myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 14, 2011 16:32:07 GMT -5
Okay, so I have come to the conclusion that I am barking up the wrong tree here. I need to get into a 2 ch. set up. I compared the OPPO 93 and 95 and realize that the umc-1 is the weakest link in my system. The 95 sounded slightly better than the 93 and XDA/ERC combo, but not "twice" as good. That said...I'm thinking about returning the 95 but haven't decided yet. I am now on the hunt for a pre with HT bypass up 2000.00. I have found a PS audio gcp-200, Wyred for sound, and classe 500 all in that price range (used of course) Any input would be greatly appreciated as I will be buying "blind" (without be able to listen to these units) THANKS!!!!
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 14, 2011 16:34:43 GMT -5
I know I'm gonna get a bunch of usp-1 "shout-outs", but would like to "consider" something that would be a step or two up from that, I will be posting a review of the OPPO units soon. Thanks again
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Apr 14, 2011 16:37:23 GMT -5
I can only say that I've listened to the Classe 500 and it somehow left me wanting. I found the sound to be on the "cold" side.
Other than that, I've not much more to add. Maybe some of my esteemed Emovites will chime in.
Good luck with your decision and keep us posted on how you progress.
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 14, 2011 16:58:03 GMT -5
Thanks hemster, I have heard a couple people say the same about the CLASSE 500. Appreciate your input
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TJHUB
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Post by TJHUB on Apr 14, 2011 17:59:02 GMT -5
The Parasound P7 or even a 2100 are worth looking into.
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Apr 14, 2011 18:12:17 GMT -5
What's your budget, and I assume you need an analog only preamp, or do you need one with a DAC built in?
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Post by stuofsci02 on Apr 14, 2011 18:26:37 GMT -5
myryse, You will obviously never get twice as good sound out of the 95 then 93. You won't even get 20% better sound going from the USP-1 to a $5000 preamp. If you can hear a difference between the 93 and the 95 with the UMC-1 then the 95 is worth the money IMO. Very few upgrade of $400 lead to audible improvement once into more expensive gear. I am in the market also for a very nice pre-amp and know what I want, but it is almost $5000. In the meantime I have the USP-1 which I compared the $5000 preamp in the store on the same B&W 804Di speakers with my AMP and my Oppo 83SE.. The USP-1 was for sure not as good, but we are talking subtle nuances and airyness... The USP-1 was more closed in etc, but most people would not be able to tell the difference with 10 min of down time (maybe even me). Here is a link to my review. emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=prepro&action=display&thread=15403Cheers, Stuart |
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 14, 2011 18:37:02 GMT -5
My budget is 2k max! I have an XDA and audio alchemy D/As but am open to all suggestions. I will look into Parasound as well, thanks TJHUB. I am also considering going back to a dedicated 2.2 ch. Looking at a TACT 2.2 as a possibility.
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Post by stuofsci02 on Apr 14, 2011 18:39:22 GMT -5
FYI... I have heard that the Parasound 2100 is about the same level as the USP-1..
I really don't think for $2000 or less you will find anything that really puts the USP-1 in its place...
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Post by roadrunner on Apr 14, 2011 18:48:38 GMT -5
When you are talking about 2-channel pre-amps in that price range, your source components and speakers are going to have a far bigger impact on the sound quality than any differences between them and the Emotiva USP-1. I have listened to all of those pre-amps at one time or another, but unfortunately, not in the same room at the same time. What I can reveal is that the sound quality and noise floor of the USP-1 is extremely excellent and any sonic differences between your listed pre-amps and the USP-1 is going to be very small. The USP-1 has unbelievable performance and is a huge bargain that can compete with units costing far more. If you can wait until the XSP-1 debuts, I think you will find that Emotiva has developed a world-class preamplifier that will have people asking if anyone has a preamp that can hold it own against the Emotiva XSP-1. A giant killer is about to be released.  |
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Apr 14, 2011 19:46:55 GMT -5
$2k... Hmm. Well for that you can probably find a used Marantz SC-11 on Audiogon. Or you could check out a Bel Canto Pre3 which is nice.
