Edwards Audio IA7
FOR Powerful, muscular sound; solid build quality; easy to use AGAINST Not the last word in subtlety or drive
If we could describe this Edwards Audio IA7 stereo amplifier in a single word, it would be ‘robust’. With a full-bodied sound packed in a distinctive chassis, the IA7 makes a dent in a competitive category, with robust succinctly encompassing the IA7’S powerful, muscular and energetic characteristics.
Seeing the Edwards Audio IA7 is like greeting an old friend with a new haircut. Overall, it’s the same familiar sturdy, half-width black metal box used across Edwards’ amplifier range, but the look has been refreshed by a different backlit LED colour adorning the front panel.
On the IA7, blue LEDS light up features such as inputs, model name and whether the amp is on mute or not, as well as give a splash of character to an otherwise plain box. The workmanlike design isn’t as sleek as Audiolab’s 6000A, but the IA7 is solidly built and has a reassuring heft. Two control dials – one for selecting inputs, one for volume – work smoothly and the half-width design is appealing for those with limited space. We’d make sure the amp has plenty of ventilation though, as it can get warm when playing.
Analogue approach
Edwards Audio has improved the linear power supply and transformer of the IA7 (which is based on the original IA2-R amplifier), with a claimed 80W of power going into an 8 ohm load. Sticking to its all-analogue approach, there are three line-level inputs and a 3.5mm auxiliary input, preamp and record outputs, and even an option to add a moving-magnet phono stage. Our review sample came without, but the model with the MM phono inputs costs an extra £50.
The IA7 comes with an oval-shaped remote control that is fine for adjusting volume, but doesn’t work well from an angle, an issue worth considering when positioning your hi-fi in your room.
There’s nothing workmanlike about the Edwards Audio IA7’S sound. This is a big, muscular and fun sounding amplifier, with bags of energy and punch, and a penchant for really deep, lush basslines. This smooth, full-bodied approach is free of sharp or bright edges, making it an easy listen from the start.
Basslines, whether the funky textures in Sbtrkt’s Wildfire or the crescendo in Hans Zimmer’s Inception score, are joyfully deep. They reach low, with every thump and wallop landing with a powerful and solid impact.
Soaring songs
The IA7 is tuneful, too. Those basslines have layers of detail and texture, and it is dynamic enough to let the music soar and dip with ease. Songs are given a big playing field, with the IA7 offering an open, wide soundstage that offers excellent stereo imaging.
Vocals sound bold and focused, and while the overall sound could be crisper, the IA7 veers on the right side of being a punchy and smooth listen.
It’s an appealing approach, but Edwards Audio is up against fierce competition from the Award-winning Regas Brio and Elex-r. Those amplifiers deliver music with greater finesse and clarity, and sketch out notes with greater precision and rhythmic drive. And, while the Brio can’t match the IA7’S muscle and scale, it’s more subtle in the way it handles dynamics and detail.
In comparison, the sense of drive and momentum in Eminem’s The Way I Am isn’t as strong through the IA7. However, it does manage to get across the feel and intent of a song admirably. It has a great grasp on musicality and simply has more fun than most other amplifiers at this price. And it’s that quality that makes the robust IA7 such a joy to listen to.