The Emotiva Lounge - UPA-5 Reviews

hawk14
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UPA-5 Reviews
« Thread Started on Jan 16, 2010, 4:43pm »

Hey guys, how about some feedback, thoughts, reviews, initial impressions, whatever you want to call it, on this "little beast." I'd like to know just how well it performs and how it compares to Emo's other fine gear.

« Last Edit: Jan 16, 2010, 4:44pm by hawk14 »

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Amps and Pres: de Havilland Ultraverve 3 preamp, Integra DHC-40.1 pre-pro, Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-1 x 2;
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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #1 on Jan 17, 2010, 8:23pm »

i am waiting for a upa-5 but i was thing about getting a xpa-5 instend let me ask you guys something i will be using a rotel rx1065 and live in a apartment i sit about 10 to 15 feet away for the speakers will the upa-5 be good enought to use are hould i go with the xpa5

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hawk14
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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #2 on Jan 18, 2010, 12:05pm »

Going strictly by numbers, there isnt any reason why the UPA-5 shouldn't do the job for you. However, if your situation should change in the form of upgrading speakers with dificult loads, or moving to a larger space, then getting the XPA-5 makes more sense over the long run. But for now, the UPA should suit you.

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Speakers: front- Nola Viper IIa; Def Tech PM700, center-CLR 2500, rear-BPX
Sub: Def Tech Powerfield 1500
Amps and Pres: de Havilland Ultraverve 3 preamp, Integra DHC-40.1 pre-pro, Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-1 x 2;
Sources: Yamaha dvd c-750 disc changer, Musical Fidelity A5 cdp
Display: 54 inch Panasonic plasma; Cables: Audio Art & River Cable IC's, Wireworld Aurora 7 & Shunyata Venom 3

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #3 on Jan 19, 2010, 3:48pm »

ok guys need help fast fedex willbe here soon i am wating for the upa5 but thing about not takeing it and just getting the xpa5 i have a rsx1065 recevier and b@w speakers ther are 602 in the front 600s for the center channel and dont remember the surronds i have thr room is 15 by 17 and i only watch movies music sometimes would the upa5 do the trick are will the xpa5 be better just trying to see what will better for movies and to inprees people when the come over

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indyscammer
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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #4 on Jan 19, 2010, 11:30pm »

I just started using the UPA-7 and love it. It is as much volume as I could ever use....granted I have highly efficient speakers. I can tell you my neighbor runs AR Classic 26's (4 ohms) and used a B&K AV5000 (5x125) and it also was more than ever needed (his theater room is roughly 22 ft. x 30 ft.). Unless you need ear bleeding volume I am convinced the Emo 125W offerings are great value!

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #5 on Jan 25, 2010, 9:09pm »

UPA 5 Review

I was looking for a 5 channel amplifier with lots of power and a good price. That why I choose the UPA5.

I made my order tow weeks ago. I live in Puerto Rico but science I was going to visit my family in Florida I call the Emo guys and arrange for the amp to be shipped to my family’s home. In two days it was delivered.

My first though when I saw the box was (F%$#%#^ that thing is hugeeeeeeeeee) the amp construction is excellent more than what I expected It also weights a lot.

Mi system consists of:

1) Marantz 5003 receiver
2) Nad 515 bee CD player
3) PS3 Slim
4) Panasonic 50” G10 Plasma
5) Monster Reference Power Center
6) Monitor Audio Speakers
a. BR5(mains)
b. BRLCR (center)
c. BR1 (surrounds)
d. BRW10 (subwoofer)

The amplifier was plugged directly to the wall. I use the receiver to trigger the amplifier with the supplied cable. I manually calibrated the system a let it warm for 30 minutes before my first listening section. I started with some music. When listening to music my receiver is set to pure direct, bypassing all the EQ and providing the best sound quality. Having in mind that the marantz did a great job with music I was amaze when I heard more bass, detail, and bigger image with the UPA 5 driving the speakers. This was the kind of performance I expect form amplifiers 6 times more expensive.

Using the five channels it was as impressive. The sound separation and the panning were all improve. I even started to notice details that I had never heard before in my system.

