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Post by drumace on Mar 7, 2018 9:05:39 GMT -5
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Post by brubacca on Mar 7, 2018 9:34:26 GMT -5
I'd be concerned that a switcher would degrade the sound on both amps.
Personally sounding better is very subjective. You should pick a set of music that you like. Put one amp in. Listen and take notes as to what you like and dont like for each amp. Then compare notes.
I would expect the XPA-1L to sound better than an XPA-5, so I don't think the end result will be what you want it to be.
Also Anthem makes solid products. Possibly a different sonic signature than emotiva, again subjective.
Honesty I would't go through the grief of doing this. Don't let one person with a possible bias cause you a ton of extra work. In fact, I also wouldn't replace the MCA-5 with something else, unless there is something that you don't like about it.
If you a dying to do something get a XPA-5 since Emotiva has a return policy and try it. Maybe you like it better than a the MCA-5. Personally for HT duty I doubt there is much difference.
Regards,
Charlie
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Post by davidl81 on Mar 7, 2018 9:40:45 GMT -5
I'd be concerned that a switcher would degrade the sound on both amps. Personally sounding better is very subjective. You should pick a set of music that you like. Put one amp in. Listen and take notes as to what you like and dont like for each amp. Then compare notes. I would expect the XPA-1L to sound better than an XPA-5, so I don't think the end result will be what you want it to be. Also Anthem makes solid products. Possibly a different sonic signature than emotiva, again subjective. Honesty I would't go through the grief of doing this. Don't let one person with a possible bias cause you a ton of extra work. In fact, I also wouldn't replace the MCA-5 with something else, unless there is something that you don't like about it. If you a dying to do something get a XPA-5 since Emotiva has a return policy and try it. Maybe you like it better than a the MCA-5. Personally for HT duty I doubt there is much difference. Regards, Charlie I agree with Charlie, I doubt you see much difference with the XPA-5 compared to your MCA-5. You are getting more power with the XPA-5, but the MCA-5 is no slouch. What is the reason that you are looking to make the swap? Also the 30 day trial is not a bad deal at all. Try it out for 30 days and if you don't like it all you will be out is shipping. |
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Post by drumace on Mar 7, 2018 9:46:17 GMT -5
Hi,
I was thinking about replacing the MCA-5 with the XPA-5, not the XPA-5 to replace the XPA-1L.
I bought the XPA-1Ls for my fronts based on the belief newer amp in monoblock design and class A option (and good specs) should have better results but now I feel I have to validate this theory.
As for the XPA-5, I’m talking about a used Gen2 amp, not the newer design which some even consider as being inferior to Gen2.
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Post by davidl81 on Mar 7, 2018 9:59:39 GMT -5
Hi, I was thinking about replacing the MCA-5 with the XPA-5, not the XPA-5 to replace the XPA-1L. I bought the XPA-1Ls for my fronts based on the belief newer amp in monoblock design and class A option (and good specs) should have better results but now I feel I have to validate this theory. As for the XPA-5, I’m talking about a used Gen2 amp, not the newer design which some even consider as being inferior to Gen2. If you go Gen 2 XPA-5 I don't think you will see any noticeable difference between that and your current MCA-5. Both are 200W per channel @8ohm amps (Maybe the Gen 1 MCA is 170W,) and they are both well made. That being said if you are looking to swap amps just to go all Emotiva for amps I don't see anything wrong with that. I would guess you could sell your current MCA-5 for close to what you would pay for the XPA-5 so cash wise you may only be out a few hundred dollars. What speakers are you running on your 5 channel amp? Is it the center and the 4 surrounds? What brand and type of speaker? |
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Post by drumace on Mar 7, 2018 10:03:02 GMT -5
Hi, I was thinking about replacing the MCA-5 with the XPA-5, not the XPA-5 to replace the XPA-1L. I bought the XPA-1Ls for my fronts based on the belief newer amp in monoblock design and class A option (and good specs) should have better results but now I feel I have to validate this theory. As for the XPA-5, I’m talking about a used Gen2 amp, not the newer design which some even consider as being inferior to Gen2. If you go Gen 2 XPA-5 I don't think you will see any noticeable difference between that and your current MCA-5. Both are 200W per channel @8ohm amps (Maybe the Gen 1 MCA is 170W,) and they are both well made. That being said if you are looking to swap amps just to go all Emotiva for amps I don't see anything wrong with that. I would guess you could sell your current MCA-5 for close to what you would pay for the XPA-5 so cash wise you may only be out a few hundred dollars. What speakers are you running on your 5 channel amp? Is it the center and the 4 surrounds? What brand and type of speaker? I have all GoldenEar set. Triton 1, SuperCenterXXL, and SuperSat3. |
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Post by davidl81 on Mar 7, 2018 10:07:55 GMT -5
