🔌 Considering the EXA100? Find it here CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EXA100 ↳ bit.ly/3zU1FCq and EXN100 → bit.ly/48tTIjV 🔌 If it wasn’t covered in the Unplugged discussion, it likely was here in the EXA100 review: th-cam.com/video/cw4p7fHk1Bo/w-d-xo.html 😀 If you enjoyed this video, please hit the 👍 Like button! 🙏 Please stay on topic & be respectful. ⬆ Channel Policies and FTC Disclosures are available in the description box above.
Audiophiles are always chasing the holy grail of the right balance between features and sound quality. at an affordable price. We all desire something that is just a bit too expensive for our pockets until the price dops or is available on the used market. I have been working in A/V for more years than i should have, but since the early 70's boom era the basic desires are still there, a lucky few have found what they have been looking for, whilst others never will. My advice is be happy with the best you can afford, there are more important things in life than having the best Hi-Fi in the street.
For real, you two are the best. Undecided on the AVR/IA amp, Cuz I don’t love paying for Kit that I don’t use. To be honest, if I Really think about it, I prefer Using a product w/ less features More sound quality and strong Power specs.
@ Ease of use is also worth A mention. But I really Think that the most important Spec that an audiophile Has to consider for the system Is whether or not you enjoy The music and movies That you're listening to Really, the only thing one of Us should consider is whether the Music sounds goodto you (& maybe the People listening with you).
Comment at 5 mins is spot on Andrew. It is coming far more apparent that audible differences are not as significant as it seems and transparent low distortion amps are readily available for much less now. Their is a significant premium for the audio bling, packaging and manufacturer prestige which can take some deciphering.
Just purchased the Rotel RB-1552 Mk ii with a Bluesound Node N132. Rotel being the power amp and the Node going to act as my pre-amp. Best thing Bluesound ever did was to make that line out variable or fixed. Should ship next week! Looking forward to it!
I have some equipment that I spent a bit on, I’m under 10k for my stereo listening system, but I get a LOT of enjoyment listening to my inexpensive DIY speakers with my inexpensive amp with others and letting them compare the sound to see how great sound CAN be done on a budget
The Cambridge Audio sound is always solid. I think the offerings at so many price points is a fantastic way for people to find the right solution for them.
I’m also the proud owner of AT-15’s bought new in 1991 refoamed the drivers in 2018 I couldn’t be more happier in pissing off the neighborhood! These beasts are power hungry. I’m driving them with the McIntosh 2100 amplifier
Wish list: 1. Geometrically correct room with radiused corners and all natural material surfaces (in acoustically correct locations) 2. Comfortable and properly located seating 3. Class A power amps chosen for passive bi-amping maximizing amps' abilities for each range 4. Class A pre-amp with no tone adjustments chosen to maximize the performance of the room 5. The best D/A converter that I can afford currently or previously available 6. Speakers that deliver clear, correct frequency response, phase alignment, and imaging (still, to this day, my favorites are still the Infinity Epsilon.) Not perfect. But give me everything I want for the range of music I listen to. 7. Cables - there are a lot of people poo-pooing quality audio cables. But they're testing them with electronic systems that's limits are below the capability of what the cables can add. The whole system is only as good as the weakest link. If the preamp is not great, no, there the cables won't help or even be noticed. But in a true hi-fi system, we can actually hear the difference between different cable makes/models. Those people who can't should just stick with mid-fi and mp3's. ;-)
Oh wow, that Anthem STR near the end of the video almost looks exactly like the (Daikin) thermostat on my wall! Though, I never cool the place to -60. Thanks for the unplugged episode - they're always an absolute blast! Do have a super cool (but not -60) weekend guys!
I have been in this hobby since the 1970's as a child of an audio file and bought my own gear starting inthe late 1980's. I am so tired of the bloated prices for what we actual get that I hope China crushes the market just to teach the market a lesson! I am tired of my wallet being graped today and not getting my moneys worth. Inflation does not explain the huge difference in price compared to build quality and sound quality of the hi end gear.
I'm still rocking my old Cambridge Audio Azur 540R AVR from like 2006 in my secondary system. They used to build great sounding AVR gear so I don't get why they wouldn't want to compete in that market again. The RZ50 is in my main setup and I love it.
Totally agree with you about the perfect storm being sooo close with some of these products. Give us the amp power and control of a Rotel with software like Dirac and the connectivity that allows hdmi, streaming, and a phono preamp. It definitely feels like the home theater receivers are getting most of the way there while the high end audio side is dragging their feet. Also love that you watch camera conspiracies too 😂
Cambridge's flip on HDMI reminds me of a different Cambridge in the late '90s, Cambridge Soundworks. Their thing was satellite/seperate woofer (not necessarily SUBwoofer) speakers, following in the footsteps of Bose and attempting to improve on their methods. They also sold 2 models of bookshelf speakers, but were marketed as a step-down option from their sub-sats. For years their catalogs were filled with why tower speakers are inferior (bulkiness, inability to locate the bass elsewhere, etc), and why sub-sat speakers are the future. Then 6 months later a new catalog arrived, offering 3 models of tower speakers along with their previous line. The language about the positives of having a separate woofer was dialed back. It was quite a sudden change in attitude.
As far as amp power goes I’m gunna paint with a broad brush here with a 87-90db sensitive speaker. If you listen at 70db levels with an occasional 80db peak a 30-50 watt amp will be more than enough. With me hitting 100+db peaks my 90db sensitive speakers do it easily with plenty of headroom to spare using my 250 watt per channel amp. Can I hit those peaks with less than a 250 watt amp. Absolutely. I hit 97db peaks with a 30 watt amp! More power just lends to a more relaxed sound at those levels imho. The sound quality of an amp is far more important than wattage imho. Just my thoughts on it.
Cambridge's lack of HDMI caused me to look into other paths and build my system without considering them further. Their posture was disappointing. Maybe when/if I get tired of my current direction I'll consider them again in a few years. Maybe.
The hi-fi sweet spot for me is a Peachtree Audio nova500 integrated I purchased about four years ago. The nova500 was at a price that I could afford, had all the outputs I needed, and the loop feature allows me to attach a Black Ice Audio Fozz SSX sound stage expander. This gives me tube warmth sound, and lets me play around with the sound stage. Love the set up. I would love to see you review some Peachtree Audio or Black Ice Audio gear.
I own the CXA80 (it has tone controls) now two models old, in my work office. It is a fantastic amp, and I have no desire to upgrade it. All amps need to have tone controls.
So would I be out of line to say that as a comparison, the Yamaha RN-2000A is pretty much the perfect all-in-one? It has HDMI, it has YPAO, it has a phono stage, it has 90 watts @ 8ohms/145 watts @ 4 ohms, a pretty user-friendly app in Music Cast and all importantly, a VU meter. When I bought mine, the Arcam A25 (and the CD5 CD player and ST5 Streamer) combo came in a close second. In the end, I got a great deal on the Yamaha from a dealer which was below the total cost of the Arcam setup, so I went with the VU meter. I would like to think Kristie would approve.
As a feature room correction does nothing for me. Part of the fun is tweaking things to suit my taste. I don't understand wanting to subcontract that out to an app. (For non-audiophiles that want a plug and play experience I get it.)
Hi Andrew, I never heard you mention the make and model of the phono pre-amp used with your Audio-Technica turntable and Ortofon 2M Black MM Cartridge?
