New! Iota VX NP3 CD & Network Player Review
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 ก.ค. 2024
- I believe this is the first review, anywhere, of the new Iota VX NP3. Following their success with the SA3 amplifier. Iota have launched this CD, network player with DAB/FM radio and preamp functionality. You can now have an all digital Iota VX Hifi system. Just add speakers of your choice. I test it with the SA3 integrated amplifier, PA3 power amplifier and two PA3s running in monoblock configuration.
Link to my Patreon
/ abritishaudiophile
Link to manufacturer's webpage
www.iotaenterprises.co.uk/pro...
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Time stamps
Intro 0:00
Design & features 1:52
Technical insights 3:48
Sound quality 6:59
Setup & partnering equipment 10:22
Conclusion 14:46
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What a great review of what looks to be first class, and reasonably priced audio components! Very well done! I’d like to have the mono-block set up now.
Thank you my friend. Much appreciated 👍😊👍
Thank you for a great review……after watching your review on the SA3 I went ahead and ordered one….never looked back …thanks again….
Thank you Myles it is a very good amp 😊👍
Thanks Tarun again for this review. This is the much awaited review. Again, you have nailed it. It is good to know that the DAC implementation of NP3 with Cirrus Logic is superior to the SA3 with Burr Brown. All in one convenience with a good sound quality without a hole in the pocket, I am going for it. Thanks again for the recommendation.
Thank you my friend. I hope it was with the wait. Please let me know how you get on 👍😊👍
Nice looking piece of equipment at a reasonable price, thanks for another in depth review tarun. Hopefully I can join you on Sunday evening.
Thank you Paul. I would love to see you there 😊👍
Thank you Tarun, excellent review as always, and also for going the extra mile to test the various Iota configurations including 2x PA3s. I've been looking to hear a lot more about that setup for a while and you're the first to strike it! I would also love to see some more content on the Iota 7 channel power amp..
The quality and approach you take in your videos is magnificent. Please keep it coming!
Thank you my friend. Very much appreciated 👍😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Is Iotavx basically Nakamichi with a new name? I am guessing all the R&D was done by the engineers in Japan?
@@wa2368 I believe Ian was going to purchase the licence to use the name but the costs were prohibitive 😊
Thanks Tarun, another excellent review of equipment that any beginner into the HiFI / Audiophile world should consider. Take care, Keith.
Thank you Keith. Much appreciated 😊👍
Hi Tarun, you are the only one take
response to your viewers's questions seriously. You are building not just a TH-cam channel but a bridge between you and your viewers, well done Sir, and that is why you stand out from the rest of the youtubers. You are highly respected in that regard.
Thank you James. That is very kind 👍😊👍
Timely video as I was looking for CD transport but one of your previous video I considered as a reference and also was looking for better streamer too .. thanks for this video .. after your video a friend of mine bought Iota Amp and he was blown away by the phono stage which was giving good run for £150 external ones including Project, schitt and iFI
Thank you Atri. It is a very good amp 😊👍
Very nice, informative, thorough review. 👍👍👍
Cheers man
Thank you buddy 👍👍👍
Thanks Tarun. Another excellent review.
Thank you Lee 😊👍
Thanks Tarun great review. Just received a PecanPi, altho waiting on ifi power supply
Thank you Will. Please let me know how you get on 😊👍
Good review as always Tarun.
Thank you filofilo 😊👍
A great review as ever. It's important to review the cost effective gear too because it's within a lot of budgets & helps get people started on the audiophile hobby. Every now and again you find some system where the components just gel together and it sounds much more than the sum of its parts.
Thank you you my friend. I would like to review a lot more gear at this price. It is not always easy to get manufacturers to send it but I will keep trying 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 excellent news. I have a bigger budget now but I didn't always & it's good to keep the hobby accessible. Audiophiles are a broad church. They span the value buyers, the hobbyist & professional system builders, the vintage collectors and restorers, and the very well-heeled conniseurs. Your channel offers a lot for anyone because there's a sound bedrock of engineering knowledge delivered in a low key fashion.
If I had to guess I'd say you studied engineering /physics? If you don't already watch it, you might also enjoy Ron of the New Record Day channel. I've never been a speaker measurement absolutist but I like his perspective.
@@sdemosi thank you sdemosi. Good guess! My bachelor degree is in Electrical and Electronic engineering and in also a Physics teacher by profession. I know Ron. He does a great job 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 it was an educated guess (pardon pun) . I have a similar background myself but I moved into software & then consulting. The wife jokes that she thinks I'm listening to the technology sometimes rather than the music, and maybe she's right 😁
@@sdemosi you would be wise not to argue 😉👍
Great review! Thanks. Looks like a great product.
Thank you 😊
Thanks, Tarun for including the dual Iotavx P3 configuration in this review.
So, as touched on the review, basically bridged dual mono PA3s works. And in principle should work with compatible pre-amps.
Thank you for watching. It should work just check for gain and impedance matching 😊👍
many thanks turan for another great honest review .and in depth that we can understand .liked your video with cheap audio man .drinks too much coffee lol happy new year to you 🙂🙂🙂
Thank you Archie. Happy new year to you too 🥳👍
Interesting to see you trying twin bridged PA3's as monoblocks. That's a setup I recommended to a friend building his first hifi - along with an entry level preamp and dac, a pi streamer, and the fantastic LS50 Meta to make the sound happen. It's a great little setup, especially strong in bass control and general drive/excitement, which makes for an enjoyable sound.
Cool. Thank you for watching Mr. James 😊👍
One other thing. I have always like Musical Fidelity equipment. I know that they have been bought out by Pro-Ject, which is good in my opinion. I’m surprised that there are hardly any reviews of the M6500si. I’d love to see a review of this. I realize though that not everything can be reviewed.