If you go Gen 2 XPA-5 I don't think you will see any noticeable difference between that and your current MCA-5. Both are 200W per channel @8ohm amps (Maybe the Gen 1 MCA is 170W,) and they are both well made. That being said if you are looking to swap amps just to go all Emotiva for amps I don't see anything wrong with that. I would guess you could sell your current MCA-5 for close to what you would pay for the XPA-5 so cash wise you may only be out a few hundred dollars. What speakers are you running on your 5 channel amp? Is it the center and the 4 surrounds? What brand and type of speaker? I have all GoldenEar set. Triton 1, SuperCenterXXL, and SuperSat3. What is the XPA-1L connected to? |
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Post by drumace on Mar 7, 2018 10:09:16 GMT -5
I have all GoldenEar set. Triton 1, SuperCenterXXL, and SuperSat3. What is the XPA-1L connected to? To the Tritons. |
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Post by davidl81 on Mar 7, 2018 10:30:43 GMT -5
What is the XPA-1L connected to? To the Tritons. I think the XPA-5 wont be much of an upgrade over your MCA-5. As far as the switch, you can try one, but I think it would be better to just run one amp, disconnect it, then run the other amp. You would eliminate the weak point of the amp switch that way. But the XPA-1L will be a better amp (Class A power at first, then 50W more on the top end) than the XPA-5, so its not a fair test really. Any one else have any input? |
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Post by drumace on Mar 7, 2018 10:39:46 GMT -5
I think the XPA-5 wont be much of an upgrade over your MCA-5. As far as the switch, you can try one, but I think it would be better to just run one amp, disconnect it, then run the other amp. You would eliminate the weak point of the amp switch that way. But the XPA-1L will be a better amp (Class A power at first, then 50W more on the top end) than the XPA-5, so its not a fair test really. Any one else have any input? The XPA-5 is intended for the surrounds and center (unless I'll find an XPA-1L for the center as well). One possible reason for the change between the MCA-5 and the XPA-5 is the age (~17 years on the MCA-5 vs ~3 years on the XPA-5). As you guys know, amps can degrade with time. Correct me if I'm wrong :-) |
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Post by mshump on Mar 7, 2018 10:40:34 GMT -5
Sound quality is very subjective, so what sounds great to me may sound like sh#t to you. I have never heard the amps you are comparing, but they are both pretty highly regarded. I personally would save the money for something else. You must decide if it is worth the money for possibly a small difference in SQ. What are you using for a prepro or source components ? That may be better money spent.
Mark
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Post by drumace on Mar 7, 2018 10:48:31 GMT -5
Sound quality is very subjective, so what sounds great to me may sound like sh#t to you. I have never heard the amps you are comparing, but they are both pretty highly regarded. I personally would save the money for something else. You must decide if it is worth the money for possibly a small difference in SQ. What are you using for a prepro or source components ? That may be better money spent. Mark I'm using Marantz AV8801 pre/pro and Marantz CD6005 for music playback. Also considering adding XSP-1 as a stereo pre and replacing the CD6005 with the ERD-3 or using a different DAC for the CD6005 such as the DC-1. |
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Post by mshump on Mar 7, 2018 11:19:25 GMT -5
Sound quality is very subjective, so what sounds great to me may sound like sh#t to you. I have never heard the amps you are comparing, but they are both pretty highly regarded. I personally would save the money for something else. You must decide if it is worth the money for possibly a small difference in SQ. What are you using for a prepro or source components ? That may be better money spent. Mark I'm using Marantz AV8801 pre/pro and Marantz CD6005 for music playback. Also considering adding XSP-1 as a stereo pre and replacing the CD6005 with the ERD-3 or using a different DAC for the CD6005 such as the DC-1. It sounds like you have a nice setup. Is there something in your setup that you are trying to change? I did see in one of your post that your MCA is somewhere in the 17 yr old age, yes there is a possibility of some degradation in it (most likely the caps) So you could look at replacing the caps or tested by someone. My suggestion would be put another XPA-1l for the center channel. The XSP-1 is a great 2 channel Preamp I had one and loved it, the only reason I changed it was to try a tube pre amp and after putting in the Cary Pre I love the sound just a little better with it. There are quite a few threads on here about the DC-1 and other DACs, putting one on the CD player may be very interesting in SQ. The journey never ends !! Mark |
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Post by Gary Cook on Mar 7, 2018 15:00:53 GMT -5
Pretty simple comparison, connect one front channel via the XPA-1L and the other via the MCA-5. Select "mono" on the processor, no sub, put on some familiar 2 channel music and listen. You may have to play with the speaker angles, so that you can hear each speaker. I'd also suggest swapping channels as our ears are not always equal. Try a few different types of music, lots of different instruments, different singing voices, male and female.
I did this when I received my first XPA-1L and compared it to my XPA-5. There was only a tiny difference, often not noticeable, so if you find that you can easily pick the difference between the MCA-5 and the XPA-1L then I'd be confident that the XPA-5 will be closer. Of course you can do the same comparison between the XPA-5 and the MCA-5, just to be sure.
