If you’re struggling, consider therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Click betterhelp.com/cheapaudioman for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/ Cambridge Audio CXA81 bit.ly/3WtgAKQ Emotiva TA2 bit.ly/3SRZvJR (affiliate) Rotel A11 ii howl.me/ckrnTMVOxLA (affiliate) Try Out Amazon Music for Free amzn.to/3ymrjPf (affiliate) Become a Patron patreon.com/cheapaudioman check out my other channel www.youtube.com/@cheapwatchman_official Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com BEST HIFI COMMUNITY OUT THERE patreon.com/cheapaudioman Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman TRY ROON www.rofjdjk3ns.com/33G977/2CTPL/ Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9 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
BetterHelp is a scam, please do better research on your sponsors. All it takes is a simple web search and you'll find lots of information on why Betterhelp sucks.
I’ve got the CXA61 amp. 60w is plenty for my Wharfedale 12.3’s. I use a Tecnodec, RB330, Dynavector 10x2 mk2 into a Graham Slee gram amp 2 and a Marantz CD6007 as my main sources and occasionally bluetooth. My room is 4m wide 5m long. The sound is amazing with both sources but vinyl has the musicality I love. The Cambridge amps are stereo amps primarily designed for 2 channel listening and as such are great for it. I don’t need a hdmi input as we have a separate system for movies. If I did need the input I would buy an adapter, but if 2 channel listening is not your main use the I would probably look at alternatives.
I’m a little older than cheapaudioman, and as someone who appreciates great sound, I have owned a (literal) stack of integrated amps and receivers, since my first quadrophonic purchase in 1974. I watched this video, and would have bought and changed out of all of those integrated if I was 40 years younger. Life changes, and the people you life with, place, and situations change. My current system will keep people listening until dawn if I don’t kick them out (and I have had to more than a few times). My current system has been in place for about 10 years (receiver that I have never tuned radio through, speakers and subwoofer), but I expect I have all the capabilities and quality I will ever require.
I actually spent big, lol. Bought a Denon A110 - key points - huge current into low ohms, tone controls, quality DAC, and made in Japan. I reckon it’ll be my last amp for awhile- buy once, cry once.
I've owned an Emotiva TA-2 for a little while now. It is powerful and sounds good. I can criticize the user interface as not being friendly, and the cooling fan can get loud. The volume scale is not in dB, and the numerical scale is from 0 to 80; the other head-scratcher is the scale markers for the low & hi-pass are not in round numbers (i.e., 10, 15, or 20). None are deal breakers for me because, in the end, I enjoy listening to the music. My speakers are the Emotiva XT-2, and I use a pair of Rythmik F-18s. The source is Linn Ikemi.
Thank you for caring and sharing Betterhelp. I am sure many of us struggle internally. You have built an amazing community and provided us with some great interactive connection opportunities through your Discord, Patreon, UA-cam content and music. The Rotel is on my list and may be owned one day, but I do have an Emotive TA1, purchased on your recommendation, which is amazing. Thank you for everything brother. Take care.
I got my Emotiva TA-2 delivered 2 weeks back and it powers my Martin Logan towers, I must emphasise that I couldn't be happier. The amp plays clean and has plenty of power. the sound of 90+ dbs filling the room is unbelievable and the bass delivery is totally out of the world. I know it has a lot to do with the speakers, but my speakers sound better with the TA2 than my Yamaha integrated amp that I used earlier.
Just curious which model Yamaha you were previously using. I just picked up the Revel Concerta2 F36’s and am trying to decide between the Emotiva and the Yamaha A-S801
@@loua2735If it helps… I have both at the moment, and the Yamaha’s sound is better to my ears… better clarity and dynamics. Loudness feature on the Yamaha is awesome for night mode and I have not had the need to use my sub with it. Klipsch RP-5000 speakers…
Can definitely agree with how good the phono is on the Rotel, however I actually went with the A11 Tribute as I didn’t need the digital inputs but I wanted 4 speaker outputs. Think the phono stage is the same. ❤🎵❤️🎵
I bought a TA1 for my daughter after her integrated bit the dust. The DAC isn’t my favorite but if you add a decent DAC then things get much better. Very good for the money.
There are of course other choices; I'm happy with my Keces e40 Integrated Amplifier. MSRP $750. I got mine at Xmas new from the US distributor for $550.00. Plenty of power for my 8ohm 86db sensitivity bookshelves in a 12.5' x 18.5' (600 sq ft) room. I'm in agreement with the positive reviews.
I ran Rotel pre power for over 30 years. Had them as a bridged mono pair, bi-amped… few different combinations. Powerful, bit unrefined but reliable and solid. They started to get crackly on the volume so unfortunately they had to go!! Replaced them with the Cambridge A61 (thought I was buying the 81 but….). Everything changed for the better. Especially with the external phono stage (also Cambridge). I later added the CD transport. Good solid build, easy set up and reliable Bluetooth connection all add up to a system that is easy to listen to and brings new life to old favourites. Buchardt P300 replaced an aging pair of Quad speakers… so a complete new system really. Pro-Ject carbon turntable with mods is the main front end. All works fairly well!! Thanks Randy. I enjoy the channel !
Heart did Stairway to Heaven at the Kennedy Center to honor Led Zeppelin. I won’t say their cover was ‘better’, but it was amazing nonetheless . Worth a listen.
Saw that on TV and it was great. Also saw them cover 'Rock n Roll" at the 1st TeXXas Jam in 1978 (I think...) where they did an incredible break in it that had the entire stadium screamin'!! (as more fog clears, I believe it was one of their encores...anyone?...anyone?...Bueller??)
She was also at the Kennedy Center that night doing a tribute, with Jeff Beck to Buddy Guy. She sang an Etta James song…. “I’d Rather Be A Blind Girl”. You probably saw it.
Great video, Randy. I own the Cambridge CXA81 (not MK II) and I love it. No vinyl in my system (got rid of all my vinyl quite a while ago and never looked back) so the lack of a phono stage doesn‘t matter to me. Plenty of power for my speakers.
Hey there Randy, Great content as usual, keep doin you! I'm 54 and started back listening to my Records I'd carried around for decades as CD ruled the world, Using my vintage amp,tuner, tape deck and turntable. Slowly over last few years replacing my vintage for new. Ended up getting a New amp= Marantz Model 50 All Analog no digital! Technics SL1200GR, JBL L52 Classic and a Project Tube Box S2 to use my Technics SL3300 Fully Automatic. So far I'm Loving All! The amp was pricey, but I'm A firm believer in you get what you pay for. I wanted Good specs with only Analog, and this Marantz is one of the few that are and affordable for me. Again Great content. Peace and Love from Rhode Island
Cool! I’ve been waiting for this review! I’ve been wanting to pull the trigger on the Emotiva. This review really helps me feel confident about getting the TA2
My son has the ta-1, we love it, if it had a streamer built in I’d stick with that for myself but I think I’m going with the WiiM ultra and an emotiva power amp instead?
