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Post by Dan Laufman on Mar 12, 2012 22:03:57 GMT -5
Hi all, So, I keep hearing that seven channel amps are desired...hmmm. We've had them before, but they were always soft sellers. Have things changed? If you needed a seven channel amp from Emotiva, what would be important to you... Power - Seven x ?? Balanced inputs ?? Cost - what price point is desired... be realistic!! Is class of operation important as long as it sounds great?? If you would be so kind to let me now your thoughts, I'd really appreciate it. Try to be serious!  Thanks, Big Dan |
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jamrock
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Post by jamrock on Mar 12, 2012 22:17:15 GMT -5
Power (200 - 250 wpc x 7) at minimum. 300 wpc is heaven.
Customary Emo price/performance
Class of operation: Irrelevant as long as it sounds great.
Balanced input is a definite plus.
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jlafrenz
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Post by jlafrenz on Mar 12, 2012 22:54:14 GMT -5
From talking to people on and off the Lounge, the higher wattages of the X series are desirable. It seems they were chosen over the lower powered amps for only a bit of a price bum. This is viewed as a better value of watts per dollar. Based on the price increase from the XPA-3 to the XPA-5, not sure it is possible, but bring the power of the X amps with 7 channels for $999. I think you would have a lot of interest.
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Post by tchaik on Mar 12, 2012 23:09:24 GMT -5
of course i can't speak for anyone else, but the combination of the xpa-5 plus xpa-2 for a total of seven channels made complete sense to me. this is because i value 2 channel music as much as 7 channel surround sound.
i would only have been interested in an xpa-7 had not the 2 and 5 been available. i can't even remember....was there a upa-7 at one time? if there was, i knew it wasn't for me because i wanted the type of power minimum that is found in the xpa series.
so....an xpa-7 with 200 watts at 8 ohms and 300 at 4 ohms may be more desirable for those looking to better the power of their existing receivers. question.....can you put that much power in a single chassis with a standard 110 plug or would you need to do something a little more exotic.
i know dan said the past 7 channel amps were soft sellers, but did they ever have as much power as now being discussed and would that have a different impact on the market?
oh yeah..... the suggested amp price point with the previous power ratings mentioned with a class a/b topology would be 1099 intro price with a regular price of 1199.
good luck dan. i always look forward to your new and creative ways of helping me part with the family inheritance.
tchaik................
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Post by badronald on Mar 12, 2012 23:28:24 GMT -5
How about a modular design where the chassis can accomodate up to 7 amp modules, but can be purchased and configured for as low as 2 channels using Digital ICE power type amp modules.
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Post by roadrunner on Mar 12, 2012 23:45:36 GMT -5
Dan
I think something akin to the IPS-1 would be a huge seller. As matter of fact, bringing back the IPS-1 with both RCA and XLR connections would be just about perfect. I was sorry to see the H topology amps be discontinued.
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Post by GreenKiwi on Mar 13, 2012 1:13:48 GMT -5
What about an imbalanced amp, say 3x300 & 4@150 sort of thinking merge an xpa2&5 ish.
That being said I'm not in the market because I already have an emo 7 channel amp that I love!!!
Go IPS!
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Post by bobbyt on Mar 13, 2012 1:33:31 GMT -5
You can't get an honest 300x7 out of a 120V x 15A = 1800 W outlet. More importantly, there's no ambient/surround sound you'd want to pump 300 watts to.
I don't see a need for an amp that put the same power to 7 channels. I'd much rather send twice as much power to the front two speakers that do all the work, with a fraction of that going around.
Or just a moderate-power 3/5 channel paired with a high power 2 channel. I can't see ever using more than 100 honest watts in the surrounds (and even that seems silly), but I'll gladly take 300+ to the fronts.
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Post by bobbyt on Mar 13, 2012 1:35:21 GMT -5
Oh, and I'll add that once you get into amps that big, there's no reason not to go class D (or G/H, but I don't know much about those).
Monster power from something light and cool -- I love my class D monoblocks, and I can't imagine dealing with a multichannel amp that wasn't class D.
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Post by knucklehead on Mar 13, 2012 1:58:43 GMT -5
How about a 7 channel modular amp with selectable wattage modules? Most surrounds wides and height speakers don't need the same power as the front 3 speakers. I owned a UPA-7 for 3 years and never felt like it gave me quite what I needed for the front three speakers but was more than adequate for the surrounds and wides.
How about a 7 channel amp with dual triggers? One that turns on the two main speaker modules and one that turns on the other five. I use 2 channel much more than I use the other 5. I'm at 95% 2 channel use.
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Post by ausman on Mar 13, 2012 2:37:06 GMT -5
my opinion at the right price at the right shipping cost i could go a 7 channel amp, beats paying $500 for shipping on a xpa-2 and xpa-5.weight .
looking at weight factor alone I would say a xpa-7 or xpr-7 could be a good option to look at..
i'd be interested in a companion amp for the xmc-1.. whether it be 140/180 or 200/350 as long as it supports xlr's i don't mind what the power is, though as long it doesn't chug when using 6.3's or similar speakers..
as for class of amp h would be nice though either a/b or d might be worth a look at..
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Post by garbulky on Mar 13, 2012 2:57:13 GMT -5
The multiple different wattages may complicate things for people that are unaware or don't have the equpment to accurately volume match the surround channels.
