Under $1000 Integrated Amplifiers to BEAT - IOTAVX SA3 + PA3 Combo VS Rotel A11 !
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- Under $1000 audiophile integrated amplifier A/B comparison VIDEO.
relevant videos:
SMSL DA9 VS IOTA SA3: • DARN GOOD Under $500 A...
Rotel A11: rotel.com/en-ca/product/a11
limited time refurbished & discounted SA3: www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/pro...
limited time refurbished & discounted PA3: www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/pro...
PA3: www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/pro...
SA3: www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/pro...
Elac Unifi Reference: www.elac.com/lp/uni-fi-refere...
B&W606 S2 Anniversary: www.bowerswilkins.com/home-au...
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Better speaker stands: solidsteel.it/my-product/ss-7...
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Yo ! Which one would you pick and why?
Did you film the "The Blair Witch Project"? That shaky cam ... lol :)
@@laowho my hands were shaky. I need to grow some forearm muscles
@@Jayiyagi There's a reason most guys in audiophile chat can't relate to this comment...
@@Jayiyagi Rebecca must be guilty. At least partially 😜
Rotel. Easier to purchase in US, and I had a Rotel years ago and it was great. Probably go well with my Rega speakers too.
Did somebody say Iotavx? (Materializes into the chat) . First off, well done boys. I enjoyed the easy-going, relaxed vibe of this video. As for Iotavx: To this day, I feel like the SA3 integrated maintains its position as being one of the most well-rounded integerated amps in it's price class. I also prefer the sound of the SA3 by itself as opposed to the combo. While the additional amp (PA3) adds a lot more power, dynamic headroom, and general muscle to the sound - it sacrifices some of the balance and top-end smoothness that I like so much about the SA3. As always, preferences will boil down to room, speakers, and taste. And Jay - Skeptical, huh? That made me smile, and I know that you know why.. :D
The boyz have been OFFICIALLY critiqued….OH MY!!! 😵
I agree with Sean but the Iota has that Vintage flavor no1 talks about !
I have owned and own many vintage amps (neutrality/balanced)
The Iota has a nice sparkle up top also but the Audiolab 6000a gives the Iota a run for the money ! Serously thinking about shipping the 6000a out to my Audio Guru to try out for about 6 months 😆 Comparraion video is posted 😆 between the 2 speaker pairing is huge !
The STACK is what i call a dual mono integrated !!!!!!!!
Great review as I already own the Iota VX combo.
I really did consider the Rotel but the adaptability and features of the Iota won
Can you tell me the exact model of those Elac speakers please.
The only thing not mentioned in your review.
I happy to see you young guys with real listening rooms, enthusiastic about audio. I've enjoyed listening for nearly 50 years and still love it. Thanks from Colorado.
I have had the Iota stack for over a year and have it paired with the Triangle Borea 3 speakers and a Hsu sub and think that is a great combo. More importantly my girlfriend, now my wife, was surprised by how good this system sounds. She was blown away when listening to Pink Floyd’s Pigs. Enough said.
Dude! Your wife likes deep Pink Floyd cuts? You hit the Lotto friend ;)
Nice review, guys! Really glad you are liking those Uni-Fi Reference speakers! I might have to pick up a pair when they are available. I have the Uni-Fi UB52's, more or less the same speaker with a slightly smaller bass driver. It's amazing how good these sound! They have such great tone and they image and soundstage exceptionally well. When they are set up properly on good stands, away from walls, and in a treated room like you and I have they are hard to beat. I have modified mine as well, upgraded the binding posts to rhodium plated pure copper and went in and did a NoRez-like internal dampening of the enclosure. Sounds fantastic! Incredibly, they are the least expensive component in my system (my speaker cables cost more) and they do not seem out of place at all. I am driving them with a modified Schiit Vidar and a Musical Paradise MP701 MKII tube preamp (Mundorf's throughout).
I bought the IOTAVX SA3 after watching Sean's review, ran it for a year or so as an integrated. I bought the KEF LS50 Meta speakers some months ago and decided I'd like more power but decided to go with Class D for my power amp and I went with the Audiophonics MPA-S250NC RCA Stereo Amplifier (it uses the Hypex Ncore NC252MP module) and the detail and dynamics (particularly in the bass) are incredible! 😁
Now we knew right from the start that the Iota combo has more power than the Rotel. What I expected was a comparison between the two at the same listening level. I’d pick the Rotel, as I’ve had excellent experience with them over the years. Also, the Rotel (at least my current one) has a very conservative approach to tone controls, -/+ 6db.