I was looking for a nice integrated amp in the under 1000eur range. And eventually found an used Rotel A12MKII for 550, and has been nothing but wonderful to me. It has preamp output, A and B speaker output, a lot of input options, analog and Digital.
The best amplifier you can buy right now is half price, no dac no network just the best thing I've heard under 4k and it's a steal .. Randy you would thank me for this purchase, I think our sound signature is pretty close . Worth the step up transformer and the shipping .. Astin TrewAT2-2100 Integrated Amplifier
Nice video. I recently moved and was without my regular 2 channel hifi setup for a bit while getting settled in, so I decided to look into an affordable integrated for short term use. I heard the CXA81 and really liked the sound, but was a little hesitant to spend that much to fill a short term gap and possibly sell it off in just a few months. Well, I saw that Cambridge Audio sells some of their own refurb units, and they had a CXA61 available, so I pulled the trigger on that, at just a few hundred bucks- one third the price of the CXA81. It arrived in literally what looked like brand new condition. And it's blown me away since, possibly the best bang for buck audio purchase I've ever made. The CXA81 I think had a little tiny bit more detail and airiness, but it's possible that the CXA61 actually seems just a tad "livelier". I didn't need the extra power of the 81, and I was primarily using it for streaming and digital...my vinyl was packed away with my main system so the lack of the phono stage was fine for the short term. Now I've got my main system back and set up, but I love this CXA61 so much that I'm keeping it as a secondary mini setup. I dug out my old Focal (still JM Labs at the time) Cobalt 806s bookshelfs, and a tiny little Energy ESW-M6 sub, and it really sounds great for a small secondary setup. It's definitely capable of driving a much better setup than I have it in, but my point being that the CXA61 truly exceeded my expectations, and if you hunt one down for just a couple hundred bucks (I've seen them pop up in the $400 range, certified), you may well consider it one of the best value purchases you'll ever make.
I picked up the TA2 on sale a couple months ago and so far it sounds great and like the feature set. Run it with the S.M.S.L SU-1 dac and Mission speakers. Happy.
Perfect timing on this video I literally switched out my TA2 this morning for the Paris A10, I was not prepared for the difference in sound and I loved the TA2 both similar in wattage 130 but this thing exceeds expectations and yes it looks awesome too, I will need to add a streamer WIIM PP but my system is pretty basic technics table ortophon bronze cartridge a Denon CD player pushing through Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers. I will hang onto the TA2
Nazareth - This Flight Tonight Elvis Costello - What’s So Funny ‘Bout (Peace, Love, and Understanding) The Band - Long Black Veil Toots and The Maytals - Country Roads John Cale - Hallelujah The Clash - I Fought The Law Cornershop - The Mighty Quinn et cetera 🙃
Had a pair of rotel RB970 power amps since 1993 ,only just retired them still sound great but know have a rotel rb1582 MK2, also still using a JVC ja-s22 integrated amp which has the big vu meters and is way more powerful than its stated power but they are 1970s watts
Everything was going well until I reached the end of the video. sonically, Advance is placed between Cambridge and Emotiva. For me, who have CXA 81 + CXN V2 and wanted to change to Classic A10, it left me indecisive!
I went Emotiva PT1 pre amp with Emotiva BasX A2 Amp. with Sonus Faber Lumina 2 and REL T-Zero sub. I Love it. Sounds Really good and I can replace the pre amp and keep the amp later if I need. If you haven't heard it yet, I really love the remake of Heartbreak hotel by Lynyrd Skynyrd endangered species album. Very good "audiophile song" great arrangement. pluckin. really great stuff.
Rotel just came out with a budget integrated amp. The A8 about 35 watts per channel for 459.00 just a basic stripped down old school component. No dac no blue tooth but a phono input.
I'm wondering why very...and I mean very few reviewers haven't taken a look at the Outlaw Audio 2160. It is a great value and a helluva integrated that punches well above its class. The only thing I don't like is the knobs are cheap but the sound is outstanding.
@@alphanumeric1529 I agree, with few exceptions I like just about anyone's cover of any Dylan song better than his original. Rainy Day Women is one such exception because his intonation is key to the song. He is one of the greatest song writers of all time, but as a performer I'm kind of 'meh' on him.
Christie Moore does a version of “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carol” which I think is amazing, Dylan’s original is very “meh” IMO. The storytelling of the lyrics which he wrote though, is incredible.
Very rarely is the remake better than the original, but here's one rare exception I absolutely love: Icona Pop and Questlove's cover of Nu Shooz "I Can't Wait." To be fair, the original was 1980's synth pop at a time when everything had to be manually programmed, there was no MIDI to connect everything and keep everything on time and in tune, and what Nu Shooz was able to do was somewhat impressive for its era. But the remake took what was pretty good and made it OUTSTANDING.
I have a b&k reference preamp and amplifier kinda old school topping e50 dac and wiim mini. I did pick up the topping external power supply for the dac and wiim made a great difference. As for speakers klipsch rp600 and matching subwoofer
@@carlitosgomez71 Peter Tyson UK. I buy all my Hifi equipment from them. They had some manufacture refurbs. Basically just returned units but brand new. Keep an eye on there clearance section. Register as a VIP and log in as such for extra 10% off clearance items.
Actually the fair comparison would be with Rotel A14 mk2 which is much more rich in features, with more power and around the price of the CXA81. Another nice video though 👍
Walk Off The Earth - Gotye, Somebody I used to Know. Got to watch the UA-cam “5 Peeps, 1 guitar” Eddie Vedder, Save it For Latter (English Beat) Counting Crows - Big Yellow Taxi Quiet Drive - Time after Time Landslide - Dixie Chicks …. Not better, but really good Love Lies - Walk Off The Earth --They have a ton of covers that are exceptional
The best amplifier for me at around 1k is the, Astin TrewAT2-2100 Integrated Amplifier With no bells or whistles it's stupidly good, of all my amps I go back to this one time and time again .
Hi Randy, Greatings from me from the Netherlands, Love your reviews especially on Advance Paris. I currently have the A-10 in my posession for almost three years now and gonna upgrade to the A-12 this Saturday. Hope on your review on this amp. Keep up the great video's! Stefan
Sound of silence by Disturbed... little wing by Stevie Ray Vaughn... I believe for the most part the original is usually better but sometimes the cover blows it away.
