After a year, both of our A2-400 developed significant issues. Here are a few alternatives we recommend: Emotiva A1 bit.ly/39WvWDo Emotiva XPA-HC1 bit.ly/2PAhMOi Crown XLS bit.ly/CXLS1502 • bit.ly/3Nv9Ztt

@zardoz2627

3 жыл бұрын

I've bought a couple cheap ones to try for small systems in my garage and outdoors. They work great. I already have what I need inside so haven't tried a bigger one. If I did, I'd probably go with a drivecore Crown since they have the power at my kind of price point

@JC-lk3oy

3 жыл бұрын

I feel like Class D can be fantastic if paired with the right speakers. For instance I love my XTZ edge a2-300 with my Elac Unifi UF5's. The warm nature of those speakers, and their need for power (4ohm 85db efficiency) are complimented by the sound signature and power of class d. I feel there are better amplifier options for high efficiency lively speakers like Klipsch though.

@simianinc

3 жыл бұрын

All Class D amps I listened to have had a dry sound. Class AB has more flesh on the skeleton IMHO - but maybe there are full-sounding Class D amps are out there

@nc3419

3 жыл бұрын

I've tried an Aiyima A04 and A07, both of which I like. They do fine with more budget speakers. They sound ok on my Focals but a Keces E40 sounds better, a bit here, a bit there more than the inexpensive class Ds...but I still like them. But not all class Ds and class ABs sound good to me. A SoundArtist SA-200IA a class AB sounded way too bright in the upper mids thru the highs...which weren't really airy either. Unrefined too. A Soundavo CSA-150 a class D sounded pretty bad without going into the details. Not musical at all. A Fosi Audio HD-A1 class AB was also disappointing. I tried an Emotiva BasX A-400z which sounded better than the above three but still had a rather flat soundstage and less instrument separation than the Aiyimas and the Keces but did had nice extended highs. BTW, the Keces reminds me of my Hegel. For whatever it's worth.

@joshuawarren9891

3 жыл бұрын

I think you're spot on with your comment that Class D can be that clinical neutral sound. Me, I like some colouration, e.g. I really like the slightly old school elements of the CXA-81. Ditto I love the Naim Uniti Atom. I'm very intrigued by some of the things someone like a PS Audio is producing now with tube/class D hybrids but I have yet to experience first hand!

I like this new format, you do a review, and then Kristi tells you that it makes no sense and that this all seems stupid. Finally, we have honesty in audio reviews! 😂

Let me summarize the class D 1) Neutral sound with transparent background produce excellent instruments separation. 2) A small fraction of cost for massive power 3) Easily bridged to convert to monoblock for better crosstalk 4)High power efficiency

@Novilicious

3 жыл бұрын

Somehow I like class ab...I started l think ab sounds better. Class d will take over any day now

