Pioneer Elite Integrated Stereo Amplifier Model A-35R
Feb 06, 2018
Cheesy plastic front panel, mediocre sound
Not what I expected from an 'Elite' branded product by Pioneer.
Contract manufactured in China to rather low specifications. Appearance is good, and so is switchgear, but everything else feels cheap, including the sound, which lacks precision, clarity, an authority. Rather high level of distortion once you turn up the volume just half way.
Does not even get close to a similarly priced Marantz entry level amp purchased 20 years before this Pioneer one was brought to market.
Much improved sound over factory jumpers.
High quality cable and hardware.
Excellent fit & finish.
Choice of different terminations (banana plugs vs. spades) facilitates all usage scenarios.
I can highly recommend those!