Thanks for another great video. What I could have used here (and in other reviews as well), is your opinion on the type of music that would sound better with each amp. For example - I mostly listen to acoustic stuff, Jazz, sometimes even classical - which amp would sound best for that type of music ? Just a thought :) And as for covers - lots of covers top the original imo. The two greatest cover artists imho are Ray Charles and Joe Cocker, and what I would consider to be the best cover of all time is Joe Cocker's rendition of "You Can Leave Your Hat On" because it doesn't just improve Randy Newman's original, I think it transforms it into a whole different song. I actually dislike the original and LOVE Cocker's version.
I got an Onkyo receiver for free and now I can't live without HDMI ARC. So, my choices look like a Marantz Cinema 70 or an Onkyo TXRZ50. There may be others but these both have a phono input, pre outs and HDMI ARC. Love your videos.
I own the Rotel A10 MKII and I love it, but I've been a Rotel guy for a while now so I'm a bit biased. I would choose the A10 MKII over the A11 MKII if they were the same price because Bluetooth is irrelevant to me and I'll always use a external DAC (the only two added features), so I'll take the cleaner faceplate of the A10 for that reason. I've pair the amp with the power hungry KEF Q150s and the A10 MKII does the job well, but you do need to crank the volume quite a bit.
Blinded by the light (Manfred Mann beats out Bruce Springsteen) Bonus track - Me & Bobby Mcghee (Janis Joplin beats out Kiiss Kristofferson) Two examples of covers that were better.
I had a BasX TA-1 from the original series and it didn't last me 30 years. It lasted about seven years until some +/-12V regulators in mine gave up. It took me a little while to figure out what was going on; the amp would sit fine in standby mode, but when powering on its blue volume knob LED would glow fainter and fainter over several seconds while the display would become garbled, and eventually go dark. I replaced both the + and - 12V regulators and got the functionality back, but by that point I had already decided to buy something else; I currently use a NuForce DDA-120 in that system, but I'm about to try a super-linear SMSL DAC and some Class-D modules.
If I was in the market for an integrated, I would get the outlaw. As every feature that I could possibly want, including analog bass management and HDMI ARC. Big and bold statement piece of an amp, and it’s 999$.
@@MechAdv I have the earlier 2160 model. I think I paid $799. Pretty unbelievable bargain for what you get. A lot like RSL, and Wiim products…..big bang for the Buck.
Fan or not, I would think as a reviewer that Randy would be open to try any product. Especially when it can possibly produce superior audio quality. Isn't that the whole point of the channel?
So let's hear from the man himself. What do you say Randy? Willing to give the Sphinx v3 a try? I'm told that you are not fond of tubes. I think that this amp will surprise you. Not to mention that it's made right here in the good old U.S.A. I know, shocking!
@@OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w I get it and I love Rogue Audio!! The Cronus is one of my top integrated amp's. People also come in here upset whenever he reviews anything above their “expected budget range”. I would love more reviews regardless of price.
Which one of these amps would work best with Polka and a mug of beer? I just wanna relax in the back room in a recliner with the window all the way up.
I still think you should purchase a used Music Hall a15.3 on Ebay and see how it compares in sound quality to these three integrated amps. It is a 50 watt at 8ohms, 70 at 4 ohms, but someone measured that it is more like 67 and 86 watts comparably. An online stereo magazine reviewer was really surprised how good it sounds (very dynamic and good instrument separation) for a $549 integrated amp. He thought it competed with integrated amps 2 to 2 1/2 times its price. He was running Sonus Faber Lumina iii speakers and said the phono stage was really good as well. The review was from 2020, I believe. Anyway, there is one in new condition on EBay for $249. Music Hall, started by Roy Hall, was recently purchased by Turntable USA.
If you wanted something that was more apples to apples, there is an a30.3 integrated amp by music hall which has a DAC, headphone jack, 4 analog inputs, 3 optical, phono stage, and pre-amp output and class A/B power at 85watts at 8 ohms, and 160 watts at 4 ohms. There is one that I am eyeing on EBay for $850.
A little more expensive (and therefore maybe not cheapaudioman material) that won't go obsolete is the Marantz 50. It's more of a throwback to all analog days. Another one that won't go obsolete is the Rotel A8. Only 30W per channel but no digital inputs at all. Another all analog intergrated amp and it's less the $500 bucks.
Absolutely LOVE the t-shirt first off. I have to admit that I really like the Rotel A11 MkII of the ones presented. (sigh) The G.A.S. is strong with this one. Thanks Randy.
I have CXA81 first series. When I seen they came out with the mark II I was disappointed to see that they failed to update it with HDMI arc which many complained about in the first series. There are also much better Sabre DAC chips they could have used for a little more money. I agree with you on tone controls on the Cambridge, they would make a good integrated much better. Crutchfield still sells first gen CXA81 for a discounted price of just under a grand.
Sub out and pre out are crucial. An integrated without these is not legit. Seems like Cambridge wins here. I don't listen to music by scratching rubber disks so phono is bolono. YOU'RE KILLING YOUR FATHER LARRY! Good video, so thoughtful and considerate.
Nice work on this one! I looked up the Topping LA90 Discrete, too. Blue Suede Shoes… I don’t think Perkins was as good as Elvis. Seems like there’s more remakes back in the Rockabilly era, maybe because people were still trying to figure out what to really do with electric guitar? 🤷♂️ Electric everything maybe. That was only a little bit after Bing Crosby figured out how to really work a microphone. And… Ray Charles of course. Himself almost. Nobody succeeds alone. …still, Ray Charles was kinda Renaissance man in musical terms, maybe? (Ha!) That reminds me: When my kids were little I learned that you could cover Aerosmith (“Walk This Way”) as a lullaby! Alas! I digress… Keep going bro! I like your work.
Nature Boy - Nat King Cole. What an excellent song! And his voice is just amazing. However, David Bowie's rendition just blows me away. Even with that said, Ewan McGregor really nails it on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack.
Still listening to a 592 cinema sound Yamaha and a AX 496 . The Cambridge AZUR 550 A is not in there league .but use it though along with the other two to fire up various speaker systems..
After some evaluations, as I looked for a 2 channel receiver/amplifier, I decided for a Marantz Stereo 70s which currently is selling refurbished at the Marantz web site for $599! I think its a much better choice and it comes with 6 HDMI inputs (3 support 8K)! The remote is back lighted. You also get an AM/FM tuner. And did I say it sounds amazing? Wonderful 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms. I was also fortunate to receive a cosmetically perfect unit. I think this is the real winner. Really worth considering!
