My FAVORITE Affordable(ish) Hi-Fi System! A speaker/Amp Recommendation for 2020.
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ส.ค. 2024
- There are tons of great products out there. Many worth recommending. But this system right here? Its performance and flexibility is something that should have a fairly broad appeal. Especially to those who are looking to build their first, high-quality stereo system!
Triangle BRO 3: www.trianglehi...
IOTAVX SA3: www.iotaenterp...
Source Components
Fluance RT85: www.fluance.co...
Cambridge Audio AXC35 CD Player: www.cambridgea...
Accessories:
28" Monoprice Monolith Stands: www.monoprice....
IsoAcoustics Aperta200 Desktop Stands: isoacoustics.c...
My Separate Reviews:
Triangle BRO3: • Stunning affordable sp...
IOTAVX SA3: • The IOTAVX SA3 Integra...
IOTAVX SA3 | PA3 combo: • Review! The IOTAVX SA... - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
![[UNCUT] The Loyal Pin ปิ่นภักดิ์ EP.3 (3/4)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/733LDfWIyc8/mqdefault.jpg)
![If you can't hear this then you're not an audiophile [See description for link to followup video]](/img/n.gif)
Looking for some recommendations on source components to go with this speaker/amp pairing? I got you. Just click on the description box and check it out!
I wonder if the Rotel CD 11 Tribute to Ken Ishiwata would be a good source component in keeping with the affordableish theme. It's supposed to be a good value driven Hi-Fi device which has just been released. I've just ordered one so I guess I'll find out.
I have the IOTA stack in bridged condition and am using the Audiolab CDT 6000 transport.
@@robertjurcina7055 I wouldn't be surprised if its great. Problem is: I haven't heard it. Cant recommend what I have zero experience with!
@@martybousum1010 nice.
The BR03s have been on sale for $350 on and off on adorama the past couple of months. Amazing value!
Would absolutely love to see more of this type of video. Years, thousands of dollars and much frustration could be saved by exactly what this type of informative video provides.
Thank you for what you do and the information you provid.
Cheers, Richard!
Agreed. But there’s a lot gained from progressive failures. Well, except for cash.
Richard, Yepper. Audiophiliacism can be an expensive "sickness".... In this day and age, with the vast amount of equipment - much of it at the high end - is all very good....Excellent in fact. But now with COVID, there is scarcely anywhere you can actually make comparative listening ventures at your local High End HiFi store. And even after listening to Sean, Steve Guttenberg and the many others on the TH-cam, you would be hard pressed to listen to reviewed equipment and matching to reviewed speakers . These videos help to sort out the better equipment out there ...... and there will always be more coming out. I try to limit my watching these only because that I feel I am getting Bit by The AudioPhile Bug. Aside form the Integrated amp that is mentioned here (it's British - returns would be unlikely), I have ordered speakers reviewed on TH-cam from Amazon. And of course, I read those Amazon Reviews as well (many could be phony). Played them on my home Denon Receiver, and fortunately was able to return the ones that I was unsatisfied with. I will admit: These Triangle BRO3s have wet my appetite to compare to the Elac Debut 6.2s I purchased earlier this year and as well as a pair of Fluances Signature Series HiFi Bookshelf speakers. These are connected to my new Basement Studio I created this year to listen to and play my drums along with on a new stereo system created this year. I committed the Big No-NO , I have 2 pairs of speakers from different Speaker makers: Fluance & Elac. IMO, they play together very well......But audiophiles would look down upon me in Horror...
@@Chiroman527 Not intentionally trying to stalk your posts 1 year later lol. I promise not to frown in horror lol; then again, I'm not a card-carrying member of Audiophiliacism. For example, as much hate as audiophiles send (and have always sent) to Bose, I have greatly appreciated those systems I've heard; while I've never owned anything of significance from them, I nearly always cross-shop Bose when looking to change my setup(s) or help friends with theirs. I remember reading (maybe 20 years ago) "you don't get the sound exactly the way the film's director designed it with the massive Bose processing"; that's when audio clicked with me: I don't know if I saw Michaelangelo's own handiwork exactly as he desired, I just know how *I* received it, as a member of the audience of his work. And that's when I stopped caring about "the precision of the sound design" and started focusing on how I personally chose to perceive it. I merely hope the en route Elac UFs can be perceived nicely here to match others' experience. Depending on which direction you went, I doubt mixing Flu + Elac is truly that bad, even to one who would know, which I am not. But some Flu front towers + Elac surrounds? I bet that would work nicely...?
