Budget Amplifier Battle: EMOTIVA BasX A2Mini vs DAYTON HTA100
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- Just one week ago I reviewed the Dayton HTA100 hybrid tube/solid-state amp. I loved it, so it made sense to follow up with Emotiva BasX A2Mini integrated amp. Makes for an interesting comparison test.
My Dayton HTA100 review • Outrageously Sweet: DA...
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I use an Emotiva A2m in my modest desktop system. The sound source is a PC, followed by an excellent DAC on the ES9838PRO chip. I also use the smallest floor-standing speakers from Emotiva T-Zero, which stand in the corners of my large computer desk and are turned towards the listener. And of course I have several headphones including Sennheiser HD 6XX. I can say the system sounds amazing, much better than much more expensive systems. For example, there used to be an amplifier, more precisely a stereo receiver from Cambridge AXR 85, which costs $400-500 but is inferior to the A2m both in sound quality and power.
I am a beginner Audiophile. When I first bought the Elac UniFi B52s, I paired them with a budget Class D amp and it was too bright. I now paired them with the A2mini, the class AB sounds so warm and coupled with the Topping E50 it's just perfect! Love it and love your review❤❤
i was in the same boat..... ended up getting the emotiva ta1 and some kef 150s and its so much better than the class d amp i had before iit
I got a Class AB 200W stereo amp and big Wharfedales and a linear supply with my E50 and the Topping is really good (and inexpensive!). Mostly doing
CD, and lossless streaming, and some vinyl, without the DAC obviously.
@@Peter-yt7xm not true, mine are old and back when they were made in England. Obviously my crossover caps are not original. Also, my amp is old and was made in Japan. These days, just because something is Chinese, doesn’t automatically make it bad, like some of the DACs that are getting reviewed and discussed out here.
What Crap
@@Peter-yt7xm ok, so let me add this .. I am aware of much of what you said, not much I could have done to prevent it. I typically avoided specific audio products over the years, most of what I have is older, but generally maintained to stay relevant. I purchased a couple DAC’s recently to compare to old 90’s multibit technology since I’m relatively a skeptic. I have found the modi+ and e50 dacs to be pretty good considering cost, so I know first hand there is too much hype with a good chunk of that stuff, of which I will spare the many details. I am not a proponent of these $100 ASIC amps, as I know all too well the compromises they offer. You have to keep in mind that some people are not in a position to spend enough on a better system, or may not even have the luxury of space for that equipment, or purchasing music, hence why near field listening or headphones and related equipment and streaming are so popular. Or, maybe they aren’t so picky and want the freedom of convenience. Anyway, I assume you just want people to think carefully about considering what to do with their hard earned dollar. There are too many “fads” in hobbies that can derail people, even if just temporary. 👨🏻
Excellent review...!!! It's very refreshing to watch you review stereo gear that resides below the $1000 dollar mark...!!! Much enjoyed and much appreciated...!!! Kudos...!!!
The resistors in the A2M headphone circuit can also be removed via a set of jumpers. This puts the entire 50 WPC into the headphone jack. That should drive anything. 😊
Liked the video - always appreciate it when you review more affordable gear.
Thank you. I would do more if I found interesting affordable products.
More affordable hairpieces are a 'must have', Steve you'll notice doesn't need one.
Steve, great review. I have the A2Mini powering my PMC AB2s, and I agree with your comments. Keep up the great work!
High-end audio needs more reviews of budget components.
I agree, it's just hard to find interesting budget gear.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Fair point.
I beg to differ@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac
Ah! Ah! Ah! You can’t be funnier
Your review motivated my purchase, to be received next week. I love Emotivas for everal years, including two other power amps models, and a preamp.
This A2M will replace two Emotiva "Stealth" Class D MonoBlocks. Expectations are running high!
got the emotiva and a node 2i and some Elacs in my new office at work. Good system for Tidal play.
I'm surprised that you didn't use the Airmotiv B1+ in the comparisons.
You gave them such a glowing review a while back.
I have the Emotiva A2m hooked up to Emotiva B2+ speakers in my garage. Sounds great even in a workshop setting.
I have a listening setup with the emotiva mini-x a-100 fed by emotive XDA2 DAC that has a high quality APTx BT source, a Arylic S10 streamer, previously was a SBT until horrible Logitech pulled the plug on it. This amp powers a Denon SC CX1 bookshelf speakers on a well isolated stands. The SQ is phenomenal and the quality of watts this little Emo amp puts out is astounding! My whole setup is about $1000, when I set it up in 2012. Still possible to have a similar setup for $1000.