Your channel is a “go to” channel on audio equipment! Just a job well done, Sir.
Coming to you from a Texan “audiophile”.
Thank you BAPC. Very kind of you to say. I hope,to review some MF equipment 😊👍👍
I love the way that you clearly defined the tier that this product belongs to and qualified it with the Hegel comparison. I wish that you had elaborated as to why the IOTA combo did not partner well with you Proacs…..was it simply lack of power?…at any rate, this was a good learning experience for moi... My system is somewhat past this level, but I need to be constantly reminded of all these connections, digital clocks etc… so I enjoyed the ride…and for the price-point this gear seems quite worthy of assembling a system with. There is so much GREAT quality gear out there these days at ALL PRICE-points! 👍🏼🙂
Thank you Bob. Great to have your thoughts on this. My ProAc’s are all about revealing subtle tonal and timbral information. They also respond well to amps with beefy power supplies due to their impedance shifting quite a bit. Even the PA3s in monoblock configuration fall short in these areas. Totally forgivable, given the price 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks for clarifying (pun intended) … I suspected the power thing..but I could not remember about the high end on the ProAcs. Thanks for making that CLEAR…There is sooooo much to know.
That makes it fun and interesting, though. 😎
Thanks for another very interesting video
Thank you Richard 😊👍
Amazing review as always.
Thank you Felix. Very kind of you 👍😊👍
Thank you Felix. Very kind of you 👍😊👍
Your very welcome 🙏
Thank you Tarun. I have the NP3 working nicely with Roon. System: SA3+PA3 (bridged)+NP3 and Triangle BR08 .... unbeatable sound quality for this budget range. By the way, the Cirrus Logic its really a nice update compared to Burr Brown in SA3
Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Alejandro 😊👍
I guess the main things to take away from this video Tarun is its amazing what you get for your money these day's. One of the benefits of being an audiophile/enthusiast in the modern evolving world.🎧👍😁
I totally agree. Thank you for watching my friend 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I'm a fan Tarun! I never miss one and I never will. Your one of the few reviewers out there actually making sense.
@@shanestephenson8423 thank you my friend 👍😊👍
I've seen a few others, Like Jay Iyagi, talk about this brand.. Thanks for also talking about these.
Thank you for watching 😊👍
Thanks for the review Tarun I appreciate your insights into the more affordable range of equipment. Would it be possible for you to do a separate piece on monoblocks as this type of setup doesn't seem to get a lot of discussion, this is the first time I have watched a review where it has been mentioned with any kind of detail. It's obviously your preferred setup and I would like to know a bit more about the way it works, setup, benefits, and at what level of equipment it would be worth considering. Maybe this would be something that you could discuss with Siddharth in your next piece with him as something to consider on his audiophile journey?
Thank you Paul. That is a great suggestion and would be good to discuss with Siddharth 😊👍
Hello Tarun, truly enjoy your reviews, my colleague in Scotland - Alan McIntosh recommended your channel - a solid recommendation!!
I am building a new system, currently have a Project Debut Carbon EVO and some Audio Engine, with iFi Zen phonp.
Will be used in a 10x11 room, and looking to lister at low to medium volums
Some speakers under consideration (Dynaudio Emit 20 or Emit 30 for example)
Comparing the following electronics - Cost is less of the factor - more interested in overall sound quality…
-VX NP3 & PA3 $1,100 US
-Audiolab 6000a Play $1300
-6000a - with iFi Streamer $1400
-Or just get a Hegel H95 $2000
Thank you!!
Thank you Craig. I appreciate your support. There isn’t going to be a huge difference in SQ between those first 3 options. I think the H95 is stepping up to the next level 😊👍
Thanks for the review Tarun. I would love to see this product with 2-3 RCA inputs so it could be a true preamp. Can’t imagine this sort of implementation would be too expensive to add, and it would allow the unit to connect to turntables, HT bypass, and an external DAC. For an extra 100 pounds I’d sell my preamp, CD player, and network streamer for the single box so I could still use my DAC and turntable.
I think this piece of gear is going to have a difficult time finding its niche. Used as a preamp it’s going to limit the system to digital-only without an upgrade path unless you remove some of the functionality. Used as a digital source combo of cd transport and network streamer I couldn’t justify the cost.
I could only see this piece of gear being used by someone who has no desire to get into analog sources and also wants to purchase only once and never look back. Gonna be a tough sell to find that market I’m afraid.
Great to have your thoughts on this Aaron. The volume control is done within the DSP of the DAC. The analogue circuitry probably wasn’t an option at this price 😊👍
Hi Tarun … Thank you for what I have found to be one of the best sources of unbiased and independent information on all things audiophile ! … As someone who, after many years of trying somewhat unsuccessfully to combine a Surround Sound & stereo setup in one system I’m now in a position to have both, in separate spaces and came across your TH-cam channel whilst doing some research on the best way forward … I’m definitely in agreement with you regarding the fact that a system that combines a separate preamplifier and power amplifiers is the way forward and having one monoblock for each channel is something that I have budgeted for in my proposed set up … The one thing that’s nagging me slightly is the perennial argument over whether to go with single speaker cables, bi-wire or even ultimately bi-amp the speakers which I already have for my setup which are 4th generation Monitor Audio Gold 200’s … There’s a lot of information out there about the pros and cons of all of the above alternatives and I would very much appreciate your opinion on this subject as, from what I have viewed on your channel you know what you’re talking about ! … Thank you again for all that you bring to the audiophile community … Many Thanks … Siobhan
Thank you Siobhan. That is very kind of you to say and greatly appreciated. It is a wonderful position to be in to have two systems. One for home cinema and another for two channel listening. There is a a benefit to biamping but not as much as running monoblocks. That is because the tweeter doesn’t place much demand on the amplifier. Monoblocks will undoubtedly bring greater dynamics and control. I am not convinced of the benefits of biwiring. Some people use a different cable on the tweeter to change the sound to their liking. Although, this is a reasonable approach, it is masking a more fundamental problem with the system that is better addressed directly. If you have well engineered cables that suit your system (they don’t all sound the same) with decent LCR properties, you should not need to biwire 👍😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 … Hi Tarun … You’re most welcome and I very much appreciate you taking time to respond to my query … Yes, I guess that the law of diminishing returns kicks in once you have gone down the separates route and based upon your reply I intend to start off with a single high quality monoblock per channel rather than diluting my budget by purchasing shall we say 4 lesser amplifiers just for the sake of it ! … I feel that knowing that there’s an upgrade path, to bi-amping my speakers as, when and if I decide to go down that route is the right way to go in this particular journey and your advice has very much helped me in prioritising the way forward … Thank you again … Siobhan.