I have one XTZ A2-400 amplifier up and running with a pair of KLH Model 5 speakers. I hope my personal experience will help one of you that may be thinking of purchasing this amp. Oh, it was delivered in like 3 days, all the way from Sweden. And, just to note, I am a truck driver, a regular Joe so to speak and no audio expert, I now listen to Andrews review's for Kristi's take on things. She speaks my language. ;-) Now, as Andrew stated, this is a tough review, I think the neutrality of the XTZ will play into what is in the chain and overall sound one would hope to get, or not get. A lot will depend on your components and source material. I can say this, the bass is tight and extended on the KLH Model 5's, the mid and highs are not bright nor dull, vocals are crystal clear but not harsh, they are what they are and will depend more upon the source/speaker pairing. I have the Cambridge Audio CXN v2 network streamer attached to the XTZ Edge A2-400 with Mogami 2549 and Neutrik Gold XLR connects. Quality and inexpensive cables, World's Best Cables on Amazon. I'm streaming off of AirPlay with a Roku and my iMac along with a Mac Mini connected directly to the Cambridge unit via USB. I am using Amazon Music and Apple Music, their lossless hi-res offerings. Nothing fancy. The speakers are again, the KLH Model 5, just an incredible speaker, again as both Kristi and Andrew have correctly stated. The gain on the XTZ is set around 1 o'clock or so. The XTZ amp is dead silent once the gain is properly set. I used 10ga OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) cable with the locking style banana plugs found on Amazon, they were one of the few that would accept the 10ga copper. Cable was Amazon too, InstallGear cable if memory serves me right, nothing fancy or exotic. For comparison, I played the Model 5's on the 150 wpc SVS SoundBase, they sounded incredibly good, but a bit bright with the SVS internal DAC, verging on fatiguing, not something I could listen to for hours on end. But, I would think the SoundBase would be an excellent choice for say watching a movie on movie night with the Model 5's and one or two subwoofers. Throw a quality DAC into the mix, and you could get some very pleasing sound out of the SVS SoundBase. Now, the XTZ A2-400... Here is where the magic happened... Ginormous sound from the SVS just went off the charts into GIGANORMOUS sound territory... Yeah. The XTZ A2-400 took the KLH Model 5's to new heights in sound. The soundstage exploded into the room, the raw and colorless power had me snapping my head to look over my shoulder to see what or who made that sound behind me. This did not happen once, but many times with different tracks and artists, this is two channel folks, not HT, and I think it is better. I believe this was at roughly -11db on the Cambridge, and I still had to turn it down. There was zero distortion, it was just too loud. Then I added two SVS SB3000 subs into the mix, running off the RCA L/R channel outputs from the Cambridge... OMG! Yeah. The speakers and subs disappeared in the room, as the sound envelops and washes over you. It is that extra oomph the XTZ brings to the party that kicks everything up a few notches. And it does it with ease and transparency. This little box is the BOMB, it sounds much better than my previous XPA 2 class A/B, which I found to be rather dull in comparison the the class D XTZ. The XTZ took my living room from a boring cafe to the rowdy roadhouse's of my youth. It is simply the raw power the amp brings to the party, and the fact it is dead silent and adds nothing to the sound. When hooked to the Cambridge CXN v2 streamer, with its very vinyl sounding dual Wolfson DAC along with the KLH Model 5 old school BIG sound. I honestly do not know how you could improve on this, other than taking this setup down into the garage and having a party. That is it, that is my personal review on the XTZ Edge A2-400. Kristi is correct in her assessment, it does it's intended job and no one will ever know it is there. Andrew: "So what does Kristi think?" Kristi: "I don't know (snort)" If the XTZ is too pricey, I would look at one of the Crown amps, I will trust Andrew on this. I have one on order, but it is still a month or two out before they are even in stock, the XTZ is available today and you will get it in a few days. Or, in the same price range, the offerings from Purifi are out there too. The XTZ Edge is staying in my rack.

@ArthaxtaDaVince777

Жыл бұрын

That's exactly my impression with the xpa2 as well, it sounded very dull and thin. I was considering the crown 2502 but after learning it has built in processing that resamples digital signals to 48khz, I was put off by it. I think I will try the a2 400.

@michaelwright1602

Жыл бұрын

@@ArthaxtaDaVince777 It is a nice amp, after living with it I found it a bit bright. But, it can be tamed with an R2R DAC, my Ares II made a night and day difference if you want a more analog sound. I replaced mine with the Denafrips Thallo amplifier and also purchased the Denafrips Hades preamp. I now use the 2021 Node to stream. Night and day over what I had when I posted the above. I still have the XTZ, tried to sell it last year, no takers... Still in the box. Here is the issue I have with it, it sounds fantastic! I am not going to part with it, it is something that I will keep and switch out with the Thallo when I get bored... Add the Schiit Lokius into the mix... Yeah, sounds good. On a side note, if you have a quality speaker, this bitch can get LOUD! LOL! It is a keeper.

After owning 2x A2-400 over the last 2 years I’d like to add, that it took the very least of 500 hours play Time to get the best out of them. The differences were day and night. I still can’t believe the sound quality I am getting from these amps.

“...it’s an amp”! Best Kristi quote so far. 😂 I love it. You guys are awesome. Great analysis Andrew & Kristi. She’s not a separates kind of gal! “Give me a friggin box”! 😂 Thanks for entertaining while educating! Love your channel.

Lol to think that Andrew gradually stopped wearing suites for a review. Love your channel Andrew and Christy,from Nigeria.

@KristiWright

3 жыл бұрын

Good morning!

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah, when I revisited that review I forgot I did that. Seems like a billion years ago! Thanks for sticking with us this whole time!

Class D is efficient, cool, powerful, transparent, light, small, and it's been developed to truly outstanding specs.Future hi fi products will tend to be class D.