Technology isn't going to stop moving forward to keep integrated amps fully capable. As I look at my 1980s vintage (purchased NEW!) Pioneer VSX-9500s integrated amp that I selected, in large part, because I thought it would be 'future-proof' because it did so much and outputs could be shunted to pre-out only so I could upgrade on the amp side. It's now obsolete. No WiFi, no Bluetooth, no HDMI, no USB, no ATMOS, no great DAC, no 11.5, no XLR, no room correction, etc, etc, etc.... and of course, it could die on me at any time. Sooooooo obsolete 😭 ! It just boosts the argument to go with separates.
Why wouldn't someone get the CXA81 mk 1 at almost half the price? I use bookshelves so I don't trust not having tone controls. This aspect kept me from buying the CXA61 a few years ago. I chose Marantz pm6007 instead of Rotel A10 mk 2 and I am pleased with it.
Hi Randy. Thanks for the review/comparison. It would have been nice to see (hear) the Vincent SV500 in this mix....? As an "affordable" amplifier with tubes.... it would be interesting. For Cambridge not to offer tone controls is just being snooty and stupid. Cheers S
At 1200 I'd probably look at something like Marantz Cinema 70. Still A/B class. Still sounds really good. But also a streamer with Spotify connect and Tidal connect (with the latest firmware update) AND has some room correction. AND HDMI eARC. AND HDMI inputs. AND can do multichannel.
@@alanjipy55 It can be (and probably should be), especially if you are using "power hungry" speakers without sub. After all, they are more expensive and have double the power rating. My point was mainly about value. This channel's main theme is value :) My experience is that decent AVR with decent speaker and sub, matches or even exceeds more expensive "audiophile grade" stereo setups in terms of sound. With the added value of additional feature, it's hard to ignore the option.
@@rianredfield5252 The 851a is a good match for my speakers, Tannoy XT-8F, they'er 8 ohms that dip to 2.9 ohms.. Cheaper Intergrated Amps and AVR's are more fussy to handle that load.
Though twenty years old, my Unico hybrid amp, still delights. But l still am fascinated by today’s state of the art. An expensive hobby, but my motorcycle passion was far more ruinous.
Check out a MUCH better amp! Get a Rogue Audio Sphinx V# (now into a new upgrade - V3 Magnum). Great phono stage already built in. No need for separate phono pre-amp. Great sound and that's what the hobby is about. Great sound!
Aparently, Arcam doesn't send Randy gear for reviewing, nor does Mission, Parasound, Rogue, Outlaw, etc. quality gear for reasonable prices. Seems to have multiple "ratings" of same manufacturers again and again. Consider diversity or maybe viewer suggestions at least. They're paying the bills. Keep them coming CAM.
Fan of Arcam gear, ever since my 1st, which was the MCD multi cd player that sounded better than any I had at the time. Arcam sa30, fmj a39, dv89, rdac all great pieces.
Great stuff as always !! Always loved Rotel stuff and that one seems like a killer for the price. I have a question, after seeing your box stack haha... Saw a TEAC PD-301 box ... Don't know if you are going to make a review about it or not, but I'm taking my chance of asking anyways ! The question is about some discs getting stuck in the slot loader... Saw that amongst the (few, since not much press about it) online comments about it. After listening to a few hundred CDs in it, mine did have a few CDs that were getting stuck... And it only happened with a very specific type of CD : ones with only text on them, and no picture. Never happened to anything with a printed picture ! Very curious if you experienced that weird issue !
If you’re struggling, consider therapy with my sponsor BetterHelp. Click betterhelp.com/cheapaudioman for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy with a licensed professional specific to your needs
If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/
Cambridge Audio CXA81 bit.ly/3WtgAKQ
Emotiva TA2 bit.ly/3SRZvJR (affiliate)
Rotel A11 ii howl.me/ckrnTMVOxLA (affiliate)
Try Out Amazon Music for Free amzn.to/3ymrjPf (affiliate)
Become a Patron patreon.com/cheapaudioman
check out my other channel www.youtube.com/@cheapwatchman_official
Intro graphics by johnvilardi.com
BEST HIFI COMMUNITY OUT THERE patreon.com/cheapaudioman
Support the Channel! Shop on Amazon amzn.to/3W8vsgK
Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
Join the best hifi community out there! patreon.com/cheapaudioman
TRY ROON www.rofjdjk3ns.com/33G977/2CTPL/
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3siuqSF
Amazon Unlimited Music Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
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
They told me a pair of electrostatics would ease my suffering. My wife will be elated.
BetterHelp is a scam, please do better research on your sponsors. All it takes is a simple web search and you'll find lots of information on why Betterhelp sucks.
I’ve got the CXA61 amp. 60w is plenty for my Wharfedale 12.3’s.
I use a Tecnodec, RB330, Dynavector 10x2 mk2 into a Graham Slee gram amp 2 and a Marantz CD6007 as my main sources and occasionally bluetooth. My room is 4m wide 5m long.
The sound is amazing with both sources but vinyl has the musicality I love.
The Cambridge amps are stereo amps primarily designed for 2 channel listening and as such are great for it. I don’t need a hdmi input as we have a separate system for movies.
If I did need the input I would buy an adapter, but if 2 channel listening is not your main use the I would probably look at alternatives.
I’m a little older than cheapaudioman, and as someone who appreciates great sound, I have owned a (literal) stack of integrated amps and receivers, since my first quadrophonic purchase in 1974. I watched this video, and would have bought and changed out of all of those integrated if I was 40 years younger. Life changes, and the people you life with, place, and situations change. My current system will keep people listening until dawn if I don’t kick them out (and I have had to more than a few times). My current system has been in place for about 10 years (receiver that I have never tuned radio through, speakers and subwoofer), but I expect I have all the capabilities and quality I will ever require.
I actually spent big, lol. Bought a Denon A110 - key points - huge current into low ohms, tone controls, quality DAC, and made in Japan. I reckon it’ll be my last amp for awhile- buy once, cry once.
I've owned an Emotiva TA-2 for a little while now. It is powerful and sounds good. I can criticize the user interface as not being friendly, and the cooling fan can get loud. The volume scale is not in dB, and the numerical scale is from 0 to 80; the other head-scratcher is the scale markers for the low & hi-pass are not in round numbers (i.e., 10, 15, or 20). None are deal breakers for me because, in the end, I enjoy listening to the music. My speakers are the Emotiva XT-2, and I use a pair of Rythmik F-18s. The source is Linn Ikemi.
P.S. You can always purchase a Parasound Halo Hint 6, you will be happy, and it is a freaking powerhouse. But you will pay quite a bit more $$$.
