The Best Integrated Amps that Won't Go Obsolete

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  • Опубликовано: 27 дек 2024

Комментарии • 396

  • @cheapaudioman
    @cheapaudioman  5 месяцев назад +4

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    Cambridge Audio CXA81 bit.ly/3WtgAKQ
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    • @purrito4424
      @purrito4424 5 месяцев назад

      They told me a pair of electrostatics would ease my suffering. My wife will be elated.

    • @TheMatsushitaMan
      @TheMatsushitaMan 5 месяцев назад

      BetterHelp is a scam, please do better research on your sponsors. All it takes is a simple web search and you'll find lots of information on why Betterhelp sucks.

  • @BMWBuilds
    @BMWBuilds 5 дней назад +1

    Thanks! Love this. Advice on this thought: TA2 vs (PT2+A2).
    Scenario:
    Elac UBR62
    B&W ASW650 12” sealed sub
    Question - how much SQ am I missing out on by going with the TA2 vs the separates?
    I’m stepping out of the vintage integrated game. Too much maintenance and I need my STP, daft punk, etc to just work. Kids, life, it’s all packed. Need some stereo sanity :-)
    Future thoughts:
    - CSS 1TDX
    - GISHELLI J2
    Likely couple years away from these, realistically.
    - XOXO fellow tax’d dad.

    • @BMWBuilds
      @BMWBuilds 5 дней назад

      Ok, the hive and CheapAudioMan have convinced me. Going separates. 😮
      BasX A2 and Schiit Saga to start.
      Already have sufficient base management with my sub. Screw it, into the deep end I go!
      It’s time!

    • @BMWBuilds
      @BMWBuilds 5 дней назад

      Wait, I need to join your patreon. In the meantime I’ll just keep replying to myself bcuz that’s not crazy*

    • @BMWBuilds
      @BMWBuilds 5 дней назад

      * = sarcasm

  • @richardclark6807
    @richardclark6807 5 месяцев назад +12

    I’ve got the CXA61 amp. 60w is plenty for my Wharfedale 12.3’s.
    I use a Tecnodec, RB330, Dynavector 10x2 mk2 into a Graham Slee gram amp 2 and a Marantz CD6007 as my main sources and occasionally bluetooth. My room is 4m wide 5m long.
    The sound is amazing with both sources but vinyl has the musicality I love.
    The Cambridge amps are stereo amps primarily designed for 2 channel listening and as such are great for it. I don’t need a hdmi input as we have a separate system for movies.
    If I did need the input I would buy an adapter, but if 2 channel listening is not your main use the I would probably look at alternatives.

  • @Simon_Hawkshaw
    @Simon_Hawkshaw 5 месяцев назад +3

    Thank you for caring and sharing Betterhelp. I am sure many of us struggle internally. You have built an amazing community and provided us with some great interactive connection opportunities through your Discord, Patreon, RUclips content and music. The Rotel is on my list and may be owned one day, but I do have an Emotive TA1, purchased on your recommendation, which is amazing. Thank you for everything brother. Take care.

  • @jeffpergal3341
    @jeffpergal3341 5 месяцев назад +77

    Hurt by Johnny Cash better than the original, IMHO.

    • @jammingjammerjammington
      @jammingjammerjammington 5 месяцев назад +4

      Agreed

    • @fakeklg
      @fakeklg 5 месяцев назад +3

      Absolutely! Wildly haunting. Dark. Heavy. Better than Mr. Reznor’s version.

    • @patthewoodboy
      @patthewoodboy 5 месяцев назад +6

      @@fakeklg even Reznor will agree

    • @travis7500
      @travis7500 5 месяцев назад +2

      Came here to say this. 100% agree.

    • @jonathanbrandon
      @jonathanbrandon 5 месяцев назад +1

      +1

  • @SandsOfArrakis
    @SandsOfArrakis День назад

    2 years ago I've bought a brand new Cambridge Audio CXA81. I don't see it being retired for many years to come. It is perfect for me. 😀

  • @MrWilander88
    @MrWilander88 5 месяцев назад +6

    I got my Emotiva TA-2 delivered 2 weeks back and it powers my Martin Logan towers, I must emphasise that I couldn't be happier. The amp plays clean and has plenty of power. the sound of 90+ dbs filling the room is unbelievable and the bass delivery is totally out of the world. I know it has a lot to do with the speakers, but my speakers sound better with the TA2 than my Yamaha integrated amp that I used earlier.

