IOTAVX MA3 Review: The All-in-One That Gets Everything Right?

We want everything at once, preferably in a single box, right? And, if possible, at a price that leaves enough budget for a good pair of speakers. For those who share this need, the IOTAVX MA3 is a compelling option. It feels like a product created at the direct request of the audiophile community: an awesome all-in-one package that truly seems to have it all.

A Different Philosophy

“We’re breaking the rules and bringing you Hi-Fi like you’ve never seen before!”

This is likely the thought process at IOTAVX: “We can build an amplifier that combines all the essential features into one box, making it a one-stop shop for our fellow music lovers.”

On the other hand, there will always be connoisseurs not of sound, but of questions about the sound: “What is it made of?”, “Where?”, “Really?”. The company’s press releases seem to anticipate this, answering most questions directly and definitively. For example, to the question, “Where do you manufacture your components?”, they bluntly reply: “We won’t tell you.”

There, you will also find a mention that the company’s goal isn’t to invent something new or to turn the stagnant hi-fi industry upside down. They simply want to build a sustainable business, not through single, high-margin sales, but by offering their vision of the optimal balance of price, quality, and sound.

And if the most inveterate enthusiasts were to remove the protective cover from an IOTAVX component, they might find components and circuit nodes that have been seen in other devices. Or maybe they won’t. With modern production unification and cost optimization, a competent approach allows a company not only to thrive but also to create a product for which they won’t have to make excuses on forums.

Do It Right, and It Will Be Right

The IOTAVX MA3 seems to fall squarely into this category. It requires neither defense nor justification because it exists in a market segment where it’s an impulsive “just buy it” proposition. But would such a step be too reckless? On paper, everything looks beautiful: it’s an integrated amplifier, a DAC, a streamer with a control app, everything you need.

Still, a future owner may have justified concerns: why is it so cheap? This initial doubt can trigger a tsunami of bitter memories, from your own experiences and those of others who tried to build a Hi-Fi system this way, only for something to go wrong. “The smartphone app is probably slow… And if it’s not slow, then the sound must be bad because the whole budget went to the app… And if the sound is good, then…”

Well, something else will surely be wrong; we tend to assume the worst. We are reluctant to believe that something can be, if not perfect, then at least just fine. Until you listen, look, and then shrug your shoulders and say: “Well, yes. Why did I get so worked up? Everything is fine.”

Circuit Design and Technical Specifications

This is an integrated amplifier operating in Class AB, a detail worth mentioning immediately to set expectations. It is built around a toroidal transformer, which powers everything the caring engineers have packed into its modest case.

The output stages are equipped with 2SD1047/2SB817 transistors from Inchange Semiconductor, providing 50 W of output power per channel into an 8-ohm load. While the total output is 100 W, the transformer is rated to consume 300 W at its peak. It is a very prudent step from the British engineers to give this budget amplifier such a generous power reserve.

Next is the DAC, built on a dual-channel ESS Sabre ES9018K2M chip with a 32-bit HyperStream architecture. The implementation is pure, allowing high-res tracks from your collection to sound as they should: this DAC is capable of decoding material up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256.

This entire digital section is tied directly to the streaming module. Here, IOTAVX didn’t reinvent the wheel but instead chose a ready-made, proven, and reliable solution built on the popular LinkPlay platform. The hardware is a LinkPlay A98M-22 v02 module featuring a 64-bit Amlogic A113X processor and 512 MB of DDR4 RAM. These serious numbers should convince you that the user experience is smooth and fast.

An additional advantage of this module is its cross-platform nature. LinkPlay services are used by brands like WiiM, Harman Kardon, Marshall, JBL, Magnat, and many more. If you decide to build a multi-room system, you won’t be limited to a single brand. You also have a choice of control applications; for example, you can use WiiM Home or IOTAVX’s own Audio System app.

The external connectivity of this streaming platform is equally well-developed. It connects to your network via Wi-Fi (2.4/5 GHz) or an Ethernet port. This opens up access to a vast array of streaming services, including Spotify, Tidal, Napster, Qobuz, Deezer, and internet radio—and that’s just what I can remember off the top of my head.

Additionally, the IOTAVX MA3 supports content delivery via AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA, and a Bluetooth 5.0 module with aptX, aptX HD, and AAC codecs. And if this all-in-one component fails to overcome your traditionalist leanings, you can connect a flash drive or hard drive via its USB port. This is almost unnecessary, however, as the control app sees all local servers on the network and quickly populates their content.

Finally, there is an MM and even MC phono preamp module installed, leaving no room to criticize the IOTAVX MA3 in terms of features and equipment.

A Simple, Functional Design

The IOTAVX MA3 MA3’s design is quite normal, even cute in its laconicism. There are no shocking revelations or patented designs here; IOTAVX simply made it look like a completely ordinary Hi-Fi component, without quirks or bells and whistles. It’s always black, with no other color options, a minor point.

The front panel features the recognizable logo in the left corner, with the standard IOTAVX backlit power button below. We also see a headphone output. In the center is a large black window, which hides a display that is smaller than the window itself—a clever design trick that visually elevates the component’s appearance. The USB-A port is located within this same window, and to its right are function buttons and the volume control, which has a circular backlight. A simple remote control is also included.