Can't wait for your Unifi Reference review!
Great video! Love the set up and style!
Thanks - really nice video. Loads of fun. You guys are the closest we will get to the equivalent of Harold and Kumar being interested in hifi gear. 😁
Great review. I have a wide range of music taste, for me the A11 combined with the Dali Zensor 5 AX suited my taste the best. Very detailed and great soundstage, even at low volumes.
Love the T-shirt. My favourite budget integrated was Arcam. I couldn’t afford the FMJ series at the time
guys I bought the IOTAVX SA3 + PA3 and paired it with KEF R3 speakers and a Denon cd player and sound is fantastic !!
I started off with the Elac Uni-Fi Slims and the IOTAVX sa3, a month later I order the pa3. Then I added a miniDSP 4x10 HD and another pa3. I have since ripped out the miniDSP as it did more harm than good because of how it royally screws up the phase. I have since upgraded the Elacs to Kef Q950's and the sa3 to a NAD C658. I also added 2 JL Audio Dominion D110's. The sound is bliss. Great review guys. I loved it. 🤘
@@AntoineViau-00 No I haven't tried them with the sa3. When I had the Elacs it sounded a million times better with the stack so I never bothered to test the KEF's with the sa3. I am curious now though. 🤔 They are rated 8 ohm but drop down to 3.2 ohms, so I wonder if they are power hungry like the Elacs and want that current for them to open up or not. Maybe one day if I have time, I'll borrow the sa3 back from my son and give it a try.
Great review. Love the room set up, colours of wall and the use of accoustic mats...and the Eames chair. Been weighing between Rotel A11 or Rotel RB-1552 MK II Stereo Power Amplifier and running off my Yam Rec connected to Yam NSF-700. Will check out IOTA which may match well?
Nice review as usual.
I see Emotiva has released a new Pre PT1 at $400 and a Power amp A2 at $450 I hope you get a chance to review this combo and with the Elacs ub62 Ref
It seems everybody loves the Iotavx sound and I'm sure I would like it as well. I'm just not sure I could get past the looks - VX reminds me of the cheap midi hifi systems looks of the 80's/90's. The Rotel Tribute looks the biz and I have always been a fan of the KI sound which favors the midrange. Thanks for a great A/B comparison!
Go Thujan! Welcome back
❤️
Nicely done - thanks
This review and a few others led me to pick up the SA3, plan on getting the PA3 next, currently paired with a pair of Wharfedale D320s. Very entry level for sure, but is working well, although w the addition of the PA3 I’ll be looking at speaker upgrade.
I like the younger direction this channel is taking. Some senior citizen was droning on about audio gear previously and it put be to sleep.
Rare video!
Jay actually could smile!
It's really heartwarming to see such great values in audio where you can get great sound without having to take out a Mortgage. Good job guys
I own the SA3 + PA3 combo for about 6 months now and am really happy with it. Run it with KEF LS50s plus a Rel T5i sub. Sounds great in my opinion. Might upgrade the amp soon to a Technics SU-G700 (unfortunately not often reviewed) but more as I prefer the modern retro looks of it. Might still hold on to the IOTAVX for using it in another room.
Hi Vander I’m thinking of being the Iotavx. If you buy again would you know owning it for a few months or would you buy something els.
@@felixlaboy1453 I think I still would buy it again as the sound is actually great for the price. My system is not in a separate listening room, but in my living room so very visible. The IOTAVX looks are also not bad but when I think of my youth in the 80s and 90s I just immediately fell in love with the looks (and the VU meters) of the Technics. As said probably not even going to sell the IOTAVX.
@@bvander131313 any chance you have tried connecting dual Rel T5i on the Iotavx stack? If you did how did it perform? I have the SA3 with Triangle BR03. No subwoofer yet. Thanks.
@@larrywarner9775 Sorry, have got only one sub. This works/sounds great though.
@@bvander131313 thanks for the reply
You have a beautiful room 😉 I like the room dividers
Rotel anytime. Should have done without the PA3 so that the power level is more or less the same.
I would probably choose the iota stack because I like the look of separates. I wish they came in Silverdale.
I'd like to see someone do a review on the new Musical Fidelity M6 500si since Pro-Ject took over and started manufacturing it at a much reduced price. I'd like to see the control of 500wpc on speakers.
