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Post by bryanpritchard on Jun 25, 2017 20:42:03 GMT -5
Hi everyone from Woodstock, Ga.
Looking at an Anthem 720 receiver, BUT also looking at an Emotiva XPA
I am used to separates but the Anthem I read great reviews. I also read amazing reviews on the
Emotiva XPA
Can anyone give me input why I should go with Emotiva? I am also used to amps with a toroidal
power supply which neither has. Is this a concern? I will be driving ML 60XT with my next amp.
I ave also just caught my eye on the A5175 as well but not sure if that's enough power
I just sold my Paradigm studio 100 v1 yeah great speakers bought in 1997 so sent them out to pasture.
Thanks everyone!!!
Bryan
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Post by garbulky on Jun 25, 2017 20:49:02 GMT -5
If you spend your money on good speakers, spend money on good amps. Emotiva makes good amps. But go with the x series not the A series.
Another really great option is an XPA-2 gen 2 used. The warranty transfers. Or if you have the money XPA-1 gen 2. Best amp I've ever heard. I would take Emotiva power amps over the Anthem receiver any day of the weak.
Also it looks like you are using two channel? Then don't go for a receiver.
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Post by Axis on Jun 25, 2017 20:56:26 GMT -5
I look at this way. A receiver has both processor and amplifier working together. There has been a proven track record of performance improvement from separating the processing from amplifiers. The Emotiva XPA amplifiers are an amplifier that can be used with preamp outs if available on a receiver or a separate preamp processor.
I recommend the XMC-1 prepro and XPA amplifier over a receiver and a XPA amplifier.
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Post by bryanpritchard on Jun 25, 2017 21:03:00 GMT -5
Hey sorry meant to say I am 2ch dominant and tat is what I like, but also have surround, but my main love is 2 channel
Another question how good is the MC700? Bugs worked out yet? that I have been reading about?
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Post by bryanpritchard on Jun 25, 2017 21:08:21 GMT -5
If you spend your money on good speakers, spend money on good amps. Emotiva makes good amps. But go with the x series not the A series. Another really great option is an XPA-2 gen 2 used. The warranty transfers. Or if you have the money XPA-1 gen 2. Best amp I've ever heard. I would take Emotiva power amps over the Anthem receiver any day of the weak. Also it looks like you are using two channel? Then don't go for a receiver. So the XPA-1 Gen 2 are Monoblock amps correct? so would need 2 of those. |
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Post by vcautokid on Jun 25, 2017 21:27:26 GMT -5
Yes that is correct. 2 Monoblock XPA-1 Gen 2 for your Stereo-centric system. All the things you want. A super beefy Linear Power supply with Toroidal Transformer for superior flux and noise control vs. the usual Laminated Iron types. Hugh-mongous! Reserves, and that great Emotiva Sound that make the XPA the amplifier people having raving about for a long long time. Mono Blocks are the beast ultimate. Pure Isolation per channel, no Cross Talk. All the no's add up to a very positive yes. Novisnick will tell you and others here too if you need more testimony. But the XPA-1 IS the AMP for the 2 channel Centric music and movie lover if the traditional Linear Power Supply is your deal, and thing that completes you.
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Post by Axis on Jun 25, 2017 21:28:57 GMT -5
The XMC-1 along with the Gen 3 XPA amp will give you the best of both worlds in one package. You have to pay for the better sound quality. If you want to have two separate systems, the 2 channel stereo system using the Anthem receiver or the MC-700 preamp processor is not the best way to go. Emotiva makes a BasX PT-100 Stereo Preamplifier/DAC/Tuner for $300 and a two Basx Stereo amplifiers A-150 $300 and A-300 $400.
If you want to move up in two channel with more features along with subwoofer control then there is the XSP-1 Differential Reference Preamp for $1,200 that goes good with the Gen 3 XPA 2 channel amp for $1000.
Again, if you want great 2 channel and surround in one system then XMC-1 along with the Gen 3 XPA multichannel amp is the best way to go over any receiver and multichannel amp.
