Emotiva is the Audiophiles Dirty Litte Secret. Best "Bang for Buck" manufacturer on the planet. They also denounce Snake Oil as actively as they produce quality gear.
@P T It’s not bad, it’s just not preferred in your system. I can verify that all the BasX class AB amps are VERY good for music. 👍🏼👍🏼They EASILY touch the tail of Hifi.
@P T again… I will recap. Better to you. This entire thing is subjective. Your reference is some one else’s gear they have stacked int their closet. The BasX line is neutral, analytic, and has minimal coloration. Some do not like that. But they’re still dynamic and detailed and overall for the money, hard to beat generally speaking.
I added the basx a2 amp to my midlevel Yamaha AVR on my mains for a ton of headroom and to free up 2 internal channels of amplification, my mains are klipch towers with a 100db sensitivity and it is absolutely silent at idle and incredibly dynamic and smooth, great deal for under $500
Lovely and accurate presentation as always dear Steve. More and more people are in the market for good quality and superlative value integrated solid state amps primarily due to the fact that the majority of us live in smaller places than we used to ten years ago just to make ends meet and are not able to splash cash in a pre power amp. Also it's much wiser from a financial and value for money perspective to invest your hard earned cash to a decent integrated. I guess this is what marketing and engineering teams in all big hifi brand manufacturers should have in mind for their next big product. An integrated amp with some of the features that were once pretty basic when I was a student shopping for hifi. (mm/mc input, headphone output and maybe a radio receiver) at a price point of 1 to 2k which is affordable to all of us who are hif aficionados with a decent monthly income but with a lot of bills to pay. Rotel has already followed that path. I have been eagerly awaiting Nad to follow the same path but on a Class AB not D as they do have the experience in knowledge from many years ago to design and produce excellent sounding integrateds but I suppose that the board of directors alongside with their engineering team thought that Class D is more efficient...I absolutely agree with two of the things you mentioned on the video ..Class AB is much warmer than the computer sounding class D and also most importantly that Ohm speakers are fantastic. I heard a pair once and was literally blown but unfortunately it is extremely difficult to get them where I live now (U.A.E.)
I'm paying close attention to your advice and learning so much. I'm 69 and before I die, I want a great listening system. I sure hope that whatever I buy sounds great with Melanie s voice. I have almost every recording she made and then some. Her masterpiece is an album titled "Stoneground words ". I am excited to hear it on a great system. I can't wait! I may be asking you a few questions as I get into this build, I hope that will be OK with you? Thanks Steve, you're the best!
I would agree, my TA100 when used with it's internal DAC and Phono is pretty average. When using a quality source it is very competitive against amps many times its price point. Love my TA100 and A300 amp, it's truly audiophile and even after having many high end amps on loan I'm still happy with the Emotiva and haven't bothered upgrading
I just set up my first hi fi system this week. I built a set of CSS Torri diy speakers and paired them with the Emotiva Ta 1. All I can say is wow! I know my set up is junk compared to systems on this channel, but I’m just an average guy. My mind is blown. I can’t believe what these little speakers are doing.
This was fascinating and very helpful for me. I have that very REL subwoofer at home right now and am messing around with my LRS. Very useful information that I can use. Those Ohms are lovely too. I have an old pair of Walsh 4 that I enjoy very much. What a tremendous value for those just starting out, or for someone who doesn't want to break the bank and "get in the game"
I bought an all-in-one streaming amp a few years ago, but I gradually offboarded the phono, streamer, and DAC to separates, and each time there was an easily noticeable improvement. I like the idea of all-in-one boxes, but I don't think I could give up the control separates affords now. Just something your thoughts about the Liberty vs. on-board DAC put me in mind of.
@@jayman3575 Actually, that reminds me. I have a separate power amp also. I still use the integrated as a preamp. It has a decent remote, lots of inputs, a sizeable LED screen with volume display, and a bluetooth receiver that I use to stream audiobooks and podcasts from my phone. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if the Schiit Saga sounded better for just a few hundred bucks. Maybe I'll try it out someday.
I have the TA 1 and the Klipsch RP600 Mark 1's. very good, detailed (but not overly) all good, no complaints. But In my large-ish room, they really want a sub. Deciding on that now. The TA2 has better bass management than the TA1 and I'm working out the best way to integrate the sub.
FINALLY, Emotiva has DONE IT! I used to have the USP 1 Preamp and LOVED it! Now when I get this new one, I can finally stop kicking myself for selling my SUP 1. Thanks Emo!
The adjustable crossover is a big deal. I own the TA-1. The bass management was the deciding factor when I pulled the trigger on it. Unfortunately, Emotiva really shot themselves in both feet with their implementation. The TA-1 is locked at 90hz, which is too high. Also, if you switch the internal amp to high-pass, you have NO full range pre-out. This would be useful for using two subs in stereo to bypass some of the imaging issues with the high crossover point. Because the TA-1 is a bit under powered, switching the main speakers to high pass had a big benefit for me. I have JBL Studio 580's which are reasonably efficient, but not high sensitivity. The JBLs to scale very well with electronics. I also have a pair of cheap, Dayton Audio 12" subs and I stack my towers on top of the subs becuase of space constraints, but also, I like the sensation big sound from the speakers above the listening position. I upgraded to the TA-1 from an SMSL AD18. It was definitely a step up, but not huge. I later added a Schiit Vidar and now just run the speakers in full range. Adding the Vidar was a bigger step up than the TA-1 over the AD18! I started out using the Vidar in high-pass and the subs in stereo. (This is possible because there are hardwired high-pass pre-outs, allowing you to leave the optional pre-outs on full range for stereo subs.) With the Daytons, I didn't have any imaging problems.. But I realized later, that's because the Daytons crapped out above 80hz, in my room. I auditioned a pair of SVS SB3000s. Running those in stereo with the speakers on high pass out of the Vidar was pretty magnificent. They went to 90hz and above with no problem, all the way down to 17-18hz with authority! However, even though running the subs in stereo solved the left to right imaging problems, I couldn't stop noticing the vertical separation between the speakers and subs. 90hz is just too high. Long story short, if the TA-1 had an 80hz or lower, or adjustable crossover like the TA-2, I probably would have kept those subs and been happy. More importantly, I would be done spending money on my speaker system. But no. I went and returned all the subs and ordered some huge, full range speakers instead. Next I'll be spending more money on even better electronics, as a result. As for the TA-2, it looks like a pretty promising all in one box, if that's what you want. I would have strongly suggested skipping the TA-1 because the internal amp is too weak. I would recommend getting the PT-1 instead and pairing it with a more powerful external amp like the A2 or Schiit Vidar. the TA-2 looks to solve this problem. However, if the only difference is more power and an adjustable high-pass.. $900 is a harder sell. The DAC is good, but not great. There's no XLR anything. At this price, you are competing with pretty high end AVR receivers or considering some discrete components. Similar to Steve's experience, if I take my TA-1 out of the system and drive my Vidar with my high end kit from my headphone system, it blows the TA-1 out of the water. Unless they upgraded the over all quality of all the components in addition to adding power, I think $900 is just too much for what it is. At $600 to $650, it would be a no-brainer and still a solid deal at $700. I'm basing this opinion off my experience with TA-1, so grain of salt.
