Will these 2 amps bring Zero Fidelity out of hiding? We shall see... Seems IOTAVX just took what made the original stack great and improved on it in every regard. Great stuff.
Outstanding as always Thomas. I currently own & love the SA3/PA3 stack and if/when I need to replace them, I know what to do now. Kudos to IOTAVX for continuing to improve upon their products. Thank you and keep up the great work.
I love my NAD c298 amp (little brother to NAD M23) which replaces my already great Parasound 2125v2. todays amps need input trigger, gain knob/switch, extra set RCA output for subwoofers. under 40 lbs, preferably under 30 lbs iota pa40 seems to have most jacks except a gain knob (i don’t want to hear any speaker hiss). specs don’t mention: crosstalk, max current, damping factor. Apple Music lossless
I’m interested, currently using the SA PA combo. Of course they finally get in the hands of a reviewer I know and trust is the last day of the preorder special. Very interested in the PA40 as monoblocks.
@@ThomasAndStereo Until your video the only two reviews were in German. Today is the last day of the preorder discount, emailed them on that bit earlier this week, did receive a reply within a day. Curious as to thePA40 as monoblocks w a tube pre-amp
The whole natural vs hi-fi comments What on earth This seems to fly in face of logic and is a reason why it's hard to trust any reviewers. A system should reproduce the material exactly and any variation is a negative. Natural voice vrs hi-fi? The most fidelity would be producing (reproducing) the voice exactly the same as it was uttered. If you have a conversation, record it and play it back on a sound system if it is exactly the same with zero deviation that is a perfect fidelity system.
Did IOTAVX use the same capacitors on these new amps as they did for the SA3 and PA3? Because I've heard from multiple owners of the SA3 that the caps don't last very long and need to be replaced around the 3 year mark. I only had the SA3 for a short period before moving onto a better amp so I didn't experience any problem. But the product page for the SA40 specifically states they use "long life capacitors" so I hope that means they addressed this issue on the SA3/PA3.
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 Not the Rubycons, but the Decon caps used in them start leaking. I don't know why but I've tried responding to your comment 3 times and they are not showing up for me, so if this response shows 3 times, sorry :-)
I've had my SA3 for 4-years now, and play it about 4 to 6 hours a day, so far no problems. As for people who have/ may have had problems with the caps, it could/ might be where they've placed it, such as a space with little ventilation, or the sun hitting it for long periods while on?!?
@Mark198d I looked all inside the sa3/pa3 I thought they was all rubycon ' my $1500 Audiolab 9000cdt (cd-transport) has all decon caps shocked me when I popped the Hood!! Because audiolab normally uses Elna ! But I bought all new 23 caps inside transport to replace with Nichicon fine gold and Nichicon KA for powersupply ' crazy audiolab cheaper out like that after using awesome cd mech and mains transformer
My home theater is a 7.4.4, (mixed use music 2.2) powered by 10 amps! So today’s amps need to run cool,efficient to not trip 15A breaker box fuse. I upgraded to the NAD c298 amp (similar to NAD M23). Apple Music lossless
Great video and a nice honest declaration that you’re not going to compare your Galleon gear to review gear . Any chance you’re going to the Toronto Audiofest this October?
The input selector is in the front within the menu and on the remote too. The buttons at the back are for "one-time" setup. Most people would not change those.
@@ThomasAndStereo I was referring to the PA40 stand-alone amp. It appears that to switch from balanced #1 to balanced #2, or the unbalanced inputs, you have to flip the switch on the rear.
iota pa40 seems to have most jacks except a gain knob (i don’t want to hear any speaker hiss). specs don’t mention: crosstalk, max current, damping factor.
I'd be interested in those too. Not to mention independent measurements on SNR, distortion, etc. By the looks of it and the caps, current output shouldn't be an issue. Question is, longevity given some have reported issues with their Ioto VX ones.
At last a hi-fi amp that is at an AFFORDABLE price! Agree he needs a pop filter on the mic. Had to put pop filters on mic in broadcast studios. The pops can cause some AM transmitter modulator overloads.
I been listening to my sa40 and pa40 for couple of weeks. The bass is weak, treble is off to my liking, i have to decreased 2 db, i tried different speakers from kef r3, q acoustic 5020, q acoustic 3030i, elac ubr62 and wharfedale d225, the best one is the wharfadale. It tame the treble. I tried it with holo cyan2 which smooth the sound but less bass attack. Center image is lacking if i move a bit to left and right. Vocals is a bit forward in my system. So put it but in the box. For me iotavx is thin and cold, i will Let it sleep there till i think of a better speaker that would resurrect this iotavx of mine.
It is unfortunate that it did not work for you. Did you switch the switch at the back to mono? Center image should decent, it might not be a bass monster but it should have adequate bass. It just does not match what I heard, and the fact you tried it with many speakers, it is not a synergy issue.
