gelinas
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Post by gelinas on Mar 5, 2010 8:36:43 GMT -5
I have been wanting to get an external amp to compliment my system for some time now and looking for a bit of guidance.
Our setup currently consists of the following:
Yamaha rx-v663 - rated at 95wx7
rti8's mains-- efficiency rated at 90db, two 61/2" mid woofers and 1" silk dome tweet
csi a6 center-- efficiency rated at 90db, two 61/2" mid woofers and 1" silk dome tweet
fxi A4 surrounds - efficiency rated at 88db, one 5 1/4" mid woofer and two 1" tweets
I have the rti8's bi-amped as we only have a 5.1 setup. So why am I considering an external amp? To be perfectly honest, it's mostly for the cool factor. I will say that during movies as the volume increases to lets say past -20 I can detect a bit of harshness which makes me feel like my receiver is running out of juice. On the flip side we rarely ever listen to movies louder than -25 because we live in a townhouse.
So the question is: What difference will I hear if I add an amp. Also would a upa-5 be good for me and I could either use it to bi-amp my mains and run the rears off the Yamaha or just run all 5 speakers off the emo. I would also consider doing the same with a xpa-5 or getting a xpa-3 and letting the Yamaha run the surrounds. I'm not sure if I would notice the difference between the 125w emo and the 200w units but I could just wait a bit longer and save up more so I don't get a case of upgradeitis from wondering what if I got the bigger amp.
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Post by ammosenior on Mar 5, 2010 9:10:23 GMT -5
If you really want to bi-amp your mains, why not go a little better and get a UPA-7? I had a Yahama AVR and my initial amp upgrade was a XPA-5 for all my needs. It sounded so good, the rest is history. I know it's a 200 watt per channel but it handles everything so well even in the lower sound level. I haven't had a UPA-5 but I've had a UPA-2 and ended up sending it back for the XPA-2 because IMHO the XPA looks to be a better build. I've been quite happy with the XPA amps and I've read several posts here of people who are happy with the UPA amps. I would suggest if you want to try something now and your funding is more toward the UPA level, try one for 30 days. If it doesn't satisfy you, send it back. I know I haven't regretted spending the extra money.
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gelinas
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Post by gelinas on Mar 5, 2010 9:18:44 GMT -5
It's not that I really want to bi-amp my mains, thats just how I currently am set-up. I am open to not bi-amping them.
As foir the 30 day return period, I'm guessing that I would have to absorb the shipping both ways which would likely be $25 to ship to me, and likely a bit more to ship back?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 5, 2010 22:48:47 GMT -5
You don't mention a sub. I presume (hope) you have one. If you don't have one that would put a lot more strain on your Yamaha receiver amp than needed (or if you are running the Rti-8's at full range). With the Rti-8's you need a sub for the lower bass for music and especially movies.
You are going to realize a lot more than a cool factor if you upgrade to an Emo amp. Your 663 actually puts out (measured by Ultimate AV Mag) only 46.9 watts per channel at 0.09% rated distortion with all 7 channels driven. This should give you an idea of why your receiver is running out of gas at higher volumes.
I would strongly recommend going with all channels from an Emo amp. I am a firm believer you can never have enough power for future use. You will probably have this Emo amp for many years and maybe long after you move from the townhouse. We live in a condo and I drive my Emo speakers with an XPA-5.
I would recommend going with the XPA-5 to start with. Your Polks will love the extra clean power for dynamic peaks and high volumes. If you ever go to 7 channels or feel you want to bi-amp the L&R then you could add a UPA-2. ;D
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rang
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Post by rang on Mar 5, 2010 23:59:24 GMT -5
It's not that I really want to bi-amp my mains, thats just how I currently am set-up. I am open to not bi-amping them. As foir the 30 day return period, I'm guessing that I would have to absorb the shipping both ways which would likely be $25 to ship to me, and likely a bit more to ship back? you will have to pay the initial $25 for the shipping but if you are going to trade in for something else you will not need to pay for shipping the amp back. I bought a UPA-7 and used it for 2 weeks and bought a XPA-3 from a forum member and did not need the 7 channel amp any more so i called Emotive and bought a UPA-5 and sent the UPA-7 back and did not have to pay for shipping the amp back. but if you just want to send the amp back then you will have to pay for shiping both ways.
