What!? Affordable Audiophile Monoblock Amps! The NEW Emotiva BASX A1 (Fixed Version)

Emotiva BASX A1 Monoblock Amp bit.ly/3zEDNQp
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[@StephenSypert]

You've single-handedly introduced a much needed hobby in my life. Thank you kindly from the dusty plains of West Texas...Longhorn in Lubbock.

[@cheapaudioman]

Been through Lubbock a few times. Be careful of those Red Raiders

[@johnnixon2504]

Texas stuff.

[@scottstone1444]

Not sure if hobby or addiction is the correct term. Either way welcome.

[@PaulMaison]

Would love to see these compared to Outlaw Audio Model 2220 monoblocks. Very similar power, the Outlaws cost $399 each. Love your real world approach man. Keep up the good work...👌🏽

[@erikalvar4461]

Popped in to make the same request. I have a 3 of the 2200 and a pair of the 2220 monoblocks. Excellent bang for buck. Curious how they compare the new Emo monos.

[@mechanicalmanical]

I don’t have monblocks, but I do have an Emotiva Basx A300 and Outlaw 7000x to compare. The only difference I notice is the emotiva has slightly rolled-off highs compared to the Outlaw. Other than that, no hiss from either and both brands are a great value. If you believe in brands having a house sound, that may help.

[@joelopez7459]

i'm guessing outlaw will win, emo doesn't have the sharpest testing stuff

[@circrna]

A review on Outlaws would be nice.

[@abxaudiophiles]

@@joelopez7459 "guessing" being the key word.

[@davidpohlman8624]

About two weeks ago I ordered an Emotiva BASX PT1 pre-amp and a BASX A2 amplifier to do an upgrade on a book shelf system that I have in my home office. After seeing your review of the BASX A1 mono-block amp, I got a return authorization on my still unopened BASX A2 and ordered 2 BASX A1s using your affiliate code. This represents the 9th and 10th Emotiva amps that I own between our primary home and our lake home. I am a very BIG fan of their products, and I have also become a big fan of you Randy. I appreciate your content and the way you always bring some humor into the mix as well. Thank you for what you do!

[@cheapaudioman]

Thank you David. Emotiva has never treated me wrong and I’ve never gotten a dud from them. I have from others.

[@Feliciano12v]

This right here proves that it’s a perfect time to be an audiophile, Music lover or whatever you want to label it. Thanks for the review. I love these types of affordable units because it keeps things competitive for the consumer.

[@ecmac-n3h]

took the plunge and bought a pair of these for my Klipsch KS10.5. Upgrading from 30 year old Rotel RB960BX amps in bridge mode. So much better. thank you for the review and for putting them on my radar.

[@musicmaniac2165]

I just received the iotavx sa3 and pa3. My first use of separates I looked at the emotiva and chose the Iota. Wow what a difference in sound reproduction. Paired with anniversary 85 wharfdale linton. Your reviews gave me the confidence to try it. Very happy 1 day in

[@kevinbehnke7149]

Emotiva has been my go-to for price to performance value! Love their amps and speakers! Kudos Emotiva!! 👏👏💪💪 Great review Randy! Keep 'em coming.

[@Assimilator702]

Yes ever since Adcom went belly up there was a void in the market for a US owned audio company that offers high performance audio gear in the budget segment.

[@shanel4496]

“…sounds perfect.” Awesome man. Keep up the great work.

[@buekbukiewicz8064]

I love emo products.I have dr2+xsp1 +erc3+svs 2000 pro+polk rti a9 for few years and this combo stay with me forever.I don't need to change for nothing.

[@AllboroLCD]

How can you NOT love Emotiva, seriously! I may have to sell my A300 now to get a pair of A1's!