🙋♂️THANKS THOMAS, FOR THE STORIES AND STAYING OBJECTIVE 🤔😁 …IT DEFINITELY 👍 SOUNDS VERY GOOD AND SHOWS THAT THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO BE A BUDGET AUDIOPHILE 🤗💚💚💚
I use the IOTAVX AVX17 Pre Amp for my Homecinema with Neumann KH 150 & 80 (and soon a Double Bass Array). For that price its realy awesome. Sound Decoding & Quality is great, youve 4 Sub Outs. The Menu is windows 98 style but has a lot of Freedom in the setup
Owner review: Just got mine in yesterday and can confirm the SA40 is a banger! Coming from an Audiolab 6000a and Rotel A11 Tribute, speakers are Polk R200, DAC is SMSL Su-10. This SA40 monsters those two other amps! I actually didn't like the SA40 at the very first listen. The upper mid's felt like they were very elevated in the mix. But then I played with the SA40's tone controls -I love them! In my system I have found that a 2-3db increase in the bass works very well. The SA40 has a very, very powerful sound it muscles the R200's around in a way that the 6000a never could. It also has a very exciting, precise kind of sound. It works great with well recorded music and electronica. It can be merciless with poorly recorded material (think iphone video of a concert). This amp does not do warm and cozy like a Sugden. This amp has some attack to the upper mids which makes it sound cool but also limits you on volume sometimes. It is very in your face and wants to put on a show -a big show! Features and power are unequaled for the money, the remote is nice to use, balanced in the hand and very easy to adjust the tone controls (you will use them). You can completely dim the lights/screen -very useful. Build quality is average at best. The volume pot is kind of loose and the case is just a folded piece of metal that isn't even fully secured at the bottom. You can feel it squeeze in as you move the unit. It's not the sexiest looking amp but looks ok enough. Maybe too large for some set ups though. I have not tested the PA40/SA40 combo yet but I'm curious. What Iota did was focus relentlessly on only the stuff that really matters -sound quality and features. This amp is extremely well designed for the audiophile who wants the most excitement for their money. It beats the talented Audiolab 6000a in nearly everyway (The 6000a tolerates crappy recordings better). It likely betters amps in the 2-3k range although they may score a win in certain categories. Who is it not for? If you have a system that is already to bright/sharp this amp will not alleviate that one IOTA! Haha. If you are willing to pay 2-3x for looks alone. If the size doesn't work for you. IOTA scored a massive win here. A 10/10 performance at it's price (and above). If there is a better amp for 1,000 ish dollars, I do not know of it. Thank you IOTA and thank you Thomas for the sweet recommendation!
The TA75 will be better on most aspects besides the slight V curve tuning if you don't like it. If it's worth the price difference is always the debate in hifi as the gains vs $ gives little for alot more. With that said the TA75 really is a gem in its price range from my pov as a owner of lots of hifi products now and over way to many years 😉.
It’s insane how decent even low end audio has become! Class D, just the switching supply is genius as a whole, but how much more it has become. Still, magnetics are king imo for now, but damn! Great work as always!
Hey Thomas: Pass Labs Review - I don't recall you doing a review on any of this equipment. When are you going to do one? Lastly, would you do a review on old equipment? How about a Sonic Frontiers Power 2 (110 wpc stereo amp) or the Power 3 (monoblocs, 220 wpc)? They are Canadian, and the original maker/designer, now Parts Connexion, is still alive and kicking. In any case, keep up the good work!
I did have some in the past, never got a chance to make a video on it. I did get the First Watt F7 recently and the soundstage is spectacular with that amp. Sonic Frontiers? I would love to review all those but they never reach out to me.
Thanks for reviewing this piece Thomas, I had no idea it was out but it looks good and I ordered one. If it's good I'll get the PA40 as well as it seems that the combo really shines.
@@ThomasAndStereo I had the SA3+PA3 stack a couple of years ago and will agree that the sound changes when combined - for better and worse. How does the new SA40 compare to the SA3+PA3 stack?
Hi Thomas. What is the basic sound signature of an Iota? Is it on the bright (forward), neutral, or warm (laid back) side? I care more about that than whether it's detailed (who doesn't want that?). Reviewers often fail to mention a brand's sound characteristic, although I know Steve G. goes for a bright and dynamic kind of sound. Slightly forward, I'd say. I prefer punchy and neutral on the side of warm (no grain/sibilance if possible). My listening room is small, so I prefer it that way.
Neutral and transparent. If you use the SA3+PA3, some of that neutrality is traded for a very slight V shape signature with punchier dynamics/improved bass. You can tailor the sound to your liking by using warmer/brighter sources. And yes, they have tone controls. Based on what your preference is, IOTAVX is probably exactly what you're looking for (either the original stack or the new one).
Good question. If you want to be specific, it is neutral dark. Meaning if you don't like sibilance, this amp is right for you. A bit like the Schitt Tyr and Vidar, not bright at all.
@@ThomasAndStereo I’m not an electrical tech. I don’t understand what contributes to great sound, but, whatever they put in this amp has made it engaging, dynamic, fun and for me, soulful. I have other amps that are great in detail and almost surgical placement of instruments. Not the A1, it connects you to the music.
If you heard great differences from changing sources. Thats a very good quality! I remember the original also had this character. It would adapt or scale or provide transparency from the source. To me this flexibility is value. It does not restrain me, and allows for me to adjust the flavor to my taste. Thanks for the video man!
I thought the SA3 was thoroughly overrated and overpriced piece of poorly tuned, poorly equipped pocket drop. Woolly bass and skinny mid range and vocals, awful...each to their own master they stand or fall I suppose.
