mahee
Minor Hero
Posts: 17
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Post by mahee on Dec 29, 2014 12:42:08 GMT -5
Hi All, I am new to Emotiva and world of separates. So, a bit excited I am upgrading from my AV receiver to a DAC/Amp combo to power my Sierra 2 bookshelves My question is if XDA 2 and UPA 200 is a good combo in terms of synergy. I was also looking at mini-x a100. Can anyone tell me how better is UPA 200 over mini-x. I know that it has high power output. Other than that, does it have any inherent advantages of being a power amplifier over mini-x which is integrated?
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Post by drtrey3 on Dec 29, 2014 14:00:21 GMT -5
Hey pal, Happy New Year and welcome! I use an xda-2 and a UPA-200 and they rock! The speakers I use them with are 4 ohm speakers and can use a bit of power to get them working right and that combo works. I have a mini as well, it is with the eldest daughter in college, and I got to use it over the summer in my den. Man it was nice! Now my main speakers sounded better with the higher power of the UPA than they did with the mini, but the mini sounded better than my much more expensive Denon receiver in the den. What speakers do you use? That makes a big difference in amplifier choice.
Trey
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mahee
Minor Hero
Posts: 17
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Post by mahee on Dec 29, 2014 15:01:44 GMT -5
Hey pal, Happy New Year and welcome! I use an xda-2 and a UPA-200 and they rock! The speakers I use them with are 4 ohm speakers and can use a bit of power to get them working right and that combo works. I have a mini as well, it is with the eldest daughter in college, and I got to use it over the summer in my den. Man it was nice! Now my main speakers sounded better with the higher power of the UPA than they did with the mini, but the mini sounded better than my much more expensive Denon receiver in the den. What speakers do you use? That makes a big difference in amplifier choice. Trey Thanks Trey. I am using Ascend Sierra 2s which are 8ohm. So they probably wont need lot of power, but i wanted to upgrade from my Yamaha receiver. I was deciding between mini-x and UPA-200. I'd probably end up with UPA, but just wanted to know forum member's opinions before i make the plunge.
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Post by drtrey3 on Dec 29, 2014 15:52:13 GMT -5
Heck, I just want MORE POWER!!!!!!
Lol!
Keep us up to date with your order and how it sounds.
And those are some nice looking speakers you got!
Trey
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Post by garbulky on Dec 29, 2014 16:41:18 GMT -5
What I would do is buy a DC-1 DAC and couple it to a mini-x (or fusion flex amp). Now it would be NICE to have a UPA-200 as it's a nice amp and you will benefit from it. You've got great speakers, so having a nice amps is worth the money. But the more important issue is to go with the DC-1 DAC over the XDA-2 imo for $ to sound quality. I wasn't as impressed with teh XDA-2 while the DC-1 really impresed me. The mini-x is really nice and will sound great. It has a similar sound signature to an XPA-2. Also of interest, you will find used UPA-2's (not upa-200) which is the old version of the XPA-200 and even used XPA-200's here for about $300 shipped. So that may be of interest to you.
