After a year, both of our A2-400 developed significant issues. Here are a few alternatives we recommend: Emotiva A1 bit.ly/39WvWDo Emotiva XPA-HC1 bit.ly/2PAhMOi Crown XLS bit.ly/CXLS1502 • bit.ly/3Nv9Ztt
I've bought a couple cheap ones to try for small systems in my garage and outdoors. They work great. I already have what I need inside so haven't tried a bigger one. If I did, I'd probably go with a drivecore Crown since they have the power at my kind of price point
I feel like Class D can be fantastic if paired with the right speakers. For instance I love my XTZ edge a2-300 with my Elac Unifi UF5's. The warm nature of those speakers, and their need for power (4ohm 85db efficiency) are complimented by the sound signature and power of class d. I feel there are better amplifier options for high efficiency lively speakers like Klipsch though.
All Class D amps I listened to have had a dry sound. Class AB has more flesh on the skeleton IMHO - but maybe there are full-sounding Class D amps are out there
I've tried an Aiyima A04 and A07, both of which I like. They do fine with more budget speakers. They sound ok on my Focals but a Keces E40 sounds better, a bit here, a bit there more than the inexpensive class Ds...but I still like them. But not all class Ds and class ABs sound good to me. A SoundArtist SA-200IA a class AB sounded way too bright in the upper mids thru the highs...which weren't really airy either. Unrefined too. A Soundavo CSA-150 a class D sounded pretty bad without going into the details. Not musical at all. A Fosi Audio HD-A1 class AB was also disappointing. I tried an Emotiva BasX A-400z which sounded better than the above three but still had a rather flat soundstage and less instrument separation than the Aiyimas and the Keces but did had nice extended highs. BTW, the Keces reminds me of my Hegel. For whatever it's worth.
I think you're spot on with your comment that Class D can be that clinical neutral sound. Me, I like some colouration, e.g. I really like the slightly old school elements of the CXA-81. Ditto I love the Naim Uniti Atom. I'm very intrigued by some of the things someone like a PS Audio is producing now with tube/class D hybrids but I have yet to experience first hand!
I like this new format, you do a review, and then Kristi tells you that it makes no sense and that this all seems stupid. Finally, we have honesty in audio reviews! 😂
After owning 2x A2-400 over the last 2 years I’d like to add, that it took the very least of 500 hours play Time to get the best out of them. The differences were day and night. I still can’t believe the sound quality I am getting from these amps.
Let me summarize the class D 1) Neutral sound with transparent background produce excellent instruments separation. 2) A small fraction of cost for massive power 3) Easily bridged to convert to monoblock for better crosstalk 4)High power efficiency
I have one XTZ A2-400 amplifier up and running with a pair of KLH Model 5 speakers. I hope my personal experience will help one of you that may be thinking of purchasing this amp. Oh, it was delivered in like 3 days, all the way from Sweden. And, just to note, I am a truck driver, a regular Joe so to speak and no audio expert, I now listen to Andrews review's for Kristi's take on things. She speaks my language. ;-) Now, as Andrew stated, this is a tough review, I think the neutrality of the XTZ will play into what is in the chain and overall sound one would hope to get, or not get. A lot will depend on your components and source material. I can say this, the bass is tight and extended on the KLH Model 5's, the mid and highs are not bright nor dull, vocals are crystal clear but not harsh, they are what they are and will depend more upon the source/speaker pairing. I have the Cambridge Audio CXN v2 network streamer attached to the XTZ Edge A2-400 with Mogami 2549 and Neutrik Gold XLR connects. Quality and inexpensive cables, World's Best Cables on Amazon. I'm streaming off of AirPlay with a Roku and my iMac along with a Mac Mini connected directly to the Cambridge unit via USB. I am using Amazon Music and Apple Music, their lossless hi-res offerings. Nothing fancy. The speakers are again, the KLH Model 5, just an incredible speaker, again as both Kristi and Andrew have correctly stated. The gain on the XTZ is set around 1 o'clock or so. The XTZ amp is dead silent once the gain is properly set. I used 10ga OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) cable with the locking style banana plugs found on Amazon, they were one of the few that would accept the 10ga copper. Cable was Amazon too, InstallGear cable if memory serves me right, nothing fancy or exotic. For comparison, I played the Model 5's on the 150 wpc SVS SoundBase, they sounded incredibly good, but a bit bright with the SVS internal DAC, verging on fatiguing, not something I could listen to for hours on end. But, I would think the SoundBase would be an excellent choice for say watching a movie on movie night with the Model 5's and one or two subwoofers. Throw a quality DAC into the mix, and you could get some very pleasing sound out of the SVS SoundBase. Now, the XTZ A2-400... Here is where the magic happened... Ginormous sound from the SVS just went off the charts into GIGANORMOUS sound territory... Yeah. The XTZ A2-400 took the KLH Model 5's to new heights in sound. The soundstage exploded into the room, the raw and colorless power had me snapping my head to look over my shoulder to see what or who made that sound behind me. This did not happen once, but many times with different tracks and artists, this is two channel folks, not HT, and I think it is better. I believe this was at roughly -11db on the Cambridge, and I still had to turn it down. There was zero distortion, it was just too loud. Then I added two SVS SB3000 subs into the mix, running off the RCA L/R channel outputs from the Cambridge... OMG! Yeah. The speakers and subs disappeared in the room, as the sound envelops and washes over you. It is that extra oomph the XTZ brings to the party that kicks everything up a few notches. And it does it with ease and transparency. This little box is the BOMB, it sounds much better than my previous XPA 2 class A/B, which I found to be rather dull in comparison the the class D XTZ. The XTZ took my living room from a boring cafe to the rowdy roadhouse's of my youth. It is simply the raw power the amp brings to the party, and the fact it is dead silent and adds nothing to the sound. When hooked to the Cambridge CXN v2 streamer, with its very vinyl sounding dual Wolfson DAC along with the KLH Model 5 old school BIG sound. I honestly do not know how you could improve on this, other than taking this setup down into the garage and having a party. That is it, that is my personal review on the XTZ Edge A2-400. Kristi is correct in her assessment, it does it's intended job and no one will ever know it is there. Andrew: "So what does Kristi think?" Kristi: "I don't know (snort)" If the XTZ is too pricey, I would look at one of the Crown amps, I will trust Andrew on this. I have one on order, but it is still a month or two out before they are even in stock, the XTZ is available today and you will get it in a few days. Or, in the same price range, the offerings from Purifi are out there too. The XTZ Edge is staying in my rack.
That's exactly my impression with the xpa2 as well, it sounded very dull and thin. I was considering the crown 2502 but after learning it has built in processing that resamples digital signals to 48khz, I was put off by it. I think I will try the a2 400.
@@ArthaxtaDaVince777 It is a nice amp, after living with it I found it a bit bright. But, it can be tamed with an R2R DAC, my Ares II made a night and day difference if you want a more analog sound. I replaced mine with the Denafrips Thallo amplifier and also purchased the Denafrips Hades preamp. I now use the 2021 Node to stream. Night and day over what I had when I posted the above. I still have the XTZ, tried to sell it last year, no takers... Still in the box. Here is the issue I have with it, it sounds fantastic! I am not going to part with it, it is something that I will keep and switch out with the Thallo when I get bored... Add the Schiit Lokius into the mix... Yeah, sounds good. On a side note, if you have a quality speaker, this bitch can get LOUD! LOL! It is a keeper.
I've had the A2-300 for near 6 years, going as strong as ever driving my floorstanding fronts Cerwin Vega XLS-12 (6 ohms with 90,8dB sensitivity). The XTZ brought a lot more definition and punch to these speakers compared to my previous Rotel power amp.
“...it’s an amp”! Best Kristi quote so far. 😂 I love it. You guys are awesome. Great analysis Andrew & Kristi. She’s not a separates kind of gal! “Give me a friggin box”! 😂 Thanks for entertaining while educating! Love your channel.
I agree with Kristi. I used to care about amps before I came to realize I mostly need to make sure it makes enough current to drive whatever speakers I have with a low enough THD to not be bad. It's one of the items in the chain I think specs matter more.
Class D is efficient, cool, powerful, transparent, light, small, and it's been developed to truly outstanding specs.Future hi fi products will tend to be class D.
Small talk off-camera nonsense doesn’t save this shallow review. I initially decided to watch this review because I assumed it would contain detailed information and useful advice. Instead I got neurotic trivia. At least make it creative and funny if you’re trying to be different or offer something different. They should apologise
I appreciate Kristi’s critique/question of how to translate adjectives to a more technical description! It would be great to see a video that helps define all those adjectives like smooth, forward, sweet, round, etc. Also, every time I heard XTZ I thought of the band XTC, We’re only making plans for Nigel, da dat datuh…
Having owned several, Class D amps have definitely found a home in my listening experience. Thinking back, it’s mostly due to form factor (or has been so far at least). My (now replaced) NAD C338 fit nicely on the dresser where a deeper 17” component wouldn’t have; Crown’s XLS1000 is not only shallow enough to put in a garage shelf which is sized for books instead of stereo equipment but was also able to be hung on a makeshift rack on the underside of a shelf to free up the space below for stuff that I needed access to; and the current heart of my garage system (an SMSL AD18) is just tiny all around.