I guess all a question of taste as the SA3 was well received by the community. For those seeking fireworks, the SA3 might be too neutral and totally understandable.
The big concern with IOTAVX is their quality control and abysmal customer service. I had a NP3 die after a month of light use - I went through HELL getting it replaced. BTW, if you live on the east coast you'll have to call around 4AM to get anyone on the phone and it honestly seems like a bit of a clown show. About a month later, one of my PA3's started running WAY hotter than its twin. I didn't even want to be bothered dealing with them and just ate the cost of the unit.
yes I mentioned that in the video and hopefully new owner will change everything. I know if I spent big money to buy IOTAVX, I will make sure it will be run properly.
🎉 Well, I know only what you have to say about the okder gear and on faith believe you know what you're talking about. There are no dealers around here so. As for the New Integrated Amp "sounds" accordingly better and for the $ literally "sounds" like a Steal for the $. So, once again Thanks Thomas for 😂 naking ny Musical Life better more complexed and nusnced.
@@MikeK6046 Probably, it is a step up but it does sound different. If you like the original sound signature, you will not get it with the new SA40. Objectively, when you talk about instrument separation, dynamic contrast, and so forth, it is at least 10% better.
A shame you didn't listen to the PA40 with some appropriate, and better, sources. Do they run hot? I like the efficiency of class D but this possibly last gasp of AB high power on the cheap is appealing.
They should have gone to pre + power amp combo. Bridging is generally a compromise. You have to design a product with a fixed function in mind to get the best results. I don't like stereo amps working in mono. I'd rather buy two monoblocks instead.
. Then again on the other hand, instead of only offering a mono sub-out on the SA-40 but instead featured a variable pass stereo crossover, then bi-amping would be a breeze. Clearly Iota wants to sell lot's of amps don't they.
Im currently in conversation with someone who is saying all non load dependent amps sound the same, what do you think about this and is there any literature about it? I asked the person who is claiming this to tell me what the cheapest non load dependent amp was and never got an answer, i also asked them if its the case that they all sound tge same why wouldn't everyone just own the cheapest one? The response was "because people have preconceived bias and buy stuff because of looks or price etc" Thoughts?
@crazyprayingmantis5596 I recently spoke to a designer and he said all amps sound the same. However, what makes one amplifier sound different from one another is the components used surrounding the amplifiers. For example, capacitors, resistors, and so forth. For me, if a person cannot hear the difference between amplifiers, there is no point wasting time debating because he will never change his mind regardless of what you show him. It's like someone saying all apples taste the same. The whole thing about all amps sounding the same, you will never hear that from someone who has real-life experience with a lot of amps. Possible with 2 amps but not with a lot of amps.
I think $800 is within the realm of affordability. Is $20k affordable? Yes if it is a car. Is $800 affordable? No for a plate of Sushi but is for an amplifier that has everything built in. Nothing hypocritical, just relative. If you say $300 is the correct price of affordability for HIFi, many people in a third world country will disagree, cause its all relative.
@@ThomasAndStereo umm 800? it clearly says its 1.813,00 € for the set. and its in Euro so that is more like $1200 for the amp. by the time it arrives on Canada, its $1800 after all their shipping, duties, levies, etc. Lots of products that price.
@@djfirestormx At the time of this filming, there was the pre-order price of $850 USD for the SA40 including free shipping. You will have to pay customs but it is the same as us paying the 15% tax. Now here in Canada, we are unfortunate to pay more for everything because of our weak currency. What other options do we have for $850 USD that is an integrated amp with everything built in? I am sure you can name a few but they will not be better than the SA40 but rather equivalent.
I am sorry but I am a newbie in modern hi-fi. I don’t understand the need to pair an integrated amp with a power amp like these 2 units. I would thing the integrated amp is enough. Can someone kindly explain this to me ?
You don't need to. IotaVX makes an integrated and power amp only version. If you already have a pre-amp you can just buy the power amp. But if you have the integrated amp, you can also buy the power amp version if you want to double the power to 600 ohms, essentially like a bridged version transforming it into quasi monoblock amplifiers.
Just the integrated amp is good enough for most people. However, as I said in the video, if you want more depth in the soundstage, more control, adding this external amp is will give you this improvement.
Interesting, if one believes in the benefits of separates, then using with the power amp means the two channels must sound different. If they don’t, is all the talk of separates being better just BS?
@@ThomasAndStereo That makes sense if you compare one v the other on an either/or basis. But here one is essentially running both types in the same system, one in each channel. One channel has a dedicated amp, and one has an amp with all problems of limited space, proximity to other components, etc- all the things they say degrade the sound of an integrated. So I still have to conclude the channels have to sound differently in this particular set up, unless the whole notion is not true
@@ThomasAndStereoWell, of course, they will say it makes no difference. But here, on a channel like this, I’d be interested to hear what people think about running two separate amplifier topologies in each channel of the same rig (admittedly a low cost rig). If you, as one well versed in amplifier design, and who can articulate the most subtle differences when comparing two amps can’t hear a difference, I’m leaning toward separates don’t matter as much as the manufacturers would have us believe, perhaps even in the high end. You are in a unique position to test this by taking one of your TS 120 integrateds, bridging it to mono and running the other channel with a TS 120 that has been stripped of all preamp related circuitry. Would make a good video.