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Post by Dark Ranger on Dec 29, 2014 19:20:52 GMT -5
Hi maheeinfy and welcome to the Lounge! Real nice pair of speakers you got there. You're likely to be happy with any of the suggestions here. Let me throw in my two cents as well since I was once in a similar position. The AmpIn May 2012 I upgraded from a mid-level Denon AVR to an Emotiva XDA-1 and mini-X combo to improve two-channel music performance. At the time, I owned a pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 monitors (non-NrT) and let me tell you, the upgrade from the Denon AVR to the XDA-1 / mini-X was literally night and day. Hand on heart, I was hearing the Sierra-1 monitors for the first time. I was so shocked that Emotiva's "entry level" products could offer this much performance for the meager price I paid. "Man, why didn't I do this ages ago?" Over the next 2 1/2 years, I had the opportunity to own and enjoy many other Emotiva products, including a truckload of various amplifiers ranging from the mini-X to the XPA-1L monoblocks. I share this story because I've discovered one interesting thing along the journey regarding Emotiva amplifiers: to my ears, the biggest jump in apparent sound quality came from my initial AVR to mini-X upgrade.Beyond that, upgrading the mini-X to other more powerful (and expensive) Emotiva amplifiers yielded more subtle refinements in control, clarity, and neutrality. What bigger amps bring to the game is headroom. If you enjoy spirited listening levels, by all means grab a powerful amp. However, even with a trio of XPA-1L amps powering my LCR front stage, I cannot say the SQ jump was as big as my very first experience with the mini-X. With that said, here's my advice to you and your unique situation. The mini-X is a great amp. However, I believe the UPA-200 would be better suited in this case. Its higher power capabilities will give you adequate headroom and satisfy most listening levels. The UPA-200 has more output devices per channel which provides better current handling and control over the loudspeaker. The UPA-200 is also a quieter amplifier than the mini-X based on specifications and design. Another advantage with the UPA-200 is that it's the same form-factor as the XDA-2. You can stack them and they'll look great. As a fellow owner of the amazing Sierra-2 monitors, I'd prefer powering them with a UPA-200 over a mini-X / Fusion Flex in a high-end two-channel system. You won't have to worry about running out of power during those times you want to turn up the dial a little more than usual. The DACI've owned the XDA-1, XDA-2 (Gen 1), and now the DC-1. The XDA-2 (Gen 1) was noticeably better than the XDA-1 in several ways, both in features and sound quality. I really liked my XDA-2 (Gen 1). The main issue I had with the XDA-2 (Gen 1) was sending audio over USB, but that appears to be resolved with the Gen 2 version. Emotiva's top-of-the-line DAC, the DC-1, is a nice piece of kit and I love the overall user interface, feature set, and options. It's my favorite Emotiva DAC so far. However, my ears did not perceive a significant audible improvement in SQ over my XDA-2 (Gen 1). There's a little bit of an improvement (more transparency and less sonic grain), but not as much as the price tag would suggest. If cash is an issue, I'd suggest putting your money towards the UPA-200 over the mini-X, so you end up with a XDA-2 (Gen 2) + UPA-200 combo, rather than a DC-1 + mini-X combo. Of course, if you have the extra coin and want top-tier DAC features and performance, the DC-1 is really nice (especially at the current price).
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bootman
Emo VIPs
Typing useless posts on internet forums....
Posts: 9,358
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Post by bootman on Dec 29, 2014 19:29:27 GMT -5
I'm a little surprised no one said XPR-1 monos yet. Where is nick? The UPA-200 will be a fine choice.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,213
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Post by novisnick on Dec 29, 2014 19:48:30 GMT -5
Which model Yamaha receiver do you currently own? Any other gear? MONOBLOCKS? ? We haven't goten to that part yet!!,,,,he,,,,he,,,he,,,,, the speakers are nice, but their only babies right now,,,,,have to wait till they grow up or have a nice sub of a sibling !
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mahee
Minor Hero
Posts: 17
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Post by mahee on Dec 30, 2014 16:12:14 GMT -5
Which model Yamaha receiver do you currently own? Any other gear? MONOBLOCKS? ? We haven't goten to that part yet!!,,,,he,,,,he,,,he,,,,, the speakers are nice, but their only babies right now,,,,,have to wait till they grow up or have a nice sub of a sibling ! Yamaha RX-V675. It sounds fine but i never know how much separates improve the experience until i experience it myself. Grass is always greener other side right! One other reason i wanted to go separates is, Pure Direct mode on Yamaha sounds anemic. I do not own any other gear.
