Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
PA3
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Product Type: Stereo Power Amplifier
- Power Output: 45W (8Ω, 2 channels), 90W (8Ω, 1 channel bridged), 90W (4Ω, 2 channels), 180W (4Ω, 1 channel bridged)
- THD+N: ≤0.005% (80% power, 1 kHz)
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >105dB (32W, A-weighted)
- Frequency Response (+/-3dB): 10Hz - 100kHz
- Power Supply: 115VAC or 230VAC, @ 50/60Hz
- Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 435 x 70 x 240 mm
- Weight: 6.5 kg
- Connections: RCA inputs, 1x Pre Out
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
Select products
IOTAVX SA3
- Positioning: A compact stereo amplifier designed for wired audio setups for smaller spaces.
- Description: Offers Class AB amplification with a short signal path and integrated digital-to-analog conversion for clear performance, which makes it different from the more power-demanding models in the lineup. Compared to the AVXP and SA40 models, it meets basic connectivity needs at a lower cost, suiting users with moderate budgets and modest room sizes.
IOTAVX AVXP 3-230
- Positioning: A three‐channel surround amplifier intended for home theater environments.
- Description: Delivers 230W per channel with substantial buffering through a high-rated capacitor and ring-core transformer for dynamic performance, a technical edge over simpler stereo models. Compared to the SA3 and full system bundles, it offers dedicated front-channel support and robust power management for users needing enhanced home cinema functionality.
IOTAVX SA40 + PA40 Set
- Positioning: A stereo amplifier and power amplifier set aimed at more demanding listening rooms.
- Description: Pairs a refined preamp with a dedicated power section to provide balanced tonal control and extended connectivity options, setting it apart from basic models. Compared to the SA3 and standalone endstages, it delivers improved build refinement and technical versatility.
IOTAVX AVX17 + 2 x AVXP1 + 14 x AperionAudio XLR Audio Kabel Mono 1m
- Positioning: A high-end surround system bundle tailored for comprehensive home audio installations.
- Description: Integrates a preamplifier with dedicated power modules and high-quality cables, featuring advanced signal handling and low noise design that distinguishes it from simpler setups. Compared to the SA3, AVXP 3-230, and SA40 sets, it offers superior technical sophistication and connectivity options.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
I wouldn't break it down to two key technologies, but rather to a general philosophy. With every product, we strive to optimize it for its intended use and omit unnecessary and redundant specifications. This makes the products cheaper, saves us licensing costs, and makes them less prone to errors. Take our AVX17 preamplifier as an example, which has no network, no streaming, no radio, and no DSP simulations. These are all features that are already present in another device or are never used. In return, you get good sound and picture and parametric EQs per channel, so that every customer can adjust the device to best suit themselves and their room. And the preamplifier costs "only" 1799€ and not several thousand euros.
What's your approach to customer support?
We try to provide support in the same way that we would expect from other companies. (When we shop as a private individual.) Always try to answer every email as quickly as possible (usually max 24 hours) on a business day. We are also always easy to reach by phone, and if not, we always try to call you back as quickly as possible.
First, contact the dealer/distributor. If the dealer can't help directly, we'll help either through the dealer or by contacting the customer directly.
From what we've heard from many customers, we're different to others in that we try to offer very quick and straightforward solutions. Even if the warranty has expired, anyone can contact us, and we've always found a customer-oriented solution.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
- Keep the Wolves Away - Uncle Lucius
- The Curse - Agnes Obel
- Bungee Jump - Captain Hook
We also have an official IOTAVX playlist on Qobuz.
What other products pair best with yours?
Generally, our products can be paired with virtually any product thanks to their neutral/natural sound. We use speakers from AperionAudio (US) and BuchardtAudio (Denmark) at trade fairs and for demonstrations in our showroom.
Used
IOTAVX
What if you spend more?
