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Post by Gary Cook on Dec 17, 2014 17:33:18 GMT -5
I have zero noise from my ERC-3 and to my ears, with my gear in my room it sounds noticeably better than an Oppo 103 for CD's. I found it very difficult to choose between the 105 and the ERC-3, I could tell the difference but I can't say I preferred the 105. Definitely not such that I'd pay 3 times more for it over the ERC-3.
Be careful with the "spinning noise from the ERC-3" reporting, there are a lot of them out there and very very few reports of noise. Not saying that some people don't have it, just that it's the vast majority that either don't have it or don't hear it. In my case not only can't I hear it with one ear right next to it I can't even measure it with a noise meter pressed up against the loading drawer. The carpet growing in the lounge room makes more noise.
Cheers Gary
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Post by garbulky on Dec 17, 2014 17:43:20 GMT -5
I have zero noise from my ERC-3 and to my ears, with my gear in my room it sounds noticeably better than an Oppo 103 for CD's. I found it very difficult to choose between the 105 and the ERC-3, I could tell the difference but I can't say I preferred the 105. Definitely not such that I'd pay 3 times more for it over the ERC-3. Be careful with the "spinning noise from the ERC-3" reporting, there are a lot of them out there and very very few reports of noise. Not saying that some people don't have it, just that it's the vast majority that either don't have it or don't hear it. In my case not only can't I hear it with one ear right next to it I can't even measure it with a noise meter pressed up against the loading drawer. The carpet growing in the lounge room makes more noise. Cheers Gary I don't want to diss the ERC-3 unfairly. But I did read a few reports on that thread including hearing a recording of the noise, that's why I mentioned it. I'm sure there are ERC-3's that are perfectly quiet like yours. Here is a link to the recording and thread emotivalounge.proboards.com/attachment/download/9211emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/39926/noise-erc3
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moonwolf
Minor Hero
Audio is a great hobby
Posts: 87
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Post by moonwolf on Dec 17, 2014 18:31:16 GMT -5
Folks, I recently replaced a Parasound A23 with an XPA-2 to drive my Dali Helicons 300 4ohm and 86db sensitivity. I liked the A23 very much at low volumes but after cranking the volume up a little bit the A23 was all over the place. I was looking to get the A21 but I decide to give the emotiva a chance and Im quite impressed with the XPA-2. I got control over the bass and better definition with higher volumes but I feel than I could get a little better clarity and instrument separation. I know that I can get that for more money but I wonder if the XPR-2 will do the trick. Please help me with some feedback I have new SA-250, and the clarity and the instrument separation are what exactly SA-250 offers. Please check the SA-250 threads (there are two so far I'm aware) if interested. For the price of single A21, you can actually have a pair of SA-250s, if the bi-amping is your thing. That's what I did. I ordered two SA-250 for bi-amping. For under 2 grand (at the sales price), I figured it will be very hard to beat two SA-250's, which offer 500 watts per each speaker. If I'm not mistaken Dali speakers love bi-amping just like B&W speakers, but I am not familiar with your speaker. Sometimes there is little impact on sounds or even reduced coherent with bi-amping. But, generally bi-amping enhances dynamics and headroom.