I like an amp that is alive at the top , detailed, voice is accurate, and the bass is wet and fluid, not dry at the top or bottom. I already have a super A class D receiver at 120w per ch.. I think i'm going for the Emotiva BasX-A2 for now, for my 5.1 ch surround system. Probably add a 3 channel latter for the other channels.
I got myself first class D, the cheaper one based on MA12070 chip... After 30 years of listening to AB amplifiers, I was: ahaaaa.... this is so clean and detailed. I tested on my wife and she noticed instantly: so much more detail... We both love it...It is kind of like when digital cameras took over film... It took a while, but not many use film, unless they are in to it as a hobby... For the future: I think it is in digitally playing around with sound, in a same way as we are colour grading video with LUTs. Maybe simulating old technology at first, but then inventing new ways of shaping it to our liking...
I'm sold on Class D, and have been slowly replacing all the power in my systems. So far, I'm a big fan of Hypex Modules in the NAD Masters, and also the in-house class D implementation of the Starke Sound AD4.320. This is the only class D amp that sounds more like a Class A/B, in that the mids are slightly warmer/fuller. It helps soften a speaker like the KEF LS50.
Total class D convert. Have the XTZ Edge a2-300 in my second system and a Nord Dual Mono amp with Purifi modules in my main system. Nice to see XTZ have introduced balanced inputs on the 400.
Have been in it since mid 80s; employed class A, AB, G, H, stereo/monos, tube/solid state. Rediscovered my CD collection via a NuForce dda-100. That unit removed any class D misconception s I previously had. Now sound topology has better leading edge which is what captured me. Like Nelson Pass says; it's the first watt that is key to all reproduction. To me, D gets the initial micro moment in tune & time which equals detail proper the notes that follow. This observed effect increases with the higher the speakers efficiency. I still listen to vinyl on an all analog rig; but, for any digital source material including TV, class D speed and accuracy just delivers the better experience
The Neutrality and the flexibility, is a Win. I have the A2-300 and I'm tired of always matching, cables, speakers and so on for the Synergy. That's why I like Xtz, let the other stuff affect, and doesn't need to worry about the power amp.. It took some time to burn in tho, loosened up after a week or two with normal use. The noise is dead low with this..
Totally agree. Having a power amp with tone presence just makes matching a pain. Change one thing and don’t be surprised if you have to buy trucks of new equipment to get everything to match up again. Amplifiers like the XTZ are great because you never have to change them. Your preamp and speakers do the talking.
I use the XTZ A2- Edge 300 in various situations. I have used them with older McIntosh preamps, Fluance and vintage Marantz turntables with HPM 100 and JBL 100 speakers. Sounds GREAT. I have also used it in conjunction with a Schiit Freya + Noval Preamp with really good matched GE 6CG7 9-pin Tubes (6SN7 Octal Equivalents). I used a reworked Vinyl Nirvana Thorens TD 160 TT with Ortofon 2M Black cartridge as a source and playing through Wharfedale Lintons. The result on both systems I fantastic. Particularly with the Wharfedales that can be a little dark, the A2-Edge really peps them up somewhat. I have just ordered the A2 Edge 400. I want a little more oomph. However, I will be pleased if the punch and drive are the same as the A2 Edge. Also, the rest of the system I am going to use with it is fully balanced. I know it doesn't always make much difference, but I like the balanced inputs on the A2 - 400. Also, the understated styling is great.
I got a laugh out of Kristi's take. Crazy to think just a year ago she was like "I mean its an amp...is it good, I don't know, you tell me!" but nowadays she has definitely knows what she likes/doesn't like in terms of amps. Happy to see the continual growth of this channel, Andrew and Kristi.
@@andersj91 yes, we did watch the same video. Now, go watch a new video and notice the difference in her takes. She has more knowledge, her own sonic tastes, a better developed ear for critical listening, etc.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews it did make more sense, describing tiny audio differences to people who haven’t necessarily heard them is difficult. I probably haven’t heard anything glassy on the 6-7 amps i’ve listened to, but i would have a better idea now if i did!
I'm having the same experience with the VTV hypex252 class D amp. To me just seems super clean and neutral biggest thing I noticed was its power because its 250w x 2 @4ohms and my previous amp was 100w x 2 @6ohm. It cost about $600 which is fair but I thinks going back as I feel it wasn't that big a improvement over my Marantz SR4021. I think putting the $600 towards better speakers will make a bigger improvement.
Hey Andrew, great analogy of Krall and Jones in a dark bar versus in the studio... truth is truth... some times I don't know which to root for.... I experienced the live feel you recently talked about with the Klipsch f8000 ... playing vinyl of Just Coolin' by Art Blackley ... with a bit of volume and eye closed you could swear those guys were in the living room with me ... great album.. one you might have mentioned many moons ago. Great review! Food for a lot of thought.
Class D are maturing, mellowing, growing smoother and refined. Small, light, cool running. They are powerful, efficient, neutral, accurate, true to source, with very low noise and distortion. They are undoubtedly "the new big thing". Doing more with less. A gigantic step forward. And yes, you can put everything into one small unobtrusive box. ;-)
A well built hybrid "D" is a great Amp. The tubes on the front end into mosfet power can give a sound as good as any I have heard, including high end separates. These amps are 3k-17k so.... not everybody's kettle of fish. Thanks for the review.
Did everyone miss him saying he connected the XTZ to FOCAL GRAND UTOPIA EVOs?!?! WHERE IS THE REVIEW FOR THE FOCALS?! I'm taking a day off for that 😂. Keep the EXCELLENT reviews coming!
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Did you really mean Grande Utopia and not Diablo Utopia (which was a great review)? There's still a Grande Utopia review coming up? And... how? I'd imagine you'd need a forklift to move it around...
I have never heard of this company, which means I can't be the only one who hasn't. They appear to be an over-seas Emotiva, with products offerings from Room analyzers to sub woofers.
Thumbs up for the lady's words of practical down to earth modern minimalism wisdom. She is right on, that one box - one remote solution is what we need. Going separate boxes solution will add in more friction and noise by itself, requiring "better" wire connections, handshake, etc which add further more noise, etc etc. The separates thing is a backward thinking, let's waste more materials, consume more energy, and then ignore to recycle any of it.
"I guess it's doing a fantastic job, whatever it is doing." :-))) Great comment! Maybe I will try out one A2-300 or the 400 for my front speakers instead using the Denon AVC X-4800H and see if that makes a difference for my setup. But this review is really great and honest.
I got the A2-400. It took less then a week to get delivered from Sweden. I’m currently using the Cambridge CXN v2 streamer in preamp mode with the A2-400 and is loving the combo. All genres of music sound great out of my Klipsch rp-600m. I’m currently in the market for a preamp and floor standing speakers (looking at the Schiit Freya + and a set of Klipsch or Jamo speakers).
Did I hear right? Did you say that the A2-400 had great bass control while driving Focal Grande Utopia Evo speakers? If that's the case, talk about system component price disparity. Now bring on that review of Focal's Grande Utopia. Truly aspirational hi end speakers. Thank you Robinson family.
Hey Andrew. Cross shopping dome class D amps for my RF7s. Been into home theater for about 2 years now and learning more every day. I gotta say man... Kristi's take has become some of the most valuable and refreshing information in your videos. Thank you guys for having such honest and transparent discourse. What the hell does glassy mean?! 😂
I would love to see AVRs start using class D. I'm not sure why they don't. If you have any insight as to why, I would like to hear about it. Keep up the great work, I enjoy your classy reviews!
Because doing decent enough Class D is expensive compared to decent enough class AB modules. Times 7, 9 or 11 in one chassis would make these AVRs way to expensive. Secondly with class AB it’s easier to get away with the undersized half decent power supplies, that’s in most AVRs.
What about the "one box for everything" (receiver) that almost everyone threw out because that one box didn't have an HDMI port. Rapidly changing technology is good reason to go with separates. Amplifiers never get outdated. "We are in 2021". Yep, and most companies went backwards by not adding a tiny trigger circuit so everything could be turned on with one remote.
Since 4 Years I drive my Maggies1.7i with 2 x XTZ 400 . This combination is from HiFi Heaven and no technical Problems at all!!! And I use only 50% of power in Gain mode , so soundwise with Maggies over all !!! pricerange the best choise I ever heard over many years! That's the MAGGIE-DEAL!
I own a Class D and am a fan. Lots of power, immediate response, bass tightness and loads of dynamics. Plus, it means I don't have to contend with a space heater. :) Yes, the vocals may be faintly different but hardly noticeable and by no means a dealbreaker. And I'm so very happy with the soundstage.
As an owner of Maggies I have come to the conclusion that when all else is equal always give me separates! A seperate power amp, pre amp, phono, streamer, dac will typically always outperform the integrated equivalent. I went with Hegel H160 and it has a beautiful amp section but the Dac and other onboard components are significantly inferior. I just can’t afford the Hegel power amp equivalent 😉
I love my XTZ Edge A2-300. It sounds great. I know I do not even use a fraction of the power it has, but I know it is there. Class D works for me. I am also a big fan of folded ribbon tweeters. The two work well together. It has been a while since the Doggo made a cameo, I would love an appearance.
ice power baby dammm that class D packs crazy power also other same icepower amps have different integrated pre amp which changes the tonality the class D module is kinda magnifier or buffer stage whereas the IV stage or flavor stage is different from manufacturer to manufacturer and powerful amp get super controlled because the distortion when using high power amp at very low power drops distortion so low that speaker starts moving as per the signal intended
I love Kristi's comments. She tells it like it is, and I usually agree with her. I now own my first class D amp. It's a hybrid integrated with a tube preamp (Rogue Audio Sphinx). I am very happy with it. Lots of power, very balanced, does not get hot.
