Overachiever : EMOTiVA TA1 Integrated Amp

[@buffal0bilious]

The new lens really teases out a lot of the microdetail in that shirt. It's much more resolving, and the tonal reproduction is very lifelike. It can't be stated enough: Better visual analog-to-digital conversion brings us closer to seeing the shirts the way the tailor intended.

[@tietoliikenne]

I love this comment xD

[@spoorthyv]

The funny part is that camera nerds kinda talk like this too

[@NickP333]

Steve, you could immediately notice the upgrade in picture quality with the new lens. Cool review. Thanks.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Great, thanks for noticing!

[@Shaken_AND_Stirred]

I noticed it immediately as well.

[@rocco036]

It's like a veil's been lifted😂

[@ptg01]

The shirt !!!

[@Shaken_AND_Stirred]

Steve’s trade mark, are his shirts. He doesn’t realize it, but audio is second nature! We all love you, Steve! Mitch in Texas

[@matthewharhai4039]

Purchased the TA1 along with a pair of B2+ bookshelves, ERC-4 Differential CD Player and an XS8 Subwoofer for a killer bedroom system/setup. My SVS Prime Pinnacles will go in my living room with my Marantz PM7000N integrated amp and SVS SB-2000 Pro Subwoofer. I have an extra set of the SVS Prime Towers and an additional SVS SB-2000 Pro Subwoofer for use with the Pinnacles or on their own. The possibilities are endless!

[@knobbshots]

Got the PT1 for Christmas, luv it. While i was kinda hoping for this TA1 im not one to look a gift horse in the mouth and have really been enjoying the simplicity and quality of the PT1. Thanks Steve

[@byronsutherland7602]

Steve your video quality has gone up 3 notches. Sharp, balanced lighting. Liked the review of the Emotiva integrated amplifier. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@aitchr8770]

Steve I love your interaction with Herb. You both are gems of the audiophile world and your joint work is a peach. Long may you keep at it!

[@m6j159]

Agree with the other comments, Steve...the new lens is working very well indeed. Loved seeing Herb in the zone🙂👍👍

[@AllboroLCD]

Emotiva is the ultimate recommendation for folks new to the hobby and simply unsure what to get. Dan Laufman has real street cred amongst the engineering community and you should have him on sometime soon this year Steve! Good stuff!

[@billybobby7607]

They don't make their own products

[@AllboroLCD]

@@billybobby7607 half truth; they dont make some of their products, not all. Some models are put together in the USA.

[@davebalfour6158]

A bit of Sly and Robbie will test the mettle of any supposedly full range and sub woofer system. Sly and Robbie, the dynamic backdrop of drum and bass to many a respected rock, pop as well as dub reggae band. Rip Robbie Shakespeare.

[@masterxyr]

I really wanna have a look at your shirt closet! You must give us a review of sorts or a minimal walk through. Such style!!

[@scruffy8861]

Suggestion Steve: how about you and Herb doing a live weekly podcast talking hi-fi and taking viewer questions. It would be fun, informative, therapeutic and much appreciated.

[@avh700]

I think they'll only do it if your a Patreon member.

[@Schnauzer-2]

Hello Steve. Thanks for your interesting comments in your videos. I have something to say, manufacturers should publish in specifications what is the average useful life in hours of use of their products. When you buy components of a decent category and you spent some money that is important according to your budget, you are surprised when those began to have problems after 3 years of careful use. Recently I have had two brands, that I am not going to mention, that I decided discharged because they had low and cheap quality parts inside. When you buy hi fi, you expect high quality sound, and a long useful life.

[@bertoray5497]

I came for the audio, but stayed for the shirts... Now in HD.

[@pol7175]

Just an FYI -all inputs are directly accessible from the remote control. To choose between your digital inputs press the "DGI" button on the remote. To choose between your analog inputs press the "ANA" button on the remote. Easypeasy and no need to get off the couch.