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Post by Gary Cook on Dec 17, 2014 18:37:26 GMT -5
I have zero noise from my ERC-3 and to my ears, with my gear in my room it sounds noticeably better than an Oppo 103 for CD's. I found it very difficult to choose between the 105 and the ERC-3, I could tell the difference but I can't say I preferred the 105. Definitely not such that I'd pay 3 times more for it over the ERC-3. Be careful with the "spinning noise from the ERC-3" reporting, there are a lot of them out there and very very few reports of noise. Not saying that some people don't have it, just that it's the vast majority that either don't have it or don't hear it. In my case not only can't I hear it with one ear right next to it I can't even measure it with a noise meter pressed up against the loading drawer. The carpet growing in the lounge room makes more noise I don't want to diss the ERC-3 unfairly. But I did read a few reports on that thread including hearing a recording of the noise, that's why I mentioned it. I'm sure there are ERC-3's that are perfectly quiet like yours. Here is a link to the recording and thread emotivalounge.proboards.com/attachment/download/9211emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/39926/noise-erc3I'm very aware of the thread and I have done my own testing, ears and SPL meter. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that no one has spinning noise from the their ERC-3. What I am saying is that not everyone can hear spinning noise from the their ERC-3. Plainly not every ERC-3 is noisy, in fact judging by the response it's the vast majority that aren't. Maybe the noisy one (ones) had, say, a motor mounting screw come loose in transport. If I was unlucky and had a noisy one and I lived in the US I'd send it back and get a non noisy one. Since I'm in Australia sending it back wouldn't really be an option, so I'd talk to Emotiva Support, pop the cover and see if I could find the loose screw. My advice to someone thinking about an ERC-3, would be to go for it as they are a fantastic CD player, unbeatable value. I would add that a tiny minority received one with a noisy drive and if they were that unlucky they should send it back, ask for a replacement that has been confirmed as being non noisy. Personally I'd really like to see someone send a noisy one back to Emotiva Support so that we could find out what is causing their one to be noisy. I don't know about you, but I haven't heard of that happening. Cheers Gary
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Post by brutiarti on Dec 17, 2014 20:12:35 GMT -5
Folks, I recently replaced a Parasound A23 with an XPA-2 to drive my Dali Helicons 300 4ohm and 86db sensitivity. I liked the A23 very much at low volumes but after cranking the volume up a little bit the A23 was all over the place. I was looking to get the A21 but I decide to give the emotiva a chance and Im quite impressed with the XPA-2. I got control over the bass and better definition with higher volumes but I feel than I could get a little better clarity and instrument separation. I know that I can get that for more money but I wonder if the XPR-2 will do the trick. Please help me with some feedback I have new SA-250, and the clarity and the instrument separation are what exactly SA-250 offers. Please check the SA-250 threads (there are two so far I'm aware) if interested. For the price of single A21, you can actually have a pair of SA-250s, if the bi-amping is your thing. That's what I did. I ordered two SA-250 for bi-amping. For under 2 grand (at the sales price), I figured it will be very hard to beat two SA-250's, which offer 500 watts per each speaker. If I'm not mistaken Dali speakers love bi-amping just like B&W speakers, but I am not familiar with your speaker. Sometimes there is little impact on sounds or even reduced coherent with bi-amping. But, generally bi-amping enhances dynamics and headroom. Moonwolf, Dali loves bi-amping and is nice to know that are people trying th new emo amp. Hope to hear more feedback from you on those amp
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Post by brutiarti on Dec 17, 2014 20:16:19 GMT -5
I'm very aware of the thread and I have done my own testing, ears and SPL meter. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that no one has spinning noise from the their ERC-3. What I am saying is that not everyone can hear spinning noise from the their ERC-3. Plainly not every ERC-3 is noisy, in fact judging by the response it's the vast majority that aren't. Maybe the noisy one (ones) had, say, a motor mounting screw come loose in transport. If I was unlucky and had a noisy one and I lived in the US I'd send it back and get a non noisy one. Since I'm in Australia sending it back wouldn't really be an option, so I'd talk to Emotiva Support, pop the cover and see if I could find the loose screw. My advice to someone thinking about an ERC-3, would be to go for it as they are a fantastic CD player, unbeatable value. I would add that a tiny minority received one with a noisy drive and if they were that unlucky they should send it back, ask for a replacement that has been confirmed as being non noisy. Personally I'd really like to see someone send a noisy one back to Emotiva Support so that we could find out what is causing their one to be noisy. I don't know about you, but I haven't heard of that happening. Cheers Gary Gary, I have the chance to upgrade my ERC-2 to a ERC-3 for $100 (eclub) but Garbulky mentioned keeping the ERC-2 as a transport and use a good DAC, do you have any experience doing that?
