HiFi-Newbie Posted July 10, 2011 Posted July 10, 2011 Hi, I am brand new to this forum and have read some discussions on the Amp/Preamp Vs Receivers here before. I now find myself wanting to improve my current system. I currently have a Onkyo TX-SR 701 Receiver with Krix speakers (Lyrix Gold, KDX-C and Equinox rears). I am looking at upgrading the receiver and was thinking of separates instead of a AV Receiver. Was originally looking at the Onkyo 709/809 as the upgrade receiver. I know separates are better but which way to go. I have heard some good things on some US forums about Emotiva Amps but not much here. Are they good value for money, and is it better to go for two separate amps such as the XPA-2 for Front L/R and XPA-3 for C and Surrounds or the XPA-5 for all. I do like listening to music, from all sources, as well as using it for HT. Does this option (above) cause any balancing issues with L/R & Centre when using as HT. I am prepared to wait for Emotiva to bring out their XMC-1 (hope end of year) rather than get the UMC-1 and keep using the preouts of the existing unit (701) until then. Are there any other comparable amps/preamps out there I should consider for the same money. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated as this is the first time I am venturing out into this world.
mikrad Posted July 10, 2011 Posted July 10, 2011 Hi, I am brand new to this forum and have read some discussions on the Amp/Preamp Vs Receivers here before. I now find myself wanting to improve my current system.I currently have a Onkyo TX-SR 701 Receiver with Krix speakers (Lyrix Gold, KDX-C and Equinox rears). I am looking at upgrading the receiver and was thinking of separates instead of a AV Receiver. Was originally looking at the Onkyo 709/809 as the upgrade receiver. I know separates are better but which way to go. I have heard some good things on some US forums about Emotiva Amps but not much here. Are they good value for money, and is it better to go for two separate amps such as the XPA-2 for Front L/R and XPA-3 for C and Surrounds or the XPA-5 for all. I do like listening to music, from all sources, as well as using it for HT. Does this option (above) cause any balancing issues with L/R & Centre when using as HT. I am prepared to wait for Emotiva to bring out their XMC-1 (hope end of year) rather than get the UMC-1 and keep using the preouts of the existing unit (701) until then. Are there any other comparable amps/preamps out there I should consider for the same money. Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated as this is the first time I am venturing out into this world. I use the XPA5 to do the lot and it sounds fantastic I highly recommend it. Plenty of oomph and doesnt miss a beat, I love listening to music through it
egosbar Posted July 10, 2011 Posted July 10, 2011 i just bought the usp1 and upa 2 , it has definitely made my current speakers sound a lot better and they are not that good , i think the xpa2 for fronts and xpa 3 for surronds would be a good idea if you can afford it definitely value for money as the us dollar is low , and they are a simply stunning looking amp as well, im getting the xpa 1 now as it is only set for my stereo computer system
alistairm Posted July 10, 2011 Posted July 10, 2011 They are great value. I had XPA-2 and then a pair of 1s. Oodles of clean power. I miss them actually. The pre isn't in the same class as the power amps, but is still good.
Paul Spencer Posted July 10, 2011 Posted July 10, 2011 XPA5 seems a good one. If that's not enough power then the next thing to look at is the speakers. I'm not too sure what you could actually find that is comparable to Emotiva - generally there are no other options at the same price.
pelennor Posted July 11, 2011 Posted July 11, 2011 XPA5 seems a good one. If that's not enough power then the next thing to look at is the speakers. I'm not too sure what you could actually find that is comparable to Emotiva - generally there are no other options at the same price. I'd agree, pro amps are about the only other comparable option price wise, but they have drawbacks of their own. Since you listen to a lot of music, you may want to consider monoblocks for the front left and right (ie UPA-1 or XPA-1), as that will totally eliminate crosstalk. Having said that, from what I've heard, most people using the multi channel Emotiva amps for 2 channel listening are very happy.
Guest VladimirFreddie Posted July 11, 2011 Posted July 11, 2011 For what its worth my XPA-3 totally over achieves driving my centre and rears
mikrad Posted July 11, 2011 Posted July 11, 2011 I'd agree, pro amps are about the only other comparable option price wise, but they have drawbacks of their own.Since you listen to a lot of music, you may want to consider monoblocks for the front left and right (ie UPA-1 or XPA-1), as that will totally eliminate crosstalk. Having said that, from what I've heard, most people using the multi channel Emotiva amps for 2 channel listening are very happy. Yes I am! XPA5 kicks a$$ for 2 channel listening (on Paradigm Studio 60's at least). Every day I listen to 2 channel and im always impressed how good it sounds, I find myself listening to songs I hate and enjoying the sound quality!
HiFi-Newbie Posted July 11, 2011 Author Posted July 11, 2011 Hey everyone Thanks for the great advice, it certainly looks like I can do well getting the Emotiva amps, now just a decision on whether to get the XPA-5 or the 2 and 3. I guess I can always plug them into the current receiver and wait for the XMC-1 to arrive. Vladimir, I gather you meant that comment in a good way, as I have seen others replies from you and you appear very happy. What is your setup again at this time. David
-chippy- Posted July 15, 2011 Posted July 15, 2011 we (or at least i havnt) dont seem to hear bad reports about any of the amps ,not sure if the same applies to their pre/pro s though, the general consensus seems to me, to get the most/best you can afford (within reason to match up with the quality/price of your speakers)..with your selections the XPA-2 is said to be in a slightly higher class than the XPA-3 and XPA-5, obviously the specs show the XPA-2 has a bit more too..it all depends on how much cash you are willing to throw at it, ...in a rare moment i found i had some spare kanga to allocate to them so i got three XPA-1's and a XPA-2 and two UPA-1's, no doubt it is more than i need, but, heck I should have heaps of clean power to throw around though i am looking forward to getting it all going i cant comment to the sound quality yet, as i am still building a new dedicated component area and running a couple of new power circuits just for the amps and other bits i am probably going to wait for their XMC-1 as well although i would like see what other choices there are (if any ???) for a separate pre processor, that has XLR would be preferred too
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