[@RLM-TV]

Listening to this video on the Emotiva TA1 right now. Perfect for the desktop setup, sit my monitor right on top of the TA1. The usb connect is buggy, really buggy, after replacing it with SPDIF it is flawless! Sound quality paired with reference 8 ohm desktop speakers and you have HiFi at your computer station all day long.

[@is3commander]

Can you write few more words about that USB?

[@titntin5178]

Lens looking good, shirt looking good, we're good to go! Always a pleasure to watch, thank you..

[@jeremyr722]

Wow! That new lens is definitely better. Loving your podcast btw.

[@jlmain5777]

That was a terrific system of the day! What a beautiful home. And an appearance by Herb! Daily Double.

[@Jack-oc2fc]

Hi steve, love those happy vibes you're always projecting!

[@johnjones5676]

Steve, this episode convinced me to check out your podcast, now knowing that the podcast isn't just replays of your channel vids. I did enjoy watching Herb get lost in the music.

[@razor282]

Awesome that it has the FM tuner. I like to listen to broadcast CPR classical on weekend mornings drinking coffee.

[@bikdav]

The new lens implementation looks good to me.

[@octothorpe12]

Yes! Thumbs up on the new lens!

[@25-8]

When I first started my audiophile journey, this was the first amplifier I bought and I was scratching my head seeing so much products and reviews and was waiting for your review Steve and even asked about it like many others smh lol this was almost 5 years ago smdh.. I was fortunate to buy it used on Amazon for $428 and I was glad it also still had a warranty which emotiva gladly transferred to my name and information, I was really impressed by their cooperative hospitality.. I will say the Bluetooth is good but only if there is nothing blocking the way along with the FM too.. I first paired it with the elac uni fi B5's and thought it was a killer combo but I fell into the trap easily many do on wanting to upgrade, then I got the NAD $400 amo can't remember the name but it was also integrated and won the system of the year you did with the Klipsch RPM-600 speakers with the schiit modi 3 dac and that's been my system since but I shortly only paired the emotiva with the klipsch's, I been tempting for years and now may do it.. I just haven't been listening to my system for the past two years as much as I would like.. but good to know I got a great deal long ago, I didn't even see it on sale anymore and it was good condition too.. I actually gotten the elac unifi B5's for $300 also from a nice fellow audiophile I met shortly and I basically had a killer $835 set which easily could of costed over $1,100 with taxes.. I'm the king of deals baby 🐥🍼 even my klipsch's I got them for $325 new at retail when eBay had a sale and a coupon when you labeled them speaker of the year in 2018 and I had a gift card of $100 plus best buy rewards back there when they honored rewards for gift cards..

[@don7680]

The TA1 was just recently released. It wasn't available 5 years ago. Did you purchase the previous version which was the TA 100?

[@25-8]

@@don7680 ahh I thought it was the same, didn't know it was a newer release updated model but yes I have the TA100

[@don7680]

@@25-8 the TA1 is rated at a bit higher power output, has the built in blue tooth so you don't need the dongle, updated lighting and remote. I have no idea whether they made any audio improvements with the amp section, but would assume it's been upgraded a bit corresponding to the slightly higher power output rating. Certainly seems like a real winner based on Steve's review and others.

[@randyjones180]

Nice video Steve. Enjoy your channel. I agree with your comments here. I have the amplifier and it sounds great paired with my JBL 590's as well as my Elac Debut 2.0 f6.2 I also have the Emotiva A2 and the extra power really kicks the bass

[@bretspangler8717]

I have the TA1, I also use a CMX-2 DC offset filter, my house has terrible AC and this takes away a lot of hash and allows my Denafrips Ares II to sing, you introduced me to Denafrips and I am so happy I got my Ares Ii, it has revived my CD collection, I am listening to music as much as I possibly can now. I am still using my vintage PSB 800s. The headphone out on the TA1 drives my Sundaras better than anything else I have, still evaluating it, I am in the market for a balanced headphone amp, that way I can use the balanced outs on my Ares II, Alvin at Vinshine Audio is a very cool guy and has been very helpful.

[@michaelmajchrzak3476]

Really? I have beyerdynamic 990pro -250ohm and sound blaster x6 drives it 10x better than emotiva maybe you should try it.