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a clean and detailed sound, allowing listeners to hear nuances in recordings
- Offers good instrument separation and imaging
- Has a low noise floor, creating a 'black background' and enhancing the listening experience
- Compact size for an A-B amplifier
- Does not have RCA inputs, requiring XLR or TRS balanced connections
Product Considerations
- May not have enough power for inefficient speakers or large rooms
- External power supply 'brick' is large
- No remote control
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The LA90 has a more neutral sound than Cambridge Audio AXA25, which is cleaner and more detailed
- The LA90 comes close to Benchmark AHB2's performance, but does not outperform it in bass impact and soundstage size, and the AHB2 also has more protection systems
- The LA90 offers more vocal clarity and fuller bottom end than Schiit Vidar, but the Vidar is more exciting on top
- Emotiva A1's have more power
Takeaway: The Topping LA-90 Discrete is a small amplifier that produces very clear sound with good detail, making it great for those who already have balanced audio equipment. It could be a nice upgrade for those seeking to hear all the subtleties in their music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Impressive specs and measurements showcase extremely low noise and distortion
- Clean and transparent sound aims for a neutral reproduction of music
- Compact size and sleek design make it suitable for small spaces
- CNC machined aluminum chassis allows for maximum thermal flow to keep the unit running cool
Product Considerations
- Included external power supply is large and heavy, which can be a challenge to hide
- Power output may be limiting, especially with demanding speakers and for high dynamic range tracks
- Bass performance, while tight and controlled, may lack sub-bass extension and impact for some listeners
- Lack of a remote control limits its convenience as an integrated amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Discrete version matches the Topping LA90 IC based unit's exemplary performance, but betters it in power handling
- The Topping LA90 comes close to the Benchmark AHB2 in noise floor and detail retrieval, but the AHB2 has more power, impactful bass, and a bigger soundstage
Takeaway: The Topping LA90 is a compact and technically proficient amplifier that delivers a clean and transparent sound and with impressive specs. It is best suited for those with efficient speakers and a preference for accurate sound reproduction without coloration.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Bass performance is taut, detailed, and well-dampened
- Delivers a neutral presentation overall
- Has a solid steel chassis and milled aluminum faceplate
- The A1 is able to drive low impedance speakers with power and grandeur
- Produces 200 watts into 8 ohms and 325-350 watts into 4 ohms
- Only has a single line-level RCA-style input
Product Considerations
- Audible tweeter hiss may be present at idle, especially with highly efficient speakers
- High frequencies are not as smooth at the edges, exhibiting just faint traces of grain when listening at above-average levels
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rotel 1592 MkII amp: A1 is notably quieter and more detailed
- Vs Crown XLS Drive Core 2 amps: A1 is equally neutral in tone, has a lower noise floor, and a more consumer-friendly design
- Vs Schiit Vidar: A1 has a larger soundstage
Takeaway: The BasX A1 monoblock amplifier delivers good power and a neutral sound signature. It is a great option for those looking to expand an existing AVR or build a cost-effective hi-fi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Pleasant, smooth, and relaxed playback
- More insight and tightness in the music
- Much insight into sound and musical structure
- A fresh and modern-looking product with a clean and unfussy exterior, which looks simple yet elegant
- Manages a difficult balancing act superbly—forgiving enough not to emphasise the shortcomings of limited partnering equipment, yet still having the insight and transparency to make the most of more capable signals
Product Considerations
- The front panel display lacks crispness due to the 'frosted' finish
- The speaker terminals don't offer a great deal of space
- The back panel itself shows a certain amount of flexibility, which is a little worrying in terms of longevity
- The power on paper is a little optimistic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Atoll IN50: The Atoll plays a bit bigger, but Arcam gives more insight and tightness
- Vs Cambridge Audio Azur 840A: The Arcam A5's midrange and voice reproduction that the Cambridge just couldn't quite match
Takeaway: The Arcam A5 is a well-rounded performer that plays music enjoyably without getting in the way and is affordable, feature-rich and uncomplicated. It is a great amp for someone looking for a balance of performance and features.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very well-built and feels solid and heavy for its size
- Uses high-quality components such as Japanese Alps potentiometer, Omron relay, Nover Gold Audio capacitors, and Toshiba transistors
- Has a toroidal transformer that is considered overkill for its power output, which is a positive thing
- Has a warm sound signature, sometimes described as tube-like
Product Considerations
- Lacks a volume indicator on the knob
- Only has one set of RCA inputs, which may limit connectivity for some users
- Some reviewers found the 50 watts per channel to be lacking punch with certain speakers
- Has no remote, digital inputs, streaming capabilities, or phono stage
- The gold color of the chassis may not appeal to everyone