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mahee
Minor Hero
Posts: 17
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Post by mahee on Dec 30, 2014 16:27:53 GMT -5
Hi maheeinfy and welcome to the Lounge! Real nice pair of speakers you got there. You're likely to be happy with any of the suggestions here. Let me throw in my two cents as well since I was once in a similar position. The AmpIn May 2012 I upgraded from a mid-level Denon AVR to an Emotiva XDA-1 and mini-X combo to improve two-channel music performance. At the time, I owned a pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 monitors (non-NrT) and let me tell you, the upgrade from the Denon AVR to the XDA-1 / mini-X was literally night and day. Hand on heart, I was hearing the Sierra-1 monitors for the first time. I was so shocked that Emotiva's "entry level" products could offer this much performance for the meager price I paid. "Man, why didn't I do this ages ago?" Over the next 2 1/2 years, I had the opportunity to own and enjoy many other Emotiva products, including a truckload of various amplifiers ranging from the mini-X to the XPA-1L monoblocks. I share this story because I've discovered one interesting thing along the journey regarding Emotiva amplifiers: to my ears, the biggest jump in apparent sound quality came from my initial AVR to mini-X upgrade.Beyond that, upgrading the mini-X to other more powerful (and expensive) Emotiva amplifiers yielded more subtle refinements in control, clarity, and neutrality. What bigger amps bring to the game is headroom. If you enjoy spirited listening levels, by all means grab a powerful amp. However, even with a trio of XPA-1L amps powering my LCR front stage, I cannot say the SQ jump was as big as my very first experience with the mini-X. With that said, here's my advice to you and your unique situation. The mini-X is a great amp. However, I believe the UPA-200 would be better suited in this case. Its higher power capabilities will give you adequate headroom and satisfy most listening levels. The UPA-200 has more output devices per channel which provides better current handling and control over the loudspeaker. The UPA-200 is also a quieter amplifier than the mini-X based on specifications and design. Another advantage with the UPA-200 is that it's the same form-factor as the XDA-2. You can stack them and they'll look great. As a fellow owner of the amazing Sierra-2 monitors, I'd prefer powering them with a UPA-200 over a mini-X / Fusion Flex in a high-end two-channel system. You won't have to worry about running out of power during those times you want to turn up the dial a little more than usual. The DACI've owned the XDA-1, XDA-2 (Gen 1), and now the DC-1. The XDA-2 (Gen 1) was noticeably better than the XDA-1 in several ways, both in features and sound quality. I really liked my XDA-2 (Gen 1). The main issue I had with the XDA-2 (Gen 1) was sending audio over USB, but that appears to be resolved with the Gen 2 version. Emotiva's top-of-the-line DAC, the DC-1, is a nice piece of kit and I love the overall user interface, feature set, and options. It's my favorite Emotiva DAC so far. However, my ears did not perceive a significant audible improvement in SQ over my XDA-2 (Gen 1). There's a little bit of an improvement (more transparency and less sonic grain), but not as much as the price tag would suggest. If cash is an issue, I'd suggest putting your money towards the UPA-200 over the mini-X, so you end up with a XDA-2 (Gen 2) + UPA-200 combo, rather than a DC-1 + mini-X combo. Of course, if you have the extra coin and want top-tier DAC features and performance, the DC-1 is really nice (especially at the current price). Thanks a lot Dark Ranger for taking time in sharing your experience. Your post really helped. Its nice to hear the perspective of fellow Sierra owner. I have to agree that Sierra 2s are amazing speakers. I would have like XDA-2 Gen2 more if it matched the looks of UPA 200 with silver cheeks.
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Post by ansat on Dec 30, 2014 16:34:35 GMT -5
Hi maheeinfy and welcome to the Lounge! Real nice pair of speakers you got there. You're likely to be happy with any of the suggestions here. Let me throw in my two cents as well since I was once in a similar position. The AmpIn May 2012 I upgraded from a mid-level Denon AVR to an Emotiva XDA-1 and mini-X combo to improve two-channel music performance. At the time, I owned a pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 monitors (non-NrT) and let me tell you, the upgrade from the Denon AVR to the XDA-1 / mini-X was literally night and day. Hand on heart, I was hearing the Sierra-1 monitors for the first time. I was so shocked that Emotiva's "entry level" products could offer this much performance for the meager price I paid. "Man, why didn't I do this ages ago?" Over the next 2 1/2 years, I had the opportunity to own and enjoy many other Emotiva products, including a truckload of various amplifiers ranging from the mini-X to the XPA-1L monoblocks. I share this story because I've discovered one interesting thing along the journey regarding Emotiva amplifiers: to my ears, the biggest jump in apparent sound quality came from my