I have a pair of very inefficient panel speakers: Eminent Technology LFT8b's, and these speakers sound best with lots of amplifier power. I tried out a Crown amp at your suggestion and the bottom line is that I think it is as good or better than the 250wpc class AB I have used for the last couple of years. It is different, yes, its lean, and that is ok. The Crown cost a small fraction of the cost of the Class AB amp, it runs cool and I keep it ON all the time, 24-7. It does not emphasize bass and I am hard pressed to say whether there is a dip in the bass response or maybe my old amp had a hump in the bass response. No matter, i have two subs and they give me plenty of bass. As to mid range and treble, it is as clean as an amp can be. It is in no way sharp or in-your-face sounding. So: I vote YES on Crown Class D power amps.
I think it's quite important to point out when doing speaker review's that a speaker that sounds great in your room might not necessarily sound as good in another persons room. I myself have experienced this when listening to a set of speakers in 2 different rooms. I think we can all agree that the room plays a BIG factor in how a speaker sounds.
Thanks for great review. I like your videos. I was waiting for this review for a while. So happy it's out. Based on your (and few other) A2-300 review, I bought one about a year ago to feed my B&W 603s. And I'm very happy. I'm considering upgrade to A2-400 and use A2-300 to power my centre channel B&W HTM6.
Xtz are sweet amps. I have one of those and they play very nice on my Cerwin Vega speakers, and even better on my Klipsch speakers. Powerful and big sound!
ICE vs N Core modules. Who reigns supreme? 👂Hypex NC400 DIY mono kits are also very tempting at this price point. Thanks for this review. It's swinging me back towards class D. Most reviewers are preferring a tonality. Maybe just get a source and preamp in your preferred colors and feed that though a colorless amplifier into your colored speakers.
You should review the XTZ Cinema Series. The M8:s and M6:s as surround. Why not s2:s to get some Atmos. Hook them up to a bunch of A2 400:s. And don’t forget the Cinems Subs. Would be an epic review. And while mentioning selfdriving cars. A pop up idea is to review a Tesla Model 3 with the best soundpackage. They are told to be really good sounding cars. Regards from an old time follower in Sweden.
I am running the XTZ directly from Bluesound Nodi 2i into Thiel CS 2.3. Detail is gorgeous. I plan on using my Luxman L110 as the preamp for this. This amp sounds better than B&K Reference, Adcom 555ii, and the Kinnergetics KBA 100 which I have owned. Best amp for under $1,000 for sure. I have been testing for 3 weeks now and still really love it!
The fact that Kristi can't tell it's there is a review in itself. An amp should be invisible and it "sounds" like this one is. Kristi scores with another one sentence review!
@@KristiWright I wait for your show stopper every review. It doesn't invalidate Andrews take, just gives it a different perspective and I for one, love what you guys have stumbled onto.
Another clear open and honest review. I’m a big fan of class D amplifiers, better said amplifiers which don’t color the sound in any way, coloration comes from my speakers since I paid for the sound these speakers make. So I totally agree! I have owned a Crown XLS Drive Core 2, and now switched to set of Berhringer A800 to power my Wharfedale EVO speakers. I genuinely believe the Berhringer A800 is amazing value. Check that one out!
Well.... Class A, Class AB and Class D all DO have some common sounds, but you can get pretty uncolored amps in each class. Go higher up the "food chains" in each class and the transparency increases and the "class sounds" tend to converge. Even solid state and tube sounds converge at some level. Many "unrecovered" audiophiles prefer lower cost design class AB strengths/weaknesses to lower cost design class D strengths/weaknesses because of the latter's more lightweight presentation as Andrew suggests. (There isn't much in the market in terms of lower cost design class A.) I would argue that is not "neutrality." Put a hybrid PS Audio amp (tube/class D) in place of a lower cost design class D and few owners of class AB amps (or even class A amps) would call that amp "lightweight."
I'm desperately hoping/pie-eyed optimism that you are teeing up a review of the Cambridge Evo when you hint at a product with Class D in it but easier for Kristi to have a view on at the end of the discussion section 🙃
Thanks. I do like class D amplifiers; I own the Wyred4Sound ST-500. I like the fact that class D amplifiers do not produce that much heat and still sound great in my 14 x 11 feet room. I am really interested in the NAD C 298 and C 268.
Enjoyed this review, I d seen a few reviews of the smaller XTZ . Like the expressive description of the performance, this shows those powerful compact amps as effective contenders. And love the honest interactions and the humorous moments with you two on this review 👍🏾👍🏾🔥🔥
I am mostly with Kristi on all of this. Part of me really likes separates and the idea that upgrades (or replacements for things that die) can be incremental. But a larger part of me just wants something with a single remote that will stream and accept most other outputs including HDMI and just work. Likely that will be my epitaph. Just Work. I feel like as far as audio has come in the 50 or so years I have been spending money on it that there is not that much improvement. There were rally good sounding setups in the 60’s and 70’s. We’re they as good as the best stuff today? I am not qualified to tell. My hearing is not what it used to be. The biggest improvement over 50 years to me is that I don’t have to get up from the couch to change the volume or the album. But I am not sure that good equipment today sounds that much better than the good equipment did back in the day. Now, excuse me, I have to go chase some kids out of my yard.
For me: Marantz PM 8006 or Vincent SV 500. I bought the Vincent a year ago when you could still get it for $900 (It's $1300 now). I also have a PM 8005 model by Marantz on a second system, but the 8006 has a better phono stage. I'm not a purist who wants only a volume knob - I kind of like the features of 70s and 80's equipment (i.e.: tone controls). Looking forward to what others may offer.
@@alm5693 awesome choices, the PM 8006 is at the top of my list. Not heard of the Vincent, will look it up! Was leaning towards a Cambridge Audio CXA81
@@CTRNCC1701A That Cambridge unit looks like a nice choice too. It's got bluetooth built in and it's gotten some great reviews. I don't have any hands-on experience with them though.
Thanks for this great review. I appreciate your speaker matching reference a lot. Just listed to your video through an ICEpower 125AXS2 module. Really like this series but I had to connect mine to smaller speakers as through my Castle Warwick II the details were somewhat too razor sharp for my taste in the long run. Yet I consider these ICEpower amps to be ideal especially for less efficient speakers.
Fun Review Andrew, Aahhhh... I'm with you Kristi, what is "glassy" Ha-ha! Fun hearing Kristi stumped... lol. So is this Amp or the 300 Li'l Sibling something you'd use as the front L&R in a theater with your INTEGRA DRX 3.4 or Onkyo TX-RZ50 when creating a Dolby 7.2.4? I'm sure my technical ignorance is showing because I didn't hear you touch such a use application. Cheers, Eric
Kristi made a great point with separates vs an AV receiver. I love the simplicity of adding amps to my Yamaha AV receiver. I know that type of setup is lacking to an "Audiophile" but I'm good with that. Andrew you have me very curious about an old Krell amp that you described as dynamic. You've given me something to research thanks guys great review as always !
I was always against Class D amps even though I had owned two of them. Then I ran into your review of the Crowns... I was immediately impressed. Makes Class D amps that are over $1K (including both of my Class D’s) seem silly. Class D’s are a budget topology which I laugh when I see $1-2-3-4K class D amps.
The Crown XLS 1002 is not an IcePower amp either, and the actual component quality is kinda trash. Service life on the Crown XLS are pretty low. I expect the XTZ to have much higher quality components.
I was expecting my Classe CA-D200 class D amp to last a long time too with its "higher quality" components. Nope ... it shit the bed after 4 years. I guess $4000 doesn't buy longevity anymore. I replaced it with the XLS 2002 for $659 and it sounds just as good. Classe bragged about how their design was better than the Hypex nCore.
If it doesn't draw attention to itself, that's a good thing! The ICE module amps are generally good amplifiers, I plan to use some for the subwoofers in my new home theater.
Thankyou Andrew & Kristi for another great review. I, for one, am very interested in a couple of Class D amps. Please tell me that the "other" Class D amp you are reviewing is the new Cambridge Audio EVO 150. I am very interested in that amp, and would also love to hear your take on the Peachtree Audio Nova amps. Keep up the great work.
When you can't think of what to say about an amp, does that mean it's good, or meh? Does it mean it's uninvolving, maybe a little too sterile perhaps. Should an amp give you pleasure, or leave you cold. Is hyper detail enough? I wonder if Kristi isn't just telling it like it is. Her honest commentary is refreshing.