Best decision I ever made was getting an Arcam integrated to run as a pre amp through my AV via processing mode. Now got best of both worlds, can listen to music in stereo like it should be and just switch to processing mode for home cinema. My B&W 706s sound 10X better via the Arcam than the Devon 3800 AVR.
Sigh. As a CX stack owner (CXA81, CXC35, CXN v2 and an Alva TT), I really like the design language of the EX line, but the lack of a matching transport (things have to match for me; down with o.c.d., yeah you know me) was making me wait a bit before I upgrade. Now it sounds like it would be a really expensive upgrade path just for visuals and not much else being gained, and a nearly $1,000 price difference between the CXA and the EXA is a little cringe. The more you and Kristi spoke about the EX line, the more I see and agree with your points that this is a weird line for Cambridge to be putting out. At this point, killing the CX line and lowering the price of the EX line seems like it would make sense for CA. Were you guys offered the chance to review the EVO One?
The EXA100 sits in an interesting spot. CXA81 -- EXA100 -- EVO150....???? I'd buy the EXA100 add an external phono pre-amp and a Cambridge Audio MXN 10 streamer over the EVO150.
If it's not in the manual, I'm afraid I won't be able to provide you with more information than that, as Cambridge didn't specify to me what those figures are.
Pick a "sound" you want. Buy speakers for that sound (heavy bass? High treble without distortion?). But any amp capable of powering them. Then get a decent EQ to tweak to dial in the sound you want. This "pure signal chain" has got to go away. Long live the EQ. Being back the 80s where you didn't "own" a hifi setup without a quality EQ. Note: I wasn't around in the 80s but I understand and appreciate their EQ use.
EQ ? An DSP is the way for acourate set up, but youre correct. An well corrected & eq'ed setup push out way more informations than an uncorrected one with all the roommodes. Specially youve all the freedom to tweak the sound as you want it without limitations - with nowadays digital possibilitys you have all the options
I have a golden ear passive soundbar. I’m told I shouldn’t do room correct and measure manually. Would it be better to do an auto setup and confirm via my laser meter? It’s a Sony 1080?
Unfortunately, I have no experience with that product, so I don't want to give you guidance that may not be suitable for your use case. The best thing I can recommend is to try the setup both ways and decide which way you prefer for yourself and your room.
****still watching the video im 39 minutes in. I messaged Arcam directly and they said they would be putting the radia series out the beginning of the year and pushed the release date back. Thanks guys!!!
Because I haven't finalized what I want to do yet, I just grew tired of the wood slats because they seem to be everywhere, now. I likely will change the look of the room again in 2025.
Andrew, regarding your comment that the industry is "...inches away from the perfect storm of elements coming together" to create a perfect one-box solution: Would you ever consider doing what Thomas Tam has done with his Galion line, or that Jay Soulsik did with CSS, and team-up with an audio manufacturer to help create that "perfect" end-all, be-all single box solution?
I have thought about it, however, I do not know how, in good conscious, I could continue reviewing products in any field where I may be seen as being a manufacturer of a similar product. I've been pretty outspoken about retailers/dealers who masquerade as independent reviewers and I feel somewhat similarly with respect to reviewers releasing products in the genre they continue to review. If I were to release, say, a line of home goods, that's not a conflict, but an all-in-one AV solution? Conflict. Not sure how I could be seen as being 100 percent objective in the future, especially when it came time to review a "competitor's" product. The day I get into manufacturing or designing product(s) in the specialty AV space is likely the day I retire from being an AV journalist.
Happy Friday! Always look forward to both your comments. One comment on my part, someone asked about a speaker's "sweet spot". I never thought about that as the point where a speaker starts "to sing". I always thought the sweet spot referred to the physical space (in terms of placement, distance, toe-in, height, etc.) on the couch or chair where speaker's sounded best? Maybe I have my terminology incorrect. Anyways, have a great weekend and lots of love from the Great White North to the both of you and to all on the channel. Cheers!
Sweet spot can also mean what you describe as well. I've looked at it that way too. I guess there's a seated/placement sweet spot as well as a sweet spot for a product where everything "clicks". Sometimes it's hard for me to get all my analogies just right when trying to explain myself on the fly.
So I guess it can be applied both ways. You're freaking amazing about keeping it all straight with all the content you two produce. Well done all around.
Still loving my Onkyo TX Rz50 . Y did they release the RZ30 when I can find the RZ50 which frequently comes on sale for $899 , $999 while the new RZ30 I c for $1199. I think the RZ50 is better , but what do I know I listen to you two👍❤️🎉
HDMI is high on my priority list. While I like tinkering with gear, my spouse doesn't. She would rather turn on the TV, use the Spotify app, and be perfectly happy in life. This is how you build silos and kill potential consumers.
I've seen your reviews of both the Marantz M1 and the Wharfedale Lintton Heritage speakers (a while ago). How would you think the warmer profile of the Lintons would pair with the M1s "less warm" sound? I really like the idea of both products and would hope they would sonically play well together.
I have not been able to test that particular pairing, so I can't speak definitively. That said, I would not discourage you from trying the two together.
I really want to stress the part between 25:40 and 26:08 where you discuss how measurements and music are not necessarily one and the same and I really agree with you there. I've always felt there's a dimension that measurements are not taking into account.
Powerful Quiet (sick of noisy power amps) EQ or even better room correction or a parametric EQ Streaming Doesn’t cost thousands and thousands to get all of that. If one of the Chinese companies nails this, the rest are finished
I dont get manufacturers who refuse to recognize feature trends and for the sake of a few dollars in the build, simply give the playing field to people who listen to customers. I think a lot of this is the result of engineers making marketing decisions and penny pinching decisions. Engineers can have notably shot antennas when dealing with people issues. If they cant fit it into their pocket calculators it doesnt matter. How many engineers have wound up in divorce court wondering "What happened?
It is not engineers it is the accountants. Engineers want to do everything and every variation with the best quality possible. It is mostly the accounting / financial side.
Speaking of value, the TX-RZ50 is on sale for $1,000 and comes with DIRAC which itself costs $300-$350 if I'm not mistaken. So technically, the AVR costs $650 and it also with a puck for 3 position DIRAC measurements in case you don't want to buy a UMIK-1 and do the calibration on a computer. It turned my living room into a movie theater. It should be a no-brainer for most folks looking for a very powerful, full featured AVR with DIRAC. I personally returned it because of my 15 years with a very polite Marantz that could turn it up if it wanted to but didn't need to scream all the time. I could have eq'ed the RZ50 to make it into the Marantz but I didn't want to do that.
Andrew, question I own AS 701 Yamaha amp. I am into headphones listening alot I own DT 1990 and love the sound on Yamaha amp I own. But I was curious is there a big difference when listening on headphones between AS 701 and AS 3200 amp by Yamaha. If any difference I was looking to getting AS 3200 just if sounds amazing. Thanks for any feedback.
I have a slightly esoteric question... Which might be coming from a fallacious premise... My understanding was the original CXN and the CXN V2 had duel DACS (admittedly Wolfson chips so theoretically old hat and inferior), did Cambridge drop this for the new products or was the approach pointless to begin with? FWIW I have the CXN V2, love it, and thinking about buying a second hand one (or off Cambridge eBay site) for my Scotland holiday house - struggling to see the advantage of even the 100 from your prior review.... Any thoughts very welcome as always. Love the show.
