|
Post by haugesynsar on Mar 1, 2010 15:00:31 GMT -5
I really liked this debate. Scientific whith a lot of feelings. ;-) If Einstein was close to somthing when he sad everything is relative. Than this statement probably also has something to do with our perception of the soundwaves been pumped into our earchannels, by EMO equipment. Maybe we should all clean our ears, and measure the size of them, etc.
I also want to thank both sides for giving me valuble information. I have XPA-3 but I am lost with all the different combinations Emo can give me...
|
|
|
Post by briank on Mar 1, 2010 18:39:13 GMT -5
Fishhead, I wouldn't mind, but it's something you really have to hear for yourself. The differences between the two are somewhat subtle and not "night and day". I have heard both amps in their lounge, the UPA-1's on my last visit and the XPA-2 on my previous visits. The XPA-2 does come accross as being more powerful and dynamic while still being detailed and the UPA-1 is a little more "seductive"(dead quiet background, very detailed and natural sounding, yet still has great dynamics). It really comes down to personal choice as to which of the amps strong points you like the best. You could always order a couple of UPA-1's and listen to them in your own home compared to the XPA-2 and then return the ones you don't like. Honestly, if people did that, I think some people would prefer the XPA-2 and some would prefer the UPA-1. Just personal preference as to what sound characteristics you like in an amp. I really like Emotiva's one or two word description that they attach to their amp product page as these really sum of these amps sound characteristics in one or two words. XPA-1 = effortless, XPA-2 = power and finesse, UPA-1 = elegance. Pretty much sums it up nicely.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2010 19:39:29 GMT -5
BTW, is it me or did the UPA-1 pre-order thread just vanish? Interesting . . I was looking for this very thread yesterday as a bit of research on the UPA-1. I know I read through it once but don't specifically recall it becoming a flame fest, so I am confused why it got deleted (assuming this was the case). I am very interested in the UPA-1s for at least my surrounds and am now (yes I know, I have a sickness . . . ) trying to find someway to get another XPA-1 for my center channel ( ;D) but that's not realistic. Before I get deluged with PMs, I am not giving up or dumping my XPA-5. I am partial to this amp as it was the piece of metal that got me back on the audio enthusiast path (for better for worse .. lol) and I still think that's a fine sounding amp. It's just that I'm only using three of the five channels currently and since 7.1 is not an option at the moment I thought maybe I can use the X5 in another set up. Right now I am trying to maximize the two channel part of my dual use system (can you say XSP?) and I still have to solve the processor part of the equation (waiting patiently for the XMC).
|
|
|
Post by edoggrc51 on Mar 2, 2010 1:42:40 GMT -5
I'm still a little confused as to which way to go. XPA-2, which I had before and absolutely loved, or give these new little monos a try?? It seems that most of the reviews here have all been mostly for music. But for me whose on the other side of the coin (home theater), tend to think that I'll really benefit from the added power and dynamics of the XPA-2.
|
|
|
Post by ossif on Mar 2, 2010 2:24:03 GMT -5
Since my UPA-1 set of 3 arrived in Europe , one in Frankfurt and 2 still in Paris, I have hope to get them till Friday if customs is not to busy. I cannot wait to test them against my XPA-2 and write my findings... ;D
|
|
|
Post by soulrider4ever on Mar 2, 2010 12:07:20 GMT -5
I may order a pair of UPA-1's on Friday and compare them side by side against the XPA-2, just to know for sure. Will keep you posted.
|
|
|
Post by broncsrule21 on Mar 2, 2010 12:12:57 GMT -5
I may order a pair of UPA-1's on Friday and compare them side by side against the XPA-2, just to know for sure. Will keep you posted. Thats what I am talking about ;D
|
|
|
Post by leadliner on Mar 2, 2010 14:49:06 GMT -5
thats what i did yesterday. i feel the xpa-2 is harsh, it could be my ears, i think. so will see how the twins sound . i do hate the idea of sending the xpa-2 back.
|
|
|
Post by haugesynsar on Mar 2, 2010 16:56:06 GMT -5
I`ll make a purchase, based on your recomendation. Good work people!
|
|
|
Post by Mike Ronesia on Mar 3, 2010 20:27:20 GMT -5
I'm still a little confused as to which way to go. XPA-2, which I had before and absolutely loved, or give these new little monos a try?? It seems that most of the reviews here have all been mostly for music. But for me whose on the other side of the coin (home theater), tend to think that I'll really benefit from the added power and dynamics of the XPA-2. If I needed 2 more channels I'd go with the UPA's.
|
|
|
Post by Mike Ronesia on Mar 3, 2010 20:30:05 GMT -5
I know they sound better because My wife had a dream about it.
Just kidding, it's because they would look cool. ;D
|
|
|
Post by Indycolts on Mar 3, 2010 20:52:29 GMT -5
please read the UPA-1 first impressions in the Amplifier reviews. I did the blind test xpa-5 vs the upa-1.