Bought all this already and been using it for 6 months. Couldn't agree more. They go together like fine wine. Thanks for the recommendation! Take care.
Cheers, Dale!
I think this is the way: Whole system reviews, with components that have shown to exhibit exceptional synergy when paired with each other.
It's a nice thing to do when you feel confident in the system that you're recommending. That said, I will continue with including my broad observations regarding synergy in my individual product reviews. :).
Thanks Sean, I like the fact you are not afraid to take a chance of combining stereo components for the greater cause! Please do more like this it’s very refreshing approach.
Sean, when you produce the kind of quality reviews that you usually do, we begin to really trust your sensibilities on equipment. Thanks for taking a bit of a leap here and making suggestions on pairings that you think we may enjoy. Nothing is guaranteed- that is the informed consent. But, you have valuable experience and I am certain many of us will love your suggestions. I know I do and I very much appreciate it. Take good care, and thanks again for doing this.
Thanks for the positive vibes!
He's giving the people what they want, it's Soundy Claus
Nice. 🤘
Vastly underrated comment! 🤣
Really love and appreciate this video. Being able to provide this super specific equipment matching example is really valuable!
Thanks Sean. Hopefully it'll be of value to some people.
I wish all reviewers are like this, save us all the trouble.
Thanks!
I bought the iotavx and the preamp iotavx with the Triangle Borea 3 speakers. Have been using this for 3 months. One amp powers one speaker and the integrated amp the other speaker. The iotavx also has tone controls. You can control the bass and treble with the remote. I chose both based on all the reviews on UTUBE. My husband added the SUBWOOFER. LOVE IT, LOVE IT. CLARITY is amazing. Midrange tones fab. Bass does nothing for my ears. Anyway my husband has absconded with my system. He listens all day, I barely get any time to listen to my music (ha ha ha) Shawn thanks for the utube video that led me to the research. Easy setup. great sound, my sons teenage friends come over and they hook up their phones to the bluetooth. Like I say, most favorite toy in the house.
Heck yeah Catherine! I love it when the whole fam. gets in on the listening action! Thanks for sharing!
Bravo! (a) You directly respond to what viewers are seeking and (b) an affordable system helps introduce people to this (what is already a budget-breaking) hobby where there are too many possibilities to choose from at this price.
This is good to hear, Sean. I was just telling Tarun how I’d just put together a system for a friend of mine with the IotaVX, but with Genese Trio’s instead of the BRO 3’s.
It's a good move to make. Listened to that combo before. I'm sure your friend will love it!
Nice... Thanks, Sean.
I knew it !!!! We agreed ! The sa3/bro3 make wonderful Synergy in my opion i almost reviewed these 2 together! Glad you took it on ! I got to give you huge props Sean you brought both the sa3 and bro3 to my attenstion such a sweet combo man !
I'm just happy you dig on em' man!
@@ZeroFidelity Appricate you bro !!
@@ZeroFidelity i am seriously thinking of buying another SA3 for my dad to have 😃 Mine has been put threw hell !
And held up so yeah the relability is there !
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 Hey Tee- Jay, which speaker you like better with the iota, the Jbl 530s or the Bros?
I ask cause I think you have both.
@@dynodin81 YES I have both and love both speakers in their own way actually they both sound great with IOTA but for me and my taste 'Subjective' Triangle Borea 3 all day long that setup had me scratching my head why I have a 7k in my reference system,
The combo doesn't sound better to me than my reference but dam it, its not to far off either, the texture from those bro3 and VINTAGE flavored IOTA got me spoiled man But hey those JBLs are no joke but to get best performace out of them You need the Stack SA3/PA3 to drive them properly . JBL is 87db at 6ohms and they drop to 4-ohms but the bass goes down impressively low like 44-45hz up to a medium volume that is still impressive speaker ! I hate to chose between them but for me paired with IOTA SA3 yeah BRO3 😆r
So happy you raved about these speakers- I found a new pair for €299 🤓and I must confess I haven’t had so much fun listening to music for a long time. As a matter of fact, I don’t want to stop listening. I paired them with a powerful Consonance transistor
Amp I have moping in my rack. and Well, no more ! Added Audioquest rocket 11 speakercable and now I have
Wall to wall sound and great bass, too. In short, I’m very happy ! I stopped analyzing the sound and now I’m just enjoying the music. Pure bliss! Thx👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This is my set up, thanks to you and other reviewers like you. Totally enjoy it. Thanks!