I agree with Kristi. I used to care about amps before I came to realize I mostly need to make sure it makes enough current to drive whatever speakers I have with a low enough THD to not be bad. It's one of the items in the chain I think specs matter more.

Good morning everyone! Appreciate you tuning in!

@SeanVedell

3 жыл бұрын

Good morning from foggy and chilly Hamilton, ON. Hope the sun is shining in Austin.

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

@@SeanVedell It is not. Been a week of grey skies and thunderstorms.

@SeanVedell

3 жыл бұрын

@@robinsonbrand Ya, but you have better BBQ. We have poutine but BBQ wins.

@toby9999

3 жыл бұрын

@@robinsonbrand Call me a weirdo but I actually like grey skies and thunderstorms. I also like chilly foggy weather :)

I love Christy's "One box" sermonette. It was hilarious

@KristiWright

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for coming to my TedTalk. :)

@erichoehn8262

3 жыл бұрын

@@KristiWright Ha ha

I’ve had my A2-300 for a year now. So far I have zero complaints. Here’s hoping it’s not about to blow a gasket. Fingers crossed!

@JohnHaraldA

7 ай бұрын

I've had the A2-300 for near 6 years, going as strong as ever driving my floorstanding fronts Cerwin Vega XLS-12 (6 ohms with 90,8dB sensitivity). The XTZ brought a lot more definition and punch to these speakers compared to my previous Rotel power amp.

I appreciate Kristi’s critique/question of how to translate adjectives to a more technical description! It would be great to see a video that helps define all those adjectives like smooth, forward, sweet, round, etc. Also, every time I heard XTZ I thought of the band XTC, We’re only making plans for Nigel, da dat datuh…

The BEST part of the video is when your wife says she can't tell the difference. "You tell me. I don't know." 😂😂😂

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Mark of a good amp is one you can’t hear.

@PetraKann

3 жыл бұрын

Small talk off-camera nonsense doesn’t save this shallow review. I initially decided to watch this review because I assumed it would contain detailed information and useful advice. Instead I got neurotic trivia. At least make it creative and funny if you’re trying to be different or offer something different. They should apologise

Having owned several, Class D amps have definitely found a home in my listening experience. Thinking back, it’s mostly due to form factor (or has been so far at least). My (now replaced) NAD C338 fit nicely on the dresser where a deeper 17” component wouldn’t have; Crown’s XLS1000 is not only shallow enough to put in a garage shelf which is sized for books instead of stereo equipment but was also able to be hung on a makeshift rack on the underside of a shelf to free up the space below for stuff that I needed access to; and the current heart of my garage system (an SMSL AD18) is just tiny all around.

I like an amp that is alive at the top , detailed, voice is accurate, and the bass is wet and fluid, not dry at the top or bottom. I already have a super A class D receiver at 120w per ch.. I think i'm going for the Emotiva BasX-A2 for now, for my 5.1 ch surround system. Probably add a 3 channel latter for the other channels.

Enjoyed this review, I d seen a few reviews of the smaller XTZ . Like the expressive description of the performance, this shows those powerful compact amps as effective contenders. And love the honest interactions and the humorous moments with you two on this review 👍🏾👍🏾🔥🔥

The Neutrality and the flexibility, is a Win. I have the A2-300 and I'm tired of always matching, cables, speakers and so on for the Synergy. That's why I like Xtz, let the other stuff affect, and doesn't need to worry about the power amp.. It took some time to burn in tho, loosened up after a week or two with normal use. The noise is dead low with this..

@danab7472

8 ай бұрын

Totally agree. Having a power amp with tone presence just makes matching a pain. Change one thing and don’t be surprised if you have to buy trucks of new equipment to get everything to match up again. Amplifiers like the XTZ are great because you never have to change them. Your preamp and speakers do the talking.

I got myself first class D, the cheaper one based on MA12070 chip... After 30 years of listening to AB amplifiers, I was: ahaaaa.... this is so clean and detailed. I tested on my wife and she noticed instantly: so much more detail... We both love it...It is kind of like when digital cameras took over film... It took a while, but not many use film, unless they are in to it as a hobby... For the future: I think it is in digitally playing around with sound, in a same way as we are colour grading video with LUTs. Maybe simulating old technology at first, but then inventing new ways of shaping it to our liking...