[@bradleydurbin6784]

So this component is actually a receiver since it's got a FM radio tuner. I've heard great things about emotiva. Good affordable gear.

[@7amboy7]

I have purchased closed to a dozen Emotiva products …. Amps, pre amps, CD player, subwoofer, dacs, integrated amp and speakers. They have been great products relative to price . Only problem I had was the CD player that one day just smoked up. My only complaint with Emotiva is the warranty claim. I just bought a BasX power amp A2, and it had a broken red speaker binding post. The customer support clerk said thatthey were heavy duty post and I had to pay $125 plus tax, and ship them on my own expense to Emotiva, which in total would cost about $200. Upon closer inspection of the binding post, they were not heavy duty post when compared to what is available at Amazon and Parts Express, and are about $3.00. It’s pretty evident that Emotiva does not want to honor any warranty and charges excessive repair fees to discourage customers from claiming any warranty or repair . I was quoted between $30 to $50 dollars to repair the post and include the part.

[@reganferguson4823]

Female, jazz vocals are wonderful!!

[@robbabcock_]

Great review! I've been considering this one for use at my computer. I've used my NAD C320 BEE for many years but it's starting to develop some issues, getting a bit long in the tooth with many hours on it. I like that the Emotiva has a USB input! That could replace the inexpensive USB DAC I've been using with the NAD.

[@danddd1]

I have the same NAD and I was thinking the same.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Many thanks for this great review and perspective of this equipment.

[@matthewtolson7465]

Hi Steve, the sly and Robbie album is absolutely killer, the percussion is so alive, I had to put my ears to the speakers to make sure the sound was eminating from them or somewhere else (nosiy neighbour with excellent timing). Thanks for the recommendation.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

I never fail to appreciate you and Herb. Together it is x3.

[@eddievega1100]

Your wear the funkiest ,coolest shirts. Your sir are a fashion icon. Navy blue suit ,Panama hat ,pocket square, ascot optional.

[@hometheaterjoe9489]

This gives me much hope Steve!! The Emotiva BasX MC1 pre pro just arrived and I’m very excited to hook it up. Thank you for this review… BOOM

[@Jawnderlust]

Bathtub soaking setup is an all timer.

[@7amboy7]

Emotiva makes good products relative to price. I have bought amps, CD player, subwoofer, pre amps and the BasX pre amp / power amp and speaker. The only problem I had before the BasX set up was with the CD player which one day just went out in smoke. It was about 6 years old. My current problem with Emotiva is the flimsy power amp speaker binding post that broke off. The support clerk said that they are heavy duty and are not warranted for any reason. I send pictures of amp and the broken plastic post which is not heavy duty, and cost about $3 at parts express. The BasX set up is about 8 months old. I have to pay a flat fee of $125 and mail the power amp at my expense. The email said that in the warranty agreement with Emotiva, they have the right to refuse repairing any of their products which basically mean no warranty at all, and if they accept your product for repair they will just quote a ridiculous high price so you’ll be discouraged with sending your equipment back to Emotiva. No customer service, and I’ll never buy an Emotiva product again, and selling all my Emotiva gear.

[@gotham61]

If it has a FM tuner, doesn't that technically make it a receiver?

[@Bob_Betker]

That's what I was thinking when Steve mentioned the FM tuner.

[@stonefree1911]

I would say YES.

[@stevomcsteve9492]

Fm tuner? I'm gonna wait until the next version of this amp. I here it will come with a built in cassette deck! Who the heck actually listens to the radio for their music anymore???

[@bradthurkle7217]

Great review Steve 👍

[@bobsykes]

Okay, the viewer system of the day takes it for old fashioned fun in this one! Also great that afordable gear like this unit is getting so good.

[@calebkeen8967]

I wish bass management that includes high-pass filtering was standard in pre-amp and integrated offerings from more companies. I can only guess it's not more common because they can introduce phase issues w/ the main speakers and because many 'typical' audiophiles don't like subwoofers, but for lower-cost products like it seems like a no-brainer.