Nice! Enjoy!
I too bought this 10 months ago along with power amp. Added a Hsu sub, Bluesound Node 2i and the Audio Technical AT-LP7 turntable. Love it! Wonderful sound.
Nice!
A rare thing indeed .. British and French getting along together well !!
Yeah and swedes are there also... Ikea furniture Kallax 👋😝
Sean, this is a fantastic concept of structuring reviews. Thanks!
What can I say Sean, I agree with you 100%. For proof, just step into my main listening room where the BR03 speakers are up on tall stands (upside down putting the tweeters close to ear level) and are driven by the IOTAVX SA3/PA3 stack. The addition of the PA3 tightened the bass performance. It was not needed to drive the BR03's to acceptable volume in this room. Every day the clarity, imaging, and sheer enjoyment of this core setup, for vinyl, digital, streaming, and even 2 channel TV sound at multiple.volume levels convinces me it was money well spent.
Nice man. Isn't it great when a system delivers the goods? Glad you're happy!
@@ZeroFidelity I have mainly you to thank for this core setup, which replaced an Apt Holman/SMSL/Infinity chain. Your reviews let me in on the lively neutrality of the SA3/BR03 pairing, and my PA3 came from your clearance sale. I owe you, Sean. Keep doing the right things.
You've just reached a new and valuable level: integrated systems that actually work well together. Bravo!
Sean, thanks for presenting this great leap forward with your content in this video. Looks like you are channeling 70's style of audio guidance/professionalism and bringing it back to the gold standard of audio consults. Back in the 70's in S.A., TX, there used to be an audio shop, Stereo International, and the staff there were always good at listening to your needs and demo what you wanted. Then when the demo was done the salesperson would demo alternate choices for about the same amount of $ and thereby allowing the customer's ear decide what direction to go. This type of presentation led me to buy a Thorens turntable and not the more common brands of the time period. So, kudos to you for raising the bar on Y.T.!
Thanks Leroy!
Have this set up. Have had it for about a.mknth and really happy with everything. When I bought it I thought the speakers were going to be the star of my setup, it's definitely the iota integrated amp. That thing is so well made, easy to use, and great sounding.
Nice! Glad you're liking it!
Purchased the BRO3’s based on your recommendation and I’m really enjoying them. Thanks
My set up is unorthodox though - 7.2 channel stereo with the BRO’s paired up with Dali Zensor 5’s, Buchardt S400’s & dual Rythmik L12 subs. Upgrading to Anthem 540 receiver to power it all soon.
A totally off the wall approach. I dig it!
I paired the IOTAVX Stack with 4 Klipsch RPM 600s for under $2K. Love the sound at any volume but will rock the house when you crank it up! Also have a pair of SVS SB2000s for the bottom bass kick.
Killer system!
I'm using a Dynaco ST 70 ( heavily modified) to power the BR03's and they sound absolutely amazing. The Triangles slight brightness is completely smoothed out by the warmth and "rosiness'" of the tubes. Plus the bass is correct, not tubby or bloated. The speakers do need a bit of time to break in, but once their run in female vocals are surprisingly good, especially with a vinyl front end.
Thank you so much for this video🙏
I didn't know much about hifi systems. I found this video and decided to get this EXACT system.
It sounds so powerful and wide range for these speakers, I just love it so much❤
Nice to hear a review that is realistic for a change. All products reviewed on TH-cam these days are good 👍 but not all pair together. You cannot expect $100,000 sound for $1000. But I have been an audiophile since 1976 and have to say that choices today are incredible. For relatively little money you can have good sound if you combine the proper components. Great video, thank you.
This is just another great video, I really appreciate the detailed explanation of the benefits of component matching and synergy within a system. Great job, as I said yet again 👏
Great content! Simple, clean, direct, and very relevant to a great deal of the viewers.
Thanks!
im having a ball listening to these with my boyuurange a -50 300 b integrated amp, i went with the western electric 300b matched tubes , they are set up in a 12x11 room. im in heaven..saturday nights . ...is a 8 hour listening extravaganza. no fatigue just bliss.
Love your reviews and I feel like I learn something of value from almost all your videos. Easy subscription😀
I appreciate the comments about me during your livestream today.
New to HiFi (just 2 months) I got it, love it, looking forward to much time enjoying music with this system while I continue to learn more. It’s tough to do what you do especially in a hobby that’s so subjective with many variables unique to each person. Thanks for going out on a limb to do what many other reviewers never do is actually recommend a PAIRING not just 1 component by itself.