@hugohd7525

Жыл бұрын

Already being made by some Chinese amps

I'm sold on Class D, and have been slowly replacing all the power in my systems. So far, I'm a big fan of Hypex Modules in the NAD Masters, and also the in-house class D implementation of the Starke Sound AD4.320. This is the only class D amp that sounds more like a Class A/B, in that the mids are slightly warmer/fuller. It helps soften a speaker like the KEF LS50.

Thanks for all the comparisons with other amps! Really useful.

Thanks for this great review. I appreciate your speaker matching reference a lot. Just listed to your video through an ICEpower 125AXS2 module. Really like this series but I had to connect mine to smaller speakers as through my Castle Warwick II the details were somewhat too razor sharp for my taste in the long run. Yet I consider these ICEpower amps to be ideal especially for less efficient speakers.

Thanks you for the review. I'm hoping you'll look at more XTZ going forward, especially the Divine Deltas.

Kristi made a great point with separates vs an AV receiver. I love the simplicity of adding amps to my Yamaha AV receiver. I know that type of setup is lacking to an "Audiophile" but I'm good with that. Andrew you have me very curious about an old Krell amp that you described as dynamic. You've given me something to research thanks guys great review as always !

Hey Andrew. Cross shopping dome class D amps for my RF7s. Been into home theater for about 2 years now and learning more every day. I gotta say man... Kristi's take has become some of the most valuable and refreshing information in your videos. Thank you guys for having such honest and transparent discourse. What the hell does glassy mean?! 😂

As always the back end of the video is very insightful not to mention fun!

Thanks for great review. I like your videos. I was waiting for this review for a while. So happy it's out. Based on your (and few other) A2-300 review, I bought one about a year ago to feed my B&W 603s. And I'm very happy. I'm considering upgrade to A2-400 and use A2-300 to power my centre channel B&W HTM6.

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

I could see that being a good way to go.

I didn’t know what glassy meant either Kristi! The beginning of your take was so funny 😂

@philipthrockmorton6039

3 жыл бұрын

“make sure everything i need is in the frickin box” 💀

@KristiWright

3 жыл бұрын

@@philipthrockmorton6039 💯

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Did my explanation after the fact make more sense?

@philipthrockmorton6039

3 жыл бұрын

@@robinsonbrand it did make more sense, describing tiny audio differences to people who haven’t necessarily heard them is difficult. I probably haven’t heard anything glassy on the 6-7 amps i’ve listened to, but i would have a better idea now if i did!

Have been in it since mid 80s; employed class A, AB, G, H, stereo/monos, tube/solid state. Rediscovered my CD collection via a NuForce dda-100. That unit removed any class D misconception s I previously had. Now sound topology has better leading edge which is what captured me. Like Nelson Pass says; it's the first watt that is key to all reproduction. To me, D gets the initial micro moment in tune & time which equals detail proper the notes that follow. This observed effect increases with the higher the speakers efficiency. I still listen to vinyl on an all analog rig; but, for any digital source material including TV, class D speed and accuracy just delivers the better experience

Total class D convert. Have the XTZ Edge a2-300 in my second system and a Nord Dual Mono amp with Purifi modules in my main system. Nice to see XTZ have introduced balanced inputs on the 400.

@sudd3660

3 жыл бұрын

i have all class d also, icepower, hypex and purifi all around this home.

I use the XTZ A2- Edge 300 in various situations. I have used them with older McIntosh preamps, Fluance and vintage Marantz turntables with HPM 100 and JBL 100 speakers. Sounds GREAT. I have also used it in conjunction with a Schiit Freya + Noval Preamp with really good matched GE 6CG7 9-pin Tubes (6SN7 Octal Equivalents). I used a reworked Vinyl Nirvana Thorens TD 160 TT with Ortofon 2M Black cartridge as a source and playing through Wharfedale Lintons. The result on both systems I fantastic. Particularly with the Wharfedales that can be a little dark, the A2-Edge really peps them up somewhat. I have just ordered the A2 Edge 400. I want a little more oomph. However, I will be pleased if the punch and drive are the same as the A2 Edge. Also, the rest of the system I am going to use with it is fully balanced. I know it doesn't always make much difference, but I like the balanced inputs on the A2 - 400. Also, the understated styling is great.