Fast Forward to July 2023, Dayton now has a HTA200 (50 WRMS/Channel into 8 Ohms, which means the mathematical calculation means @ 4 Ohms it's 100 WRMS/Channel). It now has a volume remote. Only the pre-amp is tube; the Driver and Power is Solid State. I couldn't find a spec sheet showing THC, and Frequency Response etc on any of the HTA.
I think you need to make a video about your shirt collection! Lol you always have the best shirts!!
Steve , now I’m rooting through the Zu Audio speakers. So tempting 😮
I went with the Cambridge Audio AXA35. I bipassed the built-in phono preamp with a Parasound phono stage into Klipsch RP-600M II speakers. Turntable is a Technics SL-1210 GR with a Hana EL MC cartridge and the sound WoW the sound could not be better! (Snake Oil Taipan RCA cables) Thank You Steve!
Good stuff! Enjoy.
Parasound ZAMP and Parasound ZPRE AMP. 45 watts per channel, sounds fantastic. I have them paired with a pair of JBL Studio 530 speakers.
Great review! Looking forward to the Falcon review. 😀
Very nice review. I have a NAD C700 paired with one of the Emotiva A2 mini amplifiers. I love the NAD as a digital source, but the sound signature of the internal amp was a bit clinical for my taste. Adding the Emotiva A2M really added the soul back into my music. I use the C700 and A2M with a pair of Wharfedale EVO 4.3 tower speakers. It's quite lovely for a budget setup.
I have had the mini x a100 amp for about seven years now - which is two generations before the A2m - and I still love it! The one nice thing about the a3100 is that it has a notch on the volume dial to indicate its position. The power amp mode and headphone jack of the A2m would be handy though. One of these days I may upgrade, but see no reason at this point.
I have the A2M hooked up with a Bluesound Node….running into the KEF LS50Meta in my second bedroom. I thought I had the kc62 sub correctly hooked up as well, but didn’t. I realized the errors of my ways and connected the sub. Guess what? I didn’t need it. The system was producing more than enough bottom end sans sub. This is a nice little setup. The KEFs and my Buchardt s400mii are used in secondary listening rooms, as my main is happy with my ESS AMT1D…..now that’s a speaker you should take a look at Steve!
I've had the A2Mini for a couple of months now and I absolutely love it! The sound is rich and warm ; as it is with a pair of Emotiva monoblocks that I have in my main system. But I use the A2 as a desktop amp paired with a Schiit Saga as a preamp, And a Aiyima T6-Pro as a tube/EQ buffer. Absolutely love the sound that the Emotiva puts out into a pair of tiny concentric driven Micca passive speakers the Micca Covo-S. It's amazing what kind of sound and separation that you can get out of such a small system and really enjoy the music: be surprised by it really. Paired with the tubes from the Saga and the Aiyima the richness is really enhanced. I'm so pleased to see a review like this because sometimes price really doesn't matter when it comes to sound. I truly love the sound of Emotiva products. You did good Steve.
I'm confused as the review halfway through almost forgot entirely about the Dayton. Including no final thoughts on it? Did I miss something?
I guess it wasn't good enough for final thoughts lol.
I have the original Emotiva BasX amp. It has silver aluminum side panels and a polished aluminum volume in the center. I bought if to use for a small budget system. It’s a chunky little amplifier and it has been a great little amp.
I have a Rockville amp that's similar to the Dayton.
Picked it up dor $50 bucks locally and it's very impressive. The hybrid amps are a great option if you're looking to spend minimal money and have minimal equipment. I highly recommend for someone wanting to set up a budget record player stereo.
Great review and gear impressions Steve!.... BTW I love your Shirt that's off the Chain!
I understand that the A2M plays into the headphones using the main amplifier (via a resistor ) - which should have no difficulty driving any headphones, even those "hard to drive". The actual power delivery will however depend on the headphones' impedance across the frequency range, so the resuling sound signature may be different than with a dedicated headphone amp.
I hope one day Outlaw Audio sends you a RR2160 MKII so you can tell us if that receiver is still a good buy. You really liked the 2160 as i recall.
I'm wondering if he'd compare the Cambridge Audio against it since they also use toroidal transformers.
I second that request. I own the RR2160 (1st edition). Listening to it right now.
Great video with lots of good info as usual. Would love to see you compare the Nobsound AV-525 with the HTA200.
Great Review. Cheers. Fitting associated review equipment. The emotiva looks like a good fit when you have an external DAC you can stream to as well. The headphone amp completes it many will need nothing more on a budget.