[@JohnScheppler]

Emotiva makes good stuff and really great that they recognize our service men and women too. The 10x the power of the competition is like the bottle of soap that as 30% more. Sooner or later it's going to be so big you can't use it, lol. Great review Randy

[@billybobby7607]

They don't make it, they have a OEM supplier in China

[@AudioExplorer]

That’s an amazing price for that kind of power. The commitment really isn’t that much more than any component and monoblocks are always in demand on the used market. When one is ready, it’s an affordable way to go monoblock. Solid power is the foundation of a system. Democratizing power, most excellent. 👍

[@carlsitler9071]

I agree. I am very happy with my BasX sound and power.

[@marksilgalis9400]

This is ridiculously exciting news! These will be mine!

[@dans550]

I've had the basx a2 for about 6 months and highly recommend it, I'm sure the a1 will not disappoint

[@dans550]

Hey Randy, how bout a video about the power constraints of midlevel AV receivers, and benefits of additional power, my speakers are very efficient klipch the mains are 100db sensitivity, I replaced an old integration dtr7.3, a power beast with a Yamaha RXA2, and lost the punch, everything else about the sound was smooth and pleasing, picked up the basx a2 and got the punch back plus some, even high sensitivity speakers don't need a ton of headroom, they sure do like it

[@dans550]

INTEGRA

[@peterrichard3706]

I have Onkyo 503. Needs help. This A2 is at least the same. I love it. I'll use the Onkyo for decoration

[@SteveWille]

Another advantage of monoblocks (especially ones with balanced inputs) is they can be located at the speakers to minimize speaker cable… mix-and-match active speakers.

[@welderfixer]

Randy, Great review of this amp! And, yes I want POWER - lots of power. Looking forward to owning Emotiva MC-1 processor, BasX A3 and A4 amps for my poorman's 5.1.2 movie sound system. But, I'll never be able to afford the purchase. I'm forever broke and bummed out!! Oh well, we need a new clothes washer first. Our washer quit on my wife today but, I "Rewired It" Tim The Toolman style!

[@SuburbanBBQ]

I have the Emotiva XPA-5 for my home theater setup. Great performance for a great price. I might have to check out the A1.

[@Woodzyowl0309]

Have you heard about Outlaw Audio amplifiers? I've got two of their model 2220s driving some Magnepan MG-II speakers and it sounds great. The main differences on paper between the BASX A1 and the 2220 is slightly higher power into 4 ohms and slightly tighter frequency response specs on the A1 and an XLR input on the 2220. Plus, you know, the A1 is $50 more expensive per monoblock.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

i've never once seen a review for an Outlaw amp, but the fans are many. why? why no love for Outlaw amps and subwoofs?

[@williammorales8204]

@@WeeWeeJumbo I have them but I have no reference to compare to higher end amps.

[@normanham6142]

@@WeeWeeJumbo I’ve seen some reviews for Outlaw Audio on Audioholics an The Audiophiliac. I did audition their vintage looking stereo receiver, the RR2150. It had plenty of power and sounded great. The feature that I was drawn to was the bass management feature that allows one to choose their crossover frequency to a specific low frequency pass from main speakers. My adult grandson loved it. It also had a volume knob that would rotate when using remote. All in all it was a value buy for what one got. If I needed a 2.1 receiver, I’d probably buy an Outlaw.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

@@williammorales8204 that’s sincerity and I respect it

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

@@normanham6142 nice!

[@masterchef6694]

Finally....i was always emotiva had a class AB mono locks. Wish this was available with XLR

[@DavidEvenson]

I run Vidars in 4ohm mono block configuration no problem at all. Never had it go into protect mode. Not to mention they support balanced input.

[@705johnnyboy]

monoblocks rock,i have meridian 105b mono,s ive had them a year or so ,im waiting for my naim nap250 i bought not working off ebay to be repaired but i dont think it will beat them lol,love your videos mate ,my preamplifier is a schitt magni 3,cant believe how good that sounds for the price....

[@bryankarkoska9674]

Thanks for the review! Had asked you about the Vidar mono block in an email - great video and compare! Keep up the great work Randy!