Hey there 😊 I have one A2-300 for each front, and I absolutely love them. Speakers have dual 12" woofers, and the amp controls them perfectly. Speakers are 4 ohm, so when I biamp, they have 600 watts each 😊 I am planing on getting another one for my centerchannel which now is the babybrother of my fronts, with dual 10". Haven't decided if I will use both of the dual 10 speakers as center, or if I shall biamp only one like with the fronts. The A2-300 is what will be drving it regardless. Love the sound, and the control. 1500 in dampingfactor might have a say in the control 🤪 the A2-400 has 600 in dampingfactor, but I suppose that is enough too 😊 Great content, as always 🤘🤘🤘 Btw: I would say that having a neutral poweramp, is the best. I want my avr (maybe processor if finances allow in thw future), to do the colouration. Especially when having an avr where I only power the fronts. If the amp had much couloration, the sound would not be uniform through the speakers 🤷♂️
Informative and entertaining. What preamp pairs well with this amp and why are preamps so expensive? Also, a speaker preferably large that plays metal with a very quick bass response. Thanks, Dwight Love your channel as well as your other commentator!
A tube pre amp and an equalizer really brings out the best in a class D. Just my opinion of course. I like the fact that most all Class D amps do not mess with the sound, I want to do that. They can actually be a lot of fun with the right gear, and you do not have to break the bank to do exactly that. A Schiit Loki and say a Saga tube amp, $550 new. Or get on some of the used Hi-Fi classified websites and pay quite a bit less for used gear. That is what I have been doing, there is some very good gear out there for sale right now, at huge savings off of new. I just picked up a Schiit Freya S and a Gungnir Multibit DAC for $1250 delivered to my door, with like new $50+ XLR cables included. If I bought from Schiit, that would have cost me $2000 with shipping. Darn near half off full retail, pretty hard to beat in my book.
I like Class D and the small form factor. I have an SMSL DA-8S, but I don't use it to drive speakers. I use the balanced output from the DAC into the balanced inout of the amp to drive my Audio Technica ATH-8 electrostat / electret headphones via the energiser box connected to the speaker outputs of the amp. It's a pretty awesome combination
I use SMSL for various things, the use of balanced XLR connections really brought me on board. I have the SU-8 and I use that to drive powered speakers and I use a FIO K5 Pro for my headphones and I drive powered monitors off of that as well. I really want a SU-9 but they are still pretty expensive right now.
@@joshuasterling2144 I also have the SMSL SU-8. Use a vintage 1997, Marantz CD67SE, which I've modified internally wth Boom Mat damping, as my source. I can't use speakers right now, so I listen primarily with headphones. The Audio Tecnica electrostatic is 38 years old and is also modified with bigger and deeper pads to give more bass loading. Still sounds great.
Seems like your trying to speed thing up and provide more details in a shorter amount of time. Speaking for myself, I come to your channel for the slower conversational tone and pace. Feels more genune, as if I’m having a discussion instead of being read off a teleprompter. Just some food for thought 💭! Love you guys and great review as always.
Noted. To be 100% honest, I’m trying out a bunch of new equipment in an attempt to streamline my workflow to hopefully maximize my time. I’m still getting used to the setup, which you’re likely noticing. But as for the info, nothing about what I’m saying or conveying to you has changed. I have always written a script for every review. Over the last two years I’ve just gotten better and more concise at delivering that script. But it used to take me 2-4 hours to record a 12 minute to camera review because I was doing 4 pages from memory -on the spot. This was obviously very frustrating for me and stressful for Kristi. So we’re just trying to find a system that brings you guys the same great content but that doesn’t tax me as much emotionally and mentally.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews oh okay that makes total sense. Well I’m all for saving time and keeping things stress free! Guess all I meant was don’t change or think we won’t watch a longer video. We enjoy the personality just as much as the product itself IMO. Thanks for the reply!
I think I am going to purchase this amp, (I just did, it is on its way) it is on sale right now, as I have been debating between this XTZ ICE amp vs the Purifi. The quietness of this, and that it does not add anything to the music is exactly what I am looking for. The reviews I have seen on this, along with its little brother the A2-300, have all been very good, as they have with the Purify selection out there. XTZ as a company interests me, they look to have some very cool gear with sound engineering backing up their products, another reason I am weighing more towards this particular amp vs the Purify options out there. Then the Kristi Metric, her not hearing this amp is actually a selling point. I'm looking for something that I can play around with using a tube amp, (the A2-400 has XLR inputs), along with pairing this with a good preamp and equalizer. If there is any colorization happening, I want to do it myself. And it is nice that this little amp can drive anything thrown at it. And I like Class D amps, I like the sound vs an A/B, the fact that a Class D does not colorize the sound like an A/B. Then the physical size of the Class D units, this one can be safely tucked away. For myself, a Class D is more reminiscent of car audio, a sound I actually perfer, especially with speakers that would be considered "Fun". I will pull the trigger on this amp and the Magnat Transpuls, another Kristi favorite. The Transpuls are a speaker I have actually been desiring, but did not want to spend three to fifteen thousand dollars on, see Klipsch and JBL. There is no reason for these outrageous prices for a sheet of MDF and a big honking woofer, a FUN speaker should not break the bank. Another Kristi "Fun" rated speaker, the Monitor Audio Bronze 100 speakers, are now in Amazon to buy list. I want to try these in the home theater with the SVS SB-3000 subs. Thank you both. You are doing a fantastic job at spending my money. ;-)
Andrew, when it comes to the crown XLS 2502 is a very low noise floor even at 1.2 KW per channel. Cannot stress very neutral amp, garbage in garbage out. No roll off at the top end, very smooth and textured., no grain, I know a few that run these with Maggies and sold their several times more expensive amps. Needs excellent power cables and inner connect cables. Also place on butcher blocks. Happy listening.
Nuforce essentially became Nuprime which is still very much in business. I had their IDA-8 amp which is very nice sounding. I only got rid of it to make room for more. I still have a Wyred4sound Mint, though.
Hi there. I’m with Kristi 😄 I don’t have any experience with power amps so sorry if my questions are stupid. 1. Does a power amp like this emulate the sound of the pre-amp connected to it, say, a tube pre-amp? 2. Do any speakers need 800W of power!!
Geezzz what I wrote yesterday no longer applied...what a difference in another day of being constantly on...WOW Xs10. It's all there, timbre, details. Soundstage..yada. 400.00 is a huge BARGIN.
ok, so now that you guys are a big-deal review channel with 170k+ subs I have some demands, err I mean requests: 1. I’d love to see some more class-D comparisons between similarly priced gear, like ICEpower vs Ncore, etc. 2. I’d REALLY love to see a review of the Yamaha PX series, and a shootout with the venerable Crown XLS. As far as I know, nobody has even bothered to look at these for home use, despite them being readily available and seemingly well-rated by their intended market. To my eye they look much better than the Crown and the finishes fit better in a hifi setting (which I think matters in this context). They might pack in more DSP and sound shaping features too. Given how many fans Yamaha’s hifi offerings have, and how well-regarded their studio monitors are, I can’t imagine that their class D pro amps would disappoint.
Nice review, but I'm surprised that you didn't compare it to ANYTHING from NAD, or Purifi, or PS AUDIO. I want to see you review the Stellar line. That said if you didn't notice the amp, then you should have really enjoyed your music.
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After a year, both of our A2-400 developed significant issues. Here are a few alternatives we recommend:
Emotiva A1 bit.ly/39WvWDo
Emotiva XPA-HC1 bit.ly/2PAhMOi
Crown XLS bit.ly/CXLS1502 • bit.ly/3Nv9Ztt
I've bought a couple cheap ones to try for small systems in my garage and outdoors. They work great. I already have what I need inside so haven't tried a bigger one. If I did, I'd probably go with a drivecore Crown since they have the power at my kind of price point
I feel like Class D can be fantastic if paired with the right speakers. For instance I love my XTZ edge a2-300 with my Elac Unifi UF5's. The warm nature of those speakers, and their need for power (4ohm 85db efficiency) are complimented by the sound signature and power of class d. I feel there are better amplifier options for high efficiency lively speakers like Klipsch though.
All Class D amps I listened to have had a dry sound. Class AB has more flesh on the skeleton IMHO - but maybe there are full-sounding Class D amps are out there
I've tried an Aiyima A04 and A07, both of which I like. They do fine with more budget speakers. They sound ok on my Focals but a Keces E40 sounds better, a bit here, a bit there more than the inexpensive class Ds...but I still like them.
But not all class Ds and class ABs sound good to me.
A SoundArtist SA-200IA a class AB sounded way too bright in the upper mids thru the highs...which weren't really airy either. Unrefined too.
A Soundavo CSA-150 a class D sounded pretty bad without going into the details. Not musical at all.
A Fosi Audio HD-A1 class AB was also disappointing.
I tried an Emotiva BasX A-400z which sounded better than the above three but still had a rather flat soundstage and less instrument separation than the Aiyimas and the Keces but did had nice extended highs. BTW, the Keces reminds me of my Hegel. For whatever it's worth.
I think you're spot on with your comment that Class D can be that clinical neutral sound. Me, I like some colouration, e.g. I really like the slightly old school elements of the CXA-81. Ditto I love the Naim Uniti Atom. I'm very intrigued by some of the things someone like a PS Audio is producing now with tube/class D hybrids but I have yet to experience first hand!
I like this new format, you do a review, and then Kristi tells you that it makes no sense and that this all seems stupid. Finally, we have honesty in audio reviews! 😂
After owning 2x A2-400 over the last 2 years I’d like to add, that it took the very least of 500 hours play
Time to get the best out of them. The differences were day and night. I still can’t believe the sound quality I am getting from these amps.
Let me summarize the class D
1) Neutral sound with transparent background produce excellent instruments separation.