Thanks for this video
What are your thoughts on the 200 model ? Have you reviewed it?
Love the music recommendations thank you so much
Space constraints are requiring me to consider this amp for outdoor speakers - specifically Polk atrium 8s. Would the A2M be a good option?
Excellent presentation and information. Thank you for talking the time.
Steve I love your reviews. I was wondering if you have looked at the Mission 778x Intergrated amp? This Mission is similar to the 6000 A Play but it’s half size like the Emotiva. It’s on sale now for 599.00 and I think it’s a bargain! I think it’s rated 45 watts 8 and 90 at 4. Looks awesome as well.
Hi Steve. I am looking at a Dayton 200 amplifier and would like to know if I can hook up my Velodyne sub circa 2000 to this amp along with my Klipsch RF 25 speakers. Thanks for all you do!
I have HTA 100 and I have become big fan of this tube amp.
What is your music of choice? I would have thought Steve might have auditioned it with some acoustic jazz or classical to let the tube hybrid possibly show its strengths-or not?!
@@galbraithmp i am in my mid 40s preferring 90s pop, paul mauriat and indian music and can assure this amp sounds beautiful
What would you compare the Outlaw RR 2160 mkii against?
A Cambridge Audio or something else?
Are you going to look at the hta 200 have you heard it?
Can we call a power amp with a passive volume control an integrated amp? I think Emotiva used to call this a Flex amp.
It is still a flex amp, I just left that part off.
My NAD 2400 power amp has left and right input levels on the front face. I can use it without a preamp, but turning those input levels up just a hair would bring the amp to full power. With it, I had an NAD 5100 CD player that had fixed and variable (0-2V) output levels via two sets of RCA plugs in the rear.
@@sPi711 cool
I would be curious in learning how the Emotiva compares to the Schitt G-horn amp for desktop use. Sound quality comparison specifically.
I recently purchased a Schiit Rekkr for my desktop setup and it sounds nice. When you hear it's rated at 2W it's easy to completely disregard it, however It works well and gets as loud as I need it to be...
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road is a Top 10 album for me.
What is your opinion on the HTA100 paired with some Martin Logan Aerius i speakers? They are 4-ohm electrostatic hybrid speakers with an 8" woofer for 450Hz and below with a sensitivity of 89dB.
Love your explanation but I want your guide I have a klipsch RP 800ii and have and onkyo rz500 and wanna used the emotiva base A2m with pre out of my onkyo do you think the emotiva run the two RP800ii tower speakers
The viewer system of the day photo's are exceptional.
Love that oppo is still the go to player. I have 2 different units in my 2 of 3 systems… love the oppo. Hope they dont break
Great video. What would the cost be to replace the tubes that come with it when they go out?
Sweet! A budget amplifier battle by Steve!
Lulz, ya, I'm amused too. Go AudioPhiliac. 🔈🔉🔊
❓Hello Steve, question: Do you plan on reviewing the new ⚡"Dayton Audio HTA-200 Intergrated Amplifier"⚡in the near future❓⚡
Sorry no.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Okay...had to ask.😁
I bought one last week and love it. Works great with my Bluesound node and connected to my tv with eARC and the 12v trigger to turn it on.
Water seeks its own level simply means quality people of integrity find ... other quality people of integrity and vice versa. It means HIGH QUALITY finds high quality and low quality (you know it right?) ... finds LOW QUALITY. This is true in business and in life. It is a scientific fact: water does indeed reach its own level and you know, people are 60% made of water. Poor people say "I bought", and Quality people say "I purchased".
@@keplermission okay buddy. I know which one you are. 🤣
@keplermission I have been seeing these kind of drunk comments lately. Are they bot or AI?
@@kawaiikoto8800 Well you know this is New York and we all heard Frank Sinatra's The Lady Is A Tramp.
"She never bothers, with people she'd hate
That's why the lady is a tramp."
You know, why bother with people you seem to hate?
@P T I am sorry to hear about your issues with a different product. Mine sounds great and I am really enjoying it. Best of luck to you.
My problem with the Emotiva is it has no digital optical in or sub woofer out inputs.
Now how about a video talking about your favorite Preamplifiers... Namely models without the words 'Pass' and 'Labs" in them?
Aren't those two black transformator housings on the DAYTON HTA100 at the back not fake? As the tubes in this hybrid amp doesn't need such a high voltage at all?
My guess is there empty.
What do you think about class d & ab amplifier? Which is the best for professional home audio system?
