Musicvt,
I was noticing that on the tread. Not actually answering what you asked about. Too funny. Anyway, I have for probably 9 month now owed an Iotavx sa3 integrated and I absolutely love it. I also watch Zero Fidelity and being one of about 3 or 4 gear reviewers on YouTube that I watch, there is no one out there better than he is at describing sound and put it into words that are easily digestible, understandable and relatable. I agree whole hearted with pretty much everything he says in describing the Iotavx. Love the sound. Bluetooth very clear. Can’t speak for the phone stage as I don’t use it. Sound seems to be very neutral and detailed. I can tell a big difference between my Onkyo Home theatre receiver and the Iotavx when running my Klipsch rp-600m speakers. Just a clearer and more detailed sound. Very well balanced throughout the low, mids and highs. I haven’t tried the stack yet, as the single 45watt Iotavx ps3 is very capable of powering those sensitive speakers to very high volumes. I don’t have really any experience with higher dollar DACs, so my opinion may not be worth a ton. But I know good sound when I hear it. I played piano for 5 years as a child and got into some fairly complex classical pieces towards the end and my pitch is perfect. I like to think I have a good ear for music for that reason.
I’ve primarily have used avr’s in the past, but there is to me just a staggering difference between most of today’s modern avrs (home theater listening) and 2 channel critical listening with a dedicated integrated amplifier. I currently have a pair of Klipsch Forte iii on order and can’t wait to hook up the Iota to them. I can’t escape horn loaded speakers now having owned the rp-600m. Just the clearest sound imho. Anyway, good luck. Let me know if you get one and what you think.