@@edd2771 I don't think anyone can answer this unless they spent a day doing ABX test. Even then, the test might be conclusive for Amp A, but it will not be conclusive for all amps in the universe. Perhaps that is why no one has tackled this.
They will have a hill to climb - they went out of business - what happened to the warranties etc. of previous equipment - did they honour it? Not mine! Also, there seemed to be problems with the quality of components failing etc. Not sure - They would need to address the elephant in the room first for me to be interested again.
Well the company got bought out and it is a new owner now. Things can only get better. How much better? Only time will tell but it is a question I asked them as what you said is a known issue.
Hello Thomas. I have the combo of sa3 and pa3 and am very satisfied so far. I now want to upgrade to the SA40, is it worth switching? you can hear the sound improvement. Thanks.
@fryderykplonka2506 I would only upgrade if I get the combo, else I don't think the delta is big enough for an upgrade. Having said that, upgrade only if you are not happy with what you have. If you are enjoying it, then just enjoy it. The original combo is fantastic already.
I have. I went from 2 IOTAVX pa3's in bridged mode to 2 Purifi Eigentakt 1ET400a monoblocks. I never looked back. The Purifi's wipe the floor with the IOTAs top to bottom, and i loved those pa3's. I had them for 4 years until i handed them down to my son.
@@dicmccoy I've read the exact opposite of your opinion. You're probably hearing more of the input buffer lowering noise in the Purifi in comparison to the IOTA. But if we're talking power sections the IOTA should sound more musical and robust especially in low to sub frequencies.
![[UNCUT] “บอสณวัฒน์” ลากไส้!! ใครหนุนหลัง "แม่ตั๊ก ป๋าเบียร์" I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ I 30 ก.ย. 67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QlD7mU2KKRk/mqdefault.jpg)
Will these 2 amps bring Zero Fidelity out of hiding? We shall see... Seems IOTAVX just took what made the original stack great and improved on it in every regard. Great stuff.
Yes they did. Zero coming out of hiding...soon soon I hope.
Thomas! You’re the best. Keep on keeping on. We love you! Thanks for all you do for the Hi-Fi community… you’re awesome bro
I appreciate that!
Outstanding as always Thomas. I currently own & love the SA3/PA3 stack and if/when I need to replace them, I know what to do now. Kudos to IOTAVX for continuing to improve upon their products. Thank you and keep up the great work.
@@damayor62 yup, your combo is so good that you can enjoy it for years to come.
Great review Thomas! I owned and loved the original SA3 and PA3. This new combo looks fantastic.
Yes, enjoy what you have, it is a great combo.
Thank you Thomas I enjoy your reviews! Thank you
I love my NAD c298 amp (little brother to NAD M23) which replaces my already great Parasound 2125v2.
todays amps need input trigger, gain knob/switch, extra set RCA output for subwoofers. under 40 lbs, preferably under 30 lbs
iota pa40 seems to have most jacks except a gain knob (i don’t want to hear any speaker hiss).
specs don’t mention: crosstalk, max current, damping factor.
Apple Music lossless
It was pretty silent when I tested it.
I’m interested, currently using the SA PA combo. Of course they finally get in the hands of a reviewer I know and trust is the last day of the preorder special. Very interested in the PA40 as monoblocks.
300w into 8 ohms...I guess Magnepan owners will be happy.
@@ThomasAndStereo Until your video the only two reviews were in German. Today is the last day of the preorder discount, emailed them on that bit earlier this week, did receive a reply within a day. Curious as to thePA40 as monoblocks w a tube pre-amp
@@ThomasAndStereo Are you planning a higher wattage AB Amp?
@@jackstraw1756 Not for a while. The upcoming two affordable solid-state amps are 18w class A and 70w class AB.
Loud and Clear in Hotlanta
The whole natural vs hi-fi comments
What on earth
This seems to fly in face of logic and is a reason why it's hard to trust any reviewers.
A system should reproduce the material exactly and any variation is a negative.
Natural voice vrs hi-fi? The most fidelity would be producing (reproducing) the voice exactly the same as it was uttered.
If you have a conversation, record it and play it back on a sound system if it is exactly the same with zero deviation that is a perfect fidelity system.
Did IOTAVX use the same capacitors on these new amps as they did for the SA3 and PA3? Because I've heard from multiple owners of the SA3 that the caps don't last very long and need to be replaced around the 3 year mark. I only had the SA3 for a short period before moving onto a better amp so I didn't experience any problem. But the product page for the SA40 specifically states they use "long life capacitors" so I hope that means they addressed this issue on the SA3/PA3.
Rubycon isn't bad caps
@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 Not the Rubycons, but the Decon caps used in them start leaking. I don't know why but I've tried responding to your comment 3 times and they are not showing up for me, so if this response shows 3 times, sorry :-)
I've had my SA3 for 4-years now, and play it about 4 to 6 hours a day, so far no problems. As for people who have/ may have had problems with the caps, it could/ might be where they've placed it, such as a space with little ventilation, or the sun hitting it for long periods while on?!?
Great question, I am sure they will answer if you ask them.