[@mrjm6752]

Audiophile want to listen to their room they don't want flat response. Took me a while to accept that they don't want to hear about bass management and EQ to get a flat curve.

[@turdferguson7686]

man i wish this had a freakin mic input! would buy immediately for my PC setup if it did. really wish more manufacturers would realize how garbage the PC mic inputs are and add that feature to things like this that do so much else. especially now with so many working from home, using pc audio for teams/zoom/etc and also gaming that has steadily been going higher end over the years. would make a lot of these types of things a lot easier to buy and just have everything needed all in one device.

[@donpettit7107]

I have to say I like the old lens and camera setup better. This one is a bit bright and analytical. The old setup felt more laid back, more forgiving, more analog, less fatiguing.

[@carl1159]

I feel the same. Too clear and a little cold. Oh well, I lprefer vacuum tubes as well.

[@amse9297]

I have the TA-1, using it with the Denafrips ARES II, SMSL SU-9, Wharfedale EVO 4.2 and Focal Chora 806, and SVS SB-1000 Pro. I'm as happy as can be.

[@zzy365]

@tortoise I'm considering buying the TA-1 for my Wharfedale EVO 4.2's as well (and am planning on purchasing a sub). Maybe you could elaborate on how do these particular speakers pair up with the TA-1? Thank you!

[@amse9297]

@@zzy365 The Evo 4.2s sound warm, non-fatiguing, with plenty of detail, but not as transparent as my Focals. The Focals also sound wider. I'd say the TA-1 is pretty neutral, and any color will be due to the speakers you're using, as well as the DAC. I notice a warmer sound with the ARES II, but a more transparent sound with the SU-9. And if you're considering a sub, the TA-1 has multiple options to connect a sub.

[@gotham61]

That's one of the coolest Viewer System of the Days ever.

[@jusjash]

Steve I suggest you and other reviewers place majority past n present episodes on Podcast. It makes a lot of sense . Drivers, factory workers , farmers etc listen a lot while working.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks

[@michaelwright1602]

Looking good Steve! The new lens brings out the color in your eyes. ;-)

[@steverogers7611]

Like your new filter, more light it seems.

[@sidvicious3129]

Steve you are expanding, Spotify and the others man, I have followed your career and I'm extremely proud of you for taking advantage of all that technology has to offer at this time for an Audiophile. I look forward to seeing you at 300K subscribers and keep up the outstanding work.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks!

[@malco49]

thanks for reviewing some 'budge....i mean affordable equipment. as a budget audiophile i appreciate it. i like good sound but am on a bit of budget for my two channel stereo and comuter set up. thanks again!

[@stevemiller9480]

Big difference in video, audio is always top notch.

[@stimpy1226]

What’s wrong with Diana Krall? She is a real talent who made it big time.

[@Aswaguespack]

There are many personalities who present online reviews of quality audio gear but for me I find your reviews to be a great balance between the technical aspects and the musical/audio quality of the reviewed product and you always have wonderful detailed descriptions of the results of the listening sessions with a variety of premium quality artists in various genres to give many viewers an honest perception of what they might expect from their favorite listening genre. This is my favorite part of your analysis and perspective from your listening experiences. After all it really is all about the music. Thanks again Steve for a wonderful morning presentation as I enjoy my morning cup of coffee listening to the most pleasurable morning YT presentation. Looking forward to the next one.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@JP1050x]

Great review! Do you think it’s worth saving up more money to buy an Audiolab 6000a?

[@stephencosta6814]

I don’t know why I love you so Steve

[@danmar007]

Still enjoying my B100 MiniX after all these years.

[@rosswarren436]

Lens works well. Nice and sharp! Just started your Podcasts last night. Pretty cool.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks!