Familiar with any other budget preamps that have similar crossover options and HT passthrough like the PT2? Im only familiar with the parasound p6 that does offer XLR connectivity but also more expensive....
As a former Maggie 1.7i owner and having auditioned the LRS and the LRS+, I can say from experience that Maggies, at least from the 1.7i and lower NEED A subwoofer. There is denial about base amongst Maggie owners. But it is a case of trying them with subs. Once you do, it will revolutionize the sound. You will absolutely not go back. Maggies can’t go low. There is no sub-bass, no bass slam or air movement. As for the Emotiva receiver 200 watts is not a lot of power for Maggies, and they need power to thrive. But this is possibly a good entry level receiver. But for me, the audible fans are a deal breaker. If you listen to music with space between the notes, hearing fans is not acceptable. I had a PS Audio P12. I sold it. In the process I happened to look at the bottom. To my surprise I saw two fans! No wonder I was hearing fan noise in my listening room. So glad I sold the P12. I should have never have bought it. On to the Ohm micro walsh. So looking forward to that review. I may be of similar vintage as you Steve and have fond memories of visiting Tech Hifi and listening to Ohm A speakers with the full size inverted Walsh drivers. My Dad ended up getting a pair of Ohm B speakers. Those were full size box speakers that sounded great. Thanks for all you do!
As a longtime Maggie owner I agree. I have two subwoofers in my system and it absolutely makes the biggest difference. I’m on my fourth pair of Maggie’s and I can tell you A sub is absolutely necessary.
The fans are horrific. I'll probably return. If Steve didn't find them intolerable, he should probably get his hearing checked. I'm 10' away and I can hear them over the music.
Love the look and probably the sound of today’s viewers system. Much cleaner look then the system that you showed yesterday. I believe yesterdays system was an architects system it looks sort of overdone too filled with ‘this and that’ No matter what it sounded like but this picture looks really cool and well thought out visually and visual counts as well especially to the wife.
Great review Steve, I would encourage you to test out the Emotiva HC-1 Mono blocks 300W, they are really worth a listen!! Transformed the sound coming out of my speakers
Why "guess"? Blind listening is a low-resolution exercise. No responsible reviewer uses it. See Atkinson's testimony circa 1979-81. He got an amp that "measured well" - as a result he "stopped listening to music". He recounted this at 2018RMAF and has written about it. ua-cam.com/video/NdjO9ZIx8ag/v-deo.html
After watching this video I knew I wanted Ohm Speakers so I started researching them and I talked to Jake at Ohm. Then I ran into Larsen Speakers which are similar in design and some people think they are superior. Steve, have you heard these? What do you think? Keep up the great work and thanks!
I went with the ohm speakers as with the larsons there is no trial. I also read on some forums that people who have had both like the ohms better. In the end I think nothing speaks more to confidence in a product than me a 120-day trial.
Bro, you *HAVE* to see this! It is THE damn funniest thing ever! The 'Steve Guttenberg' reference is beautiful! The UA-cam video is called, 'MOFI: the Downfall of Mobile Fidelity - Hitler Reacts' Trust me, this is frigg'n HILARIOUS! 😂
I’ve had the TA1 and first generation RP600Ms with GR-Research upgrade for a while now and I really love it. For the money invested, it’s a fantastic little system. Especially when you’re like me and you prefer simplicity over separates.
@@JR-ho5qm I’m just now getting to the point where all the components in the network have settled, so to speak, but so far so good. I’ll be doing an “official” sound test tonight or this weekend. My experience so far… The mid range is so much more pronounced, and clearer. Before I felt the vocals could feel a bit restricted in the sound stage, now they pop right out at you and sound like they are literally on the front of the strange where a singer typical stands. The different parts of a song sound more separated and crisper. The two biggest things I like about the upgrade is the fact that it smooths out the top end really nicely and surprisingly extends the low end quite a bit. The speaker is super bright to begin with because of a weird peak in the high end, but this mod completely solves that, making the speaker sound enjoyable for a lot longer of a time. Huge improvement with sibilance. And that low end extension… That was a pleasant surprise! I didn’t expect that, but it’s significant. I really don’t need to turn on my sub anymore, though I still choose to. And the low end is also a lot more accurate. The hit of a kick drum is much faster, whereas before sounded a bit muddy. Overall, it’s worth the money for the upgrade… if you got a deal on the speakers. So getting a set of first gens at the price they are selling right now… totally worth it. I bought them on sale a while ago and so my total investment is less than a set new second gens.
@@gavinm717gkm right on! Good to hear! The clarity you gained in just having higher quality crossover parts likely would have been worth it, then add in The network change it’s probably a much much better speaker. Did you add the No Rez? Danny helped me with my CerwinVega speakers and am extremely happy with the results.
@@JR-ho5qm yeah I did the full upgrade, so ro-rez, crossover, and tube connectors. What CVs do you have? I’ve always loved the looks and the big bass. I told myself I would own a pair if I ever have the space for them.
@@gavinm717gkm ya l like Vegas, it’s funny how they get a bad wrap. But I bought my first pair in 1996 when I was 16. VS120s. I still have them in excellent condition. I got the urge to by there latest model SL12s and I was really disappointed with both build quality and sound. Danny’s upgrades helped allot to the point they out preformed my older VS120s. As for the build quality I’m a automotive painter and grew up working at a cabinet shop so I also made cosmetic changes completely transforming the speakers. CV has since been bought out and are coming out with a new speaker soon. I had so much fun doing the last ones I will likely buy the new model and do it again.
Thank you Steve for the review. That analog bass management feature is appreciated, but I am puzzled as to how one would send only the highs via the amp’s speaker outputs, to say, a small bookshelf speaker. The High Pass section on the rear seems to affect only the line-level Pre-outs. The Emotiva site does not have any info on the TA2 yet. Thanks again!
My Parasound has a similar feature, and it sends the High Pass signal to the RCA outs, the speaker output and I believe the Balanced outputs as well. So all the outs run through the filter.
Steve, love your non pretense reviews. I own this amp with a Thorens MM and JBL L100 speaker set up. In you opinion, what set up do you think works best? I listen to LPs 70% and 30% off Tidal Bluetooth. Love your channel!