Good review here as usual though.
Thanks
Hi very nice video. It would be interesting to compare the IOTAVX to the SMSL DA9 wich fared pretty well in a previous review. Have you tried the tiny SMSL with the ELACs?
Thanks for the great review yet again, would like to ask if IOTA-VX combo will work well with Raidho-X1 Speakers? not able to find a good amp for my Raidhos-X1, any suggestion be appriciated.
Great review as always! Would you recommend the SA/PA combo or just the SA3 with a pair of Br03s?
Does Elac have impactful punch? E.g. compared to KEF R3?
We need to get you a gimbal for those handheld shots. I followed you over from your time at Audio Excellence CA so I’m fairly new to your channel. Your listening space seems quite small but I’m wondering if the camera angle is distorting things. What are the dimensions of your listening room?
How about emotiva basx preamp and A2 to compare sub 1k system.
WOW! Great price. I would go with the TWO IOTAVX PA3 Power Amps, as I have a Schiit Freya +……but I prefer more power and I am currently saving for a pair of Kinki Studio EX-B7 Monoblocs to go with my Dynaudio Contour 20s 😎
That was cool. You two hangin' loose and just having fun with modestly priced gear! 👍🏻😁
I have the Iotavx stack and consider upgrading the preamp to freya+. How do you like your Freya so far?
@@NBK6KP9 The Freya + is great because you can do multiple sound signatures with the three operation modes…and have fun with the tubes. I am driving a 40-year old Bob Carver C-500 Amp @250 wpc@8ohms with the Freya using NOS tubes. It sounds fantastic "to me".
Do you have the same stac as Jay? Is the preamp in the integrated unit lacking?
I really enjoyed your new approach with your new review process!! Reminds me of a time in my life in Hifi sales talking to friends and clients having a good time enjoying the experience with new gear. Miss that. Thanks Guys!!
I would choose the Rotel over the Iota VX. Pair the Elacs with the Rel subs in the back, the refinement would shine through over the grain and headroom of the Iota VX.🤙🏽
IOTA VX definitely ...looking forward to what you guys have to say in detail about the Elacs !
Wonder why this combo was chosen i like to see Itova and Emotiva go head to head. I might be bias but think separates will always sound better. But on the Rotel which is the best sounding a11, a12, or a14?
Hi. Thanks for the video. Those Elacs seem to be pretty good choice. What about pairing them to a Sprout 100 ? Do you think that would work, or the iota is a much better choice?? thanks
How would the Iota mix with the 40 Triangle Comètes ?!? Thanx
Hey so what's that stunning looking tube device with the chrome transformer covers on the floor? Have you already reviewed it in an earlier video?
I have the SA3 +PA3. Funnny thing when I combine the two the center image moves to the left. Have to move left speaker back a bit or use the balance control to get the singer back on center. With the SA3 alone it's is spot on.
thats weird ! we didn't experience that
I would try some different rca cables.
@jesperBP are you using external tone control or are you changing tone on the Iota stack. I had the same issue.
In my case the issue was most felt when i introduced an external tone control. I was new and placed a schiit loki between the SA3 and PA3. That messed up the centering.
After I moved up the loki to before the input into SA3 it got solved. Since then I never rely on the SA3 tone control. I think their implementation is a little wobbly and limiting and messes up centering, especially when you pair the SA3 and PA3 as mono blocks. With schiit loki earlier in the chain, it is magical while retaining pin sharp centre image.
My take, check to see if your centering is messed up even with SA3 tone controls set at zero for bass and treble. That should tell you something.
@@ukbij I don't use any external tone control. It could be RCA cable problem but doubt it. I think it's something internal going on, the sound changes a lot when combining the two and not everything for the better. I agree 200% with Zero Fidelity comment to this video. " I also prefer the sound of the SA3 by itself as opposed to the combo. While the additional amp (PA3) adds a lot more power, dynamic headroom, and general muscle to the sound - it sacrifices some of the balance and top-end smoothness that I like so much about the SA3"
Also the remote control isn't the best. My volume symbols are almost gone and not from crazy extensive use. That is a first for me.
@@JOXperience i agree with your SA3 v/s combo observations. I however wanted the power. My workaround therefore was to add the external tone control and tweak around the edges. It has helped for not much extra. Schiit loki as an add on tone control is fantastic value at that price point with no loss to any of Iotavx's strengths. Gets me back that SA3 sweetness with the power of the PA3 combo.