    • @loua2735
      @loua2735 3 месяца назад +1

      Just curious which model Yamaha you were previously using. I just picked up the Revel Concerta2 F36’s and am trying to decide between the Emotiva and the Yamaha A-S801

    • @MrWilander88
      @MrWilander88 3 месяца назад

      @@loua2735 it was the Yamaha R-N301 100w p/channel

    • @christophermedina5422
      @christophermedina5422 2 месяца назад

      @@loua2735If it helps… I have both at the moment, and the Yamaha’s sound is better to my ears… better clarity and dynamics. Loudness feature on the Yamaha is awesome for night mode and I have not had the need to use my sub with it. Klipsch RP-5000 speakers…

  • @billcarpenter3880
    @billcarpenter3880 Месяц назад

    I’m a little older than cheapaudioman, and as someone who appreciates great sound, I have owned a (literal) stack of integrated amps and receivers, since my first quadrophonic purchase in 1974. I watched this video, and would have bought and changed out of all of those integrated if I was 40 years younger. Life changes, and the people you life with, place, and situations change. My current system will keep people listening until dawn if I don’t kick them out (and I have had to more than a few times). My current system has been in place for about 10 years (receiver that I have never tuned radio through, speakers and subwoofer), but I expect I have all the capabilities and quality I will ever require.

  • @Roddy451
    @Roddy451 5 месяцев назад +5

    I've owned an Emotiva TA-2 for a little while now. It is powerful and sounds good. I can criticize the user interface as not being friendly, and the cooling fan can get loud. The volume scale is not in dB, and the numerical scale is from 0 to 80; the other head-scratcher is the scale markers for the low & hi-pass are not in round numbers (i.e., 10, 15, or 20). None are deal breakers for me because, in the end, I enjoy listening to the music. My speakers are the Emotiva XT-2, and I use a pair of Rythmik F-18s. The source is Linn Ikemi.

    • @Roddy451
      @Roddy451 5 месяцев назад

      P.S. You can always purchase a Parasound Halo Hint 6, you will be happy, and it is a freaking powerhouse. But you will pay quite a bit more $$$.

  • @tharrigan5661
    @tharrigan5661 5 месяцев назад +20

    Heart did Stairway to Heaven at the Kennedy Center to honor Led Zeppelin. I won’t say their cover was ‘better’, but it was amazing nonetheless . Worth a listen.

    • @mikedelara8226
      @mikedelara8226 5 месяцев назад +3

      I only liked it because of Robert Plant's reaction. That clouded my judgement. ✌🏼

    • @towertone
      @towertone 4 месяца назад +2

      Saw that on TV and it was great. Also saw them cover 'Rock n Roll" at the 1st TeXXas Jam in 1978 (I think...) where they did an incredible break in it that had the entire stadium screamin'!! (as more fog clears, I believe it was one of their encores...anyone?...anyone?...Bueller??)

    • @tpr299
      @tpr299 4 месяца назад +2

      I like Beth Hart’s version on her Led Zeppelin Tribute Album also. It’s great.

    • @tpr299
      @tpr299 4 месяца назад +1

      She was also at the Kennedy Center that night doing a tribute, with Jeff Beck to Buddy Guy. She sang an Etta James song…. “I’d Rather Be A Blind Girl”. You probably saw it.

  • @donaldharrell6915
    @donaldharrell6915 5 месяцев назад +3

    I bought a TA1 for my daughter after her integrated bit the dust. The DAC isn’t my favorite but if you add a decent DAC then things get much better. Very good for the money.

  • @canonwright8397
    @canonwright8397 5 месяцев назад +5

    Which one of these amps would work best with Polka and a mug of beer? I just wanna relax in the back room in a recliner with the window all the way up.

  • @oohmeconkers1968
    @oohmeconkers1968 5 месяцев назад

    I ran Rotel pre power for over 30 years. Had them as a bridged mono pair, bi-amped… few different combinations. Powerful, bit unrefined but reliable and solid. They started to get crackly on the volume so unfortunately they had to go!!
    Replaced them with the Cambridge A61 (thought I was buying the 81 but….). Everything changed for the better. Especially with the external phono stage (also Cambridge). I later added the CD transport.
    Good solid build, easy set up and reliable Bluetooth connection all add up to a system that is easy to listen to and brings new life to old favourites. Buchardt P300 replaced an aging pair of Quad speakers… so a complete new system really. Pro-Ject carbon turntable with mods is the main front end.
    All works fairly well!!
    Thanks Randy. I enjoy the channel !

  • @martyn_g
    @martyn_g 4 месяца назад +2

    I actually spent big, lol. Bought a Denon A110 - key points - huge current into low ohms, tone controls, quality DAC, and made in Japan. I reckon it’ll be my last amp for awhile- buy once, cry once.

  • @writemeanovel
    @writemeanovel 5 месяцев назад +5

    That cambridge amp is wonderful in that price level.
    It is on the warm side for sure and that may or not be to your taste.

  • @ShaneTheGeek
    @ShaneTheGeek 5 месяцев назад +5

    Wouldn't the Rotel A12 MK2 be a better comparison against the TA2 and CXA81. For just 50 dollars more than the CXA81MK2 you get a phono input.

  • @davidline2454
    @davidline2454 5 месяцев назад +4

    Can definitely agree with how good the phono is on the Rotel, however I actually went with the A11 Tribute as I didn’t need the digital inputs but I wanted 4 speaker outputs. Think the phono stage is the same. ❤🎵❤️🎵

  • @CarlSloan-b1k
    @CarlSloan-b1k 5 месяцев назад +14

    Sweet Jane by Cowboy Junkies.