Thank you for caring and sharing Betterhelp. I am sure many of us struggle internally. You have built an amazing community and provided us with some great interactive connection opportunities through your Discord, Patreon, UA-cam content and music. The Rotel is on my list and may be owned one day, but I do have an Emotive TA1, purchased on your recommendation, which is amazing. Thank you for everything brother. Take care.
I got my Emotiva TA-2 delivered 2 weeks back and it powers my Martin Logan towers, I must emphasise that I couldn't be happier. The amp plays clean and has plenty of power. the sound of 90+ dbs filling the room is unbelievable and the bass delivery is totally out of the world. I know it has a lot to do with the speakers, but my speakers sound better with the TA2 than my Yamaha integrated amp that I used earlier.
Just curious which model Yamaha you were previously using. I just picked up the Revel Concerta2 F36’s and am trying to decide between the Emotiva and the Yamaha A-S801
@@loua2735 it was the Yamaha R-N301 100w p/channel
@@loua2735If it helps… I have both at the moment, and the Yamaha’s sound is better to my ears… better clarity and dynamics. Loudness feature on the Yamaha is awesome for night mode and I have not had the need to use my sub with it. Klipsch RP-5000 speakers…
Can definitely agree with how good the phono is on the Rotel, however I actually went with the A11 Tribute as I didn’t need the digital inputs but I wanted 4 speaker outputs. Think the phono stage is the same. ❤🎵❤️🎵
Hurt by Johnny Cash better than the original, IMHO.
Agreed
Absolutely! Wildly haunting. Dark. Heavy. Better than Mr. Reznor’s version.
@@fakeklg even Reznor will agree
Came here to say this. 100% agree.
+1
I bought a TA1 for my daughter after her integrated bit the dust. The DAC isn’t my favorite but if you add a decent DAC then things get much better. Very good for the money.
Have a 10yo precursor to that Cambridge, absolutely love it. Never going back to AV receivers....
There are of course other choices; I'm happy with my Keces e40 Integrated Amplifier. MSRP $750. I got mine at Xmas new from the US distributor for $550.00. Plenty of power for my 8ohm 86db sensitivity bookshelves in a 12.5' x 18.5' (600 sq ft) room. I'm in agreement with the positive reviews.
I ran Rotel pre power for over 30 years. Had them as a bridged mono pair, bi-amped… few different combinations. Powerful, bit unrefined but reliable and solid. They started to get crackly on the volume so unfortunately they had to go!!
Replaced them with the Cambridge A61 (thought I was buying the 81 but….). Everything changed for the better. Especially with the external phono stage (also Cambridge). I later added the CD transport.
Good solid build, easy set up and reliable Bluetooth connection all add up to a system that is easy to listen to and brings new life to old favourites. Buchardt P300 replaced an aging pair of Quad speakers… so a complete new system really. Pro-Ject carbon turntable with mods is the main front end.
All works fairly well!!
Thanks Randy. I enjoy the channel !
Heart did Stairway to Heaven at the Kennedy Center to honor Led Zeppelin. I won’t say their cover was ‘better’, but it was amazing nonetheless . Worth a listen.
I only liked it because of Robert Plant's reaction. That clouded my judgement. ✌🏼
Saw that on TV and it was great. Also saw them cover 'Rock n Roll" at the 1st TeXXas Jam in 1978 (I think...) where they did an incredible break in it that had the entire stadium screamin'!! (as more fog clears, I believe it was one of their encores...anyone?...anyone?...Bueller??)
I like Beth Hart’s version on her Led Zeppelin Tribute Album also. It’s great.
She was also at the Kennedy Center that night doing a tribute, with Jeff Beck to Buddy Guy. She sang an Etta James song…. “I’d Rather Be A Blind Girl”. You probably saw it.
Great video, Randy. I own the Cambridge CXA81 (not MK II) and I love it. No vinyl in my system (got rid of all my vinyl quite a while ago and never looked back) so the lack of a phono stage doesn‘t matter to me. Plenty of power for my speakers.
Hey there Randy, Great content as usual, keep doin you! I'm 54 and started back listening to my Records I'd carried around for decades as CD ruled the world, Using my vintage amp,tuner, tape deck and turntable. Slowly over last few years replacing my vintage for new. Ended up getting a New amp= Marantz Model 50 All Analog no digital! Technics SL1200GR, JBL L52 Classic and a Project Tube Box S2 to use my Technics SL3300 Fully Automatic. So far I'm Loving All! The amp was pricey, but I'm A firm believer in you get what you pay for. I wanted Good specs with only Analog, and this Marantz is one of the few that are and affordable for me. Again Great content. Peace and Love from Rhode Island
Cool! I’ve been waiting for this review! I’ve been wanting to pull the trigger on the Emotiva. This review really helps me feel confident about getting the TA2
My son has the ta-1, we love it, if it had a streamer built in I’d stick with that for myself but I think I’m going with the WiiM ultra and an emotiva power amp instead?
Love my TA2. To me the DAC and the phono preamp both sound great. Bass management is also great if you’re using a subwoofer.
I don't think you can go wrong with the TA2. Speakers and room size are a big factor when it comes to sound signature.
The Cambridge 61 and 81 are class leaders. There's none better at their price IMO. The Rotel 11 and 12 are good too, but I like the Cambridge more.
The older 851a is a shining example of performance packed products from the used market, too.
That cambridge amp is wonderful in that price level.
It is on the warm side for sure and that may or not be to your taste.
I was looking for a nice integrated amp in the under 1000eur range. And eventually found an used Rotel A12MKII for 550, and has been nothing but wonderful to me. It has preamp output, A and B speaker output, a lot of input options, analog and Digital.
Dave Mathews Band version of All Along the Watchtower on the Recently EP
The best amplifier you can buy right now is half price, no dac no network just the best thing I've heard under 4k and it's a steal .. Randy you would thank me for this purchase, I think our sound signature is pretty close . Worth the step up transformer and the shipping ..
Astin TrewAT2-2100 Integrated Amplifier
Nice video. I recently moved and was without my regular 2 channel hifi setup for a bit while getting settled in, so I decided to look into an affordable integrated for short term use. I heard the CXA81 and really liked the sound, but was a little hesitant to spend that much to fill a short term gap and possibly sell it off in just a few months. Well, I saw that Cambridge Audio sells some of their own refurb units, and they had a CXA61 available, so I pulled the trigger on that, at just a few hundred bucks- one third the price of the CXA81. It arrived in literally what looked like brand new condition. And it's blown me away since, possibly the best bang for buck audio purchase I've ever made. The CXA81 I think had a little tiny bit more detail and airiness, but it's possible that the CXA61 actually seems just a tad "livelier". I didn't need the extra power of the 81, and I was primarily using it for streaming and digital...my vinyl was packed away with my main system so the lack of the phono stage was fine for the short term. Now I've got my main system back and set up, but I love this CXA61 so much that I'm keeping it as a secondary mini setup. I dug out my old Focal (still JM Labs at the time) Cobalt 806s bookshelfs, and a tiny little Energy ESW-M6 sub, and it really sounds great for a small secondary setup. It's definitely capable of driving a much better setup than I have it in, but my point being that the CXA61 truly exceeded my expectations, and if you hunt one down for just a couple hundred bucks (I've seen them pop up in the $400 range, certified), you may well consider it one of the best value purchases you'll ever make.