It would be nice if you mentioned the model name of the Elac speaker, or mentioned it in the notes….
now this geting down and dirty with comparo thumbs up to you....
Did two of you just say "more brighter"? way to go
Have you guys heard the Cambridge Audio AXR100? Curious how you’d compare the two?
Love this review guys! I am currently running a Retro Rotel Rc- 970 BX Mark ll Stereo Controller and Rotel RB 956 ABX with Elac Debut Reference and I am in love! I have found that sound that takes me to my happy place! Please keep up the great work!
Could you please review the Audiolab 6000a? If you’ve already heard it, could you compare it to the SA3 + PA3 combo?
@@AntoineViau-00 speaker choice is probably the biggest factor. Synergy matters.
Are those speakers suitable for desktop listening? Hope Thujen got to test them out that way!
Hi and thanks for the review! I'm having a bit rough time to decide my situation as I have the Elac Debut B5.2-s where I replaced tweeter capacitor to get treble sound smoother and more detailed. Any advice between the Rotel or just-the-IOTAVX SA3 for starters (if needed I can upgrade with PA3 later when get the funds)? At the moment in my room (with Vista Audio Spark II) the vocals/mids and lower treble are a bit too forward and actually would like a little boost to the top-end. As the 5 inch woofer is a bit anemic maybe more kick would not hurt. Any tips would be welcome. I have smaller room without treatment.
is that a Rotel RA 1592 bottom rack on the long wall?
Hi jay , nicely done , I would liked to see you connect the rotel with your b&w's , I think you would be surprised .
I already have the Atoll In100 and other amps but I'm down for the Uni-fi reference :). Sadly i can't find it. Is it out ?
I have the Magnepan LRS speakers. Would the IOTAVX SA3 + PA3 drive the speakers?
IOTAVX sa3 will be a classic vintage amp one-day, much like the SA60 from Cambridge audio.
I picked up the Iota SA3 and two PA3's for $600 on Craig's List. I'm using it with a Bellari PA555 and Polk R200's. Sounds pretty damn good. I do want to try out those new Elac's though. I have a thing for three-way bookshelf speakers.
Jay soulsik I'm not sure if I should go with klipsch rp600m or bowers 606 or 607 or dali oberon 3 for both music n movies with Yamaha RX v6a what should I use I like treble but not to much n love bass
Is the previously reviewed SMSL DA9 comparable to these amps ? Or is it in a complete lower league ?
Are you planning on doing the review on the Stark Sound soon?
Which elac speaker is this?
I’m pretty sure you have said this in the past but what are the dimensions of your room? Also, what is that chair!?
How do either of these sound with speakers like the NHT C3. I'm thinking I would need a little more power than the Rotel for the c3's
Hi !! In addition to Kef R5 and Svs 3000 micro, what stereo amplifier can you recommend?
Rotel Cambridge Hegel Nad Naim??????
Thank you
Have a Nice Day
How do the Elac’s sound in comparison to Tekton Lore?
Great question.
I Know some people may liken any comparison between those two very different speakers to comparing apples to oranges, but that's a comparison I'm definitely hoping for from these guys.
For near field listening in smaller spaces the $70 Soundcore is an even better steal. I am saying this cause I tried 50w amps around $ 500-1000range and wasn’t satisfied at all. They will sound slightly bigger than the soundcore with bookshelves or will be wooly and lifeless with tower speakers. The truth is, for big hifi sound, even with bookshelves l, you need 100w+ power. We’re talking about $2500 and up for integrateds or separates to attain that big hifi sound.
It's perfect. But ru Happy with the logo on the Amp.. 🤔
Hi guys nice review how does it compare to the naim nait 5si
which of those is better to pair with my wharfedale diamond 12.2?
Have you tried to bi-amp Sa3(mids+highs) & PA3 (lows) in stereo mode if your speakers support bi-amping? In my setup, it sounds so much better than the mono config.
You should audition The Rega Brio amp 😎
Hey Guys, I my current set up is the ELAC Unifi 2.0 bookshelf speakers, Bifrost 2 DAC, and a 1979 Kenwood KA-5700 integrated (I really like the performance of this set up so far). I am waiting on a 1969 Kenwood KA-6000 integrated to finish being recapped to replace the KA-5700 in the system. At this point, I am looking to put together a second system in the living room (now that the kids have left the nest) and am looking to possibly replace the KA-5700 in this new system, which would drive a pair of ELAC Debut 6.0 that sound a little bit rolled off to me in the treble. Which would you recommend the Rotel or the Iota for this second system?