Hello Sean, Bill from France : good and interesting commentary !! I have 25 th Anniversary Triangle ES Comète Speakers ( older horn loaded tweeter) . Tee Jay reviewed the more recent EZ Comète so , since he had an IOTAVX I asked whether or not he had used this amp!! Surprisingly, and for his credit, he Insisted that the « Matching » of the Bro 3 with the Amp was actually sublime and towards outright perfection !! Thanx
Our Southern Accented friend has some good ears. Love his enthusiasm! Enjoy those speakers!
I enjoy my Bro 3 speaker with some much more expensive front end equipment and it pays off. Oddly everyone talks about the good bass and with my situation they are bass shy. They sound right with a couple inexpensive 8 inch subs. I've just started listening to some Dynaudio Evoke 20s and they are a lot smoother and refined but at four times the cost. Same old audiophile story, Double the cost and get 10% more performance. Great speakers.
Very useful review, specially the speakers are interesting. Personally speakers in this price category that demand loads of current frustrate the hell out of me. You get reviews like, wow fantastic these $500,- speakers sound much better than many of double the price... And then comes the caveat, you need to pair it with a $2000,- amplifier to get that performance. That's like passing the buck on to the amplifier manufacturer.
Instead this combination also has the right cost balance, i.e. roughly $600,- for the speakers and roughly $400,- for the amp. Now that is a reasonable proposition.
Thanks Hugo. Truth is, I can think of at least two speakers that I think are better than the BRO3 for around the same amount of money (ok, maybe just a little more)... but they are not nearly as easy to recommend due to their aesthetic and placement / equipment requirements. It's nice when something comes along that has great sound AND isn't terribly difficult to accommodate.
@@ZeroFidelity Hey Sean. What are the two better speakers?
This is the kind of recommendation that anyone can appreciate. Great job as always mr zero fidelity!
Excellent review, I'm seriously considering this combo, having watched your old individual reviews of the products already in the past. thanks Shaun..
Cheers. Hope you like it if ya try it!
Great review method. Many of us have tried different amps and speaker combo’s looking for the right match for their rooms and their ears. I for one found the perfect speakers for me but couldn’t get the right amp, finding some too warm and lazy, some just too bright. We are all different. I think I have found the perfect combo for me and that is the Yamaha R-N 803 running through Q Acoustic 3050i in the main room and a Yamaha R-N 602 through Q Acoustic Concept 20’s in the snug. Both absolutely perfect for me. The match is perfect, big dynamic sound, perfect stereo images achieved and the treble and bass is easily adjusted to achieve what you want. I stream to amp using Airplay and the sound is just perfect. Every nuance is there 👌
Thanks. I'm glad you found a combo that works for you!
Great, and not much unexpected. Hopefully the next one of this series is coming later with double the budget ;)
The only other system I have to talk about is WAYYYY more expensive. Still looking forward to that though.
@@ZeroFidelity Wayyy more? Can we guess?
You can do a mid range one, then a super expensive one. That would be awesome
@@MrRambee I don't have any mid-range recommendations. Sure, many solid combos, but nothing that I could broadly recommend for people to check out.
Back in the 70's a company in San Luis Obispo, California called the "Warehouse Sound Company " became extremely successful with this business model. They had expert salesmen who would critically evaluate and match different manufactures components to come up with the optimum combinations for mail-order sale at several different price points. All you had to do was decide on your price range and they would provide you with a turntable & cartridge, receiver and speakers that sounded AMAZING together. No doubts, no buyers remorse and they stood behind the product. I bought three different systems from them over seven years time and never once regretted it. Any issues I had were always cheerfully handled over the phone. I really miss that kind of service. I say let the experts do the research. The community will show you their trust with its dollars.
Agreed, great system, Own a pair of Bro3s myself, friend has the Iota stack.. although I've never heard them together.. I have spent a lot of time with them separately.. the Bro3s for me has worked well even with D class amplification.. from the class D Crowns, to the AB Yamahas, to the Hegel.. it has sounded great in every one of my setups. Excellent price to performance.
Glad you're having fun with em'!
@@ZeroFidelity Mainly thanks to you Sean, because they were your recommendation! lol
Yep, like your impressions of different matchups of gear that you’ve done previously, as well as 1-on-1 combo recommendations.