[@waltergist8923]

Thanks. Good case for the mono blocks...I looked at a photo of the inside of this monoblock amp on the Emotiva website. One thing that popped out was that the lead to the connection posts use cheap bayonet style connectors to the tab on the posts. That's an assembly phase short cut that saves money but kind of cheesy for the sound path. One easy thing you could do that might make a little difference is cut those off and solder the leads to the connection post tabs. At the same time check to see if the connection posts themselves are high quality. Most people wouldn't tolerate that sort of connector if they saw it outside the box. Yes, at the other end of the signal path many inexpensive or middle of the road speakers may have the same thing connecting the fancy looking speaker cable connectors to the speaker lugs. But if you are ever inside the speaker, you can usually fix that too.

[@Assimilator702]

The things is if there isn’t a difference in the sound, what purpose would that mod or make? If CheapAudioman could hardly tell a difference between the A1 and more expensive amps, that’s one example of the shortcut not really being a detriment to the sound.

[@bluesteelbass]

I 'upgraded' an A2 amp by replacing the speaker terminals, soldering direct connections, better bypass capacitors, and re-routed the signal wiring away from power stages (signal, un-shielded, ribbon cable). This opened up the top end that felt slightly compressed. Now I wonder what a shielded ribbon cable would provide with cross-talk and interference mitigation, over the stock cable.

[@Assimilator702]

@@bluesteelbass It would be nice if you could do a blind A/B test again with an un moded amp.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

Thank you! I'm currently saving up for some Emotiva monoblocks. Very timely video, Randy! Thanks again!

[@davdidit6]

Love this video. I never really did a deep dive into mono blocks. Thank you Randy for informing and entertaining.

[@cruzgallegos5071]

I ran my front stage LCR with one of the 3 channel amps from EMOTIVA. I decided to get the HC-1 monoblock from EMOTIVA and use it just for the center channel speaker. There is a very noticeable sound improvement. I’m planning on adding 2 more monoblocks for the rest of the front stage soon.

[@keyzone72]

I also tried an Emotiva BasX3 and it didn't hold up well when powering my two B&W towers and center channel. I ended up returning it, as during audio spikes (explosions, gun fire, etc), the AMP would shut down. I was then researching the XPA series, but am now looking to go with 3 HC-1 mono blocks instead.

[@edwardgoettl72]

Outstanding review on some complex issues, comparisons included. Well done.

[@ericg.575]

EMOTIVA is GREAT! Off the record... it was said that they partnered with Bob Carver - I've had Carver amps for years and then switched to Emotiva after a lightning strike that killed them all :-(. If you do some quick searching you may info about Bob and Emotiva. If you look at the design of the Basx and then look back at the Carver TFM-15CB you will notice they are very much alike. So with all that said... I LOVE EMOTIVA... and no I don't work for them or have any affiliation. My Emotiva stuff - UPA-7, XPA-1 (x2), Basx A2. Keep up the GREAT WORK and SUPPORT EMOTIVA!

[@ericelliott227]

The other thing about Emotiva (no, I do not have any of their gear, but have looked) is that they are easy to get in touch with and have more customer service than many other companies. That alone brings added value. I know some history and can attest that they do care.

[@AndyBHome]

I make my "poor man's monoblocks" by buying two AudioSource AMP100s bridged into mono mode. The specs are not good. But in bridged mono, they really do sound quite good to me. I think these are rated at 100 watts per channel in stereo, but 300 watts bridged. I think the distortion is crazy high at the peak of the range and it can only be done into 8 ohm speakers, but they have so much power when used that way that I don't ever get close to peak wattage. I was actually surprised at the quality of the sound in bridge mode. In stereo they're not particularly good sounding. But in mono mode they're surprisingly good. I believe they cost only about $100 each.

[@dagnahbbet8292]

I also had the Outlaw Audio mono blocks and their beautiful reciever on my short list before grabbing the PT1/A2 combo.

[@brianchristen5849]

This was an amazing purchase, I put them in place of my Adcom GFA 5802 and I love the sound, I am using Klipsch RP-8000F speakers for 2 channel sound. I will just move Adcom amp to different room. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@jjchmiel78]

How about a comparison to the Outlaw Model 2200 monoblock? $50 less and has XLR with comparable specifications.

