micromega - MyAmp Integrated Amplifier/DAC/Headphone Amp in Black

everything else a bonus

I bought this to upgrade my TV Soundbar to better audio. TV is a Samsung 6400 series with only optical output. Amp worked ok with KEF Q150 speakers on normal tv but freaked out when streaming through optical output. Don't know the internals but other reviews have commented on this. Rather than use an optical to RCA adapter I just returned it and went for a better Denon AV receiver for a little bit more $.

I purchased a b-stock Micromega MyAmp and a pair of KEF Q100W 's from a local retailer. Story: This is being used in an approximately 110sqft space, primarily as an output for a TV. I have limited shelf space and liked the idea of an amp that had a smaller footprint. My TV has an optical output, and I wanted to make use of it. I'm not well-versed or trained enough in the hifi space to be able to name subtle characteristics that set different units apart. I just want something that sounds great, allows me to hear musical details, and not make me feel fatigued over extended listening. The good: plenty of power to drive these particular speakers. At 33% of max volume, it's at a comfortable listening level. At 50% it really starts to shine, but also approaches being too loud for my neighbors. In the shop we tried running it close to its maximum output, and it didn't hesitate. We also compared this unit to a Cambridge Audio 651A when attached to the same speakers. My use case demands small speakers in a room with suboptimal accoustics. For my needs, I really couldn't discern a difference that made me prefer one over the other, sound quality wise. I'm going to assume it's already "broken in" since it had been used for a few days by the manufacturer as a tradeshow demo unit. It really sounds fantastic. And the bluetooth input is really convenient. Love it. The not-so-great: As reviewers on other sites have pointed out, the buttons are flimsy. And the infrared remote is really embarassing. It's got an adhesive plastic cover that cheaply covers the buttons, and can't seem to completely stay stuck down. Both the remote I tried in-store, and the sealed, original one that came in my box have this issue. It's purely cosmetic, but for a unit that retails new at $600, you'd think they could try a little harder there. For a close comparison, take a look at SparkFun's COM-11759 general purpose infrared remote control. About bluetooth: The tiny-button pairing mechanism for bluetooth is kind of a pain, but I guess it's nice that the unit can remember multiple devices once they have been paired. The reception for this unit is not nearly as good as a tiny bluetooth speaker I had lying around. Don't plan on traveling to another room without it dropping signal. For iOS sources specifically, the bluetooth module seems to freak out when you're on the lock screen and you accidentally summon Siri. You hear a short crackle, and then things are back to normal as if it never happened. I'm unhappy with: The optical connection with my television. I have a Samsung J5200 series TV, which has a "Smart" feature. The MyAmp is perfectly capable of decoding signals that originated through HDMI sources (such as a Mac Mini ), but goes berserk when dealing with optical out from the TV tuner and built-in "smart apps." I don't know if this is the TV's fault or the DAC in the MyAmp, but it's a bit of a disappointment. When the MyAmp receives a signal over optical that it can't handle, you hear a bunch of noise, and then any digital signal decoding, whether optical or Bluetooth, just ceases to work. Setting the unit into standby mode doesn't help. You have to unplug the unit and wait for the capacitors to drain before digital outputs produce any sound again. (Note: I have not tried the USB input yet; it might not be affected by this....) As most of my listening happens via HDMI sources that go into my TV and come out through the optical port, and that works, it's mostly fine for my needs. But let's say I want to watch OTA channels? Gotta get another cable and switch the source. And remember to do that. Or just not use the optical input, which almost defeats the purpose of having an onboard DAC. Verdict: Overall, I'm very happy with the unit. It's pretty well-balanced, and has great clarity. It packs a ton of features into a really small footprint, and manages to do it with "high-end" circuitry. For the price, they could have done better with the remote, front/rear panel buttons, and, probably not blow up on an optical signal it doesn't understand. Am I keeping it? You bet.

Great little AMPLIFIER. Powerful, full range, and noise free. High frequencies are tilted up a little. Best matched with speakers that are rolled off in the highs. Only used as amplifier in multi channel system. Use the half volume setting with remote to set volume in multiple MyAmp units. Never tried the dac or Bluetooth. Qobuz did a teardown of one revealing the high quality parts in the MyAmp. This is not some 99.00 special off eBay. Designed and built by a well respected company in France.

A marvel of engineering, there is nothing like it on the market. Highly Recommended!

Excellent small amplifier for use in small spaces Excellent sound quality with great driving capabilities and an internal DAC of high demands I don't know what else one could ask for from such a small amplifier at this price. Excellent offer from a great company