initial AVR to mini-X upgrade.Beyond that, upgrading the mini-X to other more powerful (and expensive) Emotiva amplifiers yielded more subtle refinements in control, clarity, and neutrality. What bigger amps bring to the game is headroom. If you enjoy spirited listening levels, by all means grab a powerful amp. However, even with a trio of XPA-1L amps powering my LCR front stage, I cannot say the SQ jump was as big as my very first experience with the mini-X. With that said, here's my advice to you and your unique situation. The mini-X is a great amp. However, I believe the UPA-200 would be better suited in this case. Its higher power capabilities will give you adequate headroom and satisfy most listening levels. The UPA-200 has more output devices per channel which provides better current handling and control over the loudspeaker. The UPA-200 is also a quieter amplifier than the mini-X based on specifications and design. Another advantage with the UPA-200 is that it's the same form-factor as the XDA-2. You can stack them and they'll look great. As a fellow owner of the amazing Sierra-2 monitors, I'd prefer powering them with a UPA-200 over a mini-X / Fusion Flex in a high-end two-channel system. You won't have to worry about running out of power during those times you want to turn up the dial a little more than usual. The DACI've owned the XDA-1, XDA-2 (Gen 1), and now the DC-1. The XDA-2 (Gen 1) was noticeably better than the XDA-1 in several ways, both in features and sound quality. I really liked my XDA-2 (Gen 1). The main issue I had with the XDA-2 (Gen 1) was sending audio over USB, but that appears to be resolved with the Gen 2 version. Emotiva's top-of-the-line DAC, the DC-1, is a nice piece of kit and I love the overall user interface, feature set, and options. It's my favorite Emotiva DAC so far. However, my ears did not perceive a significant audible improvement in SQ over my XDA-2 (Gen 1). There's a little bit of an improvement (more transparency and less sonic grain), but not as much as the price tag would suggest. If cash is an issue, I'd suggest putting your money towards the UPA-200 over the mini-X, so you end up with a XDA-2 (Gen 2) + UPA-200 combo, rather than a DC-1 + mini-X combo. Of course, if you have the extra coin and want top-tier DAC features and performance, the DC-1 is really nice (especially at the current price). Thanks a lot Dark Ranger for taking time in sharing your experience. Your post really helped. Its nice to hear the perspective of fellow Sierra owner. I have to agree that Sierra 2s are amazing speakers. I would have like XDA-2 Gen2 more if it matched the looks of UPA 200 with silver cheeks. Silver and black trim available -- emotiva.com/products/emotiva/accessories-0Also, if you posted something out there I am sure that someone would trade you silver trim for black. Tony
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mahee
Minor Hero
Posts: 17
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Post by mahee on Dec 30, 2014 16:37:20 GMT -5
Thanks all for your help. Pls help me with few more of my noobish questions * X-series seems to be a step above U-series. Does this mean Mini-x has any build/design advantages over UPA-200? * I am considering MUSB cable, but at 22.49 it seems kind of expensive. I was comparing to Bluejeanscable USB 2.0 cable which are priced at 1-2$. MUSB cable offers anything extra for the extra price tag? * Right now XDA2 and UPA200 are running $269 each. If i wait, can i do any better or these are the best prices on these?
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mahee
Minor Hero
Posts: 17
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Post by mahee on Dec 30, 2014 16:40:30 GMT -5
Heck, I just want MORE POWER!!!!!! Lol! Keep us up to date with your order and how it sounds. And those are some nice looking speakers you got! Trey Thanks Trey. Sierra 2s look and sound sweet, mine is Satin expresso. I guess i NEED more power!! lol I'm no audiophile but i will try to post some impressions if i can.
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Post by ansat on Dec 30, 2014 16:44:03 GMT -5
Thanks all for your help. Pls help me with few more of my noobish questions * X-series seems to be a step above U-series. Does this mean Mini-x has any build/design advantages over UPA-200? * I am considering MUSB cable, but at 22.49 it seems kind of expensive. I was comparing to Bluejeanscable USB 2.0 cable which are priced at 1-2$. MUSB cable offers anything extra for the extra price tag? * Right now XDA2 and UPA200 are running $269 each. If i wait, can i do any better or these are the best prices on these? The X series amp will not give anything over the upa-200 in your proposed configuration, a well built cable is a well built cable for USB. You could join the e-club which costs 50$ but gets you 10% off for a year. This will give you a few dollars off plus 10% for a year. And waiting will not get much if anything. Unless you go to the emofest, prices will usually not be lower then what they are now. Tony
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 30, 2014 18:25:37 GMT -5
maheeinfy said: I am using Ascend Sierra 2s which are 8ohm. So they probably wont need lot of power .....