That's reasonable price for a quality system. I had to buy used I was recently divorced in 2003 and disposable income was in short supply. I bought Infinity Interludes from Harmon outlet on Ebay and a Carver av705x power amp I had a Rotel pre-amp processor, which I upgraded 2018 for a Marantz av7005. For about $1200 total I think I did pretty well since I've had most of this system for 17 years and I'm still happy with the performance.
Now that's some staying power! Glad you found your huckleberry and stuck with it!
This is an awesome idea for a post
Cheers!
Sean, my current setup consists of the Triangle Br03 + Denon PMA-800NE amp. How much am I missing by not having them paired with the IOTA? Is it worth replacing the Denon? Although the combo sounds decent, I feel like something is missing..😞 also, in your opinion how good is the IOTA's phono preamp?
I researched stereo products on youtube for a month so I could purchase my first upscale hi-fi. I settled on the IOTA pairing of amp and preamp. Thanks to your review of the correct speaker wiring hookup I am impressed with the results. My speakers a vintage Infinity RS 4000 with a subwoofer, it's been a lovely week of music listening.
Thank you for your discerning insights and balanced explorations. I was unaware of IOTA till your prior broadcasts and so digging on their stuff.
I bought this pairing last October and it sounds fantastic! I added a U-turn custom TT with an Ortofon red, and a Schitt mani phono amp. Great system for $2k.
Fantastic review Sean! I've got the stack hooked up to some B&W 606 speakers and I'm obsessed! It would interesting to get your take on how you would go about upgrading (external DAC etc) a system like this, or if it's worth upgrading at all. Cheers!
Like you read my mind! I was searching for this exact setup but I was not completely sure. Have you heard the Triangle BR02? Since I live in Guatemala I have to buy everything through US couriers so the BR03 become quite expensive while the BR02 are more affordable, so I was wondering if you have an opinion of them.
The other amp I was considering is the Cambridge AX35, but the built in DAC might be a better solution. What do you think?
---
EDIT: Forget it! Just got to the end of your video lol! Thanks.
hhehe Cheers man! Enjoy them!
Took your advice and purchased this system over the summer. Purely sublime. You're the best, thanks man.
Man.....I’ve had my eye on this combo (plus PA3) since first seeing your video on them a few months back......i kept wondering if this is still a great pairing, and you come out with this......thank you! Appreciate you!
Cheers Josh. If you try it out, then I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you for this video.
This is the setup I will be getting myself in July.
I’ve already had my eye on the Triangles for over a year.
Unfortunately it’s not available in South Africa despite all the accolades it gets.
This will be my first audiophile purchase.
I hope it’s my last because I don’t have a lot of money to sink into this hobby.
I own these speakers for almost 2 years but I still don't have an amplifier for them. Now I drive them with an old Micromega A60 but I don't like the sound with this amplifier. I love the speakers!
Question: as someone who is just learning about equipment and getting ready to make the first leap into some decent gear, videos like these are SO helpful. Any system I get is mainly for vinyl. In this price range is there a difference in setups for vinyl and digital media? My room is my living room - not too big 500 sq ft. Don't need huge power since it's for the listening pleasure of the whole family. In my research this set up sounds perfect but want to be sure it'll be good for vinyl listening. Also, do I need something to let me streak spotify to the system?
I have to echo some other sentiments... I think you are onto something here with the pairings. Maybe offer pairings at different price points to fit different budgets.
Magnepan 1.7i's, SST-Son of Ampzilla II, Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2v2SE, DENALI 6000/S v2, Kimber Monocle XL Cables, Kimber Carbon XLR & RCA Interconnects, Pioneer xc-hm86 modded by Wyred 4 Sound
Frustration? Non sense, this hobby is great 😎
This video was very useful. Will you make another for a step up from this system? For me personally I was waiting for the ok from the wife to get the Tekton Lure with 10" driver. Your boy gave it a very good review. I just haven't decided on the dac yet I was looking at smsl or topping.
Many years ago I had a 300 sony hifi and paired out with some kef coda 7 speakers, it sounded fantadtic, after upgrading the amp to a much more expensive unit and cd player then speakers I went backwards sound wise. Find a good combination and it can punch well above its price range.
The IOTA VX SA3 is a great product. I have it connected to my AR 3 way speakers and love the sound. I tested it with some bookshelf Klipsch and it still sounded good. I do believe the room plays a lot into the sound you get. One may need to raise the speakers or toe them in to get a better sound stage. I'm still debating adding a subwoofer to my system.
Yep. I'll have one more thing to say about the SA3 before I shut up about it for awhile. This will be in an upcoming video.