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Post by Gary Cook on Dec 17, 2014 20:59:09 GMT -5
Gary, I have the chance to upgrade my ERC-2 to a ERC-3 for $100 (eclub) but Garbulky mentioned keeping the ERC-2 as a transport and use a good DAC, do you have any experience doing that? Sorry can't help with that specific one, I have tried a cheapo ($70) Sony BD player with an XDA-2 and was quite amazed at how good it sounded. Compared to the Sony's inbuilt DAC it was one of those rare night and day experiences. Something I am keeping in the memory banks for an opportunity to use. Cheers Gary
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,213
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Post by novisnick on Dec 17, 2014 21:08:51 GMT -5
If you don't mind my two cents on your DAC question, I have this to say. The ERC-2 is a fine spinner, I own a Sherbourn CD-1 and it is very similar. One of the most used pieces of gear I own,,,,and love , is my DC-1!!!
Plug everything into it for great sound! CD player, Cable Box, Whatever you like, XPS-1 for vinyl, Oppo or Blu Ray player,TV, I just love my Mac Mini or PC plugged into it. I personally don't think you should change your CDS player, get the DAC!!! Very versatile and great sounding!, 8) If I keep putting my two cents in with ha, you may eventually have some coin in your pocket!!! ,he,,,,,he,,,,he,,,,,
Just sayin
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moonwolf
Minor Hero
Audio is a great hobby
Posts: 87
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Post by moonwolf on Dec 17, 2014 21:10:55 GMT -5
Gary, I have the chance to upgrade my ERC-2 to a ERC-3 for $100 (eclub) but Garbulky mentioned keeping the ERC-2 as a transport and use a good DAC, do you have any experience doing that? Sorry can't help with that specific one, I have tried a cheapo ($70) Sony BD player with an XDA-2 and was quite amazed at how good it sounded. Compared to the Sony's inbuilt DAC it was one of those rare night and day experiences. Something I am keeping in the memory banks for an opportunity to use. Cheers Gary I also use an old sony DVD player as a transport for my XDA-2, and I'm amazed how this inexpensive combo sounds! I read before someone said ERC (either 1 or 2) and XDA was a great combo. I'm sure the performance will be even better with DC-1. I'm actually eyeing on DC-1 myself as well.
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Post by garbulky on Dec 17, 2014 21:12:20 GMT -5
I'm very aware of the thread and I have done my own testing, ears and SPL meter. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying that no one has spinning noise from the their ERC-3. What I am saying is that not everyone can hear spinning noise from the their ERC-3. Plainly not every ERC-3 is noisy, in fact judging by the response it's the vast majority that aren't. Maybe the noisy one (ones) had, say, a motor mounting screw come loose in transport. If I was unlucky and had a noisy one and I lived in the US I'd send it back and get a non noisy one. Since I'm in Australia sending it back wouldn't really be an option, so I'd talk to Emotiva Support, pop the cover and see if I could find the loose screw. My advice to someone thinking about an ERC-3, would be to go for it as they are a fantastic CD player, unbeatable value. I would add that a tiny minority received one with a noisy drive and if they were that unlucky they should send it back, ask for a replacement that has been confirmed as being non noisy. Personally I'd really like to see someone send a noisy one back to Emotiva Support so that we could find out what is causing their one to be noisy. I don't know about you, but I haven't heard of that happening. Cheers Gary Gary, I have the chance to upgrade my ERC-2 to a ERC-3 for $100 (eclub) but Garbulky mentioned keeping the ERC-2 as a transport and use a good DAC, do you have any experience doing that? Hmmm.... rod has both the ERC-3 and DC-1 and an XSP-1 and XPA-1 L. I hope he will be able to comment on the difference if any between the ERC-3's analog sound quality and the DC-1 sound quality.