[@danashay]

For folks that like to decorate with audio gear (guilty), this seems like a very attractive deal; then you read the comments here, and that all goes away... A/B monoblocks for that kind of money seems like a steal. But, as a rule, at this price point, you get what you pay for. Takes some of that shine off of those monoblocks. Don't ever change Randy, you really do speak for Joe Everyman, thanks for being there for us. You make it all seem so easy, there just aren't too many relatable folks who can pull that off. 😎

[@brandonhampton7505]

I have an Emotiva pre amp, and 2 Basx A4's and I love them. The only thing I don't like about the pre amp is the 2 channel output. I had to split each channel to use all 4 inputs of the A4, for my living room "party system". 2 huge Bozaks in front, and L100 centuries in the back corners.

[@brandonhampton7505]

Randy has over 100K subscribers, and you have e only 2. Hmmmm. Seems fishy.

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

A better buy than the Crown XLS 1002 ? - Sorry .. jumped the gun. Asked and answered. Great review as always, Sir. Thank you.

[@maximo90019]

Great shout on the MONOS

[@kd6tas]

I just watched a video where a guy was running a pair of bridged Aiyima A07s with heavier power supplies. His approach was incomplete (all he did was connect the inputs together) but he's on the right track. He needs to look at the TPA3255 data sheet and finish the job. Hints: The operating mode selection pins are 3 and 4. Compare figures 10.2.1 and 10.2.4. It's some work but definitely doable.

[@cheapaudioman]

That sounds very interesting

[@davehilling3944]

I have one but someone did a test of actual wattage and even with the beefier power supply they make nowhere near what they claimed.

[@kd6tas]

@@davehilling3944 I've yet to see what I would consider an adequate power supply used with a TPA3255 based amplifier. To produce 600 watts at 90 percent efficiency (plus support circuit overhead) will require a power supply capable of supplying an honest 700 watts. That's 51 volts at nearly 14 amps. The stock Aiyima supply is a pitiful 216 watts, and what they consider a beefy supply is 350 watts. Just like internal combustion engines are basically air pumps, amplifiers are basically power converters. A power amplifier is only as good as it's power supply. The other issue is cooling. The stock A07 heatsink isn't much and it's in an enclosure. With these things in mind I went with the T9. The TPA3221 is a more practical/realistic device choice for the form factor. The cooling and power supply needs required to end up with a pair of honest 100 watt outputs into 4 ohms aren't bad.

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Enjoyed this thorough concise review , as always great . I appreciate how you speak on the minor differences of the two Emotiva amps , because interestingly another fellow reviewer tested the BasX mono blocks even comparing them to the higher Emotiva (I believe ) they’re models XPA 1 HC mono blocks (300w/8 ohm), and even then he notes definite differences and improvements but they were still somewhat marginal. But great review as usual keep up the great work sir!👍🏾✌🏽🔥

[@thadboudreaux5692]

God bless the AudioMan 🙏

[@victorq1046]

Great channel! Keep up the hard work, it's appreciated and enjoyed! Great shirt by the way. Saw ILL Nino, Nonpoint and Sevendust at the Rave in Milwaukee for New Year weekend. Some of my favorite bands.

[@robertgruber982]

Would be great if you could get your hands on the Emotiva XPA HC-1 monoblocks. Would be interesting to know if they sound audibly better at 2X the price. Would also love to hear a comparison between those and your MacIntosh amp sound wise. Apples and oranges I know but still...

[@MrBonger88]

For me, the benefit of of a monoblock is placement. I’ve found it better to have a long interconnect and a short speaker cable, especially if I can use a balanced ic for long runs

[@jamesbennett1634]

Thanks for the review Randy. Just FYI, I bought two Aiyima a07 stereo amps, and use them as "monoblocks" on my bi-wireable speakers. I use one on the right side, one on the left. You'll need 1 to 2 y splitter rca cables from your source to the two a07's. You get the full power of the a07 on each side. Bottom line, stereo amps can be used as monoblocks if you have bi-wireable speakers. You could use the same set up to bi-amp your speakers, but the cabling gets a lot more confusing, and I get better separation bi-wiring - one amp feeds the right side, the other amp feeds the left side.

