bking
Minor Hero
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Post by bking on Oct 13, 2010 17:18:30 GMT -5
...so far I am thrilled. I was conflicted between the UPA-1 mono blocks and this one. Wanting to keep things simple, I chose the 3. I've only listened for an hour or so. I realize it's going to take a few to break in, but already I'm hearing more in the recording than I did with my previous amp, a McIntosh 2125. My primary reason for selling the Mac was its lack of sufficient power for my listening habits. The XPA-3 just kicks butt in comparison. There just seems like limitless headroom with the new amp. Compared to the Mac it sounds like a veil has been lifted and my records and CD's have better clarity than before. I guess now I'm going to have to spring for the USP-1 to complete the set.
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Pauly
Emo VIPs 
Posts: 5,237
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Post by Pauly on Oct 13, 2010 17:48:40 GMT -5
Wow, don't go to the Polk forum with this story lol.
It's good to hear that you like it so much though. Congrats on the XPA-3, and congrats on finding Emotiva.
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iceman66
Emo VIPs
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" The Great One
Posts: 1,083
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Post by iceman66 on Oct 13, 2010 18:37:59 GMT -5
...it sounds like a veil has been lifted... Why do manufacturers bother to install the veil in the first place if everyone just wants to get rid of it?  |
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Post by bfisher on Oct 13, 2010 19:45:24 GMT -5
congrats. I agree, the Emo amps are hard to beat!
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Post by altpensacola on Oct 14, 2010 8:35:47 GMT -5
...so far I am thrilled. I was conflicted between the UPA-1 mono blocks and this one. Wanting to keep things simple, I chose the 3. I've only listened for an hour or so. I realize it's going to take a few to break in, but already I'm hearing more in the recording than I did with my previous amp, a McIntosh 2125. My primary reason for selling the Mac was its lack of sufficient power for my listening habits. The XPA-3 just kicks butt in comparison. There just seems like limitless headroom with the new amp. Compared to the Mac it sounds like a veil has been lifted and my records and CD's have better clarity than before. I guess now I'm going to have to spring for the USP-1 to complete the set. The McIntosh 2125, from 1981 (or older)? Do you think the age had anything to do with it's veil? Or the technology? What Speakers too? Just curious. |
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bking
Minor Hero
Posts: 19
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Post by bking on Oct 14, 2010 9:58:01 GMT -5
Not sure of the born on date of the Mac. It was completely recapped (except the main filter caps), so I doubt the age of the amp was the reason. Maybe the increase on output power (140 watts @4 ohms vs. 300 watts @ 4 ohms.) has something to do with it. The XPA-3 has better sound stage presentation than the Mac. Better depth and image width, as well as inner detailing. I'm hearing things in recordings that I didn't before, except with my Grado headphones. I'm using homebrew 3-way speakers. The crossovers were designed by well-known crossover guru Dennis Murphy. I also use a pair of 2.5 way with Audio Technology and Scanspeak components.
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Post by copperband on Oct 16, 2010 0:07:12 GMT -5
Hi Iceman66,
I have the Mirage OMD-15 & C1, and have been thinking about the UPA-5 or the XPA-5. I would like to know the result of adding a power amp. Does it make a big difference in sound quality? I currently have Pioneer VSX-9040TXH for the Mirage.
Thanks.