@Mark198d I looked all inside the sa3/pa3 I thought they was all rubycon ' my $1500 Audiolab 9000cdt (cd-transport) has all decon caps shocked me when I popped the Hood!!
Because audiolab normally uses Elna ! But I bought all new 23 caps inside transport to replace with Nichicon fine gold and Nichicon KA for powersupply ' crazy audiolab cheaper out like that after using awesome cd mech and mains transformer
My home theater is a 7.4.4, (mixed use music 2.2) powered by 10 amps! So today’s amps need to run cool,efficient to not trip 15A breaker box fuse.
I upgraded to the NAD c298 amp (similar to NAD M23).
Apple Music lossless
Great amp.
Bad sound on audio quality channel- must be a joke :)
Galion tsa75 all day long thomas I'm extremely happy with this amp ❤
Great video and a nice honest declaration that you’re not going to compare your Galleon gear to review gear .
Any chance you’re going to the Toronto Audiofest this October?
Thanks, Toronto Audio fest, I might but not sure yet.
@@ThomasAndStereoHoping you do. would love to see/hear your amps and speakers in person!
ALSO I NOTICED YOU GOT OUT OF THE BASEMENT 😁 AND YOUR BACKGROUND LOOKS GOOD 🤗💚💚💚
Not only am I out of my basement, this was film in another continent!
@@ThomasAndStereo 🤗😎😁💚💚💚
Hello Tomas from Northern California. No audio on this video during playback.
Try again, works for me
Yep... good to go 👍!@@ThomasAndStereo
Not going to make it - hire a sound Mike guy..
They put the input selector switch on the REAR of the PA40 amp. Input selection should always be on the front of an amp.
The input selector is in the front within the menu and on the remote too. The buttons at the back are for "one-time" setup. Most people would not change those.
Take a chill pill bro....
@@ThomasAndStereo I was referring to the PA40 stand-alone amp. It appears that to switch from balanced #1 to balanced #2, or the unbalanced inputs, you have to flip the switch on the rear.
Thomas.When are you gonna review the Advance Paris Line? The A12 is the Beauty & The Beast.
If they reach out to me, sure.
iota pa40 seems to have most jacks except a gain knob (i don’t want to hear any speaker hiss).
specs don’t mention: crosstalk, max current, damping factor.
If you email them, they will answer really fast.
I'd be interested in those too. Not to mention independent measurements on SNR, distortion, etc. By the looks of it and the caps, current output shouldn't be an issue. Question is, longevity given some have reported issues with their Ioto VX ones.
At last a hi-fi amp that is at an AFFORDABLE price! Agree he needs a pop filter on the mic. Had to put pop filters on mic in broadcast studios. The pops can cause some AM transmitter modulator overloads.
Yup, in the future I will fix the mic problem.
I been listening to my sa40 and pa40 for couple of weeks. The bass is weak, treble is off to my liking, i have to decreased 2 db, i tried different speakers from kef r3, q acoustic 5020, q acoustic 3030i, elac ubr62 and wharfedale d225, the best one is the wharfadale. It tame the treble. I tried it with holo cyan2 which smooth the sound but less bass attack. Center image is lacking if i move a bit to left and right. Vocals is a bit forward in my system. So put it but in the box. For me iotavx is thin and cold, i will Let it sleep there till i think of a better speaker that would resurrect this iotavx of mine.
It is unfortunate that it did not work for you. Did you switch the switch at the back to mono? Center image should decent, it might not be a bass monster but it should have adequate bass. It just does not match what I heard, and the fact you tried it with many speakers, it is not a synergy issue.
🙋♂️THANKS THOMAS, FOR THE STORIES AND STAYING OBJECTIVE 🤔😁 …IT DEFINITELY 👍 SOUNDS VERY GOOD AND SHOWS THAT THIS IS THE BEST TIME TO BE A BUDGET AUDIOPHILE 🤗💚💚💚
Yup, golden time.
I use the IOTAVX AVX17 Pre Amp for my Homecinema with Neumann KH 150 & 80 (and soon a Double Bass Array). For that price its realy awesome. Sound Decoding & Quality is great, youve 4 Sub Outs. The Menu is windows 98 style but has a lot of Freedom in the setup
So if you have a freya does that mean you don't give on iota of schitt.
Good one
Owner review: Just got mine in yesterday and can confirm the SA40 is a banger! Coming from an Audiolab 6000a and Rotel A11 Tribute, speakers are Polk R200, DAC is SMSL Su-10. This SA40 monsters those two other amps! I actually didn't like the SA40 at the very first listen. The upper mid's felt like they were very elevated in the mix. But then I played with the SA40's tone controls -I love them! In my system I have found that a 2-3db increase in the bass works very well. The SA40 has a very, very powerful sound it muscles the R200's around in a way that the 6000a never could. It also has a very exciting, precise kind of sound. It works great with well recorded music and electronica. It can be merciless with poorly recorded material (think iphone video of a concert). This amp does not do warm and cozy like a Sugden. This amp has some attack to the upper mids which makes it sound cool but also limits you on volume sometimes. It is very in your face and wants to put on a show -a big show!
