Is this amp worth $300 more than the Grace Digital GDI-BTAR513 100 Watt Digital Integrated Stereo Amplifier with Built-In AptX Bluetooth
156676
The two units are quite different designs and have different use cases, so a comparison is not really valid. If all you want is an inexpensive AptX/amp combo and you're not a highly critical listener, then the grace might be a good choice. (I haven't seen or tested the grace unit.) If you want more I/O (analog and digital, including a 96/24 USB inerface), a good hi-fi amp, solid build quality, and not having to fuss with a wall wart, then the NAD is a good choice. I'll also mention my 1970s NAD 3020 (which inspired this unit) is still working well.
156677
The two units are quite different designs and have different use cases, so a comparison is not really valid. If all you want is an inexpensive AptX/amp combo and you're not a highly critical listener, then the grace might be a good choice. (I haven't seen or tested the grace unit.)If you want more I/O (analog and digital, including a 96/24 USB inerface), a good hi-fi amp, solid build quality, and not having to fuss with a wall wart, then the NAD is a good choice. I'll also mention my 1970s NAD 3020 (which inspired this unit) is still working well.
599690
At $125.00 a pair you should be happy with the sound quality of this model.These speakers can and do work better with higher wattage-especially if you want to get the bass out of them.If you're going to be playing them at low volume levels you'll be dissapointed in the bass unless you have a 'loudness' button that can be kicked on for low volume listening-or high volume listening.Most vintage amps/receivers that I've owned do have a loudness button feature.I also miss the built in 3-way tone control offered on vintage amps. Mid-range has been removed from most all newer-digital amps/receivers. And I see no reason why for this engineering decision. A.A.Stone, Jax. FL. At $125.00 a pair you should be happy with the sound quality of this model.These speakers can and do work better with higher wattage-especially if you want to get the bass out of them.If you're going to be playing them at low volume levels you'll be dissapointed in the bass unless you have a 'loudness' button that can be kicked on for low volume listening-or high volume listening.Most vintage amps/receivers that I've owned do have a loudness button feature.I also miss the built in 3-way tone control offered on vintage amps. Mid-range has been removed from most all newer-digital... » Read More At $125.00 a pair you should be happy with the sound quality of this model.These speakers can and do work better with higher wattage-especially if you want to get the bass out of them.If you're going to be playing them at low volume levels you'll be dissapointed in the bass unless you have a 'loudness' button that can be kicked on for low volume listening-or high volume listening.Most vintage amps/receivers that I've owned do have a loudness button feature.I also miss the built in 3-way tone control offered on vintage amps. Mid-range has been removed from most all newer-digital amps/receivers. And I see no reason why for this engineering decision. A.A.Stone, Jax. FL. « Show Less
1378392
No, the price des not include an amplifier, that is a separate purchase.There are many good amps. Just make sure it is compatible with the speaker system
86341
I'm using the amp for my flat screen tv, which only has a digital audio out. The tv's speakers aren't very good. I run the digital audio out to a digital to analog converter. Then it's a simple matter of hooking up some speakers. BTW, the amp is well worth the money if you can use its configuration.
1536330
Comparing the 2 setups? The Acoustimass sounds better Imo... I actually set up the Acoustimass 3 and added these 161's to the rear channel of the amp. Sounds great
1625457
If your receiver is pushing more watts per channel then this amp will not be louder. But the quality of sound produced by the Emotiva will more than likely be a large improvement, unless you own a high-end receiver (normally costing thousands of dollars).
260359
It depends on your needs. I have an integrated amp and wanted to add streaming services and an external DAC. This was ideal. However, the functionality is available in most newer AVRs. In my case, where I was looking for an exceptional 2.1 audio experience with Pandora and AirPlay, it was worth every nickel.
621704
I did some brief reading about how to match amps and speakers, and my understanding is that the amp's power rating should be less than that of the speakers--around half the peak rated wattage. But as well as power you have to make sure the impedance of the speakers matches the output impedance range of the amp. If you're running two 8 ohm speakers in parallel on each channel, that's actually 4 ohms, so check those numbers. We use this Grace BTAR122 in conjunction with two 80 watt Polk Atrium 4 speakers and it sounds fantastic.
2045378
Hello. We are not the manufacturer of this amp, we just sell them. However, there is talk from the manufacturer of making an Android app later this year.
