MIKEVO
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Being a strong advocate of separate Power Amplifiers to supplement AV Receivers over the years, I thought I would try my Anthem MRX-1120 as a Processor only. (I Know I should have got the AVM60 ).
I noticed the other day, someone on the AV Forums mentioned the IOTAVX AVXP1 had a discount code on the IOTA Website, meaning 7 Channels of real world power for about £900.
Admittedly, this is a very Large and Heavy Power Amp, but with a 1.3KVA Toroidal Transformer, 90,000uf of Capacitance and 7 individual Class A/B Amplifier Modules each with their own Heatsink, it’s hardly surprising.
It weighs over 30KG, has Single Ended RCA and Fully Balanced XLR Inputs, very solid, Gold Plated Binding Posts that accept 4mm Binding Posts or bare cable, a 12V Trigger input and Dimming Function, if you use the AVX1 7.1 Processor.
I reckon with a Thick Faceplate and Fancy Case, this Power Amp would weigh over 45KG (and probably cost 4 times the price). But I want performance over fancy looks.
I run Dali Phantom Ikon as my LCR, Dali Kompass In ceiling Atmos and Active Adam Artist6 for Side and Rear Surrounds.
My Subs are Dual XTZ 12.17 and they are superb.
Anyway, here's what I did:
After lots of sweat, lifting and connecting (My Son did this as I have hurt my back).
I re-ran ARC and fired up my system and was immediately aware that my system sounded like it had received a boost of adrenaline, especially with the LCR, voices seemed so natural and my son said “It sounds more crisp, the T’s at the end of words are clearer and everything seems more realistic".
The Atmos Channels had become more apparent and seemed to benefit from the extra power on tap. Placement of objects was more identifiable, even on the LCR.
We have watched 8 Movies in 3 days and I have listened to The Eagles "Farewell From Melbourne” Tour a couple of times and I am a very pleased with the sonic results on all material. All of which I am very familiar with and all seem improved.
Even the wife agreed! The whole family is happy because of a new Power Amplifier.
Dynamics are improved. Overall, a very refined sound and lots of power available, even when pushing at high SPL.
At my listening position, in my 20Ft by 13 Ft AV Room, I was peaking out at 104.5db at -20db on the Volume Knob and there was loads of available headroom. (I was getting a headache).
Transient peaks appear limitless and the immediacy of volume change is quite shocking at times, without sounding aggressive.
Hopefully I shall get another soon as I would like to Bi-Amp the front 3 speakers, which I may change to XTZ M8 as I have room for a wider Soundstage.
Personally have had good results with Bi-Amping and I think the M8’s would really Rock with the AVXP1.
I think I may go Passive with my Side and Rear surrounds, as the switching off and on of the Actives during quiet scenes can be annoying at times, possibly XTZ S5 as they give the flexibility for 7.1 or Atmos.
With the price of the AVXP1 and its ability to deliver 7 Channels of High Quality, Real World Power, I don’t think there is anything on the Market Currently, that comes remotely close for the price.
I am a very happy chap, apart from the fact I now have to buy a 75 inch QLED, if I am upgrading my front speakers.
I noticed the other day, someone on the AV Forums mentioned the IOTAVX AVXP1 had a discount code on the IOTA Website, meaning 7 Channels of real world power for about £900.
Admittedly, this is a very Large and Heavy Power Amp, but with a 1.3KVA Toroidal Transformer, 90,000uf of Capacitance and 7 individual Class A/B Amplifier Modules each with their own Heatsink, it’s hardly surprising.
It weighs over 30KG, has Single Ended RCA and Fully Balanced XLR Inputs, very solid, Gold Plated Binding Posts that accept 4mm Binding Posts or bare cable, a 12V Trigger input and Dimming Function, if you use the AVX1 7.1 Processor.
I reckon with a Thick Faceplate and Fancy Case, this Power Amp would weigh over 45KG (and probably cost 4 times the price). But I want performance over fancy looks.
I run Dali Phantom Ikon as my LCR, Dali Kompass In ceiling Atmos and Active Adam Artist6 for Side and Rear Surrounds.
My Subs are Dual XTZ 12.17 and they are superb.
Anyway, here's what I did:
After lots of sweat, lifting and connecting (My Son did this as I have hurt my back).
I re-ran ARC and fired up my system and was immediately aware that my system sounded like it had received a boost of adrenaline, especially with the LCR, voices seemed so natural and my son said “It sounds more crisp, the T’s at the end of words are clearer and everything seems more realistic".
The Atmos Channels had become more apparent and seemed to benefit from the extra power on tap. Placement of objects was more identifiable, even on the LCR.
We have watched 8 Movies in 3 days and I have listened to The Eagles "Farewell From Melbourne” Tour a couple of times and I am a very pleased with the sonic results on all material. All of which I am very familiar with and all seem improved.
Even the wife agreed! The whole family is happy because of a new Power Amplifier.
Dynamics are improved. Overall, a very refined sound and lots of power available, even when pushing at high SPL.
At my listening position, in my 20Ft by 13 Ft AV Room, I was peaking out at 104.5db at -20db on the Volume Knob and there was loads of available headroom. (I was getting a headache).
Transient peaks appear limitless and the immediacy of volume change is quite shocking at times, without sounding aggressive.
Hopefully I shall get another soon as I would like to Bi-Amp the front 3 speakers, which I may change to XTZ M8 as I have room for a wider Soundstage.
Personally have had good results with Bi-Amping and I think the M8’s would really Rock with the AVXP1.
I think I may go Passive with my Side and Rear surrounds, as the switching off and on of the Actives during quiet scenes can be annoying at times, possibly XTZ S5 as they give the flexibility for 7.1 or Atmos.
With the price of the AVXP1 and its ability to deliver 7 Channels of High Quality, Real World Power, I don’t think there is anything on the Market Currently, that comes remotely close for the price.
I am a very happy chap, apart from the fact I now have to buy a 75 inch QLED, if I am upgrading my front speakers.