scott1
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 2
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Post by scott1 on Mar 10, 2014 9:16:55 GMT -5
Hi... I have an Onkyo TX-NR807 (see link for detailed specs on this AVR). www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-NR807&class=ReceiverI am using it for a 5.1 system (Polk Monitor 75T speakers are the mains with Polk Monitor 60's for surrounds and a Polk center) along with an Outlaw LFM 1-EX subwoofer. The Onkyo is rated at 135 W x 5. It should be noted that I do not currently have an amp, so the system is powered entirely by the Onkyo (except, of course, for the sub). My question is this: I am dangerously close to purchasing an XPA-5 which is rated at 200 W x 5. Since, I'm already running at 135 W x 5, will there be much of an improvement utilizing the XPA-5? I will happily spend the money if there is, but I have other places for $999.00 if the improvement in sound quality will only be minimal. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Scott
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bootman
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Typing useless posts on internet forums....
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Post by bootman on Mar 10, 2014 9:21:19 GMT -5
Why do you think you need an amp? Does it sound congested when you are playing anything? If so, yes the xpa-5 will help. ...and I doubt that Onkyo really puts out 135x5.
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Post by mshump on Mar 10, 2014 9:34:44 GMT -5
I had the Onkyo TX-SR805 , I put a XPA-3 amp for my fronts and center. The SQ was much more clean and robust. I felt it was well worth the upgrade. Remember there is a 30 day policy to try it out.
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geebo
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"Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are driving taxicabs and cutting hair"
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Post by geebo on Mar 10, 2014 9:41:05 GMT -5
Hi... I have an Onkyo TX-NR807 (see link for detailed specs on this AVR). www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-NR807&class=ReceiverI am using it for a 5.1 system (Polk Monitor 75T speakers are the mains with Polk Monitor 60's for surrounds and a Polk center) along with an Outlaw LFM 1-EX subwoofer. The Onkyo is rated at 135 W x 5. It should be noted that I do not currently have an amp, so the system is powered entirely by the Onkyo (except, of course, for the sub). My question is this: I am dangerously close to purchasing an XPA-5 which is rated at 200 W x 5. Since, I'm already running at 135 W x 5, will there be much of an improvement utilizing the XPA-5? I will happily spend the money if there is, but I have other places for $999.00 if the improvement in sound quality will only be minimal. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Scott Welcome to the Lounge! I had the same receiver and added an XPA-5 in June of 2010. The difference was dramatic for me especially with the transients and impact the XPA-5 exhibited. It was my first separate amp and the improvement was very noticeable and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
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Post by creimes on Mar 10, 2014 10:11:53 GMT -5
My biggest improvement to date was adding external amps to my Yamaha receiver, my first purchase was two UPA-1 amps to run my towers and the difference was the most notable in soundstage and dynamic ability of my system.
Chad
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Lsc
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Posts: 3,340
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Post by Lsc on Mar 10, 2014 10:15:08 GMT -5
I would say not a big difference running those Polks.
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geebo
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"Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are driving taxicabs and cutting hair"
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Post by geebo on Mar 10, 2014 10:55:19 GMT -5
I would say not a big difference running those Polks. I dunno 'bout that. I had Polk TSi 500's at the time and the difference was very noticeable.
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Lsc
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Post by Lsc on Mar 10, 2014 11:22:18 GMT -5
I would say not a big difference running those Polks. I dunno 'bout that. I had Polk TSi 500's or RTi A7's (can't remember which) at the time and the difference was very noticeable. Well he did say he had other things to spend the money on. This is a never ending saga when you start getting serious about this hobby. Once he gets the xpa-5, he will realize his speakers are not up to his liking, then the sub, then the receiver etc etc. So, I thought I'd advise against someone jumping into this .
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geebo
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"Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are driving taxicabs and cutting hair"
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Post by geebo on Mar 10, 2014 11:44:58 GMT -5
I dunno 'bout that. I had Polk TSi 500's or RTi A7's (can't remember which) at the time and the difference was very noticeable. Well he did say he had other things to spend the money on. This is a never ending saga when you start getting serious about this hobby. Once he gets the xpa-5, he will realize his speakers are not up to his liking, then the sub, then the receiver etc etc. So, I thought I'd advise against someone jumping into this . And further to your point, I have since upgraded speakers to Emo 8.3s and replaced my subs as well. But that's not to say he would not hear an improvement over the 807 with his Polks. For me, the difference was worthwhile and I'd do it again without hesitation. A 30 day trial makes the risk a minimal one.