    • @luckyintervale
      @luckyintervale 5 месяцев назад +1

      Hells yes!!

    • @crisjr6478
      @crisjr6478 2 месяца назад

      On of my favorites. That background bass plucks are a good test for amps and speakers.

  • @crimlarksSteve
    @crimlarksSteve 4 месяца назад

    Great video, Randy. I own the Cambridge CXA81 (not MK II) and I love it. No vinyl in my system (got rid of all my vinyl quite a while ago and never looked back) so the lack of a phono stage doesn‘t matter to me. Plenty of power for my speakers.

  • @ltmund
    @ltmund 5 месяцев назад +20

    Hendrix - All along the watch tower

    • @traildoggy
      @traildoggy 5 месяцев назад +1

      also recommended - Michael Hedges - All along the watch tower

    • @ltmund
      @ltmund 5 месяцев назад

      @@traildoggy Thanks, I'll check that out

    • @alphanumeric1529
      @alphanumeric1529 5 месяцев назад +1

      I stated anything by Dylan.

    • @SMccrate01
      @SMccrate01 5 месяцев назад +1

      @@alphanumeric1529 I agree, with few exceptions I like just about anyone's cover of any Dylan song better than his original. Rainy Day Women is one such exception because his intonation is key to the song. He is one of the greatest song writers of all time, but as a performer I'm kind of 'meh' on him.

    • @robx4162
      @robx4162 5 месяцев назад

      Christie Moore does a version of “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carol” which I think is amazing, Dylan’s original is very “meh” IMO. The storytelling of the lyrics which he wrote though, is incredible.

  • @theno1deejay
    @theno1deejay 5 месяцев назад +1

    Have a 10yo precursor to that Cambridge, absolutely love it. Never going back to AV receivers....

  • @JoshColletta
    @JoshColletta 5 месяцев назад +1

    Very rarely is the remake better than the original, but here's one rare exception I absolutely love: Icona Pop and Questlove's cover of Nu Shooz "I Can't Wait." To be fair, the original was 1980's synth pop at a time when everything had to be manually programmed, there was no MIDI to connect everything and keep everything on time and in tune, and what Nu Shooz was able to do was somewhat impressive for its era. But the remake took what was pretty good and made it OUTSTANDING.

  • @chipnadeau5095
    @chipnadeau5095 3 месяца назад +2

    Recently purchased a AudioLab 6000A Play - Maybee a review Randy? - Really think it is terrific!

  • @johnthacker7483
    @johnthacker7483 5 месяцев назад +6

    I'm wondering why very...and I mean very few reviewers haven't taken a look at the Outlaw Audio 2160. It is a great value and a helluva integrated that punches well above its class. The only thing I don't like is the knobs are cheap but the sound is outstanding.

    • @rianredfield5252
      @rianredfield5252 4 месяца назад

      The bass management is outstanding also.

  • @chrisgoyette1846
    @chrisgoyette1846 5 месяцев назад

    Hey there Randy, Great content as usual, keep doin you! I'm 54 and started back listening to my Records I'd carried around for decades as CD ruled the world, Using my vintage amp,tuner, tape deck and turntable. Slowly over last few years replacing my vintage for new. Ended up getting a New amp= Marantz Model 50 All Analog no digital! Technics SL1200GR, JBL L52 Classic and a Project Tube Box S2 to use my Technics SL3300 Fully Automatic. So far I'm Loving All! The amp was pricey, but I'm A firm believer in you get what you pay for. I wanted Good specs with only Analog, and this Marantz is one of the few that are and affordable for me. Again Great content. Peace and Love from Rhode Island

  • @davidprather9079
    @davidprather9079 5 месяцев назад +3

    Cool! I’ve been waiting for this review! I’ve been wanting to pull the trigger on the Emotiva. This review really helps me feel confident about getting the TA2

    • @Brian_Romska
      @Brian_Romska 5 месяцев назад +1

      My son has the ta-1, we love it, if it had a streamer built in I’d stick with that for myself but I think I’m going with the WiiM ultra and an emotiva power amp instead?

    • @roncoklan6365
      @roncoklan6365 5 месяцев назад +1

      Love my TA2. To me the DAC and the phono preamp both sound great. Bass management is also great if you’re using a subwoofer.

    • @davidw.r.7801
      @davidw.r.7801 5 месяцев назад

      I don't think you can go wrong with the TA2. Speakers and room size are a big factor when it comes to sound signature.

  • @DougMen1
    @DougMen1 5 месяцев назад +3

    The Cambridge 61 and 81 are class leaders. There's none better at their price IMO. The Rotel 11 and 12 are good too, but I like the Cambridge more.

    • @rianredfield5252
      @rianredfield5252 4 месяца назад

      The older 851a is a shining example of performance packed products from the used market, too.