I'm going to call it a receiver, because it is. Integrated amps are now very often called "power amps". Who knows WTF people are talking about these days when they call things whatever they think sounds the coolest.
Looking forward to the Ohm micro review! Btw, do you (or any of your viewers) know of any decent A/D converters separate or built into a phono preamp? I can only find cheap things on Amazon, nothing I would want in my system. I would like to use one to upload my LP's for backup and to have the option of listening to recordings of my lp's from a USB drive.
Look on the pro audio/studio side, specifically the MOTU M2. It’s a screaming deal at $200 at Sweetwater (and other places). You will still need a phono preamp of course, and some vinyl-focused software. I’ve got a thousand-dollar microphone plugged into mine right now. It’s a brilliant A/D/A.
I think neonomad's recommendation is the way to go. Walk into any music store and tell them you need an audio interface. These are very big sellers, so any place you go should have a good selection. Also, they all come with software, so you may want to look at that before you buy.
I really wish they made an integrated amplifier as I am not interested in receivers. Emotiva seems to make good product, but I don’t want a receiver in my main music listening system.
Brilliant review! Thank you. I wanted to know more about that flexible bass mangement, is it worth it? It seems such a cleaver facility, I believe it relieves the main speakers from working hard to push their woofers so low and hence they would performs better in the rest of the spectrum. I am surprised other companies do not have it.
I took delivery of my TA2 a little over a week ago, and am seriously considering returning it. Pros: High power and 4ohm rated - it easily drives my Thiel 2.2's. Cons: Those #^$&*! fans. It honestly sounds like I'm in the middle of a bayou swamp on a full moon on a summer night when they kick on. Especially for music that's not death metal, it's intolerable. All the way across the room (I'm 65 BTW)! Why they chose 2 tiny PC fans instead of a large low-RPM fan is beyond me (physics guys). It's a high RPM squeal/chirp. They're "smart" so they spin faster depending on heat, but as soon as I start to push it just a little bit, they kick on. Just a cheap shortcut and I'd like to talk to whoever greenlit _that_ layout. I'll just get a fanless, lower power Denon made in Japan.
Have they worked out the problem where distortion is very high until the amp warms up? I had a BASX-A100 that had that problem and sent it back. The replacement was better, but the experience left me squirrely. Audio Science Review commented on the same issue in their review of the A100.
Interesting that the emotiva has fans in it but yet the outlaw audio integrated for about the same price does not. I've never been a fan of any amplifier having fans inside. Get it? Seriously though, sounds like a compromise design considering Outlaw could do it without fans
I've got a 20 year old monster amp that has a fan for the power supply and it hasn't come on even once in the 20 years that I've owned it. Nothing wrong with just having a fan. I posted elsewhere where my Emotiva's fan hasn't come on either. Maybe Steves room/setup isn't ideal?
Would it be a match for the Rotel A14 mkII, it is perhaps a bit weaker on the power section on paper, but the DAC and phono pre seem to be first class and yes it is a bit more expensive. So the Emotiva seems to have the most bang for the buck if you don't use the DAC because your Streamer or your CD-Player have a very good one.
The fans in the TA2 are a dealbreaker for me, although I might be more hypersensitive to fan noise, especially during a listening session more than the average person. I'm sure the amp could have been better engineered to be passively cooled but they were trying to design to a pricepoint. Living in a warmer climate, or during summer, I can imagine the fans getting really annoying.
Now lets see what amps do I use? A Crown xls 402 thats 450 watts a Crown LDP 1500 thats 400 watts and a QSC RMX 2450 kicking out 750 watts per channel at 4 ohms. I bought all second hand for less than that 200 watter and they all sound great !!
Think of it as a 1800 dollar receiver if it were sold in brick and mortar store for half off. All it needs is tone controls with loudness button , sub cutoff and mono button.
Hi, Congrats for the review. I have a pair of Mirage M3Si Speakers. They are very large and power demanding (86db) speakers. I do not like very loud listening, more on the loud moderate listening. Do you think this Emotiva PT2 should be a good match with these speakers and deliver good sound with them?
I have this arriving Thursday and appreciate having watched this first. Thanks. Do you think I can find a better phono preamp for $300 or is the one in the TA2 that good? I wonder if it's better than the preamp in my Technics SL 1500C turntable? I can't seem to find these internal preamps reviewed in comparison to a decent stand alone one.
Hi Steve.. Been seriously looking at the BasX TA1 w/ a pair of Emotiva B2+ speakers... What do you think? I like the price tag, and from what I gather, would be a sweet little rig.. perhaps a sub a bit later.
Another great review! Does the LRS+ sound right with other amps? Or is the LRS+ just bass shy? Or is this Emotiva amp a little bass thin? I am just a bit confused. I need a new amp, just want to be sure as I can be. Thanks for your help!
Yeah, it's confusing. The LRS+ is bass shy, with most affordable amps. Sounds way better with the $5K Pass Labs XA25 amp. Which is why I recommend using the LRS+ with a sub with the Emotiva and most affordable amps. .
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac The 25-watt XA25 is a little out of my comfort zone. I had not planned on getting the LRS+ anyway. It seems you were really impressed with the sound of the TA-2 with the Ohm and Klipsch, and you did say: "its neutral and it just sounds right". So, I took the plunge and ordered the TA-2 last night.
Hello,....how would you compare this to atoll in50 amp sonic vise?. I am aware of wattage difference I am thinking between in80, and this emotiva. Does emotiva create soundstage depth if paired with for example klipsch and soe good dac, if the recording is done with depth?
How would this amplifier handle Polk audio s60 towers I plan to buy the onkyo RZ 50 and pair a extra amplifier so my surround speakers go onto the avr amplifier instead of the front 3 speakers
How does that clown afford that $10k used Luxman amp and the $10k Sonus Faber speakers he recently purchased? He says his YT channel is his only job now. His subscriber numbers and view numbers certainly wouldn't generate enough ad income to pay his living expenses and afford that expensive stuff he buys. And his Patreon numbers don't support that either. He's shady AF.
How about GoldenEar Triton speakers with a class D subwoofer amp? Is your opinion that a class D doesn't sound as good as class A/B apply to subs like this too?
