in Robotics

I found an amp that easily turns any Bluetooth device into a modern home audio system

32 Views

<!–>

ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • The Valortiva Octa A1 integrated amp is available on Amazon for $399.
  • This integrated amp is so easy to set up that anyone can be dancing to their favorite tunes in minutes.
  • The Octa A1 amp only produces 35W of power.

–>

Have you ever wanted to stream music (or a podcast) from your phone to a room filled with people, but found that most Bluetooth speakers just don’t get loud enough?

What if I told you that you could connect a pair of passive speakers and a subwoofer, and hear that music with room-shaking volume? The Valortiva Octa A1<!–> Integrated amp not only makes this possible, it makes it easy.   

Also: I’ve yet to find a retro stereo amp that delivers sound as accurately for various genres than this 

For those who don’t know, an integrated amplifier is an audio device that combines both a preamplifier and a power amplifier into a single unit. With such an amp, you can get by with passive speakers.  

There are a handful of uses for this device. Besides connecting to passive speakers, you can also connect it to a gaming console (or PC), or to high-fidelity speakers for an even more immersive experience. Imagine sounds from your favorite game pumping through your favorite speakers? Pretty cool, eh? Here’s how it works.   

My experience

–>

The Octa A1 is all about simplicity.

Jack Wallen/ZDNET

First, you may ask, what exactly are passive speakers? These are audio speakers that don’t have built-in amplifiers, instead relying on external amp or A/V receiver. This gives you more control over your sound profile. 

After I connected the device to my own passive speakers (do not connect this amp to a pair of active speakers — it can damage them) and a matching subwoofer to the amp, I powered it on and selected USB. I then was able to pair the device without any issues. 

Also: Changing these 5 soundbar settings made my living room feel like a movie theater

I opened Spotify, tapped my favorite playlist, and cranked up the volume. I’ll preface this by saying I’m spoiled. I have a wonderful audio system in my office that produces incredible sound from either my turntable or PC. I knew off the bat the Octa A1 couldn’t compete with my Outlaw Audio amp. 

<!–>

That being said, the sound produced by the Octa A1 was solid. Although this amp can’t be considered a powerhouse (it maxes out at 35W output), it was able to fill the room with plenty of sound. 

This amp is all about expanding your audio offerings in smaller spaces. If you like the idea of switching between devices (plugging in your PS5 and then disconnecting it to listen to TV or your phone) in your apartment, the Octa A1 is a very good option.

Also: Why I strongly recommend this Bose speaker to most people – and it’s on sale

As far as the audio quality, I’m going to say it lives right there in the mid-range of amps. Since there are no adjustments for the subwoofer, if your sub has no physical controls or an app to use, you might find the bass a bit weak. Highs are solid, but do lack a bit of crispness and mids are nice and smooth. 

Of course, all of this will depend on the equipment you attach to the Oct1, so your mileage may vary. And if you’re accustomed to a higher-end setup, you’ll want to judge the Oct1 in the realm it’s meant to live in. When you consider that, you’ll find the Oct1 to be quite a nice little amp.

Also: I found a near-perfect soundbar for my home TV setup, and it’s worth the price

The best thing about the Octa A1 is how easy it is to set up and how little room it takes. About the size of a dinner plate, this baby squeezes into tight spaces, so you don’t have to worry about having a full audio rack.  

Because it has both a preamp and an amp, you only need this one device (and not separate components), which makes it much easier to use. And the ability to connect via Bluetooth, USB (with an older USB port), or analog aux (via RCA plugs) really makes this amp stand out. I’ve had amps with Bluetooth available, and often they can be a real pain to use. The Octa A1 makes connecting almost foolproof.

ZDNET buying advice

If I were to compare the Valoritiva Octa A1–> to other mid-range amps I’ve owned or tested, I would say this one is easily my favorite. Sure, it’s not going to beat a $5k audio system, but that’s not what this amp is about. It’s about simplicity and good sound wrapped up in a device that can fit just about anywhere.

If I were in the market for a basic, mid-range amp, I would look long and hard at the Octa A1 and seriously consider it as a PC/phone/game console amp. That would be a no-brainer.

The Octa A1<!–> sells for $399 on Amazon (with a $20 off coupon), but you can also get it for $299 from the official Valortiva site–>.

Valortiva Octa A1 tech specs

–>

Source: Robotics - zdnet.com

I take this iPad with me everywhere and you can get it for an all-time low price

These budget earbuds have no business sounding this good for the price