cheap, does the job with clean sound.

Makes weird clicking sounds from the case, like a relay switching on an off.

When it's working properly, this amp delivers very enjoyable clean sound to my bookshelf speakers. However, the first one I got wasn't working. It got roasting hot when switched on and only delivered a very faint output. JandR quickly exchanged it for another one, which started out playing beautifully. Soon however, it started making these weird clicking sounds, like a relay going on and off inside the case. I'm going to switch it from auto to manual mode, to see if this solves the problem. I'll miss auto mode, even though is takes 15 or so minutes to switch off after the signal in is turned off.

Similar Products Used:

SAE

brilliant crystal-clear sound, excellent imaging, good drive capability, low noise/distortion even at high power outputs, auto-on sensing

Three minor flaws: tranformer hum/chatter, no switch for line in vs. cd direct input, no switch for vu meter lights

The most beautiful sounds come out of my Paradigm Monitor 7's with a CD player connected directly to the Amp TWO. What a sweet vibrant sound! I have yet to get fatigued listening to this setup. And what a bargain at $225 or so from jandr.com! The amp puts out a lot of drive (it seems well matched to the Monitor 7's) with no audible strain. Imaging is superb. Between the speakers and the amp, the only flaws I hear are due to suboptimal CD recordings. A well-produced CD played through my system, however, is a slice of heaven. Low noise/low distortion. Haven't heard any clipping yet even at high output levels (I eventually turned the "soft clipping" off).

Recommend this amp with paradigm's wonderful monitor 7's. At this price of $225 (and even at twice this price), this EXCELLENT amp is a steal.

Only three (minor) problems:
(1) transformer hum/chatter, especially with less than clean power lines (which unfortunately is usually the case, esp. if halogen lights are on the same circuit).
(2) No switch for direct CD input vs. line in. Although I haven't rooted around in there yet, I suspect these two inputs are (eventually) shorted together.
(3) No switch for the vu meter lights. these are surprisingly bright at nighttime.

Similar Products Used:

mass-market stuff only (JVC, Kenwood, etc.)

I just bought this amp to replace my old amp, which was not working well anymore. I thought I would be compromising the sound quality, judging by the price of the amp ($269 from J&R). I was totally wrong. This is a quality little amp. For its size, it feels very sturdy, and the little clicks and pops you hear when it warms up make you think it's more expensive. Plus, it has line outputs, which is very useful for connecting a subwoofer to the system. Way to go AudioSource. I'll stick with everyone else in this group and give it 5 stars, even though in absolute terms, it's probably only a 4 when you compare it to much more expensive amps.

Everything. This amp is built like a tank and is visually and sonically top notch. It is constructed well and has good heft to it, despite it's slimline design. George, the previous reviewer must have gotten a bum unit(s), or must have a bum AC line or other interference source in his home/apartment. There is no way this amp should be rated a 'one star', or anything close to it.

None whatsoever. I researched and bought this amp for a close freind, whom i've gotten into audio, and decided to borrow it for one night to run tests on it myself. I have all Conrad-Johnson equipment, and we were amazed at how well this little amp presents the music thru my 'better' speakers!!!

This amplifier is a total winner, and a mind-blowing $250 street price to boot! It is, what I would classify, a value-added piece of equipment, especially given it's many useful features and capabilities. For example, it can easily drive even low impedance 4 ohm speakers with no problem with it's discrete output transistors (i've driven my Magnepan MG12's with it with power to spare). It also has independent Left and Right front volume controls with good sized knobs, if you decide to connect a CD player to it directly with no preamp via it's 'CD Direct' jacks. It has 'Line Out' jacks for connecting a subwoofer as well. In addition, it has no fan, which translates to quiet operation during those soft musical passages. It has a 'peak limiter', and gorgeous, dual-range (by front panel switch) white backlit dual power output meters indicated in db and watts. The transformer is a circular toroidal wound unit, usually found on better amps. The front fascia is a brushed black aluminum and build is apparently solid.

And soncially? Just amazing! This thing is surprisingly 'high-end sounding', as is evidenced by my listening to it attached to my Maggies and Reference 3A DeCapo speakers. It is shockingly musical, with good control and power if you are driving small to mid-sized speakers, and imparts no real negative qualities to the sound. Voices and instruments sounded accurate and warm, with impressive detail, separation, and air. For a few minutes, I forgot I was listening to an inexpensive amplifier! This may very well be, one of the most obvious audio steals of our time!!! Great, great job AudioSource!!!! How DO you do it???

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We researched NAD, Creek Integrated, and Cambridge Integrated for our purposes.

Very neutral and airy sounding; good power and control; can play into 4 ohms (for example when running Magnepan speakers)

None at all. Really!