[@vincent121987]

I got one last week my first hifi system also I picked up the Emotiva b1+

[@socratesbsd]

On your recommendation last year, I bought the Emotiva TA-100, the predecessor to the TA-1 over the Denon and NAD. I use it for my “emergency covid lockdown closet system” since my wife and I work from home and I cannot access my main system for the most part… That system, TA-100, a Rega RP1, an old pair of Rogers LS3/5a speakers and Grado headphones have kept me sane this last year and I have to give props - except for the bright leds, the Emotiva is a great amp and a great deal

[@V1ralB1ack]

@@keplermission4947 You're overthinking it and under valuing Emotiva. I've had the basx a300 and their pt100 preamp and it ran ls50s that dip below 4 ohms no problem. For the money I could enjoy them happily for the rest of my life but I got more money and now own better amps but if I get my hands on one again I wouldn't let it go. Class d doesn't capture instruments right and honestly who cares. Just enjoy music but don't look down on emotiva they make affordable products for us that aren't filthy rich. And even expensive amps are made in China. A lot of stuff is. China is doing a wonderful thing considering the US is anti business friendly in many states and if we had to make everything here we'd have to revise at least a million laws first.

[@joeslacker1020]

@@V1ralB1ack around the 300 to $500 price range is emotiva better than anything else you can get such as Denon, outlaw audio Onkyo and schiit audio?

[@V1ralB1ack]

@@joeslacker1020 It's about the same if not a little better. Feels like you get more with emotiva at that price range than denon outlaw or onkyo

[@joeslacker1020]

@@V1ralB1ack thanks for the reply I do think that it's kind of whack that they make it in China though that kind of makes me a little suspicious I'm sure it probably would be just fine but the way I think it doesn't really give me peace of mind..... I did find this other amplifier though called Nuforce STA 120 it'll be about 100 watts into the JBL studio 530 s I'm looking to pair it with... Thoughts?

[@V1ralB1ack]

@@joeslacker1020 That's a class d amp. They don't sound as good unless you spend stupid amounts of money. That's because class d design is about small size and running cool. Also it'll distort a lot by the time it reaches its full power. If it makes you feel better almost all products are not made in the USA and our country is a fucking mess. I've got 2 jobs when unemployment was soo high because kids DON'T want to work here. The only truly American made product is probably schiit up in Valencia, CA. I say true because by US law as long as you finish the product in the US it can be labeled US made so even if all we do here is put on a logo it can be legally considered made in the US.

[@zackw4941]

I have been very happy with my TA-1. Driving JBL Studio 580's and cheap Dayton 12" subs. I can attest that the bass management is worth while. My subwoofers are hard to integrate because they aren't that great, but this is the best they've sounded. I can also absolutely pick out more extention and detail in the midrange and highs, with the speakers on hi-pass. I wish they had left primary pre-out independent of the internal amp hi-pass, since there are already both hardwired outputs. This would have opened the door to bi-amping full range speakers. A second sub out would have saved me a few dollars too. Those are my only gripes though and they are minor!

[@jasonschwartz2928]

@Zack W, are you running both subs of the one LP sub out? If so, how? Just daisy chaining from the first to the second via the rca output on the first sub?

[@zackw4941]

@@jasonschwartz2928 I picked up a decent looking cheap splitter and used two individual RCA cables. I used to have the subs hooked up in stereo via their high level inputs. Running the subs in mono with the onboard bass management and the speaker out set to high-pass, sounds better across the whole range. Even at the 90hz cross over, I haven't noticed any weirdness with low frequency directionality. I have the subs left and right with the speakers standing on top. Not spread around the room, fwiw

[@jasonschwartz2928]

@@zackw4941 thanks for the response. Yes that’s what I’m interested in… using the HP for the speakers and the LP for 2 subs. Was concerned that a splitter would degrade the signal but perhaps not. Also curious if one wireless transmitter could be used on that LP output to feed two remote subs with appropriate receiver . Thanks

[@zackw4941]

@@jasonschwartz2928 If you have a wireless system that simply transmits an rca in to an rca out, somewhere else, then I'm sure it will work. You could probably still use a splitter and wire one, if you have two subs.