Steve, Forgive my ignorance... I'm new to the Audiophile hobby. Regarding base management... are you saying that if I use a powered Subwoofer that ... it frees up the power that would have been used in a non-Subwoffer system to power those low frequencys now... is saved and available for use at frequencys above the Subwoofer cross-over frequencys? ie more power for my mid & high frequency music. Cheers, Eric
Hi, i have a question. Im using the same dongle dac and same earphone to two different phone (samsung s21fe & redmi note 10 pro). And it sounds so damn different. The samsung sounded so bright, unbalance, thin and fatiguing. Unlike the xiaomi that sounded balance and have nice detil and power too. Anyone know why that happening? Thx
You need to bypass the android OS controlling your audio by buying a cheap app called "USB Audio Player Pro". This will feed the original digital bitrate directly to your external dac. Very popular and lot's of advanced features if needed for using different devices like you are. I use it with my Samsung S21 Ultra and my S7+ tablet with an Ifi HipDac, sounds way better using the app. Happy listening 🎶
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Steve...I got my Cornwall IVs for $5k second hand as the previous owner used them for only about a half year and then needed to sell them due to virus related economic issues. They pair with my 50 year-old HK 930 receiver wonderfully, and as you have stated in previous reviews, you really don't need a high power or expensive amplifier to get wonderful sound from these speakers.
I really like this one on the Klipsch, but it’s not gonna do well with the quad 57 or Magnepans in general. Then again, I don’t know of any $900 integrated amp that word.
It was last century when I last had a common wall with a neighbor, so I wonder - what is the practical good-neighbor limit using a sub? I also wonder: would the $350 (delivered cost) Schiit 6-band EQ help improve the thin LRS balance? One of the "extra" two bands (vis--vis the 4-band option) allows the user to juice the balance at 120Hz. (both have a "20Hz band") This is not important to a user with $20k+ Pass amps driving Cornwalls - or one with no neighbor-walls - but I wonder how this might work on a "budget" or for a second system.
So how do they do high power class A-B amplifier with digital inputs, MM/MC phono stage AND a toroidal transformer for $899 in today's inflationary environment? Doesn't make sense. Either they are loosing $$$ or the price will be going up once some are in the market. You said it sounds good, but is it refined?
Regarding the price, they’re selling direct. If it was sold through dealers and the price would be basically double, $1800. Asked for your question of refinement, it’s a matter of degree, I Parasound HINT6 is better, but it’s $3,500
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I get the sell direct thing, but it still doesn't add up to any profit in my head....unless they are getting enough volume discounts on every part. Thx for the reply.
I haven't noticed any issue (Thiels are a 4ohm and worse load), but I'd live with THD if it weren't for those crappy fans. I can't believe how loud they are. I had concerns, but it's far worse than I ever thought. The main reason I got this thing was the rating (fudged though it may be) and it sounds good IMO. But until they throw a few more cents towards working on the heat sink, I think I'll be returning it.
@@slidetek Yeah, see; it sounds like its struggling to drive your speaker load. For me it comes down to whether I want to spend my money on an Emotiva amp with 1% distortion (even with their more expensive XPA line), or something like an Outlaw amp with 0.03% THD.....and they're conservative with their specs. They also have XLR inputs.
Marketing, marketing, marketing... the only reason to combine a superior amplifier with a DAC of lesser quality is for the manufacturer to hit a set price point, while deceitfully appearing to offer a 'complete' package. How much less could they offer an all analog amplifier for, if they left off the DAC? Not much, since DAC chips are inexpensive. Meanwhile Class D amplification is improving more and more and will soon not just match Class AB amps quality wise but at far less cost. Smart manufacturers will offer a quality class d amplification driven by a linear power supply with a quality DAC for less cost... The lesson is clear; Stay up with tech advances or get left behind.
Made in China makes it a no go for me. I try not to support countries using slave labor and concentration camps. Sometimes you can't avoid it but audio is something we can sacrifice. Options are available.
![[UA] Eternal Fire проти NAVI | EPL Season 20 Malta](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/chvlsDygrZM/mqdefault.jpg)
Emotiva is the Audiophiles Dirty Litte Secret. Best "Bang for Buck" manufacturer on the planet. They also denounce Snake Oil as actively as they produce quality gear.
agree 100% many of my customers use Emotiva products and I love their quality and detail.
@@ladieslistentoo2953 you have a great user name. I love it.
@P T It’s not bad, it’s just not preferred in your system. I can verify that all the BasX class AB amps are VERY good for music. 👍🏼👍🏼They EASILY touch the tail of Hifi.
@P T again… I will recap. Better to you. This entire thing is subjective. Your reference is some one else’s gear they have stacked int their closet. The BasX line is neutral, analytic, and has minimal coloration. Some do not like that. But they’re still dynamic and detailed and overall for the money, hard to beat generally speaking.
They can measure quite poorly but ok
I added the basx a2 amp to my midlevel Yamaha AVR on my mains for a ton of headroom and to free up 2 internal channels of amplification, my mains are klipch towers with a 100db sensitivity and it is absolutely silent at idle and incredibly dynamic and smooth, great deal for under $500
Nice.
Lovely and accurate presentation as always dear Steve. More and more people are in the market for good quality and superlative value integrated solid state amps primarily due to the fact that the majority of us live in smaller places than we used to ten years ago just to make ends meet and are not able to splash cash in a pre power amp. Also it's much wiser from a financial and value for money perspective to invest your hard earned cash to a decent integrated. I guess this is what marketing and engineering teams in all big hifi brand manufacturers should have in mind for their next big product. An integrated amp with some of the features that were once pretty basic when I was a student shopping for hifi. (mm/mc input, headphone output and maybe a radio receiver) at a price point of 1 to 2k which is affordable to all of us who are hif aficionados with a decent monthly income but with a lot of bills to pay. Rotel has already followed that path. I have been eagerly awaiting Nad to follow the same path but on a Class AB not D as they do have the experience in knowledge from many years ago to design and produce excellent sounding integrateds but I suppose that the board of directors alongside with their engineering team thought that Class D is more efficient...I absolutely agree with two of the things you mentioned on the video ..Class AB is much warmer than the computer sounding class D and also most importantly that Ohm speakers are fantastic. I heard a pair once and was literally blown but unfortunately it is extremely difficult to get them where I live now (U.A.E.)
Love the Emotiva products, best bang for the buck.
A lot of bang,but little quality for the bucks!
@GeirRssaak you've made this same comment numerous times, what is your experience with this amp?
I'm paying close attention to your advice and learning so much. I'm 69 and before I die, I want a great listening system. I sure hope that whatever I buy sounds great with Melanie s voice. I have almost every recording she made and then some. Her masterpiece is an album titled "Stoneground words ". I am excited to hear it on a great system. I can't wait! I may be asking you a few questions as I get into this build, I hope that will be OK with you? Thanks Steve, you're the best!
I would agree, my TA100 when used with it's internal DAC and Phono is pretty average. When using a quality source it is very competitive against amps many times its price point. Love my TA100 and A300 amp, it's truly audiophile and even after having many high end amps on loan I'm still happy with the Emotiva and haven't bothered upgrading
Great video! Thx. Excellent choice of speakers and supporting comments.