First thing is to decide if you want one or two systems and choose the entire system or systems including speakers for how they work together. I stick with separate analog preamp, amplifier and DAC for 2 channel and don't mind using a Sony receiver for surround duty until someone makes the separate prepro I want. Never use my Sony receiver for 2 channel when it comes to sound quality. It can be done and most people do it but if you are shooting for better sound quality as your OP suggest then choose wisely.
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Post by Axis on Jun 25, 2017 21:40:09 GMT -5
Your ML 60XT's are 94 dB sensitivity and 4 Ohms.
You are asking about amps first and now we are up to the XPA-1 monoblocks for them.
Are these ML 60XT's and XPA-1 monoblocks going to be used with the Anthem 720 receiver in a surround system or with the Anthem 720 receive and a 2 channel system or both ?
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Post by bryanpritchard on Jun 25, 2017 21:55:02 GMT -5
Your ML 60XT's are 94 dB sensitivity and 4 Ohms. You are asking about amps first and now we are up to the XPA-1 monoblocks for them. Are these ML 60XT's and XPA-1 monoblocks going to be used with the Anthem 720 receiver in a surround system or with the Anthem 720 receive and a 2 channel system or both ? No, it was more of buy the Anthem 720 or lets look at Emotiva. I think the Anthem is pretty expensive to buy it then an outboard amp as well. I def do not want a receiver for my 2ch listening, but will say the Anthems are a step up form the others for sure and uses real power not over exaggerated power specs. I'm in the seek and destroy mode right now listening to knowledge here as well. I have also considered Outlaw, and ATI, and Monolith, and others. |
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Post by garbulky on Jun 25, 2017 22:08:16 GMT -5
A power amp is good because once you spend the moolah for a GOOD one, you can hold on to those things forever. They don't go out of date. The processor sections go out of date, but you just replace them. If you have a receiver, when HDMI 2.1 comes out, it's obsolete and you are buying a processor AND an amp all over again.
IF you are 2 channel dominant then sound quality is a premium. Look at room treatments. I know that sounds daunting and kind of mundane sounding. But huge gains on your investment here. Then if your system can reveal differences in electronics, invest in great DACs and preamps. The DC-1 is a very nice DAC. I love it. If you want to go pricier and go for end game 2 channel electronics -
Schiit Ygdrassil
Audio GD HE-1 preamp
BUt there are many ways to go about this!
A DC-1 + XPA-1 gen 2 + room treatments which is what I have gets you in the door to some pretty stellar sound - not to mention fully balanced.
Two Emotiva basx 10 inch or 12 inch subwoofers will round out a full range excellent experience that you will have to spend loooots of money to rival.
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Post by Axis on Jun 25, 2017 22:18:52 GMT -5
You can buy any receiver and use it for a 2 channel preamp with built in amplification. Even if the Anthem does not have exaggerated power specs, it is not going to provide the sound quality and output that a Emotiva XPA dedicated amplifier will. Also with all the noise that is inherent in a receiver of all the computer processing, power supplies and amplifiers, you will not get the sound quality you will from a separate analog only preamp.
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Post by kybourbon on Jun 25, 2017 22:20:54 GMT -5
If you spend your money on good speakers, spend money on good amps. Emotiva makes good amps. But go with the x series not the A series. Another really great option is an XPA-2 gen 2 used. The warranty transfers. Or if you have the money XPA-1 gen 2. Best amp I've ever heard. I would take Emotiva power amps over the Anthem receiver any day of the weak. Also it looks like you are using two channel? Then don't go for a receiver. Why the xpa-2 Gen 2 over the Gen 1? I see this recommendation on here often and never understood why. |
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Post by teaman on Jun 25, 2017 22:31:10 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum Bryan. Not sure what your budget is like but if you can swing the XPA-1 mono blocks for the front mains and an A5175 you would be all set on both fronts. The XPA-1's are fantastic amps and you will never run out of power and headroom with these paired with your ML's. The A5175 would be plenty to power your surround channels. Setting this up with an MC700 I think you would cover all the bases. Sounds like the batch they are releasing for sale at the end of this month have the bugs out and should provide you with years of upgradability!