The top panel has ample ventilation, and the back panel has comprehensive switching. There are coaxial, optical, and LAN ports for digital signals. For analog devices, there is a pair of RCA line inputs and an input for the phono preamplifier. For outputs, there are options for recording, a preamp output, and a dedicated subwoofer output.

Listening Impressions

For the IOTAVX MA3 test, we used two pairs of speakers: the small floor-standing KEF Q550 and the large bookshelf KEF R3. The IOTAVX MA3 can provide its content, so no external source is needed. Let’s start with a rich audiophile cocktail from the Oscar Peterson Trio, the track “You Look Good To Me.”

The picture is neutral, detailed, and respectably hi-fi. No tension or deep concentration is required to understand the character and quality of its sound. It almost seems abnormal for a device in this segment, with such a wide range of tasks to perform, to sound this good. The amplifier immediately shows its character and demonstrates its qualities.

However, it was clear that a speaker change was needed. Powering the demanding KEF R3 is not as simple as streaming FLACs from a network library (though that also requires competence). The amplifier’s lack of current affected the quality of the low frequencies, and it is well known that the R3 is capable of producing more beautiful high frequencies with better amplification.

With the KEF Q550, everything changes, and the sound becomes even more hi-fi—so much so that you recall myths and legends about that thoroughbred “British sound.” Of course, there are many types of sound in Britain, but among key players, you can identify two conditional directions: “soulfulness” and “precision.” IOTAVX probably chose the second path, which is expected. Soulfulness in this price range can often only be imitated, which an experienced listener immediately detects. But achieving precision, detail, and an open, clear sound is possible, and it is happening right now.

At the same time, the sound is punchy and dynamic, with a bit of sparkle and spice, which can be interpreted as a substitute for deep overtone richness. In the end, the IOTAVX MA3 costs only around $650, and it seems we have already gone too deep into sonic analysis for a device at this price. But let’s also mention the track “Birds” by Marytale to clarify the point about overtones. This singer has sensual vocals, and with the IOTAVX MA3, you can hear that priority is given to the accuracy of the performance. It’s not that we lose anything, because the only thing you might lose is your head listening to such music.

The listener is presented with a spacious stage with good balance and a bias towards micro-contrasts. The bass comes to the rescue: dense, surprisingly controlled, and deep, it creates a foundational structure against which all other qualities of the IOTAVX MA3 seem logical and understandable. And when you hear not just hi-fi, but an audiophile-oriented sound from such a component, you immediately think: Is this normal? And if it is, why doesn’t everyone do it?

Conclusion

Well, it’s normal now. At least, within the IOTAVX brand, you can count on it. And now it’s clear why the IOTAVX MA3 won the “Top High End” award in the “Optimal Price, Quality, and Consumer Functionality” category at the 2023 Hi-Fi & High-End Show. Optimal is the perfect word.

Listen to the amplifier, and you understand that the description wasn’t a lie. You get 50 honest watts—and not a watt more, so there is no point in pairing it with speakers that even 100-watt amplifiers can’t always drive. You get network capabilities from a proven platform without any fawning about unique in-house developments. Everything is honest, and that honesty is what wins you over.

Price IOTAVX MA3 Streaming Amplifier

The latest price of the IOTAVX streaming amplifier is – $649.99

Of course. Here are the technical specifications for the IOTAVX MA3 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, based on the information from the review and official product details.

IOTAVX MA3 – Technical Specifications

Amplifier Section

• Power Output:
  • 50 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms
  • 90 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms
• Amplifier Topology: Class AB
• Power Supply: High-performance toroidal transformer (300VA peak consumption)
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 100kHz (+/- 1.5dB)
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (THD+N): < 0.02% (1kHz, 1W)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): > 103dB (A-weighted)

DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) Section

• DAC Chipset: ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
• Digital Architecture: 32-bit HyperStream
• Maximum PCM Sample Rate: 32-bit / 384kHz
• Maximum DSD Sample Rate: DSD256 (via DoP or native)

Streaming & Network Section

• Streaming Platform: LinkPlay
• Processor: Amlogic A113X (64-bit)
• RAM: 512 MB DDR4
• Wi-Fi: Dual-band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz (802.11 b/g/n/ac)
• Ethernet: RJ45 LAN Port (10/100 Mbps)
• Bluetooth Version: 5.0
• Supported Bluetooth Codecs: aptX, aptX HD, AAC, SBC
• Supported Protocols: AirPlay 2, UPnP/DLNA, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
• Supported Services: Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Napster, Amazon Music, Internet Radio, and more via the control app.
• Control Apps: IOTAVX Audio System, WiiM Home, and other LinkPlay-compatible apps.

Connectivity

• Digital Inputs:
  • 1 x Coaxial (RCA)
  • 1 x Optical (Toslink)
  • 1 x USB-A (for mass storage devices)
• Analog Inputs:
  • 2 x Stereo RCA (Line Level)
  • 1 x Phono (Switchable MM/MC)
• Analog Outputs:
  • 1 x Stereo Pre-Out (RCA)
  • 1 x Subwoofer Out (RCA)
  • 1 x Stereo Record Out (RCA, fixed level)
• Headphone Output: 1 x 6.35mm (1/4 inch) jack on front panel
• Speaker Outputs: 2 x pairs of high-quality binding posts (L/R)

General

• Finish: Black
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 430 x 115 x 300 mm
• Weight: 8.9 kg (approx. 19.6 lbs)