I bought a brand new Spark 2 amp for $339 on closeout from
Audiogon last week and installed it in my desktop setup. I was concerned after seeing the less than stellar review and negative posts from non-owners, but I am pleased to report that I am keeping the Spark 2 after hours of A/B listening with my existing Emotiva desktop amp. The Spark 2 will be replacing my lovable $230
Emotiva BasX A-100 that I've been using for the last few years. For $100 more, I am getting a fuller, more layered, 3-dimensional, spatial sound with more depth. It sounds more tube like than the desktop amps I've tried (e.g. Aiyima, Fosi). To me, the Spark 2's sound sits somewhere between my Reisong A12 tube amplifier and the Emotiva amp. It does not sound as crisp and defined as my Emotiva, but it also does not sound as thin/lean. The Spark 2 has a thicker sound with more body that I can listen to for longer. Power and volume wise, I am hitting the same SPL levels with the Spark powering my 86dB
Wharfedale Diamond 220 bookshelf speakers.
In regard to trade offs, the Spark 2 is missing auto on/off. That feature worked flawlessly on my Emotiva. The Emotiva also has RCA outputs that I used to connect my SVS subwoofer. The Spark 2 has no outputs to connect a subwoofer. Not a major issue since I am able to connect my subwoofer using the RCA outs on my MOTU M2 DAC. Besides those minor cons, for $100 more, it's a welcome upgrade in my chain and takes up less desk real estate. My conclusion is that in some cases, the ears tell a different story than numbers alone.