2) A small fraction of cost for massive power
3) Easily bridged to convert to monoblock for better crosstalk
4)High power efficiency
Somehow I like class ab...I started l think ab sounds better. Class d will take over any day now
I have one XTZ A2-400 amplifier up and running with a pair of KLH Model 5 speakers. I hope my personal experience will help one of you that may be thinking of purchasing this amp. Oh, it was delivered in like 3 days, all the way from Sweden. And, just to note, I am a truck driver, a regular Joe so to speak and no audio expert, I now listen to Andrews review's for Kristi's take on things. She speaks my language. ;-)
Now, as Andrew stated, this is a tough review, I think the neutrality of the XTZ will play into what is in the chain and overall sound one would hope to get, or not get. A lot will depend on your components and source material. I can say this, the bass is tight and extended on the KLH Model 5's, the mid and highs are not bright nor dull, vocals are crystal clear but not harsh, they are what they are and will depend more upon the source/speaker pairing.
I have the Cambridge Audio CXN v2 network streamer attached to the XTZ Edge A2-400 with Mogami 2549 and Neutrik Gold XLR connects. Quality and inexpensive cables, World's Best Cables on Amazon.
I'm streaming off of AirPlay with a Roku and my iMac along with a Mac Mini connected directly to the Cambridge unit via USB. I am using Amazon Music and Apple Music, their lossless hi-res offerings. Nothing fancy.
The speakers are again, the KLH Model 5, just an incredible speaker, again as both Kristi and Andrew have correctly stated.
The gain on the XTZ is set around 1 o'clock or so. The XTZ amp is dead silent once the gain is properly set. I used 10ga OFC (Oxygen Free Copper) cable with the locking style banana plugs found on Amazon, they were one of the few that would accept the 10ga copper. Cable was Amazon too, InstallGear cable if memory serves me right, nothing fancy or exotic.
For comparison, I played the Model 5's on the 150 wpc SVS SoundBase, they sounded incredibly good, but a bit bright with the SVS internal DAC, verging on fatiguing, not something I could listen to for hours on end. But, I would think the SoundBase would be an excellent choice for say watching a movie on movie night with the Model 5's and one or two subwoofers. Throw a quality DAC into the mix, and you could get some very pleasing sound out of the SVS SoundBase.
Now, the XTZ A2-400... Here is where the magic happened... Ginormous sound from the SVS just went off the charts into GIGANORMOUS sound territory... Yeah.
The XTZ A2-400 took the KLH Model 5's to new heights in sound. The soundstage exploded into the room, the raw and colorless power had me snapping my head to look over my shoulder to see what or who made that sound behind me. This did not happen once, but many times with different tracks and artists, this is two channel folks, not HT, and I think it is better.
I believe this was at roughly -11db on the Cambridge, and I still had to turn it down. There was zero distortion, it was just too loud. Then I added two SVS SB3000 subs into the mix, running off the RCA L/R channel outputs from the Cambridge... OMG! Yeah.
The speakers and subs disappeared in the room, as the sound envelops and washes over you. It is that extra oomph the XTZ brings to the party that kicks everything up a few notches. And it does it with ease and transparency. This little box is the BOMB, it sounds much better than my previous XPA 2 class A/B, which I found to be rather dull in comparison the the class D XTZ. The XTZ took my living room from a boring cafe to the rowdy roadhouse's of my youth.
It is simply the raw power the amp brings to the party, and the fact it is dead silent and adds nothing to the sound. When hooked to the Cambridge CXN v2 streamer, with its very vinyl sounding dual Wolfson DAC along with the KLH Model 5 old school BIG sound. I honestly do not know how you could improve on this, other than taking this setup down into the garage and having a party.
That is it, that is my personal review on the XTZ Edge A2-400.
Kristi is correct in her assessment, it does it's intended job and no one will ever know it is there.
Andrew: "So what does Kristi think?"
Kristi: "I don't know (snort)"
If the XTZ is too pricey, I would look at one of the Crown amps, I will trust Andrew on this. I have one on order, but it is still a month or two out before they are even in stock, the XTZ is available today and you will get it in a few days. Or, in the same price range, the offerings from Purifi are out there too. The XTZ Edge is staying in my rack.
That's exactly my impression with the xpa2 as well, it sounded very dull and thin. I was considering the crown 2502 but after learning it has built in processing that resamples digital signals to 48khz, I was put off by it. I think I will try the a2 400.
@@ArthaxtaDaVince777 It is a nice amp, after living with it I found it a bit bright. But, it can be tamed with an R2R DAC, my Ares II made a night and day difference if you want a more analog sound. I replaced mine with the Denafrips Thallo amplifier and also purchased the Denafrips Hades preamp. I now use the 2021 Node to stream. Night and day over what I had when I posted the above.
I still have the XTZ, tried to sell it last year, no takers... Still in the box. Here is the issue I have with it, it sounds fantastic! I am not going to part with it, it is something that I will keep and switch out with the Thallo when I get bored... Add the Schiit Lokius into the mix... Yeah, sounds good.
On a side note, if you have a quality speaker, this bitch can get LOUD! LOL!
It is a keeper.
I’ve had my A2-300 for a year now. So far I have zero complaints. Here’s hoping it’s not about to blow a gasket. Fingers crossed!
I've had the A2-300 for near 6 years, going as strong as ever driving my floorstanding fronts Cerwin Vega XLS-12 (6 ohms with 90,8dB sensitivity). The XTZ brought a lot more definition and punch to these speakers compared to my previous Rotel power amp.
Good morning everyone! Appreciate you tuning in!
Good morning from foggy and chilly Hamilton, ON. Hope the sun is shining in Austin.
@@SeanVedell It is not. Been a week of grey skies and thunderstorms.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Ya, but you have better BBQ. We have poutine but BBQ wins.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Call me a weirdo but I actually like grey skies and thunderstorms. I also like chilly foggy weather :)
“...it’s an amp”! Best Kristi quote so far. 😂 I love it. You guys are awesome. Great analysis Andrew & Kristi. She’s not a separates kind of gal! “Give me a friggin box”! 😂 Thanks for entertaining while educating! Love your channel.
I agree with Kristi. I used to care about amps before I came to realize I mostly need to make sure it makes enough current to drive whatever speakers I have with a low enough THD to not be bad. It's one of the items in the chain I think specs matter more.
Lol to think that Andrew gradually stopped wearing suites for a review. Love your channel Andrew and Christy,from Nigeria.
Good morning!
Yeah, when I revisited that review I forgot I did that. Seems like a billion years ago! Thanks for sticking with us this whole time!
I love Christy's "One box" sermonette. It was hilarious
Thank you for coming to my TedTalk. :)
@@KristiWright Ha ha
Class D is efficient, cool, powerful, transparent, light, small, and it's been developed to truly outstanding specs.Future hi fi products will tend to be class D.
The BEST part of the video is when your wife says she can't tell the difference. "You tell me. I don't know." 😂😂😂
Mark of a good amp is one you can’t hear.
Small talk off-camera nonsense doesn’t save this shallow review. I initially decided to watch this review because I assumed it would contain detailed information and useful advice.
Instead I got neurotic trivia. At least make it creative and funny if you’re trying to be different or offer something different.
They should apologise
I appreciate Kristi’s critique/question of how to translate adjectives to a more technical description! It would be great to see a video that helps define all those adjectives like smooth, forward, sweet, round, etc.
Also, every time I heard XTZ I thought of the band XTC, We’re only making plans for Nigel, da dat datuh…
Having owned several, Class D amps have definitely found a home in my listening experience. Thinking back, it’s mostly due to form factor (or has been so far at least). My (now replaced) NAD C338 fit nicely on the dresser where a deeper 17” component wouldn’t have; Crown’s XLS1000 is not only shallow enough to put in a garage shelf which is sized for books instead of stereo equipment but was also able to be hung on a makeshift rack on the underside of a shelf to free up the space below for stuff that I needed access to; and the current heart of my garage system (an SMSL AD18) is just tiny all around.
I like an amp that is alive at the top , detailed, voice is accurate, and the bass is wet and fluid, not dry at the top or bottom. I already have a super A class D receiver at 120w per ch.. I think i'm going for the Emotiva BasX-A2 for now, for my 5.1 ch surround system. Probably add a 3 channel latter for the other channels.
I got myself first class D, the cheaper one based on MA12070 chip... After 30 years of listening to AB amplifiers, I was: ahaaaa.... this is so clean and detailed. I tested on my wife and she noticed instantly: so much more detail... We both love it...It is kind of like when digital cameras took over film... It took a while, but not many use film, unless they are in to it as a hobby... For the future: I think it is in digitally playing around with sound, in a same way as we are colour grading video with LUTs. Maybe simulating old technology at first, but then inventing new ways of shaping it to our liking...
Already being made by some Chinese amps
I'm sold on Class D, and have been slowly replacing all the power in my systems. So far, I'm a big fan of Hypex Modules in the NAD Masters, and also the in-house class D implementation of the Starke Sound AD4.320. This is the only class D amp that sounds more like a Class A/B, in that the mids are slightly warmer/fuller. It helps soften a speaker like the KEF LS50.
Total class D convert. Have the XTZ Edge a2-300 in my second system and a Nord Dual Mono amp with Purifi modules in my main system.
