I had read Stereophile's review of this amp and thought it would be perfect for my system(Thiel 1.5s, Rega Planet), so I ordered it from Audio Advisor. I plugged it in an was immediately taken by its authoritative, controlled bass section. Extended listening at high volume levels forced this amp to shut itself off several times. The Thiels are a difficult load, but I was driving them with an Anthem Integrated(25wpc compared to the A220s 100wpc) previously. I realized this amps limits and settled in with a volume level it seemed comfortable with. The bass remained outstanding, but the midrange and treble were smeared together in an unattractive fuzz which proved unbearable to me. I had heard this amp ran hot, but it is really ridiculous how hot it got almost immediately after turning on and it seemed like it just kept getting hotter until it would shut off completely. If you own speakers which are revealing, you want to run from this amp; if you own speakers which aren't, I think this amp is too much $. My review rating is based on value and the high praise which has been bestowed on this piece of crap.

I just read Michael Gavin's review of the A-220 and can't help believe he has a defective unit. The amp. runnung nearly full class "A" does get pretty warm, but hotter and hotter until it shuts off??? I don't think so. The other clue is Michaels amp. not being stable enough to drive his speakers. If this amp. is anything , it is rock solid, stable. As to the sound while it is not the detail king, it smooth listening at its most pleasureful, with wonderful definition.
I suggest Michael call Audioadvisor and get some help with his particular unit.

They are good people to deal with. I had to send mine back due to a cosmetic problem, and they were great. This integrated deserves at least a full 4 speakers.

I have the A220 connected to KEF RDM 3's. The sound is very open, relaxed and has a lot of space around it. I use it mainly with classical music, but also live rock concerts sound great.

Consitant production of ALL frequencies even very low and very high.

Heat when driven hard. Inability to drive big electrostatic speakers.

If you're on a budget and you want an excellent amp then this is it. Great sound stage and frequency re-production. Needs speakers that are reasonably efficient (>86dB) to sound at it's best. Not good for big Electrostats but superb otherwise. Excellent amp for testing speakers with, allows you to very easily pick their faults with cross-overs, cabinet design and cone selection. Detail in the amp is excellent as is just about every other aspect. Presentation is superb and general feel of the amp is great (heavy dials and solid switches).
An excellent amp with plenty of guts, more than its stated power rating really implies. Well worth the audition.
Value for money listening in the $US1000-$2000 category.

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Various Pre/Power stages 2-4 times price.