I had an Emotiva TA-100 but went to an Arcam Sa20 and huge difference! Love the Arcam SA20 for $999.
I picked up the TA2 on sale a couple months ago and so far it sounds great and like the feature set. Run it with the S.M.S.L SU-1 dac and Mission speakers. Happy.
Perfect timing on this video I literally switched out my TA2 this morning for the Paris A10, I was not prepared for the difference in sound and I loved the TA2 both similar in wattage 130 but this thing exceeds expectations and yes it looks awesome too, I will need to add a streamer WIIM PP but my system is pretty basic technics table ortophon bronze cartridge a Denon CD player pushing through Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers. I will hang onto the TA2
Nazareth - This Flight Tonight
Elvis Costello - What’s So Funny ‘Bout (Peace, Love, and Understanding)
The Band - Long Black Veil
Toots and The Maytals - Country Roads
John Cale - Hallelujah
The Clash - I Fought The Law
Cornershop - The Mighty Quinn
et cetera 🙃
Sweet Jane by Cowboy Junkies.
Hells yes!!
On of my favorites. That background bass plucks are a good test for amps and speakers.
Had a pair of rotel RB970 power amps since 1993 ,only just retired them still sound great but know have a rotel rb1582 MK2, also still using a JVC ja-s22 integrated amp which has the big vu meters and is way more powerful than its stated power but they are 1970s watts
Recently purchased a AudioLab 6000A Play - Maybee a review Randy? - Really think it is terrific!
Everything was going well until I reached the end of the video. sonically, Advance is placed between Cambridge and Emotiva.
For me, who have CXA 81 + CXN V2 and wanted to change to Classic A10, it left me indecisive!
I went Emotiva PT1 pre amp with Emotiva BasX A2 Amp. with Sonus Faber Lumina 2 and REL T-Zero sub. I Love it. Sounds Really good and I can replace the pre amp and keep the amp later if I need.
If you haven't heard it yet, I really love the remake of Heartbreak hotel by Lynyrd Skynyrd endangered species album. Very good "audiophile song" great arrangement. pluckin. really great stuff.
The CXA81 is an excellent amp. End game for most.
Rotel just came out with a budget integrated amp. The A8 about 35 watts per channel for 459.00 just a basic stripped down old school component. No dac no blue tooth but a phono input.
I love Simon & Garfunkel’s “America”. I love YES’ version even more.
With a little help from my frieds- very good in the Beatles version, but Joe Cocker nailed it.
Never to be outdone, live anyway. Joe brought the rain!
"The Wonder Years" theme tune, brilliant! ❤
I'm wondering why very...and I mean very few reviewers haven't taken a look at the Outlaw Audio 2160. It is a great value and a helluva integrated that punches well above its class. The only thing I don't like is the knobs are cheap but the sound is outstanding.
The bass management is outstanding also.
Hendrix - All along the watch tower
also recommended - Michael Hedges - All along the watch tower
@@traildoggy Thanks, I'll check that out
I stated anything by Dylan.
@@alphanumeric1529 I agree, with few exceptions I like just about anyone's cover of any Dylan song better than his original. Rainy Day Women is one such exception because his intonation is key to the song. He is one of the greatest song writers of all time, but as a performer I'm kind of 'meh' on him.
Christie Moore does a version of “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carol” which I think is amazing, Dylan’s original is very “meh” IMO. The storytelling of the lyrics which he wrote though, is incredible.
Joe Cocker - with a little help from my friends
The stranglers - walk on by
Led zeppelin - when the levee breaks
Especially Joe, just about everything he covered was amazing.
Stranglers! Yes!
I’m just strolling through the trees
Very rarely is the remake better than the original, but here's one rare exception I absolutely love: Icona Pop and Questlove's cover of Nu Shooz "I Can't Wait." To be fair, the original was 1980's synth pop at a time when everything had to be manually programmed, there was no MIDI to connect everything and keep everything on time and in tune, and what Nu Shooz was able to do was somewhat impressive for its era. But the remake took what was pretty good and made it OUTSTANDING.
I have a b&k reference preamp and amplifier kinda old school topping e50 dac and wiim mini. I did pick up the topping external power supply for the dac and wiim made a great difference. As for speakers klipsch rp600 and matching subwoofer
Also for a transport audio lab
Nice amps. Just picked up a new Arcam SA30 in the UK for £900. That was a £2300 amp. The CX81 can be picked up discounted too. Superb amplifiers.
Oh gosh... So envious. Where I live the cheapest Cambridge is $1,500 USD .. And is the version I. The Arcam is $1475... Oh well
Sa30 was it new or open box reconditioned, brought from where?
@@carlitosgomez71 Peter Tyson UK. I buy all my Hifi equipment from them. They had some manufacture refurbs. Basically just returned units but brand new. Keep an eye on there clearance section. Register as a VIP and log in as such for extra 10% off clearance items.
Oh lord!
Now you have me torn between the TA1 and the TA2....
I’m excited for the Cambridge E-series
Love the Cylon reference, Randy.
Actually the fair comparison would be with Rotel A14 mk2 which is much more rich in features, with more power and around the price of the CXA81. Another nice video though 👍
Walk Off The Earth - Gotye, Somebody I used to Know. Got to watch the UA-cam “5 Peeps, 1 guitar”
Eddie Vedder, Save it For Latter (English Beat)
Counting Crows - Big Yellow Taxi
Quiet Drive - Time after Time
Landslide - Dixie Chicks …. Not better, but really good
Love Lies - Walk Off The Earth --They have a ton of covers that are exceptional
The best amplifier for me at around 1k is the, Astin TrewAT2-2100 Integrated Amplifier With no bells or whistles it's stupidly good, of all my amps I go back to this one time and time again .
Hi Randy another great vid, di you recon the rotel a11 mk2 has much better than mk1 tribute, Shame mk2 don’t have pre-sub o/put . Regards mark
Wouldn't the Rotel A12 MK2 be a better comparison against the TA2 and CXA81. For just 50 dollars more than the CXA81MK2 you get a phono input.