Thankyou Andrew & Kristi for another great review. I, for one, am very interested in a couple of Class D amps. Please tell me that the "other" Class D amp you are reviewing is the new Cambridge Audio EVO 150. I am very interested in that amp, and would also love to hear your take on the Peachtree Audio Nova amps. Keep up the great work.

Kristi's honesty is great. She got me laughing with that response.

Hey Andrew, great analogy of Krall and Jones in a dark bar versus in the studio... truth is truth... some times I don't know which to root for.... I experienced the live feel you recently talked about with the Klipsch f8000 ... playing vinyl of Just Coolin' by Art Blackley ... with a bit of volume and eye closed you could swear those guys were in the living room with me ... great album.. one you might have mentioned many moons ago. Great review! Food for a lot of thought.

Fantastic review Andrew, you’re a new trusted source of audio information for me! Much appreciated!

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Rob, I appreciate it!

@robk5745

3 жыл бұрын

@@robinsonbrand stop showing me and talking about that klh 5, I just bought loudspeakers Hahahha

As always, great review. Love your channel Andrew, saludos de México ✌🏿

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Rafael!

@user-lj7nv4qw8w

3 жыл бұрын

Buenos dias, Rafael!

Great review Andrew Well done!!

Yet another great review by you and Kristi.

Another clear open and honest review. I’m a big fan of class D amplifiers, better said amplifiers which don’t color the sound in any way, coloration comes from my speakers since I paid for the sound these speakers make. So I totally agree! I have owned a Crown XLS Drive Core 2, and now switched to set of Berhringer A800 to power my Wharfedale EVO speakers. I genuinely believe the Berhringer A800 is amazing value. Check that one out!

A well built hybrid "D" is a great Amp. The tubes on the front end into mosfet power can give a sound as good as any I have heard, including high end separates. These amps are 3k-17k so.... not everybody's kettle of fish. Thanks for the review.

Kristy was cracking me up on this review! Thanks for the review guys!

Fun Review Andrew, Aahhhh... I'm with you Kristi, what is "glassy" Ha-ha! Fun hearing Kristi stumped... lol. So is this Amp or the 300 Li'l Sibling something you'd use as the front L&R in a theater with your INTEGRA DRX 3.4 or Onkyo TX-RZ50 when creating a Dolby 7.2.4? I'm sure my technical ignorance is showing because I didn't hear you touch such a use application. Cheers, Eric

I got the A2-400. It took less then a week to get delivered from Sweden. I’m currently using the Cambridge CXN v2 streamer in preamp mode with the A2-400 and is loving the combo. All genres of music sound great out of my Klipsch rp-600m. I’m currently in the market for a preamp and floor standing speakers (looking at the Schiit Freya + and a set of Klipsch or Jamo speakers).

You’re description seems right on the money with my experience with 7 channel hypex ncore amp I just put in. But I love it for home theater so far. But I’ve been scared to test out music bc I’m worried it will be similar to my experience with the crown xls 1002 in my 2 channel setup.

I got a laugh out of Kristi's take. Crazy to think just a year ago she was like "I mean its an amp...is it good, I don't know, you tell me!" but nowadays she has definitely knows what she likes/doesn't like in terms of amps. Happy to see the continual growth of this channel, Andrew and Kristi.

@mocomike01

Жыл бұрын

@@andersj91 yes, we did watch the same video. Now, go watch a new video and notice the difference in her takes. She has more knowledge, her own sonic tastes, a better developed ear for critical listening, etc.

Great review! To answer your question Andrew, I do like class D even though I didn't think I would (I recently acquired a small Loxjie amp for a bedroom system and enjoy it). I also own the KLH Model 5s (***LOVE***) in my main system. At this point I can safely say my tube amp doesn't quite drive the model 5s as much as they need for demanding music, so I'm in the market for ... something. Currently looking at XTZ 400, Technics SU G700, and the Yamaha AS1200. Yes I know, I'm all over the place. Two class Ds and one class AB. One is just an amp, one an integrated and one a class AB integrated. In your view is the Technics worth double the price of the XTZ? It has everything included as an integrated but it also has 1/2 the power. But it's so pretty..... Ugh. Maybe I'll just wait on that Cambridge EVO review. 😂

Xtz are sweet amps. I have one of those and they play very nice on my Cerwin Vega speakers, and even better on my Klipsch speakers. Powerful and big sound!

