Monitor Audio A100

[cheth10]

Hey guys,

Has anyone used/using Monitor Audio A100 wireless amplifier? If so kindly share reviews.The products has rave reviews online.Would like to know from you guys if all that is true so that I can go ahead and get one.
Thank You

 

[catalogguy]

Hi Chet,

I have had my A100 for maybe 2 months, and I am enjoying it and happy with the purchase.

I have it connected to a couple of Mission book shelf speakers, and am looking for something larger and more sensitive. The A100 has displaced an NAD receiver and is not as loud as the NAD. Before the Missions, I had Klipsch KG4, which played much louder than the Missions on the same receiver, so I believe that another speaker will give me more volume. For most playing, it is loud enough, but sometimes I wish it had a bit more.

So I am really interested to what speakers others are connecting and their impressions. I am thinking of picking up a pair of MA RS6 or RX6. I have corresponded a bit with MA, their importer, and some sales people, and it seems like the RS6/RX6/Silver6 is ok, but perhaps as far as I should push it. I like the idea of a floor stander with good bass rather than adding a sub.

The sound quality is a wonderful improvement over the NAD.

For the most part, the amp does what I expected and does it well. I have my TV plugged in to the optical input. I wish it has a coaxial input as well (for my Bluray).

I really like the way the volume controls shift from the device or remote to the app. When I play from iTunes, I can use the volume control on my laptop. When I stream over Amazon Prime, I can use the volume control on my phone (I love this as it is truly easy and convenient - although the Remote app does not allow it afaik).

The only letdown for me is what passes for standby mode. I had expected something like AppleTV, where the device remains powered off until I send a signal via AirPlay, at which point it would come to life. However, the standby mode is not as useful, or IMO useful at all. There are a couple of issues with it. First, enabling standby requires a specific pressing of a button, every single time you power it off, else it will just be off. Also, the button to press is on the amp, and you cannot use the remote for this. Finally, in standby mode, the primary LED stays illuminated, and it is extremely bright. The LED should not be this bright during normal operating (it is that bright), and I would think it should be dimmed for standby mode. Getting this right would mean I don't have to access the amp or find the remote to turn it on.

Network setup is not easy. I posted elsewhere a long explanation of my setting up, and found that updating the firmware was essential. The update is not exactly as I had expected, and you can read what I learned if you search for my posts. Ultimately, it all worked out. When I changed my router, I set up the same SSID and key, but the new router forced me to use a different security protocol; the amp would not connect. I had to reboot the amp and set up the network from scratch, and that is not a joy. The set up process works, but it is not friendly.

I do not like the flimsy USB cover, but I do not use the USB port anyway.

Cycling between 6 inputs to get to the 2 I actually use makes for a lot of clicking on the remote, but it works well enough.

Apart from the few gripes I mentioned, the unit is attractive, seems reliable, has a nice size, and most importantly puts out great sound. I do not know of another unit I would prefer as a replacement, although I suspect MA will come out with an improved model one day and address a lot of items.

I hope that helps. If you get one, please post about your speakers and impressions!

 

[cheth10]

Hey Catalogguy,
Thank you so much for the detailed explanation.What got me to this device is its convenience. You get wireless,DAC and an amp in one. I plan on using it with my MS Carnival 8 Floorstanders. Depending on the output I shall decide if I need another pair of speakers or not.
Also I had few other queries:

1. Can the USB port be used for playing songs from pen drives?
2. Is setting up wireless connection without a router also cumbersome?
3. Does this work with Android DLNA apps like Bubble UPnP?
4. Can we play FLAC files using UPnP ?
I am from India and I am not sure if it is available here yet.I plan to get the A100 through a friend, so just wanted to make sure it will be a good choice.
Thanks

 

[catalogguy]

What got me is precisely the same convenience: wireless, DAC and an amp in one, as well as the quality of sound I hoped for coming from MA and the hoopla around the class AB amp design. I have to say, that all makes it pretty sweet. The attractive size and design also contribute to how nice the unit is.

I would be very interested in hearing about what you think of pairing the A100 with your Carnival 8s.

I do not have all the answers for your questions, but I will provide what I can.

1. Can the USB port be used for playing songs from pen drives?
I do not know, but I do not think so. First, the manual lists compatible devices, and all are Apple players (iPhone, iPod, etc). Also, I find no reference in the manual to playing from a flash drive in USB. I was thinking about trying this out for you, but I do not know of any interface to allow file selection.

2. Is setting up wireless connection without a router also cumbersome?
If you are thinking about how to set up a wireless connection with your Apple iDevice, then I suppose it is simpler than setting up the wifi connection. You hold a button in the back of the unit for several seconds, and then the amp broadcasts a wifi network; you would then connect to the that network on your iDevice.

3. Does this work with Android DLNA apps like Bubble UPnP?
I have not tried with Android, although I have used DLNA from my Windows 7 pc using a couple of apps such as JRiver, and it works seamlessly.

4. Can we play FLAC files using UPnP ?
I have not tried it. If you have a software package you would like me to test it on, I could give it a try.

If you would like to take a read through the manual, here is a link:
http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/assets/files/manuals/a100-manual-en.pdf

 

[cheth10]

Hey Catalogguy.
Thank you so much for the details and the link.I am so sorry for the late reply as I did not check this post in few days.
I do not think I will be getting the AS 100 as my friend told me it would be difficult for him to carry it to India in his luggage.
I am not sure if the same if available in India and even if it is the cost would be atleast double which makes it beyond my reach.
I had contacted the MA support and they told me that it will work in the voltage here in India.

Thank you so very much for replying

 

[dub123]

Why not go for this Marantz M-CR603 Network CD Receiver ?