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Post by bigred572005 on Mar 26, 2015 14:24:08 GMT -5
Good Afternoon Everyone,
I just pick up some Bowers and Wilkins 686's at Best Buy for $159; couldn't pass up that deal! I am considering setting up a little 2 channel given these speakers don't need a lot of power. Does anyone have any recommendations between the Mini X100 or the Fusion Flex? Any other recommendations are also welcome, but I'm looking to stay under the $250 price range.
As always, I appreciate your input.
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Post by rvsixer on Mar 27, 2015 7:17:45 GMT -5
If you need a remote, the Flex is the one to get (and available under the Sherbourn label for considerably less and comes with a 10 year warranty).
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Post by pallpoul on Mar 27, 2015 9:03:37 GMT -5
the remote control on the fusion flex is flimsy at best. I found the mini x-100 much better and stable to use. the fusion has an extra rca input if I remember well, but overall I did not like the fusion, and sold mine and kept the mini x-100. just mho.
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Post by rvsixer on Mar 27, 2015 10:26:22 GMT -5
Does the mini have a remote? If so yes agreed it looks like a better choice (I am also shopping for a small amp, but remote is a must).
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Post by Dark Ranger on Mar 27, 2015 14:10:10 GMT -5
Hi bigred,
I have experience with the mini-X (Gen 1) and the Fusion Flex. In fact, the mini-X was the first Emotiva amp I bought back in the day as a way to test the waters. That little amp blew away my Denon AVR in several ways, and needless to say, I was hooked.
As mentioned earlier in this thread, the Fusion Flex is based on a Sherbourn product (PA 2-50). The new Flex has several upgrades in key areas. However, the mini-X and Flex are, near-as-makes-no-difference, identical in the power supply and overall guts. They both produce about the same amount of power and sound about the same overall (to my ears). Where they differ (in my opinion) is in features and intended use.
I think the mini-X is best used for a desktop or primary system. Turn the potentiometer up to max and control the volume with an external DAC or processor. It has a trigger in/out so it can be powered on/off along with the rest of your equipment. It's kind of a no-frills desktop amp.
The Fusion Flex is a better fit as an integrated amp, such as in a bedroom or study. Features like two inputs, automation, and remote control make it more enjoyable to use for this purpose. I had a mini-X in my bedroom for a while, and although it sounded great, the lack of remote control was kind of an issue. Plus the bright blue halo was very distracting at night (in contrast, the Flex's more demure lighting is easier on the eyes). The remote is one of the best things I like about the Flex. Super handy! Yes, it's a plastic affair, but assuming you aren't rough with it, the remote should last you a while. Currently, I use the Flex to drive two bass shakers for my HT. The remote is very useful here because I can easily adjust the vibration intensity without getting up out of my seat.
Another noteworthy difference between the mini-X and Fusion Flex is how the volume is controlled. The potentiometer on the mini-X is smooth and quickly adjustable. However, like most potentiometers, it can be less accurate at low volumes. Some mini-X owners have mentioned channel imbalance below about 8:30 to 9:00 o'clock on the dial. The left channel might be several dB louder than the right channel or vice-versa. It's usually not an issue above 9:00 o'clock though. Basically if you have really sensitive speakers or have a source connected with no variable volume (e.g. CD player), this could be an issue if you prefer very low volume levels (like in a bedroom system).
In contrast, the Fusion Flex has a digitally-controlled analog volume which offers near-perfect channel tracking even at very low levels. You also don't lose resolution (quality) at very low levels as with traditional digital volume controls. The downside is that it takes a bit longer to increase or decrease the volume compared to the mini-X's rotary dial.
They are both great products and I love each of them for different reasons. It really just comes down to your setup and the level of convenience you expect.
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Post by tasdom on Mar 27, 2015 15:39:53 GMT -5
^^^
Very informative comparison, thanks for posting.
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Post by brubacca on Mar 27, 2015 16:53:27 GMT -5
Get the Flex... It is more flexible and a great little amp. Remote, dual inputs completely worth it.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2015 19:03:50 GMT -5
Yes get the flex same performance more functions.
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