Hi Randy, Greatings from me from the Netherlands, Love your reviews especially on Advance Paris. I currently have the A-10 in my posession for almost three years now and gonna upgrade to the A-12 this Saturday. Hope on your review on this amp. Keep up the great video's! Stefan
Sound of silence by Disturbed... little wing by Stevie Ray Vaughn... I believe for the most part the original is usually better but sometimes the cover blows it away.
Disturbed nah
Thanks for another great video. What I could have used here (and in other reviews as well), is your opinion on the type of music that would sound better with each amp. For example - I mostly listen to acoustic stuff, Jazz, sometimes even classical - which amp would sound best for that type of music ? Just a thought :) And as for covers - lots of covers top the original imo. The two greatest cover artists imho are Ray Charles and Joe Cocker, and what I would consider to be the best cover of all time is Joe Cocker's rendition of "You Can Leave Your Hat On" because it doesn't just improve Randy Newman's original, I think it transforms it into a whole different song. I actually dislike the original and LOVE Cocker's version.
I got an Onkyo receiver for free and now I can't live without HDMI ARC. So, my choices look like a Marantz Cinema 70 or an Onkyo TXRZ50. There may be others but these both have a phono input, pre outs and HDMI ARC. Love your videos.
I own the Rotel A10 MKII and I love it, but I've been a Rotel guy for a while now so I'm a bit biased. I would choose the A10 MKII over the A11 MKII if they were the same price because Bluetooth is irrelevant to me and I'll always use a external DAC (the only two added features), so I'll take the cleaner faceplate of the A10 for that reason. I've pair the amp with the power hungry KEF Q150s and the A10 MKII does the job well, but you do need to crank the volume quite a bit.
As I said above. New Rotel budget integrated amp hitting the shelves soon. So far no reviews on it.
Quinn Sullivan’s “Eyesight To The Blind”. It rocks harder than Clapton’s version. I really like it.
Talented kid, right there!
Blinded by the light (Manfred Mann beats out Bruce Springsteen)
Bonus track - Me & Bobby Mcghee (Janis Joplin beats out Kiiss Kristofferson)
Two examples of covers that were better.
I had a BasX TA-1 from the original series and it didn't last me 30 years. It lasted about seven years until some +/-12V regulators in mine gave up. It took me a little while to figure out what was going on; the amp would sit fine in standby mode, but when powering on its blue volume knob LED would glow fainter and fainter over several seconds while the display would become garbled, and eventually go dark. I replaced both the + and - 12V regulators and got the functionality back, but by that point I had already decided to buy something else; I currently use a NuForce DDA-120 in that system, but I'm about to try a super-linear SMSL DAC and some Class-D modules.
If I was in the market for an integrated, I would get the outlaw. As every feature that I could possibly want, including analog bass management and HDMI ARC. Big and bold statement piece of an amp, and it’s 999$.
Agree,great value !
@@MechAdv I have the earlier 2160 model. I think I paid $799. Pretty unbelievable bargain for what you get. A lot like RSL, and Wiim products…..big bang for the Buck.
My Rega Elex-r is probably my endgame amp, it’s just so musical.
Great video! I'm always trying to decide between Emotiva and Cambridge. Also, I love the Smashing Pumpkins cover of Landslide.
the nad 80wpc i have had since 2002 is still great.
Seriously recommend that you check out the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Magnum edition.
He’s not a tube fan.
Fan or not, I would think as a reviewer that Randy would be open to try any product. Especially when it can possibly produce superior audio quality. Isn't that the whole point of the channel?
So let's hear from the man himself. What do you say Randy? Willing to give the Sphinx v3 a try? I'm told that you are not fond of tubes. I think that this amp will surprise you. Not to mention that it's made right here in the good old U.S.A. I know, shocking!
@@OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w I get it and I love Rogue Audio!! The Cronus is one of my top integrated amp's. People also come in here upset whenever he reviews anything above their “expected budget range”. I would love more reviews regardless of price.
She's not there by The Zombies already pure art, but by Santana it's a masterpiece.
Which one of these amps would work best with Polka and a mug of beer? I just wanna relax in the back room in a recliner with the window all the way up.
I still think you should purchase a used Music Hall a15.3 on Ebay and see how it compares in sound quality to these three integrated amps. It is a 50 watt at 8ohms, 70 at 4 ohms, but someone measured that it is more like 67 and 86 watts comparably. An online stereo magazine reviewer was really surprised how good it sounds (very dynamic and good instrument separation) for a $549 integrated amp. He thought it competed with integrated amps 2 to 2 1/2 times its price. He was running Sonus Faber Lumina iii speakers and said the phono stage was really good as well. The review was from 2020, I believe. Anyway, there is one in new condition on EBay for $249. Music Hall, started by Roy Hall, was recently purchased by Turntable USA.
If you wanted something that was more apples to apples, there is an a30.3 integrated amp by music hall which has a DAC, headphone jack, 4 analog inputs, 3 optical, phono stage, and pre-amp output and class A/B power at 85watts at 8 ohms, and 160 watts at 4 ohms. There is one that I am eyeing on EBay for $850.
Now you've got to make another video adding the Outlaw 2160mkii in the mix of your comparisons. Lots of bass mgmt for you!
A little more expensive (and therefore maybe not cheapaudioman material) that won't go obsolete is the Marantz 50. It's more of a throwback to all analog days.
Another one that won't go obsolete is the Rotel A8. Only 30W per channel but no digital inputs at all. Another all analog intergrated amp and it's less the $500 bucks.
"All along the watchtower" by Hendrix is far better than the original. Nice video and products.
Absolutely LOVE the t-shirt first off. I have to admit that I really like the Rotel A11 MkII of the ones presented. (sigh) The G.A.S. is strong with this one. Thanks Randy.
I have CXA81 first series. When I seen they came out with the mark II I was disappointed to see that they failed to update it with HDMI arc which many complained about in the first series. There are also much better Sabre DAC chips they could have used for a little more money.
I agree with you on tone controls on the Cambridge, they would make a good integrated much better. Crutchfield still sells first gen CXA81 for a discounted price of just under a grand.
Sub out and pre out are crucial. An integrated without these is not legit. Seems like Cambridge wins here. I don't listen to music by scratching rubber disks so phono is bolono. YOU'RE KILLING YOUR FATHER LARRY! Good video, so thoughtful and considerate.
Nice work on this one! I looked up the Topping LA90 Discrete, too.
