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.Tue, 26 May 2009 15:57:31 -0000http://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 15:57:31 -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 12:15:00 -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 13:02:49 -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 02:40:31 -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 06:15:00 -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 14:12:19 -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 14:53:57 -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 21:47:43 -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 17:50:00 -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 05:05:00 -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 05:00:00 -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 21:53:38 -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 00:00:00 -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 04:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/marantz-pm-11s1-integrated-amplifierAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-reference-theater-series-ips-1-amplifier-reviewFrom its excellent sonic characteristics, to its no-nonsense build quality, fit and finish, Emotiva has once again demonstrated via the IPS-1 that you don’t have to break the bank to get quality electronics that rival many of the more well known brands at a fraction of the cost. Your ears and your wallet with certainly thank you.Wed, 02 May 2007 15:07:40 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-reference-theater-series-ips-1-amplifier-reviewAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-ultra-theater-seriesAfter years of lusting after and owning several Japanese A/V receivers with tons of features and DSP modes, I was ready for something different. I suddenly knew exactly what I wanted, or more precisely, what I didn't want.Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-ultra-theater-seriesAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/thule-audio-pa350bWe have had the good fortune of testing some of the industry’s best multi-channel amplifiers. If you are from the camp that all amps sound the same, then don’t waste your time reading another amplifier review. The truth is, most amps sound similar if they: a) have wide enough bandwidth, b) low enough noise floor, c) are not driven beyond their linear operating region, and d) are capable of sourcing enough steady state power without clipping dynamics to satisfy your listening needs. The question remains however, “what is good enough”?Mon, 28 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/thule-audio-pa350bAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/onix-melody-sp3-tube-integrated-amplifier-reviewOnix is one of several brands exclusively distributed through AV123, and manufactures both loudspeakers and electronic components, such as CD players and integrated amplifiers, for sale through the site. The Melody SP3 is intended as a high value product aimed at budget minded Hi Fi enthusiasts who dream of esoteric gear but are grounded by simple economics.Sun, 30 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/onix-melody-sp3-tube-integrated-amplifier-reviewAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-mps-1Before seven-channel power amps hit the market, consumers were forced to use 2 to 3 conventional multi-channel amps to provide the power. Thankfully, a few astute manufacturers recognized the potential space limitations consumers would soon be facing and developed seven-channel amplifiers for this very application. Until now, most of these designs were either bulky (measuring over 2 feet deep), expensive, and/or suffered design trade-offs by using a single relatively modest power supply meant for 2 or 5 channels amps to serve all seven channels. When I heard about the new Emotiva MPS-1 7-channel amp, I thought to myself, "Oh great, another underachiever 5CH amp forced to be 7CH". Of course, my misconceptions quickly vanished once I read the specifications for the MPS-1. Then my jaw nearly dropped off when I learned of the meager $2k asking price - especially considering the build quality, internal components and potential the product appeared to have. Could this be the ultimate affordable 7CH amplifier? Read on to find out…Mon, 23 May 2005 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/emotiva-mps-1AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/onix-a-120mkii-integrated-amplifierWhat happened to good old fashion two-channel listening where one would sit in the comforts of their dedicated room for hours on end discovering the nuances and subtleties of the music they cherish? We live in a fast paced society obsessed with instant-gratification that places an emphasis on watching shallow reality TV shows on their $5k plasma displays and using HTIB "cubed" home theater systems as their reference to "quality" audio. It's no wonder the art of two-channel is on the steady, fast path towards extinction. Being an avid music lover myself, with emphasis on fidelity over function, I do my part to be mindful of this and every now and then review the type of product that birthed my realization for my love of music so many years ago. Enter the Onix A-120MKII Integrated Amplifier. I can think of no other product readily available that better exemplifies this type of indulgence.Wed, 20 Apr 2005 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/onix-a-120mkii-integrated-amplifierAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/integra-research-rda-7-1I have always been a fan of products that boast certain specifications on paper that when benched, comfortably outperform those numbers. It's a rarity to say the least, and even more so when the product actually exceeds its specifications by a wide margin. When this occurs, a total solar eclipse is usually not far behind. Fortunately we can bask in the awe of the beautiful sight of just such an occurrence without fear or losing or damaging our eyesight. Our hearing on the other hand is another story and, while we don't condone the adrenalin rush of sustained loud listening levels, it's nice to know a company provides this capability for the hearing impaired. Not surprisingly, this company is no other than Integra Research, the upscale division of Onkyo electronics.Wed, 09 Mar 2005 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/integra-research-rda-7-1AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/sherbourn-7-1250aSherbourn is no stranger to this design concept, as we learned when reviewing their venerable 5/1500A and 7/2100 multi-channel amplifiers. Their previous amps were true mono block designs with completely independent power supplies for each channel. Unfortunately these amps weighed over 100lbs, making installations a bit of a challenge and transportation even more so. In order to get the size, weight and price down, Sherbourn designed a slightly less powerful version of its big brother 7/2100A, but with dual power supplies to feed all of the seven channels.Mon, 14 Feb 2005 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/sherbourn-7-1250aAmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/rotel-rmb-1095My wife and I like to occasionally go out and treat ourselves to a nice dinner. On these nights the baby gets sitted and the checkbook opens up for some special culinary delights. Home theater enthusiasts like to splurge too, and when it's time to spice up a mid-priced receiver or processor, Rotel is here to offer an affordable upgrade - one that will definitely improve the amplification stage of your system.Fri, 17 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/rotel-rmb-1095AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/parasound-halo-a-21At first look the Parasound Halo A 21 is an appealing and robust amplifier accented by brushed metal finish and a "Halo" aqua blue light around the power button. But an amplifier is not just about cosmetics especially when considering that most Audio Enthusiasts seem more interested in sound quality and features. The A 21 amplifier is both loaded with usable features above and beyond most other amplifiers in today's market.Wed, 20 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/parasound-halo-a-21AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/parasound-halo-a-51At first look the Parasound Halo A 51 is an appealing and robust amplifier accented by brushed metal finish and a "Halo" aqua blue light around the power button. But an amplifier is not just about cosmetics especially when considering that most Audio Enthusiasts seem more interested in sound quality and features. The A 51 amplifier is both loaded with usable features above and beyond most other amplifiers in today's market.Wed, 20 Oct 2004 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/parasound-halo-a-51AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/rotel-ra-1062In a world where cramming as many home theater speakers as humanly possible is the norm, it is nice to know there are electronics companies still dedicated to quality two-channel music. Enter the Rotel RA-1062 Integrated Amplifier and CD-1072 HDCD Player. These are slim line components designed to fit in tight spaces and deliver big sound without breaking your bank account. You won't find any fancy DSP or surround modes, no On Screen Displays or learning remotes. Instead, you will find the essential high quality audio reproduction guts of what today seems to be a dying art - two-channel music. Mon, 10 May 2004 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/rotel-ra-1062AmplifiersPro Reviewshttp://www.audioholics.com/reviews/amplifiers/sherbourn-5-1500ASun, 15 Jun 2003 00:00:00 -0000/reviews/amplifiers/sherbourn-5-1500AAmplifiersPro Reviews