Post by tonypay on Feb 1, 2011 14:51:01 GMT -5
I finished my basement end of last year and the last phase of the project was to purchase and implement a 7.1 surround sound system to complement my 65" Panny plasma. In my house I already have a 2-channel stereo system powered by an older Threshold S/200 power amp from the 80's mated to Klipsch Chorus II's, and a 5.1 HT system powered by an ATI power amp mated with Ed Frias' modified BIC America speakers.
I also had a set of Klipsch Legend Series speakers in storage that I allocated to the basement for my new 7.1 project. Specifically, KLF30 mains, KLF-C7 center, and KSP-S6 surrounds. I still needed rear surrounds, sub, and some electronics to complete the project.
I happen to be somebody who bought into the idea of separate components back in the late 90's when I first ventured into the audio world and have never looked back. I have always used Receivers as preamps only; thus, dis-engaging their power amp sections in favor of an outboard amp. There is just no comparison IMHO, and I have used $1,500-$2K receivers from Marantz and Pioneer Elite plus tested out friends' even more expensive receivers. They all sound good at lower volumes, but once you start pumping up the volume their weaknesses become very noticeable.
I am very pleased with my Threshold S/200 and ATI amplifiers. They definitely have their own sonic signatures but they are both excellent power amplifiers to my ears. I also love the sound of Klipsch speakers especially when driven by mid-to-high end power amps vs. receivers. Very detailed, articulate, and full (what some refer to as bright).
Anyway, back to the 7.1 project. I did a lot of research on power amps, receivers, AV processors, and subs last year. To make a long story short i have always liked higher end gear but never wanted to pay full freight for it so everything i own has either been purchased used, on liquidation, or through independent people like Ed Frias. The high end audio stores in my area have all gone out of business except for one. But I simply refuse to pay retail.
I started noticing the name Emotiva on tons of message boards, blogs, sites, etc... and decided to focus my attention there. Excellent equipment that competes with higher end gear but at a fraction of the cost. The more I read the more I became interested. Having had some experience with separates and reading the reviews for the XPA-5 and UMC-1 (especially when mated with Klipsch) I figured it's time to make the plunge. And I did. All I can say is WOW! This stuff sounds amazing and very neutral vs. colored, which is how I like it. I am not a fan of MOSFET amps or speakers that sound like they have a blanket over them. The Emotiva gear is very transparent but extremely powerful, dynamic, full, and lively. Mated with Klipsch it's a match made in heaven.
I was so impressed that I decided to complete my 7.1 project by purchasing a pair of Emotiva UAW 8.2 in wall speakers for the rear surrounds, a UPA-2 to power them, and an Ultra Sub 12. After spending some time tweaking/calibrating the bass management, and listening to this system now for over 2-months all I can say is that I am thoroughly pleased with the HT system I have acheived. Both music and movies sound phenomenal. I did have one problem with the UMC-1 and cable tv with sound dropping. But I spoke to Vince and he said to run an optical cable from the box to the UMC-1. Problem solved.
Emotiva simply makes incredible products at very reasonable, affordable prices for the common man who is inclined and wants to get a taste of the high end.
If I didn't already have my Klipsch Legend Series speakers I would buy the Emotiva Reference Speaker line without hesitation. But I do luv my Legends and just can't part with them.
Anyway, kudos to Emotiva and I look forward to what's in store for the future!
I also had a set of Klipsch Legend Series speakers in storage that I allocated to the basement for my new 7.1 project. Specifically, KLF30 mains, KLF-C7 center, and KSP-S6 surrounds. I still needed rear surrounds, sub, and some electronics to complete the project.
I happen to be somebody who bought into the idea of separate components back in the late 90's when I first ventured into the audio world and have never looked back. I have always used Receivers as preamps only; thus, dis-engaging their power amp sections in favor of an outboard amp. There is just no comparison IMHO, and I have used $1,500-$2K receivers from Marantz and Pioneer Elite plus tested out friends' even more expensive receivers. They all sound good at lower volumes, but once you start pumping up the volume their weaknesses become very noticeable.
I am very pleased with my Threshold S/200 and ATI amplifiers. They definitely have their own sonic signatures but they are both excellent power amplifiers to my ears. I also love the sound of Klipsch speakers especially when driven by mid-to-high end power amps vs. receivers. Very detailed, articulate, and full (what some refer to as bright).
Anyway, back to the 7.1 project. I did a lot of research on power amps, receivers, AV processors, and subs last year. To make a long story short i have always liked higher end gear but never wanted to pay full freight for it so everything i own has either been purchased used, on liquidation, or through independent people like Ed Frias. The high end audio stores in my area have all gone out of business except for one. But I simply refuse to pay retail.
I started noticing the name Emotiva on tons of message boards, blogs, sites, etc... and decided to focus my attention there. Excellent equipment that competes with higher end gear but at a fraction of the cost. The more I read the more I became interested. Having had some experience with separates and reading the reviews for the XPA-5 and UMC-1 (especially when mated with Klipsch) I figured it's time to make the plunge. And I did. All I can say is WOW! This stuff sounds amazing and very neutral vs. colored, which is how I like it. I am not a fan of MOSFET amps or speakers that sound like they have a blanket over them. The Emotiva gear is very transparent but extremely powerful, dynamic, full, and lively. Mated with Klipsch it's a match made in heaven.
I was so impressed that I decided to complete my 7.1 project by purchasing a pair of Emotiva UAW 8.2 in wall speakers for the rear surrounds, a UPA-2 to power them, and an Ultra Sub 12. After spending some time tweaking/calibrating the bass management, and listening to this system now for over 2-months all I can say is that I am thoroughly pleased with the HT system I have acheived. Both music and movies sound phenomenal. I did have one problem with the UMC-1 and cable tv with sound dropping. But I spoke to Vince and he said to run an optical cable from the box to the UMC-1. Problem solved.
Emotiva simply makes incredible products at very reasonable, affordable prices for the common man who is inclined and wants to get a taste of the high end.
If I didn't already have my Klipsch Legend Series speakers I would buy the Emotiva Reference Speaker line without hesitation. But I do luv my Legends and just can't part with them.
Anyway, kudos to Emotiva and I look forward to what's in store for the future!
Hopefully they'll bring them back! ;D
