|
|
Post by weird23 on Jun 14, 2010 17:15:51 GMT -5
I love my UPA-1s. I use Emo x interconnects and cables. The price is quite reasonable and these are very high quality cables and fittings. Cheap cables are just that. Super expensive cables, I think, are for those with super-human hearing. Good quality cables like Emos are just right. What speakers are you using with your UPA-1s? Are they difficult to drive? If so, how does the UPA-1 handle the load?Two channel or multi channel system? Right now I'm using Kimber, entry level Kimber not the really expensive stuff and it's pretty good. I thought I might give the Emo cables a try though and they're 40% of the cost of Kimber. |
|
|
|
Post by oppman99 on Jun 14, 2010 19:19:50 GMT -5
Are you using this system for two channel only? I hope that one of the UPA-1's will really bring my center channel alive , as well as the surrounds. Recently I've started enjoying concerts on Blu Ray so I would like the center channel to really shine. Did you order the Emo interconnects? Do interconnects have a big difference on the sound or would the Emo's be fine? I've never had an external amp before, so I'm unfamiliar with them. Yes, my S8's and XPA-1's are in a two channel setup. I run the 100's with an XPA-5 for HT. I have a couple sets of the ultra series interconnects in the HT. Cables can be a touchy subject, so all I will say is that I have never heard a difference from switching them for another brand. Whether you believe they make a difference or not, they are way down the list of what most affects your sound. |
|
|
|
Post by weird23 on Jun 14, 2010 19:31:17 GMT -5
Are you using this system for two channel only? I hope that one of the UPA-1's will really bring my center channel alive , as well as the surrounds. Recently I've started enjoying concerts on Blu Ray so I would like the center channel to really shine. Did you order the Emo interconnects? Do interconnects have a big difference on the sound or would the Emo's be fine? I've never had an external amp before, so I'm unfamiliar with them. Yes, my S8's and XPA-1's are in a two channel setup. I run the 100's with an XPA-5 for HT. I have a couple sets of the ultra series interconnects in the HT. Cables can be a touchy subject, so all I will say is that I have never heard a difference from switching them for another brand. Whether you believe they make a difference or not, they are way down the list of what most affects your sound. I believe in using good quality cables but nothing too expensive. I don't know if they really affect the sound so I won't spend a fortune on them. I'll just go with the Emo's. I think the Studio's are good for HT but lacking a little for music. My ultimate goal is to have a setup like yours, Sigs for two channel and Studio's for HT. I've also been thinking of getting a turntable lately and spinning some vinyl, or an I-Pad. What are you using cd player, turntable or computer? |
|
klinemj
Emo VIPs 
Honorary Emofest Scribe
Posts: 14,742
|
Post by klinemj on Jun 14, 2010 21:12:44 GMT -5
Wierd23 - what I noticed was a HUGE improvement in headroom, bass presence, and imaging. With the Denon as the base system, the Rotel helped a bit w/ headroom and bass presence. The XPA-5 helped more with each, and the XPA-2 went "over the top" on all 3 vectors. The 100's now seem to be "breathing easy" no matter what I play.
My music ranges from subtle (Miles Davis, Coltrane, Lyle Lovett, Allison Kraus) to intense (Metallica and the like) to in--between (a lot of Steely Dan, misc. blues, etc.). The 100's with the XPA-2 love it all.
Again, I can't speak to UPA-1's, but I can vouch for the XPA-2 driving 100's. I would LOVE to hear my 100's with a pair of XPA-1's, though...
Mark
|
|
|
|
Post by McD on Jun 15, 2010 10:07:33 GMT -5
"What speakers are you using with your UPA-1s? Are they difficult to drive? If so, how does the UPA-1 handle the load?Two channel or multi channel system? Right now I'm using Kimber, entry level Kimber not the really expensive stuff and it's pretty good. I thought I might give the Emo cables a try though and they're 40% of the cost of Kimber.[/quote]
A: Using JBL Northridge 90s. I think they are about 91db sensitivity. Mostly 2 channel, but the UPA-1s and USP-1 are integrated into my 5.1 system 200 watts is plenty for them even at high volume, whether music or film. Secrets of Home Theatre reviewed EMO cables and had a good discussion thread also. I used to use home-built 10-gauge cables with soldered banana terminations. They were ok but the EMOs are better.