Nice to see XTZ have introduced balanced inputs on the 400.
i have all class d also, icepower, hypex and purifi all around this home.
Kristi's honesty is great. She got me laughing with that response.
Have been in it since mid 80s; employed class A, AB, G, H, stereo/monos, tube/solid state. Rediscovered my CD collection via a NuForce dda-100. That unit removed any class D misconception s I previously had. Now sound topology has better leading edge which is what captured me. Like Nelson Pass says; it's the first watt that is key to all reproduction. To me, D gets the initial micro moment in tune & time which equals detail proper the notes that follow. This observed effect increases with the higher the speakers efficiency. I still listen to vinyl on an all analog rig; but, for any digital source material including TV, class D speed and accuracy just delivers the better experience
The Neutrality and the flexibility, is a Win. I have the A2-300 and I'm tired of always matching, cables, speakers and so on for the Synergy. That's why I like Xtz, let the other stuff affect, and doesn't need to worry about the power amp.. It took some time to burn in tho, loosened up after a week or two with normal use. The noise is dead low with this..
Totally agree. Having a power amp with tone presence just makes matching a pain. Change one thing and don’t be surprised if you have to buy trucks of new equipment to get everything to match up again. Amplifiers like the XTZ are great because you never have to change them. Your preamp and speakers do the talking.
I use the XTZ A2- Edge 300 in various situations. I have used them with older McIntosh preamps, Fluance and vintage Marantz turntables with HPM 100 and JBL 100 speakers. Sounds GREAT. I have also used it in conjunction with a Schiit Freya + Noval Preamp with really good matched GE 6CG7 9-pin Tubes (6SN7 Octal Equivalents). I used a reworked Vinyl Nirvana Thorens TD 160 TT with Ortofon 2M Black cartridge as a source and playing through Wharfedale Lintons. The result on both systems I fantastic. Particularly with the Wharfedales that can be a little dark, the A2-Edge really peps them up somewhat. I have just ordered the A2 Edge 400. I want a little more oomph. However, I will be pleased if the punch and drive are the same as the A2 Edge. Also, the rest of the system I am going to use with it is fully balanced. I know it doesn't always make much difference, but I like the balanced inputs on the A2 - 400. Also, the understated styling is great.
I got a laugh out of Kristi's take. Crazy to think just a year ago she was like "I mean its an amp...is it good, I don't know, you tell me!" but nowadays she has definitely knows what she likes/doesn't like in terms of amps. Happy to see the continual growth of this channel, Andrew and Kristi.
@@andersj91 yes, we did watch the same video. Now, go watch a new video and notice the difference in her takes. She has more knowledge, her own sonic tastes, a better developed ear for critical listening, etc.
I didn’t know what glassy meant either Kristi! The beginning of your take was so funny 😂
“make sure everything i need is in the frickin box” 💀
@@philipthrockmorton6039 💯
Did my explanation after the fact make more sense?
@@andrewrobinsonreviews it did make more sense, describing tiny audio differences to people who haven’t necessarily heard them is difficult. I probably haven’t heard anything glassy on the 6-7 amps i’ve listened to, but i would have a better idea now if i did!
I’m just here to listen to the voice of reason at the end :)
Fair enough.
I'm having the same experience with the VTV hypex252 class D amp. To me just seems super clean and neutral biggest thing I noticed was its power because its 250w x 2 @4ohms and my previous amp was 100w x 2 @6ohm. It cost about $600 which is fair but I thinks going back as I feel it wasn't that big a improvement over my Marantz SR4021. I think putting the $600 towards better speakers will make a bigger improvement.
Ohhh Hell yeah the Early Bird catches the worm. As always amazing content.
Appreciate you tuning in this morning (or afternoon) David!
Hey Andrew, great analogy of Krall and Jones in a dark bar versus in the studio... truth is truth... some times I don't know which to root for.... I experienced the live feel you recently talked about with the Klipsch f8000 ... playing vinyl of Just Coolin' by Art Blackley ... with a bit of volume and eye closed you could swear those guys were in the living room with me ... great album.. one you might have mentioned many moons ago. Great review! Food for a lot of thought.
If you're totally nuts the thing to do is bi amp with the xtz on the lows and tubes or a class AB on the highs
Class D are maturing, mellowing, growing smoother and refined. Small, light, cool running. They are powerful, efficient, neutral, accurate, true to source, with very low noise and distortion.
They are undoubtedly "the new big thing". Doing more with less.
A gigantic step forward.
And yes, you can put everything into one small unobtrusive box. ;-)
Fully agree with you that what I did and never looked back .
A well built hybrid "D" is a great Amp. The tubes on the front end into mosfet power can give a sound as good as any I have heard, including high end separates. These amps are 3k-17k so.... not everybody's kettle of fish. Thanks for the review.
Did everyone miss him saying he connected the XTZ to FOCAL GRAND UTOPIA EVOs?!?! WHERE IS THE REVIEW FOR THE FOCALS?! I'm taking a day off for that 😂. Keep the EXCELLENT reviews coming!
The Focal review is going to be something.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Did you really mean Grande Utopia and not Diablo Utopia (which was a great review)? There's still a Grande Utopia review coming up? And... how? I'd imagine you'd need a forklift to move it around...
Kristi and I agree on remotes. I need a good universal remote.
I have never heard of this company, which means I can't be the only one who hasn't. They appear to be an over-seas Emotiva, with products offerings from Room analyzers to sub woofers.
They are an Internet direct brand from Europe.
It's so crazy hearing Kristi in these old videos when all amps sounded the same to her. She DEFINITELY has an opinion and personal tastes now.
Thumbs up for the lady's words of practical down to earth modern minimalism wisdom. She is right on, that one box - one remote solution is what we need. Going separate boxes solution will add in more friction and noise by itself, requiring "better" wire connections, handshake, etc which add further more noise, etc etc. The separates thing is a backward thinking, let's waste more materials, consume more energy, and then ignore to recycle any of it.
"I guess it's doing a fantastic job, whatever it is doing." :-))) Great comment! Maybe I will try out one A2-300 or the 400 for my front speakers instead using the Denon AVC X-4800H and see if that makes a difference for my setup. But this review is really great and honest.
It will, big time
I got the A2-400. It took less then a week to get delivered from Sweden. I’m currently using the Cambridge CXN v2 streamer in preamp mode with the A2-400 and is loving the combo. All genres of music sound great out of my Klipsch rp-600m. I’m currently in the market for a preamp and floor standing speakers (looking at the Schiit Freya + and a set of Klipsch or Jamo speakers).
I love my Parasound 2350. 600x2. ICE modules. Driving 4 ELAC B6.2 and they sing. No substitute for raw power.
Did I hear right? Did you say that the A2-400 had great bass control while driving Focal Grande Utopia Evo speakers? If that's the case, talk about system component price disparity. Now bring on that review of Focal's Grande Utopia. Truly aspirational hi end speakers. Thank you Robinson family.
Hey Andrew. Cross shopping dome class D amps for my RF7s. Been into home theater for about 2 years now and learning more every day. I gotta say man... Kristi's take has become some of the most valuable and refreshing information in your videos. Thank you guys for having such honest and transparent discourse. What the hell does glassy mean?! 😂
I would love to see AVRs start using class D. I'm not sure why they don't. If you have any insight as to why, I would like to hear about it. Keep up the great work, I enjoy your classy reviews!
Because doing decent enough Class D is expensive compared to decent enough class AB modules. Times 7, 9 or 11 in one chassis would make these AVRs way to expensive. Secondly with class AB it’s easier to get away with the undersized half decent power supplies, that’s in most AVRs.
Pioneer did and they were awesome. I would imagine they still do.
I'm right there with you, I didn't know what glassy meant either
Hi Andrew. I think the choice of speakers has more detrimental bearing on the sound, rather than the type of amplification.
What about the "one box for everything" (receiver) that almost everyone threw out because that one box didn't have an HDMI port. Rapidly changing technology is good reason to go with separates. Amplifiers never get outdated. "We are in 2021". Yep, and most companies went backwards by not adding a tiny trigger circuit so everything could be turned on with one remote.
Since 4 Years I drive my Maggies1.7i with 2 x XTZ 400 . This combination is from HiFi Heaven and no technical Problems at all!!! And I use only 50% of power in Gain mode , so soundwise with Maggies over all !!! pricerange the best choise I ever heard over many years! That's the MAGGIE-DEAL!
I own a Class D and am a fan. Lots of power, immediate response, bass tightness and loads of dynamics. Plus, it means I don't have to contend with a space heater. :) Yes, the vocals may be faintly different but hardly noticeable and by no means a dealbreaker. And I'm so very happy with the soundstage.
As an owner of Maggies I have come to the conclusion that when all else is equal always give me separates! A seperate power amp, pre amp, phono, streamer, dac will typically always outperform the integrated equivalent. I went with Hegel H160 and it has a beautiful amp section but the Dac and other onboard components are significantly inferior. I just can’t afford the Hegel power amp equivalent 😉
I love my XTZ Edge A2-300. It sounds great. I know I do not even use a fraction of the power it has, but I know it is there. Class D works for me. I am also a big fan of folded ribbon tweeters. The two work well together. It has been a while since the Doggo made a cameo, I would love an appearance.
ice power baby
dammm that class D packs crazy power
also other same icepower amps have different integrated pre amp which changes the tonality
the class D module is kinda magnifier or buffer stage whereas the IV stage or flavor stage is different from manufacturer to manufacturer
and powerful amp get super controlled because the distortion when using high power amp at very low power drops distortion so low that speaker starts moving as per the signal intended
I love Kristi's comments. She tells it like it is, and I usually agree with her. I now own my first class D amp. It's a hybrid integrated with a tube preamp (Rogue Audio Sphinx). I am very happy with it. Lots of power, very balanced, does not get hot.