  • @Relayer56
    @Relayer56 5 месяцев назад +1

    I love Simon & Garfunkel’s “America”. I love YES’ version even more.

  • @johanmak4169
    @johanmak4169 5 месяцев назад +17

    With a little help from my frieds- very good in the Beatles version, but Joe Cocker nailed it.

    • @robertwoodward9231
      @robertwoodward9231 5 месяцев назад

      Never to be outdone, live anyway. Joe brought the rain!

    • @seanatkinson114
      @seanatkinson114 4 месяца назад

      "The Wonder Years" theme tune, brilliant! ❤

  • @luckyintervale
    @luckyintervale 5 месяцев назад +7

    Jeff Buckley’s “Hallelujah” bests Leonard Cohen…

    • @88sstraight
      @88sstraight 5 месяцев назад

      I prefer John Cale’s version : )

    • @kroj19
      @kroj19 4 месяца назад

      Leonard all the way!

  • @geoffreydebrito7934
    @geoffreydebrito7934 4 месяца назад

    There are of course other choices; I'm happy with my Keces e40 Integrated Amplifier. MSRP $750. I got mine at Xmas new from the US distributor for $550.00. Plenty of power for my 8ohm 86db sensitivity bookshelves in a 12.5' x 18.5' (600 sq ft) room. I'm in agreement with the positive reviews.

  • @tenacioustortoise7151
    @tenacioustortoise7151 28 дней назад

    For an old guy, I think the reason why I prefer vintage equipment, is because I love twisting knobs and flipping switches!

  • @mindhead1
    @mindhead1 5 месяцев назад +2

    The CXA81 is an excellent amp. End game for most.

  • @88sstraight
    @88sstraight 5 месяцев назад +1

    Nazareth - This Flight Tonight
    Elvis Costello - What’s So Funny ‘Bout (Peace, Love, and Understanding)
    The Band - Long Black Veil
    Toots and The Maytals - Country Roads
    John Cale - Hallelujah
    The Clash - I Fought The Law
    Cornershop - The Mighty Quinn
    et cetera 🙃

  • @OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w
    @OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w 5 месяцев назад +6

    Seriously recommend that you check out the Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 Magnum edition.

    • @ThatAnalogDigital
      @ThatAnalogDigital 5 месяцев назад

      He’s not a tube fan.

    • @OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w
      @OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w 5 месяцев назад +2

      Fan or not, I would think as a reviewer that Randy would be open to try any product. Especially when it can possibly produce superior audio quality. Isn't that the whole point of the channel?

    • @OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w
      @OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w 4 месяца назад

      So let's hear from the man himself. What do you say Randy? Willing to give the Sphinx v3 a try? I'm told that you are not fond of tubes. I think that this amp will surprise you. Not to mention that it's made right here in the good old U.S.A. I know, shocking!

    • @ThatAnalogDigital
      @ThatAnalogDigital 4 месяца назад

      @@OrdinaryAverageGuy-z6w I get it and I love Rogue Audio!! The Cronus is one of my top integrated amp's. People also come in here upset whenever he reviews anything above their “expected budget range”. I would love more reviews regardless of price.

  • @francescotenti193
    @francescotenti193 5 месяцев назад +9

    "All along the watchtower" by Hendrix is far better than the original. Nice video and products.

  • @6643bear
    @6643bear 5 месяцев назад +1

    Hi Randy another great vid, di you recon the rotel a11 mk2 has much better than mk1 tribute, Shame mk2 don’t have pre-sub o/put . Regards mark

  • @Evolved_ue7
    @Evolved_ue7 4 месяца назад

    The best amplifier you can buy right now is half price, no dac no network just the best thing I've heard under 4k and it's a steal .. Randy you would thank me for this purchase, I think our sound signature is pretty close . Worth the step up transformer and the shipping ..
    Astin TrewAT2-2100 Integrated Amplifier

  • @ramin3080
    @ramin3080 4 месяца назад

    Everything was going well until I reached the end of the video. sonically, Advance is placed between Cambridge and Emotiva.
    For me, who have CXA 81 + CXN V2 and wanted to change to Classic A10, it left me indecisive!

  • @miltystu2004
    @miltystu2004 5 месяцев назад +1

    I have Cambridge, Yamaha, and Hegel amps. I've been looking at that Rotel to set up at my office . How does it compare to the Yamaha s801?

  • @calalos
    @calalos 2 месяца назад

    I was looking for a nice integrated amp in the under 1000eur range. And eventually found an used Rotel A12MKII for 550, and has been nothing but wonderful to me. It has preamp output, A and B speaker output, a lot of input options, analog and Digital.

  • @angelOcrisu
    @angelOcrisu 5 месяцев назад +2

    Why wouldn't someone get the CXA81 mk 1 at almost half the price? I use bookshelves so I don't trust not having tone controls.
    This aspect kept me from buying the CXA61 a few years ago.
    I chose Marantz pm6007 instead of Rotel A10 mk 2 and I am pleased with it.