I just set up my first hi fi system this week. I built a set of CSS Torri diy speakers and paired them with the Emotiva Ta 1. All I can say is wow! I know my set up is junk compared to systems on this channel, but I’m just an average guy. My mind is blown. I can’t believe what these little speakers are doing.
This was fascinating and very helpful for me. I have that very REL subwoofer at home right now and am messing around with my LRS. Very useful information that I can use. Those Ohms are lovely too. I have an old pair of Walsh 4 that I enjoy very much. What a tremendous value for those just starting out, or for someone who doesn't want to break the bank and "get in the game"
I bought an all-in-one streaming amp a few years ago, but I gradually offboarded the phono, streamer, and DAC to separates, and each time there was an easily noticeable improvement. I like the idea of all-in-one boxes, but I don't think I could give up the control separates affords now. Just something your thoughts about the Liberty vs. on-board DAC put me in mind of.
Do you use your integrated as preamp now or dont use it at all anymore?
@@jayman3575 Actually, that reminds me. I have a separate power amp also. I still use the integrated as a preamp. It has a decent remote, lots of inputs, a sizeable LED screen with volume display, and a bluetooth receiver that I use to stream audiobooks and podcasts from my phone. Still, I wouldn't be surprised if the Schiit Saga sounded better for just a few hundred bucks. Maybe I'll try it out someday.
I don't know why but I have a feeling that all the separates are giving you is control and not necessarily better audio!
I have the TA 1 and the Klipsch RP600 Mark 1's. very good, detailed (but not overly) all good, no complaints. But In my large-ish room, they really want a sub. Deciding on that now. The TA2 has better bass management than the TA1 and I'm working out the best way to integrate the sub.
I immediately knew the LRS Maggies were on Steves mind when the 4 ohm specs were shown.
Ohm Speakers are fantastic in my opinion - I have Walsh 2s and the Microwalshes - they don’t always get the appreciation they deserve
FINALLY, Emotiva has DONE IT!
I used to have the USP 1 Preamp and LOVED it! Now when I get this new one, I can finally stop kicking myself for selling my SUP 1.
Thanks Emo!
Another great review, and like others I am looking forward to the Ohm review!
The adjustable crossover is a big deal. I own the TA-1. The bass management was the deciding factor when I pulled the trigger on it. Unfortunately, Emotiva really shot themselves in both feet with their implementation. The TA-1 is locked at 90hz, which is too high. Also, if you switch the internal amp to high-pass, you have NO full range pre-out. This would be useful for using two subs in stereo to bypass some of the imaging issues with the high crossover point. Because the TA-1 is a bit under powered, switching the main speakers to high pass had a big benefit for me. I have JBL Studio 580's which are reasonably efficient, but not high sensitivity. The JBLs to scale very well with electronics. I also have a pair of cheap, Dayton Audio 12" subs and I stack my towers on top of the subs becuase of space constraints, but also, I like the sensation big sound from the speakers above the listening position.
I upgraded to the TA-1 from an SMSL AD18. It was definitely a step up, but not huge. I later added a Schiit Vidar and now just run the speakers in full range. Adding the Vidar was a bigger step up than the TA-1 over the AD18! I started out using the Vidar in high-pass and the subs in stereo. (This is possible because there are hardwired high-pass pre-outs, allowing you to leave the optional pre-outs on full range for stereo subs.) With the Daytons, I didn't have any imaging problems.. But I realized later, that's because the Daytons crapped out above 80hz, in my room. I auditioned a pair of SVS SB3000s. Running those in stereo with the speakers on high pass out of the Vidar was pretty magnificent. They went to 90hz and above with no problem, all the way down to 17-18hz with authority! However, even though running the subs in stereo solved the left to right imaging problems, I couldn't stop noticing the vertical separation between the speakers and subs. 90hz is just too high.
Long story short, if the TA-1 had an 80hz or lower, or adjustable crossover like the TA-2, I probably would have kept those subs and been happy. More importantly, I would be done spending money on my speaker system. But no. I went and returned all the subs and ordered some huge, full range speakers instead. Next I'll be spending more money on even better electronics, as a result.
As for the TA-2, it looks like a pretty promising all in one box, if that's what you want. I would have strongly suggested skipping the TA-1 because the internal amp is too weak. I would recommend getting the PT-1 instead and pairing it with a more powerful external amp like the A2 or Schiit Vidar. the TA-2 looks to solve this problem. However, if the only difference is more power and an adjustable high-pass.. $900 is a harder sell. The DAC is good, but not great. There's no XLR anything. At this price, you are competing with pretty high end AVR receivers or considering some discrete components. Similar to Steve's experience, if I take my TA-1 out of the system and drive my Vidar with my high end kit from my headphone system, it blows the TA-1 out of the water. Unless they upgraded the over all quality of all the components in addition to adding power, I think $900 is just too much for what it is. At $600 to $650, it would be a no-brainer and still a solid deal at $700. I'm basing this opinion off my experience with TA-1, so grain of salt.
Familiar with any other budget preamps that have similar crossover options and HT passthrough like the PT2? Im only familiar with the parasound p6 that does offer XLR connectivity but also more expensive....
I wonder how this one would sound compared to the Outlaw Audio RR2160?
VSotD beautiful setup. Mini-easel for the album is a big 👍
Alright Steve, Im gonna need the review for the Ohm Micro Walsh now. Lol
As a former Maggie 1.7i owner and having auditioned the LRS and the LRS+, I can say from experience that Maggies, at least from the 1.7i and lower NEED A subwoofer. There is denial about base amongst Maggie owners. But it is a case of trying them with subs. Once you do, it will revolutionize the sound. You will absolutely not go back. Maggies can’t go low. There is no sub-bass, no bass slam or air movement. As for the Emotiva receiver 200 watts is not a lot of power for Maggies, and they need power to thrive. But this is possibly a good entry level receiver. But for me, the audible fans are a deal breaker. If you listen to music with space between the notes, hearing fans is not acceptable. I had a PS Audio P12. I sold it. In the process I happened to look at the bottom. To my surprise I saw two fans! No wonder I was hearing fan noise in my listening room. So glad I sold the P12. I should have never have bought it. On to the Ohm micro walsh. So looking forward to that review. I may be of similar vintage as you Steve and have fond memories of visiting Tech Hifi and listening to Ohm A speakers with the full size inverted Walsh drivers. My Dad ended up getting a pair of Ohm B speakers. Those were full size box speakers that sounded great. Thanks for all you do!
As a longtime Maggie owner I agree. I have two subwoofers in my system and it absolutely makes the biggest difference. I’m on my fourth pair of Maggie’s and I can tell you A sub is absolutely necessary.