PS. Got an Arcam A25 up there right now, Proac Tablette 10 Signature speakers, REL TZero... And the weak point is the Audiolab 6000N streamer (although playfi app upgrades making it more bearable), hence thinking about streaming!
Have a question myself, sort of wonder on that sweet spot for a speaker. I have the focal 1038 be have mentioned that before and like them. The issue I find with them is they don't sound all that great till they are quite loud. Just seems like the dynamics are not there till they are turned up. They are an efficient speaker, but I think they would sound better in a larger room. Is this why speakers have a room rated size?
Interesting, could an amp change that? What are you powering them with? Just because a speaker is old, it doesn't mean it's not good. Erin reviewed the KEF 203 Reference from 2001 and he was very impressed with it and that's now 23 years old. Wanna hear something funny? I have the B&W 703s and Andrew reviewed both the 703 and the 1038BE before. Andrew, please do tell us if the 1038BE wipes the floor with the 703, and why? God, the 1038BE was 4x more expensive. I auditioned the 1028BE but I didn't hear an (or demonstrable to quote Andrew 🙂) improvement but that could have been caused by a million things like the amp, room, etc.
@@techsamurai11 I am using a Parasound A52. It's quite under powered for these I'm sure but still puts out 145 watts all channels driven. Also don't get me wrong these sound amazing, just better at a certain volume. As Andrew was stating the sweet spot for these seems to be quite loud. In reality I prefer these to the B&W 803's that I've heard only in a store. Even in Andrew's review he puts them up against them. The question was more or less that these are rated for a room that's 3000 square feet. Part of that rating might have to do with the volume / sweet spot the designer had in mind. My question more or less is about the square feet rating behind speakers? If a speaker is larger / high efficiency it should in theory sound good even in small rooms. You would think they would be maybe bass heavy not lacking till turned up.
@@theoracleprodigy A room that's 3000 square feet? That's practically going to reduce sales by 50% if not more. I was going to suggest bi-amping (probably would do nothing) but like the Kanta, they don't have dual binding posts.
@@theoracleprodigy yeah, he did say these were the better value between the 800 series diamond. I suspect the 703 was an even better value as it saved you another $8,500 and also didn't give up that much 🙂
@@theoracleprodigy power is cheap nowadays - you could just buy and try a 500WPC amp for these and see if they sound better at low volumes. They are behemoths 🙂
Obtaining products from the Harmon group (JBL, Arcam, etc) for review has been challenging. It took a couple of years of asking to finally get the Arcam A25 product we reviewed earlier this year.
It would be maybe the Chance to get an idea about, how much of youte Money goes into producing youre product in a free country under ethical conditions than in Performance, since its basicly the Same company, Same Designer, and even the Material are partly the Same.
Unless you're driving a pair of thirsty 4ohm speakers I don't see a reason for an integrated amplifier versus say an Onkyo RZ50. Why doesn't Cambridge make an AVR too? Seems kind of wild to spend $2100 for the EXA100 when you can get the RZ50 for $1000 and you're getting 9 channels of amplification plus DIRAC room correction. That's enough money left on the table for a nice 15" subwoofer-$1100.
The thing is almost every 8-ohm speaker out there dips to 3.1 ohm around 100-200hz which is weird as they are badged as 8 ohms but not across the entire spectrum. I don't know a single B&W speaker that doesn't do that and I think it's the same for KEF.
I will never understand the big deal about HDMI. Also this is the only HiFi TH-cam channel I ever hear about it on. From my personal experience My starting point was Stereo receivers/AVR and surround sound. My last AVR was a Pioneer Elite in 2010. I've moved on to two channels only with separates and currently a High-End integrated from Sweden. My Panasonic plasma is still going strong but it's only there mostly because my wife wants a TV and hasn't died yet. I have debated running optical to the DAC to use my L&R channels for the occasional movie.
Andrew, will you be including Integra products from Onkyo in the future? I'd love to hear your take on the DRX-8.4. My only real complaint, is the lack of Component support for anything other than 480P. I'm one of the few people out there that have D-VHS and I find it annoying to not have 1080i support included, as one example.
❤ Hello Andrew. If by any chance you're reading this your help would be really apreciated. I recently bougth a pair of r3 meta which sound amazing on music but on a home theatre design they miss a lot of mids and even bass. You have tried a lot of speakers: is there something really good out there for a home theater setup which has the same clarity and quality in sound but still impresses in a home theater setup? As equipment is so expensive at leadt just to know what brands models to test. Really thank you.
My master plan is to get a avr with pre outs and dirac and connect speakers to a power amp (if necessary) I looked at integrated amps they doesn't make a whole lot of sense I bet the sound quality is negligible between a modern AVR and an integrated
Some end users will always go down the route of separates. 1 box specifically designed for 1 dedicated task. Others may want an all in 1 solution. 1 box that does everything. There is Merritt in both approaches. So then there must be those looking for an integrated amp which offers a particular array of functionality that suits that end users needs. A phono stage may not be required. Bluetooth may not be wanted. Tone controls and EQ may go against the grain, so not a desirable feature. Maybe, this is the type of end user that some manufacturers are catering for. Why would you want to pay for a feature you don’t want and won’t use. I would never pay for a tow bar to be fitted to my car. I have no use for one! I would never have a chimney fitted on my roof top, I have no use for 1. It takes all sorts to make a world go round!
I missed the part where the street price was mentioned. Getting the RZ50 for 4-500 less although it is older and due for an update as mentioned is still sooo tempting and confusing.
@@coprolite_steve does the RZ30 have anything over the RZ50 other than discrete subwoofer control? I really don't believe any percentage of RZ30 owners will have 2 subwoofers along with DLBC Live Bass (is that what it's called?)? Subs are generally expensive and can take a lot of space unless you get the compact ones which can be more expensive. The bass license itself would add a large part to the price of the AVR. At that point, why not just get the RZ70?
I'm not sure when our next Live will be as we often make the call to do a live the week of. One thing you can count on is that the Livestreams will air on the same day and time as the Friday pre-recorded Unplugged videos. We do our best to let people know 24-48 hours in advance on the channel's community page, so make sure you have notifications turned on for this channel. I also recommend following me on Instagram if you aren't already. I post notifications there as well. @recoveringaudiophile
Honestly just make a high quality amp with built in DAC. If they could do bass management more often that would be nice, its just a high pass filter, it cant be that hard but yet its so rare. Beyond that all the streaming functionality i would rather just get a separate streamer, that way i can keep the amp for 10-20 years and I can update the streamer as needed
Since you guys have been making the argument that the gap between AVRs and Integrated 2 Channel Amps is closing (closed), I'd love to get your and Kristi's take on JBL's MA9100HP. It's one of the few AVRs that has the good looks of a stereo integrated amp, extensive features of an AVR, while keeping an attainable price point.
I run my Marantz AVR into my Musical Fidelity, so I get the best of both worlds. I’m not sure that’s true “separates,” but that’s what I’ve got going on now.
@ it’s an older Marantz. SR-6011 and the MF M5si using the HT pass through feature. I run the Apple TV and Blu-ray into the Marantz (still driving the front speakers with the MF) and the blue sound node through a dac into the MF for music.
@@sunvalleydrivemusic Yeah, I have an old 8002 that I use with a Denon 4800H. The 4800H is in pre-amp mode and the 8002 is doing all the amplification. That way I can use the 8002 for streaming for music. In all honesty, if HDMI 2.1 didn't exist, the 8002 would have been my choice for eternity. What you've done is a clever way to continue using your gear.