Hi Tarun … I thought that I would add a footnote to this thread because, based upon your recommendation I have now purchased an NP3 and 4 of the PA3 to complete my system … Iota are offering £100 off each of the units this month and I feel that these components along with my Bluesound Node 2 and my Monitor Audio speakers will make an excellent start point for my dedicated 2.1 channel system … I was also guided by your other video, in which you discussed the nature of amplifier power and how much you actually need and, having run the numbers on one of the many online calculators that are available I realised that 100 watt’s per channel, with my speakers is more than sufficient for my need’s … Also running a bi-amp setup along with separate subwoofers , in my case twin Velodyne SPL1200’s will give me excellent channel separation and bass extension once I’ve properly dialled everything in … As a matter of courtesy to yourself I have messaged Iota to acknowledge your role in my purchase as I feel that it’s only fair to do so … Thank you again … Best Wishes … Siobhan
@@sibbsnibbs Wow, Siobhan! 4 x PA3s. It is great to have your feedback. Thank you for letting Iota know that my review helped with your purchasing decision. Please let me know you get on with the new setup 👍😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hi Tarun … You’re welcome and it’s the least that I can do in return for the help that you and your channel have been to myself .. I guess that I’m beginning my audiophile journey by starting where I mean to end up at and, by that I mean my idea of audio Nirvana ! - Bi-Amp able speaker’s with separate mono-block amplifiers for each channel and a very simple source/DAC’s … I only need 2 digital inputs, one for my Bluesound Node 2 and one for my housemates pro-ject digital turntable so there’s absolutely no waste as the Iota NP3 does for me precisely what I need it to … It doesn’t have balanced outputs but I can live with that, at this stage and I very much see the initial system I’m going to have as a “work in progress” … As a side issue you’re also managed, through your recent video on audiophile vs studio cabling to point me in the direction of the Designacabling website and I’ve fired off an email to them, with due acknowledgment to yourself as I would never have gone down that route otherwise ! … I have a small Pro Tools based facility at my place and use Mogami cables throughout my system but would never have considered the brand, for my 2.1 system until now so thank you for the inspiration … Given the somewhat organic nature of the system I’m putting together I need custom made cables and the company that you recommended seems to fit my bill to a tee … Thank you again … Siobhan
Hi Tarun. Great review as always. I chanced upon your channel a few days back and now I am hooked on to it. I am at the beginning of my audio-video-phile journey however your channel has provided me a lot of valuable insights and information thus far.
Some time back I bought myself a Denon AVR X2200 W primarily for some movies and occasionally music listening. Speakers wise I believe I have a bit of Frankenstein monster set up. I have a Tannoy 10 inch subwoofer along with Monitor Audio Bronze centre and surround speakers but until recently had Monitor Audio Silver 1 as my front left and right. It was okay but never blew my mind either for movies or music. I then auditioned a few speakers and really enjoyed the sound of Dali Opticon 6 which I added to my set up as front left and right. Needless to say that although the set up works, it is still not amazing. I now understand that I have got a mess of configuration however would really appreciate how do I move forward. I do want to enjoy movies but off late I am keen on enjoying my music more than watching movies. I still want to have a 5.1 set up but enjoy my 2 / 2.1 channel music every now and then.
Sorry for a huge message, what component shall I change first? I was thinking about adding a stereo amp thru pre out - is that advisable? What amp will go well with Dali Opticon 6 as I know that they are 4 ohms while rest of my speakers are 8 ohms? I don’t have a massive budget however I have seen some old NAD C340, Marantz 6010 or Yamaha AS500 - any of these good for Dali? Or Iota amp will suit better instead. Much appreciate if I do get any of your thoughts.
Thanks
Thank you Saurabh. Your system isn’t a monster, just a little unbalanced. It is not a problem to have a subwoofer from a different brand than your main speakers. Your have the front LCR the same which is important. The surrounds should ideally be a match too. Your Denon amp is not capable of driving your Dali’s properly. That should be your next upgrade. I would get a more powerful AVR with good two channel capability rather than trying to integrate a two channel amp with an AVR. That will be expensive and unnecessarily complicated. Adding power amps is a good option but something to consider if you upgrade your system further down the line. Check out AVR from Arcam and NAD 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 many thanks for your quick response. As usual your words are really appreciated. The way you engage with your subscribers is simply amazing.
Back on the question of what you suggested -
Are you suggesting I have a power amp added to my current rig? Or are you proposing that I add a more powerful AV receiver instead? Or perhaps both?
If I had to go for a powerful Arcam or NAD AVR, what is a good power to have? Any examples that I could perhaps explore? Thanks again Tarun. Much appreciated. 😊👌👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314
Quick question - what are your thoughts on clipping? I read on some forums that underpowered AV receivers / amps send clipped sound to speakers and then could damage them. If that’s true then am I damaging my Dali speakers while using my underpowered Denon receiver?