How would you compare this sonically to Outlaw Audio RR 2160 Mk2 ?
Are the fans powerful enought to keep your room cool during the summer?
The fans are horrific. I'll probably return. If Steve didn't find them intolerable, he should probably get his hearing checked. I'm 10' away and I can hear them over the music.
Love the look and probably the sound of today’s viewers system. Much cleaner look then the system that you showed yesterday. I believe yesterdays system was an architects system it looks sort of overdone too filled with ‘this and that’ No matter what it sounded like but this picture looks really cool and well thought out visually and visual counts as well especially to the wife.
The persuasions sing Zappa is a great album👍👍
It was Outlaw receiver, back then.
Great review Steve, I would encourage you to test out the Emotiva HC-1 Mono blocks 300W, they are really worth a listen!! Transformed the sound coming out of my speakers
I would love to see you guess what class an amplifier is blindfolded.
Why "guess"?
Blind listening is a low-resolution exercise. No responsible reviewer uses it.
See Atkinson's testimony circa 1979-81. He got an amp that "measured well" - as a result he "stopped listening to music". He recounted this at 2018RMAF and has written about it.
ua-cam.com/video/NdjO9ZIx8ag/v-deo.html
@Fletcher Fortune still being a total knob I see... bellend.
No way any reviewer would ever do that and why they never will. Most of the expertise would be proven bs in one video.
After watching this video I knew I wanted Ohm Speakers so I started researching them and I talked to Jake at Ohm. Then I ran into Larsen Speakers which are similar in design and some people think they are superior. Steve, have you heard these? What do you think? Keep up the great work and thanks!
I went with the ohm speakers as with the larsons there is no trial. I also read on some forums that people who have had both like the ohms better. In the end I think nothing speaks more to confidence in a product than me a 120-day trial.
@@lansinghuck3742 great points.
Bro, you *HAVE* to see this! It is THE damn funniest thing ever! The 'Steve Guttenberg' reference is beautiful! The UA-cam video is called, 'MOFI: the Downfall of Mobile Fidelity - Hitler Reacts' Trust me, this is frigg'n HILARIOUS! 😂
just an incredibly appealing value proposition, *AGAIN* from them
Now I can’t decide between Outlaw rr216O mark 2 and the Emotive. Any thoughts?
I’ve had the TA1 and first generation RP600Ms with GR-Research upgrade for a while now and I really love it. For the money invested, it’s a fantastic little system. Especially when you’re like me and you prefer simplicity over separates.
How do you like the GR Research upgrade? 👍🏻🔈
@@JR-ho5qm I’m just now getting to the point where all the components in the network have settled, so to speak, but so far so good. I’ll be doing an “official” sound test tonight or this weekend.
My experience so far… The mid range is so much more pronounced, and clearer. Before I felt the vocals could feel a bit restricted in the sound stage, now they pop right out at you and sound like they are literally on the front of the strange where a singer typical stands. The different parts of a song sound more separated and crisper. The two biggest things I like about the upgrade is the fact that it smooths out the top end really nicely and surprisingly extends the low end quite a bit. The speaker is super bright to begin with because of a weird peak in the high end, but this mod completely solves that, making the speaker sound enjoyable for a lot longer of a time. Huge improvement with sibilance. And that low end extension… That was a pleasant surprise! I didn’t expect that, but it’s significant. I really don’t need to turn on my sub anymore, though I still choose to. And the low end is also a lot more accurate. The hit of a kick drum is much faster, whereas before sounded a bit muddy.
Overall, it’s worth the money for the upgrade… if you got a deal on the speakers. So getting a set of first gens at the price they are selling right now… totally worth it. I bought them on sale a while ago and so my total investment is less than a set new second gens.
@@gavinm717gkm right on! Good to hear! The clarity you gained in just having higher quality crossover parts likely would have been worth it, then add in The network change it’s probably a much much better speaker. Did you add the No Rez? Danny helped me with my CerwinVega speakers and am extremely happy with the results.
@@JR-ho5qm yeah I did the full upgrade, so ro-rez, crossover, and tube connectors.
What CVs do you have? I’ve always loved the looks and the big bass. I told myself I would own a pair if I ever have the space for them.
@@gavinm717gkm ya l like Vegas, it’s funny how they get a bad wrap. But I bought my first pair in 1996 when I was 16. VS120s. I still have them in excellent condition. I got the urge to by there latest model SL12s and I was really disappointed with both build quality and sound. Danny’s upgrades helped allot to the point they out preformed my older VS120s. As for the build quality I’m a automotive painter and grew up working at a cabinet shop so I also made cosmetic changes completely transforming the speakers. CV has since been bought out and are coming out with a new speaker soon. I had so much fun doing the last ones I will likely buy the new model and do it again.
Hmmm no mention of Outlaw RR2160 mk 2 Yo
Thank you Steve for the review. That analog bass management feature is appreciated, but I am puzzled as to how one would send only the highs via the amp’s speaker outputs, to say, a small bookshelf speaker. The High Pass section on the rear seems to affect only the line-level Pre-outs. The Emotiva site does not have any info on the TA2 yet. Thanks again!
My Parasound has a similar feature, and it sends the High Pass signal to the RCA outs, the speaker output and I believe the Balanced outputs as well.
So all the outs run through the filter.
@@pnichols6500 that would make sense!
Man, Emotiva is so consistently good and what a value
Steve, love your non pretense reviews. I own this amp with a Thorens MM and JBL L100 speaker set up. In you opinion, what set up do you think works best? I listen to LPs 70% and 30% off Tidal Bluetooth.
Love your channel!
I'm going to call it a receiver, because it is. Integrated amps are now very often called "power amps". Who knows WTF people are talking about these days when they call things whatever they think sounds the coolest.
Looking forward to the Ohm micro review!
Btw, do you (or any of your viewers) know of any decent A/D converters separate or built into a phono preamp? I can only find cheap things on Amazon, nothing I would want in my system. I would like to use one to upload my LP's for backup and to have the option of listening to recordings of my lp's from a USB drive.
Look on the pro audio/studio side, specifically the MOTU M2. It’s a screaming deal at $200 at Sweetwater (and other places). You will still need a phono preamp of course, and some vinyl-focused software. I’ve got a thousand-dollar microphone plugged into mine right now. It’s a brilliant A/D/A.
I think neonomad's recommendation is the way to go. Walk into any music store and tell them you need an audio interface. These are very big sellers, so any place you go should have a good selection. Also, they all come with software, so you may want to look at that before you buy.
I really wish they made an integrated amplifier as I am not interested in receivers. Emotiva seems to make good product, but I don’t want a receiver in my main music listening system.