Judging by this video, it sounds like Steve needs to add an Emotiva A2M to his system, for use as another reference budget amplifier to go with his Denon...
Hola Steve, don´t forget review The Galion TS 120 ampli tube from Canada, gracias, greeting from Chile
of course the priority is clear sound to be heard from a good display
I need a little advice. I want to purchase an A2M amp, but I require tone controls. What preamp with tone controls would be a good match for the Emotiva?
Better than tone controls, consider the $149 Schiit Loki equalizer
i have the hta 200 and it has a remote and it sounds great but you never mention it
Any opinion on the MUSICIAN Aquarius R2R DAC vs the La Voce S3 Discrete DAC? Thanks!
Thanks Steve. I've been looking around for a 40 to 50 watt per channel amp to power my Line6 guitar rig into a stereo 4-12 cabinet. (4 Celestion vintage 30's) I've been using a much more powerful stereo rack mount amp, and I can barely turn it up at all. You know how lousy an amp sounds on just 1 or 2. I'm going to look at these both. For a use maybe you didn't think of.
Steve, how would you compare these amps to the Schiit Gjallarhorn?
The BasX A2 at 150 wpc was my choice.
I must say though this HTA1000 looks stunning
Nice review. Sounds like the A2M is the better amp
I'm wondering how the Emotiva compares to my Sprout100. I really like the Sprout100 but I get the feeling it's not producing the 50 watts that's advertised with 8 ohm speakers and, I would really like a class A/B amp in my setup. I was thinking of using the Sprout100 as my preamp and DAC and feeding it into the Emotiva. Thoughts, anyone?
Can I Use This Amp To Run My Rear Back Surrounds In My Home Theater Setup?
I could see the A2M filling the roll of Atmos amplifiers.
I just ordered it to drive 2 Polk MC80s in dining room (zone 2) going through Denon x4800. I have high hopes for this A2M.
Dayton can run 4 ohm speakers. I know I will be called out for not paying attention, any of the test speakers 4 ohms?
Great show as always.
Magnepan LRS+ is 4 ohms
Yeah the Magnepan LRS+ is 4 ohms, you know you're not a regular viewer but ... BUT ... you got a reply from the Del Monte Man! Congratulations, it's like winning a coconut.
Steve, which do you prefer for vinyl?
This: Yes! Thank You
Now I am confused. The A2m drives magnapans, but in your conclusion, you mention the A2m is good for desktop use. Hm. In my case I actually am looking for a power amp for my RP600 M
I have Emotiva PT1 / A2M stack driving my RP600m’s on my desktop. Sounds excellent and more power than I need in the application.
Now I am confused, I also mentioned the A2M was a terrific match with RP600 M. It works with all kinds of speakers!
What is your favorite amplifier for the LRS+, did it provide satisfying bass for you?
Favorite amp, Pass XA25. Bass is satisfying for me, but I'm sure many owners pair them with subwoofers. Depends on your appetite for bass.
Are you use the Falcon Q7 ?
Seems the Dayton HTA 200 would have been a better comparison as far as power goes and price really.
You know Kinma Hypesonic Audio (No it are not Russian rockets) its a high tech brand from China, they produce very nice and fine Amps and speakers, just try to find it!!
My solution, which I would love for you to try Steve, any of you really... Is a simple, inexpensive, well designed quality built Class D amplifier in any size, power or variation you decide. The solution is not in the amplifier so much, as in the way the amplifier is powered. ANY amp, of any price suffers the same core issue, dirty power. We all have it, and we all have various ways of dealing with it. IT, the power supply of virtually any amp in any class that defines how well the amp can do its job. In this case, you can select a Class D amplifier, with a high Voltage input, such as 15-48v DC. Now here is the matter at hand, to power the amplifier, you need a power supply, which presumably would plug into the way.. you could also use a battery, and here is part one of this solution, which battery? A lithium Polymer Battery, with enough "C" rating, to provide more than enough instant power to the amp, without ANY noise or distortion from the supply. the result is .. well something I would like you to try. I am using a Sure Hifi mono 300w amp per side. Just the bare circuit, no case, with a 9s ("36v") lithium polymer battery ( like you use for RC Aircraft ) rated for 50c. The "C" rating is MASSIVELY important, as other types of lithium batteries ( think Tesla, or Lithium ION batteries) cannot deliver the same C rating, without substantial stack's of them in series... and a charge balancer / battery management system, which is not HiFi and creates substantial problems. As there is a class D amp in every power level to 3Kw-5Kw, choose the amplifier that is right for your speaker, power with Lithium as described, and I promise that for the $100 invested, you will be impressed by the result.