Your earlier videos mention that we don’t use that much power under normal listening circumstances then how come the power here makes that much difference or perhaps damage the speakers?
Also, saw an Arcam AVR 380/390 which still seems on similar power ratings as my current Denon. Is a similar powered Arcam better than my Denon? If yes, then how? I am sure you have an explanation on this which I prefer than just the opinions of the other reviewers. 😊👍
@@MrCoxytorty thank you my friend. Much appreciated. I would go for a better AVR first. NAD and Arcam do power amp upgrades that you can explore later 😊👍👍
Watts can be easily manipulated. Too much to get into here but it is possible too damage a speaker if you are driving them hard with an amplifier that is underpowered. You should be able to hear most amps distorting and sounding hard before they go into clipping. Just be sensible about how loud you play and you will be fine 😊
Thanks for your in depth review. Just saved me quite a bit of money as I do not want a tilted upwards high end. Too much of that going on with what I stream from. Speakers are older KEF Q1's with powered Velodyne sub driven by a 100w pc Integra power amp, kinda vintage. Just tried the Bluesound Node 2021 and was disappointed by grainy top end. Maybe my best investment is a really good DAC.
Thank you for watching and sharing 😊
Im so glad you reviewed this product as im on the fence about the purchase and yours is the first and only video on this particular product. I already have the SA3 & PA3 combo. I use a very limited and modest dac for steaming from my pc (AUDIO ENGINE D1). Considering this and the average dac in my blueray player for CD playing, would you consider the Iota NP3 a good step forward or should a reserve the expense in other areas or perhaps something more substantial than the NP3? Highly regard your insight as i recently discovered your channel via youtube algorithm. Thanks in advance. Robert
Hi Robert. As you already have the SA3 and PA3, I would stick with that and put the money elsewhere. Speakers are always a good place to start 😊👍
Tarun, as usual a great, laid back review with content. If you only compare the DAC and streaming in the IOTA VX NP3 vs Cambridge CXN v2. Not the price, only audio quality and functions. Which shall I go for?
Thank you Richard. Much appreciated. I haven’t tried the CXN v2 but it would make for an interesting comparison 👍😊👍
Well done, Tarun. Another good review based on a proven British audiophile recipe 👍
A question I had is about the tonality of NP3 and how it was specifically tuned with the Iota VX amps in mind. Did you describe NP3's analogue output sound signature only, or does that apply when it is used as a digital transport as well?
Keep up the good work 🙌
Thank you Danilo. My comments about sound quality relate to using the NP3 through the analogue output. With regards to the digital outputs, that will be determined by the analogue device it is partnered with to a large extent 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks Arun. That is a fair point, but I also heard that different digital transports have their own character, as well. That would be revealed if, for example, you fed your Auralic Aries Mini to your Denafrips Ares DAC and then did NP3->Ares.
If I read your reply correctly, from your experience, differences between digital transports are not as pronounced as the analogue outputs of a DAC implementation, are they?
Again, thanks again for your generous contributions to the audiophile community 🙌
@@danilovujovic3796 transports certainly have an impact of sound quality and impart a character on the sound as well. It is more pronounced in terms of the impact on overall fidelity rather than tonal balance. This is a massive oversimplification, of course. My Auralic Aries Mini through it’s analogue input is a little cleaner and more open sounding than the Iota VX NP3. The big difference is when connecting to external DACs. Using the Mini fed with a decent linear power supply and it’s USB output elevates things to a level that the NP3 can’t match.
Yes! Finally
I hope you enjoy it 😉👍
Mate. That stacks getting close to the ceiling😄
I know. You should see the boxes in the spare room 😂👍
I have the Bluesound Node and still waiting for the promised firmware update to enable USB audio output :(
Great review as always, Tarun!
Thank you my friend 😊👍
When the time comes I’d be interested in knowing if you notice any difference in sound quality as I might go from my node2i to the new node if it is significant enough. I have paired with a Topping D90 at the moment
Thanks! Once again it took time to get from my theater to a computer to improve your stats.lol
Thank you Lonnie 😊👍
Thank you so much for your honest ad detailed reviews , I appreciate your channel! I do however have a question and I’m in a toss up between two combinations. Would you get 2 PA3’s and use them as Mono-blocs combined with a separate pre amplifier(I own a tube preamp and a vintage NAD 3020a) that I can use for preamp duties. Or, would you go with the SA3/PA3 combo? As far as integrated amps, I have a Rega Brio as my main system. I would really appreciate your opinion.
Many thanks !
Hi Richard, it would be interesting to see how the 3020A would fair as a preamp. Two PA3s with a decent preamp are certainly better than the SA3/PA3 combo but also more money 😊👍
Thank you Taran for the great review. Your review has given me a very good reason to buy the combo of a Iotavx NP3 and 2 sets of PA3 as mono blocks since it fits my budget for my music listening journey. As a newbie, I need your help to assist me on how to the hook up this combo. I sincerely hope that you could provide me with diagram or other methods of illustration for my easy reference as I am totally lost on how to connect this combo. Thank you in advance.
Thank you Wong. I can’t include illustrations here but there is a switch on the back of the PA3s to make them run in mono. Then connected the speaker cables across both channels as labelled on speaker terminals. The NP3s RCA outputs will connect to RCA inputs of the PA3. One to the right channel and one to the left. I would email Iota if you need a diagram 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you for the reply and I have bought the NP3 and PA3 combo based on your review. Will be looking forward to more of your informative videos in TH-cam😀
@@WoeiYau out of all the Iota permutations, that is the combo I would go for too 😊👍
@@WoeiYau How do you like the combo?
Having a terrific day yesterday, can focus on music 🎶 hope you enjoyed last night
Thank you Atri 😊👍
Hello and thank you again for the right video on the right moment. Let me define this an accurate and inspiring review. I am curious about how this device compares with items like Bluesound Node 2i which is rather popular. Any thoughts about?