I paired bro3s with the new Sonos amp. I know purportedly a treble proud pairing but after a bit of tweaking the levels, as a recreational hifi lover it’s quite pleasing to the ear and feature-packed! For what it’s worth, that 125 watts/channel plus an old 8” pioneer sub will shake my house.
Hi from the Netherlands. This is the way to go speaker/amp/dac combos in different price categories. That's what I 😍. Peace 😎😎😎🎯
I got exactly this Setup. Now im wondering what to get next a DAC or the pre-amp?
Are the speakers Bi-wireable? You could grab a new power amp, maybe a crisp class D bargain one. That way you can Bi-amp them. You can try the smooth IOTA on the treble with the punchy, crispier class D on the woofer. Or vice versa.
Either way, I'd pull the woofer and put a cross brace in the cabinets to stiffen and deaden them. Just two lengths of brush steel or dowelling will suffice and a few gobs of wood glue. Replace any shitty cacky thin wiring. Maybe even up grade the Capacitors and possibly even resistors depending how poor they are. Low priced speakers can often be improved very easily and cheaply. There's only so much they can throw at building a cabinet/box. Even thousand pound speakers I'm sure would surprise many people how easily and inexpensively they can be improved.
Hey so I was definitely helped by your videos for my recent upgrade and first hifi system, and my choice was denon pma 600 with Klipsch rp 600m. I think its not a bad pairing, even though im obviously new at this.
Do you still stand by this system in 2023? Very excited for my first Hi Fi purchase!
Thanks for the very helpful video Shawn. Would you please do a similar video with the KLH model 5? What amp synergizes with those babies?
I bought the Bro 3’s based pretty much on your opinion, a little of Jay’s and Thomas too. You guys were spot on! I paired them with my Yamaha A-S801 and it’s a real good match for low level listening. I purchased the S04 matching stands from Triangle in white and ballasted them with sand, it’s a really nice little system with an SVS sb1000. I ordered the Triangles from Audio Art Cable in San Diego, Rob Fritz credited your original review as to why he couldn’t keep the Bro 3’s in stock!
I'm so happy they worked out for you! Sounds like you have a great system. :).
Thanks for this great video. Nothing more tiring than researching and walking to various hifi stores, and the eternal salesman disdain when you're not spending thousands.
Looking for recommendation on amps for the RP-600M
Vista Audio Spark II or the Boyouu Reisong A10 if you listen at modest volumes. If you need something with a bit more bandwidth, then the SA3 featured in this video is solid.
@@ZeroFidelity Thank you for your quick response
@@cullenwainscott2842 I use the Vista Spark II based on Sean’s recommendation and it’s amazing with my RP600M setup. I have a two amp setup using the Yamaha AS1200 and the Vista but I find myself using the Vista more than my Yamaha. Good luck with whatever you decide on.
i use a schiit aegir damn so good, check out john darko's review on klipschiit, schiit jotunheim as preamp, room size 11.5x13.5 ft, they get loud at around 10 0 clock volume, around 85 db, listening chair bawt 6ft away from the speakers. alive sounding speakers but u need to improve the cabinet resonance by placing books on top of it, to improve layering and clarity of sound. Very poor cabinet and inside foam. About to improve crossover parts and foam inside to improve cabinet resonance. Danny uses a more dense foam with adhesive in it. Just peel out the cover and stick it inside the box
I bough the Q acoustics 3030i after your review - NOT because you seemed to like them (in fact, i don't think you really did) but because your description of their characteristics is what I was looking for. They are perfect for my system, space, and taste. Thanks, Sean! Keep it up.
Hell yeah dude. That's *exactly* what I love to see! And it shows great maturity on your side, as many people want to buy something that the reviewer absolutely *loves*. I've always said that it doesnt matter what I like, dont like, or feel neutral about. It's all about understanding the product and figuring out if YOU will like it. You made a wise choice, and I'm happy for ya!
I have 3 pairs of speakers that Sean has reviewed. Interestingly he doesn't like 2 of them, and I do, but I still enjoy his reviews and description of the sound :)
Appreciate the comments about me on your livestream from today.
Love watching your reviews!!!!
You’re right Sean. There will always be nay sayers and haters and when it comes to something that people are passionate about, they will raise a voice. Someone is always raising a voice when it comes to opinions on gear. I had to block out my ears, bite my tongue and say nothing at the store I worked at. Audio just seems to bring these people out. Let em whine and beller! It won’t stop the world’s rotation. Stay safe mates!😊👍🏻😷
Yup. There will always be people out there who see the world through a pessimistic lens. I should know. While I was never the kind of person to accuse anybody of wrong-doing without evidence to support the claim, I've nonetheless been a 'grump bear' all too often. The behavior continues to be a work in progress... :D.