1030546
1. As stated by Mr. Hanson, it is an older package. 2. The satellite speakers on the 600 have a mid/range radiator on top. Evidently their bookshelf answer to their bi-polar drivers of the BP series.3. Subwoofer on the 600 has a 250 watt amp where as the 60.6 only has a 150 watt.That being said, I own the 60.6 and I am extremely happy. I use them with a Denon AVR-2310. If you have a larger than 400 sq ft theater space I would consider a second or more powerful sub. But at the current $219 (which is hilarious as the sub itself sells for $299) I see the set going for, its kind of hard to go wrong. 1. As stated by Mr. Hanson, it is an older package. 2. The satellite speakers on the 600 have a mid/range radiator on top. Evidently their bookshelf answer to their bi-polar drivers of the BP series.3. Subwoofer on the 600 has a 250 watt amp where as the 60.6 only has a 150 watt.That being said, I own the 60.6 and I am extremely happy. I use them with a Denon AVR-2310. If you have a larger than 400 sq ft theater space I would consider a second or more powerful sub. But at the current $219 (which is hilarious as the sub itself sells for $299) I see the set going for,... » Read More 1. As stated by Mr. Hanson, it is an older package. 2. The satellite speakers on the 600 have a mid/range radiator on top. Evidently their bookshelf answer to their bi-polar drivers of the BP series.3. Subwoofer on the 600 has a 250 watt amp where as the 60.6 only has a 150 watt.That being said, I own the 60.6 and I am extremely happy. I use them with a Denon AVR-2310. If you have a larger than 400 sq ft theater space I would consider a second or more powerful sub. But at the current $219 (which is hilarious as the sub itself sells for $299) I see the set going for, its kind of hard to go wrong. « Show Less
750933
Nope. It's a great little amp, but not quite as powerful as I thought it would be. It delivers great sound at all levels and is perfect for my application, which is powering two Yamaha outdoor speakers by my patio. I bought this with a NFC-enabled Bluetooth Audio Receiver (< $30) and the combination of the amp, receiver, and speakers (which by the way were less than $80) work like a charm. My patio area is about 20' x 20'. If it were larger, I might need a more powerful amp.Overall, I am delighted with this little device and would highly recommend it for the right application.
1321180
I used the Emotiva a-100 amplifier which is a little over $200 and it sounded great. I'm sure that the 2 channel receivers at Best Buy also should work well but are probably in the $150 and up range. You can also look up Class D amplifiers on the Internet. Some are closer to $100 and anything with 25 watts or more should suffice.Since you are using the computer, the radio on a receiver is not necessary since most stations have websites.
1773399
I use a pro-ject phono box which is approx 149 dollars and it is wonderful. It should be much more than 149. However, I used an integrated amp receiver for many years too.
171051
Hi BenI own a Sony PHA-1 and wasn't very impressed compared to other amps around the same money. There's a newer model a Sony PHA-2 which I haven't heard but has received good reviews. Personally I'd buy a Just Audio AHA-120 which is one of the best portable amps you can get. It sell for around $575.00 and is worth every cent. I bought mine from www.hifiheadphones.co.ukCheers, Gordon.
2134404
In my experience the 2020A is a significantly better amp. It's twice the cost... but worth it. This amp has poor quality control, tents to overhead and perform inconsistently. For around $20, the 2020A is still cheap... and definitely preferable.
275210
Honestly, I can not compare as I have not tried the other. Obviously, it has lots more power. As a previous audiophile, I can tell you that although "sound bars" are convenient they do not compare with real amplifiers and reals speakers. I can tell you I am happy with the sound, and the digital input works well with my 60 inch 1080p 3D TV. My only complaint is when you use digital input you have to use the rinky dink remote that came with the sound bar to control the volume. My advise is don't skimp on sound it is just as important as the picture when it comes to watching movies. Honestly, I can not compare as I have not tried the other. Obviously, it has lots more power. As a previous audiophile, I can tell you that although "sound bars" are convenient they do not compare with real amplifiers and reals speakers. I can tell you I am happy with the sound, and the digital input works well with my 60 inch 1080p 3D TV. My only complaint is when you use digital input you have to use the rinky dink remote that came with the sound bar to control the volume. My advise is don't skimp on sound it is just as important as the picture when it comes to watching movies.
640348
The upa 500 is rated at 80W/channel vs 200 for the XPA which can be a whole world of difference. My previous amp was a NAD 955 @ 100W per channel x 5 and is a fairly highly regarded amp at close to twice the price of the XPA. The additional power in the Emotiva made a huge difference with my PSB Synchrony 1Bs. It's a steal at that price. You'd have to go up significantly expense wise to equal it's performance, maybe to an Outlaw Audio which is a better amp but, again, double the price.