[@991carreras3]

A knockout it's not! I did get this new TA1 and it was on about 12hrs per day providing TV sound&music after 6weeks the display started flashing like crazy when changing the volume and that blue lighting is annoying. Sound quality was just ok they really didn't update much that made a difference but you paid $150 more than the previous one. Still uses the same old dac as the last one and all you got was 10 more watts. Anyway I sent it back and got the Yamaha A S801 for $300 more and the yamaha sound is amazing! You can try the ta1 but you'll be sending it back.

[@danshim887]

Any chance you got to try with magnepans, esp since you liked how the Denon sounded with the LRS?

[@stevecolley5990]

Hey Steve. I have a 20 year old Marantz SR7000 that I use for stereo use only with an Oppo DV980H for SACD & CD plus a Fluance RT85 w/Ortofon Blue through as Pro-Ject Phono Box DC . There, is nothing wrong with it but I'd like something smaller and with streaming capability. The Marantz is 100WPC so I'm wondering if the Emotiva's 60WPC into my 8ohm Axiom Audio M40Ti speakers and Fluance DB10 subwoofer would be noticeable. I'd appreciate your perspective or other options in that price range or slightly above that. Thanks so much.

[@gotham61]

I've never understood why jazz snobs have disdain for Ms Krall. I saw her live about 10 years ago, and thought it was a brilliant performance.

[@musicman8270]

Never got to see her live, but the Rio and Paris concert discs were amazing, as are the nine or ten albums of hers that I have

[@musamusashi]

Because she has almost mainstream success, i guess. Jazz "purists" had issues even for geniuses like Miles or Herbie accusing them of "selling out" 🙄

[@charlesberry4958]

Want!!! Nice piece of kit.

[@carlosbauza1139]

Excellent review of the Emotiva, with exclusively your own personal exposition alone. Previous Emotivas Have instructions to Dim The Visual Display!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

They did?? Oops!

[@carlosbauza1139]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac one has to dig into the owner's manual...but it's there.

[@thomasjacques5286]

So it's really a receiver with the inclusion of the FM tuner.

[@Jeipr]

Steve would be great if you can review the power amp from emotiva bas x 2. 160@8ohm class a/b for 449 sound freat

[@82Bjarni]

Great picture quality

[@musamusashi]

Love to see you spinning some heavy dub.

[@supabayes3284]

Nice shirt!

[@2savetherepublic]

Wonder how this receiver would compare to the Schiit Ragnorok? How the sound of each compares?

[@funtobuild9968]

Steve, how does the Yamaha A-S501 integrated amp compare? Many thanks.

[@pras3811]

Thanks for the review Steve. How was the sound comparison between the TA-1 and TA-100?

[@senzen2692]

"This will be my new reference amp..." no better endorsement.

[@miltonruiz7641]

I thought the PT1 phono stage was a little weak. By the way Great Shirt!

[@scottygdaman]

Bluetooth sounds very nice? did the earth switch polarity ? sweet lens

[@bradloseke9725]

So it has a tuner. That would make it a receiver then!

[@pickyaudiophile]

The hidden gem seems to be that BasX A2 power amplifier from their new range. Pondering about buying a BasX A4 to do my first steps into stereo bi-amping. Don't know if that's a good idea when it comes to sound quality yet.

[@michaelmajchrzak3476]

No definitely not a bought ta1 and a7 and please don't buy anything from this company if you prefer sound quality

[@keithjohnson2863]

I wish this amp had existed 2 years ago. I had a pair of Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ speakers that I really liked after they were broken in. See (Steve's review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moSndXeFrc-JrKs.) But I sold them because they didn't handle frequencies below about 50Hz very well. The high pass filter on this amp solves that problem. And, the load on the drivers will be reduced so the speakers will be even more responsive.

[@paul87buick]

When are going to do a new review of the RR2160MKII STEREO RECEIVER. ps Pretty please with sugar on top

[@scottmeyer6005]

I bought the PT1 and like it a lot. Connected to the XPA2 (Gen 1) to Dali Helicon 400's

[@billybobby7607]

Does the pt1 have true analogue or does it digitise inputs? Need proper testing

[@roygumpel8415]

Steve... if you haven't already, you have to watch the skit on I Think you Should Leave(netflix) with the 'Complicated patterned shirts' ! Hilarious.

