IOTAVX is not a name so well-known in the hi-fi industry but looking at its offerings at affordable price points, it is likely to get a reputation soon. It has recently introduced an integrated amplifier in the form of SA3 to hit the sweet spot between quality and budget.
The IOTAVX SA3 is a powerful integrated stereo amplifier with a built-in subwoofer and DAC output. Let us try to take a closer look at the product to learn more about its features, specs, offerings, and limitations and help buyers make an informed decision.
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IOTAVX SA3 Review – UPDATED 2021
The IOTAVX SA3 integrated amplifier with Bluetooth is built with an attention to detail that the company incorporates in its entire range of audio components. Designed to deliver 50watts power per channel, the SA3 comes with a wide range of analog and digital inputs including Bluetooth and phono to be a versatile unit that is elegant and simple to use.
Specifications
Continuous Power – 45W across 2 channels at 8ohms
Power Supply – 115 or 230 VAC
Frequency Response – 20Hz – 100kHz +/-3dB
Signal to Noise Ratio – >100dB
Input Sensitivity (Line Inputs) – 200mV
Input Sensitivity (Phono Inputs) – 2.5mV
Input Overload (Line Inputs) – 4V
Dimensions – 432mm x 240mm x 59mm
Weight – 6.5kg
Design and Build
The Class AB amplifier is built to be sturdy and bold and comes in a steel casing. It is a big unit with a width of 435mm, a height of 59mm, and a depth of 240mm, weighing 6.5kg. The option to pick either digital, bright lights or dim lights for a subtle look is quite impressive.
The front panel is minimal as most of the space is occupied by the output window with information about source and volume. Towards the right, you find a big volume knob. You can also access the tone/balance controls along with a square power button and a 6.35mm headphone jack on the left.
On the rear, the unit offers five sets of RCA sockets, an mm Phono input, pre-amp outputs, record outputs, and subwoofer outputs. It has an integrated Wolfson DAC offering coax and optical inputs while the included remote control lets you control the unit. There is also an Extension Port that accepts the Bluetooth dongle available as an option.
Features
The IOTAVX SA3 comes with a tone control that enables you to achieve the best adaptation of the sound to your interest and surrounding. You can boost up treble and bass by up to 10dB in increments of 1dB. Moreover, you can also adjust the balance between the left and right speakers in 10 steps each to both directions.
The signals of digital inputs are converted internally with the Wolfson DAC. The front panel has an easy-to-read display that makes it easy to control the amp with the remote control. You also get the facility to turn on and off the lighting of the display and the LEDs on the front. Apart from the sophisticated design, the amplifier section is impressive as it achieves a high degree of efficiency and maximum precision with the amp circuitry.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The SA3 not only offers excellent analog and digital connectivity but also allows streaming music directly from a smartphone or any other Bluetooth-enabled device with the optional Bluetooth module that plugs into the extension port at the rear of the unit. It supports the latest Bluetooth AptX audio standard.
Sound Quality
Though the SA3 is quite flexible and feature-packed, its most impressive characteristic is the sound quality. With a high-quality Toroidal power transformer and the amplifier stage, the unit delivers a rich sound with minimal noise in any setup. For the price, the amp provides quite a balanced output with minimal distortion and optimum precision.
Like most other amps, it is quite linear with not much coloration but stands out with its sound quality as you use it. You also get the added benefit of adjusting the bass and treble on the output to achieve the desired sound. The amp delivers a clean output which gets you full, multi-layered instruments both in the background and when you raise the volume with RCA inputs.
The Bluetooth also offers good sound and clarity. It is quite clear and balanced and worth adding the extra dongle. It readily plugs into the port on the rear and supports the latest standard of audio. It is quite easy to use, you just plug it in, select Bluetooth, connect the phone and you are ready to go. You can quickly make adjustments to the bass with the remote control. The sound quality is also impressive with vinyl inputs though it does not match that of some other high-end equipment.
IOTAVX SA3 Integrated Amplifier & Stack
The IOTAVX SA3 comes as either a standalone integrated stereo amplifier or a part of the power amplifier setup with the PA3 from the brand. The power amplifier uses the class AB technology and connects to the amp in such a way that you can use all the features on the SA3 in conjunction with this power amp.
Using the integrated amp with the power amp allows enjoying the many benefits of the SA3 rather than limiting the setup to a separate power amp that performs just one function. The sound quality of the PA3/SA3 combination is much better than what you would achieve with just one amp. A better layout means the signal paths are shorter and you get a performance boost.
The IOTAVX SA3 offers a powerful 90W per channel at 4ohms so that enough power is always available to drive speakers. Whenever more power is needed, the integrated amplifier can be used in mono mode and combined with a power amplifier like IOTAVX PA3 after which the setup provides 180W power at 4ohms per channel.
IOTAVX SA3 Vs Cambridge Audio
Cambridge Audio is another powerful integrated amplifier ranked as one of the best in the hi-fi industry. It offers a power of 80W per channel as compared to the 50Watts of the SA3. The amp also houses an ESS Sabre DAC whereas the SA3 uses the Wolfson DAC to convert signals. Both these integrated amps come with aptX Bluetooth support for direct streaming from any Bluetooth-enabled device. The difference is that the SA3 needs to add a separate dongle for this connectivity while the Cambridge Audio comes equipped with a Bluetooth receiver.
Cambridge Audio CXA61 Stereo Integrated Amplifier – 60 Watts Per Channel
Both the IOTAVX SA3 and Cambridge Audio offer an impressive array of connections. The Cambridge Audio has four RCAs and a balanced XLR and omits a phono input. There are no digital inputs available as well. For the outputs, the amp includes a subwoofer, preamp, and also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, with options to add two speakers.
On the other hand, the IOTAVX SA3 has a variety of analog inputs along with coaxial and optical digital inputs. The MM Phono stage input takes care of turntable lovers. There is also a Rec Out to be able to connect another amp if needed. Both the amps deliver amazing sound quality and feature a robust build, making them excellent additions to any system.
However, the two differ a lot in terms of price and affordability. The Cambridge Audio is a more expensive amplifier priced at about $1300 as compared to the IOTAVX SA3 which is introduced as budget equipment that offers a lot under $500. While the Cambridge Audio does offer some additional perks, the premium price makes the SA3 a better choice for those who want an efficient amp that is affordable.
IOTAVX SA3 Manual
The IOTAVX SA3 integrated amplifier ships with a comprehensive user manual that makes it easier to set up and use. It lists all the safety instructions to use the component safely in any setting. You can also find the product design with an explanation of the front panel controls, rear panel inputs and outputs, and terminals. The manual also describes the remote-control functions in detail.
You can find detailed instructions about connecting the amplifier to different components. The manual also contains a step-by-step explanation of the unit’s operation as well as troubleshooting tips to help you address any problems you may encounter. It gives you complete information on the unit’s maintenance so that you can handle it without any professional assistance.
Conclusion
The IOTAVX SA3 integrated amp is a great value for money at the price and an excellent choice if you want a linear amp with a variety of listening options. It is easy to use with an included remote and allows adding Bluetooth. It has a powerful DAC that delivers impressive sound reproduction. Moreover, it has a smaller footprint and attracts those who are looking for a low-key hi-fi experience.
There is an exciting count of features that adds to value while the sound speaks of its efficiency. With so much to like about the IOTAVX SA3 – well-designed, simple to use, great sound output, this is an integrated amplifier that should have a place on everybody’s list.