Hahaha I listened to you and have been listening to this for two months I enjoy this setup optical to my tv ,dongle for streaming thank you very much
Nice! Cheers Mike!
A smart way to start a 5 speaker system. Ad components as you can and upgrade the amplifier if you like.
YES>YES> & YES! This is the highway most people want to travel, especially from professional that know what to listing for, and a have achieved a real foothold in HiFi. All to many times when I was young, I fell for the speaks being played in a HiFi Shop/Store, just to be somewhat disappointed when I got home and wired them up! What happened????
Well, I fail to purchase the $5000.00 equipment, that was making them dace, at the store. Thanks Sean, you have did it again! :-))
Someday,,,, someone is going to start doing Component & Speaker matching, for different Price Points!
Does the IOTAVX compare favorably to the Audiolab 6000A? Cost difference aside...just based on quality of sound and features. Great video...thanks!
Check out my comparraion on me channel , i spend a lot of time with my audio .
This is how a review should be at the end of each product review. How to build a full system with the products.
Love this
To me it's useless reviewing individual components IMO.
Systems work TOGETHER.
I feel more audio reviewers need to do more of this.
Great thing about this idea is one wants to, they can add the PA3 later and have the IOTAVX "stack" with enough raw amplifier power on tap to really piss off the neighbors, all with accurate crisp sound of course!
Great video Sean! - A side note: I've found that if you don't correct for the room you're not really hearing the system as good as you could... I use Dirac room correction to solve the room problem. The result is beautiful. Truly balanced frequencies from top to bottom allowing you to hear into the music with ease... Honestly I can't listen to music without using Dirac room correction anymore... It's that much better. It even corrects for speaker frequency unevenness (tilted highs and\or midrange is reduced, etc) and does a stellar job of integrating subs as well... Dirac also corrects for timing issues which really brings focus to the music and provides a more expansive sound-stage... Try it. You'll see (hear) what I mean. - (Audyssey never quite got it right).
Hi. Triangulating on my purchase and it's nearing Triangle Borea, hehehe. Any comment on a budget tube integrated for the Br03? Nice video. Rewatching this...
Seems like you've stepped your game up. It shows. Nice work.
hehe The production still doesn't exist, but hopefully there will be value in the vid.
Couldn't agree more.. Synergy is the first thing that should be considered when building a system.
When your room gets painted, then we'll know you're on the take!😁
Best and best for the bestest?
The bestest way to go!
This review was very helpful for me. Thanks!
After your initial recommendation I bought this system. Indeed it is special. What I changed is I swapped the S3 with the P3 and bought the Topping E30 for DAC. Volume is controlled though the E30. This offers better performance, especially in the treble and high midrange than the integrated solution. Unfortunately the DAC in the S3 is below average and compromises what is a really great amp. So my recommendation is not to buy the S3, but the P3 and a DAC like the E30 or Schiit, around 130 dollars.
Your comment about the DAC is totally fair! The DAC inside nearly all intergrated amps is sub-par for the given price class, and the SA3 is of no exception.. The E30 is absolutely a step above for somebody who is willing to add an additional box. That said, I still prefer the gain you get from the pre-amp on the SA3.
@Fat Rat I actually got the idea from Darko and his Klipschiit system. Source to DAC to power amp. Providing that the DAC has preamp functionality for volume control, the performance is much better for the same money, as the P3 is 100 pounds less expensive (I am from the UK). Plus you have USB input, that the S3 doesn't have. For source I use a mac mini or stream from Tidal using an Arylic S10.
@@ZeroFidelity That is interesting Sean. Have you tried the source/DAC/P3 combo? And you still prefer the S3? If so that is very interesting. Tarun also mentioned he preferred the DAC/P3 chain over the S3, but I guess after a point it is down to personal preference. But I have to commend you for bringing IOTAVX/BRO3 recommendation to the public. I know a dozen people that have it!