[@zerooneonetwothree1872]

You reminded me of NAGRA and now i remember they went into high end audio fairly recently- Post professional tape recorders. So did you hear something from them? Judging by the experience their engineers have, it could be incredible

[@bhob666]

I'm not being critical, but if it has a tuner and all these features, isn't this a reciever more than a integrated amp? More Herb!

[@ericnortan9012]

I am considering the Emotiva XPA DR1 monoblocs. I have many speakers I like to change around, but I have a set 0f 15" Cerin Vega 3-ways in the rotation. Looking for great sound, but also require great power. Currently I use a Crown XLI2500 when I break out the Vegas, admittedly probably a more reasonable match. But like I said, I like to switch things around and see if I can get the very best out of my speakers. Any thoughts on those amps? Are they at least close to a high end sound? The numbers say yes. I only know pure AB, not a huge fan of D from my experience. The DR1s are H/AB. I was also considering a set of the Emotiva T3+, not a lot of info on them yet other than numbers. Opinions please.

[@brianjoffe5981]

Steve, what would you think of PT1 with Decware Zen and Klipsch Forte IV setup?

[@ebbtide12]

Steve, Have you had a chance to listen to and/or review the Iotavx sa-3 integrated amplifier? How do you think this one stacks up to the Emotiva TA-1?

[@FOH3663]

Stevemo, I say moving forward, all content should be shot with two rigs simultaneously... ie., original, warm analog-like capture, alongside the new, brighter, high resolution capture... Allow us to choose which format suits us better... Obviously, some content would be better served with utmost clarity, resolution, and brightness. Similarly, other subject matter would be better suited to a warmer, fuller, laid-back presentation. It's only right. (I'm guessing, when utilizing the new rig, if you were to capture video "off the grid", on DC battery power, thus not plugged into the dirty Brooklyn mains, that would likely take the edge off... thus rendering the content sans the edgy harshness... perhaps you'd receive less negativity, just sayin')

[@cytowing3353]

I have an Emotiva Basx PT-1 preamp that I use with an Emotiva Basx-A300 amp and a 3wpc tube amp I built. It is a very good preamp for the price and the phono stage is quite good.

[@hamzatatta952]

hi Steve hope your feeling much bettre, Emotiva PT1 Preamp what kind of sound is it

[@scottengh1175]

OK, the lense quality is more clear and concise. Dare say accurate. But the old lense was warmer and a softer, maybe even smokey quality.

[@MrSlicer2424]

Dang it Steve! I was about to order the Cambridge ARX100. For around the same price. Now I'm torn 😫

[@randyjones180]

I returned the CA when I purchased the Emotiva. The ARX was capable, but the Emotiva is better

[@MrSlicer2424]

@@randyjones180Cool! thanks

[@don7680]

@@randyjones180 thanks for that info. Just ordered on today.

[@mladenbasic1]

Looks great! Keep using it. Any reason why you are looking to your left?

[@ecyfoto]

New lens has more detail but not quite as engaging. Sound familiar? Play with the settings. I think you’ll be able to improve the “look”.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

Looks nice but I feel like these integrated amps should really start accepting hdmi these days.

[@trexx32]

Why not an HDMI...I'll never understand it

[@janol6964]

Dźwięk wzmacniacza bardzo mi odpowiada, zaskakująco dobry przez bluetooth przy korzystaniu z Tidala. Wzmacniacz po długich odsłuchach nie robi się nawet lekko ciepły. Myślę że może brzmieć jeszcze lepiej po lepszym wygrzaniu urządzenia

[@TPQ1235]

Steve, which lens are you now using? Significant improvement in detail and contrast.

[@markrussell9235]

I just wish that the fixed crossover point was at 80 Hz instead of 90, but other than that, it almost seems too good to be true. Seems like a potential serious rival to the Ourlaw RR-2160 at about half the price?