Thank you my friend. Very kind. I haven’t done a direct comparison with the Bluesound Node but I have a general impression it is of similar sonic ability to the Iota VX NP3 😊👍
Hi Tarun, A fantastic review, thank you for taking your time to do this as I do like the looks and prices of the IOTA range, and it falls more within my meagre budget. Can you please confirm if you can run a better quality external DAC with the NP3 or would the NP3 internal DAC overrule control before output.
You could run an external DAC with the NP3 via it’s SPDIF digital outputs but the NP3 will be responsible for clocking information. I personally would use the NP3 as is and then upgrade to a better digital transport when going for a good quality external DAC 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you ever so much for taking the time to respond, it is very much appreciated.
Wonderful review as ALWAYS, Tarun! How does the Iota VX NP3 CD & Network Player compete with the Bluesound Node?
Thank you. I would need to AB them to compare the sound. The app on the Node is far superior but the NP3 will play CDs too 😊
This is a great video, as always!
At 4:15 you mention that the usb connection is asynchronous and how that plays a part in the clocking of the signal between different devices.
I have a Limetree streamer (Bridge) which only has optical and coaxial signal outputs. The Limetree is optically connected to my denafrips Ares 2.
Now, is it correct to say that the responsible device for the clocking is the Limetree?
What if I connected the two devices with a coaxial cable?
An other question has to do with products that I am thinking of purchasing in the near future. I'm considering buying the Holo Spring 3 dac and the Mutec MC-3+ Re-Clocker. Now, do you think that feeding the Mutec from the Limetree through optical (or coaxial), would be a problem? Would the Mutec be the ''master clocker'', or do I need a streamer with USB?
I am new to this ''signal clocking'' thing, so I appreciate any help I can get. Thank you.
Thank you you Dimitris. It is the Limetree’s clock that is engaged when you are connecting it to the Ares II via coax. A reclocker will help to reduce jitter but I would upgrade your streamer and use a USB connection first. Check out my review of the Denafrips Iris for more details 😊👍
th-cam.com/video/3tKWWs-OMxw/w-d-xo.html
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you for the quick reply.
Great review. Would you say NP3 is a better preamp then SA3? I am using SA3 as preamp only with Buchardt s400 speakers. What would be a step-up? thanks
Thank you Kirk. The NP3 preamp is done as part of the DSP of the DAC. As an all digital preamp the it is better than the SA3. However, I don’t believe in upgrading in bite sizes so I would suggest you consider a dedicated preamp as the next step 😊👍
Great review! Almost 40K subscribers- time for a giveaway! Just saying... 😂
Thank you Charles. I appreciate the suggestion. I tend to shy away from talking to manufacturers about getting gear even if it is to give away. Maybe it is just me 🤔😊👍
great review...sorry, one of the "how does it compare" questions.. but that one is sort of obvious: Can you roughly compare it to the Cambridge Audio CXC as a CD transport ? I assume it can be used as a CD transport.. the handbook on the website is a bit on the "lean side"..if this would be the case and the quality is decent this is a no-brainer.. I am actually close to pulling the trigger, just need to think of ways explaining to my wife why yet another box of audio equipment will be arriving .. 🙂
Thank you Oliver. Sounds like your wife is very understanding. I haven’t heard the CXC but hope to get some CA products in for review 😊👍
Great review, I'm really interested in getting the NP3 & PA3, but I've got a Pro-Ject T1 SB Turntable. I wondered if it would be better to pair the NP3 with the SA3, but then I saw the Pro-Ject Optical Box E Phono which has a digital output, what do you think?
Thank you Mark. I would go NP3 with SA3 and later upgrade to a good external phonostage 😊👍
Great video, enjoyed. I recently used the IOTA power amplifier in stereo and at the same time I had a Emotiva a2 power amplifer, I used my audiolab 6000a in pre mode to see just how these two power amplifiers sounded and compared.
I have to say I preferred the IOTAVX tone, very listenable, not nearly as powerful as the Emotiva and you could hear this difference in power, I then tried the IOTAVX in switched single channel for my centre channel and its a win, win, win for me, I took ages to buy a centre speaker some years ago because I just couldn't find one that made the dialogue crisp and clear and finally settled on a Tannoy XTC, the IOTAVX and XTC are absolutely perfect for my hearing.
I also like the lack of intrusiveness with the IOTAVX equipment, it basically disappears, its not over the top to look at though I aren't entirely convinced by the illuminated logo, I don't think its dimmable as such with the power amp, unless you use other IOTAVX ancillaries.
I really like what companies like IOTAVX and Emotiva are doing, offering very reasonable equipment, with some vision too, regarding the upgrade paths on offer, at real world prices for those of us who enjoy music.
Back in the day it was companies like Rotel, Marantz and am sure there were many more who offered good, solid equipment at reasonable prices.
Great videos, keep up the good work.
Thank you 😊
Thank you for the review. Ive been very pleased with my IOTAVX and have the SA-3/PA-3 stack in combination with Klipsch Fort 2 speakers. It is nice to know the NP-3 can be added to my current system. Does my SA-3 become a PA-3 with the NP-3 handling all of the duties my current SA-3 is performing? Does the IOTA remote for the SA-3 work with the NP-3 or vice versa?
Remotes will work and you could use the NP3 for preamp duties 😊
Would have like a comparison with the Marantz cd6007 but I guess you didn't have that available. They are in the same price bracket. Still love the review and really hope I can have a Iota stack one day.
Thank you for watching. I can only compare with what I have 😊
Good evening Tarun. Could I use this with my tv . I want a nice sounding 2.0 system for music and add a sub when watching a occasional movie. I have recently bought the Polk Reserve R 200s and was about to get a Yamaha Adventage Rxa4a but this iotavx looks so sharp !! Nice review again fine Sir !!