I run a denon 3800h into an atoll in200 for my fronts and cross them over to a sub. I upgraded to the 3800h because it gives me dirac live and integrating the sub with dirac gave me the best sq for 2 channel I ever had. Plus great movie watching on 5.1.4!
Very late to the party, but isn’t some of what Constantinos is talking about that you’re addressing at around the 25:00 mark relate to human hearing’s long understood loudness level non linearity - per Fletcher Munson, et al?
I want a system that I can change the sound to match the music and my mood. Separates allow me to change DACS as a Chord has a different sound compared R2R. I like the tube amp for jazz and blues and othert simple music. And a solid state amp for orchestras and and more complex music. I do not want a surround sound as I like music with a soundstage and imaging so I can close my eyes and see the perfomance. Sometimes I want a singer in the room with me and immersive sound. The next day I may want a orchestra spread out in front of me. It is a short vacation to refresh me from daily life. I really do not care what package it is in. The end results and sound that matches the music for me and all in with different DACs and sound signatures would suit me just fine.
We want manufacturers to stop telling us 50 wpc is "really powerful" or " will drive most speakers on the market" We want manufacturers to stop telling us we're getting 120 wpc when it is really struggling to push 80wpc
How can a listener distinguish between two amplifiers? Given the same avg SPL, because they have different and/or load-dependent frequency responses and, to much lower extent, in case they have different levels and types of distortion
About the HDMI, the Wiim Ultra is probably forcing everyone to add it at all levels. And I think Advance Paris is going to make VU meters a necessity very soon in anything over $2,000. That plus mono-bloc design over $3,000 are going to be the norm.
I don't think I'd give AP credit for everyone needing meters. Meters are popular now for nostalgia, not because one "needs" them. As soon as we get through this trend, rest assured, the meters will be among the first to go unless, of course, your name is McIntosh. For what it's worth, too, AP didn't even design their own meters; they took them off a parts rack of their OEM, which had already included them in their products for years. As for HDMI, it's TV sales, not the WiiM.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews yeah but my TV has supported HDMI since circa 2004 which is 20 years now. It's not really new on tvs anymore. People seem to like vu meters. I'm not sure McIntosh would have been as successful without them. Advance Paris is offering them at a much more reasonable price along with a hybrid tube/dual toroidal mono design for the A12. It's a lot of value like the Wiim Ultra and discounted RZ50. As for designing them themselves or getting them off an OEM, does it matter?
Saw a review from audio advice of the new horizons and they’re rated for astounding (to me) wattage output levels. 300 and up? I don’t actually recall specifically.
@@KristiWrightI know, they just happen to be the best option for in person listening within reasonable driving distance. They also seem to be fairly comfortable saying this product ( insert any product) may not be right for everyone. I’ve purchased several components from them online but don’t exclusively shop there.
@@Genehow-ard Oh, I'm sure the retail experience is fine. That said, I take issue with any retail store, like AA, putting out content under the guise of being a review. Most brands tell us they do not like retailers acting as "reviewers" and have even asked them not to put out such content as it presents a significant conflict of interest, especially when the average viewer cannot tell the difference between the content from a store and a genuine, independent reviewer or publication. What makes it even worse is that retailers routinely break embargoes that brands expect everyone else to adhere to. Unfortunately, they rarely honor them.
I have an r8a Yamaha and a valve amplifier ultra linear 30 watts a channel and a single ended and push pull class a I can say hand on heart the valve amp sounds better to me in class a hands down
I hope other arcam streamers work better than mine. I have the AVR21 It doesn't show up on the network unless it's turned on manually. The streamer connects quickly but won't play any sound for minutes sometimes and often multiple re-connections from my ipad. Super annoying given its price. Aventage avr for the win over arcam -at least as far as streamers go. I only use Spotify so maybe it's the app but I doubt it since Spotify does fine straight from standby & immediate sound via the aventage and anthem mrx1140. On a completely separate note, what is the point of a high output mc phono stage (like on the paris A12) vs just using a mm stage? Are they not both 47k ohms?
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🔌 Considering the EXA100? Find it here CAMBRIDGE AUDIO EXA100 ↳ bit.ly/3zU1FCq and EXN100 → bit.ly/48tTIjV
🔌 If it wasn’t covered in the Unplugged discussion, it likely was here in the EXA100 review: th-cam.com/video/cw4p7fHk1Bo/w-d-xo.html
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want Apple Music lossless quality, not compressed Spotify
Audiophiles are always chasing the holy grail of the right balance between features and sound quality.
at an affordable price.
We all desire something that is just a bit too expensive for our pockets until the price dops or is available
on the used market.
I have been working in A/V for more years than i should have, but since the early 70's boom era the basic
desires are still there, a lucky few have found what they have been looking for, whilst others never will.
My advice is be happy with the best you can afford, there are more important things in life than having the
best Hi-Fi in the street.
HDMI/ARC is one of the features I want most in my 2.1 set up. It is used more for music but I like to watch TV and movies too.
For real, you two are the best.
Undecided on the AVR/IA amp,
Cuz I don’t love paying for
Kit that I don’t use.
To be honest, if I
Really think about it, I prefer
Using a product w/ less features
More sound quality and strong
Power specs.
Not to mention ease of use. My interacted is easier to use than the AVR and has quite a bit more power.
@
Ease of use is also worth
A mention. But I really
Think that the most important
Spec that an audiophile
Has to consider for the system
Is whether or not you enjoy
The music and movies
That you're listening to
Really, the only thing one of
Us should consider is whether the
Music sounds goodto you (& maybe the
People listening with you).
love the @CameraConspiracies reference.. this guy rock so much... he merit to be known..
I always buy image and sound tech from 3 years ago: 70% discount guaranteed with 90% of the features.
Comment at 5 mins is spot on Andrew. It is coming far more apparent that audible differences are not as significant as it seems and transparent low distortion amps are readily available for much less now. Their is a significant premium for the audio bling, packaging and manufacturer prestige which can take some deciphering.
NAD M10v3 has everything: phono input, HDMI, room correction, EQ, phone App, latest DAC chip.
Just purchased the Rotel RB-1552 Mk ii with a Bluesound Node N132. Rotel being the power amp and the Node going to act as my pre-amp. Best thing Bluesound ever did was to make that line out variable or fixed. Should ship next week! Looking forward to it!
I have some equipment that I spent a bit on, I’m under 10k for my stereo listening system, but I get a LOT of enjoyment listening to my inexpensive DIY speakers with my inexpensive amp with others and letting them compare the sound to see how great sound CAN be done on a budget
Thanks for your show today. Happy Friday. Kristi and Andrew.
Thanks for joining us, Craig. We hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.
The Cambridge Audio sound is always solid. I think the offerings at so many price points is a fantastic way for people to find the right solution for them.
I agree, there's something for everyone: low, mid, higher mid high end. Love it.
Another gem! Thanks, A&K. Have a great weekend!!
My Cerwin Vega AT-15’s are 4 ohm and 104 db sensitivity, 35 years old and still kick ass.
I’m also the proud owner of AT-15’s bought new in 1991 refoamed the drivers in 2018 I couldn’t be more happier in pissing off the neighborhood! These beasts are power hungry. I’m driving them with the McIntosh 2100 amplifier
@ we need our own TH-cam channel. I’m on 7 acres, so the only one I piss off is my wife.