Hello from Anaheim,California.one of my favorite audio review channel.

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

I bought the crown...mostly on your review. I couldn't be happier! My old Maggies LOVE it!

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Crown + Magnepan is always magic.

@stephenstevens6573

3 жыл бұрын

@@robinsonbrand Magic is the best descriptive I've heatd...its amazing. Thank you for your review

Hi Andrew. Could you recommend a preamp to pair with the XTZ? I don't need streaming, bluetooth, or a dac. Thanks! A big fan by the way!

I’m just here to listen to the voice of reason at the end :)

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Fair enough.

I'm having the same experience with the VTV hypex252 class D amp. To me just seems super clean and neutral biggest thing I noticed was its power because its 250w x 2 @4ohms and my previous amp was 100w x 2 @6ohm. It cost about $600 which is fair but I thinks going back as I feel it wasn't that big a improvement over my Marantz SR4021. I think putting the $600 towards better speakers will make a bigger improvement.

I use the old rotel rb 1572 class d at 250 watts into 8 ohms and use a pure class a pre amp and I just love the control they have over the music

Informative and entertaining. What preamp pairs well with this amp and why are preamps so expensive? Also, a speaker preferably large that plays metal with a very quick bass response. Thanks, Dwight Love your channel as well as your other commentator!

@michaelwright1602

2 жыл бұрын

A tube pre amp and an equalizer really brings out the best in a class D. Just my opinion of course. I like the fact that most all Class D amps do not mess with the sound, I want to do that. They can actually be a lot of fun with the right gear, and you do not have to break the bank to do exactly that. A Schiit Loki and say a Saga tube amp, $550 new. Or get on some of the used Hi-Fi classified websites and pay quite a bit less for used gear. That is what I have been doing, there is some very good gear out there for sale right now, at huge savings off of new. I just picked up a Schiit Freya S and a Gungnir Multibit DAC for $1250 delivered to my door, with like new $50+ XLR cables included. If I bought from Schiit, that would have cost me $2000 with shipping. Darn near half off full retail, pretty hard to beat in my book.

Kristi and I agree on remotes. I need a good universal remote.

I love my Parasound 2350. 600x2. ICE modules. Driving 4 ELAC B6.2 and they sing. No substitute for raw power.

I have a pair of very inefficient panel speakers: Eminent Technology LFT8b's, and these speakers sound best with lots of amplifier power. I tried out a Crown amp at your suggestion and the bottom line is that I think it is as good or better than the 250wpc class AB I have used for the last couple of years. It is different, yes, its lean, and that is ok. The Crown cost a small fraction of the cost of the Class AB amp, it runs cool and I keep it ON all the time, 24-7. It does not emphasize bass and I am hard pressed to say whether there is a dip in the bass response or maybe my old amp had a hump in the bass response. No matter, i have two subs and they give me plenty of bass. As to mid range and treble, it is as clean as an amp can be. It is in no way sharp or in-your-face sounding. So: I vote YES on Crown Class D power amps.

ICE vs N Core modules. Who reigns supreme? 👂Hypex NC400 DIY mono kits are also very tempting at this price point. Thanks for this review. It's swinging me back towards class D. Most reviewers are preferring a tonality. Maybe just get a source and preamp in your preferred colors and feed that though a colorless amplifier into your colored speakers.

Hi Andrew. I think the choice of speakers has more detrimental bearing on the sound, rather than the type of amplification.

Haven't been this early to a video in a long time! Love what you guys do!

@KristiWright

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for joining us this morning!

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Hey there 😊 I have one A2-300 for each front, and I absolutely love them. Speakers have dual 12" woofers, and the amp controls them perfectly. Speakers are 4 ohm, so when I biamp, they have 600 watts each 😊 I am planing on getting another one for my centerchannel which now is the babybrother of my fronts, with dual 10". Haven't decided if I will use both of the dual 10 speakers as center, or if I shall biamp only one like with the fronts. The A2-300 is what will be drving it regardless. Love the sound, and the control. 1500 in dampingfactor might have a say in the control 🤪 the A2-400 has 600 in dampingfactor, but I suppose that is enough too 😊 Great content, as always 🤘🤘🤘 Btw: I would say that having a neutral poweramp, is the best. I want my avr (maybe processor if finances allow in thw future), to do the colouration. Especially when having an avr where I only power the fronts. If the amp had much couloration, the sound would not be uniform through the speakers 🤷‍♂️

I hope you can try to review a McIntosh MC275. I’ve been eye-ing them for awhile and curious what you think! 😊

I can only hope you're able to review the Rogue Audio Hydra or Dragon amps as they look like a fascinating combination of Class D and tube.