Tim
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Post by Axis on Jun 25, 2017 22:40:03 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum Bryan. Not sure what your budget is like but if you can swing the XPA-1 mono blocks for the front mains and an A5175 you would be all set on both fronts. The XPA-1's are fantastic amps and you will never run out of power and headroom with these paired with your ML's. The A5175 would be plenty to power your surround channels. Setting this up with an MC700 I think you would cover all the bases. Sounds like the batch they are releasing for sale at the end of this month have the bugs out and should provide you with years of upgradability! Tim The OP says he defiantly does not want a receiver for his 2 channel listening. I still do not understand what he is doing and if he is talking about a single system for both surround and 2 channel or a separate dedicated 2 channel system. Why a MC-700, two XPA-1 monoblocks , and a mulitchannel A-5175 for a dedicated 2 channel system with two ML 60XT speakers ? |
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Post by teaman on Jun 25, 2017 22:43:06 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum Bryan. Not sure what your budget is like but if you can swing the XPA-1 mono blocks for the front mains and an A5175 you would be all set on both fronts. The XPA-1's are fantastic amps and you will never run out of power and headroom with these paired with your ML's. The A5175 would be plenty to power your surround channels. Setting this up with an MC700 I think you would cover all the bases. Sounds like the batch they are releasing for sale at the end of this month have the bugs out and should provide you with years of upgradability! Tim The OP says he defiantly does not want a receiver for his 2 channel listening. I still do not understand what he is doing and if he is talking about a single system for both surround and 2 channel or a separate dedicated 2 channel system. Why a MC-700, two XPA-1 monoblocks , and a mulitchannel A-5175 a for a dedicated 2 channel system with two ML 60XT speakers ? Axis, he states in his post that he mainly wants to rock out in two channels but wants to have the ability to use surround on occasion. The idea I threw out there was so that his two channel would have plenty of power for his ML's. Don't let the 94db efficiency fool you, ML's are power hungry. Secondly the MC-700 can give him both two channel and seven channel for when he feels like enjoying a movie. Just add one or two subs to this set up and he is ready to go. Just to add, Emotiva is having a "Not so Secret Sale" right now with an average savings of 10% on all the goods, these are factory refreshed, B stock, etc pieces which sell with full warranty, 30 day in home trial and all the rest. You have to call Emotiva and mention the Secret Sale...but it would be worth the call. Tim |
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Post by teaman on Jun 25, 2017 22:48:05 GMT -5
If you spend your money on good speakers, spend money on good amps. Emotiva makes good amps. But go with the x series not the A series. Another really great option is an XPA-2 gen 2 used. The warranty transfers. Or if you have the money XPA-1 gen 2. Best amp I've ever heard. I would take Emotiva power amps over the Anthem receiver any day of the weak. Also it looks like you are using two channel? Then don't go for a receiver. Why the xpa-2 Gen 2 over the Gen 1? I see this recommendation on here often and never understood why. I prefer the first Gen XPA amps myself, it offers the higher gain of 32db over the Gen 2 29db. In stereo set up or in HT I still prefer the Gen 1. I have owned and still own the Gen 2 XPA-2 and XPA-5 but prefer my Gen 1 of both. I prefer my Gen 1 XPA-1's over the Gen 2 by a wide margin. I couldn't care less about the Class A, I hear no difference other that the equipment in Class A heats up much quicker. To each his own. All of my speakers are highly efficient but headroom is a hidden gem, you can never have enough of it! Tim |
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Post by jra on Jun 25, 2017 22:48:10 GMT -5
Just to add my 2 cents :-). My sound quality improved *dramatically* when I ditched my receivers and moved to XMC-1 prrepros. I have three of them now (one secondhand) and I've never heard such amazing 2 channel sound. The chord Hugo/Mojo's *may* be better for 2 channel but it's a close run thing.
I paired with XPA 5-channel amps for 2 of them and a bassx A500 for the third so I can also do surround as well as 2 channel.
Amps may be very well but it's the XMC-1 that is the jewel in the Emotiva crown IMHO.