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NorthStar
Seeker Of Truth
"And it stoned me to my soul" - Van Morrison
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Post by NorthStar on Oct 16, 2010 0:11:19 GMT -5
Hi Iceman66, I have the Mirage OMD-15 & C1, and have been thinking about the UPA-5 or the XPA-5. I would like to know the result of adding a power amp. Does it make a big difference in sound quality? I currently have Pioneer VSX-9040TXH for the Mirage. Thanks. Hey, first, a big Welcome here at the Lounge!  Now, how do you like your OMD-15s and OMD-C1? * You would love the UPA-5.  It will improve things into the next 3D dimension. ...Meaning Sound quality wise. |
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iceman66
Emo VIPs
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" The Great One
Posts: 1,083
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Post by iceman66 on Oct 16, 2010 0:16:17 GMT -5
Hi Iceman66, I have the Mirage OMD-15 & C1, and have been thinking about the UPA-5 or the XPA-5. I would like to know the result of adding a power amp. Does it make a big difference in sound quality? I currently have Pioneer VSX-9040TXH for the Mirage. Thanks. Hi Copper, I just got my Mirages a couple months ago, I have never had them hooked up to an AVR so I can't answer your question in that regard, I will say when I moved from an AVR to separates a couple years ago it was a noticeable jump in sound quality, fullness, etc. however you want to describe it, it was just plain better, I can confidently say I will never go back to an AVR. |
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Post by mickeyharlow on Oct 16, 2010 3:06:54 GMT -5
Agree with iceman66!
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NorthStar
Seeker Of Truth
"And it stoned me to my soul" - Van Morrison
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Post by NorthStar on Oct 16, 2010 3:32:56 GMT -5
Iceman, I just realised that you also have those sets of Mirage speakers! WoW! Seems that Mirage and Emotiva is a happy marriage around these quarters! No wonder I get alone so well with all members here at the Lounge! ...I think?
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Post by copperband on Oct 16, 2010 12:57:54 GMT -5
Thank you all for the advice!
I like my Mirage so far....the sound coming out of them seems like 360 degree, feel like the music is everywhere in the air. Looks like I need to go the Emo way to add the power amp, unfortunately the great deal of UPA-5 is gone!! I read people said Emo had the sale for XPA-5 last Christmas. Anyone know how much discount they had? I want to know how much I need to save.....
Also the power range of Mirage OMD-15 is up to 250 watts. XPA-5 is rated 200watt at 8 ohms and 300 at 4 ohms. Does that mean it's about 250watts at 6 ohms since the Mirage is 6 ohms? My concern is would the XPA-5 be too much power and causing safety issues?
How hot will the Emo amps become after a few hours? It's 1000 watts total!I just have enough space to pack my receiver with the Emo amp together in my cabinet with 1/4 inches space between them, wonder if both untis will be overheat if they are on top of each other too close.
I am a newbie so there are still a lot of things to learn, can't wait to try the Emo amp!
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Post by monkumonku on Oct 16, 2010 17:44:35 GMT -5
Thank you all for the advice! I like my Mirage so far....the sound coming out of them seems like 360 degree, feel like the music is everywhere in the air. Looks like I need to go the Emo way to add the power amp, unfortunately the great deal of UPA-5 is gone!! I read people said Emo had the sale for XPA-5 last Christmas. Anyone know how much discount they had? I want to know how much I need to save..... Also the power range of Mirage OMD-15 is up to 250 watts. XPA-5 is rated 200watt at 8 ohms and 300 at 4 ohms. Does that mean it's about 250watts at 6 ohms since the Mirage is 6 ohms? My concern is would the XPA-5 be too much power and causing safety issues? How hot will the Emo amps become after a few hours? It's 1000 watts total!I just have enough space to pack my receiver with the Emo amp together in my cabinet with 1/4 inches space between them, wonder if both untis will be overheat if they are on top of each other too close. I am a newbie so there are still a lot of things to learn, can't wait to try the Emo amp! I got the Mirage OMD-15's in August and they've been hooked up to an XPA-2. As you might guess, there is no lack of power. ;D But on the other hand, it isn't TOO much power, either. I'd say it is Goldilocks just right, although you don't need that much power. For me it just means the amp doesn't sweat on any recordings with a lot of dynamics. Also, the amp does not get very warm at all. I have about 3" of space above the amp and it's in an open rack, though. I would check with Lonnie or someone at Emo about your situation. Personally, the XPA-2 drives the speakers to quite loud levels without hardly showing 3 of the blue lights so I don't think heat generation would be that big a problem. |
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It will improve things into the next 3D dimension. 