@ That would be a hoot! If you’re on 7 acres there shouldn’t be an issue. But when the other half raises red flags, that’s when the fun stops 🙄🫤
Wish list:
1. Geometrically correct room with radiused corners and all natural material surfaces (in acoustically correct locations)
2. Comfortable and properly located seating
3. Class A power amps chosen for passive bi-amping maximizing amps' abilities for each range
4. Class A pre-amp with no tone adjustments chosen to maximize the performance of the room
5. The best D/A converter that I can afford currently or previously available
6. Speakers that deliver clear, correct frequency response, phase alignment, and imaging (still, to this day, my favorites are still the Infinity Epsilon.) Not perfect. But give me everything I want for the range of music I listen to.
7. Cables - there are a lot of people poo-pooing quality audio cables. But they're testing them with electronic systems that's limits are below the capability of what the cables can add. The whole system is only as good as the weakest link. If the preamp is not great, no, there the cables won't help or even be noticed. But in a true hi-fi system, we can actually hear the difference between different cable makes/models. Those people who can't should just stick with mid-fi and mp3's. ;-)
The best part of Friday’s! Thank you!
You're so kind, thanks for watching!
Oh wow, that Anthem STR near the end of the video almost looks exactly like the (Daikin) thermostat on my wall! Though, I never cool the place to -60.
Thanks for the unplugged episode - they're always an absolute blast! Do have a super cool (but not -60) weekend guys!
Ask a 100 audiophiles what they want and expect to get a 100 different answers followed by a week long argument about why everybody else is wrong.
A possible answer to the video title is that they want what they don’t have. The grass is always potentially greener somewhere else.
I have been in this hobby since the 1970's as a child of an audio file and bought my own gear starting inthe late 1980's. I am so tired of the bloated prices for what we actual get that I hope China crushes the market just to teach the market a lesson! I am tired of my wallet being graped today and not getting my moneys worth. Inflation does not explain the huge difference in price compared to build quality and sound quality of the hi end gear.
Great vid. as usual. Hair's looking good, Andrew. 👍
I'm still rocking my old Cambridge Audio Azur 540R AVR from like 2006 in my secondary system. They used to build great sounding AVR gear so I don't get why they wouldn't want to compete in that market again. The RZ50 is in my main setup and I love it.
Hi A&K. Great discussion as always. Thanks for answering my question. Looking forward to Sunday. Enjoy your weekend.
You're welcome! See you Sunday.
Totally agree with you about the perfect storm being sooo close with some of these products. Give us the amp power and control of a Rotel with software like Dirac and the connectivity that allows hdmi, streaming, and a phono preamp. It definitely feels like the home theater receivers are getting most of the way there while the high end audio side is dragging their feet.
Also love that you watch camera conspiracies too 😂
Good morning! Love that the time change now allows me to see you in real time!
Well real time for the recording anyway!🤣
I am so glad to hang out with you again, Leezah.
Hi Leezah. How are you?
@@KristiWright I am ok, thanks! How are you?
@@LeezahB More and more, it's getting harder to answer that question. Especially this week.
Cambridge's flip on HDMI reminds me of a different Cambridge in the late '90s, Cambridge Soundworks. Their thing was satellite/seperate woofer (not necessarily SUBwoofer) speakers, following in the footsteps of Bose and attempting to improve on their methods. They also sold 2 models of bookshelf speakers, but were marketed as a step-down option from their sub-sats. For years their catalogs were filled with why tower speakers are inferior (bulkiness, inability to locate the bass elsewhere, etc), and why sub-sat speakers are the future. Then 6 months later a new catalog arrived, offering 3 models of tower speakers along with their previous line. The language about the positives of having a separate woofer was dialed back. It was quite a sudden change in attitude.
As far as amp power goes I’m gunna paint with a broad brush here with a 87-90db sensitive speaker.
If you listen at 70db levels with an occasional 80db peak a 30-50 watt amp will be more than enough.
With me hitting 100+db peaks my 90db sensitive speakers do it easily with plenty of headroom to spare using my 250 watt per channel amp.
Can I hit those peaks with less than a 250 watt amp. Absolutely. I hit 97db peaks with a 30 watt amp!
More power just lends to a more relaxed sound at those levels imho.
The sound quality of an amp is far more important than wattage imho.
Just my thoughts on it.
I've got 27watts😅class ab.
@@ChrisTaylor-dz6nk
I have a 20 watt NAD 3020 from the day, as long as I don’t want to get crazy with it she cranks decently. 😜
Do I see the new Monitor Audio Gold 100 6G stand mounts in the background there?
I hope so
Good eye.
Ouhh man! That is some exciting 3-way standmount speaker imo! 👌🏼🔊😊
Yes, Andrew. 49:43 -50:40: Exactly what I am thinking!
We must be very near and that’s pretty exciting 😊
Cambridge's lack of HDMI caused me to look into other paths and build my system without considering them further. Their posture was disappointing. Maybe when/if I get tired of my current direction I'll consider them again in a few years. Maybe.
The hi-fi sweet spot for me is a Peachtree Audio nova500 integrated I purchased about four years ago. The nova500 was at a price that I could afford, had all the outputs I needed, and the loop feature allows me to attach a Black Ice Audio Fozz SSX sound stage expander. This gives me tube warmth sound, and lets me play around with the sound stage. Love the set up. I would love to see you review some Peachtree Audio or Black Ice Audio gear.
I'm glad it's not just me who has a problem with Apple TV volume! You have to crank that baby up double compared to everything else.
I own the CXA80 (it has tone controls) now two models old, in my work office. It is a fantastic amp, and I have no desire to upgrade it. All amps need to have tone controls.
I am right there with you....I bought that integrated when it went on closeout sale. It sounds fantastic and I don't have the upgrade itch any more.
So would I be out of line to say that as a comparison, the Yamaha RN-2000A is pretty much the perfect all-in-one? It has HDMI, it has YPAO, it has a phono stage, it has 90 watts @ 8ohms/145 watts @ 4 ohms, a pretty user-friendly app in Music Cast and all importantly, a VU meter. When I bought mine, the Arcam A25 (and the CD5 CD player and ST5 Streamer) combo came in a close second. In the end, I got a great deal on the Yamaha from a dealer which was below the total cost of the Arcam setup, so I went with the VU meter. I would like to think Kristie would approve.
Did you watch the review of the Cambridge? It's linked in the description if you'd like to know our thoughts on that match up.
As a feature room correction does nothing for me. Part of the fun is tweaking things to suit my taste. I don't understand wanting to subcontract that out to an app. (For non-audiophiles that want a plug and play experience I get it.)
Hi Andrew, I never heard you mention the make and model of the phono pre-amp used with your Audio-Technica turntable and Ortofon 2M Black MM Cartridge?
Best decision I ever made was getting an Arcam integrated to run as a pre amp through my AV via processing mode. Now got best of both worlds, can listen to music in stereo like it should be and just switch to processing mode for home cinema. My B&W 706s sound 10X better via the Arcam than the Devon 3800 AVR.
So happy you found a solution that works for you! That's excellent!