|
|
|
|
Post by weird23 on Jun 15, 2010 14:59:46 GMT -5
Wierd23 - what I noticed was a HUGE improvement in headroom, bass presence, and imaging. With the Denon as the base system, the Rotel helped a bit w/ headroom and bass presence. The XPA-5 helped more with each, and the XPA-2 went "over the top" on all 3 vectors. The 100's now seem to be "breathing easy" no matter what I play. My music ranges from subtle (Miles Davis, Coltrane, Lyle Lovett, Allison Kraus) to intense (Metallica and the like) to in--between (a lot of Steely Dan, misc. blues, etc.). The 100's with the XPA-2 love it all. Again, I can't speak to UPA-1's, but I can vouch for the XPA-2 driving 100's. I would LOVE to hear my 100's with a pair of XPA-1's, though... Mark The imaging that I've got right now is great, the thing that is missing is the mid-bass slam and low end. The 100's running off of my receiver aren't really that different than the 20's. That's what I was using as my fronts before with the matching center channel. I wanted more presence than what that combo gave me, so I sold the center channel and moved the 20's to surrounds. I've got alot more presence in the front now but running the 100's full range just doesn't work. The XPA-1's would be my first choice but I don't have the space for them. I would also love to hear the XPA-1's hooked up to the 100's, then I could here what they can really do. I like to listen to Tom Petty, Metalica, Stone Temple Pilots, Pink Floyd, Red Hot Chilli Peppers etc. some classical once and a while, my wife and daughter love to listen to modern dance music. With the wife and daughters music the sub must be turned on to get what they want from this system, they like to listen loud. I'm glad your loving the XPA-2 and thanks for your thoughts. |
|
|
|
Post by oppman99 on Jun 15, 2010 16:22:26 GMT -5
I've also been thinking of getting a turntable lately and spinning some vinyl, or an I-Pad. What are you using cd player, turntable or computer? I use a DACmagic to get tunes from my computer to my rig (WAV files). I love the convenience. Considered a turntable for a while, but didn't want the extra expense right now. |
|
|
|
Post by weird23 on Jun 20, 2010 0:47:44 GMT -5
There is an RPA-1 for sale in my area, asking price is $500. Is that a good price? Is the RPA-1 better than the XPA-2? I think the RPA-1 a G-class amp, what is the difference between g-class amps and class ab? I'm not sure about this amp, it seems like a good deal because it's local and no shipping. So now the question becomes RPA-1, XPA-2 or UPA-1?
|
|
|
|
Post by Wideawake on Jun 20, 2010 9:19:33 GMT -5
If I were you I would strongly consider purchasing the RPA-1. I have an IPS-1 (class H) and it is an amazing amp. The RPA-1 is supposed to be better than the IPS-1 and the MPS-1. Try and negotiate the price down to $450.
Also, while the sale lasts, you may want to pick up an XPA-5 for your other 5 speakers. for about $1220 (assuming you pay $500 for the RPA-1) you will have an amazing HT as well as 2 channel system.
|
|
|
|
Post by broncsrule21 on Jun 20, 2010 11:10:08 GMT -5
buy the RPA-1 right now. that is a steal of a price (if it isn't mangled). If you don't love it you can sell it for more here.
|
|
|
|
Post by Tyler wants bass! on Jun 20, 2010 13:29:24 GMT -5
There is an RPA-1 for sale in my area, asking price is $500. Is that a good price? Is the RPA-1 better than the XPA-2? I think the RPA-1 a G-class amp, what is the difference between g-class amps and class ab? I'm not sure about this amp, it seems like a good deal because it's local and no shipping. So now the question becomes RPA-1, XPA-2 or UPA-1? I think I know what one you're talking about, I tried buying it from him. Send an email got a reply, sent another asking for contact info, then no reply, then sent another email, no reply, visit the post again then it was local pickup only.... I hate people. But anyhow go through his feedback and trace that amp, you will see hes the 4th owner. make sure you check it out well before you buy. |
|
denonlover
Minor Hero
Audiophile in Training!
Posts: 55
|
Post by denonlover on Jun 20, 2010 18:34:03 GMT -5
I have spent a few weeks reading all of the threads I could find and I think this one is the most similar to mine. I too have the Studio 100 V.5 and 690 center with 590 rears and seem to be leaning towards the XPA-2 for the fronts and the XPA-3 for the center and rears. I have a SVS PB13 Ultra for the sub and I just need by system to come alive. I have also considered the three XPA-1s for fronts and center with the Denon 4308 powering only the rears but I would run into a real estate issue.