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moonwolf
Minor Hero
Audio is a great hobby
Posts: 87
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Post by moonwolf on Dec 17, 2014 21:45:44 GMT -5
I have new SA-250, and the clarity and the instrument separation are what exactly SA-250 offers. Please check the SA-250 threads (there are two so far I'm aware) if interested. For the price of single A21, you can actually have a pair of SA-250s, if the bi-amping is your thing. That's what I did. I ordered two SA-250 for bi-amping. For under 2 grand (at the sales price), I figured it will be very hard to beat two SA-250's, which offer 500 watts per each speaker. If I'm not mistaken Dali speakers love bi-amping just like B&W speakers, but I am not familiar with your speaker. Sometimes there is little impact on sounds or even reduced coherent with bi-amping. But, generally bi-amping enhances dynamics and headroom. Moonwolf, Dali loves bi-amping and is nice to know that are people trying th new emo amp. Hope to hear more feedback from you on those amp Great to hear there is a fellow here who likes bi-amping. I was feeling alone for a bit.. LOL One of my SA-250 sent a wrong address, so I haven't had a chance to fully bi-amp my speakers yet. It sounded great using one SA-250 to drive both of my speakers. But, for a test purpose, I used a single SA-250 to bi-amp a single speaker. And, I also used a pair of UPA monoblocks to bi-amp a single speaker. In one word, a single SA-250 bi-amping a single speaker sounded awesome. Things improved over all frequencies. But, I especially liked how bass and treble improved. Mid, did improve, but within in my expectation. Bass and treble on other hand were more than I had anticipated. Bass improved more authoritative, clear, and in extensions, which I had anticipated. But, for the first time with my system, I was hearing a good sense of layering in the music, and I was quite happy to hear that. Treble also more clear and pristine, which again I had anticipated. But, treble sounded more sweet, which was a decent surprise. I'm enjoying treble much more these days. I just canon wait to fully bi-amp my speakers to see the full impact. Please check out the other SA-250 threads. You will find much more useful info there. By the spec alone, SA-250 isn't much better than some emotiva amps. Actually, it' maybe a little inferior on the spec wise compared to XPA-2 and XPR series. But, people who have both SA-250 and XPA or XPR seem to think SA-250 is superior. Oh, also, the speaker terminals aren't too wide on SA-250.
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Post by brutiarti on Dec 23, 2014 23:36:49 GMT -5
So, i received my XPR-2 today, what a beast! I decided to go with the 2-channel instead of monoblocks for space issue, but i couldn't be happier. Just out of the box i heard what i was expecting to hear from my Dalis, since i got them, but i couldn't achieve with my Parasound A23 and/or XPA-2. At the end i was right, the Dalis needed a lot of clean power to shine. The difference from the XPR-2 compared to the XPA-2 at least for my ears and my speakers is big. The bells coming from "When i'm sixty four" from the Yellow Submarine remixed from the 2000's are right there, as they were lost in the background before with the XPA-2, plus the XPA-2 was less refined than the XPR-2 in all other songs. Well, i need to give it more time to find more differences but i will keep them posted
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Post by brutiarti on Dec 23, 2014 23:52:31 GMT -5
Oh and I forgot, I'm gonna add the schiit gaungnir as DAC into the equation and see if I can hear a $750 difference of instrument separation, if not I can return it within 15 days for a refund minus 5%, not bad I think
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moonwolf
Minor Hero
Audio is a great hobby
Posts: 87
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Post by moonwolf on Dec 24, 2014 0:34:43 GMT -5
So, i received my XPR-2 today, what a beast! I decided to go with the 2-channel instead of monoblocks for space issue, but i couldn't be happier. Just out of the box i heard what i was expecting to hear from my Dalis, since i got them, but i couldn't achieve with my Parasound A23 and/or XPA-2. At the end i was right, the Dalis needed a lot of clean power to shine. The difference from the XPR-2 compared to the XPA-2 at least for my ears and my speakers is big. The bells coming from "When i'm sixty four" from the Yellow Submarine remixed from the 2000's are right there, as they were lost in the background before with the XPA-2, plus the XPA-2 was less refined than the XPR-2 in all other songs. Well, i need to give it more time to find more differences but i will keep them posted I'm glad to hear you are enjoying your XPR-2. I haven't heard XPR series yet, but I read nothing but great remarks on XPR's. Please provide us with your impression with your schiit gaungnir as DAC too! I'm very interested in that DAC as well.