In my opinion, it would be better to buy the Rz50/30 and a Basx a2 if more power is needed for the mains than the cambridge
Sigh. As a CX stack owner (CXA81, CXC35, CXN v2 and an Alva TT), I really like the design language of the EX line, but the lack of a matching transport (things have to match for me; down with o.c.d., yeah you know me) was making me wait a bit before I upgrade. Now it sounds like it would be a really expensive upgrade path just for visuals and not much else being gained, and a nearly $1,000 price difference between the CXA and the EXA is a little cringe. The more you and Kristi spoke about the EX line, the more I see and agree with your points that this is a weird line for Cambridge to be putting out. At this point, killing the CX line and lowering the price of the EX line seems like it would make sense for CA. Were you guys offered the chance to review the EVO One?
The EXA100 sits in an interesting spot. CXA81 -- EXA100 -- EVO150....???? I'd buy the EXA100 add an external phono pre-amp and a Cambridge Audio MXN 10 streamer over the EVO150.
Audiophiles want to be told by other audiophiles that their system is dope. Perfectly curated.
I do the AVR and love it, and no an HDMI is not going to cut it when I have a full stable of speakers to drive. lol
For this amplifier, what are the gains for the amplifier and pre amp sections. When I saw the spec sheet it was not included.
If it's not in the manual, I'm afraid I won't be able to provide you with more information than that, as Cambridge didn't specify to me what those figures are.
Pick a "sound" you want. Buy speakers for that sound (heavy bass? High treble without distortion?). But any amp capable of powering them. Then get a decent EQ to tweak to dial in the sound you want. This "pure signal chain" has got to go away. Long live the EQ. Being back the 80s where you didn't "own" a hifi setup without a quality EQ. Note: I wasn't around in the 80s but I understand and appreciate their EQ use.
not ANY amp capable of powering them, one that will give a base sound that you like
EQ ? An DSP is the way for acourate set up, but youre correct. An well corrected & eq'ed setup push out way more informations than an uncorrected one with all the roommodes. Specially youve all the freedom to tweak the sound as you want it without limitations - with nowadays digital possibilitys you have all the options
Perhaps the Nad M10v3 could be that true all-in-one-box solution. It has all the features you can imagine and is not prohibitively expensive.

Want:
Good power
HDMI eARC
A great Phono Pre
Room correction & bass management
Seems hard to find 😢
Would love if you review the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120
I have a golden ear passive soundbar. I’m told I shouldn’t do room correct and measure manually. Would it be better to do an auto setup and confirm via my laser meter? It’s a Sony 1080?
I’ll have a full 5.1.2 setup
Unfortunately, I have no experience with that product, so I don't want to give you guidance that may not be suitable for your use case. The best thing I can recommend is to try the setup both ways and decide which way you prefer for yourself and your room.
No worries thank you
****still watching the video im 39 minutes in. I messaged Arcam directly and they said they would be putting the radia series out the beginning of the year and pushed the release date back.
Thanks guys!!!
Also made my day that my name was mentioned about the Rotel vs Cambridge. Andrew you had a wonderful answer, thank you buddy!
Why have you ever addressed the changes to your room? What was the reason for this? Also, what was your configuration for your in ceiling speakers?
Because I haven't finalized what I want to do yet, I just grew tired of the wood slats because they seem to be everywhere, now. I likely will change the look of the room again in 2025.
Afternoon Andrew, Kristi & Kadie 👍👍🦴
Morning, KJ!
Hi KJ!
@ Afternoon 👍👍
Nice Monitor Audio Gold 100s in the background. Can't wait for the review!
They need POWER.
Andrew, regarding your comment that the industry is "...inches away from the perfect storm of elements coming together" to create a perfect one-box solution: Would you ever consider doing what Thomas Tam has done with his Galion line, or that Jay Soulsik did with CSS, and team-up with an audio manufacturer to help create that "perfect" end-all, be-all single box solution?
I have thought about it, however, I do not know how, in good conscious, I could continue reviewing products in any field where I may be seen as being a manufacturer of a similar product. I've been pretty outspoken about retailers/dealers who masquerade as independent reviewers and I feel somewhat similarly with respect to reviewers releasing products in the genre they continue to review. If I were to release, say, a line of home goods, that's not a conflict, but an all-in-one AV solution? Conflict. Not sure how I could be seen as being 100 percent objective in the future, especially when it came time to review a "competitor's" product. The day I get into manufacturing or designing product(s) in the specialty AV space is likely the day I retire from being an AV journalist.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Happy Friday! Always look forward to both your comments.
One comment on my part, someone asked about a speaker's "sweet spot". I never thought about that as the point where a speaker starts "to sing". I always thought the sweet spot referred to the physical space (in terms of placement, distance, toe-in, height, etc.) on the couch or chair where speaker's sounded best? Maybe I have my terminology incorrect. Anyways, have a great weekend and lots of love from the Great White North to the both of you and to all on the channel. Cheers!
Sweet spot can also mean what you describe as well. I've looked at it that way too. I guess there's a seated/placement sweet spot as well as a sweet spot for a product where everything "clicks". Sometimes it's hard for me to get all my analogies just right when trying to explain myself on the fly.
So I guess it can be applied both ways. You're freaking amazing about keeping it all straight with all the content you two produce. Well done all around.
Still loving my Onkyo TX Rz50 . Y did they release the RZ30 when I can find the RZ50 which frequently comes on sale for $899 , $999 while the new RZ30 I c for $1199. I think the RZ50 is better , but what do I know I listen to you two👍❤️🎉
HDMI is high on my priority list. While I like tinkering with gear, my spouse doesn't. She would rather turn on the TV, use the Spotify app, and be perfectly happy in life. This is how you build silos and kill potential consumers.
I can relate!
I've seen your reviews of both the Marantz M1 and the Wharfedale Lintton Heritage speakers (a while ago). How would you think the warmer profile of the Lintons would pair with the M1s "less warm" sound? I really like the idea of both products and would hope they would sonically play well together.
I have not been able to test that particular pairing, so I can't speak definitively. That said, I would not discourage you from trying the two together.
I really want to stress the part between 25:40 and 26:08 where you discuss how measurements and music are not necessarily one and the same and I really agree with you there. I've always felt there's a dimension that measurements are not taking into account.
Powerful
Quiet (sick of noisy power amps)
EQ or even better room correction or a parametric EQ
Streaming
Doesn’t cost thousands and thousands to get all of that.
If one of the Chinese companies nails this, the rest are finished
If 2 channel is still king then the Lyngdorf TDAI 3400 ticks all the boxes. It does for me.
I dont get manufacturers who refuse to recognize feature trends and for the sake of a few dollars in the build, simply give the playing field to people who listen to customers. I think a lot of this is the result of engineers making marketing decisions and penny pinching decisions. Engineers can have notably shot antennas when dealing with people issues. If they cant fit it into their pocket calculators it doesnt matter. How many engineers have wound up in divorce court wondering "What happened?
It is not engineers it is the accountants.
Engineers want to do everything and every variation with the best quality possible.
It is mostly the accounting / financial side.
Speaking of value, the TX-RZ50 is on sale for $1,000 and comes with DIRAC which itself costs $300-$350 if I'm not mistaken. So technically, the AVR costs $650 and it also with a puck for 3 position DIRAC measurements in case you don't want to buy a UMIK-1 and do the calibration on a computer.
It turned my living room into a movie theater. It should be a no-brainer for most folks looking for a very powerful, full featured AVR with DIRAC. I personally returned it because of my 15 years with a very polite Marantz that could turn it up if it wanted to but didn't need to scream all the time. I could have eq'ed the RZ50 to make it into the Marantz but I didn't want to do that.
