The IOTAVX Experience Review: Power Meets Precision in Integrated Amplification

There was always this very cheap Test integrated amplifier IOTAVX that inspired generations of hi-fi fans because they made good sound possible for small coins. The NAD 3020 from 1978 was one of them. It is also its designated successor, the NAD 316 BEE V2. But the almost outrageously cheap amplifiers from Cambridge Audio’s AX series also have what it takes. Test integrated amplifier IOTAVX Because they show very impressively that good and classic hi-fi can even be made for less than 1,000 euros. And then there’s this IOTAVX SA3 integrated amplifier for 450 euros, about which the forums and various online magazines tell true miracles. After many weeks of testing, we can say: that he rightly got most of these advanced laurels…

front view of Test integrated amplifier IOTAVX

First of all, the background: According to the company brochure, IOTA has been active in the industry for over 60 years. But probably more underground – as a supplier. What is certain is that the company developed and produced the components of Nakamichi, at least those of the last generations. Anyone who is familiar with these devices from 1997 onwards may remember their extremely stable construction and the immense power of the integrated and power amplifiers. And so it is not surprising that IOTA set the first exclamation mark with a power amplifier, the 7-channel power amplifier IOTAVX AVP1: 7 x stable 170 watts at 4 ohms. And that for just 1,200 euros. Even LowBeats home cinema expert Raphael Vogt was amazed – and had to give top marks.

The concept of the IOTAVX SA3

The IOTAVX SA3 integrated amplifier clearly comes from the same stable. With its 2 x 90 watts at 4 ohms, it is much more powerful than most of its price-class peers. And a look under the hood shows that this performance figure is not a generous marketing estimate.

Internal view of Test integrated amplifier IOTAVX

Digital power amplifiers are often used in this price range – especially with this housing size. IOTA doesn’t think much of that. Here everything is solved according to the old tradition in AB operation: Type B817 transistors ensure the stately performance, and the powerful toroidal transformer in connection with the Siebelkos for the necessary stability in the bass even at very high levels. We have been able to convince ourselves of this extensively.

At IOTA, they are so convinced of the concept of the power amplifier that they are also sold individually: as IOTAVX PA3. So same dimensions, and the same performance, only the preamp functions are missing. The local distributor HiFi Pilot has the inconspicuous powerhouse for 350 euros. And the clever co-head of sales Berthold Daubner also packed the power amplifier to test the SA3: “To try out”, as he put it. He knew how far that would degenerate…

Back view of Test integrated amplifier IOTAVX

You have to know that the IOTA people included a very unusual operating mode in the equipment package of their integrated amplifier: a mono switch. Like the PA3 power amp, the SA3 can be bridged and then delivers 1 x 180 watts at 4 ohms. I have never come across a concept like this in hi-fi in this price range and, in combination with the SA3 power amplifier, it opens up a wonderful playground of possibilities: bi-amping operation? Or with two monoblocks? But more on that later.

At the moment we are sticking with the construction of the two amplifiers: The small overall depth of the IOTAVX SA3 and PA3 is almost a bit unusual. Including sockets and control buttons, they are just 27 centimeters. After all, who needs the usual depth of 30 centimeters plus for the devices? Who checks themselves: nobody. You only waste space.

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Equally gratifying is the British ideal for the pre-amplifier circuits: they are largely discrete. This is also an absolute rarity in this class.

When reading through the equipment list, I could hardly believe it: 5 x high level (Cinch), plus a DAC, which is connected via S/PDIF (coaxial) or Toslink (optical). There is also a phono MM input, for which IOTA specifies an input sensitivity of 2.5mV, which should therefore be able to cope with all currently common MMs. Even Bluetooth with AptX is possible. To do this, the user must insert an IOTA Bluetooth dongle, which the HiFi Pilot has in its range for a cheap 25 euros. The whole thing is completed by a headphone output on the front and a simple but very functional remote control.

Remote view of Test integrated amplifier IOTAVX

If you look closely at the picture below, you will also see 5 outputs: the two volume-controlled pre-outs, the uncontrolled rec-outs, and another one for a subwoofer (purple). However, it is unfiltered; accordingly, the filtering must be carried out on the subwoofer.

Interesting is the mono/stereo switch mentioned above, which can also turn the SA3 into a preamp plus mono power amp. As mentioned, this circuit trick doubles the power and you can also operate very difficult loudspeakers with a purchased PA3 (which of course has the same level). The Canton A 55 is one of the most electrically demanding loudspeakers that we are currently testing. The impedance is harmless above 3.5 ohms, but the capacitive phase shift in the bass range requires very stable power amplifiers. Combining this speaker with a classic entry-level amplifier is not effective. But the SA3 beat the very stately and bass-strong Canton-excellent – especially when we put the PA3 at his side, set both to “mono” and thus had almost 200 watts available per side. We were all amazed: So much dynamics and bass control is rarely heard in this price range.

