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ELAC Discovery Series DS-A101-G Review
ELAC Discovery Series DS-A101-G

Main Features

  • 40 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Bluetooth v4.0
  • Weight: 4.80 lbs / 2.18 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):2-1/2 x 8-7/16 x 13-5/8 inch
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ELAC DS-A101-G Review
ELAC DS-A101-G ELAC DS-A101-G
See at AMAZON

The DS-A101-G is an Streaming Integrated Amplifier by ELAC that delivers 40 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 80 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Thanks to its built-in DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. ELAC DS-A101-G has an MSRP of 850$.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The ELAC DS-A101-G is rated at 40 watts RMS into 8-ohms. ELAC provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.03% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 40 watts into 8-ohms (1k) at 0.03%
  • 80 watts into 4-ohms
  • 101dB Signal to Noise Ratio

When pairing the ELAC DS-A101-G with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


What size of room is the ELAC DS-A101-G Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the ELAC DS-A101-G amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldGood
Small RoomGood
Mid-size RoomAverage
Large RoomPoor
Very Large RoomNo way

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the ELAC DS-A101-G, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. ELAC DS-A101-G has total of 2 Analog inputs .

ELAC DS-A101-G Back View
ELAC DS-A101-G Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 1 Coaxial Digital Input

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • Subwoofer Output

Bluetooth Connectivity

ELAC DS-A101-G features built-in Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Audiolab 7000A - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ DS-A101-G
  • Denon PMA-900HNE - MSRP 949$ - Compare w/ DS-A101-G
  • Rotel A11 Tribute - MSRP 800$ - Compare w/ DS-A101-G
  • Arcam A15 - MSRP 999$ - Compare w/ DS-A101-G
  • Rotel A12 - MSRP 722$ - Compare w/ DS-A101-G

Phono Input

ELAC DS-A101-G doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, ELAC DS-A101-G has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.

Subwoofer Output

ELAC DS-A101-G has a dedicated subwoofer output which can be used to connect it directly to a powered subwoofer via an LFE(Low Frequency Effects) cable.
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with ELAC DS-A101-G amp and your speakers.

DAC and Digital Music

The ELAC DS-A101-G's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC.
DS-A101-G Handheld Remote
ELAC DS-A101-G Handheld Remote

ELAC DS-A101-G External Dimensions and Weight

ELAC DS-A101-G has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 2-1/2inch x 8-7/16inch x 13-5/8inch (64.0mm x 215.0mm x 347.0mm ). The unit weighs 2.18kg / 4.8lbs.

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the ELAC DS-A101-G is approximately 746.1cm2 / 115.6inch2.

  • Width: 215.0mm (8-7/16")
  • Height: 64.0mm (2-1/2")
  • Depth: 347.0mm (13-5/8")
  • Weight: 2.18 kg (4.80lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~746.1cm2 / 115.6inch2
  • Volume: ~4.8 liter / 1.3 gallon
ELAC DS-A101-G  screen
ELAC DS-A101-G screen

What's in the Box of ELAC DS-A101-G?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of DS-A101-G:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 4-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • 4 Banana-connectors
  • Operating Instructions
  • Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the ELAC Discovery Series DS-A101-G Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
    Official Product Page for ELAC DS-A101-G

    Warranty

    1 Year of parts warranty and 1 Year of labor warranty is generally provided for the ELAC DS-A101-G by the manufacturer.

    ELAC DS-A101-G Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand ELAC
    Full Model Name ELAC Discovery Series DS-A101-G
    Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
    Amp Class Class A/B
    Performance
    Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 40 watts
    Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
    Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 80 watts
    Frequency Bandwidth 1k
    THD 0.03%
    Minimum Impedance 2
    Signal to Noise Ratio 101 dB
    Digital Music
    Built-in DAC Yes
    Bluetooth Yes
    WiFi 802.11n
    Ecosystem
    Apple AirPlay No
    Apple AirPlay2 No
    DTS Play-Fi No
    Chromecast built-in No
    Roon Ready
    HEOS No
    BluOS No

    CONNECTIONS
    Total Analog Inputs 2
    Phono Input No
    Optical Digital Inputs 1
    Coaxial Digital Inputs 1
    USB Input No
    Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA
    Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
    Headphone Output No
    Subwoofer Output Yes
    Removable Power Cord IEC 3-prong
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height 64.0mm (2-1/2")
    Width 215.0mm (8-7/16")
    Depth 347.0mm (13-5/8")
    Weight 2.18 kg (4.80lbs)
    OTHER
    Tone Controls Yes
    Loudness Control Yes
    Parts Warranty 1 Year
    Labor Warranty 1 Year
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