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Post by garbulky on Jun 25, 2017 23:03:39 GMT -5
If you spend your money on good speakers, spend money on good amps. Emotiva makes good amps. But go with the x series not the A series. Another really great option is an XPA-2 gen 2 used. The warranty transfers. Or if you have the money XPA-1 gen 2. Best amp I've ever heard. I would take Emotiva power amps over the Anthem receiver any day of the weak. Also it looks like you are using two channel? Then don't go for a receiver. Why the xpa-2 Gen 2 over the Gen 1? I see this recommendation on here often and never understood why. The gen 2 has lower gain which is supposed to be slightly lower noise. But more importantly it comes with 60 watts of class A power vs the 10 watts of the gen 1. Though people will debate that you can't hear the difference, I feel I can. So that's why I reccommend that. It's not easy to get 60 watts of class A out of an amp. It also has a slider switch on the front to revert back to the standard class AB mode which is similar to the power consumption of gen 1. Also after it reaches the 60 watts threshhold it seamlessly reverts back to standard mode and pushes up to a 1000 watts at 4 ohms power - so you are not LIMITED to 60 watts. The gen 2 will also have a longer warranty because it's more recent. The gen 2 also has a slightly improved power supply tweak incorporated. And if I'm not wrong it hasd some Tiffany style RCA connectors (which I guess doesn't matter if he uses the XLR's). teaman however prefers the gen 1. |
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Post by repeetavx on Jun 25, 2017 23:04:07 GMT -5
Darn I took to long in writing this. Oh well, here it is anyway. Why the xpa-2 Gen 2 over the Gen 1? I see this recommendation on here often and never understood why. Because the Gen 1 has a power gain of 32db. Emotiva started doing that to overcome the limitation of most commercial receivers. Which usually have a lower voltage output on their preamp out jacks. A few manufactures use the higher 32db gain, so it's not really unusual. Starting with the Gen 2, Emotiva started manufacturing the more universally used 29db power gain. All of the current Emotiva amps use this 29db gain. Some think that the 32db gain sounds better. That it builds dynamics faster. Others just think it raises the noise floor. (My complete surround system uses the original 32db gain amps, and sounds great). |
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Post by Axis on Jun 25, 2017 23:06:09 GMT -5
The OP says he defiantly does not want a receiver for his 2 channel listening. I still do not understand what he is doing and if he is talking about a single system for both surround and 2 channel or a separate dedicated 2 channel system. Why a MC-700, two XPA-1 monoblocks , and a mulitchannel A-5175 a for a dedicated 2 channel system with two ML 60XT speakers ? Axis, he states in his post that he mainly wants to rock out in two channels but wants to have the ability to use surround on occasion. The idea I threw out there was so that his two channel would have plenty of power for his ML's. Don't let the 94db efficiency fool you, ML's are power hungry. Secondly the MC-700 can give him both two channel and seven channel for when he feels like enjoying a movie. Just add one or two subs to this set up and he is ready to go. Tim This is his quote "Hey sorry meant to say I am 2ch dominant and tat is what I like, but also have surround, but my main love is 2 channel Another question how good is the MC700? Bugs worked out yet? that I have been reading about?" This reads both ways to me. He likes 2 channel but also has surround. Does he want separate systems or combined 2 channel and surround system. If he is looking at an Anthem 720 receiver he can do better than an MC-700. I would not get a MC-700 for no price. Much less one for double duty. I am trying to tell the OP to make up your mind about dedicated 2 channel or surround system you can listen to 2 channel on. You can do both with any receiver. If you go Emotiva, they do not make a receiver and for good cause. There separates outperform even the high dollar receivers. If you have the speakers that he has and are looking for good 2 channel performance then a MC-700 is not the ticket and not where you save money on a bug infested BasX prepro. Emotiva has elected not to provide a low cost prepro that performs well for a dedicated 2 channel system. Emotiva makes the excellent performing surround processor XMC-1 that also provides excellent 2 channel performance for $2500. This is in a whole different league than the MC-700. Lets help the OP, not screw him over with a MC-700. Sounds to me he is just learning about this stuff. He has the two great speakers that he wants a great amp for. I get that. I do not know if it is for 2 channel or surround or both. As soon as that is clear we can help him with what he should decide first. Anthem 720 receiver or Emotiva analog 2 channel preamp or Emotiva multichannel surround processor. Then amps to go with that choice. |
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