Hi, Steven from Malaysia and im having ps audio sprout 100 first generation pairing with elac debut series b6 also first generation 2 way speaker. Would like to hear anything about it regarding this pairing tq.
I had a Rotel 12 but was disappointed in its sound. I had to turn the treble way down. It was much too bright. I had a Peachtree 300, but sold it after buying the Iota sa3 +pa 3 combo. There was little difference between the two amps. 300 watts vs 100 watts, but I didn't need the extra power of the Peachtree. Price was a big issue, the Preachtree costing twice as much as the Iota combo.
Refreshing presentation, well done. 👍👍
How were they on the Lumina’s?
Can you play them loud, or if you must play them low... Do they sound good low?
It would be neat to see how the newly realesed Pt1 and A2 from Emotiva compares to these.
I agree. I am in that camp that is looking at the Emotiva as well. What will do it for me is probably the bass management / high and low pass filters of the Emotiva. I was so sold on Rotel, until I realized how valuable speaker equalization would be.
Check out the cheapaudioman review. He did a Saturday integrated shootout with the iota stack vs emotive stack. Excellent review.
What are those speakers on the stands back there
Have you ever reviewed jbl series 5 speakers like the jbl 530s?
Hi,
I'm using Elac BS403 with an Elac EA101eq-g integrated amplifier. Do you think ist would be an upgrade to take the IOTAVX SA3 / PA3 combination?
regards from Berlin, Germany
What Speaker cables used here ? Please
The iotavx combo should arrive today. Speakers I have kef 350, elac uni5 bookshelf, and wharfedale linton. So I have some options
Just fixed my re-capped Arcam 8R (had to swapout the MOSFETS) - bi-amped with a 8P (also re-capped) - the A11 will be on sale soon - has some nice features but just does not sound nearly as good as the old kit.
Hey Jay why does what's hi fi rate b&w 606 n 607 so high r they being biased or it's a good sounding speaker
I don't get the binding posts (sa3)... Can I push banana plugs in there?
I'd probably go for two PA3 power amp's and a separate pre.
Off all my stereo amplifiers that i ever own, only the iotavx stack has caught my wife's attention, she loves the sound.
I don't own or buy budget gear these days, but that's not how I started years ago. So I wonder how the Yamaha AS 801 integrated would stack up against these two amps? The Yamaha is in the same price range, has an on board dac and a very nice front end. I have not owned one but if I were in this market I would want to hear the Yamaha.
I've heard the 701s can drive elac unifi ub52 2.0s very nicely so I'm on the verge of getting the 801.
@@robertwoodward9231 - Congrats. the 801, like Yamaha, have been around for quite a while. Unlike other company's who have the latest and greatest amp every year, Yamaha does not play that bullshit game, they make a quality amp and sell it for years. Happy listening.
What about the NAD 316 bee v2?
Thanks - Iota for me . Try with my Spatial Audio X3's
Link the speakers in the description too
hello from France ! have you tried this amp combo IOTAVX with Magnepan LRS? The result is said to be perfect. thank you !
If you could get a Hegel rost for 1100.00 USD which one would you pick
I just got an A11 for £430 or $486 brand new, was supposed to be £600 from Richer Sounds but a few UK retailers were selling for £430 so I got it price matched by them, the guy in the shop couldn't belive it haha. Seems like a right steal. Replaced a NAD 3130 that I've had about 10 years (left channel/volume kept cutting in and out). Using a Cambridge Audio DAC Magic Plus and Dali Zensor 1. It sounds fantastic but I will be upgrading the speakers soon - any suggestions? Thinking of going up to around £1500 or so (that would be my end game IMO so do not see the point in getting a middle ground pair)
Marantz PM 6005 with 25th Anniversary Triangle Comètes ( 2007 Model)
Have you listen to IOTAVX AVX17. How does it perform with movies and 2 channel music.
what stands are those?
How is UniFi Reference vs KEF Q & R ?
Do you think that Rotel 11 is a good match For KEF R3 ?
You said that 85 dB is loud and talks about enough headroom. If I want 85 dB I only need 4 watt from my amp. 50w - 4w=46w. Is that not enough?