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Emotiva A-100 Basx

Tin Bird

Tin Bird

Active Member
Just ordered the new Emotiva A-100 Basx flex amp to replace my Pioneer Elite A20. Any thoughts on this little guy round here? The reviews I read were highly positive (although, they were for the older model Minix). It appears the only major change is that a headphone jack has been added. Anyone have one of these (or the earlier version) and have thoughts to share? Thanks!
 
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I have it for about a week. Hooked up to a computer through the DAC and to Paradigm Studio 20 speakers.
I have an original Mini-x before. Don't hear or see much of a difference. The only complaint so far is that volume knob feels a bit flimsy,,,
 
Do you like the sound of them? How would you describe it? Warm, thick, clear, adequate bass...etc...? I've seen some descriptions as "bright", but others as warm and friendly. Been wanting an amp without tone controls, but that means it must sound good on its own.
 
It largely (IMHO) depends on your speakers. I (personally) like more bass, so I added a software equalizer.
But even flat with my speakers i like the sound. Effortless I'd say.
 
I have the Wharfedale Denton bookshelf speakers. They go pretty low...I am not a bass freak, although I have had to turn it up on my Pioneer A20 quite a bit. I've never owned a sub and don't plan to get one. My source is an Onkyo 7030 Cd player. I guess we'll see about the bass. Most of the reviews I read for the mini said the bass was full and powerful.
 
Well, got the A-100 last night. My initial thoughts are that it's a very crisp, clear, accurate, neutral sounding amp. Doesn't add or take away and presents everything with very fine detail. Unfortunately, since I have been using the Pioneer A20 for a couple of years and have had the bass turned up to 2 o'clock to get a good sound, the A-100 sounds a little bass shy on first glance. Going to give it some time to break in a bit and see if some more warmth, bloom, thickness fills in...but I'm not hopeful. The other culprit I'm sure is my speakers. Dentons are very polite and unless you give them the oomph, they probably won't make it for you either. So, if you have the right equipment, I could see the A-100 being a great little desk amp. If you need it to produce more bass than the source (in my case the Onkyo 7030 CD player), then probably not your kettle. We'll see...going to give it another week or so to show it's stuff. If it doesn't improve, the next option might be the Onkyo 9010 amp, or just sticking w the Pioneer A20.
 
Have decided I either need a sub or an amp w tone controls (like my Pioneer A20 has). Call me a dreaded music lover but I need bass in my music. The straight "direct" sound of the A-100 is very clear, detailed, and comfortable to listen to, but w my speakers (Dentons) just way too polite and uninvolving. For now I'm going back to the A20. May give the 9010 a shot or something a little higher up. We'll see...
 
Well, have returned both the sub and the amp. Amp was a smidge too bright for my tastes...for folks that love cool neutral with ultra clarity, the A-100 really is a nice sounding amp. Personally I prefer warm so back it went. With the Pioneer A20 (and tone controls) no need for a sub w the Dentons. Back to square one then...
 
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