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Jimna
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Post by Jimna on Mar 6, 2010 1:13:58 GMT -5
sounds fair, its now b-stock for them, so they assume the biggest loss.
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gelinas
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Post by gelinas on Mar 8, 2010 9:57:42 GMT -5
You don't mention a sub. I presume (hope) you have one. If you don't have one that would put a lot more strain on your Yamaha receiver amp than needed (or if you are running the Rti-8's at full range). With the Rti-8's you need a sub for the lower bass for music and especially movies. You are going to realize a lot more than a cool factor if you upgrade to an Emo amp. Your 663 actually puts out (measured by Ultimate AV Mag) only 46.9 watts per channel at 0.09% rated distortion with all 7 channels driven. This should give you an idea of why your receiver is running out of gas at higher volumes. I would strongly recommend going with all channels from an Emo amp. I am a firm believer you can never have enough power for future use. You will probably have this Emo amp for many years and maybe long after you move from the townhouse. We live in a condo and I drive my Emo speakers with an XPA-5. I would recommend going with the XPA-5 to start with. Your Polks will love the extra clean power for dynamic peaks and high volumes. If you ever go to 7 channels or feel you want to bi-amp the L&R then you could add a UPA-2. ;D Thank you for the reply. We are running a pb13, I didn't think to mention it in my inital post as I was more focused on the speakers that would be potentially driven by the emotiva. And good call on us moving sometime in the somewhat near future. I'm saving for a single family home. My wife, myself, and our ultra can't wait to not have to worry about the neighbors anymore. I would like to get the xpa-5, but it is a bit more $$$. Did you upgrade from a reciever to your xpa-5? I'm looking for a bit more detailed description of what I can expect at volumes below refrence from upgrading the amp (sonically speaking) other than "it sounds clearer" I'm wondering if a upa-5 would provide simillar results to the xpa-5 at lower volumes. I realize that everybody's volume is relative, but to give a general balpark, we usually watch blu-rays around -25, -20 seems enjoyably loud, but makes me feel guilty when there are bassy scenes due to the shared walls with my neighbors. I'm trying to determine if the xpa-5 is worth the $250
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Post by Wideawake on Mar 8, 2010 11:44:47 GMT -5
Gelinas, the UPA-5 will do just fine in your setup. Chuckie's point was that you should get the best amp that you can afford. If the XPA-5 is out of your range at the moment, the UPA-5 will do just as well. Sonically, it will sound similar. The only thing it will lack, when compared to the XPA-5 is a little bit of headroom.
Regarding what you can expect, it's difficult to put into words but if you were to twist my arm I would say that you will notice a "huge" improvement in sound quality from crystal clear highs to a well defined midrange and much better and taut bass. Going from a receiver to separates is taking a huge leap in your SQ. You will not regret it. Also, I would not worry about bi-wiring. Just use the UPA-5 to drive all your speakers.
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gelinas
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Post by gelinas on Mar 9, 2010 10:30:41 GMT -5
Gelinas, the UPA-5 will do just fine in your setup. Chuckie's point was that you should get the best amp that you can afford. If the XPA-5 is out of your range at the moment, the UPA-5 will do just as well. Sonically, it will sound similar. The only thing it will lack, when compared to the XPA-5 is a little bit of headroom. Regarding what you can expect, it's difficult to put into words but if you were to twist my arm I would say that you will notice a "huge" improvement in sound quality from crystal clear highs to a well defined midrange and much better and taut bass. Going from a receiver to separates is taking a huge leap in your SQ. You will not regret it. Also, I would not worry about bi-wiring. Just use the UPA-5 to drive all your speakers. Thanks wideawake, Any other upa-5 owners out there that can provide some real-world experiences with the amp?
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Post by tonymc on Mar 9, 2010 13:21:23 GMT -5
gelinas. I'm on the fence as well. Two days ago I was all set to pick up an XPA-5, but now I'm wondering if I really need the extra headroom. I don't listen to music at ear bleeding levels. I just want good separation, and clean sound at moderate volumes. My taste in music has changed in last couple years. I don't blast the death metal like I did 10 yrs ago(I leave that up to my 16 yr old son). I just want a better sound than what my AVR produces. I do however, when I hook it up, want that wow factor.