Features and power are unequaled for the money, the remote is nice to use, balanced in the hand and very easy to adjust the tone controls (you will use them). You can completely dim the lights/screen -very useful. Build quality is average at best. The volume pot is kind of loose and the case is just a folded piece of metal that isn't even fully secured at the bottom. You can feel it squeeze in as you move the unit. It's not the sexiest looking amp but looks ok enough. Maybe too large for some set ups though. I have not tested the PA40/SA40 combo yet but I'm curious.
What Iota did was focus relentlessly on only the stuff that really matters -sound quality and features. This amp is extremely well designed for the audiophile who wants the most excitement for their money. It beats the talented Audiolab 6000a in nearly everyway (The 6000a tolerates crappy recordings better). It likely betters amps in the 2-3k range although they may score a win in certain categories.
Who is it not for?
If you have a system that is already to bright/sharp this amp will not alleviate that one IOTA! Haha.
If you are willing to pay 2-3x for looks alone.
If the size doesn't work for you.
IOTA scored a massive win here. A 10/10 performance at it's price (and above). If there is a better amp for 1,000 ish dollars, I do not know of it. Thank you IOTA and thank you Thomas for the sweet recommendation!
Would the Iotavx sa40 be a step up to my Cambridge cx81?
In my experienced , the cxa81 is better, i do have both cxa and and sa40
Dang. All I want to know is how the PA40 compares to the TA75. But, of course, i understand.
Well the TS A75 is more than double the price.
The TA75 will be better on most aspects besides the slight V curve tuning if you don't like it. If it's worth the price difference is always the debate in hifi as the gains vs $ gives little for alot more. With that said the TA75 really is a gem in its price range from my pov as a owner of lots of hifi products now and over way to many years 😉.
It’s insane how decent even low end audio has become! Class D, just the switching supply is genius as a whole, but how much more it has become. Still, magnetics are king imo for now, but damn! Great work as always!
Hey Thomas:
Pass Labs Review - I don't recall you doing a review on any of this equipment. When are you going to do one?
Lastly, would you do a review on old equipment? How about a Sonic Frontiers Power 2 (110 wpc stereo amp) or the Power 3 (monoblocs, 220 wpc)? They are Canadian, and the original maker/designer, now Parts Connexion, is still alive and kicking.
In any case, keep up the good work!
I did have some in the past, never got a chance to make a video on it. I did get the First Watt F7 recently and the soundstage is spectacular with that amp. Sonic Frontiers? I would love to review all those but they never reach out to me.
Dude, fix your voice amp will ya!
Will do next time, first time I use this MIC.
@ThomasAndStereo just giving you the business! Thanks Thomas for all your effort! Been following ya for years. Cheers bud!
@@firebladeclements Yup, I take it as positive constructive critisicm.
Thanks for reviewing this piece Thomas, I had no idea it was out but it looks good and I ordered one. If it's good I'll get the PA40 as well as it seems that the combo really shines.
are you using the iotavx 5.0 Bluetooth adapter as your mic?
Just ordered it so it better be good Thomas or I'm holding you responsible! 😉
Lol!!
@@ThomasAndStereo I had the SA3+PA3 stack a couple of years ago and will agree that the sound changes when combined - for better and worse.
How does the new SA40 compare to the SA3+PA3 stack?
Ahahaha ahahaha 😂
@@JOXperience Hmm I did not compare them so I don't really remember because it has been a while I last listen to the SA3 and PA3 stack.
Is the DAC from the SA40 good?
Hi Thomas. What is the basic sound signature of an Iota? Is it on the bright (forward), neutral, or warm (laid back) side? I care more about that than whether it's detailed (who doesn't want that?). Reviewers often fail to mention a brand's sound characteristic, although I know Steve G. goes for a bright and dynamic kind of sound. Slightly forward, I'd say. I prefer punchy and neutral on the side of warm (no grain/sibilance if possible). My listening room is small, so I prefer it that way.
It's very neutral.
@@daledrolet1332 Hmmm, ok. I see you owned one. Do they usually have tone controls?
Neutral and transparent. If you use the SA3+PA3, some of that neutrality is traded for a very slight V shape signature with punchier dynamics/improved bass. You can tailor the sound to your liking by using warmer/brighter sources. And yes, they have tone controls. Based on what your preference is, IOTAVX is probably exactly what you're looking for (either the original stack or the new one).
Good question. If you want to be specific, it is neutral dark. Meaning if you don't like sibilance, this amp is right for you. A bit like the Schitt Tyr and Vidar, not bright at all.
An amp that’s just sweet and makes you want to dance… musical fidelity A1
People say that amp is musical, does it have the dynamics to make you want to get up and dance.
@@ThomasAndStereo I’m not an electrical tech. I don’t understand what contributes to great sound, but, whatever they put in this amp has made it engaging, dynamic, fun and for me, soulful. I have other amps that are great in detail and almost surgical placement of instruments. Not the A1, it connects you to the music.
@@s.daniel9224 That is the most important. If it connects you to the music, nothing else matters. Congrats on reaching audio nirvana.
If you heard great differences from changing sources. Thats a very good quality! I remember the original also had this character. It would adapt or scale or provide transparency from the source. To me this flexibility is value. It does not restrain me, and allows for me to adjust the flavor to my taste. Thanks for the video man!
Yup, the original one was great too and was neutral enough.
