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Post by odedia on Apr 24, 2013 7:53:58 GMT -5
Hi all.
Well, I've just spend a couple of days with my new XPA-3 and I think it is great.
That got me thinking about where to go next.
I have an old receiver that will probably have to go away, and the XSP-1 for my Turntable. I was thinking about the UMC-200, XMC-1, or the PD-7030.
However, for all 3 options, I need another amp! I can get two 2-channel amps ofcourse, but I feel it's a bit of an overkill. The XPA-3 would power the 3 front speakers, while the remaining 4 should power the less critical speakers of surround and surround back / front high.
What I really want is an affordable 4-channel amplifier, maybe 80x4. That would cost less than the existing UPA-500 and UPA-700, would not "waste" unused channels, require less power and generally would just fit better for my setup, which I guess many other users here are sharing. I think something in the range of 299-349$ would fit the bill.
What do you think?
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bootman
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Typing useless posts on internet forums....
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Post by bootman on Apr 24, 2013 7:58:40 GMT -5
The UPA is already so inexpensive that i doubt it will save you much money. The extra channel isn't wasted. You will actually have a little more available power to the other channels that are used since all channels share the same power supply. So that 80x5 will be more like 100x4. (give or take a few watts)
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Post by Dark Ranger on Apr 24, 2013 8:19:00 GMT -5
I agree with bootman. The power from the spare channel won't be wasted. The amp will be able to push a bit more power to each of the in-use channels. The UPA-500 will be a great amplifier for the surround channels. In fact, that's how I'll configure my setup very shortly. The center channel will have its own dedicated amp, so I can use my UPA-500 for just the four surround channels. The UPA-500 is surprisingly potent, plus the form-factor allows it to be placed almost anywhere.
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Post by odedia on Apr 24, 2013 8:38:24 GMT -5
Good points everyone. I guess it's not that much of a difference. Besides, if I want just a 5.1 system (which is what I have right now), I'll probably be fine with just the mini-X a-100, which is half-priced.
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Post by drtrey3 on Apr 24, 2013 8:49:52 GMT -5
I feel ya! But what I want is a 200 watt 4 channel. 8)
I laugh because Emotiva gives us SO MANY OPTIONS! It is selfish of me to want something else, but I do.
Trey
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Post by odedia on Apr 24, 2013 9:19:33 GMT -5
That may actually be a more viable suggestion than my original one. Most people with XPA-3 would want a matching 4-channels at 200 watts, instead of 80 watts per channel.
But you're right, we have a ton of options. I'm actually considering just getting a good onkyo with preouts that will drive the rears speakers just fine, plus I get good room correction with it. And ofcourse, my personal million dollar feature: playback of dsd files from my NAS!
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Post by drtrey3 on Apr 24, 2013 12:05:06 GMT -5
Yeah, I am saving for an XPA-3 then an XPA-5 cause I run 7.1.
Trey
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Post by Dark Ranger on Apr 24, 2013 12:12:30 GMT -5
The XPA-5 is a great amp and would match perfectly with your XPA-3 (gain, power output, size, etc.). However, it is several times beyond your stated budget (not to mention twice the physical size of the UPA-500), which is why I did not initially recommend it. Unless you're wanting a perfectly-matched setup, listen very loudly, or have spare change, the XPA-5 might not be the best choice based on your original criteria. That said, the AVR option is also a good one and you can power the surrounds just fine with that. There are some great AVRs out there and it should be easy to find one that fits your requirements. If you want to make the full jump to separates, the UMC-200 offers great features and value, although you'll definitely need an external amplifier to power the surrounds. Good luck.
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Post by rtg97229 on Apr 24, 2013 16:40:31 GMT -5
I think 4 and 6 chan amps would be great for people who use active crossovers. I would also like it if Emotiva would sell an active crossover much like the discontinued Marchand XM6.
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Post by trackz on Apr 24, 2013 23:10:20 GMT -5
I'm trying to decide a similar thing for myself right now, with how best to achieve 7 channels of amplification with X series. How about 1 x XPA-3 and with 2 x XPA-200. Each XPA-200 powers a set of surround channels. You're not wasting any amplification channels and the drop in power from the XPA-3 to the XPA-200 is minimal and probably in line with the lower power handling capabilities of surround speakers.
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Post by odedia on Apr 25, 2013 3:54:25 GMT -5
How about the XPA-1L? If I got two of these (would cost a lot, I know) to power my fronts for stereo listening, and keep the XPA-3 for center and surround? Will I get any noticeable audio improvement thanks to the class A amplification? How "loud" would 30 watts of class A gets you? If it's not normal volume listening I guess it would be a waste of money since I'll always crossover to class AB.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2013 10:24:20 GMT -5
I don't know how we can give you any kind of a meaningful answer until you fill us in on the details. I'm talking about your speakers, size room (L, W and H) and any openings, sound absorption material like carpeting, etc, and how loud do you play your music and movies.
What exact speakers do you have? Are you sure about 7.1 or would 5.1 be OK. That might have a lot to do with the size of your room, extra wide and/or long room might be more applicable to a 7.1 system. Otherwise many folks are plenty happy with a very good 5.1 system Whether 5.1 or 7.1 the 2 or 4 surround speakers usually need half or less the power of the front LCR. In that case for a 5.1 system the mini-X A-100 would be fine and the UPA-500 for the 7.1. The UPA-500 like Bootman says is fine for four channels.
However, we have no idea what speakers you will be using. Decide that first and whether 5 or 7 and then we can advice what amp to add in addition to the very fine XPA-3. We also need to know if you will have a sub (very highly recommended) which if you hook it up correctly with its dedicated amp will require less power from 80Hz or so and down from the main amps.
Without this info I can only give very ballpark figure and say go with the XPA-3 plus the mini-X (5.1) or plus the UMC-500 (7.1). If you end up with low sensitivity speakers you might need more power all around at very loud levels.
BTW, the UPA-500 was just on sale for several days, 10% off. Be sure you are signed up in the profile section for special e-mails from Emo for offers from time to time.
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Post by roadrunner on Apr 25, 2013 12:52:42 GMT -5
^^^ There you go Chuckienut, stealing my thunder again. ;D Actually, that is exactly what I would have posted if my good friend, the Lounge's unofficial NUT , hadn't responded first. I would have also asked for photos of your listening room, if possible, to get a feel for the acoustic properties of your room and distances between your gear and your listening position. The more info you can provide the more focused our advice will be.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2013 13:00:40 GMT -5
Photos, we always love photos. Many folks don't understand why, but the room the speakers are in, as well as the speakers themselves has a great deal to do with the power needed.
PS: Besides posting photos, please PM me your address and the days you'll be gone on vacation.
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