I love Kristi's comments. She tells it like it is, and I usually agree with her. I now own my first class D amp. It's a hybrid integrated with a tube preamp (Rogue Audio Sphinx). I am very happy with it. Lots of power, very balanced, does not get hot.

If it doesn't draw attention to itself, that's a good thing! The ICE module amps are generally good amplifiers, I plan to use some for the subwoofers in my new home theater.

Class D are maturing, mellowing, growing smoother and refined. Small, light, cool running. They are powerful, efficient, neutral, accurate, true to source, with very low noise and distortion. They are undoubtedly "the new big thing". Doing more with less. A gigantic step forward. And yes, you can put everything into one small unobtrusive box. ;-)

@rolandlickert2904

2 жыл бұрын

Fully agree with you that what I did and never looked back .

Thanks. I do like class D amplifiers; I own the Wyred4Sound ST-500. I like the fact that class D amplifiers do not produce that much heat and still sound great in my 14 x 11 feet room. I am really interested in the NAD C 298 and C 268.

@rolandlickert2904

2 жыл бұрын

Happy with my NAD C-388

hey man good job with the vids ,i got a question with adding a power amplifier to a sony strdn1080 receiver did you know if you were able to hook up a power amplifier to the sony strdn180 receiver

I'm always down for the crown love the video Mr Robinson

Class D!!! As always my friends -awesome review Andew! Please give my best regards to Kristi!

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you and will do!

Based on your review and others I'm using two Crown Audio XLS1002 driving Magnepan .7 with a Schiit Freya S preamp. Using the SVS upgrade program I traded in my SVS SB1000 for two SVS SB1000 PROs. I set the high pass crossover in the Crown at 50Hz so the Maggies don't have to handle the low bass. No issues with the noise floor at all, gain set at 3 o'clock position. So when are you and Kristi going vinyl shopping again?

Hey Andrew, how do you manage to remember the differences of how an amplifier you heard yesterdecade (or even yesterday!) sounded, when comparing to an amp you are listening to today? Is it all in the hippocampus?

Talking of one box that does everything I would love it if you guys reviewed mcintosh ma5300 integrated amp. 😍

Geezzz what I wrote yesterday no longer applied...what a difference in another day of being constantly on...WOW Xs10. It's all there, timbre, details. Soundstage..yada. 400.00 is a huge BARGIN.

I'm right there with you, I didn't know what glassy meant either

Love your channel. I am looking for the best compact bookshelf speakers and amp combo for a record player in the lovong room. Have a pair of Vanatoo T1s but feel I need more oomph.

"I guess it's doing a fantastic job, whatever it is doing." :-))) Great comment! Maybe I will try out one A2-300 or the 400 for my front speakers instead using the Denon AVC X-4800H and see if that makes a difference for my setup. But this review is really great and honest.

@dudemastermaster8944

3 ай бұрын

It will, big time

Andrew, it could be interesting to hear your review of the Denon PMA A110 amp. I seems you may really like that one. Should be a special kit. Thanks for your review, and the dynamic of you and Kristi is so good for the breadth of opinion and perception. It's really good, and feels ...normal :)

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

There is a Denon on the horizon...

@jimgardner5129

3 жыл бұрын

@@robinsonbrand Yay Denon! Been a fan since the AVR3300 all those many years ago. Still have mine.

@Jonziebal

3 жыл бұрын

@@robinsonbrand Sounds great! I will be watching for that one..! Buuuut, I'll likely see the rest as well, haha!

Nuforce essentially became Nuprime which is still very much in business. I had their IDA-8 amp which is very nice sounding. I only got rid of it to make room for more. I still have a Wyred4sound Mint, though.

It would be nice to see a Hegel review, i have h190 very neutral But with a very good detail and wide soundstage, bass can be a bit on the dry side

I wonder if it is that neutral how does a preamp like a tube preamp or warmer preamp does affect the lean aspect of a class D? Does it bring more weight to it or does the amp filter everything afterward? Thanks!