Yes, the RZ50 is hard to beat. We discuss that at length in our RZ30 review and follow up Unplugged video.
Andrew, question I own AS 701 Yamaha amp. I am into headphones listening alot I own DT 1990 and love the sound on Yamaha amp I own. But I was curious is there a big difference when listening on headphones between AS 701 and AS 3200 amp by Yamaha. If any difference I was looking to getting AS 3200 just if sounds amazing. Thanks for any feedback.
I have a slightly esoteric question... Which might be coming from a fallacious premise... My understanding was the original CXN and the CXN V2 had duel DACS (admittedly Wolfson chips so theoretically old hat and inferior), did Cambridge drop this for the new products or was the approach pointless to begin with? FWIW I have the CXN V2, love it, and thinking about buying a second hand one (or off Cambridge eBay site) for my Scotland holiday house - struggling to see the advantage of even the 100 from your prior review.... Any thoughts very welcome as always. Love the show.
PS. Got an Arcam A25 up there right now, Proac Tablette 10 Signature speakers, REL TZero... And the weak point is the Audiolab 6000N streamer (although playfi app upgrades making it more bearable), hence thinking about streaming!
Have a question myself, sort of wonder on that sweet spot for a speaker. I have the focal 1038 be have mentioned that before and like them. The issue I find with them is they don't sound all that great till they are quite loud. Just seems like the dynamics are not there till they are turned up. They are an efficient speaker, but I think they would sound better in a larger room. Is this why speakers have a room rated size?
Interesting, could an amp change that? What are you powering them with?
Just because a speaker is old, it doesn't mean it's not good. Erin reviewed the KEF 203 Reference from 2001 and he was very impressed with it and that's now 23 years old.
Wanna hear something funny? I have the B&W 703s and Andrew reviewed both the 703 and the 1038BE before.
Andrew, please do tell us if the 1038BE wipes the floor with the 703, and why? God, the 1038BE was 4x more expensive. I auditioned the 1028BE but I didn't hear an (or demonstrable to quote Andrew 🙂) improvement but that could have been caused by a million things like the amp, room, etc.
@@techsamurai11 I am using a Parasound A52. It's quite under powered for these I'm sure but still puts out 145 watts all channels driven. Also don't get me wrong these sound amazing, just better at a certain volume. As Andrew was stating the sweet spot for these seems to be quite loud. In reality I prefer these to the B&W 803's that I've heard only in a store. Even in Andrew's review he puts them up against them.
The question was more or less that these are rated for a room that's 3000 square feet. Part of that rating might have to do with the volume / sweet spot the designer had in mind. My question more or less is about the square feet rating behind speakers? If a speaker is larger / high efficiency it should in theory sound good even in small rooms. You would think they would be maybe bass heavy not lacking till turned up.
@@theoracleprodigy A room that's 3000 square feet? That's practically going to reduce sales by 50% if not more.
I was going to suggest bi-amping (probably would do nothing) but like the Kanta, they don't have dual binding posts.
@@theoracleprodigy yeah, he did say these were the better value between the 800 series diamond. I suspect the 703 was an even better value as it saved you another $8,500 and also didn't give up that much 🙂
@@theoracleprodigy power is cheap nowadays - you could just buy and try a 500WPC amp for these and see if they sound better at low volumes. They are behemoths 🙂
Why don't you review the arcam AVR21?
Obtaining products from the Harmon group (JBL, Arcam, etc) for review has been challenging. It took a couple of years of asking to finally get the Arcam A25 product we reviewed earlier this year.
Will you make review of the Super Linton? And comparing to the Mission 770? Just a Suggestion ❤
I believe we were told a pair of Supers would come our way at some point, but I don't have an ETA.
It would be maybe the Chance to get an idea about, how much of youte Money goes into producing youre product in a free country under ethical conditions than in Performance, since its basicly the Same company, Same Designer, and even the Material are partly the Same.
Unless you're driving a pair of thirsty 4ohm speakers I don't see a reason for an integrated amplifier versus say an Onkyo RZ50. Why doesn't Cambridge make an AVR too? Seems kind of wild to spend $2100 for the EXA100 when you can get the RZ50 for $1000 and you're getting 9 channels of amplification plus DIRAC room correction. That's enough money left on the table for a nice 15" subwoofer-$1100.
The thing is almost every 8-ohm speaker out there dips to 3.1 ohm around 100-200hz which is weird as they are badged as 8 ohms but not across the entire spectrum. I don't know a single B&W speaker that doesn't do that and I think it's the same for KEF.
@techsamurai11 Yes, KEF does the same thing and most are power hungry
I will never understand the big deal about HDMI. Also this is the only HiFi TH-cam channel I ever hear about it on. From my personal experience My starting point was Stereo receivers/AVR and surround sound. My last AVR was a Pioneer Elite in 2010. I've moved on to two channels only with separates and currently a High-End integrated from Sweden. My Panasonic plasma is still going strong but it's only there mostly because my wife wants a TV and hasn't died yet. I have debated running optical to the DAC to use my L&R channels for the occasional movie.
Andrew, will you be including Integra products from Onkyo in the future? I'd love to hear your take on the DRX-8.4. My only real complaint, is the lack of Component support for anything other than 480P. I'm one of the few people out there that have D-VHS and I find it annoying to not have 1080i support included, as one example.
I own the CXA 81 MKII. I own an Integra 5.4. both are amazing and I love being able to switch between the two.
❤ Hello Andrew. If by any chance you're reading this your help would be really apreciated. I recently bougth a pair of r3 meta which sound amazing on music but on a home theatre design they miss a lot of mids and even bass. You have tried a lot of speakers: is there something really good out there for a home theater setup which has the same clarity and quality in sound but still impresses in a home theater setup? As equipment is so expensive at leadt just to know what brands models to test. Really thank you.
Good morning Kristi and Andrew 🎉 happy Friday
Happy Friday to you too! Thanks for watching!
Morning!
My master plan is to get a avr with pre outs and dirac and connect speakers to a power amp (if necessary)
I looked at integrated amps they doesn't make a whole lot of sense I bet the sound quality is negligible between a modern AVR and an integrated
Some end users will always go down the route of separates. 1 box specifically designed for 1 dedicated task. Others may want an all in 1 solution. 1 box that does everything. There is Merritt in both approaches. So then there must be those looking for an integrated amp which offers a particular array of functionality that suits that end users needs. A phono stage may not be required. Bluetooth may not be wanted. Tone controls and EQ may go against the grain, so not a desirable feature. Maybe, this is the type of end user that some manufacturers are catering for. Why would you want to pay for a feature you don’t want and won’t use. I would never pay for a tow bar to be fitted to my car. I have no use for one! I would never have a chimney fitted on my roof top, I have no use for 1. It takes all sorts to make a world go round!
Do you prefer the RZ 30 over the RZ 50?
Please watch the RZ30 review and the follow up Unplugged for your answer.
I missed the part where the street price was mentioned. Getting the RZ50 for 4-500 less although it is older and due for an update as mentioned is still sooo tempting and confusing.
@@coprolite_steve does the RZ30 have anything over the RZ50 other than discrete subwoofer control? I really don't believe any percentage of RZ30 owners will have 2 subwoofers along with DLBC Live Bass (is that what it's called?)?
Subs are generally expensive and can take a lot of space unless you get the compact ones which can be more expensive. The bass license itself would add a large part to the price of the AVR. At that point, why not just get the RZ70?