[@AT-wl9yq]

Its not a mono block. Its a vertical biamp. And you can only do a vertical biamp with 2 stereo amps or 1 four channel amp, but mono amps won't work on a vertical biamp.

[@jamesbennett1634]

@@AT-wl9yq Yes, agreed. I should have been clearer. Not monoblocks, but getting some of the benefits of monoblocks, - two separate amps, each driving one speaker. With good class D amps being so cheap, why not get two and try it out? As noted, you need bi-wireable speakers.

[@AT-wl9yq]

@@jamesbennett1634 I'm certainly not going to fault you for doing it. It makes complete sense, and you don't need to use an active xover to get the levels correct. There's only one thing in your post that I disagree on. Given the choice, I would rather get one higher quality stereo amp instead of two amps of a lesser quality. If you already have the amps, then just do it. There's no downsides you deed to worry about. I vertical biamp my own system with 2 Ayre V's and Vandersteen speakers. I'm very happy with the results.

[@jamesbennett1634]

@@AT-wl9yq I would imagine your system sounds great - enjoy!

[@jamesbennett1634]

@telegram me 👉@officialCheapaudioman Thanks so much Randy, but this luddite isn't up on telegram. Let me know if you're on GEnie though!😄

[@mondovicium]

I have a 5.1 setup being run by a 7.1 receiver, which left me with two channels unused. I eventually wised up and configured the extra channels to bi-amp the mains, which gave me much improved bass, but left the center relatively underpowered. To remedy that, I got an Outlaw monoblock and fed it from the receiver pre-out, which solved the problem nicely at a reasonable price.

[@jimshaw899]

Another Emotiva fan here. But that ends with their preamp. The preamp sounds great and has the inputs I want, but the menu controls are enough to drive me nuts. Remote? I defy even Dan Laufman to use my PT-100 remote to change the treble tone by 1 dB without looking directly at the preamp display (and making a mistake along the way). So I use a Loki to do tone -- *it has knobs.* But as to price vs. performance, I'm in their camp for other electronics. I have never heard an Emotiva speaker in person, so I have nothing to offer about those.

[@je1540]

Saweet! This is what you said to wait for on your live cast!!

[@stercaland]

Hmmmm . . . while I never minded mixing up source components, there is something to be said for sticking with same-brand amplification. But I’m also in that camp that prefers transistors in the amp, and tubes in the preamp. Kinda makes me wonder what a Schiit Freya+ might do coupled to this pair.

[@bingdong8571]

Awesome! I asked Paul from ps audio about a need for cheap monoblocks but he never responded, he must have forwarded my message to emotiva

[@michaelcorlet2998]

Yes it is.more coffee works as well.😮

[@ginom407]

Another Great Find! Almost makes me want sell one of my amps to make room for a pair of these... 🤔

[@conduit242]

Monoblocks eliminate crosstalk. Not really any debate about that ☺️

[@joshhall1398]

I related to the discord comment. Made me laugh. Love the work.

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Cool review ✌🏽✌🏽🔥👍🏾👍🏾I’m a monoblock fan always

[@fiddlix]

I rebuilt a couple of Dynaco tube mono locks not too long ago along with a Dynaco stereo preamp…..audio bliss..!

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

when i'm playing magic the gathering, i never want to be mana-blocked that's all i could come up with but i tried these look like my next amplifiers, i does want them

[@markpenland]

The Metallica cassette at 7:30 is my favorite thing all day.

