Datasat RA7300 7-Channel Power Amplifier Review

[Tech News]

Reviewed by Stephen Withers, 2nd August 2013. The RA7300 would elevate any system it was added to but when used in conjunction with Datasat's RS20i audio processor and the results are just spectacular. This marvellous processor/amplifier combination delivered power, accuracy and refinement in equal measures, resulting in a superb audio performance that sets a new standard for home cinema sound. The Datasat RA7300 might well weigh a ton but when it comes to a serious home cinema setup, this powerful amplifier can do all the heavy lifting without breaking a sweat and it can do it with a surprising amount of grace - Reference Status.
Read the full review...

 

[abone]

Great review yet again. I can't wait for mine to come

 

[djnickm]

Brilliant. Cheers.

Time to get the wallet out.

 

[Philw101]

Wow! Seems to be a good amp then? Good review!

Shame about the looks though, not exactly a looker of an amp!

 

[lucmor444]

Wow! Seems to be a good amp then? Good review!

Shame about the looks though, not exactly a looker of an amp!

I love the looks and think it is a whole lot better than many other amps - it also matches very nicely with the RS20i (which I also love the looks of). But of course I do lack a level objectivity in this particular matter. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We all have different tastes and with so many good options out there hopefully we can each find someting attractive.

 

[Philw101]

I love the looks and think it is a whole lot better than many other amps - it also matches very nicely with the RS20i (which I also love the looks of). But of course I do lack a level objectivity in this particular matter. As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We all have different tastes and with some many good options out there hopefully we can each find someting attractive.

Indeed, I agree the look of the amp matters less when its in a rack, power amps just do what they do, sit there. For the majority as long as the sound is key then thats fine, however for some a little attention to detail in the aesthetics wouldn't go a miss. Especially when its in view for all to see and for it to pass the WAF factor. I personally think Classe and McIntosh have great looks and of course sound brilliant. So it can be done!

As for performance of the RA7300 - if its anything like the RS20i then it will be fantastic!

 

[Welwynnick]

To put some context in this, don't forget that the vast majority of AVF amplifier reviews have an overall rating of "EXCELLENT". They can't all be brilliant. Manufacturers and distributors REALLY don't like getting por reviews, so as always, calibrate the review agaist previous reviews before thinking about spending a lot of money.

Nick

 

[djnickm]

I don't really go off of reviews. I try and home dem or at least go and hear it before I purchase. And this is indeed an amazing sounding amp.

 

[jason shep]

I struggle to see the value of amps in this price range,surely it's advantageous to run active speakers that do away with lossy passive crossovers before you get to this price of power amp ?

 

[djnickm]

Andy Bone of Premier AV has taken delivery of his two new RA7300 amps. I know a few have asked about the rear panel of the amps so here is a shot Andy sent me. Certainly looks the business.

 

[AngelEyes]

I struggle to see the value of amps in this price range,surely it's advantageous to run active speakers that do away with lossy passive crossovers before you get to this price of power amp ?

If you use a Processor like the RS20i which can be configured as an active crossover on multiple channels, then any amp can be used in a fully active setup.

Adam

 

[stainless-steel]

If you use a Processor like the RS20i which can be configured as an active crossover on multiple channels, then any amp can be used in a fully active setup.

Adam

It's not acting as a true active crossover though is it? It doesn't output a low level signal per driver, just per cabinet... Or have I misunderstood?
How would it know how to correct for the speaker's crossover phase misalignment rather than the room's influence?

 

[AngelEyes]

It has that capability, yes. Hence why it has so many channels of processing available. Of course you don't have to use it that way if you would prefer more independent channels for instance but there is probably a sweet spot of active fronts and passive surrounds.

Designing the crossover is down to the installer but some custom install speakers are passive (without crossovers) specifically to be used with an external active crossover (Pro Audio for example). It just so happens the RS20i can do that without the need for additional boxes.

I think the RS20i only has a few options in terms of the type of crossover slope you can use (more options were being discussed at some point?) but it can function perfectly well as an active crossover on any suitable speaker be it 2-way, 3-way etc.

Adam

 

[stainless-steel]

It has that capability, yes....

Adam

Thanks for the clarification, it seems like an awesome bit of kit in the right hands. Still can't quite get my head around it, but that's probably my shortcoming. ;-)

 

[Steve Withers]

To put some context in this, don't forget that the vast majority of AVF amplifier reviews have an overall rating of "EXCELLENT". They can't all be brilliant. Manufacturers and distributors REALLY don't like getting por reviews, so as always, calibrate the review agaist previous reviews before thinking about spending a lot of money.

I don't really go off of reviews. I try and home dem or at least go and hear it before I purchase. And this is indeed an amazing sounding amp.

All our reviews are totally independent and are in no way influenced by the desires of the manufacturers. However our audio reviews are by their very nature more subjective than our video reviews, where we can test against industry standards. So I would always recommend demoing a piece of audio equipment if possible, ideally in your actual room since this can have such an impact on the sound quality.

 

[Steve Withers]

Andy Bone of Premier AV has taken delivery of his two new RA7300 amps. I know a few have asked about the rear panel of the amps so here is a shot Andy sent me. Certainly looks the business.

Thanks for that, the reason there was no shot of the rear panel in the review was because Datasat didn't have a PR shot of the rear and I couldn't move the RA7300 on my own to get a good shot myself.

 

[abone]

Another pic, 2 x RA7300 and the RS20i

 

[jason shep]

Hi Andy,
Do you're Aerial speakers give you the option to bypass the passive xovers & run active & is that what you're doing ?

 

[abone]

Hi Andy,
Do you're Aerial speakers give you the option to bypass the passive xovers & run active & is that what you're doing ?

No we are using splitter cables. Originally we used 2 outputs on the Datasat and the set crossovers mainly to reduce unwanted power and heat to the crossover board in the speaker but now I want the extra output channels for future codecs with rear hight and DV
etc.

 

[jason shep]

Cheers Andy,
I was asking as Angel Eyes had posted on the option to use the Processor as an active xover & I wondered if that's what you were doing.
I had a look at you're fabulous demo room on you're website,is there a reason why you didn't go for an Acoustically transparent screen with the speakers behind ?
I went over to an A.T. screen last year & love the overall improved experience.

 

[abone]

Room size is the reason, now I have fitted the aerial acoustics system one so the room looks different to what it did then.

 

[abone]

A more up to date picture.

 

[jason shep]

Looks really nice