Cheers
Gary
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Post by 4thchoice on Mar 7, 2018 17:36:43 GMT -5
I don't have a lot of experience with separate power amps and have only listened to a few. But (2) I have listened to are the XPA-2 Gen1 and the MCA 5. I own the MCA 5 and borrowed the XPA 2 from a friend last spring/early summer. In my case/situation, the Anthem fit me better and that may be (at least partially) because I am using it with an Anthem MRX 710 AVR. Better synergy (my speakers are Canadian too)? Did this comparison as another (mutual) friend needed a 5-channel amp and I didn't need 5 channel, so borrowed the XPA 2 to see if it would work for me.
Anyhow, the things I DO remember (keep in mind this was almost a year ago and we all know how accurate and exact audio "memories" are):
Anthem was quieter and allowed more "detail" to come through. Don't remember any differences on female voices, do remember male voices sounded better on the Anthem, why and what the differences were I don't remember just that I preferred the Anthem. There were some other (minor) differences but I had to really listen to hear them. I "wanted" the XPA 2 to come out ahead as I was/am concerned with the MCA 5 age and I don't need 5 channel, but it wasn't even close, still have and use the Anthem MCA 5. Want to emphasize there were no big differences just several small ones that pointed to the Anthem - for me. For you - maybe not.
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Post by sockemdog on Apr 22, 2018 13:39:41 GMT -5
In 2001, I bought an Anthem MCA-5 amp and AVM-2 processor new. I still have them to use in my living room setup with B&W speakers and just replaced the MCA-5 with an Emo A-5175. I'm glad I made the change... even though I paid $1400 for the Anthem MCA-5 and $799 for the Emo A-5175. To me, I like fast dynamic sound signatures from my equipment. Emotiva gives that to me as I also have many other Emo products (UMC-1, UMC-200, XMC-1, XPA-1's, XPA-5, DC-1, and few others). The Anthem MCA-5 from the start has always (to me) given softer dynamics but still a very refined sound quality. As many spoke of in this thread, it's all up to the listener. BTW: the Anthem MCA-5 is now up for sale.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223 
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Post by novisnick on Apr 22, 2018 13:44:14 GMT -5
In 2001, I bought an Anthem MCA-5 amp and AVM-2 processor new. I still have them to use in my living room setup with B&W speakers and just replaced the MCA-5 with an Emo A-5175. I'm glad I made the change... even though I paid $1400 for the Anthem MCA-5 and $799 for the Emo A-5175. To me, I like fast dynamic sound signatures from my equipment. Emotiva gives that to me as I also have many other Emo products (UMC-1, UMC-200, XMC-1, XPA-1's, XPA-5, DC-1, and few others). The Anthem MCA-5 from the start has always (to me) given softer dynamics but still a very refined sound quality. As many spoke of in this thread, it's all up to the listener. BTW: the Anthem MCA-5 is now up for sale. Great to hear your enjoying the A-5175 👍😁 Emotiva makes outstanding amps for sure! Please post your Anthem in the Emporium with your asking price. |
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Post by emofrmcgy on Apr 22, 2018 15:25:17 GMT -5
In 2001, I bought an Anthem MCA-5 amp and AVM-2 processor new. I still have them to use in my living room setup with B&W speakers and just replaced the MCA-5 with an Emo A-5175. I'm glad I made the change... even though I paid $1400 for the Anthem MCA-5 and $799 for the Emo A-5175. To me, I like fast dynamic sound signatures from my equipment. Emotiva gives that to me as I also have many other Emo products (UMC-1, UMC-200, XMC-1, XPA-1's, XPA-5, DC-1, and few others). The Anthem MCA-5 from the start has always (to me) given softer dynamics but still a very refined sound quality. As many spoke of in this thread, it's all up to the listener. BTW: the Anthem MCA-5 is now up for sale. Pm Sent |
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Apr 22, 2018 15:32:01 GMT -5
In 2001, I bought an Anthem MCA-5 amp and AVM-2 processor new. I still have them to use in my living room setup with B&W speakers and just replaced the MCA-5 with an Emo A-5175. I'm glad I made the change... even though I paid $1400 for the Anthem MCA-5 and $799 for the Emo A-5175. To me, I like fast dynamic sound signatures from my equipment. Emotiva gives that to me as I also have many other Emo products (UMC-1, UMC-200, XMC-1, XPA-1's, XPA-5, DC-1, and few others). The Anthem MCA-5 from the start has always (to me) given softer dynamics but still a very refined sound quality. As many spoke of in this thread, it's all up to the listener. BTW: the Anthem MCA-5 is now up for sale. Pm me your asking price and where it would be shipping from. Thanks. |
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Apr 22, 2018 15:50:02 GMT -5
Forum rules require a public price for any item sold on this forum, thank you. 😁 i think it actually states price needs to be posted for items in emporium for sale ads. Why do you need to know if a deal is struck via pm for something that was never posted in the emporium?? Don’t worry bud. I’ll let ya know all the details “tomorrow”. OH! OK, I see the logic now. Makes perfect sense to me now.BTW, Pair of XPA-1Ls are now up for sale. 😁 |
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