How would you say your A2-300 ($550 Retail/ 150w x2 @ 8ohms) would compare to Emotivas BasX-A2 ($450 retail / 160w x2 @ 8ohms)?
I have a pair of very inefficient panel speakers: Eminent Technology LFT8b's, and these speakers sound best with lots of amplifier power. I tried out a Crown amp at your suggestion and the bottom line is that I think it is as good or better than the 250wpc class AB I have used for the last couple of years. It is different, yes, its lean, and that is ok. The Crown cost a small fraction of the cost of the Class AB amp, it runs cool and I keep it ON all the time, 24-7. It does not emphasize bass and I am hard pressed to say whether there is a dip in the bass response or maybe my old amp had a hump in the bass response. No matter, i have two subs and they give me plenty of bass. As to mid range and treble, it is as clean as an amp can be. It is in no way sharp or in-your-face sounding. So: I vote YES on Crown Class D power amps.
I think it's quite important to point out when doing speaker review's that a speaker that sounds great in your room might not necessarily sound as good in another persons room. I myself have experienced this when listening to a set of speakers in 2 different rooms. I think we can all agree that the room plays a BIG factor in how a speaker sounds.
We’ve made more than a few videos about this. Check out our education playlist.
Thanks for great review. I like your videos. I was waiting for this review for a while. So happy it's out. Based on your (and few other) A2-300 review, I bought one about a year ago to feed my B&W 603s. And I'm very happy. I'm considering upgrade to A2-400 and use A2-300 to power my centre channel B&W HTM6.
I could see that being a good way to go.
Xtz are sweet amps. I have one of those and they play very nice on my Cerwin Vega speakers, and even better on my Klipsch speakers. Powerful and big sound!
ICE vs N Core modules. Who reigns supreme? 👂Hypex NC400 DIY mono kits are also very tempting at this price point. Thanks for this review. It's swinging me back towards class D. Most reviewers are preferring a tonality. Maybe just get a source and preamp in your preferred colors and feed that though a colorless amplifier into your colored speakers.
Hello from Anaheim,California.one of my favorite audio review channel.
Thank you so much!
Kristy was cracking me up on this review! Thanks for the review guys!
I'm right there with you Kristi. LOL!
I'd like to see you review some Hypex NCore based amplifiers - ICE vs NCore
Soon.
Just what I was thinking. Maybe even a Cambridge Audio evo at some stage
@@andrewrobinsonreviews I'll add a Purifi amp to that mix...
You should review the XTZ Cinema Series. The M8:s and M6:s as surround. Why not s2:s to get some Atmos. Hook them up to a bunch of A2 400:s.
And don’t forget the Cinems Subs.
Would be an epic review.
And while mentioning selfdriving cars. A pop up idea is to review a Tesla Model 3 with the best soundpackage. They are told to be really good sounding cars.
Regards from an old time follower in Sweden.
I am running the XTZ directly from Bluesound Nodi 2i into Thiel CS 2.3. Detail is gorgeous. I plan on using my Luxman L110 as the preamp for this. This amp sounds better than B&K Reference, Adcom 555ii, and the Kinnergetics KBA 100 which I have owned. Best amp for under $1,000 for sure. I have been testing for 3 weeks now and still really love it!
Buy the Geshelli J2 Dac and be ready to be on a completely new plane
Do you have the A2-400 model?
@@ufarkingicehole Why is that?
As always, great review. Love your channel Andrew, saludos de México ✌🏿
Thanks so much Rafael!
Buenos dias, Rafael!
The fact that Kristi can't tell it's there is a review in itself. An amp should be invisible and it "sounds" like this one is. Kristi scores with another one sentence review!
HAHAHA. That's one way of looking at it, Sean. :)
@@KristiWright I wait for your show stopper every review. It doesn't invalidate Andrews take, just gives it a different perspective and I for one, love what you guys have stumbled onto.
Another clear open and honest review. I’m a big fan of class D amplifiers, better said amplifiers which don’t color the sound in any way, coloration comes from my speakers since I paid for the sound these speakers make. So I totally agree! I have owned a Crown XLS Drive Core 2, and now switched to set of Berhringer A800 to power my Wharfedale EVO speakers. I genuinely believe the Berhringer A800 is amazing value. Check that one out!
Well.... Class A, Class AB and Class D all DO have some common sounds, but you can get pretty uncolored amps in each class. Go higher up the "food chains" in each class and the transparency increases and the "class sounds" tend to converge. Even solid state and tube sounds converge at some level. Many "unrecovered" audiophiles prefer lower cost design class AB strengths/weaknesses to lower cost design class D strengths/weaknesses because of the latter's more lightweight presentation as Andrew suggests. (There isn't much in the market in terms of lower cost design class A.) I would argue that is not "neutrality." Put a hybrid PS Audio amp (tube/class D) in place of a lower cost design class D and few owners of class AB amps (or even class A amps) would call that amp "lightweight."
Actually, I’d consider the DECware amps affordable class A amps, IF you own speakers at 96db efficiency or greater.
I'm desperately hoping/pie-eyed optimism that you are teeing up a review of the Cambridge Evo when you hint at a product with Class D in it but easier for Kristi to have a view on at the end of the discussion section 🙃
Thanks. I do like class D amplifiers; I own the Wyred4Sound ST-500. I like the fact that class D amplifiers do not produce that much heat and still sound great in my 14 x 11 feet room. I am really interested in the NAD C 298 and C 268.
Happy with my NAD C-388
Enjoyed this review, I d seen a few reviews of the smaller XTZ . Like the expressive description of the performance, this shows those powerful compact amps as effective contenders. And love the honest interactions and the humorous moments with you two on this review 👍🏾👍🏾🔥🔥
I am mostly with Kristi on all of this. Part of me really likes separates and the idea that upgrades (or replacements for things that die) can be incremental. But a larger part of me just wants something with a single remote that will stream and accept most other outputs including HDMI and just work. Likely that will be my epitaph. Just Work. I feel like as far as audio has come in the 50 or so years I have been spending money on it that there is not that much improvement. There were rally good sounding setups in the 60’s and 70’s. We’re they as good as the best stuff today? I am not qualified to tell. My hearing is not what it used to be. The biggest improvement over 50 years to me is that I don’t have to get up from the couch to change the volume or the album. But I am not sure that good equipment today sounds that much better than the good equipment did back in the day. Now, excuse me, I have to go chase some kids out of my yard.
If you only had $1,200 to spend on an integrated amp, what would you get? Love the channel!
For me: Marantz PM 8006 or Vincent SV 500. I bought the Vincent a year ago when you could still get it for $900 (It's $1300 now). I also have a PM 8005 model by Marantz on a second system, but the 8006 has a better phono stage. I'm not a purist who wants only a volume knob - I kind of like the features of 70s and 80's equipment (i.e.: tone controls). Looking forward to what others may offer.
@@alm5693 awesome choices, the PM 8006 is at the top of my list. Not heard of the Vincent, will look it up! Was leaning towards a Cambridge Audio CXA81
@@CTRNCC1701A That Cambridge unit looks like a nice choice too. It's got bluetooth built in and it's gotten some great reviews. I don't have any hands-on experience with them though.
I have a Bluesound Node2i and a XTZ edge a300 drivning my speakers.
Really happy with that combo.
Thanks for this great review. I appreciate your speaker matching reference a lot. Just listed to your video through an ICEpower 125AXS2 module. Really like this series but I had to connect mine to smaller speakers as through my Castle Warwick II the details were somewhat too razor sharp for my taste in the long run. Yet I consider these ICEpower amps to be ideal especially for less efficient speakers.
Fun Review Andrew,
Aahhhh... I'm with you Kristi, what is "glassy" Ha-ha!
Fun hearing Kristi stumped... lol.
So is this Amp or the 300 Li'l Sibling something you'd use as the front L&R in a theater with your INTEGRA DRX 3.4 or Onkyo TX-RZ50 when creating a Dolby 7.2.4?
I'm sure my technical ignorance is showing because I didn't hear you touch such a use application.
Cheers,
Eric
Kristi made a great point with separates vs an AV receiver. I love the simplicity of adding amps to my Yamaha AV receiver. I know that type of setup is lacking to an "Audiophile" but I'm good with that. Andrew you have me very curious about an old Krell amp that you described as dynamic. You've given me something to research thanks guys great review as always !
I was always against Class D amps even though I had owned two of them. Then I ran into your review of the Crowns... I was immediately impressed. Makes Class D amps that are over $1K (including both of my Class D’s) seem silly. Class D’s are a budget topology which I laugh when I see $1-2-3-4K class D amps.
The Crown XLS 1002 is not an IcePower amp either, and the actual component quality is kinda trash. Service life on the Crown XLS are pretty low. I expect the XTZ to have much higher quality components.