How about a car amp on a 12v glass mat in the home
For an hour of music before sleep? Any suggestions?
For best car amp I mean
Wow. You say it sounds like Lucinda Williams vocals are overdubbed or that she's not singing live with the band. That's one recording I could never listen to on any system once I heard that. On the other hand, that's one revealing amp/speaker combination and would probably be great for just about anything else.
Nice to get a review of this part of the audio world
I love my Emotiva Bas X A100 amp! Great video.
why dont you review dayton hta 200 ? its twice the power its not even a fair comparison
Saw that shirt on some website. Cool. Here's the thing about your videos. Nah, forghettaboutit
Both of those amps are real bargains but I don’t think it’s much of a comparison when one of them is putting out twice the power. The difference between 25 and 50 W is huge in the real world
In the guitar world at least - tube watts are much more powerful than solid state.. 25 tube watts will power you above a moderate drummer, I assume that roughly translates to the hifi realm too.. 🤷
Calling BS on the fan comment, I've had the Emotiva for years and have yet to hear the fan.
I hate small speakers and they just can't produce the dynamic bass a 12-18" woofer can produce to really hear what the amp itself can produce without the use of a sub-woofer system.
Is anyone else less than thrilled about having a fan in either of these units? What about better electronic packaging and heftier heat sinks? I was seriously considering the BasX A2 Mini, but not after seeing the fan. Fan noise is inimical to great sound. Back to the drawing board for those boys.
I have the BasX A2 Mini (this year's model) and I cannot hear the fan at all.
The amp is for my desktop computer, so it's less than 2' away from me.
I have it pared with the Emotiva B+1 and the Emotiva SE8 subwoofer.
Airmotiv SE8 8" Subwoofer $189.00
BasX A2m Stereo $238.33
Airmotiv B1+ Pair $236.10
Free shipping over $49.
Worth every penny.
I’m no expert, but it seems pretty impractical to nitpick to such an extent at this price point.
"Great knob feel"
Budget amps?! We want the Wharfedale Dovedale review, Steve!
Cartwheels won a grammy
By using a different record each time you switch your methodology is spurious. Also the difference in value between 25 watts and 50 watts is a mere 3 db. You raved about the HTA 100 and now you practically dismiss it. I realize that you must keep talking about new items but you are not really reviewing them. What about breaking in etc. If audiophilia is an addiction, you acta as a pusher. Nevertheless have a great 2024.
Hi Steve To be frank, none of them is worth its asking price On the contrary the TAGA HARMONY hta 25b at 285 euros [hybrid design,2x18 W/8Ω] is a very good sounding amp that utilizes high quality components and can effortlessly drive 2way standmounters of 89db sensitivity [i 've heard it in the setup of a friend of mine] Keep up the good work !
None of your stuff is budget mush
Comparative reviews of amplifiers are meaningless unless the reviewer conducts well designed blind comparisons. Otherwise all he is giving is his emotional response to the products, which has little - if anything- to do with actual sound quality.
" he is giving is his emotional response to the products" - which is why we are here.
Au contraire …..flip through audio engineering periodicals and they specifically used sighted testing with “highly trained” listeners who were able to detect the differences. Indeed the AES specifically said that AB testing by an individual with no training in was a waste of time. I believe that likely describe you ….no training
I love your videos 😮but I do not like emotiva I have bought one before it was absolute garbage why in the world would you recommend these kind of amps shame on you
Wow…you bought an amp from this company and you didn’t like it. So now if someone recommends an amp from this company, you shame them? Your new to this hobby right?
@Mike Huntington nope I am not it's my opinion these amp are junk 😑 😒
I've been running 5 different Emotiva products purchased over the course of the last 12 years..still use them all every day..never a problem. My main system speakers go down to 1 ohm impedance at times and my XPA-3 drives them flawlessly. Generalizations are not helpful.
I love my Emotiva TA-100 (integrated amp, using it as a pre-amp) and A2 amplifier. They are wonderful and make me smile everytime I turn them on. Considering the A2M for an office setup. I think you are in the minority. Not sure what your particular setup was comprised of, but I'm pretty sure you are wrong about Emotiva.
Sorry your experience wasn’t great, I think Emotiva is one of the great American companies in the hi-fi space. I do not have experience with their electronics, but everyone (except you, apparently) that I have heard gives them glowing reviews, great value all around. I have the T1+ tower speakers, and love them.
Your mileage may vary, but you are the first person I have heard that not only had a positive review, but gushed over them.