I thought the SA3 was thoroughly overrated and overpriced piece of poorly tuned, poorly equipped pocket drop. Woolly bass and skinny mid range and vocals, awful...each to their own master they stand or fall I suppose.
I guess all a question of taste as the SA3 was well received by the community. For those seeking fireworks, the SA3 might be too neutral and totally understandable.
The big concern with IOTAVX is their quality control and abysmal customer service. I had a NP3 die after a month of light use - I went through HELL getting it replaced. BTW, if you live on the east coast you'll have to call around 4AM to get anyone on the phone and it honestly seems like a bit of a clown show. About a month later, one of my PA3's started running WAY hotter than its twin. I didn't even want to be bothered dealing with them and just ate the cost of the unit.
yes I mentioned that in the video and hopefully new owner will change everything. I know if I spent big money to buy IOTAVX, I will make sure it will be run properly.
🎉 Well, I know only what you have to say about the okder gear and on faith believe you know what you're talking about. There are no dealers around here so. As for the New Integrated Amp "sounds" accordingly better and for the $ literally "sounds" like a Steal for the $. So, once again Thanks Thomas for 😂 naking ny Musical Life better more complexed and nusnced.
The value of affordable gear is just amazing these days. The original one was already really good.
Well?????. IMO, if this new SA40 is approximately 20/ 25% better than the SA3, it'll be a bargain/ great performance-to-cost ratio.
Well, the combo is 20% better.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you, then I'm assuming that just the SA40, would provide an approximate 10% improvement over the previous SA3?
@@MikeK6046 Probably, it is a step up but it does sound different. If you like the original sound signature, you will not get it with the new SA40. Objectively, when you talk about instrument separation, dynamic contrast, and so forth, it is at least 10% better.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you for taking the time to explain - much appreciated!!!!!!
Too close to your mic, mate. Plosives kinda detract from your presentation. Otherwise a fine video. Thanks.
Turn your volume down, mate. Easier fix on your end.
Get over it, mate. Find a different nit to pick.
I didn’t think it was bad
Yup, first time using that mic, will fix for the future.
@@Harrisongrey19 sorry but your solution is bizarre
I can hear it
A shame you didn't listen to the PA40 with some appropriate, and better, sources. Do they run hot? I like the efficiency of class D but this possibly last gasp of AB high power on the cheap is appealing.
@@rapier5 I did connect it to a $3500 matrix DAC and the Gustard A26, different than the onboard dac. It does not run hot.
They should have gone to pre + power amp combo. Bridging is generally a compromise. You have to design a product with a fixed function in mind to get the best results. I don't like stereo amps working in mono. I'd rather buy two monoblocks instead.
Maybe in the future?
. Then again on the other hand, instead of only offering a mono sub-out on the SA-40 but instead featured a variable pass stereo crossover, then bi-amping would be a breeze. Clearly Iota wants to sell lot's of amps don't they.
good points hifi audio sound vs vintage
Where’s the United States and Canada website? You are driving demand that can’t be fulfilled.
If you want to know how to get it to display in English, on the top right, you can change the language to English. They ship worldwide.
Im currently in conversation with someone who is saying all non load dependent amps sound the same, what do you think about this and is there any literature about it?
I asked the person who is claiming this to tell me what the cheapest non load dependent amp was and never got an answer, i also asked them if its the case that they all sound tge same why wouldn't everyone just own the cheapest one?
The response was "because people have preconceived bias and buy stuff because of looks or price etc"
Thoughts?
@crazyprayingmantis5596 I recently spoke to a designer and he said all amps sound the same. However, what makes one amplifier sound different from one another is the components used surrounding the amplifiers. For example, capacitors, resistors, and so forth. For me, if a person cannot hear the difference between amplifiers, there is no point wasting time debating because he will never change his mind regardless of what you show him. It's like someone saying all apples taste the same. The whole thing about all amps sounding the same, you will never hear that from someone who has real-life experience with a lot of amps. Possible with 2 amps but not with a lot of amps.
I envy you for having not one but two working AIWA CD players!!
@@cwwang10 interestingly, they sound slightly different.
Wow. Why i see the book Tawau at your book rack? Is that Tawau? Just wondering😊
Tawau is a city in Malaysia. This video was filmed in Malaysia!
Le micro de Thomas distorsionne au point de rendre la narration désagréable.
désolé
Thanks Thomas. Where to buy for best price? Thanks
They only sell it online, check my first link in the comment section. It is on special now for maybe a week more.
i think the audio industry has lost touch on the word affordable lol...oh im a hypacryte im making $7000 and up speakers lol
I think $800 is within the realm of affordability. Is $20k affordable? Yes if it is a car. Is $800 affordable? No for a plate of Sushi but is for an amplifier that has everything built in. Nothing hypocritical, just relative. If you say $300 is the correct price of affordability for HIFi, many people in a third world country will disagree, cause its all relative.
@@ThomasAndStereo umm 800? it clearly says its 1.813,00 € for the set. and its in Euro so that is more like $1200 for the amp. by the time it arrives on Canada, its $1800 after all their shipping, duties, levies, etc. Lots of products that price.
@@djfirestormx At the time of this filming, there was the pre-order price of $850 USD for the SA40 including free shipping. You will have to pay customs but it is the same as us paying the 15% tax. Now here in Canada, we are unfortunate to pay more for everything because of our weak currency. What other options do we have for $850 USD that is an integrated amp with everything built in? I am sure you can name a few but they will not be better than the SA40 but rather equivalent.