I was expecting my Classe CA-D200 class D amp to last a long time too with its "higher quality" components. Nope ... it shit the bed after 4 years. I guess $4000 doesn't buy longevity anymore. I replaced it with the XLS 2002 for $659 and it sounds just as good. Classe bragged about how their design was better than the Hypex nCore.
Everybody should own an amp like this! Forget all the esoteric nonsense. Class D is the real deal, transparent, powerful, cheap
If people could put down their biases this is the type of amp most people could live with, enjoy and never think twice about.
If it doesn't draw attention to itself, that's a good thing! The ICE module amps are generally good amplifiers, I plan to use some for the subwoofers in my new home theater.
Thankyou Andrew & Kristi for another great review.
I, for one, am very interested in a couple of Class D amps.
Please tell me that the "other" Class D amp you are reviewing is the new Cambridge Audio EVO 150.
I am very interested in that amp, and would also love to hear your take on the Peachtree Audio Nova amps.
Keep up the great work.
When you can't think of what to say about an amp, does that mean it's good, or meh? Does it mean it's uninvolving, maybe a little too sterile perhaps. Should an amp give you pleasure, or leave you cold. Is hyper detail enough? I wonder if Kristi isn't just telling it like it is. Her honest commentary is refreshing.
Crowns were made to be hidden 🤣
Hey there 😊
I have one A2-300 for each front, and I absolutely love them. Speakers have dual 12" woofers, and the amp controls them perfectly. Speakers are 4 ohm, so when I biamp, they have 600 watts each 😊
I am planing on getting another one for my centerchannel which now is the babybrother of my fronts, with dual 10". Haven't decided if I will use both of the dual 10 speakers as center, or if I shall biamp only one like with the fronts. The A2-300 is what will be drving it regardless. Love the sound, and the control. 1500 in dampingfactor might have a say in the control 🤪 the A2-400 has 600 in dampingfactor, but I suppose that is enough too 😊
Great content, as always 🤘🤘🤘
Btw: I would say that having a neutral poweramp, is the best. I want my avr (maybe processor if finances allow in thw future), to do the colouration. Especially when having an avr where I only power the fronts. If the amp had much couloration, the sound would not be uniform through the speakers 🤷♂️
Informative and entertaining.
What preamp pairs well with this amp and why are preamps so expensive?
Also, a speaker preferably large that plays metal with a very quick bass response.
Thanks,
Dwight
Love your channel as well as your other commentator!
A tube pre amp and an equalizer really brings out the best in a class D. Just my opinion of course. I like the fact that most all Class D amps do not mess with the sound, I want to do that. They can actually be a lot of fun with the right gear, and you do not have to break the bank to do exactly that. A Schiit Loki and say a Saga tube amp, $550 new. Or get on some of the used Hi-Fi classified websites and pay quite a bit less for used gear. That is what I have been doing, there is some very good gear out there for sale right now, at huge savings off of new. I just picked up a Schiit Freya S and a Gungnir Multibit DAC for $1250 delivered to my door, with like new $50+ XLR cables included. If I bought from Schiit, that would have cost me $2000 with shipping. Darn near half off full retail, pretty hard to beat in my book.
I like Class D and the small form factor. I have an SMSL DA-8S, but I don't use it to drive speakers. I use the balanced output from the DAC into the balanced inout of the amp to drive my Audio Technica ATH-8 electrostat / electret headphones via the energiser box connected to the speaker outputs of the amp. It's a pretty awesome combination
I use SMSL for various things, the use of balanced XLR connections really brought me on board. I have the SU-8 and I use that to drive powered speakers and I use a FIO K5 Pro for my headphones and I drive powered monitors off of that as well. I really want a SU-9 but they are still pretty expensive right now.
@@joshuasterling2144 I also have the SMSL SU-8. Use a vintage 1997, Marantz CD67SE, which I've modified internally wth Boom Mat damping, as my source. I can't use speakers right now, so I listen primarily with headphones.
The Audio Tecnica electrostatic is 38 years old and is also modified with bigger and deeper pads to give more bass loading. Still sounds great.
@@chutgowdingo-loon3212 I missed my chance to get in on electro stats when the Koss model was out. Obviously the best way to listen. Cheers
Seems like your trying to speed thing up and provide more details in a shorter amount of time. Speaking for myself, I come to your channel for the slower conversational tone and pace. Feels more genune, as if I’m having a discussion instead of being read off a teleprompter. Just some food for thought 💭! Love you guys and great review as always.
Noted.
To be 100% honest, I’m trying out a bunch of new equipment in an attempt to streamline my workflow to hopefully maximize my time. I’m still getting used to the setup, which you’re likely noticing. But as for the info, nothing about what I’m saying or conveying to you has changed. I have always written a script for every review. Over the last two years I’ve just gotten better and more concise at delivering that script. But it used to take me 2-4 hours to record a 12 minute to camera review because I was doing 4 pages from memory -on the spot. This was obviously very frustrating for me and stressful for Kristi. So we’re just trying to find a system that brings you guys the same great content but that doesn’t tax me as much emotionally and mentally.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews oh okay that makes total sense. Well I’m all for saving time and keeping things stress free! Guess all I meant was don’t change or think we won’t watch a longer video. We enjoy the personality just as much as the product itself IMO. Thanks for the reply!
Yea good to know. I had the same feeling, it felt quick and rather abstract than going into detail about the main product. Cheers non the less
Kristie needs her own show... Honestly, she is great!
I think I am going to purchase this amp, (I just did, it is on its way) it is on sale right now, as I have been debating between this XTZ ICE amp vs the Purifi. The quietness of this, and that it does not add anything to the music is exactly what I am looking for. The reviews I have seen on this, along with its little brother the A2-300, have all been very good, as they have with the Purify selection out there.
XTZ as a company interests me, they look to have some very cool gear with sound engineering backing up their products, another reason I am weighing more towards this particular amp vs the Purify options out there.
Then the Kristi Metric, her not hearing this amp is actually a selling point. I'm looking for something that I can play around with using a tube amp, (the A2-400 has XLR inputs), along with pairing this with a good preamp and equalizer. If there is any colorization happening, I want to do it myself. And it is nice that this little amp can drive anything thrown at it.
And I like Class D amps, I like the sound vs an A/B, the fact that a Class D does not colorize the sound like an A/B. Then the physical size of the Class D units, this one can be safely tucked away. For myself, a Class D is more reminiscent of car audio, a sound I actually perfer, especially with speakers that would be considered "Fun".
I will pull the trigger on this amp and the Magnat Transpuls, another Kristi favorite. The Transpuls are a speaker I have actually been desiring, but did not want to spend three to fifteen thousand dollars on, see Klipsch and JBL. There is no reason for these outrageous prices for a sheet of MDF and a big honking woofer, a FUN speaker should not break the bank.
Another Kristi "Fun" rated speaker, the Monitor Audio Bronze 100 speakers, are now in Amazon to buy list. I want to try these in the home theater with the SVS SB-3000 subs.
Thank you both. You are doing a fantastic job at spending my money. ;-)
Andrew, when it comes to the crown XLS 2502 is a very low noise floor even at 1.2 KW per channel. Cannot stress very neutral amp, garbage in garbage out. No roll off at the top end, very smooth and textured., no grain, I know a few that run these with Maggies and sold their several times more expensive amps. Needs excellent power cables and inner connect cables. Also place on butcher blocks. Happy listening.
I bought the crown...mostly on your review. I couldn't be happier! My old Maggies LOVE it!
Crown + Magnepan is always magic.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews Magic is the best descriptive I've heatd...its amazing. Thank you for your review
Thanks for all the comparisons with other amps! Really useful.
Nuforce essentially became Nuprime which is still very much in business. I had their IDA-8 amp which is very nice sounding. I only got rid of it to make room for more. I still have a Wyred4sound Mint, though.
Could u plz specify the problems ?
Hi there. I’m with Kristi 😄
I don’t have any experience with power amps so sorry if my questions are stupid.
1. Does a power amp like this emulate the sound of the pre-amp connected to it, say, a tube pre-amp?
2. Do any speakers need 800W of power!!
Haven't been this early to a video in a long time! Love what you guys do!
Thank you for joining us this morning!
Thanks so much!
Geezzz what I wrote yesterday no longer applied...what a difference in another day of being constantly on...WOW Xs10. It's all there, timbre, details. Soundstage..yada. 400.00 is a huge BARGIN.
ok, so now that you guys are a big-deal review channel with 170k+ subs I have some demands, err I mean requests:
1. I’d love to see some more class-D comparisons between similarly priced gear, like ICEpower vs Ncore, etc.
2. I’d REALLY love to see a review of the Yamaha PX series, and a shootout with the venerable Crown XLS. As far as I know, nobody has even bothered to look at these for home use, despite them being readily available and seemingly well-rated by their intended market. To my eye they look much better than the Crown and the finishes fit better in a hifi setting (which I think matters in this context). They might pack in more DSP and sound shaping features too. Given how many fans Yamaha’s hifi offerings have, and how well-regarded their studio monitors are, I can’t imagine that their class D pro amps would disappoint.
I love the dialogue guys! Thanks Kristi for the honesty, brutal honesty.
Nice review, but I'm surprised that you didn't compare it to ANYTHING from NAD, or Purifi, or PS AUDIO. I want to see you review the Stellar line. That said if you didn't notice the amp, then you should have really enjoyed your music.