... ps i now make my husband watch your channel.........lol

[@NemoPropaganda]

@@joanfrederick9176 oh cool, tell Mr Frederick I say welcome aboard! HDMI ARC is super cool but I don't know if I'd replace something I already owned just for that unless I was already planning an upgrade and it was on my "nice to have" features list.

[@joanfrederick9176]

@@NemoPropaganda thank you

[@jungtarcph]

4Stream is similar to Wiim

[@NemoPropaganda]

wiim might use their own version of 4stream it's a very popular software and used by many brands for streamers :)