Thank you RC. If your TV has an optical digital output then you can connect it to the optical digital input of the NP3 and use it with your hifi. I do thins with mine 😊👍
Finally got the NP3.
The DAC seems more dynamic (more bass and mid-bass, midrange seems more detailed), the SA3 seems flatter (Wolfson).
What would be the output setup of the NP3, since there is no preamp bypass. 0dB (full volume)? Would that be equivalent to a bypass? Maybe a bit of attenuation?
- No subwoofer output. Why not?
- No tone control.
- Works with the SA3 remote (no need for the NP3 remote).
- Inputing the wifi password was kinda tedious.
- The software is OK, does the job.
As for the rest, works as intended.
Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊👍
Tarun, thank you. I was among the first ones to buy the SA3/PA3 stack. Quite recently I have added the Denafrips Ares 2 to feed the SA3. The ifizen blue feeds the Ares 2 with music it picks from my mobile phone over bluetooth.
When I introduced the Ares 2 I expected to hear a significant step up in my overall experience, going by all the review hype I bought into. It honestly made no major perceptible difference. Not sure why.
If I chose to add the NP3 into the mix now I assume there is no way to continue using the Ares 2 DAC in this chain. Is that right.
I wonder if NP3 streamer with its own internal DAC may actually take the overall experience up. Compared to what I get as a combination of external Ares 2 DAC into SA3 plus bluetooth connection in the front end. Triangle BRO3 speakers, Amphion 1S and Buchardt S400 are the sets of speakers I drive.
Long convoluted question. Sorry.I would really love to hear your views. I am one of those early audiophiles who is learning everything from the youtube reviewers and making purchases of these recommendations.
I’m curious
Thank you my friend. The Ares II is all about natural tonality whilst maintaining clarity. As good as the SA3/PA3 is it is not in the same league. I suspect as you upgrade your amp you will be able to appreciate what the Ares II brings with your Amphion and Buchardt speakers. You will need a better streamer than the NP3 too 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you Tarun. That confirms what I suspected. Rest of the kit apart from Ares being the limitation. As enjoyable as this one is the upgrade bug is an unrelenting one. How do you survive that one and keep it going.
I must say I thoroughly enjoy the kit i have put together. But that does not mean I have stopped watching your content or many others.
99.9% of gear I so intently learn about from you guys will never be heard at my home.
But the lure of a 'better' sound and possibly 'fomo' as they say keeps me coming back.
Is there ever an 'end game' to this other than running out of money to spend.
You should speak a bit on the rather philosophical side of this hobby one of these days. Would love to hear. How do you and others you know endure and enjoy this pursuit. It is such a joy..but..
@@ukbij thank you my friend. You raise some very interesting points. The hifi journey can be a perilous one. In the end we all hope to reach point where we can be happy with our system and just enjoy our favourite music. Sadly, these states take time, money and effort and do not last forever. All we can do is enjoy the feeling of contentment when we have it 😊👍
Thanks for the review!
I have two questions:
Does it do DLNA/UPnP ?
Does it allow manual configuration of internet radio stations by URL or playlists ? Or would I be forced to use any of the preset backend providers? I found no info on their homepage either.
Thank you. It does DNLA/UPnP but I didn’t test manual configuration of internet radio. I don’t think it does that. Best to check with the manufacturer 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you :)
Tarun, I'd love to see you get ahold of the Audiolab 8300xp, I don't see any reviews on it.
Thank you for the suggestion. IAG didn’t respond when I last contacted them. Will try again in the new year 😊
Another great video 👍🏼How would you compare the monoblock setup with the audiolab 6000?
Thank you Luis. The Iota VX NP3+PA3 Vs the Audiolab 6000A Play would be a close fight. I would need both here together to declare a winner 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you for the response. And it's good to know that these are two great options!
Great stuff! Is it Roon ready?
Thank you. I don’t think so but best to check with the manufacturer 😊
Thank you for the great review! I have four questions if I may:
1. If the DAC was the only thing that kept the SA3 from getting an "outstanding" and this DAC is better, why doesn't this get an "outstanding"?
2. Can the NP3 (with two monoblocks) match the quality of the Audiolab 6000a?
3. I got a pair of Canton 920s off ebay quite cheaply- would this be a good match?
4. Would it make sense to get this amp with the intention of upgrading to the LS50 metas at some point or is it simply not good enough for the speakers?
Thanks for your help!
Thank you.
1) the SA10 is almost twice the price.
2) Not in refinement but had better dynamics.
3) I haven’t tried that combo.
4) The SA10 is a good starting point for the LS50 Metas but you will be rewarded as you improve amp and speakers 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314
Thanks for the reply.
1) and 4) You mean the NP3 not the SA10, right?
2) oh dear … so what should I get. Am I right that the Audiolab is the smarter choice because it’s easier to upgrade?
4) Ha, so you‘re not a big fan of the Metas?
You mentioned "the AVA club." May I ask what it is that you are referring to?
Thank you for asking Jon. The ABA Club is one of my Patreon tiers. I offer behind the scenes videos and posts. Also, we have periodic video calls where members can chat with me and ask me questions. Link below 😊👍
www.patreon.com/abritishaudiophile
Hello Tarun,
I would like to know i can use this product to stream hi-res audio from Qobuz/Tidal.
Thank you.
Yes, you can 😊
Yep, Im looking for a basic player to send my stored cd's data to my chord dac. With no usb out, then its a deal breaker for me.
Agreed. It is not suitable for that task 😊
I wonder if this would be a decent upgrade from a Bluenode 2.0 with my AE Active 1s? it would be nice having the SACD player.
