Orb Audio: Booster 50 Watt Mini Integrated Amplifier - Audio Amplifier With Remote - Includes Optical Input and Remote Control - EZ Voice Lifts Dialogue Above Background Noise - Bluetooth Capable

Bottom line - This is a great little product. I bought this amp to drive a pair of satellite speakers in another room from main AV receiver setup. My application is to independently run these speakers from my main setup but regardless of your input; AV receiver, plasma TV, other amp, etc., it is a very elegant, compact, and high-quality solution. First, the sound quality at this price point and size is exceptional. I am driving a pair of mid-range ceiling mount speakers but even then, the sound is full, clear, with absolute clarity between ranges. Bass is clear and crisp and at high volumes and there is very little distortion. Second, there are an impressive number of features embedded in this little guy. It is geared toward a TOSLINK cable input but there are also two 3.5mm TRS inputs. On the output side, there is also an RCA jack to directly connect a sub-woofer if you setup requires it. It also has a "dialogue boost" feature which I have not tried but for those connecting to a TV to address the soundbar problem of overwhelming special effects in the background drowning out the dialogue, bet this might be very good. On the input side, it has an IR control feature with an included remote. The IR feature is a HUGE advantage over buying stuff with just control knobs. I messed around with my Logitech Harmony and added it as a device to integrate it into my overall setup. Might have just been me as Orb Audio was recognized under the devices but I had to spend a little time "learning" my remote but nonetheless, easy enough to control the Orb under my Harmony remotes. Truth in disclosure, there is the "as designed property" that the volume reverts to default every time the device is restarted required me to adapt but overall, not a big deal. And finally, Orb Audio is surprisingly an old-fashioned made in the USA small company. When I had my questions about the volume, I had an incredibly thorough and coherent conversation with them about the issue. If nothing else (POLITICS ASIDE), show a little love for home grown and if you need something these guys make, it is really good stuff...

We had been looking to get rid of a very poor Sound Bar - and had some great, if old (let's call them Classic) stereo speakers that were already part of the room.This small company-built and Optical cable-friendly installed Booster Mini Amplifier was set up in minutes and worked, as promised.The unit's small footprint also allowed for several placement options as well.If you are looking for better sound from your TV - this is a great option!BrianBackroads Motorcycle Magazine

The Orb sounds great and works fine, but does not work (it produces loud clicking noises) for my over the air TV signal that passes thru my TV and out via the optical port. My Panasonic Viera takes the CoAx input from the over the air TV antennae, and sends a Dolby Digital signal as output over the optical cable to the Orb amp. My TV does not have analog outputs, and the output over the optical link cannot be modified. So basically, Roku works, but over the air TV does not. I can buy a $40 converter box to go between my TV and Orb box, or I can turn off the Orb, turn back on my TV speakers, and do this every time I want to watch TV. Orb needs to warn users that it will not handle Dolby Digital input.

Works well, and I was able to control the unit with a harmony hub universal remote. Definitely one of the more powerful t-amps I've heard (on par with a topping tp22 and much better than anything from lepai, lepay, or pile for that matter.)Points for improvement:1) The remote code for power is a toggle, so some times it will confuse universal remotes. (There should ALWAYS be an alternate non-toggle code)2) The "enhanced" mode is too harsh to be useful. If it were scaled back 50% it would be perfect.3) The Optical input only works with pcm. While surround formats wouldn't add anything, this being a stereo receiver, it does make some sources incompatible with it, and most people might assume something is broken. I had to go through my entire audio chain and turn off dolby surround in favor of stereo or the audio would cut out every 30 seconds or so.Still it is the best mini receiver on the market.Update: I've added a star, as the more I own this the more I like it. The integrated usb power port is always on, so it's actually useful (I have a harmony hub universal remote plugged into mine).I've changed my speakers from Micca Mb42s (which sounded too harsh in enhanced mode) to Polk TSi 100's (which sound great in enhanced mode). I use enhanced mode when listening to audio books, for everything else regular mode is better.This amp does a much better job driving the Micca's then my Lepai 2020ti amp, the highs and midrange come through much stronger.For speakers I heartily recommend either Micca Mb42s(budget), or Polk TSI 100s (premium). The Polks do a great job without a Subwoofer. The Miccas sound "good" without a sub (not great), so if you're thinking of adding a sub to the Miccas, just go with the polks instead.

If you are looking for an amplifier to use for in ceiling speakers, this might not work for you if you are thinking of installing the amp in your attic. The remote has poor signal and can't be picked up unless you are holding it directly in front of the amp. However, customer service is great and when you call them they assist you quite well. I purchased this amp to install in my attic to power my two in-ceiling speakers in the master bath. The unit has great power and the speakers sound great, however if you are purchasing this because it gives you the flexibility of a remote, then my comment to you is...WISHFUL THINKING! I think it would be cheaper to have your electrician install an outlet in your attic that can be turned on and off by a power switch, that way the unit is not on when you need it. That being said, if you do have that electrical work done, you could then get a different amp for much cheaper almost 1/4 of the price. The reasons I rated this 3 stars is the poor remote signal, and the expensive price.