Very interesting to say the least.
|
|
Jimna
Minor Hero
Support Live Music
Posts: 92
|
Post by Jimna on Mar 4, 2010 1:52:28 GMT -5
please read the UPA-1 first impressions in the Amplifier reviews. I did the blind test xpa-5 vs the upa-1. Very interesting to say the least. cant find it.
|
|
|
Post by soulrider4ever on Mar 4, 2010 5:45:51 GMT -5
please read the UPA-1 first impressions in the Amplifier reviews. I did the blind test xpa-5 vs the upa-1. Very interesting to say the least. cant find it. emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=ampreviews&thread=9793&page=1#151693Either way, that's really not the point of this thread, it's long been noted the XPA-2 dominates the XPA-5 in 2.0 After some thought, I've decided to keep my XPA-2 and leave well enough alone. THD generally this should be as low as possible and ruler flat accross the frequency range to allow as much of the source to be passed through the speakers. My understanding is that the XPA-2 is trying to balance the power and that level of clairty. Now some would argue that THD is inaudable below .25 anyway, so it wouldn't matter. However, I think in the case of these two amps the speakers they are connected to will make all of the difference. The XPA-2 will be more 'lively and bold' vs. 'smooth and relaxed' - however, both should be clear enough to enjoy, just the UPA-1 may sound a bit more natural in presentation. The downside to the UPA-1 will be lacking in dynamic range esp. in floorstanders with larger drivers. Which is why a more linear THD may not sound as enjoyable to listen to even if it's more accurate in presentation, it could be more lifeless in comparison. Either way, I'm sticking with my XPA-2, and save for XPA-1's because I don't want to sacrifice the thump in my music listening. Really, all you need is a DAC that is very smooth to counteract the 'edginess' the XPA-2 exhibits since it's on the limits, and you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
|
|
|
Post by altpensacola on Mar 4, 2010 9:07:14 GMT -5
Posted by soulrider4ever on Today at 5:45 Really, all you need is a DAC that is very smooth to counteract the 'edginess' the XPA-2 exhibits since it's on the limits, and you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
I was following you right up to the last line, please elaborate.
By the way I have a set of towers that still make this debate complicated for me. They are very "musical" and are very efficient (103) and would probably shine with UPA1 mono blocks, but there is no doubt they move beautiful amazing sound with as much power as you can give them, so leaning more toward the XPA2.
|
|
|
Post by dave41200 on Mar 4, 2010 9:29:00 GMT -5
Hello...I will pose another question due to my lack of knowledge in this subject. I have been debating for some time now on getting (2) UPA-1's or a XPA-2 for my 2-channel only system, along with the pre-amp.
The music I like are the proven hits from the late 60's, 70's and especially 80's. The music from the 80's had a lot of drum beat etc.
Now...my, I think, strange situation:
I have been on the radio, up until last year, for 35-years. In that time, I have played a ton of music. However, all of my listening has been on either monitor speakers in the control room, or from headphones. Obviously, not accurate listening. To make matters worse, all of the music was so heavily processed with expansion, compression, etc, that for all of these years, that is all I am used to.
Now that I am not on the radio anymore, and am about to get my first audio system, I have a feeling that I do not even know what good, pure music sound, is supposed to sound like. I'm afraid my ears will think a good sound amp, is not good sounding, because I have been used to so much processed sound at the radio station.
From what I have been reading, am I correct to assume that the XPA-2 might be better if it comes across a bit more harsh than the UPA-1's, since I am used to a harsh sound from all of the processed music I have heard over the years. Or do you think your ears and brain can re-adapt and learn to accept the natural sound of the UPA-1?
Maybe I have to add a compressor, etc to whatever amp I get if I cannot get used to the music without it. I am so used to that compressed, pumping sound, that I wanted to get everyones thoughts.
Thanks
Dave
|
|
|
Post by teedub21 on Mar 4, 2010 11:01:14 GMT -5
Why would you have a hard time getting used to music that didn't come across "harsh"? Why the heck would you ever want to add compression to your music? Don't worry, you will be amazed at how much better music sounds when it isn't "on the radio"!
As far as the UPA1's lacking dynamics that is crazy. It is still a monoblock amp capable of 200wpc and 350wpc in to 4 ohms, which most higher end speakers seems to be. Prior to my Emotiva gear, I've come from high dollar high end stuff where the average is 100 watts, and that stuff didn't lack dynamics.
The thought of buying a dac to smooth the sound of the XPA2 is a bit crazy too. Better speaker matching and cable choices could probably do this better. If you have a "bright" sounding speaker you don't want to pair them with a "bright" sounding amp.
|
|
|
Post by soulrider4ever on Mar 4, 2010 11:28:51 GMT -5
I'm not suggesting it doesn't have dynamics, just not as much as the XPA-2. It's all about synergy. The same principle applies with bright speakers and bright amp combo, but the DAC can play a role as well.
Some dacs are more musical vs. anaylitcal, etc. Every chip sounds different than each other and every DAC has different output stages and powersupply's. These are very easy to pick apart differences, especially in the headphone community. Check out head-fi.org for more information.
A smoother sounding source helps with an overly edgy amp. Certainly helped my setup.
|
|
Jimna
Minor Hero
Support Live Music
Posts: 92
|
Post by Jimna on Mar 4, 2010 12:53:43 GMT -5
i dont have an XPA-2 yet (im in waiting), but im surpised no one here mentions the preamp too, a tube pre would help smooth things nicely.
funny how i never read a thing about the XPA-2 being bright or harsh until this thread comping it to the new kid on the block.
|
|
|
Post by sergioredshoes on Mar 4, 2010 13:48:39 GMT -5
Hi everybody, I have read that UPA1 is not fully balanced, is it the case for XPA-2 ? Best regards from France, Sergio
|
|