Hi Paul, it would not be an upgrade from your Node 😊
The NP3 does not play SACD’s
Talking of new brands, I am currently developing (with the help of an innovate/design company) a product to reduce vibrations in hifi components. It's unique and I am looking to put a patent application in. I hope one day you could review this for me. I would expect a personal (non-public) review first, so you can hear for the benefits for yourself. Then maybe a review on here would be a great way to advertise it. Let me know what you think. I'll have a website up once the product is available to buy and I could include a link to your videos to promote them.
Thanks Tarun for your video, i would love to know if the two PA3'S are wired idfentical for left and right speakers.
Yes, I had both PA3s wired up identically in mono mode 🙂
Okay thanks much appreciated, one more question, do you run all trigger from the NP3 to both power amplifiers, thanks.
@@anthony2010707 I didn’t try that 😊
"...It will play SACD too which is a nifty feature " ? What ? an SACD player in that price range ? that is a killer feature !
Cool 😎 thank you for watching 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 always a pleasure ! Your're one of the few reviewers who doesn't shy away from actually explaining technical stuff.
@@IGBPI314 thank you Oliver. Very much appreciated 👍😊👍
For me, this was the biggest shock of the year in the hifi reviews. SACD in a streamer which has a good DAC to company it. A true "all-in-one" machine. Fantastic!
@@jennamoonchild My NP3 won’t play SACD’s
FINALLY a CD/Steamer Pre Amp !!
Thank you for watching Clay 😊👍
Hegel might be an option to upgrade, but no bass or treble control holds me off to buy it. Some suggestions for alternatives?
Yamaha AS1200 😊
Can you really bridge 2 pa3 to the sa3? How?
hi Tarun. after viewing your video I was impressed with your review and eventually bought the combo set of NP3 and 2 units PA3. Somehow after sometime, I could hear on most songs I streamed, stopped for a split second or so and then continue playing again. It"s happened around the time stamp of 18 to 20 second. A number of complaints had been made to IOTA via email and whatsapp conversation and to date there is no response from them. Really disappointed and killing my interest from using their products and also from buying from
direct manufacturer as this after sale service is non existence. After sale no service. I hope thro this comment you can assist me to convey my grivance to IOTA. Thank you.
Thanks Tarun. Could you please recommend some standalone streamers.
Bluesound Node is always a good starting point 😊
Hello Tarun, i have the SA3 with two PA3'S running as monoblocks, what's your opinion, should i stick with the PA3, any improvement in sound witg the NP3, any thoughts, thanks.
Hi Anthony, as you may know I don’t believe in upgrading in bitesizes. I would consider the Audiolab 8300CDQ 😊
Okay thanks, i think i will stick with the setup for now, anyway thanks for your prompt response, much appreciated.
I've been waiting for this for awhile. I am not why at least one analog input wasnt included. It will rule it out as a true preamp for anyone even mildly curious about vinyl. Why do you think they did not include an input? Especially if it is billed as a preamp and not just a streamer.
The volume control is purely digital and done within the DSP of the DAC. It is a good way to get an inexpensive volume control. As analogue one would have added more expense 😊
Hello Tarun, i just hooked two PA3 in mono mode, i wanted to connect a pair of subwoofers, do you know if both rca phono outpus are active or just one?
They went back a while ago. I can’t say 👍
No worries, have contacted iota directly.
It is clear this machine doesn't have the anologue basics to connect a turntable preamp. however, most modern modest priced turntables do have a USB out. Is it possible to connect such a turntable via USB?
It does have a USB input 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I asked the IOTA contactservice, and they said it is possible and should work fine.
Hi Tarun...
You touched on running the SA3 and two PA3 in a mono block config... That interested me...
Is there a benefit in running a system like this?
I already have the SA3 and PA3 running in a bridged config!
How would you connect two PA3s to run in mono-block? and is there any strength in doing this?
Does one get more power, punch, etc?
Frank...
same for me.... how do we have PA3 monoblocks with a SA3 pre amplifier?
Hi Frank, you could technically run two PA3 from the preouts out the SA3. That would relegate the SA3 to just preamp duties. It is not a wise investment IMHO. I would stick with what you have. The preamp and DAC on the SA3 will be the limiting factor 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Okay, will do! Thanks for the advice Tarun...
Hi, thank you for your reviews. They help me "pull the trigger" on
Iotavx PA3, NP3 and 2-SA3.
Can you help me with a wiring diagram?
Need to have the PA3 for all my analog gear.
Thank you
Thank you George. Do you mean that you will be running the NP3 as a preamp with two PA3s as monoblocks?
@@abritishaudiophile7314 yes.
I also need to integrate the PA3 in the system . I have 2 reel to reel machine and 2 cassette recorders also.
Sorry Taran i have 2 -PA3 , one SA3 and one NP3. So sorry
@@georgeoprescu3002 thank you for clarifying. Use an RCA cable to connect the NP3 to one of the analogue inputs of the SA3. Then connect one PA3 to the left preout of the SA3 and the other PA3 to the right preout. Connect the speaker wires across the terminals of the PA3s in bridged mode (as labelled on the PA3 terminals). Make sure the switch on the back of the PA3s are in mono mode 😊
I contacted their office as I was VERY interested in network and cd player,to be told no input for turn table,but you can add the amp as that has phono built in? My response was I can buy better if I wanted a 2 system for the price,I see no reason why you left out the phono? So I wanted a 1 system for my spare room not a system separates,am I the only person who's put off just because they left out a £30 connection? I would have paid extra for it to be there
Understood. It is because the volume control is done in the DSP engine of the DAC. There is no analogue volume control.
So much subtle criticism... IOTA won't send you any examples in the future :) But you are right with your statements so far.
I just speak as I find. I hope it come across as a balanced review. Good product 😊
Have you listen to IOTAVX AVX17. How does it perform with movies and 2 channel music.