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Mar 13, 2012 3:35:20 GMT -5
- 7x 200W
- XLRs
- $999
- Class H
- LED panel VU meter
- Dim/On/Off control for LEDs
This I believe would be a winner! People with 5.1 can also have the option to biamp the fronts for a killer HT/2ch system. |
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Post by aliminas on Mar 13, 2012 4:26:41 GMT -5
Biamping from the same amp? Really?
Anyways, thank you, mr. Laufman, for opportunity for people to express their wishes.
I personally do not care for anything more than 5.1, but could second Ice module suggestion, they are great for movies.
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Bruce
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Post by Bruce on Mar 13, 2012 5:17:25 GMT -5
- 7x 200W
- XLRs
- $999
- Class H
- LED panel VU meter
- Dim/On/Off control for LEDs
This I believe would be a winner! People with 5.1 can also have the option to biamp the fronts for a killer HT/2ch system. +1 Sounds great to me. |
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Post by Topend on Mar 13, 2012 6:53:06 GMT -5
XPA-7
7x 200w
$999
I won't buy one as I have my amps but I think this would be a good solid amp.
Dave.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2012 7:04:28 GMT -5
Thanks Big Dan for asking for input.
I try to be practical understanding the value to buyers of keeping Emotiva components at very high quality levels while factory direct prices. This precludes having one of each color and every power level under the sun.
IMO, folks who need or desire 7 channel amps are better off considering one of two combo theories. Note that I am not in the 7 channel camp myself due to limited room space and very little need for channels 6 and 7. I feel most of your customers are in the same boat for the same reasons plus the fact that there is little source material. I see no advantage as of yet for height and side channels.
The two combos I speak of are those who buy for example the XPA-5 and a higher power 2 channel amp for the L&R mains (ie: XPA-2 or XPA-1's) at the same time or down the road. The other group is those who buy the XPA-5 and a lower power 2 channel amp for the rear surrounds such as the UPA-2 or Mini-X a-100. Some have the option of an XPA-3 and 2ea UPA-2 or Mini-X a-100's for both the side and rear surrounds. A 4 channel lower power amp for the 7 channel crowd to go with the XPA-3 might be an option but might not sell well. The basic 5 channel amp like the XPA-5 to me is the best choice for the 7 channel crowd who then have the option to add the higher power amp or lower power amp as fits their needs. I would showcase on your website a combo of the XPA-5 plus 2 channel lower or higher power amp as a package to attract the 7 channel crowd. At sale time offer an extra package discount like the XPA-5 plus the mini-X a-100 for $979 or the XPA-5 plus the XPA-2 for $1479.
I just don't think there is a large enough buyer group to make a 7 channel amp practical for your customer base at this time. I could be wrong here as some may just think a one amp with all 7 channels makes sense space wise. However, considering the XPA-2 is already in the line, a choice of having an XPA-5 and lower power amp in the 75-125 watt range for the rear surrounds would be preferable to an XPA-5 and an XPA-7 (without the lower power amp in the line).
I think a new 2 channel amp in the 75/110 or 100/145 into 8/4 ohms range would be very nice either in full size or mini-X size for channels 6 and 7, $299-$350.
I would forget XLR connections except for the Emotiva top of the line amps. I would prefer you stick with class A/B. If you do in fact go for a 7 channel XPA-7 then make it 200/300 unbalanced, A/B and a realistic price for Emo might be $1099.
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Post by nimikipod on Mar 13, 2012 7:17:51 GMT -5
I think that you got this all wrong Dan.. in today's market you need to innovate.
if you want to create something spectacular, you need to give a solution that no one else has, with a good price which is the Emo way..
i can think of two diffrent options:
1. for once, you can make an amp with 7 channels that each of the channels has its own 300-500va torodial transformer - just like Tag-Mclaren used to make - totaly seperated amps.
2. a solution for stereo & movies on a "reasonable budget" - an amplifier with 3 strong channels for the fronts & center -delivering 300watts at least + 4 channels for the rears with 150/200Watts of class H or T.
if were being practical, that is what most of your customers will ever need.
also, no other manufacturer offers this kind of amp - totally thinking outside of the box !! also, think of the possibilities, you can work the amp with 5 channels and make the class T/H amps drive the fronts speakers with BI-amplification etc.
Balanced inputs are a must. if you want Emotiva to be regarded as a high end manufacturer
please remember Dan, if you use one of my idea's you need to send me a couple of these amps for testing/review (that means - for free..)
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geebo
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Post by geebo on Mar 13, 2012 7:38:55 GMT -5
I don't see myself going to 7 channels anytime so for me its a non issue. If I change my mind at some point then 200x7 and $999.00 would get my vote. Although I'd probably just get an XPA-2 to go with my XPA-5.
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Post by villock on Mar 13, 2012 8:21:04 GMT -5
I know this is a 7 channel amp feeler thread. But I am with tchaik on this as I think a lot of people value 2 channel as much if not more than HT. What I would love to see is VU meters on your existing XPA amps. There was a thread a while back on this subject that got a lot of interest. I still kick myself for not buying an RPA-2 when I had the chance. I would take the XPA-2 and add VU meters and call it an XPA-2 S/E. Maybe a 150-200 upcharge? I would also do this with the XPA-3. I think you would sell a ton of these and be able to go to production pretty quickly. And if there was any way to send in the XPA-2 to convert to VUs my 2 would be on a Fed Ex truck in a heartbeat  And for the 7 channel guys you can design an amp for them also. See, everybody (ME) would be happy  |
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And for the 7 channel guys you can design an amp for them also. See, everybody (ME) would be happy 