    • @Chimpsfingers
      @Chimpsfingers 4 месяца назад +1

      @@angelOcrisu agreed , some deals to be had and not enough to justify the extra outlay

  • @mrkitewine7700
    @mrkitewine7700 5 месяцев назад +3

    Joe Cocker - with a little help from my friends
    The stranglers - walk on by
    Led zeppelin - when the levee breaks

    • @88sstraight
      @88sstraight 5 месяцев назад +1

      Especially Joe, just about everything he covered was amazing.

    • @murraycampbell1548
      @murraycampbell1548 4 месяца назад

      Stranglers! Yes!
      I’m just strolling through the trees

  • @MechAdv
    @MechAdv 5 месяцев назад +9

    If I was in the market for an integrated, I would get the outlaw. As every feature that I could possibly want, including analog bass management and HDMI ARC. Big and bold statement piece of an amp, and it’s 999$.

    • @raymoore8435
      @raymoore8435 5 месяцев назад +3

      Agree,great value !

    • @tpr299
      @tpr299 4 месяца назад +1

      @@MechAdv I have the earlier 2160 model. I think I paid $799. Pretty unbelievable bargain for what you get. A lot like RSL, and Wiim products…..big bang for the Buck.

  • @tpr299
    @tpr299 4 месяца назад +1

    Quinn Sullivan’s “Eyesight To The Blind”. It rocks harder than Clapton’s version. I really like it.

  • @stevezeidman7224
    @stevezeidman7224 5 месяцев назад +2

    Love the Cylon reference, Randy.

  • @Anthony-lh7kw
    @Anthony-lh7kw 4 месяца назад

    Nice video. I recently moved and was without my regular 2 channel hifi setup for a bit while getting settled in, so I decided to look into an affordable integrated for short term use. I heard the CXA81 and really liked the sound, but was a little hesitant to spend that much to fill a short term gap and possibly sell it off in just a few months. Well, I saw that Cambridge Audio sells some of their own refurb units, and they had a CXA61 available, so I pulled the trigger on that, at just a few hundred bucks- one third the price of the CXA81. It arrived in literally what looked like brand new condition. And it's blown me away since, possibly the best bang for buck audio purchase I've ever made. The CXA81 I think had a little tiny bit more detail and airiness, but it's possible that the CXA61 actually seems just a tad "livelier". I didn't need the extra power of the 81, and I was primarily using it for streaming and digital...my vinyl was packed away with my main system so the lack of the phono stage was fine for the short term. Now I've got my main system back and set up, but I love this CXA61 so much that I'm keeping it as a secondary mini setup. I dug out my old Focal (still JM Labs at the time) Cobalt 806s bookshelfs, and a tiny little Energy ESW-M6 sub, and it really sounds great for a small secondary setup. It's definitely capable of driving a much better setup than I have it in, but my point being that the CXA61 truly exceeded my expectations, and if you hunt one down for just a couple hundred bucks (I've seen them pop up in the $400 range, certified), you may well consider it one of the best value purchases you'll ever make.

  • @Diesel65-tl3zv
    @Diesel65-tl3zv 5 месяцев назад

    Perfect timing on this video I literally switched out my TA2 this morning for the Paris A10, I was not prepared for the difference in sound and I loved the TA2 both similar in wattage 130 but this thing exceeds expectations and yes it looks awesome too, I will need to add a streamer WIIM PP but my system is pretty basic technics table ortophon bronze cartridge a Denon CD player pushing through Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers. I will hang onto the TA2

  • @denisgoodwin
    @denisgoodwin 5 месяцев назад +3

    Dave Mathews Band version of All Along the Watchtower on the Recently EP

  • @waykustom
    @waykustom 5 месяцев назад +1

    Oh lord!
    Now you have me torn between the TA1 and the TA2....

  • @mindhead1
    @mindhead1 5 месяцев назад +3

    Man in the long black coat - Joan Osborne

  • @stefkuh37
    @stefkuh37 4 месяца назад

    Hi Randy, Greatings from me from the Netherlands, Love your reviews especially on Advance Paris. I currently have the A-10 in my posession for almost three years now and gonna upgrade to the A-12 this Saturday. Hope on your review on this amp. Keep up the great video's! Stefan

  • @bradleydurbin6784
    @bradleydurbin6784 4 месяца назад

    Rotel just came out with a budget integrated amp. The A8 about 35 watts per channel for 459.00 just a basic stripped down old school component. No dac no blue tooth but a phono input.

  • @KBoneZone
    @KBoneZone 5 месяцев назад +1

    Sub out and pre out are crucial. An integrated without these is not legit. Seems like Cambridge wins here. I don't listen to music by scratching rubber disks so phono is bolono. YOU'RE KILLING YOUR FATHER LARRY! Good video, so thoughtful and considerate.

  • @savvas0711
    @savvas0711 3 месяца назад

    How does the DAC in the Cambridge compare to the new Topping D50iii DAC ?