Andrew always love your video’s! Can I put a xtz in as an amp to fire my front speakers(Dynaudio x32) to get better sound, with the Marantz sr7010?

@dudemastermaster8944

2 жыл бұрын

Yes.

Using smsl’s with infinion chips but will wait till you get hyperion in for review, lots of hype with those modules... also when is Kristi going to appear on camera? At 500k subs? :)

Thank you sir, great review! I also agree that class d can be more revealing “almost” clinical at times. By comparison class A/B can sound fuller and smoother. I have had both hooked to my new reference speaker Klipsch RP8000M’s. (LOVE THEM). NADC368 to IOTAVX SA3/PA3 stack. It’s hard to communicate color and emotion with amps IMO. NAD, instant low noise floor so detail comes through but doesn’t engage me like the class a/b IOTA. Beauty is only skin deep but that crown is ugly to the bone!!! Lol

Hi there. I’m with Kristi 😄 I don’t have any experience with power amps so sorry if my questions are stupid. 1. Does a power amp like this emulate the sound of the pre-amp connected to it, say, a tube pre-amp? 2. Do any speakers need 800W of power!!

Hey! I misses pairing suggestions. Then also I thought the pre-amp was steering the sound more. If the preamp have tone control can’t I steer the xtz the way I want? ❤️ the channel /Christian

Amp recommendations for 90s vintage cerwin vega 12 inch floor speakers. Formerly used an adcom from the same period, looking at a new adcom. Will this amp work or will it sound crispy, like rice crispy when it gets loud?

Thanks Christie I am very ignorant on a lot of technology terms, glassy! Now I know

This reminds me of a rega brio, a charming class a b, that according to some sounds like a class a. Multiple awards (what hi-fi...) . Would love to watch your review of it. But i understand if u cant reach everything and everyone. Great work

Do a review on the Starke AD4-320. It is the "Audiolab" of class D amps. Jay said it (nearly) sounds tuby (for a D that is insane)...He was so impressed that it rivals PS Audio. lol

Nice review, but I'm surprised that you didn't compare it to ANYTHING from NAD, or Purifi, or PS AUDIO. I want to see you review the Stellar line. That said if you didn't notice the amp, then you should have really enjoyed your music.

@Andrew you said something about the output stage. I own 2x A300. Did you have a look inside the AMP? They are using interconnects instead off soldering the cables to the in my eyes high quality binding posts. I think they did this to safe production costs. Or is this for better output stage or something like this. I really like to hear your opinion about the internal wiring/ Output stage of the AMP's. I think the A400 will likely be the same. Oh and I really like class D. The detail and power you get at this price point.

I wonder if the Belcanto 600M will be a good match for Focal Kanta 2 to tame the highs ic i want to add little warmth .thanks

Sweet, been waiting for this one.

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Hope it was worth the wait!

Hi Andrew 1. Do you think that 1 a400 would be enough for a pair of B&W 702 s2’s or 1 for each?(bridged) 2. Or is the Emotiva Dr2 a better choice?

@imrulhaque

2 жыл бұрын

I’m thinking about the same thing. I want to use two of them to run a pair of TAD-S1EX on bi-amp configuration.

Hi. We’re did you get your hifi cabinet please

Thumbs up for the lady's words of practical down to earth modern minimalism wisdom. She is right on, that one box - one remote solution is what we need. Going separate boxes solution will add in more friction and noise by itself, requiring "better" wire connections, handshake, etc which add further more noise, etc etc. The separates thing is a backward thinking, let's waste more materials, consume more energy, and then ignore to recycle any of it.

Ohhh Hell yeah the Early Bird catches the worm. As always amazing content.

@robinsonbrand

3 жыл бұрын

Appreciate you tuning in this morning (or afternoon) David!

If you're totally nuts the thing to do is bi amp with the xtz on the lows and tubes or a class AB on the highs

ice power baby dammm that class D packs crazy power also other same icepower amps have different integrated pre amp which changes the tonality the class D module is kinda magnifier or buffer stage whereas the IV stage or flavor stage is different from manufacturer to manufacturer and powerful amp get super controlled because the distortion when using high power amp at very low power drops distortion so low that speaker starts moving as per the signal intended