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Post by matrixmaster on Aug 30, 2012 14:56:07 GMT -5
I received my a100 X Mini a couple of days after I got my UMC-1. My experience with the UMC-1 has been phenomenal compared to my Onkyo TX-SR875. Look for my review under pre/pro's. I needed the a100 for my zone 2 outdoor speakers. The combination of the UMC-1 and the a100 is exceptional. My patio has music being reproduced in an involving way. All of my friends have commented on how the sound is way more realistic. I have noticed the vocals much clearer, the timing better, and the harmonics being heard, not just the note. Classical music especially shines. The tuner in the UMC-1 blows away the Onkyo tuner. CBC Radio Two comes in very well here in Vancouver. Now listening to the radio on the patio is a real treat. I find that the amp is very dynamic, delivers effortless power, with lots of headroom. It never feels strained or under duress, even at loud volumes. The auto feature on the amp is great. Since I am using the amp for zone 2 from the pre/pro, when I shut off zone 2 the amp senses no audio signal and shuts down into standby mode. When I turn zone 2 on, the amp senses an auio signal and turns from standby to on. Ingenious. To sum up, I would reccomend this amp to anyone looking for a zone 2 amp, or for a small system, main amp. Phenomenal value and sound quality.
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Post by Dark Ranger on Aug 30, 2012 16:03:38 GMT -5
Hi matrixmaster! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the mini-X a-100. I agree, it's a nice little amp. I used the XDA-1/mini-X combo for a while and really loved it. I've since moved the XDA-1 to my bedroom system, and now use the UMC-1/mini-X combo in my main listening room. While I am aware there are better amps, the value of the a-100 is quite good. It's also a great performer with dynamics, detail, and control. I really enjoy it for stereo listening and it keeps up with my UPA-500 (for movies) with no trouble. Thanks for sharing!
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Post by garbulky on Aug 30, 2012 20:02:26 GMT -5
Glad to hear you are happy with your purchase. Do you notice a channel imbalance at low volumes if you control volume from your mini-x?
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kt10r
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Posts: 209
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Post by kt10r on Sept 17, 2012 9:56:04 GMT -5
Garbulky, I have the unbalance with mine. It turns up the right side before the left at lower volume.
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Post by scrib74 on Jan 9, 2013 13:49:34 GMT -5
Wanted to mention I recently put the a100 mini in my home office along with the infamous $29 parts express bookshelf speakers and well, it made them sound really great. So much so that I stopped worrying about new bookshelves for a while! The perfect amp for the office or garage.
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Post by ribbonking on Jan 9, 2013 14:49:55 GMT -5
Makes a great headphone amp, too. Just need to add speakers taps and 4-pin balanced connectors.
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 9, 2013 17:34:03 GMT -5
OK - I've just got to ask - Has anyone tried the mini x with ultra-high efficiency speakers? I wonder what the mini would do with my Klipsch La Scalas...
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Pauly
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Posts: 5,237
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Post by Pauly on Jan 9, 2013 18:08:45 GMT -5
OK - I've just got to ask - Has anyone tried the mini x with ultra-high efficiency speakers? I wonder what the mini would do with my Klipsch La Scalas... Yep, I use the mini in my two channel system with my 97 or 98db towers, and it is very good. The only problem is the poor channel balance below 9 o' clock or so. I actually like it better than the Rega Brio-R that I demoed in my system a while back. I was set on buying the Rega because it was very good and looks great too, but the mini flat out sounded better to my ears. The Rega went back to the store and the mini stayed. It would probably stay in my system for a long time, but I have my eyes fixed on the XPA-1L monos. I say buy with confidence, Boom. Oh, and the mini is also very quiet. Very little speaker buzz. The Rega was much louder in comparison.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2013 18:15:36 GMT -5
I use my mini X downstairs in the DIY room. Sounds excellent on my Napa monitors It's currently working but ripped apart with wires and junk all over the place lol.
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Post by GreenKiwi on Jan 10, 2013 1:24:07 GMT -5
You ripped apart your mini x?
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Post by waynestv on Jan 13, 2013 3:25:00 GMT -5
I just bought a mini x to use as a portable system, moving from bedroom to patio to home office with ease. It sounds amazing with Energy RC-Minis and even better with Energy RC10s. If I ever settle on the patio and mount outdoor speakers and wire back inside, it will serve as my zone 2 power. Can't beat the bang for the buck, esp at holiday sale price.
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