  • @michaeldunn9228
    @michaeldunn9228 4 месяца назад +1

    Nice amps. Just picked up a new Arcam SA30 in the UK for £900. That was a £2300 amp. The CX81 can be picked up discounted too. Superb amplifiers.

    • @TheIoMeroMero
      @TheIoMeroMero 4 месяца назад

      Oh gosh... So envious. Where I live the cheapest Cambridge is $1,500 USD .. And is the version I. The Arcam is $1475... Oh well

    • @carlitosgomez71
      @carlitosgomez71 4 месяца назад

      Sa30 was it new or open box reconditioned, brought from where?

    • @michaeldunn9228
      @michaeldunn9228 3 месяца назад

      @@carlitosgomez71 Peter Tyson UK. I buy all my Hifi equipment from them. They had some manufacture refurbs. Basically just returned units but brand new. Keep an eye on there clearance section. Register as a VIP and log in as such for extra 10% off clearance items.

  • @ilianstoimenov6619
    @ilianstoimenov6619 4 месяца назад

    Actually the fair comparison would be with Rotel A14 mk2 which is much more rich in features, with more power and around the price of the CXA81. Another nice video though 👍

  • @davidw.r.7801
    @davidw.r.7801 5 месяцев назад

    I picked up the TA2 on sale a couple months ago and so far it sounds great and like the feature set. Run it with the S.M.S.L SU-1 dac and Mission speakers. Happy.

  • @rickprice4613
    @rickprice4613 4 месяца назад

    Walk Off The Earth - Gotye, Somebody I used to Know. Got to watch the RUclips “5 Peeps, 1 guitar”
    Eddie Vedder, Save it For Latter (English Beat)
    Counting Crows - Big Yellow Taxi
    Quiet Drive - Time after Time
    Landslide - Dixie Chicks …. Not better, but really good
    Love Lies - Walk Off The Earth --They have a ton of covers that are exceptional

  • @kevinbehnke7149
    @kevinbehnke7149 5 месяцев назад

    I had an Emotiva TA-100 but went to an Arcam Sa20 and huge difference! Love the Arcam SA20 for $999.

  • @olzhasino
    @olzhasino Месяц назад

    Please tell me how to change the tubes in Advance Paris myself?

  • @DethFromAbove1985
    @DethFromAbove1985 5 месяцев назад +2

    All along the watchtower. Best cover of all time? Hendrix version>Dylan Version

  • @chase7972
    @chase7972 2 месяца назад

    I’m excited for the Cambridge E-series

  • @zardoz2627
    @zardoz2627 5 месяцев назад +5

    Or...
    Yamaha A-S301 $329.13 60w
    Yamaha A-S501 $439.96 85w
    Yamaha A-S701 $609.50 100w

    • @iancatchpole5223
      @iancatchpole5223 5 месяцев назад

      Still listening to a 592 cinema sound Yamaha and a AX 496 .
      The Cambridge AZUR 550 A is not in there league .but use it though along with the other two to fire up various speaker systems..

    • @Jeipr
      @Jeipr 4 месяца назад

      Are they all 4ohm capable?

    • @robertwilson214
      @robertwilson214 2 месяца назад

      301s a steal, awesome

  • @SamsonOsztreicher
    @SamsonOsztreicher 4 месяца назад

    How does the DAC in the Cambridge compare to a seperate DAC, something like the Schiit Modi?

  • @yellow_noise3
    @yellow_noise3 5 месяцев назад

    Hi Randy, tried to use your playlist on amazon but when I click link, you provided, it opens main amazon music webpage and nothing is listed.... looks like you are not sharing this list any longer. please do something!

  • @danielpudvay1486
    @danielpudvay1486 5 месяцев назад +1

    A little more expensive (and therefore maybe not cheapaudioman material) that won't go obsolete is the Marantz 50. It's more of a throwback to all analog days.
    Another one that won't go obsolete is the Rotel A8. Only 30W per channel but no digital inputs at all. Another all analog intergrated amp and it's less the $500 bucks.

  • @remyvermunt8623
    @remyvermunt8623 Месяц назад

    She's not there by The Zombies already pure art, but by Santana it's a masterpiece.

  • @rich-s6c
    @rich-s6c 5 месяцев назад

    Great video! I'm always trying to decide between Emotiva and Cambridge. Also, I love the Smashing Pumpkins cover of Landslide.

  • @kellanmackenzie5230
    @kellanmackenzie5230 5 месяцев назад +6

    Van Halen does You Really Got Me better than the original

    • @88sstraight
      @88sstraight 5 месяцев назад

      Shots fired - I couldn’t really choose between the two.

  • @Music.Movies.67
    @Music.Movies.67 5 месяцев назад +3

    Arcam Stereo Amps should be on that list
    Arcam Stereo Amps have AV Bypass

    • @rianredfield5252
      @rianredfield5252 4 месяца назад

      Aparently, Arcam doesn't send Randy gear for reviewing, nor does Mission, Parasound, Rogue, Outlaw, etc. quality gear for reasonable prices. Seems to have multiple "ratings" of same manufacturers again and again. Consider diversity or maybe viewer suggestions at least. They're paying the bills.
      Keep them coming CAM.