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Fosi Audio HD-A1 is slightly cleaner with a lower noise floor than the Emotiva A300, but lacks the punch
- Paired with infinity intermezzo 4.1 T speakers, the Fosi Audio HD-A1 sounds better than the Marantz nr1200 powering Sony SSCS5 speakers
- The Fosi Audio HD-A1 has a similar clean, powerful class A/B signature as the Emotiva A300, but with a touch of warmth
Takeaway: The Fosi Audio HD-A1 is a compact and powerful amplifier with high-quality components and a warm sound. It could be a great entry point into hifi audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Compact size and respectable heft make it suitable for desktops and small spaces
- Clean and clear sound with good detail retrieval, leaning slightly towards warm, but not overly so
- Enough power to drive moderately sensitive speakers well, especially in nearfield setups
- Features a headphone jack that shunts power from speaker outputs, and gain adjustments for customized sound
- Offers versatile connections for multi-room setups, including power triggers and loop outs
Product Considerations
- Treble presentation is on the forward side of neutral, with a little extra energy, which may not suit all preferences
- Speaker terminals are close together, which may cause issues with shorting if using spades or thick bare wire
- Not ideal for very high efficiency speakers due to a potentially audible noise floor
- May lack dynamic punch with low sensitivity speakers in larger listening spaces
Takeaway: The Parasound ZoneAmp V3 is a well-built and compact amplifier that offers a clean and detailed sound, suitable for desktop or small room use. Its versatile features and surprising sound quality make it a great option for those seeking a no-nonsense amplifier.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Good sound quality, especially in the midrange, leads to vivid and well-formed vocals
- Versatile, it works well with both efficient headphones/IEMs and moderately powered speakers
- Compact design and good build quality, with the chassis acting as a heatsink
- Ability to roll op amps allows users to customize the sound signature
- Ample power for most headphones and nearfield speaker setups
- Only one RCA input, which may be limiting for some users
Product Considerations
- Speaker amplifier power (35-45W) might be insufficient for power-hungry speakers or larger rooms
- The base model op amps are sonically inferior to upgrade options
- Mild turn-off thump present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Funk has a narrower but deeper soundstage with better imaging and layering than the Arylic A08 Pro
- The Funk has superior imaging, but less potential power output depending on the Arylic's power supply than the Arylic A07/A08 Pro
- The Funk is preferred for desktop speaker setups with Vivid opamps when compared to Schiit Aegir
Takeaway: The Burson Funk is a solid choice for people wanting good sound from both their headphones and speakers in a single, convenient unit. The ability to change the sound by swapping op amps is a welcome feature for those who like to tinker and upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Great value for the money and an attractive price point
- Balanced input and single-ended RCA input
- Op amps are swappable
- Compact form factor
- Versatile with stereo and mono mode
Product Considerations
- The volume control was found to be touchy by some reviewers
- The included power brick is quite large, almost as big as the unit itself
- The binding posts are small
- The RCA input sounds inferior to the XLR input
- The amplifier does not high pass the mains when a subwoofer is plugged in
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Fosi Audio V3: ZA3 is considered a more mature version with stylistic elements and new features like balanced inputs and mono mode, with a naturalness in the tonal quality
- Vs SMSL AO200 MKII: AO200 MKII delivers better clarity, definition, and resolution of the sound
Takeaway: The ZA3 is a versatile and compact amplifier that offers great value, especially for those starting their audio journey. Its ability to be used in both stereo and mono configurations and the option to upgrade components make it a flexible choice for various setups.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build quality, featuring a CNC milled aluminum chassis and durable construction
- Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA) technology by THX, aiming for transparent sound reproduction without coloration
- Relay volume control provides precise channel matching
- Plenty of power to drive a wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to demanding planars
- Balanced XLR inputs and outputs
Product Considerations
- No pre-amp output
- The notched volume control might not be to everyone's liking
- Gets quite warm during use, especially with the SU-9 DAC stacked on top
- Some reviewers noticed a clicking noise when adjusting the volume
- The three-feet design may not be as stable as a four-feet design
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. SMSL SP200: Better unit at repelling noise, with a higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower total harmonic distortion—completely solved the SP200's issue with not having a pitch-black background
- Vs. Benchmark HPA4: Very close to the HPA4 in performance, with some minor differences observed only with high-end headphones
Takeaway: The SMSL SH-9 is a well-built and powerful headphone amplifier with a clean, transparent sound. It is a good choice for audiophiles looking for an accurate and detailed listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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