Can I ask what time of day you are casting your live streams these days please? I’d really like to stay awake to join the next one. Thank you :)
I'm not sure when our next Live will be as we often make the call to do a live the week of. One thing you can count on is that the Livestreams will air on the same day and time as the Friday pre-recorded Unplugged videos.
We do our best to let people know 24-48 hours in advance on the channel's community page, so make sure you have notifications turned on for this channel. I also recommend following me on Instagram if you aren't already. I post notifications there as well. @recoveringaudiophile
Honestly just make a high quality amp with built in DAC. If they could do bass management more often that would be nice, its just a high pass filter, it cant be that hard but yet its so rare. Beyond that all the streaming functionality i would rather just get a separate streamer, that way i can keep the amp for 10-20 years and I can update the streamer as needed
Since you guys have been making the argument that the gap between AVRs and Integrated 2 Channel Amps is closing (closed), I'd love to get your and Kristi's take on JBL's MA9100HP. It's one of the few AVRs that has the good looks of a stereo integrated amp, extensive features of an AVR, while keeping an attainable price point.
Stay tuned Mike.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews 🤯
No new atessa from Roksan guys but they do have a more pricey Caspian 4G Streaming amp that would be great for you guys to review, even has hdmi arc
For AVR, Anthem or Arcam?
The Marantz M 1 or the 40n
I run my Marantz AVR into my Musical Fidelity, so I get the best of both worlds. I’m not sure that’s true “separates,” but that’s what I’ve got going on now.
Musical Fidelity makes a great product.
Which Marantz AVR and which amp from MF? Does it sound better?
@ it’s an older Marantz. SR-6011 and the MF M5si using the HT pass through feature. I run the Apple TV and Blu-ray into the Marantz (still driving the front speakers with the MF) and the blue sound node through a dac into the MF for music.
@@sunvalleydrivemusic Yeah, I have an old 8002 that I use with a Denon 4800H. The 4800H is in pre-amp mode and the 8002 is doing all the amplification. That way I can use the 8002 for streaming for music.
In all honesty, if HDMI 2.1 didn't exist, the 8002 would have been my choice for eternity.
What you've done is a clever way to continue using your gear.
I run a denon 3800h into an atoll in200 for my fronts and cross them over to a sub. I upgraded to the 3800h because it gives me dirac live and integrating the sub with dirac gave me the best sq for 2 channel I ever had. Plus great movie watching on 5.1.4!
Very late to the party, but isn’t some of what Constantinos is talking about that you’re addressing at around the 25:00 mark relate to human hearing’s long understood loudness level non linearity - per Fletcher Munson, et al?
Is the new new Eversolo A10 in your team's radar
Not currently, no.
Great Friday everyone!
Happy Friday to you, too! Hope you're having a great day!
Hey Afonso!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Hope your day goes well!
@@KristiWright I feel you Kristi. I’m lost for words
I want a system that I can change the sound to match the music and my mood. Separates allow me to change DACS as a Chord has a different sound compared R2R. I like the tube amp for jazz and blues and othert simple music. And a solid state amp for orchestras and and more complex music. I do not want a surround sound as I like music with a soundstage and imaging so I can close my eyes and see the perfomance. Sometimes I want a singer in the room with me and immersive sound. The next day I may want a orchestra spread out in front of me. It is a short vacation to refresh me from daily life. I really do not care what package it is in. The end results and sound that matches the music for me and all in with different DACs and sound signatures would suit me just fine.
We want manufacturers to stop telling us 50 wpc is "really powerful" or " will drive most speakers on the market"
We want manufacturers to stop telling us we're getting 120 wpc when it is really struggling to push 80wpc
Cheers!
Morning! Thanks for tuning in!
Hello.
How can a listener distinguish between two amplifiers? Given the same avg SPL, because they have different and/or load-dependent frequency responses and, to much lower extent, in case they have different levels and types of distortion
I feel like maybe a subject and verb are missing from your comment? Can you clarify?
@KristiWright it was just a reply to the question you have as title of this video
Happy Friday! Gohorns!
Tomorrow will be interesting coming off a bye.
About the HDMI, the Wiim Ultra is probably forcing everyone to add it at all levels. And I think Advance Paris is going to make VU meters a necessity very soon in anything over $2,000. That plus mono-bloc design over $3,000 are going to be the norm.
I don't think I'd give AP credit for everyone needing meters. Meters are popular now for nostalgia, not because one "needs" them. As soon as we get through this trend, rest assured, the meters will be among the first to go unless, of course, your name is McIntosh. For what it's worth, too, AP didn't even design their own meters; they took them off a parts rack of their OEM, which had already included them in their products for years. As for HDMI, it's TV sales, not the WiiM.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews yeah but my TV has supported HDMI since circa 2004 which is 20 years now. It's not really new on tvs anymore.
People seem to like vu meters. I'm not sure McIntosh would have been as successful without them. Advance Paris is offering them at a much more reasonable price along with a hybrid tube/dual toroidal mono design for the A12. It's a lot of value like the Wiim Ultra and discounted RZ50.
As for designing them themselves or getting them off an OEM, does it matter?
I’m waiting for the new Naim uniti atom with room correction
New Monitors in the background?
Golds, yes.
@ I’m seriously looking forward to that review.
Me too man!! 🤙🏼😊
Saw a review from audio advice of the new horizons and they’re rated for astounding (to me) wattage output levels. 300 and up? I don’t actually recall specifically.
Audio Advice is a retailer, not an independent reviewer.
@@KristiWrightI know, they just happen to be the best option for in person listening within reasonable driving distance. They also seem to be fairly comfortable saying this product ( insert any product) may not be right for everyone. I’ve purchased several components from them online but don’t exclusively shop there.
@@Genehow-ard Oh, I'm sure the retail experience is fine. That said, I take issue with any retail store, like AA, putting out content under the guise of being a review. Most brands tell us they do not like retailers acting as "reviewers" and have even asked them not to put out such content as it presents a significant conflict of interest, especially when the average viewer cannot tell the difference between the content from a store and a genuine, independent reviewer or publication. What makes it even worse is that retailers routinely break embargoes that brands expect everyone else to adhere to. Unfortunately, they rarely honor them.
@@KristiWrightthanks for the clarification. That makes perfect sense and your honesty is very important and appreciated.
I have an r8a Yamaha and a valve amplifier ultra linear 30 watts a channel and a single ended and push pull class a I can say hand on heart the valve amp sounds better to me in class a hands down
I hope other arcam streamers work better than mine. I have the AVR21 It doesn't show up on the network unless it's turned on manually. The streamer connects quickly but won't play any sound for minutes sometimes and often multiple re-connections from my ipad. Super annoying given its price. Aventage avr for the win over arcam -at least as far as streamers go. I only use Spotify so maybe it's the app but I doubt it since Spotify does fine straight from standby & immediate sound via the aventage and anthem mrx1140. On a completely separate note, what is the point of a high output mc phono stage (like on the paris A12) vs just using a mm stage? Are they not both 47k ohms?
We are neva disappointed by someone we dont either trust, love, or care about...lol.
These days, the only thing to be happy about is Home Theater...cheers for Andrew and Kristi. Time to watch some good movies
Now, if the studios start releasing more decent films with greater regularity,
I feel that so hard.
Bit melodramatic much?
want Apple Music lossless quality, not compressed Spotify
Don't want to be tied into Apple anything
It's not the features. It's the sound and looks