The UPA 5 offers lots of power more than I probably need. I could not be more satisfied with my purchase. I recommend this product to any one looking for great sound.

The best part is that it only cost $550.

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hawk14
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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #6 on Jan 26, 2010, 10:17pm »

Nice review. glad your enjoying the amp. Good luck with it.

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Speakers: front- Nola Viper IIa; Def Tech PM700, center-CLR 2500, rear-BPX
Sub: Def Tech Powerfield 1500
Amps and Pres: de Havilland Ultraverve 3 preamp, Integra DHC-40.1 pre-pro, Emotiva XPA-3, Emotiva UPA-1 x 2;
Sources: Yamaha dvd c-750 disc changer, Musical Fidelity A5 cdp
Display: 54 inch Panasonic plasma; Cables: Audio Art & River Cable IC's, Wireworld Aurora 7 & Shunyata Venom 3

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #7 on Feb 13, 2010, 8:47pm »

Jan 25, 2010, 9:09pm, avria wrote:

UPA 5 Review

I was looking for a 5 channel amplifier with lots of power and a good price. That why I choose the UPA5.

I made my order tow weeks ago. I live in Puerto Rico but science I was going to visit my family in Florida I call the Emo guys and arrange for the amp to be shipped to my family’s home. In two days it was delivered.

My first though when I saw the box was (F%$#%#^ that thing is hugeeeeeeeeee) the amp construction is excellent more than what I expected It also weights a lot.

Mi system consists of:

1) Marantz 5003 receiver
2) Nad 515 bee CD player
3) PS3 Slim
4) Panasonic 50” G10 Plasma
5) Monster Reference Power Center
6) Monitor Audio Speakers
a. BR5(mains)
b. BRLCR (center)
c. BR1 (surrounds)
d. BRW10 (subwoofer)

The amplifier was plugged directly to the wall. I use the receiver to trigger the amplifier with the supplied cable. I manually calibrated the system a let it warm for 30 minutes before my first listening section. I started with some music. When listening to music my receiver is set to pure direct, bypassing all the EQ and providing the best sound quality. Having in mind that the marantz did a great job with music I was amaze when I heard more bass, detail, and bigger image with the UPA 5 driving the speakers. This was the kind of performance I expect form amplifiers 6 times more expensive.

Using the five channels it was as impressive. The sound separation and the panning were all improve. I even started to notice details that I had never heard before in my system.

The UPA 5 offers lots of power more than I probably need. I could not be more satisfied with my purchase. I recommend this product to any one looking for great sound.

The best part is that it only cost $550.

thanks for posting your observations . . very helpful

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #8 on Apr 19, 2010, 11:06am »

Ok guys first just let me say I am a newbie to seperates but not electronics. I have just purchased the UPA-5 and am loving it. I took the challenge and am a believer. I have read posts and comments about emotiva and other amplifiers and I am very pleased. I was anticipating it's arrival and when it finally came, I was like a kid at christmas that didn't want to go to bed. I wanted to listen to movie after movie etc.

I have recently purchased an Integra DHC 40.1 and hooked it up Friday night and that's when it hit me, It's 1:30 in the morning. My wife couldn't take it anymore, she went to sleep. They sound great together. I do have a Klipsch RC-52 center channel which some people describe as bright...NOT AT ALL. There are things that I have never heard before, the detail is amazing. I have owned several other respected receivers and I was totally amazed by the sound. My brother in law came over the next day. He came over and wanted to stay just to watch more movies. He just kept saying, "everything sounds so clear. If he wasn't married I think he would have spent the night. We have over 900 DVD's (of course I didn't watch them all that night, however I felt a movie week marathon coming on).

Everything from the highs to the lows were excellent. I almost felt embarrased because I didn't buy the XPA 5, but since my wife and I still live in an apartment I want to keep it that way. When we move, I am definitely going to purchase the XPA 5 and XPA 2. I watched MI-3 that night, I totally couldn't believe how clear everything was at such low volumes. -40db on my receiver I could hardly hear what they were saying. I didn't find myself having to play with the volume control just to hear what was being said. Even the clarity on the surrounds were great. Nothing seemed to be harsh or over strident. I really think some people just don't know a good deal when they hear one.