[@cheapaudioman]

Emotiva BASX A1 Monoblock Amp bit.ly/3zEDNQp emotiva.com?aff=9 Beware of spammers/scammers. They've hit this video. It's not me. =============================================www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman ----Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF -----Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt -----Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH ----amzn.to/3GkNaop ---CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K ---apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P ---massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5 ---------------------------Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9

[@NeilBlanchard]

The comparison that leaps to my mind is the AkitikA GT-102 Z4 - which can be run in parallel mode for 100W / speaker. These cost about the same / slightly less than these monoblocks. Less power - but not that different in peak SPL levels. To go up 10dB - which is what sounds like 2X as loud to us - you have to go up 4X the power. So I *think* that 100W up to 200W is about 6dB? If the speakers are 85dB sensitivity, that is 85dB SPL @1W. At 4W, that is 95dB SPL, and 16W gets you to 105dB SPL. 64W is 115dB SPL, and it takes 256W to get to 125dB SPL. So the 100W is above 115dB and the 325W is more than 125dB - *both* are incredibly LOUD!

[@cheapaudioman]

Can't compare those in my opinion. One is a kit and one is not. Even if you have them assembled it takes months.

[@markrussell9235]

Remember the old Adcom monoblocks from back in the day?

[@Stan_the_Belgian]

Love your honesty, also a good way to ab those amps

[@RickMahoney2013]

My oncology doctor always use the term very boring when looking at my X-rays after I had been cancer free he also said boring was good.

[@sopasadena1499]

Nice review. Have not tried Emotiva. But I still love my Vidar. I guess I am full of it

[@cheapaudioman]

ha. vidar is great. people love it.

[@palindner]

I have the Vidar and it is great. For my set up the compact footprint of the Vidar was important. You use a lot of real estate for the 2 BasX A1's. Vidar - 9” x 13” x 3.875” BasX A1 - 17” wide x 15.5” x 4” each. The Vidar is $699. The 2 BasX A1 Monoblocks are 42% more expensive @ $998. It wasn't mentioned in the review.

[@zztop7000]

I have Emotiva Basx 5175 it's great amplifier should I buy this for center and front channels? Because Basx 5175 is powerful enough.

[@Audfile]

The only problem with Bas X (I got an A300 on a shelf) is the are not very good at driving bass heavy speakers. Good at mids and highs, not a very refined Soundstage. But EXCELLENT for the money. I'm running a Parasound now, and there is a clear difference. Emo was still good though! For the money. Edit, however that monoblock is huge. I reserve judgement and it's probably very very good.

[@kimbalxyz2]

Anyone else remember when Emotiva offered their Class A monoblocks ?

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

Great review. I have been thinking about getting another used Parasound P23 and using their special monoblock style. I'm on the LRS+ wait list.

[@aquaescape411]

Build a pair of Amp Camp Amps. $330 ish a piece when in stock. Fun build too!

[@cheapaudioman]

I have one. Apples and Oranges.

[@aquaescape411]

Now you need another one and run as monoblocks😁

[@darrellross8609]

Yes... I keep my iem's in extra glasses cases. No one things there are $200 iem's, in a glasses case. Best, D.

[@mikebrowning2701]

Love the Sevendust T.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Got 2 Bryston 7 BSST2 4300 the pair I love Bryston ❤

[@Assimilator702]

The most practical rationalization to buy 2 of these A1 vs an A2 is the price. $540 for an A2. $480 for an A1. Buy an A1 and you have $60 to put towards your second A1. Now the second A2 only costs $420. Who wouldn’t buy a 200 watt A/B amp for $420? Not to mention you’re getting 80 watts total of more power into 8 ohms. 250 watts more power total into 4 ohms. That’s the math I did right before I ordered my pair of A1. Can’t wait to get them.

[@RdandTrk1]

Man, I'm really trying to watch the whole video before commenting, but I can't resist the impulse. The title alone.....AWESOME!!!!! Edit: Aaaaaaaaand this is exactly why you should watch the whole video. So this item begs the question, how does this monoblock compare to the cheaper and similarly spec'd Outlaw Audio 2220?

[@cheapaudioman]

would love to find out.

[@RdandTrk1]

@cheapaudioman I was reading through the comments, and I noticed that someone else mentioned this and I also saw your response. I hope they reach out to you. This is a comparison that needs to happen.