Blue Suede Shoes… I don’t think Perkins was as good as Elvis. Seems like there’s more remakes back in the Rockabilly era, maybe because people were still trying to figure out what to really do with electric guitar? 🤷♂️ Electric everything maybe. That was only a little bit after Bing Crosby figured out how to really work a microphone. And… Ray Charles of course. Himself almost. Nobody succeeds alone. …still, Ray Charles was kinda Renaissance man in musical terms, maybe? (Ha!) That reminds me: When my kids were little I learned that you could cover Aerosmith (“Walk This Way”) as a lullaby! Alas! I digress… Keep going bro! I like your work.
Nature Boy - Nat King Cole. What an excellent song! And his voice is just amazing. However, David Bowie's rendition just blows me away. Even with that said, Ewan McGregor really nails it on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack.
Or...
Yamaha A-S301 $329.13 60w
Yamaha A-S501 $439.96 85w
Yamaha A-S701 $609.50 100w
Still listening to a 592 cinema sound Yamaha and a AX 496 .
The Cambridge AZUR 550 A is not in there league .but use it though along with the other two to fire up various speaker systems..
Are they all 4ohm capable?
301s a steal, awesome
After some evaluations, as I looked for a 2 channel receiver/amplifier, I decided for a Marantz Stereo 70s which currently is selling refurbished at the Marantz web site for $599! I think its a much better choice and it comes with 6 HDMI inputs (3 support 8K)! The remote is back lighted. You also get an AM/FM tuner. And did I say it sounds amazing? Wonderful 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
I was also fortunate to receive a cosmetically perfect unit. I think this is the real winner. Really worth considering!
Agree, especially knowing that cambridge cxa81 has no hdmi, or low pass filter i would agree
Technology isn't going to stop moving forward to keep integrated amps fully capable. As I look at my 1980s vintage (purchased NEW!) Pioneer VSX-9500s integrated amp that I selected, in large part, because I thought it would be 'future-proof' because it did so much and outputs could be shunted to pre-out only so I could upgrade on the amp side. It's now obsolete. No WiFi, no Bluetooth, no HDMI, no USB, no ATMOS, no great DAC, no 11.5, no XLR, no room correction, etc, etc, etc.... and of course, it could die on me at any time. Sooooooo obsolete 😭 ! It just boosts the argument to go with separates.
Why wouldn't someone get the CXA81 mk 1 at almost half the price? I use bookshelves so I don't trust not having tone controls.
This aspect kept me from buying the CXA61 a few years ago.
I chose Marantz pm6007 instead of Rotel A10 mk 2 and I am pleased with it.
@@angelOcrisu agreed , some deals to be had and not enough to justify the extra outlay
Rotel S14 is still selling for $1k. I think the only downside is you can’t run an external DAC with it, but I could be wrong about that.
Cool thanks Randy!
Also, (yoda voice)
Yes the ta-11teen they should call it.
The Lost Boys Sountrack is a banger! 👊
All along the watchtower. Best cover of all time? Hendrix version>Dylan Version
Hi Randy. Thanks for the review/comparison. It would have been nice to see (hear) the Vincent SV500 in this mix....? As an "affordable" amplifier with tubes.... it would be interesting. For Cambridge not to offer tone controls is just being snooty and stupid. Cheers S
Thank you for your service 🫡
Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” bests Leonard Cohen…
I prefer John Cale’s version : )
Leonard all the way!
@cheapaudioman, you’re mistaken. This Rotel has a headphone amp. Also, it uses a decent Texas Instruments DAC
At 1200 I'd probably look at something like Marantz Cinema 70.
Still A/B class. Still sounds really good.
But also a streamer with Spotify connect and Tidal connect (with the latest firmware update)
AND has some room correction.
AND HDMI eARC.
AND HDMI inputs.
AND can do multichannel.
I had the Cinema 70s stereo pre out to the cxa81.. Now i have a Azur 851a.. Both blow the Cinema 70s away for 2 channel stereo.
@@alanjipy55
It can be (and probably should be), especially if you are using "power hungry" speakers without sub. After all, they are more expensive and have double the power rating.
My point was mainly about value. This channel's main theme is value :)
My experience is that decent AVR with decent speaker and sub, matches or even exceeds more expensive "audiophile grade" stereo setups in terms of sound. With the added value of additional feature, it's hard to ignore the option.
@alanjipy55 Also, an Azur 851a fan and the Arcam sa30 is on par.
@@rianredfield5252 The 851a is a good match for my speakers, Tannoy XT-8F, they'er 8 ohms that dip to 2.9 ohms.. Cheaper Intergrated Amps and AVR's are more fussy to handle that load.
Clutch covers Fortunate Son from CCR and Manson covers Carly Simon’s You’re so Vain. Both amazing.
My next amplifier will be a pure line level input one (probably an Exposure). No DAC in that to go obsolete
Go Cornhuskers!!
Thank you Randy
Though twenty years old, my Unico hybrid amp, still delights. But l still am fascinated by today’s state of the art. An expensive hobby, but my motorcycle passion was far more ruinous.
Check out a MUCH better amp! Get a Rogue Audio Sphinx V# (now into a new upgrade - V3 Magnum). Great phono stage already built in. No need for separate phono pre-amp. Great sound and that's what the hobby is about. Great sound!
A great cover is the Toadies cover of Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone”. Both local DFW artists!
Arcam Stereo Amps should be on that list
Arcam Stereo Amps have AV Bypass
Aparently, Arcam doesn't send Randy gear for reviewing, nor does Mission, Parasound, Rogue, Outlaw, etc. quality gear for reasonable prices. Seems to have multiple "ratings" of same manufacturers again and again. Consider diversity or maybe viewer suggestions at least. They're paying the bills.
Keep them coming CAM.
Fan of Arcam gear, ever since my 1st, which was the MCD multi cd player that sounded better than any I had at the time. Arcam sa30, fmj a39, dv89, rdac all great pieces.
Great stuff as always !! Always loved Rotel stuff and that one seems like a killer for the price. I have a question, after seeing your box stack haha... Saw a TEAC PD-301 box ... Don't know if you are going to make a review about it or not, but I'm taking my chance of asking anyways ! The question is about some discs getting stuck in the slot loader... Saw that amongst the (few, since not much press about it) online comments about it. After listening to a few hundred CDs in it, mine did have a few CDs that were getting stuck... And it only happened with a very specific type of CD : ones with only text on them, and no picture. Never happened to anything with a printed picture ! Very curious if you experienced that weird issue !
Every Rotel product I've heard is typically bright up top. The Cambridge, warm and EZ to listen to. Have not heard the EMO...
The Coors cover of Ryan Adams's When the Stars Go Blue is a great cover
Love the modern features of new amps, though I just use a WiiM Ultra to power amp with a trigger button :)
i have the triple play Cambridge cx81 mark 1 , Sonus Faber Lumina 2 original, Rel tx5 sub and i aint mad at nobody lol!!!!