    • @rianredfield5252
      @rianredfield5252 4 месяца назад

      Fan of Arcam gear, ever since my 1st, which was the MCD multi cd player that sounded better than any I had at the time. Arcam sa30, fmj a39, dv89, rdac all great pieces.

  • @Hawkeye242
    @Hawkeye242 5 месяцев назад

    Rotel S14 is still selling for $1k. I think the only downside is you can’t run an external DAC with it, but I could be wrong about that.

  • @raphaelmartel8350
    @raphaelmartel8350 Месяц назад

    Great video..leaning towards the Emotiva..I will survive by Cake better than OG by Gloria Gaynor IMO.

  • @hammer-and-thumb
    @hammer-and-thumb 5 месяцев назад

    I had a BasX TA-1 from the original series and it didn't last me 30 years. It lasted about seven years until some +/-12V regulators in mine gave up. It took me a little while to figure out what was going on; the amp would sit fine in standby mode, but when powering on its blue volume knob LED would glow fainter and fainter over several seconds while the display would become garbled, and eventually go dark. I replaced both the + and - 12V regulators and got the functionality back, but by that point I had already decided to buy something else; I currently use a NuForce DDA-120 in that system, but I'm about to try a super-linear SMSL DAC and some Class-D modules.

  • @perlman7376
    @perlman7376 5 месяцев назад

    I got an Onkyo receiver for free and now I can't live without HDMI ARC. So, my choices look like a Marantz Cinema 70 or an Onkyo TXRZ50. There may be others but these both have a phono input, pre outs and HDMI ARC. Love your videos.

  • @l_o_c_o_666
    @l_o_c_o_666 5 месяцев назад

    Thank you for your service 🫡

  • @adrianplatt4907
    @adrianplatt4907 4 месяца назад

    Had a pair of rotel RB970 power amps since 1993 ,only just retired them still sound great but know have a rotel rb1582 MK2, also still using a JVC ja-s22 integrated amp which has the big vu meters and is way more powerful than its stated power but they are 1970s watts

  • @BigNorthumbrian
    @BigNorthumbrian 4 месяца назад

    My Rega Elex-r is probably my endgame amp, it’s just so musical.

  • @MrSlicer2424
    @MrSlicer2424 5 месяцев назад

    The Ta2 AD1955 dac chip was released 22 years ago. How good can it be?

  • @MultiFlaco1986
    @MultiFlaco1986 5 месяцев назад +1

    Hi Randy! How’s it going?
    I've been watching your videos for a while, and I'm starting to set up a quality audio system. Initially, I had a pair of Edifier R1280DB speakers connected to a turntable, and I noticed a difference in sound compared to before (which was terrible). However, I recently acquired a pair of Sony SSCS5 speakers, and the problem is that I follow you from Colombia, where taxes and shipping are not always economical. I wanted to ask for your advice and hope you can help me.
    I have $400, and based on your recommendations on the channel, I’m choosing between a WiiM Amp, which costs $300 plus $100 for shipping (totaling $400), or the Fosi Audio ZA3 + WiiM Pro + remote + S.M.S.L SU-1 without shipping (totaling $391). What do you think? Would you change anything? Please help me out!

  • @j.o.9236
    @j.o.9236 4 месяца назад

    I need some advice on my home system. I’m running a rotelle RA 1570 Bowers and Wilkins, CM five bookshelf speakers and a project turntable. I love listening to jazz. What should I upgrade? What should I add? recommendations appreciated. The wife gave me a budget of 1k for components.

  • @larryshumard9413
    @larryshumard9413 5 месяцев назад

    I have a b&k reference preamp and amplifier kinda old school topping e50 dac and wiim mini. I did pick up the topping external power supply for the dac and wiim made a great difference. As for speakers klipsch rp600 and matching subwoofer

  • @williamsmothers8830
    @williamsmothers8830 5 месяцев назад +1

    Nature Boy - Nat King Cole. What an excellent song! And his voice is just amazing. However, David Bowie's rendition just blows me away. Even with that said, Ewan McGregor really nails it on the Moulin Rouge soundtrack.

  • @drc3po
    @drc3po 13 дней назад

    Leonid & Friends doing "25 or 6 to 4" sounds better than Chicago.

  • @stanc2288
    @stanc2288 5 месяцев назад

    Does the emotiva have a bright sound? Maybe even slightly harsh in the treble area?

  • @miltystu2004
    @miltystu2004 5 месяцев назад +1

    Sound of silence by Disturbed... little wing by Stevie Ray Vaughn... I believe for the most part the original is usually better but sometimes the cover blows it away.

