XTZ EDGE A2-300 - Pictures from Inside

[ironhorse128]

Recently I bought a XTZ EDGE A2-300 and opened it up to deactivate the front LED.
I made a few pictures to document the construction and the cabling.

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[Spocko]

Are you making use of the variable gain stage to better match your preamp? Did it make an audible difference in the noise floor?

 

[ironhorse128]

I used the gain control to level match with my other amp. I did not test for noise floor. There is almost no noise floor.

 

[restorer-john]

I made a few pictures to document the construction and the cabling.

Excellent post for people wanting to see inside. Well done.

 

[TimF]

there speaker connector outputs aren't wired. Right?

 

[ironhorse128]

there speaker connector outputs aren't wired. Right?

No. There is no wire attached to the speaker connectors. But in Pic 08 there are two pairs of cables that seem to carry the signal.

 

[Rifmon]

So how does this perform for you? Do you like the performance and sound? I've been looking at this as an option with a Schiit pre amp as well as a class A/B Iota which has a bench test pending from Amir.

 

[ironhorse128]

I really enjoy my xtz. I personally like the class d sound. I run it with the rmi2adi dac and Focal aria 906. Really not complaints. It is a good peace.i prefer it compared to my old Rega Brio class ab amp

 

[Rifmon]

Nice to know. Thanks. I wish I had the experience to know if I liked the Class D sound. From all the descriptions I've read and listened to it sure is tempting! But to know that this pairs well with your Focal speakers and DAC is encouraging. Right now waiting for for a test on an A/B class Iotavx SA3. But this Edge is in the running! I have Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2 EX

 

[ironhorse128]

Nice to know. Thanks. I wish I had the experience to know if I liked the Class D sound. From all the descriptions I've read and listened to it sure is tempting! But to know that this pairs well with your Focal speakers and DAC is encouraging. Right now waiting for for a test on an A/B class Iotavx SA3. But this Edge is in the running! I have Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2 EX

Just cycle through a few amps. You will get a feeling for what you like. The iotavx is a preety good start.
I also like the compactness of the xtz. And it runs totally cool.

 

[Rifmon]

Yup. And those are the reasons I’m considering the Edge. It’s VERY compelling. Along with the silent background and instantaneous dynamic power reserves. If I go the Iota route, I’d be getting the PA3 too. It really is a good time to take my time on this decision. And I find it to be fun!

 

[Guddu]

I bought XTZ over a month ago and feel that its probably the best investment I have made in recent times.
I had been using Marantz PM6005, Peachtree Decco 125 and PS Audio Sprout 100 heavily before XTZ and cannot tell you how happy I am with XTZ really.
It can really bring out details and low end punch very well, at least this is what I felt.
Paired it with Topping D90 recently and they both made my Paradigm Monitor 6000F (not the best speakers, I know) sing.
I am now looking to see how a different pre-amp could help further, tube as well as solid state.

 

[Guddu]

Just noticed that there is 100 euro off on it, if anyone is interested. Not sure if its applicable to US deliveries though.

 

[Rifmon]

Thanks for the info Guddu! Good to know your thoughts based on your experience. So you like it more than the Preachtree and Sprout? I’m looking at this vs the Iotavx SA3 PA3 combo. There’s a pending review I’m waiting for from Amir on the Iota. (Plus a little less $ uncertainty in these weeks.).

 

[Guddu]

I am no expert at all but can surely share observations, always do A/B comparison to see what differences I could feel and what sounds good to me.
I would choose XTZ over Sprout 100 and Peachtree Decco every time, I am yet to try Nova 150 (which I will be doing in next few weeks).
After getting Topping D90 and using it with all these amps, I actually liked XTZ.
It could actually be the case that my speakers paired well with it or something but I have no regrets.

On the other hand, comparing integrated amps with power amp may not be fair really. For ex., you get Pre+DAC+Power for 600$ (700$ now) when you buy Sprout 100 and everything is summarized to a cute little box.
I like Marantz for its sound quality (or may be coloration), specially for old content on YouTube.

When I was looking for amp, I actually wanted to try NCore based amp but bought XTZ for its price and one of my good friend from London (quite an enthusiastic music lover) suggested to try XTZ Edge. He could made this recommendation after comparing it with many others coasting much more like Mytek Brooklyn Amp (around 2500$).

Iotavx SA3 PA3 combo has got amazing reviews, specially from those who kind of don't like or talk about Class D much.

 

[Rifmon]

Thanks for your reply.

yes amazing reviews on the Iota. Just waiting to see if scientific measurements line up. Despite the convenience of an integrated amp, I’d prefer the better of the two options regarding power, THD, signal to noise distortion, dynamic power etc than convenience. Yes, all things being equal, I will then prefer the convenience package.

I’ve only owned class A/B amps so I really don’t know if I’d like a class d amp. I wish I had the ability to buy both and compare. I may do that but I’d hate to return a large package to England since I live in the States.

 

[mslim]

This option is available in my country for similar price to the "DIY finished" one from Ghent sans the balanced input option. I notice that these IcePower units always require an input buffer stage that is not so easily sourced as a DIY module.

 

[Vindermere]

It's a great amp. I prefer it over AUDIOPHONICS HPA-S250NC. I regret only the lack of XLR connection.

 

[Guddu]

I regret only the lack of XLR connection.

Me too.

I am currently trying to integrate REL subwoofer with this AMP using REL's high level input but was not sure about the grounding.
So tried to check with XTZ support, and they just replied saying it has grounding pins as its Class I.
Not entirely sure what did they mean by that though.
XLR inputs simply would had helped me getting around the situation !!!

 

[Rifmon]

Funny you mentioned Audiophonics since I ended up looking at those also. Nice to know you prefer the EDGE with IcePower units.

If I go the Class D route I’d pair it with a Schiit pre amp. One that would fit my budget. Another nice thing about separates vs an integrated is that, with an integrated, you’re stuck with its conveniences vs being able to upgrade the pre amp, DAC and phono stage. It’s all separate so it gives you an ability for incremental upgrades down the road.

sorta having fun holding off on an impulse buy. Thus time allows me to fully consider my options.