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moonwolf
Minor Hero
Audio is a great hobby
Posts: 87
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Post by moonwolf on Dec 24, 2014 0:37:52 GMT -5
The new SA 250's much bigger power supply and the way the power hits the rails meaning not running out of power has a Lot to do with the much better low end and detail this amp has from what you guys that have this amp are reporting. All of the upper end amps EMO, Parasound, Rotel, Krell they all have a really big power supply for mono blocks and two channel really good out at the rails and large Ufs caps. Sure more to a good amp than that but you guys already know this. The new Emotiva SA 250 amps power supply is as big as the one in the XPA-2. Sure it has less uf caps and less at the rail can't say EMO doesn't say what's at the rails of the SA-250 just that they are very high quality parts in it "Pro Amp" I for one hope its still around way into the next year it stacks up very will to Parasounds A21 amp very nice amp in it self. Just happens to be two times the cost middle man has eat too I guess. I myself have been waiting for Emotiva to come out with a amp just like the SA 250. It is on the Top of my list for my upgrade to drive the Focals that will replace what I have now. Mike I'm actually surprised that not all SA-250's are sold out yet. But, it seems the first batch of SA-250's are all sold out. Well, I'm not that experienced with high end stuffs (just some show rooms, demos, and friends stuffs), but I'm loving my SA-250 for sure!!
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Post by bolle on Dec 24, 2014 7:28:16 GMT -5
Another possibility would be Hypex nCore, Hifiakademie Poweramp or Pascal Audio S-Pro2. The Hifiakademie Poweramp is on the same level as my PA 7-350. The Pascal Audio S-Pro 2 did replace my 7-350, well do the math... Merry XMas! EDIT: I guess the Crown XLS would also be worth a try, but I don´t have any experience with them.
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Post by ocezam on Dec 24, 2014 8:55:59 GMT -5
Thanks novisnick! Actually the XPR-1 have the speaker terminals closer so if they are like you are saying probably is worth the extra expense My friend, I've owned a few amps and to me they are worth every last penny, these were a burden to me to purchase and I've never owned the best of anything until now. That's how much these amps mean to me and in such high regard I hold them. Edit; they look so much better in person than any picture could ever do for them! Artwork is what comes to my mind, a true testament to Lonnie , Big Dan and the Emo team! View AttachmentI'd bet you'd like them even more if you didn't install them upside down.... It's weird, at least on my monitor your thumbnail is upside down, but when I click and get the larger version, it's correct.
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Post by ocezam on Dec 24, 2014 8:58:47 GMT -5
I have zero noise from my ERC-3 and to my ears, with my gear in my room it sounds noticeably better than an Oppo 103 for CD's. I found it very difficult to choose between the 105 and the ERC-3, I could tell the difference but I can't say I preferred the 105. Definitely not such that I'd pay 3 times more for it over the ERC-3. Be careful with the "spinning noise from the ERC-3" reporting, there are a lot of them out there and very very few reports of noise. Not saying that some people don't have it, just that it's the vast majority that either don't have it or don't hear it. In my case not only can't I hear it with one ear right next to it I can't even measure it with a noise meter pressed up against the loading drawer. The carpet growing in the lounge room makes more noise. Cheers Gary Yep, my ERC-3 is dead silent. Great CD player IMO.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,213
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Post by novisnick on Dec 24, 2014 9:18:37 GMT -5
My friend, I've owned a few amps and to me they are worth every last penny, these were a burden to me to purchase and I've never owned the best of anything until now. That's how much these amps mean to me and in such high regard I hold them. Edit; they look so much better in person than any picture could ever do for them! Artwork is what comes to my mind, a true testament to Lonnie , Big Dan and the Emo team! I'd bet you'd like them even more if you didn't install them upside down.... It's weird, at least on my monitor your thumbnail is upside down, but when I click and get the larger version, it's correct. Upside down allows for ALL OF THE GOODNESS to come out of the amps!!!
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Post by ocezam on Dec 24, 2014 10:19:20 GMT -5
Upside down allows for ALL OF THE GOODNESS to come out of the amps!!! I've heard that but never tried it. Perhaps I shall. Merry Christmas!
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