Brilliant review! Thank you. I wanted to know more about that flexible bass mangement, is it worth it? It seems such a cleaver facility, I believe it relieves the main speakers from working hard to push their woofers so low and hence they would performs better in the rest of the spectrum. I am surprised other companies do not have it.
I took delivery of my TA2 a little over a week ago, and am seriously considering returning it. Pros: High power and 4ohm rated - it easily drives my Thiel 2.2's. Cons: Those #^$&*! fans. It honestly sounds like I'm in the middle of a bayou swamp on a full moon on a summer night when they kick on. Especially for music that's not death metal, it's intolerable. All the way across the room (I'm 65 BTW)! Why they chose 2 tiny PC fans instead of a large low-RPM fan is beyond me (physics guys). It's a high RPM squeal/chirp. They're "smart" so they spin faster depending on heat, but as soon as I start to push it just a little bit, they kick on. Just a cheap shortcut and I'd like to talk to whoever greenlit _that_ layout. I'll just get a fanless, lower power Denon made in Japan.
Have they worked out the problem where distortion is very high until the amp warms up? I had a BASX-A100 that had that problem and sent it back. The replacement was better, but the experience left me squirrely. Audio Science Review commented on the same issue in their review of the A100.
Interesting that the emotiva has fans in it but yet the outlaw audio integrated for about the same price does not. I've never been a fan of any amplifier having fans inside. Get it? Seriously though, sounds like a compromise design considering Outlaw could do it without fans
I've got a 20 year old monster amp that has a fan for the power supply and it hasn't come on even once in the 20 years that I've owned it. Nothing wrong with just having a fan. I posted elsewhere where my Emotiva's fan hasn't come on either. Maybe Steves room/setup isn't ideal?
@@Roof_Pizza But many many other manufacturers have eliminated a fan or fans completely. Thus 100% no POSSIBLE fan noise.
Thanks Steve!
Steve - what’s your favorite sub-$1000 integrated amp for the Lrs+ so far?
Would it be a match for the Rotel A14 mkII, it is perhaps a bit weaker on the power section on paper, but the DAC and phono pre seem to be first class and yes it is a bit more expensive. So the Emotiva seems to have the most bang for the buck if you don't use the DAC because your Streamer or your CD-Player have a very good one.
The fans in the TA2 are a dealbreaker for me, although I might be more hypersensitive to fan noise, especially during a listening session more than the average person. I'm sure the amp could have been better engineered to be passively cooled but they were trying to design to a pricepoint. Living in a warmer climate, or during summer, I can imagine the fans getting really annoying.
I've never heard the amps in my A300 come on
I guess the fans only run when you push the amp. With very dynamic music at laud volume you might hear the fans in more silent parts.
Now lets see what amps do I use? A Crown xls 402 thats 450 watts a Crown LDP 1500 thats 400 watts and a QSC RMX 2450 kicking out 750 watts per channel at 4 ohms. I bought all second hand for less than that 200 watter and they all sound great !!
Think of it as a 1800 dollar receiver if it were sold in brick and mortar store for half off. All it needs is tone controls with loudness button , sub cutoff and mono button.
It has to have tone controls. Doesn't it ? The ta1 does
Not 100% markup at retail. Speakers, sure but not electronics.
Hi, Congrats for the review. I have a pair of Mirage M3Si Speakers. They are very large and power demanding (86db) speakers. I do not like very loud listening, more on the loud moderate listening. Do you think this Emotiva PT2 should be a good match with these speakers and deliver good sound with them?
Did you part with the SME 15 turntable?
About three years ago, I don't miss it.
I have this arriving Thursday and appreciate having watched this first. Thanks. Do you think I can find a better phono preamp for $300 or is the one in the TA2 that good? I wonder if it's better than the preamp in my Technics SL 1500C turntable? I can't seem to find these internal preamps reviewed in comparison to a decent stand alone one.
I do have the same klipsch speakers and an svs sub.
Hi Steve.. Been seriously looking at the BasX TA1 w/ a pair of Emotiva B2+ speakers... What do you think? I like the price tag, and from what I gather, would be a sweet little rig.. perhaps a sub a bit later.
Thanks for this review. How will this amp pair with Tektron DI?
I wonder what they could do with say a 3500 or 5k integrated.
The Persuasions tip is why I show up....
Where would someone upload pics and information of their home system for the viewer system of the day?
Another great review! Does the LRS+ sound right with other amps? Or is the LRS+ just bass shy? Or is this Emotiva amp a little bass thin? I am just a bit confused. I need a new amp, just want to be sure as I can be. Thanks for your help!
Yeah, it's confusing. The LRS+ is bass shy, with most affordable amps. Sounds way better with the $5K Pass Labs XA25 amp. Which is why I recommend using the LRS+ with a sub with the Emotiva and most affordable amps. .
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac The 25-watt XA25 is a little out of my comfort zone. I had not planned on getting the LRS+ anyway. It seems you were really impressed with the sound of the TA-2 with the Ohm and Klipsch, and you did say: "its neutral and it just sounds right". So, I took the plunge and ordered the TA-2 last night.
Those fans scream mid-fi. Schiit Vidar is how you do a heatsink
Actually the "small" headphone hole IS an annoyance. Small to big adapters work. Big to small don't.
Hello,....how would you compare this to atoll in50 amp sonic vise?. I am aware of wattage difference I am thinking between in80, and this emotiva. Does emotiva create soundstage depth if paired with for example klipsch and soe good dac, if the recording is done with depth?
How would this amplifier handle Polk audio s60 towers I plan to buy the onkyo RZ 50 and pair a extra amplifier so my surround speakers go onto the avr amplifier instead of the front 3 speakers
Would have liked add on of LS50 and maybe the new B6 Emotiva
I got the PT1 n A2.
30 y old re 30 cv
Nice!!!
Great video! I didn't see and tone controls knobs on front can you adjust the base and treble or with remote?
Yes, with remote
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Its awesome to get a reply from the man the myth and legend! Take care and thanks for all you do
So I have a pair of L100 Classic's and I'm looking for a Class A/B chassis, do you think it'll be a good match with my JBL's?
How would this pair with the wharfdale diamond 12.2?
Also is this amp noisy is it worth the asking $999 ?
Jay…..”Another best in its price range …In my opinion on my journey “
How does that clown afford that $10k used Luxman amp and the $10k Sonus Faber speakers he recently purchased? He says his YT channel is his only job now. His subscriber numbers and view numbers certainly wouldn't generate enough ad income to pay his living expenses and afford that expensive stuff he buys. And his Patreon numbers don't support that either. He's shady AF.
How about GoldenEar Triton speakers with a class D subwoofer amp? Is your opinion that a class D doesn't sound as good as class A/B apply to subs like this too?