  • @blinkingmanchannel
    @blinkingmanchannel 5 месяцев назад

    Nice work on this one! I looked up the Topping LA90 Discrete, too.
    Blue Suede Shoes… I don’t think Perkins was as good as Elvis. Seems like there’s more remakes back in the Rockabilly era, maybe because people were still trying to figure out what to really do with electric guitar? 🤷‍♂️ Electric everything maybe. That was only a little bit after Bing Crosby figured out how to really work a microphone. And… Ray Charles of course. Himself almost. Nobody succeeds alone. …still, Ray Charles was kinda Renaissance man in musical terms, maybe? (Ha!) That reminds me: When my kids were little I learned that you could cover Aerosmith (“Walk This Way”) as a lullaby! Alas! I digress… Keep going bro! I like your work.

  • @la_clave
    @la_clave 4 месяца назад

    I own the Rotel A10 MKII and I love it, but I've been a Rotel guy for a while now so I'm a bit biased. I would choose the A10 MKII over the A11 MKII if they were the same price because Bluetooth is irrelevant to me and I'll always use a external DAC (the only two added features), so I'll take the cleaner faceplate of the A10 for that reason. I've pair the amp with the power hungry KEF Q150s and the A10 MKII does the job well, but you do need to crank the volume quite a bit.

    • @bradleydurbin6784
      @bradleydurbin6784 4 месяца назад

      As I said above. New Rotel budget integrated amp hitting the shelves soon. So far no reviews on it.

  • @jamiegolden7093
    @jamiegolden7093 4 месяца назад

    How does the Paris compare to the Audiolabs 7000A and 9000A?

  • @d.s.6268
    @d.s.6268 5 месяцев назад

    Thanks for another great video. What I could have used here (and in other reviews as well), is your opinion on the type of music that would sound better with each amp. For example - I mostly listen to acoustic stuff, Jazz, sometimes even classical - which amp would sound best for that type of music ? Just a thought :) And as for covers - lots of covers top the original imo. The two greatest cover artists imho are Ray Charles and Joe Cocker, and what I would consider to be the best cover of all time is Joe Cocker's rendition of "You Can Leave Your Hat On" because it doesn't just improve Randy Newman's original, I think it transforms it into a whole different song. I actually dislike the original and LOVE Cocker's version.

  • @nickelbut10
    @nickelbut10 5 месяцев назад +1

    The Boys of Summer by The Ataris. Way better than the original. Whoot.

  • @WireHedd
    @WireHedd 5 месяцев назад

    Absolutely LOVE the t-shirt first off. I have to admit that I really like the Rotel A11 MkII of the ones presented. (sigh) The G.A.S. is strong with this one. Thanks Randy.

  • @shaunyweaver1144
    @shaunyweaver1144 5 месяцев назад

    The best amplifier for me at around 1k is the, Astin TrewAT2-2100 Integrated Amplifier With no bells or whistles it's stupidly good, of all my amps I go back to this one time and time again .

  • @George-nw6xg
    @George-nw6xg 4 месяца назад

    @cheapaudioman, you’re mistaken. This Rotel has a headphone amp. Also, it uses a decent Texas Instruments DAC

  • @mbvx7
    @mbvx7 5 месяцев назад

    I went Emotiva PT1 pre amp with Emotiva BasX A2 Amp. with Sonus Faber Lumina 2 and REL T-Zero sub. I Love it. Sounds Really good and I can replace the pre amp and keep the amp later if I need.
    If you haven't heard it yet, I really love the remake of Heartbreak hotel by Lynyrd Skynyrd endangered species album. Very good "audiophile song" great arrangement. pluckin. really great stuff.

  • @Af1st1
    @Af1st1 5 месяцев назад +4

    With a little help from my friends Joe Cocker betters the original!

  • @Navarre-i1j
    @Navarre-i1j Месяц назад

    Technology isn't going to stop moving forward to keep integrated amps fully capable. As I look at my 1980s vintage (purchased NEW!) Pioneer VSX-9500s integrated amp that I selected, in large part, because I thought it would be 'future-proof' because it did so much and outputs could be shunted to pre-out only so I could upgrade on the amp side. It's now obsolete. No WiFi, no Bluetooth, no HDMI, no USB, no ATMOS, no great DAC, no 11.5, no XLR, no room correction, etc, etc, etc.... and of course, it could die on me at any time. Sooooooo obsolete 😭 ! It just boosts the argument to go with separates.

  • @scottrippon9565
    @scottrippon9565 5 месяцев назад

    Hi Randy. Thanks for the review/comparison. It would have been nice to see (hear) the Vincent SV500 in this mix....? As an "affordable" amplifier with tubes.... it would be interesting. For Cambridge not to offer tone controls is just being snooty and stupid. Cheers S

  • @bizyz
    @bizyz 4 месяца назад

    the nad 80wpc i have had since 2002 is still great.

  • @rianredfield5252
    @rianredfield5252 3 месяца назад

    Now you've got to make another video adding the Outlaw 2160mkii in the mix of your comparisons. Lots of bass mgmt for you!