Hi Thomas, what is the tube gear with a box on top to the left of IOTAVX stack on Mr. Vintage's rack?
Musical paradise MP701
@@ThomasAndStereo Thank you
Wondering how you make sure to order the right version...115vac i assume for u.s.
Yes 115v is for US.
It handles 115 and 230v and switches automatically.
@@bearclaw5115...thanks...i guess i'm not used to auto voltage switching in audio components.
I am sorry but I am a newbie in modern hi-fi. I don’t understand the need to pair an integrated amp with a power amp like these 2 units. I would thing the integrated amp is enough. Can someone kindly explain this to me ?
You don't need to. IotaVX makes an integrated and power amp only version. If you already have a pre-amp you can just buy the power amp. But if you have the integrated amp, you can also buy the power amp version if you want to double the power to 600 ohms, essentially like a bridged version transforming it into quasi monoblock amplifiers.
@@Mark198dGreat. Thank you!
Just the integrated amp is good enough for most people. However, as I said in the video, if you want more depth in the soundstage, more control, adding this external amp is will give you this improvement.
Testing
Thomas practices chi gong?
My dad!
Interesting, if one believes in the benefits of separates, then using with the power amp means the two channels must sound different. If they don’t, is all the talk of separates being better just BS?
I don't think all separates are better, below a certain price point, I think Integrated are just as good.
@@ThomasAndStereo That makes sense if you compare one v the other on an either/or basis. But here one is essentially running both types in the same system, one in each channel. One channel has a dedicated amp, and one has an amp with all problems of limited space, proximity to other components, etc- all the things they say degrade the sound of an integrated. So I still have to conclude the channels have to sound differently in this particular set up, unless the whole notion is not true
@@edd2771 I don't know, maybe email and ask them.
@@ThomasAndStereoWell, of course, they will say it makes no difference. But here, on a channel like this, I’d be interested to hear what people think about running two separate amplifier topologies in each channel of the same rig (admittedly a low cost rig). If you, as one well versed in amplifier design, and who can articulate the most subtle differences when comparing two amps can’t hear a difference, I’m leaning toward separates don’t matter as much as the manufacturers would have us believe, perhaps even in the high end. You are in a unique position to test this by taking one of your TS 120 integrateds, bridging it to mono and running the other channel with a TS 120 that has been stripped of all preamp related circuitry. Would make a good video.
@@edd2771 I don't think anyone can answer this unless they spent a day doing ABX test. Even then, the test might be conclusive for Amp A, but it will not be conclusive for all amps in the universe. Perhaps that is why no one has tackled this.
Think I need new speakers 😮
Try one more time, it should work
They will have a hill to climb - they went out of business - what happened to the warranties etc. of previous equipment - did they honour it? Not mine! Also, there seemed to be problems with the quality of components failing etc. Not sure - They would need to address the elephant in the room first for me to be interested again.
Well the company got bought out and it is a new owner now. Things can only get better. How much better? Only time will tell but it is a question I asked them as what you said is a known issue.
@@ThomasAndStereo Thanks Thomas!
No sound.
Try again, works for me
Think it was just posted so there was no sound. Ok now.
They’re gonna get me with this one.
they got me
Your wallet is not safe watching Thomas and Stereo
@@ThomasAndStereo i ordered it long time ago, i think you should make part 2
@@lindsethnittisju797 Ah, the amp has left my home already
@@ThomasAndStereo so will you order one?
Hello Thomas. I have the combo of sa3 and pa3 and am very satisfied so far. I now want to upgrade to the SA40, is it worth switching? you can hear the sound improvement. Thanks.
@fryderykplonka2506 I would only upgrade if I get the combo, else I don't think the delta is big enough for an upgrade. Having said that, upgrade only if you are not happy with what you have. If you are enjoying it, then just enjoy it. The original combo is fantastic already.
Report back on its ability to drive Magnepans, please!
Too late, the amps have left my home already. I am pretty sure it will have no problem.
If you get the combo it can drive any Maggies no problem.
Class AB is always the way to go. I've never heard a Class D sound better than AB.
I have. I went from 2 IOTAVX pa3's in bridged mode to 2 Purifi Eigentakt 1ET400a monoblocks. I never looked back. The Purifi's wipe the floor with the IOTAs top to bottom, and i loved those pa3's. I had them for 4 years until i handed them down to my son.
Try Jeff Rowland amps.
@@dicmccoy I've read the exact opposite of your opinion. You're probably hearing more of the input buffer lowering noise in the Purifi in comparison to the IOTA. But if we're talking power sections the IOTA should sound more musical and robust especially in low to sub frequencies.
@@peakAVwhat is more musical?
@@peakAV I'm just on the Hypex NC500 input buffer.
It's great you only review things that are great. Makes me question you, so I'm out.
Why would anyone waste their time making a video on something that is bad?
I made this video explaining why I choose not to make any negative reviews. th-cam.com/video/3fN6LaH8GRE/w-d-xo.html
Silly reasoning. If bad sounding gear doesn't warrant a review wouldn't that make you trust him more?