Steve,
Forgive my ignorance... I'm new to the Audiophile hobby.
Regarding base management... are you saying that if I use a powered Subwoofer that ... it frees up the power that would have been used in a non-Subwoffer system to power those low frequencys now... is saved and available for use at frequencys above the Subwoofer cross-over frequencys? ie more power for my mid & high frequency music.
Cheers, Eric
No its got an anolog hi pass feature which allows you to take out the deep bass in say a small bookshelf speaker and having the sub deal with it.
@@stevieg2755 OH. Thx.
I thought using a powered Subwoofer meant more power was free to be used by the others speaker.
Cheers,
Eric
Hi, i have a question.
Im using the same dongle dac and same earphone to two different phone (samsung s21fe & redmi note 10 pro). And it sounds so damn different. The samsung sounded so bright, unbalance, thin and fatiguing. Unlike the xiaomi that sounded balance and have nice detil and power too.
Anyone know why that happening?
Thx
You need to bypass the android OS controlling your audio by buying a cheap app called "USB Audio Player Pro". This will feed the original digital bitrate directly to your external dac. Very popular and lot's of advanced features if needed for using different devices like you are. I use it with my Samsung S21 Ultra and my S7+ tablet with an Ifi HipDac, sounds way better using the app. Happy listening 🎶
Like my Outlaw audio RR2160 but a bit more powerfull.
Actually, that outlaw was rated conservatively. Stereophile did test on it and it measured about 165 at eight ohms and 200 at 4 ohm.
How would it sound with Bowers & Wilkens 603' speakers?
I was about to buy a Ragnorak. Now maybe this or Cambridge...
I have Cornwall IVs and was wondering if you tried this on the ones you own, and if so, how did it pair?
Sorry, I did not. I'm sure it would sound fine, but if you dropped $6K+ on Cornwalls they deserve better than this.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Steve...I got my Cornwall IVs for $5k second hand as the previous owner used them for only about a half year and then needed to sell them due to virus related economic issues. They pair with my 50 year-old HK 930 receiver wonderfully, and as you have stated in previous reviews, you really don't need a high power or expensive amplifier to get wonderful sound from these speakers.
This or Atoll IN50 for sound quality? Using Klipsch RP600s mk i. Would like Magnepans and Quad ESL 57s in the future.
I really like this one on the Klipsch, but it’s not gonna do well with the quad 57 or Magnepans in general. Then again, I don’t know of any $900 integrated amp that word.
This is a great review only 2 months old and the price is already increased to $1000!
Where can you find the basXTa2 emotiva doesn’t have it one their website?
It's just now coming out, check their website in a day or two.
Great, a $900 receiver that sounds like a hot computer. Joy.
It was last century when I last had a common wall with a neighbor, so I wonder - what is the practical good-neighbor limit using a sub?
I also wonder: would the $350 (delivered cost) Schiit 6-band EQ help improve the thin LRS balance? One of the "extra" two bands (vis--vis the 4-band option) allows the user to juice the balance at 120Hz.
(both have a "20Hz band")
This is not important to a user with $20k+ Pass amps driving Cornwalls - or one with no neighbor-walls - but I wonder how this might work on a "budget" or for a second system.
Does it have ht bypass?
Yes
How does TA2 compare to TA1?
So how do they do high power class A-B amplifier with digital inputs, MM/MC phono stage AND a toroidal transformer for $899 in today's inflationary environment? Doesn't make sense. Either they are loosing $$$ or the price will be going up once some are in the market. You said it sounds good, but is it refined?
Regarding the price, they’re selling direct. If it was sold through dealers and the price would be basically double, $1800. Asked for your question of refinement, it’s a matter of degree, I Parasound HINT6 is better, but it’s $3,500
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac I get the sell direct thing, but it still doesn't add up to any profit in my head....unless they are getting enough volume discounts on every part. Thx for the reply.
Unfortunately for me, Emotiva does not handle 4ohm loads well, particularly with respect to THD.
I haven't noticed any issue (Thiels are a 4ohm and worse load), but I'd live with THD if it weren't for those crappy fans. I can't believe how loud they are. I had concerns, but it's far worse than I ever thought. The main reason I got this thing was the rating (fudged though it may be) and it sounds good IMO. But until they throw a few more cents towards working on the heat sink, I think I'll be returning it.
@@slidetek Yeah, see; it sounds like its struggling to drive your speaker load. For me it comes down to whether I want to spend my money on an Emotiva amp with 1% distortion (even with their more expensive XPA line), or something like an Outlaw amp with 0.03% THD.....and they're conservative with their specs. They also have XLR inputs.
Try the Hpa 300 watt mono by emotiva.
Anybody here using their TA2 with LS50 meta?
Would it be a good match for my wharfedale 4.2? Thanks
I think so. It’s a fairly easy speaker to drive.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thank you for your feedback!
Bummer that there’s no output for digitizing lp’s or cassettes…..
Steve hates plastic remotes! Companies.... Help this man out! Lol
Love the videos!
Dear Steve! I still love your reviews! However, emotiva is very outdated company! A lot of bang,but little quality for the bucks!
You lost me at, “EMOTIVA”
I think it's a good deal I will buy this
Marketing, marketing, marketing... the only reason to combine a superior amplifier with a DAC of lesser quality is for the manufacturer to hit a set price point, while deceitfully appearing to offer a 'complete' package.
How much less could they offer an all analog amplifier for, if they left off the DAC? Not much, since DAC chips are inexpensive. Meanwhile Class D amplification is improving more and more and will soon not just match Class AB amps quality wise but at far less cost. Smart manufacturers will offer a quality class d amplification driven by a linear power supply with a quality DAC for less cost...
The lesson is clear; Stay up with tech advances or get left behind.
2 months and they've already increased the price $100
Fan noise is a no go for me.
Agree don’t understand why they put a fan in the audio gear. Not just a fan, even 2 fans. !!
Same here, these components should run silently. It’s very distracting for critical listening.
Lol still digging at class D. Dont even try to pretend hypex doesn't kick ass.
Made in China makes it a no go for me. I try not to support countries using slave labor and concentration camps. Sometimes you can't avoid it but audio is something we can sacrifice. Options are available.
Same here
Sure, buy American if you can afford it! I'm all for it.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac With loads of Chinese sourced parts.
I'm sure the device your watching this on was made in America right ?
That also includes the phone your using
Steve... You got short changed. They should have sent you their Airmotiv B2+ speakers to mate with the Amp
Would rather buy something like a Van Alstine ...............
After the debacle that is the Emotiva ERC-4 CD player, I will not be purchasing any more Emotiva products. What a POS.