USP-1 Preamplifier

[stangman]

Just got my USP-1 and it sounds great right out of the box. It replaces a NAD 1155 that I have used for many years and it has given new life to my Polk SDA SRS2 speakers. Looking forward to adding more EMOTIVA components, especially the new DAC. Thanks to everyone at EMOTIVA for producing a great product at a very affordable price.

[manlystanley]

Jul 20, 2010 3:22:25 GMT -5 stangman said:

Just got my USP-1 and it sounds great right out of the box. It replaces a NAD 1155 that I have used for many years and it has given new life to my Polk SDA SRS2 speakers. Looking forward to adding more EMOTIVA components, especially the new DAC. Thanks to everyone at EMOTIVA for producing a great product at a very affordable price.

Stangman, congrats on your purchase. Can you tell us what exactly you notice that's different??

Thanks,
Stan

[stangman]

Aug 14, 2010 20:56:00 GMT -5 manlystanley said:

Jul 20, 2010 3:22:25 GMT -5 stangman said:

Just got my USP-1 and it sounds great right out of the box. It replaces a NAD 1155 that I have used for many years and it has given new life to my Polk SDA SRS2 speakers. Looking forward to adding more EMOTIVA components, especially the new DAC. Thanks to everyone at EMOTIVA for producing a great product at a very affordable price.

Stangman, congrats on your purchase. Can you tell us what exactly you notice that's different??

Thanks,
Stan

I find that that vocals (midrange) are cleaner and more full. I also feel the sound stage is a little wider with a bit more depth. This is the first preamp I have owned without tone controls and I was a little concerned as some recordings can be improved with with a little bass/treble adjustment, but so far I am very happy with the USP-1.

[RPA-1 man]

Initially I had the same concerns about the lack of tone controls on the USP-1, but as it turns out I don't miss tone controls at all.

Congrats and enjoy. It is a fine pre to say the least.

[RightinLA]

Aug 15, 2010 3:44:47 GMT -5 stangman said:

I find that that vocals (midrange) are cleaner and more full. I also feel the sound stage is a little wider with a bit more depth. This is the first preamp I have owned without tone controls and I was a little concerned as some recordings can be improved with with a little bass/treble adjustment, but so far I am very happy with the USP-1.

I like the UPS-1, but I also miss the bass, treble and balance controls. I would like to add a decent equalizer. Any recommendations?

[jimangie1973]

The Behringer DEQ2496 is a nice EQ if you input optical digital. Then you can either use the DAC in the DEQ2496 or output optical to a standalone DAC.

As for the USP-1, I've had mine for about a week and it is very nice. Dead silent and transparent. It's definately quieter than my Rotel RC-1070. I also have an Adcom GFP-750 which I can't say sounds any better than the USP-1, both are quiet and transparent. I was surprised to see the quality ALPS pot in the USP-1, same type as that in the Adcom, which sold for $1200 (it is balanced though).

[RightinLA]

Thanks for the Behringer suggestion. I was also looking at the Technical Pro and Audio 2000 Equalizers. Any experience with them? Equalizers traditionally have been a good and economical method to compensate for the source, room, speakers, and personal taste. It is surprising to me that they are not as popular in two channel as they once were.

[jackfish]

Implementing an equalizer with the USP-1 can be problematic as it does not have a true tape monitor loop. You have to put an equalizer between the USP-1 and your amplifier. The Behringer DEQ2496 has balanced input/output so you may need a couple of Samson S-Converts to get decent sound with it and then with all that in the line the sound could be degraded anyway. The specified frequency response of the low end Technical Pro equalizers (EQ-B51XX) seems it would limit the audio output of a home audio system. The Audio 2000 equalizers seem to spec out better than Technical Pro.

[klinemj]

I'd listen more and see if you really, really need them. I have found that tone controls are a lot like a pacifier for babies. We cry a lot when we don't have them, but we don't really miss them in the long term once they are gone (after all...seen many 40 year olds with one?)

Mark (PS - please don't anyone asking for tone controls take this personal like I am calling you a baby...just an analogy here...)

[2pt2]

Aug 17, 2010 21:06:58 GMT -5 RightinLA said:

Thanks for the Behringer suggestion. I was also looking at the Technical Pro and Audio 2000 Equalizers. Any experience with them? Equalizers traditionally have been a good and economical method to compensate for the source, room, speakers, and personal taste. It is surprising to me that they are not as popular in two channel as they once were.

I think a lot of people don't realize the effect room modes can have on the sound. Once you get a subwoofer, there is not much argument because the wavelength of the low notes and typical room dimensions become the same or close (either that or you assume the sub was a one note wonder and get rid of it).