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Post by Mr. Ben on Apr 14, 2011 19:50:04 GMT -5
I currently use a PS Audio PCA-2 preamp, which is the predecessor to the GCP-200. I found it to be a big step above my previous RSP-2. I have also compared that same RSP-2 to the Classe CP60, and thought that the RSP-2 was better. So Classe < Emotiva < PS Audio. Granted, none of these products match what you're looking at, but maybe you'll find it useful anyway.
It's not clear to me what sources you're using in this 2-channel setup. Have you considered connecting the oppo-95's stereo analog outputs (which, as I understand it, have volume control) directly to the amplifier, and skipping a preamp completely?
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 14, 2011 19:59:46 GMT -5
Thanks Stuart, I have decided to turn my b&w 803s/ERC /XDA /XPAs / ultra sub 12s into a dedicated 2.2 ch. system and just use the rest of my gear + a pair of ERD-1s and a upa2 for a dedicated theater. This decision is final, so with this in mind,what are my best options?
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Post by stuofsci02 on Apr 14, 2011 20:04:07 GMT -5
myryse,
If I was in your exact position, I would get the USP-1 for now and then get the XSP-1 when it comes out. Are there better preamps out there then the USP-1.. Yeah, no doubt, but they cost way more money. And if the XSP-1 is even a marginal (10-15%) improvement on the USP-1 it will be up in the high end range IMO for a fraction of the price.
I can tell you with confidence that the USP-1 punches well above its pricerange and you won't get a lot better performance until you get into really expensive gear..
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Post by preproman on Apr 14, 2011 20:27:13 GMT -5
Okay, so I have come to the conclusion that I am barking up the wrong tree here. I need to get into a 2 ch. set up. I compared the OPPO 93 and 95 and realize that the umc-1 is the weakest link in my system. The 95 sounded slightly better than the 93 and XDA/ERC combo, but not "twice" as good. That said...I'm thinking about returning the 95 but haven't decided yet. I am now on the hunt for a pre with HT bypass up 2000.00. I have found a PS audio gcp-200, Wyred for sound, and classe 500 all in that price range (used of course) Any input would be greatly appreciated as I will be buying "blind" (without be able to listen to these units) THANKS!!!! Here go a few pretty good ones to look at.. odysseyaudio.com/products-tempest.htmlodysseyaudio.com/products-candela.htmlThey have good amps as well. |
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Post by badronald on Apr 14, 2011 21:20:45 GMT -5
When you are talking about 2-channel pre-amps in that price range, your source components and speakers are going to have a far bigger impact on the sound quality than any differences between them and the Emotiva USP-1. I have listened to all of those pre-amps at one time or another, but unfortunately, not in the same room at the same time. What I can reveal is that the sound quality and noise floor of the USP-1 is extremely excellent and any sonic differences between your listed pre-amps and the USP-1 is going to be very small. The USP-1 has unbelievable performance and is a huge bargain that can compete with units costing far more. If you can wait until the XSP-1 debuts, I think you will find that Emotiva has developed a world-class preamplifier that will have people asking if anyone has a preamp that can hold it own against the Emotiva XSP-1. A giant killer is about to be released. Talk about giant killer, how bout the Rotel RC-995. This was one of the best preamps ever made way under 1K, and it can now be had for around $200 on the used market. This was my main preamp driving a Krell KSA-100S power amp for many years untill the baby came along. Great phono amp and balanced outs as well. |
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 15, 2011 1:10:12 GMT -5
Thank stuofsci02 I really enjoyed the review. I think the 95 might stay as it is a pretty noticeable improvement in SQ. I still believe that taking my pre-amp up a notch from the USP will get me to where I want to be. I truly believe that the usp can't be beat for the money but balanced ins and outs is really where I want to go with a dedicated 2 ch. set up. Has anyone heard the Wyred for sound pre? I've had an RC 995 many years ago and loved it but can't find one (good suggestion though). The odessy stuff looks nice too preproman, thanks for the links. Also has anyone had any experience with the tact audio gear?
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 15, 2011 1:12:20 GMT -5
I wish emo would huury up and get the XSP to us. It just seems so far away!!
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 15, 2011 1:49:25 GMT -5
How about an adcom GFP-750 I miss my adcom system! Talk about bang for the buck!
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 15, 2011 4:14:59 GMT -5
The wyred4sound "stp se" is looking really good, and so is the "audio gd C-39 mkIII"
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