I haven’t Ray 😊
Tarun or All followers! Audiolab 6000a Play connected to two Iota PA 3 mono blocks. Interconnected and trigger/dimmer. Will dimmer and triggers work in this combination? So when I turn of the Audiolab, the trigger turns of the PA3s. Anyone able to try?
I hope someone has tried that 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Tarun, thanks. Tee-Jay the TH-camr have tried and it works. The 6000a play as preamp and two PA3 mono blocks, would that be good sonically combination? If I read between the lines in your conclusions? Low, mid, high, umpf and transparency.
1:29 why no metal feets anymore? They did look much better.
Not at all related but interesting. Doing some googling I found there are about 200 medications we can be prescribed for certain problems that can cause hearing loss. They are known as Ototoxic medications. The Ototoxic side effect in these medications is that they can destroy the cells in the inner ear. My relative has been taking Frusemide for several years and has lost about 70% of her hearing.
Lesson to be learned for those that value their hearing, when prescribed a medication look to see if Ototoxicity is a side effect.
Thank you for the heads up 😊
The nodding is driving me crazy lol
Who? me? 🤔
Sir, I'm really considering purchasing this for my set up. You say that it plays SACD's. I can't find any info that says that. If you confirm that it does play them, this will be a must purchase for me. Thank you, love your videos.
It has been a while but I am pretty sure it played SACDs. Best to email the manufacturer and double check 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I ended up purchasing the NP3. Plays the SACD's that I have. I am not as trained to hear as well as you do, but with the IOTA SA3 and Emotive A2 Basx and Jamo Concert 9 towers I have never heard my CD's sound this good. Thank you for review and time to answer me on a well past video.
@@SHAVEFAN71 that is great. Th am you for sharing Mark 😊👍
I wonder how the iotavx NP3 would compare to the zen streamer for sound quality?
I haven't heard the Zen.
Okay no worries.
Hello, and thanks for your nice review. I bought the NP3, very happy with it. I would like to buy the PA3 to use the NP3 as a preamp, like you suggest. The problem is that in this combination there's not any headPhones out for my night listenings. In your opinion is better to buy the SA3 with his headphones out, or to buy the PA3 and a separate headphone amp? I think the total cost will be higher in this last option..
As you already have the NP3, I would buy the PA3 and a separate headphone amp 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 In your opinion is it possible to find a headphone amplifier that can be connected to the PA3 preamp out, in order to use the NP3 DAC? In any case, do you have any suggestions for my Sennheiser HD600? Sorry but I'm not an expert on headphone amplifiers ..
@@ebio85 integrating a headphone amp will not be straightforward with the NP3/PA3. On reflection, maybe the SA3 is a better option. Although, it’s headphone amp will not fully do the HD600 justice 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I understand.. maybe I could do it with a da/headphone connected to the digital out of the NP3. last question: in this case can you suggest me a headphones amp with dac that can do the HD600 justice? ;)
@@ebio85 one solution could be to use the DAC in the NP3 into a Schitt Magnius and then into the PA3 😊
Not one word about the performance of the CD player some people still play CDs it would’ve been nice to know.
It is comparable to the streamer in SQ 😊
Tarun, is it possible to review Zidoo NEO?
I will have to look into it 😊
How much was the system with one power amp and with two?
I imagine two would cost double of one.
The PA3 is £299 😊
Klipsch Heresy IV?
Can you link this via active speakers like Qacoustics?
Yes 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks
Striking similarities with audiolab designs...
I suppose they are direct competitors 😊
Thanks ! For $1,500USD can get NP3 and two PA3... I bet they would beat most Integrated Amps under $2K
Thank you for watching Larry. It is certainly a very good system for the money 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Tarun in line with Larry's Post how would a NP3 and two PA3s as monoblocks compare with something like the Hegel H90 in terms of sound quality and features? I am considering a Hegel as my next upgrade either the H90 or H120 if I can afford it but I was wondering if the Iota stack would in fact offer similar performance for less money or if the budget constraints of the Iota kit would show.
@@paulwebster9030 as good as the NP3 with two PA3s are they would be outperformed by the Hegel H90. It has more refinement and the H95 has a fuller sound that is indicative of more expensive amplifiers 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks very much for taking the time to post the H95 will be on my shortlist for definite
I’m weighing this up against Marantz p7000
Cool 😎 please let me know how you get on 😊
Pity they don't sell them in Australia
They are factory direct so you may be able to get them delivered 😊
Forget the Chelsea profile pic, this is America calling. Now, while the recently-reviewed JBL L52’s retail for £999, they sell here for $999. Not so with this NP3. For us £499 = $686, but that’s actually the current dollar-to-pound conversion rate. That said, Britain is getting fleeced by JBL. Anyway, I have to wonder how the NP3 would fare as a primary transport with the D/A conversion being handled by an outboard DAC such as the little Musical Fidelity V90 or Cambridge’s DACMagic? The popular choices here for a transport are currently Audiolab’s 6000cdt and Cambridge Audio’s CXC, but this NP3 is priced accordingly right in line with these two. Not saying the inboard DAC isn’t worthwhile, but used primarily as a transport I have to wonder how it’d compare.
That would be an interesting comparison. Thank you for sharing 😊
too bad no analog input for that Turntable preamp.
That would be nice 😊
11:21 it's a wolfson
Thank you 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 as you said in your review the digital inputs are meh but the phono mm is impressive in that price range. I would have preferred an av input instead of a crappy dac
I wonder what it sounds like with active speakers? I think that would be quite a lot of majority of pairings with teenagers.
I can see how that may work 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I thought it's got analogue out?
@@johnsweda2999 sorry John, typo. Just amended it 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 a bit of backtracking was it lol
@@johnsweda2999 I should proof read before I post 😂