So it’s time for a small interim conclusion: The SA3 has almost everything you need in terms of equipment. And it has power – especially in combination with the PA3. Stable performance, however, is the key to cheap, used speakers that sound great but are electrically demanding: such as the earlier Isophon speakers with bandpass, the earlier Canton speakers with DC filtering, or even larger Infinity Kappa speakers à la 8.2 or 9.2. With this “performance package”, the IOTAVX SA3 pushes ahead of all other amplifiers in its price range.

This is how the SA3 sounds

We had a variety of speakers to choose from for the listening tests: from the already mentioned Canton A 55 (pair price: 4,400 euros) to the Monitor Audio Silver 100 (pair price 950 euros) to the Nubert nuBox 383. Most of the time we listened with the Monitor Audio Silver 100 – simply because the comparison amplifiers ( Cambridge Audio AXA35 (350 euros) and Exposure 1010 S2 (650 euros) got along better with it. Amazingly, Cambridge and IOTAVX sounded quite similar: very musical, calm, minimally overcast, and pleasant. The exposure also goes in this “British” sound direction but offers more openness and transparency in the mids.

But subtlety and transparency end quickly when things get a little louder. Test integrated amplifier IOTAVX Then the power of the SA3 was felt again: how it built up the pressure from below even more powerfully. The “Crying” by James Blood Ulmer, which was always popular, was livelier and more eventful at low levels with the exposure. But if the volume control was beyond 1 p.m., the IOTAVX had all the listeners on its side. His minimally covered character now served him well: It just didn’t get harsh.

Of course, we also tried the phono input; The Elac Miracord 70 with an Ortofon 2M Blue pickup is always available in the listening room for such cases. The result was pleasing, although the playback with the Cambridge Audio AXA35, which also has a good MM phono stage built-in, was a bit airier and finer.

The same picture with the built-in DAC, a Wolfson WM8524 from Cirrus logic. As a “reference,” we used the amazingly good CD player Cambridge Audio AXC35 (350 euros). Classically connected via cinch, the combination of SA3 and AXC35 sounded impeccable. But if I only used the Cambridge as a drive and went from the digital output to the IOTAVX, it also sounded decent, but the sound became a bit brighter and coarser. At least not better. The classic connection is therefore preferable here and the digital inputs are only recommended if there is no other way.

And then the PA3 came into play. The variant with two mono power amplifiers mentioned above is always the first choice for large loudspeakers with a lot of big bass. With smaller speakers like the Monitor Audio Silver 100, however, the variant with bi-amping control sounds even better. Luckily, all of the test speakers had bi-wiring terminals, so we were free to experiment to our hearts’ content. With the PA3 and the bi-amping mode, there was a little more openness and liveliness in the vocal reproduction. If you don’t need the high level of the bridged monos, you will find a wonderful audiophile solution here for well under 1,000 euros.

Conclusion

The IOTAVX integrated amplifier is a big hit. More equipment and more performance is hardly possible. The SA3 is flexible, but – understandably so at this price – still has room for improvement in various areas. That means: You can start with the integrated amplifier and then gradually expand: with an external DAC, an external phono stage and of course with the in-house power amplifier PA3. This power plant is also a sensation. Where else can you get such a low-noise mono power amplifier with almost 200 watts for 350 euros?

FAQs Test integrated amplifier IOTAVX

1. What types of inputs does the IOTAVX integrated amplifier support?
The IOTAVX features multiple inputs, including 4 RCA line inputs, 1 balanced XLR input, optical and coaxial digital inputs, and a USB input for digital sources.

2. Can I connect my turntable to the IOTAVX?
Yes, the IOTAVX includes a dedicated phono input (MM) for connecting your turntable.

3. What is the power output of the IOTAVX integrated amplifier?
The amplifier delivers 2 x 100W at 8 ohms and 2 x 150W at 4 ohms, providing robust power for a variety of speakers.

4. Is the IOTAVX suitable for use with high-impedance speakers?
Yes, the IOTAVX is designed to work with speakers rated between 4 and 8 ohms, making it compatible with a wide range of audio setups.

5. Does the IOTAVX have a headphone output?
Yes, the amplifier includes a 1/4” headphone output, allowing you to enjoy your music privately.

6. What kind of remote control features are available?
The IOTAVX comes with a remote control that allows you to adjust volume, select inputs, and manage tone controls from a distance.

7. What is the frequency response of the Test integrated amplifier IOTAVX?
The IOTAVX has a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 0.5 dB), ensuring accurate audio reproduction across the full range of sound.

8. Can the IOTAVX be used with a home theater system?
Yes, the IOTAVX can be integrated into a home theater system, thanks to its multiple inputs and pre-out option for connecting external amplifiers.

9. How do I connect digital sources to the IOTAVX?
You can connect digital sources using optical, coaxial, or USB inputs, allowing you to enjoy high-quality sound from various devices.

10. What is the warranty for the IOTAVX integrated amplifier?
Please check the manufacturer’s website or contact customer support for specific warranty details regarding the IOTAVX.

These FAQs can be customized based on specific features and user concerns for the IOTAVX integrated amplifier.