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Mar 9, 2010 14:08:04 GMT -5
FWIW, I too don't listen to music very loud. However I am glad that I opted for the XPA-5 because even at low to medium volumes it provides a clean solid sound. Having headroom just means that during times of need (e.g. crescendos in music or explosions in movies) the amp does not struggle at all. That's not to say that the UPA-5 is insufficient in any way. For me, I didn't want an amp that had about the same power as my AVR and also didn't want post-purchase remorse. YMMV!
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Post by tonymc on Mar 9, 2010 14:38:02 GMT -5
FWIW, I too don't listen to music very loud. However I am glad that I opted for the XPA-5 because even at low to medium volumes it provides a clean solid sound. Having headroom just means that during times of need (e.g. crescendos in music or explosions in movies) the amp does not struggle at all. That's not to say that the UPA-5 is insufficient in any way. For me, I didn't want an amp that had about the same power as my AVR and also didn't want post-purchase remorse. YMMV! I hear you hemster. That's what I'm concerned about is buyers remorse, but at the same time, if I don't need to spend the extra $$$ I would feel guilty if I did and did not need to. I guess with Emotivas generous 30 day return policy if I'm not happy I could send it back for the XPA-5 ;D BTW my receiver is a Yamaha RX-V665 90 wpc, but I'm guessing with all channels driven it's only putting out 30-40W so I would imagine even the 125wpc(true, all channels driven, power) of the UPA-5 would be a big improvement.
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gelinas
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Post by gelinas on Mar 9, 2010 15:44:55 GMT -5
Tony, it sounds like you and I are in pretty much the same boat. If I can scrape the xtra 250 bucks I'll likely get the xpa-5 because for me, there's nothing worse than saying "what if". Especially when it means that you have to sell the lesser piece at a loss just to buy the gear that was more $$$ to start with. Knowing how I am, I may try to hold out for the xpa-5...
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Post by oppman99 on Mar 9, 2010 16:27:47 GMT -5
Tony, it sounds like you and I are in pretty much the same boat. If I can scrape the xtra 250 bucks I'll likely get the xpa-5 because for me, there's nothing worse than saying "what if". Especially when it means that you have to sell the lesser piece at a loss just to buy the gear that was more $$$ to start with. Knowing how I am, I may try to hold out for the xpa-5... I was in the same position during the December sale and bought the XPA-5 to keep myself from wondering "what if?". No regrets at all. I'm sure the UPA would meet your needs, but there is something to be said for that piece of mind. You could always call customer service and see what they recommend for your current setup.
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Post by tonymc on Mar 9, 2010 17:07:35 GMT -5
Well I did it. I just spoke with Sarah(very nice person BTW) and ordered the UPA-5. I think this will be plenty of amp for me and if not I'll trade in in for the XPA-5.
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Mar 9, 2010 17:12:49 GMT -5
Congrats Tony. You won't be disappointed. Look forward to your feedback on your new toy. Now you'll need to change your signature!
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Post by tonymc on Mar 9, 2010 17:24:41 GMT -5
Congrats Tony. You won't be disappointed. Look forward to your feedback on your new toy. Now you'll need to change your signature! Done and done.
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Post by taam on Mar 9, 2010 17:44:32 GMT -5
I have the XPA 3 in part of my system... I love it.
That being said i just installed a UPA 7 at a friends home and it wass amazing.
Depending on the room size i would say you will probably be fine with the UPA.
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Post by tonymc on Mar 9, 2010 17:51:53 GMT -5
Tony, it sounds like you and I are in pretty much the same boat. If I can scrape the xtra 250 bucks I'll likely get the xpa-5 because for me, there's nothing worse than saying "what if". Especially when it means that you have to sell the lesser piece at a loss just to buy the gear that was more $$$ to start with. Knowing how I am, I may try to hold out for the xpa-5... Well if you do end up holding out. As soon as the UPA-5 lands I'll report back to you what I think. Of course my report will have to be taken with a grain of salt since I have nothing to compare it to other than my AVR. Now I need to get on the VIP list. lol
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Mar 9, 2010 18:12:42 GMT -5
Just a thought for those that are tight on the cash front, Emotiva might have B-Stock for an even better deal, just ask when you call.
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