RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Versus the usual integrated-amp or multichannel-power-amp alternatives at this level, US$400 looks like a solid buy: it sits below the US$437 25th percentile and well under the US$455 median for recent comparable listings, so this is a genuine value play rather than a stretch. It is not a reckless bargain, but it is priced low enough to move quickly if the unit is clean and complete.
What makes it worthwhile is straightforward: the A-500 is a well-liked, no-nonsense power amp that gives you honest current delivery, good channel separation, and plenty of usable headroom for modest-to-medium systems. At this price, the main things to confirm are basic condition, all channels working quietly, and no signs of abuse; if those check out, this is the kind of used listing that makes sense to grab rather than overthink.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Emotiva Audio, an American brand founded in 2003 by Dan Laufman, emerged from his extensive background in audio engineering and OEM design. A lifelong audiophile and electrical engineer, Laufman had previously collaborated with pioneers like Infinity's Arnie Nudell and built successful OEM firms, including Jade Design, which supplied components to major players. Launching Emotiva as a passion project just as internet direct-to-consumer sales revolutionized the industry, he named it after the Italian word for "emotional," reflecting the joy he rediscovered in creating gear uncompromised by client demands.
The brand focuses on high-performance amplifiers, preamps, processors, DACs, loudspeakers, and home theater solutions, with early standouts like the 2005 DMC-1 preamp-processor setting benchmarks for build quality and value. Emotiva's lineup emphasizes robust power amps and integrated systems, often leveraging cutting-edge engineering while expanding into full musical device ecosystems by 2015. This direct model strips away retail markups, delivering premium components without frills.
Emotiva holds a strong mid-tier position in the hi-fi market, renowned for democratizing high-end sound through affordability and reliability. It appeals to discerning enthusiasts seeking audiophile-grade performance—often rivaling pricier competitors—via a loyal direct-sales community and U.S.-based production in Franklin, Tennessee. Far from boutique obscurity, Emotiva commands respect for innovation and value, fostering enduring customer allegiance in a crowded field.
See all Emotiva listings on RADAR.