If there is anyone out there looking for a great setup out of the box, you will NOT be dissapointed. I think with a dedicated pre pro and this emotiva or the UP-7 will definitely work. I only expect things to get better. If I didn't have to go to work today, I would still be home watching TV. I am well pleased with my choice and these are the final words...EMOITVA ROCKS to the N^th. I will post pictures of my set up soon.

« Last Edit: May 3, 2010, 1:11pm by sean »

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #9 on Apr 19, 2010, 11:40am »

Nice Sean.
I have the UPA-5 too and love it.
I see you have a Klipsch center speaker. What are your others?

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sean
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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #10 on Apr 19, 2010, 12:17pm »

The other speakers that I have a front no names. My brother bought them from some guy on the side of the road for 200 bucks. Denmark I think is the name of them. He likes them I have them on loan. I traded his for my DCM's. He likes the DCM's better. I plan to get the RF-52's

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sean
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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #11 on Apr 19, 2010, 12:19pm »

I forgot the rears are Boston Acoustics CR-57's. They sound pretty good for a mis matched set. Which is why I would like to at least get a matching front soundstage.

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tonymc
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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #12 on Apr 19, 2010, 3:15pm »

I've never heard the RF-52, but have seen them. They a very nice looking speaker and being Klipsch I would assume they sound good too.
This statement has me a little concerned though:

Apr 19, 2010, 12:17pm, sean wrote:

The other speakers that I have a front no names. My brother bought them from some guy on the side of the road for 200 bucks. Denmark I think is the name of them.

I really hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you should read this: White Van Speaker Scam.
My buddy was recently a victim of these guys.
Do yourself a favor and get the RF-52s for the UPA-5. You'll love the upgrade.

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wiredman
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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #13 on Jul 26, 2010, 1:02pm »

Sean,

If you could start over would you buy the XPA-5? I just installed my first UPA-5 and it's great! Just hoping I don't wonder "what if"..............

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #14 on Aug 6, 2010, 12:41pm »

I've decided to keep the UPA-5. The XPA-5 is still out right now and the UPA-5 is sweet. Could I have more power? Sure. Do I need more power? Of course, never enough. BUT the UPA-5 is doing a great job and I'm happy with it. To box it up, pay for shipping back, wait until the XPA-5 is available and re-wiring it back to my Onk808 for now...............eh......not worth it.
Now if Emotiva was closer to me I would probably do it but overall, very happy with my EMOTIVA purchase!

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #15 on Aug 6, 2010, 6:44pm »

Quote:

If you could start over would you buy the XPA-5? I just installed my first UPA-5 and it's great! Just hoping I don't wonder "what if"..............

It was a no-brainer for me when I chose the UPA-5 against the XPA-5.
My understanding is when you double the power, You only gain around +3db.

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #16 on Aug 9, 2010, 9:19pm »

True on the +3db. If I had "extra" cash, (like anybody has that anymore) and lived closer I would switch probably just because I could. Otherwise, happy! Now to tweak my Onk 808 and I'll be set...

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #17 on Aug 25, 2011, 4:10pm »

I've had my UPA-5 for about 6 months now and I could never go back to the time when I didn't have a separate amplifier. Detail & clarity noticeably increased, and I now run my receiver at -42db for night time listening while I used to have it at -32db. (Actual movie viewing volumes vary, as always, based on the movie).

Couldn't be happier.

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #18 on Apr 7, 2013, 12:55pm »

4-7-2013
I have a mint UPA-5 for sale...about a year old...works great and has more power than any speaker needs. I run fussy Martin Logans and they are great. I would be shipping to U from Florida so I need to know your zip code to tell you the shipping. I am asking $565. New
its $800.

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Re: UPA-5 Reviews
« Reply #19 on Apr 7, 2013, 1:17pm »

I think there may be some confusion from some previous posters here between the emotiva upa-500 (currently selling) and the emotiva UPA-5 a significantly more powerful amp which was part of the old u-series which has now been discontinued for some time now.

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