Just because the Sierra 2's are 8 ohms does not mean they might not need lots of power. That is more dependent on the sensitivity of the speakers, how loud you play them and the size and acoustics of the room. The Sierra 2's are specified at 86dB's which is a hair below average. They drop to a low of 6 ohms impedance per Ascend. I always like extra power if and when needed, so I vote for the UPA-200, unless this is in a small room. Into 6 ohms the mini-X a-100 will put out about 65+ watts and the UPA-200 will put out about 163+ watts, which is in the neighborhood of about 4 dB's increase if and when needed. Those look like very nice speakers! PS: Buy your cables from Monoprice. Very low prices, fast shipping, very good quality and they stand behind their products 100%.
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Post by ansat on Dec 30, 2014 19:01:19 GMT -5
maheeinfy said: I am using Ascend Sierra 2s which are 8ohm. So they probably wont need lot of power .....
Just because the Sierra 2's are 8 ohms does not mean they might not need lots of power. That is more dependent on the sensitivity of the speakers, how loud you play them and the size and acoustics of the room. The Sierra 2's are specified at 86dB's which is a hair below average. They drop to a low of 6 ohms impedance per Ascend. I always like extra power if and when needed, so I vote for the UPA-200, unless this is in a small room. Into 6 ohms the mini-X a-100 will put out about 65+ watts and the UPA-200 will put out about 163+ watts, which is in the neighborhood of about 4 dB's increase if and when needed. Those look like very nice speakers! PS: Buy your cables from Monoprice. Very low prices, fast shipping, very good quality and they stand behind their products 100%. I am a fan of the Belkin gold series USB cables. Inexpensive and well built and good QC. Tony
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mahee
Minor Hero
Posts: 17
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Post by mahee on Jan 7, 2015 22:00:26 GMT -5
Well i went with XPA-2 and UPA 200. Its been few days that am listening to them paired with Sierra's. Over my Yamaha receiver, i think there is an improvement, albeit small one. I can identify instruments in space with ease. Bass may be tad tighter, but i'm not very sure. I didn't expect the improvement to be day and night, and in that perspective i'm happy with the purchase. Oh btw, I'm definitely digging all the pretty lights On the downside, XDA-2's remote came with a button not working. I am getting it RMA'd Thank you all for helping me out in making this decision.
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mahee
Minor Hero
Posts: 17
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Post by mahee on Jan 8, 2015 20:49:36 GMT -5
Hi All,
I've noticed something from UPA 200.
There is a mild noise(transformer hum?) when the unit is on and no music is being played. Its not loud and not noticeable when music is playing. Just wanted to know if it is normal.
Also, i am running USB input on XDA 2 from my laptop. Is it better to leave windows volume at 100% and adjust volume on XDA 2? or should i keep XDA 2 at 0db and adjust windows volume?
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Post by garbulky on Jan 8, 2015 22:38:25 GMT -5
Hi All, I've noticed something from UPA 200. There is a mild noise(transformer hum?) when the unit is on and no music is being played. Its not loud and not noticeable when music is playing. Just wanted to know if it is normal. Also, i am running USB input on XDA 2 from my laptop. Is it better to leave windows volume at 100% and adjust volume on XDA 2? or should i keep XDA 2 at 0db and adjust windows volume? Windows 100%. If you have music files to play, you would want to use a player that can do bit perfect mode to prevent windows resampling the audio stream. It is called WASAPI mode. These free players can do it: Foobar (have to download the free WASAPI plugin to make it work) Mediamonkey (wasapi inbuilt) J-river Mediacenter (costs $)
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mahee
Minor Hero
Posts: 17
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Post by mahee on Jan 8, 2015 23:22:48 GMT -5
Hi All, I've noticed something from UPA 200. There is a mild noise(transformer hum?) when the unit is on and no music is being played. Its not loud and not noticeable when music is playing. Just wanted to know if it is normal. Also, i am running USB input on XDA 2 from my laptop. Is it better to leave windows volume at 100% and adjust volume on XDA 2? or should i keep XDA 2 at 0db and adjust windows volume? Windows 100%. If you have music files to play, you would want to use a player that can do bit perfect mode to prevent windows resampling the audio stream. It is called WASAPI mode. These free players can do it: Foobar (have to download the free WASAPI plugin to make it work) Mediamonkey (wasapi inbuilt) J-river Mediacenter (costs $) Thanks for the reply. I know digital attenuation is bad and i assume thats why ur post says to leave windows on 100%. However when i control the volume on XDA2, am i not cutting off the digital signal?
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