General Asylum: REVIEW: Audiosource AMP One Amplifier (SS) by Tuneman

Model:	AMP One
Category:	Amplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$ 250
Description:	80 watts rms @ 8 ohms
Manufacturer URL:	Audiosource
Manufacturer URL:	Audiosource

Review by Tuneman on August 30, 2001 at 08:25:02
IP Address: 64.12.105.183

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for the AMP One

The Audiosource amp1 is what I would call the a bare bones entry level amp. Nothing all that exciting about its looks, as it is Mundane and average looking. The 2 watt meters are a feature found on some higher priced amps, but seem to get the job done in a less acurate fashion. The owner's manual states that this amp is rated at 80 watts at ohms, but this rating might be stretching the truth a bit, you never know these days. I am using Sony's most basic cd player, the CE275. No remote and a bit harsh at times, none the less a nice budget cd player. I put this system together for my computer for background music and mp3's. With 2 gains on the front and a direct input for a cd player a preamp is not needed. On to the sound. The amp1 is not a powerhouse by any standards and goes flat after the meters reach 6 watts or so. On low listening levels, this is a quite serviceable little amp, with few flaws. The best set up is when I used the Boston Acoustics CR8's, as these speakers made the system a bit more mellow. It did not fair that well with the mini monitors, as they were a bit too revealing for my taste, but the titans a less revealing speaker work well with the amp1. I used program material that was not too demanding, as I tried to play "One" from metallica and was very dissapointed with the lack of punch with all the speakers that I used. If you are looking to put a system together for the least amount of money, the amp1 is a good starting point. The is a good little amp for light jazz, folk music and other none demanding music. If the saying "you get what you pay for" holds true, then you will not be dissapointed if you don't expect the world from the amp1. If you can pick one up for around 150 dollars, and want a small amp for an office or bedroom, the amp1 makes a fine choice.

Product Weakness: Will not drive those big floor standers with authority.
Product Strengths: 2 gains on the front, low price.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Audiosource AMP one
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony CE275
Speakers:	Paradigm titans, Boston CR8, Pardigm mini monitors
Cables/Interconnects:	Monster xp, radio shack
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Sting, Beth hart, Sade, Billie Myers, James Taylor
Room Size (LxWxH):	9 x 7 x 20
Room Comments/Treatments:	None
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 month
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	none
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Will not drive those big floor standers with authority.
Product Strengths:	2 gains on the front, low price.