This amp is the biggest 'sleeper' in quality audio bargains. Construction is bulletproof, all metal/aluminum, and the sound is glorious coupled to good speakers. I was able to save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by seeking out great sounding equipment for the money, and the AudioSource is second to none in this regard! My Magnepan MG12/QR's are so revealing that if this little AudioSource had any flaws, I would hear it. However, all that has been emanating from the Maggies is pure, sweet, musicality... part courtesy of the AMP TWO! Music and vocals just SOAR with this little amp, and the sound is very airy and controlled, with good detail. My God, I have to pinch myself to remind me that I only paid about $255 for this amplifier! This amp would even be a good deal at 3 times this price. Thank you AudioSource!

My system is:

Magnepan MG12/QR's
Velodyne CT100 powered subwoofer
AudioSource AMP TWO
Musical Fidelity A3CR preamp
Marantz CD-67SE CD player
Monster 950's all around

Similar Products Used:

Creek, NAD, Gemini

value, smooth detailed sound

none

I bought this amp to replace my Hafler dh200. I built and modified the Hafler almost twenty years ago. I've been away from the higher end stuff for almost fifteen years and I wanted to replace the Haf because it ran way too hot. The heat problem occurred after a "musical concepts" kit modification I did.
On the strength of a review at vxm.com/tone.audiosource.html I decided to go with the amp two. So far I'm delighted. The amp is versatile allowing for cd direct inputs and separate line inputs. There are also line through jacks. The amp bridges to 200 watts mono with the toggle of a switch and has left and right volume controls. It has a headphone output and an auto on feature. Best of all, it sounds good. The highs are smooth which is a quality I especially value. The eighty watts is more than enough for I have a powered sub and don't listen at extremely high levels.
This amp is a real find. 5 stars. $250 at jandr.com.

Similar Products Used:

Hafler dh200

Good power; ability to play into 4 ohms (such as a Magnepan speaker); warm, neutral sound; slimline design with all aluminum and steel construction; twin power meters with dual scales; front amp gain controls; price

At this more than fair price, absolutely NONE.

Man, does this amp sound sweet! It has good control, sounds neutral, and has real good air/accurate timbral reproduction with a quality set of speakers. I will unhesitatingly say that this sounds like an amp costing many times more than it's under $275 (street price)tag! I invested most of my $ in a good set of speakers, and this amp is able to bring out the best in them. I truly have high-end sound for just under $900.. total system cost- thanks largely to AudioSource.

My equipment/system components are as follows:

Platinum Audio 808 speakers ($430)
AudioSource Amp Two ($270)
Nakamichi CDC-200 ($140)... runs direct into amp w/no preamp
XLO interconnect ($26)

Similar Products Used:

Onkyo 501; Cambridge; NAD; Creek integrated

Bargain price, solid build quality, terrific sound, direct cd connection, gain controls for left and right channels

None, at this price.

I decided to try out this amp based on the other reviews. Heck, I figured 17 other people couldn't be wrong. However, I was still skeptical that I could get a good quality amp for only $249 (At J and R). I previously owned the Yamaha AX-592 integrated amp. That unit set me back $479. I hooked up the Amp 2 to my Pinnacle Classic Gold Towers and also hooked up my Pioneer CD Changer. This amp produces beautiful sound, even with my mass market cd player. My Yamaha produced vocals that were way too bright. Also, the imaging and bass were nothing spectacular, especially considering the $479 price tag. With the money that I saved I am going to purchase a better CD player. By the way, has anyone tried the AudioSource Preamp 1 or 2?

Similar Products Used:

Yamaha AX-592 integrated amp

Price, Performance, features

CAN'T TURN OFF VU METER LIGHTS FOR MOVIE VIEWING!!!

Perfection for the price??? Missed it by a single switch to turn off the meter lights for dark room viewing.
NOTHING EVEN CLOSE FOR THE PRICE.
Use in bridged 200watt mode as monoblock amplifier. Who you gonna compare it to? Marantz MA-700??? HA HA! Marantz doesn't come close in features and costs 20% more....$250 for the Amp2(street), $300 for the MA-700(street). I'll blindfold ya and see if you can tell the difference. No way.
Like I say, 1 switch from perfection.
Oh, by the way, no pre-amp necessary for connection to CD player.

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All more expensive, less features

Price to performance ratio, quality sound, beautiful aesthetics with the slimline design with meters, TOROIDAL transformer at this low price!!!

I had difficulty coming up with any

The amp is well built, sweet, powerful, and has good control of most 4 to 8 ohm speakers. The sound is quite warm and involved with a good pair of high res speakers. I am running mine into nOrh 5.1's, and the sound is very high end! This is a quality amplifier that would be praised greatly at even 3 times the current price! Great job AudioSource! They should be able to sell a ton of these, they are such a steal, and are made very well.

Similar Products Used:

Creek, Proton, NAD