[@tpr299]

I hope that someday soon you’ll review the Outlaw Audio RR 2160 stereo receiver. It’s a pretty feature rich piece of audio equipment. There’s not much that it doesn’t do. I think it’s a good value for what you get.

[@kyleolsen3305]

As much as I love high value audio, most of Emotiva gear I've picked up has really not held up well. My A100 desktop amp takes 10min to "warm up" and sounds distorted beyond belief until that happens. And the Basx multichannel audio amps I've picked up sound bad and "dirty" compared to even the integrated amps in anthem AVR. It really makes me hesitant to even consider further purchases from Emotiva.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

I bought a stereo amp by ACCURUS way back when. The manual said the amp needed 100 hours or so to burn in! I thought, Right! 100 hours for your ears to adjust! It was THE WORST sounding amplifier I ever heard bar NONE! I was angrily disappointed but persevered through the 100 hour burn in period. Glad I did! It finally burned in right in the middle of a sound and it was night and day! Very, very neutral sounding amp and after about 200 hours - just beautiful! Patience!

[@Kadomount]

I now have an "audiophile" heating pad under my A-100. Does the trick even when its zero degrees outside. I preheat for a few minutes in the winter.

[@jedknutson8373]

there hit and miss for sure....

[@peterrichard3706]

I have the A 100. No problems, I have other stuff from them. All is excellent

[@loveracing1988]

I have a Basx A7 and it takes time to warm up and now one of the channels is nothing but distortion. Been working since Saturday to get them to warranty it but they only seem to be able to send 1 email per day.

[@Jack-oc2fc]

Never would have guessed you're from Texas. I would have thought Illinois.

[@joshpope2141]

SteveMcQueen by Sheryl is a great song man. Also, just listened to James Taylor “Gaia” streaming from blue sound power node to my spanking new store demo (so broken In) JBl L100 classics. Killer, check the 4:00 mark and hopefully have urs blown like mine just was. Gong-angels agg Is ready to go on the marrantz tt42

[@ericelmore2742]

Great comparison, trying to put together a system. Would love to see the emotiva TA-1 mono block in comparison to the outlaw 2200 mono blocks . I went through checkout on there both there sites and the outlaw came out being about $75 cheaper. Would def like to hear what the schiit Freya plus would sound with these mono blocks. Adding the freya + with these mono blocks may be the best bang for your buck in hifi today! Thanks for doing what your doing!!

[@dalerobertson9618]

The klispch m600 II is on sale now for 449.99

[@MrWinger1951]

I have Emotiva speakers, amp and DAC and all are performing tip-top over the many years I've owned them. The performance to price ratio is high.

[@dungysphincter7974]

Emotiva needs to make an affordable, yet powerful class D amp.

[@ben23a31]

Randy great review, I've been waiting on this amp for months. But now my dude it's time for a comparison of the Emotiva A1 vs the Outlaw 2200 (an ATI design) with similar power specs. However, it comes with XLR connection and is $399 each or $699 when purchasing a pair. Can you make it happen? 🤞🏼👊🏽👍🏽✊🏽

[@RdandTrk1]

This!

[@dchale1]

I'd like to see this as well. I wish Emotiva would provide the 4 ohm power rating using 20-20000 rather than 1k. Outlaws monoblock is 300 Watts RMS into a 4 ohm load from 20Hz - 20kHz with .05% total harmonic distortion (A-Weighted) versus the Emotiva at 325 watts RMS; 1 kHz; THD < 0.1%; into 4 Ohms. I would guess that makes it less than 300 at 20-20000.

[@ben23a31]

@@dchale1 agreed! Ratings at 1k is meaningless especially at 4ohms.

[@danefonseka8534]

Hey Cheapaudioman, can you please review the mini dsp flex (with Dirac live) as a cost-effective dac/pre amp/streamer, paired to a class AB amp, like the Emotiva basX? I'm looking to pair this setup with bookshelves and a powered sub. Why don't audiophiles use room correction more often??

[@sandibaker7646]

I have had excellent coffee from gas stations.