@@jaytorr6701 To be entirely fair, I haven't tried it. USUALLY when you go source-direct and/or use the shortest signal path possible, you get a notable jump in resolution, clarity, balance, and bass control. The compromise is that the scale (fullness) of the presentation is compromised. Having not tried your approach on the SA3/PA3, I can't say for sure. Either way, I think we can all agree that no matter how you connect it - it's good stuff. :D
@@ZeroFidelity That's exactly what happened! Because I use this system in a small room where scale cannot be represented well, once I went the direct route everything suddenly improved. This is a very astute observation. It is entirely possible that the direct route (I like your term) might not be better in a larger room. But as you say, this little amp is really exceptional whatever way you utilise it.
After your first review of Bro3, I purchased a pair. Than I pair it with Ps Sprout100. Love it very much.
Nice man!
First thank you so much for this. I been confused as to how much to spend, what excelent sounds like etc. Reading the description i can see you also have paird this with Cambridge Audio AXC35. My question is:
- How would you connect the Cambridge Audio AXC35 to this amp? Which DAC would you use / CD Player or Amp DAC ? Would you use the Coax cable to the amp above or would you use Line out?
- Is there other option to Cambridge Audio AXC35 CD player which would benefit the sound towards base heavy music?
Background & Facts:
I recently refurbished my office, and since then i am ready to throw out my Creative speakers and replace it with proper Stereo HIFI. Get the above system with a CD player and listen to my over 340 CD's . Now nearly all of the music is Electronic (so 4/4 beat with heavy Base) and so i was wondering if this is a good setup for such a requirment. I also was thinking to get the bluetooth dongle and hook up my PC to the amp and use the AMP with Windows 10 / Macbook pro to stream music.
I would appriciate your view and tought on this matter.
Man, GREAT video.
Perfect recommendation for Christmas but a tad close to being late in terms of international shipping from the UK. And I resent your characterization of my jowls.
Most of the people I now get their product from IOTAVX in roughly a week after it's been shipped. On the east coast, it may only take 3-4 days. Just depends on good ole customs.
@@ZeroFidelity Well I’m in Canada and customs clearance here has been a bit slow of late. But no matter it’s worth waiting for. My jowl’s might never recover though.
In the price range how does this combo rate as far as accurate tone, including at decent sized grand piano? Which would be a better upgrade in a modest space? The second amp or a small servo controlled sub?
PS .. I'm glad you mentioned "tone" in your life chat. I find that comparison pretty important.! This system is a likely buy for me, so a special thank you.
As somebody who is an absolute tone wh*re.... (as in , thats what matters to me most), I think it's absolutely top notch. What would be better? Hmm. You could upgrade to the Triangle TRIO's and use the same amp. That should result in a notable jump up and a more pleasing tone.
Great video Sean! Way to go! Questions: how does this compare to the Sound Artist LS3/5A and Cambridge Audio CXA-81 combination? And will you review the Willsenton R8 tube amp and, if so, listen to it through the Sound Artist LS3/5A and Bro3's?
We need more of these combo vids!
They don't realise how much good equipment is available today as opposed to 40 years ago when I was getting into audio.
I have the BR 03's and am using a Wiim Mini to stream through an old Pioneer VSX-D509S receiver. The IOTAVX S3 is hard to find in the U.S. Any suggestions for comparable integrated amps? Also, is it worth getting something with built-in wifi for streaming, or would the WiiM Mini be just as good as anything built-in to a IOTA S3 or comparable product?
At this moment in time, I am using my old school 90's amplifiers, with newer school loudspeakers and an astell and kern kann mk1 tidal music streamer. Using a pair of Edwards audio sp2 three driver two way loudspeakers with a sealed cabinet configuration. Running the speakers biamped with my fully serviced british made amplifier avi S2000MI with a 110 Watts into 8 ohms running the 8 ohm monacor DT99 high frequency silk dome tweeter, and my fully serviced and brought up to date German made restek challenger with 200 Watts into 4 ohms running the two 8 ohm doped coated visaton midbass drivers making them a 4 ohm load. My rca cables are my 0.6m nordost red dawn rev 2, and my speaker cables are the 2m nordost leif red dawn z plugs. I need this 310 Watts of very low distortion power so I can run the loudspeakers to full volume with out risking bottoming out the drivers, and believe me if you want to play your speakers cleanly loud with no distortion, you need enough clean rms Watts on tap, which usually means in the real world, 3 times the wattage your speakers can handle if your amps are heavily biased of the class A/AB variety. Plus I can run the lowest voltage level from the dac of my media player while using its 150 step volume control, so I can use all the dynamic range from the amplifiers. There's nothing else like been able to have the full dynamic volume range capability from your amplifiers by been able to have adjustable input gain control into your audio system.