Top Picks

2017 Top Picks Of the Year Audio Separates & Integrated Amps

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Audio Separates & Integrated Amps

Elac Element EA101EQ-G Integrated Amp/DAC
(April) Elac created in the EA101EQ-G a compact, affordable, hi-res-friendly audio component with some great features (including auto-EQ and app-enabled subwoofer blending) and what our reviewer Dan Kumin called “surprisingly audiophile sound.” $699, elac.com

Onkyo PR-RZ5100 Surround Processor
(October) A fully loaded, state-of-the-art 11.2-channel surround processor that plays all manner of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X or pretty much any hi-res audio file you can throw at it, while offering a slew of wireless and connected network features, good sound quality, and not-bad value. $2,399, onkyousa.com

ATI AT527NC/AT524NC Power Amplifiers
(April) Morris Kessler and his team at ATI worked with Hypex Ncore Class D modules to create the first full-range amplifiers of that topology they deemed worthy of the ATI name. Our reviewer David Vaughn actually traded in his fine Class A/B reference amps to keep these around. $3,695 and $2,595 for seven- and four-channel versions, respectively. ati-amp.com

Emotiva BasX A-500 Power Amplifier (See "Value")

COMMENTS
Traveler's picture
Submitted by Traveler on January 20, 2018 - 12:58pm

I bought a Sony Bravia X900E 55" and a Roku Ultra box and am very satisfied, it perfectly fills the field of view at 8' and the sound is just fine. Was going to buy an matching player but Netflix doesn't seem to carry 4K disks so I'm sticking with my OPPO 105D.

brenro's picture
Submitted by brenro on January 21, 2018 - 8:36am

I've been using these guys.

German-Pete's picture
Submitted by German-Pete on February 13, 2018 - 8:57am

Sorry, but the combination of ELAC with Roon (Essentials) is not at all professional. Since November 2017 Mac-, IOS- and Android-Apps are buggy. Freeze or shutdown when selecting Settings/Storage or Services and according to the Roon forums I am not the only one. From German Elac Support: "Unfortunately, we have no control over the software / firmware provided by Roon….". That is the position of Roon (Mike Roon Labs): "First, I should note that Roon and Roon Essentials are different products, with support for Roon Essentials handled by ELAC." Haaha.

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