http://www.audioholics.comWhere audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices.Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:45:00 -0000http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/rocketfish-rocketboost-rf-rbusb-rbrecAlmost everyone can appreciate having a whole-home audio system, but not everyone has a home that is wired for audio or the ability to wire it. The number of truly wireless multiroom systems is rather limited (SONOS and Aperion’s Zona are the only reliable products that come to mind). Now there is one more contender, and at about 1/5 the price of SONOS to boot! Best Buy has thrown their retail power behind a system called "Rocketboost". Rocketboost is a wireless platform that allows for uncompressed audio (48kHz, 16bit/24bit) distribution around the home. So far, Insignia (Best Buy's house brand), Rocketfish, and Onkyo are supporting Rocketboost technology. They currently offer it in a pair of headphones, an outdoor speaker, soundbar, subwoofer, powered bookshelf speakers, a TV… you get the idea. It is a pretty laudable goal to attempt to unify the audio throughout someone’s home, but many wireless systems have major flaws. Range, sound quality, operability, expansion potential, etc., and these things can make or break a wireless format.Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:45:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/rocketfish-rocketboost-rf-rbusb-rbrecAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/tva30-reviewThe Master TVA30 is a great option for someone looking for an economical, non-commercial guitar amp that provides great performance and useful options. The amp head appears to be built very well and is fully capable of performing better than anything in its price class. Though I pointed out some mechanical shortcomings, these do not take away from the overall tone and performance of the amp. For the price, it’s nice to see two channels, one for clean and one for over drive, and an effects loop. The system also comes with a two button foot controller to help you switch between channels with ease. When considering that it retails for $869, there are very little options that can compete. Though, if you are an audio fanatic like me, it may be worth springing anywhere some extra coin on a better speaker driver and tubes which I discuss in this review. I’ve found U.S. Masters pricing competitive and their level of technical understanding to be far better than other on-line stores or guitar centers. Even if you perform some upgrades to theTVA30, you’re still only around $1,000 for a great combo that is portable and very well made. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 03:42:50 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/tva30-reviewAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/anthem-statement-m1-preWhile we're not sure how well the Statement M1 will sell, it certainly looks good on paper. Given the 2000 watts of power with a highly efficient Class D design, it certainly will turn heads. Anthem set an impressive list of design goals for themselves and they believe they've achieved them. If so, you may be looking at an amp that will require much less space, can be stacked, outputs more power with less heat, is stable into any load, and sounds as good as any analogue amp. Is that worth $3500 per channel? We're guessing to many high-end users, it is. Sat, 18 Feb 2012 03:30:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/anthem-statement-m1-preAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/elan-s1616a-multi-zoneELAN was at the Hilton today, unveiling its new S1616A, a 16-channel multi-zone amplifier/controller that combines the functionality of the ELAN D16 amplifier and S128P multi-zone controller into one new component. It's pretty cool and should simplify installations and lower the total cost for dealers and their clients. The new ELAN S1616A Amplifier/Controller, which is designed to integrate exclusively with the ELAN g! System, will be available for delivery in the United States this month (January 2012) for $3600. The new ELAN S1616A is available in single- and dual-chassis versions, both of which include high-pass and low-pass crossovers, RCA inputs, speaker level and banana plug outputs, and feature level, bass and treble adjustment for each output channel.Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:27:44 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/elan-s1616a-multi-zoneAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/mcintosh-50th-mc275-tubeMcIntosh popped out a new 50th Anniversary edition of its popular MC275 tube amplifier. This edition features the same great quality of the MC275, but also comes in an elegant gold-toned chassis. As we learned with teh now all-but-extinct 100th Anniversary Edition Denon products, the specially created amp is being offered in a very limited quantity. The amp will come with a commemorative history book and deluxe packaging. But that's not all the 50th Anniversary Edition delivers, there are some other improvements as well. First off, the Limited Edition MC275 comes with a gold-toned chassis and features the classic 1961 tube circuit design of the original, but there are "under-the-hood" improvements as well. The 50th Anniversary Limited Edition McIntosh MC275 tube power amplifier is available from authorized McIntosh dealers for a suggested retail price of $6,500.Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:54:01 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/mcintosh-50th-mc275-tubeAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/bel-canto-c7r-integrated-ampBel Canto asks the question: Why choose different components for your music downloads, computer, CD player, turntables, cable/satellite box or game consoles? Their answer is to "keep things simple" with Bel Canto's compact, powerful C7R Receiver! The C7R, which is more like an integrated amp, tuner, and DAC all rolled into one, is loaded with inputs including two 24/192 SPDIF, two 24/192 TOSLINK, and one 24/96 USB, MM Phono and Analog Line Level inputs. Output connections are via upgraded WBT NEXTGEN Speaker Connectors plus RCA Line Out and a Headphone Output.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:10:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/bel-canto-c7r-integrated-ampAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/moon-810lp-phono-preampSimaudio introduced the Moon 810LP Phono Preamplifier at the Venetian, their latest addition to the Evolution Series of audio components. The 810LP features a dual-mono fully balanced differential design, and represents the company's “all out assault” on phono preamplification. They describe the preamp as an "ultra-refined audio circuit" which they have mounted on top of a floating suspension. As with many audiophile products, the Moon 810LP is also highly configurable, with selectable gain, impedance loading, capacitance loading and equalization curves. These can all be tweaked using DIP switches located on the bottom of the device. The goal is to make sure the Moon 810LP works with, and more importantly - sounds good with - virtually any available phono cartridge on the market.Tue, 10 Jan 2012 12:40:10 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/moon-810lp-phono-preampAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/pass-labs-xs-300-150-ampsPass Labs busted out their new Xs-300 and Xs–150 Amplifiers at the Venetian to tickle the ears of audiophiles and amateurs alike. These are actually just the first entries in what is slated to be a new generation of Xs Series amplifiers. CES is a great place to do this as it affords, in the Venetian at least, a great place to sit and listen and take in the full experience of what a $65,000 or $85,000 amplifier can, hopefully, do. Made out of billet gold and platinum... just kidding... The new Pass Labs amplifiers are designed to measure well objectively. But they are also designed to perform subjectively as well as they measure. Pass Labs claims their new enhancements further narrow the gap between what scientific measurements report about amplifier performance and what the human ear subjectively hears. That's pretty cool - and for the asking price we'd expect nothing less.Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:30:37 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/pass-labs-xs-300-150-ampsAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/denon-pma-a100-integrated-amp-videoIt's not often we get the chance to review an integrated amplifier from Denon. This is a high-end product from a company who we've determined in the past REALLY knows how to make good amps. So when they announced the PMA-A100 would be part of their 100th anniversary product line-up, we asked for it. And we had high expectations. Turns out Denon met our expectations and even blew by them in some areas. The A100 is a stereo amp that weighs nearly 57 pounds and even has cast iron feet. There are also hardly any lights on the front of the unit, making it a truly audiophile product - with nothing wasted on unnecessary displays or LED status lights. The PMA-A100 produced some of the cleanest measurements on our test bench that we've ever seen. Great looks, great performance, its truly a statement piece worthy of the Denon name.Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/denon-pma-a100-integrated-amp-videoAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/sherbourn-pa-7-350-seven-channel-amplifier-previewThe Sherbourn PA 7-350 is a beast of an amp. With a massive 3.3 kVA toroidal power supply pushing 350 watts into 8 ohms, 4 ohm stability, and seven channels of amplification, the PA 7-350 is a monster. At over 100 pounds and with convection cooling and a high efficiency, “Soft Switch” class H design, this truly is an audiophile-grade amplifier. If you define "audiophile-grade" as "tons of power, every feature you'll need and none you don't." If you define it as "full of silver/platinum/chocolatey bits, marketing speak, and pseudo-science," well, you're looking at the wrong company. This should be an amp that custom installers will love to get their hands on. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:30:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/sherbourn-pa-7-350-seven-channel-amplifier-previewAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-mini-x-a-100-preOur only real complaint against the Emotiva mini-X a-100 Stereo Flex Amp is the number of inputs. With only one, this integrated amp is a little hamstrung. But with it being rated down to 4 ohms, and with 60 watts at 8 ohms, this looks to be the perfect amp for the discerning Audioholic with difficult to drive speakers for their office, bedroom, or outdoor area. At $200, it is the perfect amp for a Zone 2/3/4 situation where it will be fed from a receiver or processor. If you've been looking for a solution for your Zone 2 woes, or perhaps just want to do something with those extra speakers, the Emotiva mini-X a-100 Stereo Flex Amp may be just what you were looking for. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-mini-x-a-100-preAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/orb-audio-booster-preWhat is a small amp for your office that allows you to connect not only your computer but three additional sources worth? Our minor complaints aside, the Orb Audio Booster Mini Amplifier looks to be a dynamite little product. We're dying to get one on our test bench to see how it holds up. We're constantly looking for good recommendations for office setups and the Booster Mini Amp looks to fit the bill nicely.Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:45:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/orb-audio-booster-preAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/pass-labs-xp-30-preampPass Laboratories introduced its new 3-chassis XP-30 Preamp, the flagship to its XP line or preamplifiers. The triple-chassis structure allows the XP-30 to function as a modular preamplifier consisting of a power supply and control chassis and two additional gain chassis, each of which serves one channel. The XP-30 is typically supplied as a two-channel product but it's modular design means that it can be configured to serve anywhere from one to six channels. In this way it can serve the needs of a stereo or multi-channel system. The XP-30 joins Pass Labs' XP-10, XP-15, XP-20 and XP-25 in its XP series of preamps and phono preamps.Sun, 18 Sep 2011 09:05:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/pass-labs-xp-30-preampAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/bob-carver-cherry-180-black-beautyBob Carver has just partnered up with home automation pioneer Bob Farinelli to form Bob Carver LLC this year. Apparently, both men got bored and, after having worked closely together for over 5 years at Sunfire, they came out of retirement to join forces and start this new business. They may have just redefined the term "ambitious", because their first two products are both beautiful and frighteningly expensive. Bob Carver describes the amplifiers as "stand[ing] with a small handful of the world’s great vacuum tube amplifiers." 'Nuff said, if you're a fan of Bob Carver and have the money. We were hoping the two would have a booth at CEDIA but they are walking around instead this year checking out the competition and serving as audiophile "booth babes" for their partners (hey, those were Farinelli's words, not mine! lol).Sat, 10 Sep 2011 16:19:27 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/bob-carver-cherry-180-black-beautyAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/bryston-bha-1-headphoneBryston showed off its new BHA-1 headphone amplifier which is slated to hit dealers in time for Christmas orders in Q4. The BHA-1's claim to fame is its fully discreet dual mono design which uses proprietary Class A circuitry. The amplifier is specifically engineered as an audiophile solution for those who take their headphone listening very seriously. The Bryston BHA-1 is going to be available in two versions. The standard model will be equipped with an on-board ultra high quality Bryston power supply. If you really want to go all out, however, you can opt for the BHA-1 with an external power supply.Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:44:46 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/bryston-bha-1-headphoneAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/anthem-statement-m1-monoI don't typically use mono amps all that much in my systems, but after seeing Anthem's new Statement M1 1000W behemoth I may just change my behavior. The Statement M1 is engineered to produce a ridiculous amount of RMS and peak power - even from a 15A/120V line. With advanced load monitoring and power factor correction technology it can actually produce peak output of up to 2400 watts - supposedly without generating ridiculous amounts of heat or tripping the breaker (internal or external). Anthem is clearly attempting to directly tackle the notion that Class D amplifiers aren’t suited for truly audiophile hi-fi sound systems. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 11:06:46 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/anthem-statement-m1-monoAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/crestron-proamp-7x400-procise-flThe Crestron PROAMP-7X400 "PROCISE" amplifier is an 108lbs behemoth that is designed to work perfectly with your Crestron PSPHD "PROCISE" surround processor. We don't know the price but it is sure to be expensive. But for that you get a ton of management and control ability that will work not only with the Crestron processor but also can be accessed from a Crestron touchpanel, computer or mobile device though Cresnet (talk to your local installer). There are some curious omissions on the back panel but Crestron seems to have given consumers a real reason to pair their amp with their processor. Most just hope matching faceplates will do that for you.Tue, 22 Mar 2011 08:30:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/crestron-proamp-7x400-procise-flAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/mcintosh-mc601-monoblock-amplifierMcIntosh Laboratory, a global manufacturer of home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for over 60 years, announced the debut of a new amplifier that brings legendary McIntosh performance capabilities and style together with a host of leading-edge features and extended functionality for today's digital age. The new MC601 Monoblock Amplifier, which replaces McIntosh's hugely popular MC501 amplifier, will ship in January of 2011. It joins the company's new Models MC302 and MC452 in the McIntosh amplifier lineup, all with new engineering advances and extended functionality.Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:43:38 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/mcintosh-mc601-monoblock-amplifierAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/pass-labs-concept-amplifiersPass Labs' new Concept Amplifiers are high-bias, Class A, monoblock models employing the company's acclaimed Ultra-Symmetry circuit. Originally designed by Nelson Pass for use at his own retreat, they were shown in "concept" form at the 2010 CES - however, demand from dealers & distributors has turned them into actual products for shipment later this year. They represent Pass Labs’ maximum design effort, and are like large versions of the company's flagship XA200.5 Amplifier, notable for its high output capacity, power and stability. Like the XA200.5, they deliver superb music without straining, and possess twice as much chassis, power supply, output stage and dissipation capacity.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:20:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/pass-labs-concept-amplifiersAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/onkyo-m-5000r-p3000r-c7000r-flDo we need the M-5000R amplifier? Probably not. Do we want one? Oh yeah, you bet. While $2500 a pop isn't chump change, in the world of high end amplifiers, it isn't too bad. And considering the price of the amps they are obvious borrowing a few styling cues from (cough McIntosh cough), they are a positive steal. If you are going to charge a bunch for your high end gear, you should shove them full of high end parts and technology. It seems that Onkyo has once again done that. The P-3000R Preamp has everything a budding audiophile could want except XLR outputs and the C-7000R CD player has all the bells and whistles. What's most exciting about these sorts of products is not that we ever expect to own them but how they show that Onkyo is pushing their technological know-how. And knowing Onkyo, it'll only be a few years before we start seeing all of this in their receivers. And those are something we can afford.Thu, 06 Jan 2011 07:40:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/onkyo-m-5000r-p3000r-c7000r-flAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-pma-7350-7-channel-amplifier-first-lookThe PMA-7350 - a seven channel, 350 watts per channel monster of an amp is the flagship in Emotiva's new Pro line. Of course, with amplifiers it is what is on the inside that counts and the Emotiva PMA-7350 has a massive 3.3kVA toroidal transformer pushing out 350 watts into 8 ohms. The amp is stable into 4 ohms and is fully safety compliance for worldwide sale. With such a large amp pushing such power, you'd expect a lot of heat or fan noise. The PMA-7350 is completely convection cooled (no fans) thanks to it's class H design. This means silent operation without having to worry about your amp cooking the rest of your gear (let your Xbox 360 do that). While $3k may be a bit stiff for the Internet Direct crowd, it's practically a bargain for the custom install consumer. Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:45:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-pma-7350-7-channel-amplifier-first-lookAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-upa-7The Emotiva UPA-7 in my mind is an embarrassment - not to itself, mind you, but to the industry. What I mean by this bold statement is, it's built too robustly, measures too pristinely and performs too well for a seven channel amplifier selling for even twice its price. Whether you're looking for a new multi-channel amplifier to update your system or to cure the common receiver with a power boost, the UPA-7 will do so exceedingly well in all but the largest most power hungry installations. In the meantime, you can rest assured that dollar for dollar, pound for pound, a better multi-channel amplifier does NOT exist on the market. This is a safe purchase and a highly recommended one! Thu, 16 Sep 2010 02:52:37 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-upa-7AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/onkyo-pa-mc5500-flWhen Onkyo released their PR-SC5508 THX Certified Processor, they didn't have to ask someone to build them an amp, they just ported over the THX Certified PA-MC5500 from the UK. The PA-MC5500 has nine channels of amplification rated at 150 watts each at 8 ohms driving a single channel into 1kHz. It may easy for some to dismiss the PA-MC5500 based on its less-than-rigorous power ratings. Don't be dissuaded. At a paltry $1699 MSRP (and a street price sure to be less), the PA-MC5500 has plenty of power for most systems. Add to that the convenience of having all nine channels in a single box, the piece of mind that THX certification brings and the matching aesthetics to the new PR-SC5508 and you've got more than one consumer interested. Mon, 13 Sep 2010 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/onkyo-pa-mc5500-flAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/audiocontrol-savoy-g3-flAudioControl has recently released their Maestro M3 Pre/Pro - a well featured pre-amp aimed toward the high-end crowd and integrators. The Savoy G3 is the mate to this processor providing the power that all processors need. The Savoy G3 is a bit of a beast at 54 pounds which is even more impressive when you consider it employs a class H design. AudioControl claims over 200 Watts per channel into 8 ohms, all seven channels driven for the Savoy G3. It only needs around a half inch of space around it for normal operation (which isn't much and attests to how cool the Savoy G3 runs). In addition, the Savoy has an output RCA on each channel making it tailor-made for bi-amping. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/audiocontrol-savoy-g3-flAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/integra-dta-70.1-thx-flWhile speakers, receivers, and transports come and go, a good amp is virtually forever. With 150 watts of power for nine channels, and outstanding build quality, the Integra DTA-70.1 certainly looks good to us. When you consider that the Integra DTA-70.1 has received THX's Ultra2 rating, its a sure bet there are loyal Integra/Onkyo fans that can't wait to get their hands (and ears) on this 50 lbs beast. Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/integra-dta-70.1-thx-flAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/nad-m2-direct-digital-amplifierThe 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. Tue, 26 May 2009 16:57:31 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/nad-m2-direct-digital-amplifierAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/seymour-av-ice-block-5001It'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?Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:15:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/seymour-av-ice-block-5001AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-upa-2-stereo-amplifierEmotiva 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.Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:02:49 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-upa-2-stereo-amplifierAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/axiom-audio-a1400-8Axiom Audio has redefined performance expectations of Class D amplifiers with their A1400-8. They have proven that a highly efficient space saving digital amplifier design like this can not only hang with some of the best traditional linear amplifier designs, but also surpass them in some aspects such as dynamics, bass accuracy and power delivery. If you’re assembling an upscale home theater system with the design goals of uncompromised fidelity and dynamics, and your speakers are capable of handling its mighty power, you should definitely add the A1400-8 to your shortlist of high power multi-channel amplifiers for consideration. Wed, 15 Apr 2009 02:40:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/axiom-audio-a1400-8AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/bryston-sst2-squaredBryston, LTD showed off their SST² squared series amplifiers at CES, incorporating several upgrades to all eight models of the hand-built award-winning Bryston SST amplifier topology. Despite the “Squared Series” upgrades, pricing remains unchanged throughout the lineup. Bryston’s SST amplifier line begins with the 2B SST (100 watts per channel 8-ohms, 180 per channel 4-ohms at $2650 US) to the 28B SST (1000 watts mono into 8-ohms at $8000 US). Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:15:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/bryston-sst2-squaredAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/seymour-av-ice-blockSeymour AV was showing off their ICE Block amps at the Audioholics State of the CE Union event. They had two of their new Ice Block amplifiers on display. Both were the 1000w models (which retail for $1299) in the brushed stainless steel and black pearl blue five-coat glossy paint. The monoblocks come in 200w, 500w, or 1000w models and run from $999 to $1399. They are exactly half-standard width, allowing for a pair to fit on a standard shelf. Because they are ICEpower amps, they run extremely cool (and efficiently around 80% versus ~20% for a Class A and ~50% for A/B) so you can stack them if needed. Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:12:19 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/seymour-av-ice-blockAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-xpa-2Not 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. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 23:25:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-xpa-2AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/rotel-rmb-1085There 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.Thu, 12 Jun 2008 15:53:57 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/rotel-rmb-1085AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/denon-poa-a1hdciThe 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. Thu, 22 May 2008 22:47:43 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/denon-poa-a1hdciAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/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.Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:50:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-xpa-2-stereo-power-amplifierAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/genesis-reference-amplifierGenesis Advanced Technologies showed off their Reference-series Amplifiers finally in production. The solid state Reference Amplifiiers are touted to have a "tube-like" sound and are upgradable. The Genesis Reference Amplifier is custom-configured and built to order. Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:05:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/genesis-reference-amplifierAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/pass-labs-xa-5-series-ampsSometimes you just see a very cool-looking product - or suite of products. We focused in on Pass Laboratories who introduced the impressive-looking XA.5 Series Power Amplifiers at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show, next month in Las Vegas. Their motto is "Designed for audiophiles by lifelong audiophiles". It's a good tagline, and the prices are unquestionably targeted towards audiophiles.Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/pass-labs-xa-5-series-ampsAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/axiom-audio-a-1400-8Axiom Audio unveiled their new 8 channel A-1400-8 1400 watt power amplifier at the Audioholics State of the CE Union Event in Clearwater Beach Florida on October 6th, 2007. With the release of this new proprietary switching amplifier, they are attempting to reach out to a new segment of the consumer audio field. According to Axiom Audio, the A1400-8 digital amp assigns power when and where required, regardless of how many channels (up to eight) are connected to the system, making it an ideal amplifier for dynamic sources encoded in Dolby TrueHD and other high definition entertainment standards. We certainly heard no dynamic limitations caused by the amplifier in their demo room despite the enormous SPL levels that were being produced.Wed, 10 Oct 2007 21:55:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/axiom-audio-a-1400-8AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-rpa-1-amplifierThe Emotiva RPA-1 offers one of the best values in reference quality amplifiers out there. Beautiful, powerful, and bulletproof, if this amp isn't on your father's day/mother's day/birthday/Christmas wish list, it should be. To date this is the best sounding, best performing Emotiva amplifier we have had the pleasure of reviewing. You may not need an amp this powerful, but don't lie to yourself, you want it. You know you do.Sun, 01 Jul 2007 01:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-rpa-1-amplifierAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/marantz-pm-11s1-integrated-amplifierI drive a simple vehicle. It's a 2003 Jeep Liberty and I like it a lot. If I were offered the opportunity, however, to test drive a Hummer or Porsche Carrera - I'd do it in a heartbeat. Why? Because I'm not likely to fork out that kind of money in my lifetime and it's occasionally nice to see "how the other guy lives". The Marantz PM-11S1 is my Porsche Carrera this month. At a price tag of over $4k I'm not going to be able to afford to keep this baby in my reference system for long, but it is a superb machine with all the styling of a European sports car. It's the kind of product you don't want to leave fingerprints on and will find yourself taking extra time to install it into your system - not because it can't be manhandled or take the abuse, but because - like a fine work of art - you don't want to diminish its beauty in any way.Fri, 15 Jun 2007 05:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/marantz-pm-11s1-integrated-amplifierAmplifiersPro Reviews