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Denon POA-A1HDCI 10 Channel Power Amplifier ReviewThe POA-A1HDCI revitalizes Denon’s high end stigma that it earned over the years and puts the name back on the map for high end cost no object audio. This amplifier delivers respectable high and most importantly clean dynamic power and provides enough channels to handle even the largest scale home theater installations with a few to spare for specialized needs and installations. Coupled with the matching AVP-A1HDCI processor, you’ve got a state of the art A/V separates solution that can run toe to toe with any of its peers in this price class. |
Emotiva XPA-2 Stereo Power AmplifierEmotiva has given new meaning to the words high end, high power, high value amplifier with the introduction of their new XPA-2. This baby is armed to the teeth with electronic goodies, weighing in at around 75lbs and boasting a 1600VA transformer and over 60,000 uF of power supply capacitance. The Emotiva, XPA-2 is specified to deliver 250wpc into 8 ohms / 500wpc into 4 ohms with both channels driven and a whopping 1000 watts bridged. All of this comes at a meager asking price of $799! This appears to be the real deal folks and we are simply dying to do a formal review. In the meantime, check our our initial impressions. |
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Recent Reviews
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by Tom Andry — last modified May 26, 2009 08:18
by Tom Andry — last modified May 26, 2009 08:18
The M2 is really sort of a hybrid. It is a traditional amp with non-traditional inputs. It is an integrated amp in spirit but doesn't have all the functionality that a traditional integrated would have. In addition to balanced and RCA analogue inputs the M2 has dual coax and dual optical inputs, a single optical and coaxial output, 12 volt and IR inputs, and a 12 volt output. At $6k, you would do well to consider using the internal DACs of the M2 as you certainly are paying for them.
Pro Review: Seymour AV Ice Block 5001 500watt Monoblock Amplifier Review
by Tom Andry — last modified April 23, 2009 04:30
by Tom Andry — last modified April 23, 2009 04:30
It's not hard to see that I'm impressed with the Seymour AV Ice Block 5001 500watt Monoblock Amplifier. It has plenty of power, great aesthetics, and near perfect functionality. Most of all, they provide esoteric components, looks, and construction at near enthusiast prices. That alone should be a huge selling point for those with smaller wallets but refined tastes. Plus, you'll have an amp that is not only a show piece for the uninitiated but also sports all the "extras" that will impress your esoteric friends. What more could you ask for?
Pro Review: Emotiva UPA-2 Stereo Amplifier
by Clint DeBoer — last modified April 16, 2009 05:02
by Clint DeBoer — last modified April 16, 2009 05:02
Emotiva is a name that is up-and-coming in the world of audio electronics. Manufacturing amplifiers and now loudspeakers, Emotiva is a brand that is moving beyond the fascination of the Internet Direct crowds and settling into the living rooms of mainstream consumers. These days manufacturers are adding more and more features into mid-fi and budget-level AV receivers. The trade-off, however, is usually in respect to amplifier power and quality. So what's a consumer to do if they want to achieve the maximum features with the maximum punch? Well one solution is to get a feature-rich A/V receiver and then add a two-channel amplifier. Best of both worlds? Absolutely, and for far less than buying a flagship AV receiver.
Pro Review: Axiom Audio A1400-8 Digital Multi-Channel Amplifier Review
by Gene DellaSala — last modified May 01, 2009 08:41
by Gene DellaSala — last modified May 01, 2009 08:41
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by Tom Andry — last modified January 08, 2009 19:54
by Tom Andry — last modified January 08, 2009 19:54
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First Look: Seymour AV ICE Block Monoblocks
by Tom Andry — last modified October 31, 2008 08:04
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Pro Review: Emotiva XPA-2 Two Channel Amplifier Review
by Gene DellaSala — last modified November 02, 2008 10:18
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Not only does Emotiva have a winner on their hands with the XPA-2 two channel amplifier, but they’ve literally hit the ball out of the park with this creation rewriting the rule book on high performance amplifiers on the cheap. The XPA-2 is not only the most powerful amplifier that has come across my test bench, but it represents the best value in consumer two-channel amplification that I’ve ever seen. Quite frankly, when I think about it, the XPA-2 is a lone wolf in a pasture of sheepish amplifiers.
Pro Review: Rotel RMB-1085 Power Amplifier Review
by Tom Andry — last modified June 12, 2008 18:31
by Tom Andry — last modified June 12, 2008 18:31
There are few names that are both as well known and associated with high-end as Rotel. They have a reputation for quality and power and great aesthetics. At only 100 watts, I couldn't say that the RMB-1085 was a huge improvement over the internal amps of my receiver with my 8 ohm speakers. It does have an undeniable cool factor and plenty of power if your current amplification needs are inadequate or your speakers have lower impedance and are giving your current amp/receiver trouble. If you are looking to beef up your home theater or just have a touch of the upgrade bug, the RMB-1085 is a little firecracker of an amp that might be what you've been looking for.
Pro Review: Denon POA-A1HDCI 10 Channel Power Amplifier Review
by Gene DellaSala — last modified August 01, 2008 12:56
by Gene DellaSala — last modified August 01, 2008 12:56
The POA-A1HDCI revitalizes Denon’s high end stigma that it earned over the years and puts the name back on the map for high end cost no object audio. This amplifier delivers respectable high and most importantly clean dynamic power and provides enough channels to handle even the largest scale home theater installations with a few to spare for specialized needs and installations. Coupled with the matching AVP-A1HDCI processor, you’ve got a state of the art A/V separates solution that can run toe to toe with any of its peers in this price class.
First Look: Emotiva XPA-2 Stereo Power Amplifier
by Gene DellaSala — last modified August 31, 2008 18:24
by Gene DellaSala — last modified August 31, 2008 18:24
Emotiva has given new meaning to the words high end, high power, high value amplifier with the introduction of their new XPA-2. This baby is armed to the teeth with electronic goodies, weighing in at around 75lbs and boasting a 1600VA transformer and over 60,000 uF of power supply capacitance. The Emotiva, XPA-2 is specified to deliver 250wpc into 8 ohms / 500wpc into 4 ohms with both channels driven and a whopping 1000 watts bridged. All of this comes at a meager asking price of $799! This appears to be the real deal folks and we are simply dying to do a formal review. In the meantime, check our our initial impressions.
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Tom Andry
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last modified
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