|
|
|
|
Post by weird23 on Jun 20, 2010 22:48:34 GMT -5
There is an RPA-1 for sale in my area, asking price is $500. Is that a good price? Is the RPA-1 better than the XPA-2? I think the RPA-1 a G-class amp, what is the difference between g-class amps and class ab? I'm not sure about this amp, it seems like a good deal because it's local and no shipping. So now the question becomes RPA-1, XPA-2 or UPA-1? I think I know what one you're talking about, I tried buying it from him. Send an email got a reply, sent another asking for contact info, then no reply, then sent another email, no reply, visit the post again then it was local pickup only.... I hate people. But anyhow go through his feedback and trace that amp, you will see hes the 4th owner. make sure you check it out well before you buy. On Canuck Audio Mart? If that's the case for the RPA-1, then I'm out. |
|
|
|
Post by Tyler wants bass! on Jun 20, 2010 23:15:03 GMT -5
Yeah on CAM
|
|
|
|
Post by weird23 on Jun 21, 2010 4:39:54 GMT -5
I have spent a few weeks reading all of the threads I could find and I think this one is the most similar to mine. I too have the Studio 100 V.5 and 690 center with 590 rears and seem to be leaning towards the XPA-2 for the fronts and the XPA-3 for the center and rears. I have a SVS PB13 Ultra for the sub and I just need by system to come alive. I have also considered the three XPA-1s for fronts and center with the Denon 4308 powering only the rears but I would run into a real estate issue. I've also been reading everything that I can find but still can't make up my mind. I think the mono blocks would give me the best sound but like you I would have trouble fitting everything in my stand. I may wait and see what the new Anthem receivers are like, they're promising real power ratings and the ARC room correction. I think that will be a great improvement over the Pioneer MCACC, the sale right now has me very tempted though. In the last day or two I've just gotten tired of thinking about and will just want to enjoy what I have right now. Sometimes I get irritated that I've paid so much for this gear and still don't quite have it sounding the way I want. I paid $2000 for my AVR and thought that I'd have everything that I wanted and needed. So I'm of two minds lately, one side says just go for it, get the biggest baddest amp that you can and finally have what you want. Then the practical side says you've already spent enough don't you think? For now I'll use the Pioneer and try to be happy with my current set up, a week for now I could be singing a different tune though. If I were you and set on getting an Emotiva amp, I'd just get the XPA-5. You'll have lots of power and it won't take up too much room, I may do just the same thing. See, I'm already changing my mind! |
|
|
|
Post by Tyler wants bass! on Jun 21, 2010 8:57:03 GMT -5
personally I think with your guys 100s Id go XPA2/5 if you crank it a lot in 2 channel.
If you're more of a SQ guy 2 upa 1s. The ones will still get plenty loud though.
|
|
|
|
Post by jackfish on Jun 21, 2010 11:43:34 GMT -5
Theoretically speaking, the XPA-2 is only going to provide about 1.76 dB more volume than the UPA-1s. Our hearing generally doesn't easily distinguish between differences in sound pressure level of less than about 3 dB. I think any difference may be more noticable in sound quality.
|
|
|
|
Post by mg on Jun 21, 2010 16:03:49 GMT -5
Hello,
Newbee here need some advice and any help will be very much appreciated. I currently own a pair Martin Logan Vantage being driven by an XPA-3, loving it so far. I’m at a point where I will be expanding to a 5.X system and was planning on using the XPA-3 to drive my center and rears. With the sale going on can someone advice which amp will be a better suit for the Martin Logan’s? I am looking at either an XPA-2 or 2 UPA-1’s. I do about 70 % movies and 30% music. Our to be dedicated HT room is 21 by 17. Thanks in advance.
Here are the specs on my Logan’s:
Frequency Response 34–23,000 Hz ±3dB
Amplifier Woofer: 200 watts/channel (4 ohms)
Sensitivity 92 dB/2.83 volts/meter
Impedance 4 Ohms, 1 at 20kHz. Compatible with 4, 6, or 8 Ohm rated amplifiers.
Recommended Amplifier Power 20‒500 watts per channel
|
|
|
|
Post by weird23 on Jun 22, 2010 2:31:34 GMT -5
Well I've decided not to wait and just do it(that didn't take long, did it). The only thing is that I'm not totally set on getting an Emotiva, I've been looking at the Wyred For Sound amps. From what I've read they have a nice warm tube like sound to them and I like and am used to the sound of Class D amps. They cost quite a bit more but I've done enough upgrading and selling old gear that I don't want to do that anymore. So this is my one shot and I would like to get it right the first time. The Wyred amp I've been looking at is 500w x3, 250w x 4, I would like to get seven channels of amplification. At a later date I would replace my receiver with a dedicated pre and maybe a two channel pre with an HT bypass. I like that the Wyred amp is only one box and not that big for a seven channel amp. If I went with Emotiva I'd only amp the fronts right now and see what they come up with down the road a bit. I would not consider an Emotiva pre right now because the one available is a brick. So now I'm faced with a choice of brands and amp classes. Who can sway me 100% over to Emotiva? Has anyone ever compared Wyred For Sound to Emotiva?
|
|
|
|
Post by Stevens on Jun 22, 2010 4:29:47 GMT -5
Weird23 - don't think anyone can tell you what will sound the best to your ears in your room. Why not just buy one to try, and return it if you don't like what you hear? Or, buy both and compare side-by-side and return the one you like the least (I am assuming the WfS amps also come with a return policy... )
|
|