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Post by frenchyfranky on Mar 10, 2014 11:46:54 GMT -5
The Onkyo is rated at 135 W x 5. It should be noted that I do not currently have an amp, so the system is powered entirely by the Onkyo (except, of course, for the sub). My question is this: I am dangerously close to purchasing an XPA-5 which is rated at 200 W x 5. Since, I'm already running at 135 W x 5, will there be much of an improvement utilizing the XPA-5? I will happily spend the money if there is, but I have other places for $999.00 if the improvement in sound quality will only be minimal. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. Scott Hi Scott, First, welcome to the lounge, second, don't forget that this spec (rated at 135 W x 5) is for one channel driven, the receiver's manufacturers tend to do that. As per Audio Precision Lab test performed by Sound & Vision magazine on your Onkyo TX-NR807 ( see this link) the real rated power for your AVR is Five channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads: 0.1% distortion at 105.5 watts, and Seven channels driven continuously into 8-ohm loads: 0.1% distortion at 29.9 watts. So habitually, the real all channel driven rated power for an AVR drastically drop from the one advertized for 1 channel driven, as not necessarely specified by the manufacturer... The rated power of the XPA-5 is 200 watts RMS @ 8 ohm (0.05% THD) for all channel driven, it' a lot of power. At your question the answer is: Yes your are dangerously close of a big smile in your face.
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scott1
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 2
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Post by scott1 on Mar 10, 2014 14:25:55 GMT -5
Thanks to all of you for your replies. I have decided to purchase the XPA-5 and give it a try. With the 30 day trial period, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I expect that with the extra power coming to all five channels, the sound quality will greatly improve. Thanks again!
Scott
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geebo
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"Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are driving taxicabs and cutting hair"
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Post by geebo on Mar 10, 2014 16:13:02 GMT -5
Thanks to all of you for your replies. I have decided to purchase the XPA-5 and give it a try. With the 30 day trial period, I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I expect that with the extra power coming to all five channels, the sound quality will greatly improve. Thanks again! Scott Please share your impressons with us when you've had a chance to run it through it's paces.
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Post by frenchyfranky on Mar 10, 2014 17:30:22 GMT -5
+1
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Post by airpilot on Mar 10, 2014 19:10:44 GMT -5
Scott... Welcome to the Emotiva Lounge! I have an Onkyo TX-NR 3010 (my first AVR) www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-NR3010&class=Receiver&source=prodClassI have Polk Audio RTiA7's for the front L&R, CSiA 6 Center and two F/XiA6's for the Surround L&R. Your inquiry is the $64,000 question for myself also. :-) My AVR is 140 watts @ 8 ohms (2 channels driven) It highly disappointed me when I bought all this stuff and wouldn't "SING"! Sounds like just a notch or two above an AM radio! I also have an Onkyo Integra 2 channel stereo connected to a couple of Cerwyn Vegas 15" speakers rated at 405 watts a piece that I have to notify NASA prior to turning the volume up but that a different horse. (My point being, that two channel stereo system of mine blows the doors off this surround sound as it sits.) :-o Any ways. I ordered last week an XPR-5 and just read the tracking number that Emotiva sent me. It's down somewhere in Los Angeles and hopefully at my door tomorrow. I think our equipment is a bit similar. Let us know how the XPA-5 works out. I'll let you know how my stuff works out once I get it here where I live and then get it installed. Good Luck and hope it sounds great! :-)
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Post by aeastridge34 on Sept 20, 2015 23:59:09 GMT -5
Finally purchased xpa 5 after reading a bunch of forums and reviews. Can't wait for this baby to get to my house. Onkyo tx nr 818, polk rti a9's, polk csi a6 center, polk fxI a6 surrounds, two polk psw505 subs. Sounded pretty good as it was especially on action movies. But.... I like to rock out, loud. Blu Ray concerts and cds, I want to feel like I'm ther. AND I want my neighbors to feel like they are as well. Hoping for the best. I'm sure it will be good until I decide to get 2 more amps to run just the towers.
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Post by creimes on Sept 21, 2015 1:12:29 GMT -5
Finally purchased xpa 5 after reading a bunch of forums and reviews. Can't wait for this baby to get to my house. Onkyo tx nr 818, polk rti a9's, polk csi a6 center, polk fxI a6 surrounds, two polk psw505 subs. Sounded pretty good as it was especially on action movies. But.... I like to rock out, loud. Blu Ray concerts and cds, I want to feel like I'm ther. AND I want my neighbors to feel like they are as well. Hoping for the best. I'm sure it will be good until I decide to get 2 more amps to run just the towers. A friend of mine once had those towers and was running them with a XPR-2, said they needed lots of power to come alive so good choice in moving to the XPA-5, in 2ch it will do around 275 watts into 8 ohms if I remember correctly. Welcome to the lounge as well, great place to hang out and meet new friends Chad
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Geronimo
Sensei
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Post by Geronimo on Sept 21, 2015 6:34:56 GMT -5
I have the XPA5 and I used it for the center, surrounds, and back surrounds on my setup. I left the Adcom GFA555ii powering my polk rti12's. yes, polk rti a9 and rti12 needs a lot of dedicated power. monoblocks would be sweet for them if budget allows it. what I'm thinking of is to get an XPA7 to power the rti12's and the rest will be for the front heights and ceilings for a future atmos setup. how's that?
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