[@ze_german2921]

Why would you need 300watts if everyone talks about 25w tube amps is all you need?

[@carlosc3260]

I've owned the A2 for little over 6 months now. It's been a complicated relationship. I tried using it with emotiva's Airmotiv B1+ speakers. Not a good idea. The A2 need to play at relatively loud volume to open up. At mid/low volume it really sounds congested and veiled (compared to IOTAVX SA3/PA3). I then move it to play ELAC Reference BR62s, and the contrast to the IOTA Stack is jarring. Reviewers keep saying the BasX boost in the low frequencies is "subtle". To me is quite a lot. With the ELACs I can give it more volume and appreciate a bit better vocals. However, the "airy" and clean/crisp highs are not to be found here. The ELACs are already smooth up there, so with the A2 is a bit too smooth and too much bass for me. I suspect the A1 is going to have a very similar sound to the A2. They probably are the same amp.

[@NightFlight1973]

Goes to show if you're going to use multiple speakers, have multiple amps on hand. They all sound different - with different speakers. Wheeeeee...

[@margaretclark7629]

I will take a pair of crown xls 2502 as mono blocks superior in every way and they don't shut down like my emotiva xpa-2 gen2 power amplifier my speakers are 90s paradigm flagship studio monitor series they are 4ohms nominal but dip down in the lower ohms emotiva loves to over heat and shut down. emotiva is good with regular speakers though the crown does not even get hot.

[@spacejaime]

Excellent review! When are you going to review the Wharfedale 12.3?

[@peterrichard3706]

I got the A 2./ P T 1 . The best.. The reason, one set of speakers max wattage is 250 . 4 ohm floor drivers. It's 170 in 8 ohms. My Ohm L,s are rated 80 Watts ,8/4 ohms I fear the power into 8 will over power the L,s. Now the Cerwin Vega,s RE 30 s Can work with the full current nicely. So if the amps are 350 in 4 ohms what type/ kind of driver would u use.

[@mlhm5]

Put hockey pucks between the amps if you want to stack them on each other.

[@9mmmike642]

…and keep your stick on the ice.

[@tikilord66]

Make sure they are Sith Audio hockey pucks.Audiophile dont ya know.

[@cheapaudioman]

love it

[@toranarama1]

I wish these came with XLR input. I would have brought 2 and connected my PS Audio Perfectwave DAC direct to them.

[@m4nc1n1]

Here is what I know. I had 4 BasX A-300 2ch running my 7 ch HT and switched to the Marantz 8077 7ch. The Marantz wins in every category hands down. Emotiva is a great entry amplifier company, no doubt. But I would argue for music. I always feel I need to turn the treble up on a BasX and in HT that's not as cut and dry. These should of been 250 into 8 ohm. Just not worth the money when the A2 is $499, 160wpc, you get 2ch, and only 40w less per ch.

[@peterrichard3706]

I recently heard a Carver TFM 25. 250WTS INTO 8 OHMS. VERY NICE! My A2 just as nice.. Near field listening!? You really can't appreciate these nearfield. You need to get 10 to 15 ft away. Then you'll see ! or hear

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Thanks!

[@cheapaudioman]

thank you for all of your support, my man.

[@bsbabcock]

So now.. Dang it Randy! I'm rethinking my plan for the CSS 1TDX project (yes I'm still building.. no time.. you know how it is). Orignally considering the Node / Vidar combo.. Then the Marantz 40n, or NAD M10 V2 or similar.. Now I'm back to a Node (if it's analog output is good enough), straight into possibly one of these Emotiva options. Space is no concern, so I'm beginning to think these mono's or the HC-1 possibly. Hmm.. Wonder if the TA2 DAC could better the Node?

[@freightdawg6762]

I have a A2 & A3 ive been trying to think of an excuse to upgrade them but i cant

[@derekwaters8854]

Mono means one channel left or right but I find a pa amp can do the job I use it as a center channel it's alright

[@TheBababa420]

Thank you for the comment about nut understanding Discord. Me Too..

[@watcheswork1217]

Love the sponsor