myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 21, 2011 23:46:55 GMT -5
Thanks Bill, What you said is so true. We all have a common love here and I am so thankful for places like this and the people I have met along the way.
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Post by tjhenry on Apr 22, 2011 11:28:19 GMT -5
Kraemerkid,
Could you elaborate on your preferences for the P3 over the USP-1? I'm looking at preamps and the P3 and USP-1 are on my list. Why do you prefer the P3?
Thanks
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2011 11:57:23 GMT -5
Kraemerkid, Could you elaborate on your preferences for the P3 over the USP-1? I'm looking at preamps and the P3 and USP-1 are on my list. Why do you prefer the P3? Thanks Well to start off the USP-1 was only in my setup for about a day. People can say whatever they want about "oh it wasn't broken in yet". I do not believe in solid state electronics "breaking in". It sounded very dual, nothing exciting. It only has one set of line outs (full range) I like to have two. One goes to my XPA-2 and the other to my sub. I use the crossover on my sub to blend bass. The volume control was very very strange. The volume knob is very smooth and stepped correctly But the remote was a different story. I would click the volume button up once and it was increase in volume a lot more then just turning the knob a bit. Got to the point where i had to get up and change the volume because the remote was useless. I might get &*%^ for this but in my book the USP-1 was a huge failure in my setup. Maybe i didn't give it enough time and patience but it just didn't do anything special for me. Plus i was using it with the XDA-1. The XDA-1 by it self sounded so much better and it a lot of users on here can say the same thing. So after returning the USP-1, I was on the look for another pre amp. I looked at many options and the P3 was always on my mind. The P3 just looks sexy and has everything I would need. I run a optical from my Macbook Pro to the XDA-1, oh and my PS3 goes optical out to the XDA-1. Then from the XDA-1 i go balanced out to the P3, finally on to my amp. I got the P3 used on Audiogon for $500 and it was a great deal. I noticed right away more detail in my music. Like reverbs and echoes are more noticeable. The lows turned up a notch and my highs balanced out a bit. The XDA-1 sounds a little bright to me but the P3 helped with that. My Gallos have a insanely tight center stage with ambieant sounds/ instuments off to the far left and right. The P3 opened the center stage up and made it more balanced across my room. Ahh i am ranting here ;D So to sum it up. USP-1: Sounded dual and not exciting Not the inputs and outputs i wanted Horrible volume control The faceplate didn't wow me (or either does any Emo products) No bass and treble controls P3 Warm, transparent and open sound Smooth volume control Bass and treble controls Very sexy front plate and chassis Direct input and outputs (to eliminate over circuiting) I am done for now  |
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Post by tjhenry on Apr 22, 2011 12:36:27 GMT -5
Kraemerkid,
Thanks that helped. I'm sorry to steer the thread in a little different direction. I'll leave it alone after this post.
I'm looking for a solid state preamp with a warmer signature. My Focal speakers are very detailed and a bit forward so to pair them with forward sounding solid state gear is too much for me. My current 840A integrated is very warm (sounds like tube gear), but I realize in comparison with other pieces of gear that the top end is slightly recessed and I'm missing some detail from the 840A.
In direct comparison, then, you find the P3 to sound warmer than the USP-1? Also, if I read correctly the P3 is warmer than the XDA-1? Maybe the P3 is what I'm looking for (in a used price range I can afford).
Unless people reading this thread know of a warm sounding solid state preamp in the $ 500 to $ 600 dollar range (used) that performs as well as or better than the XDA-1 for dynamics and detail. I know the term warm sounding is very subjective. I'd like something with warmth comparable to a newer design tube preamp; something that adds weight and impact to voices and instruments.
Thanks for your thoughts.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2011 12:47:25 GMT -5
Kraemerkid, Thanks that helped. I'm sorry to steer the thread in a little different direction. I'll leave it alone after this post. I'm looking for a solid state preamp with a warmer signature. My Focal speakers are very detailed and a bit forward so to pair them with forward sounding solid state gear is too much for me. My current 840A integrated is very warm (sounds like tube gear), but I realize in comparison with other pieces of gear that the top end is slightly recessed and I'm missing some detail from the 840A. In direct comparison, then, you find the P3 to sound warmer than the USP-1? Also, if I read correctly the P3 is warmer than the XDA-1? Maybe the P3 is what I'm looking for (in a used price range I can afford). Unless people reading this thread know of a warm sounding solid state preamp in the $ 500 to $ 600 dollar range (used) that performs as well as or better than the XDA-1 for dynamics and detail. I know the term warm sounding is very subjective. I'd like something with warmth comparable to a newer design tube preamp; something that adds weight and impact to voices and instruments. Thanks for your thoughts. Don't worry about derailing this thread. I mean the title suggests "read this if you are trying to decide what pre amp to get". The OP has found the pre amp he wants. Now others can share there experiences and give opinions. Were all here to learn and help each other out The P3 will definitely give you a more warm, impacted and detailed sound over just using the XDA-1. The 840A you are using has been know to lack a few things. Other thing looking at getting a pre amp to pair with the XDA-1, I looked at integrated amps. But you have to spend a lot to get a great pre amp section and enough power in one box. My 2 cents are. Get the P3. You can snag one used for $500-$600 and if you don't like it, sell it. Whats nice is you wont loss anything or just maybe a little when you re sell it. But i think you will like it |
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Post by sawdust on Apr 22, 2011 12:54:59 GMT -5
Kraemerkid, Thanks that helped. I'm sorry to steer the thread in a little different direction. I'll leave it alone after this post. I'm looking for a solid state preamp with a warmer signature. My Focal speakers are very detailed and a bit forward so to pair them with forward sounding solid state gear is too much for me. My current 840A integrated is very warm (sounds like tube gear), but I realize in comparison with other pieces of gear that the top end is slightly recessed and I'm missing some detail from the 840A. In direct comparison, then, you find the P3 to sound warmer than the USP-1? Also, if I read correctly the P3 is warmer than the XDA-1? Maybe the P3 is what I'm looking for (in a used price range I can afford). Unless people reading this thread know of a warm sounding solid state preamp in the $ 500 to $ 600 dollar range (used) that performs as well as or better than the XDA-1 for dynamics and detail. I know the term warm sounding is very subjective. I'd like something with warmth comparable to a newer design tube preamp; something that adds weight and impact to voices and instruments. Thanks for your thoughts. I replaced my USP-1 with a Parasound 2100 pre-amp because I use my equipment for HT and music. The 2100 to me was warmer than the USP-1 if I understand the term warm correctly. It wasn't as bright at the top end, yet was very detailed and smooth. I do have quite revealing speakers. Just my opinion for what it's worth. |
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Post by tjhenry on Apr 22, 2011 12:58:10 GMT -5
Kraemerkid,
Awesome, the P3 sounds like what I'm looking for and is in my budget. I'm encouraged by your comments that compare the P3 to the XDA-1 plus the P3 and you find an improvement in performance over just the XDA-1.
I've seen the P3 on Audiogon and will keep my eyes out for one. We'll see how long I can wait.
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 23, 2011 2:12:56 GMT -5
Thanks for the review kraemerkid, it was excellent! and congrats!! It sounds like your p-3 has found a good home. I was very close to picking up a p-3 as well and just keep hearing great things. @ tjhenry, I see them quite often on audigon and as you have read, and what I keep hearing, is you can't go wrong for the money. So, some words of encouragent....GO FOR IT!! Parasound has a great reputation and really strong following. It seems like a winning choice to me. That's just my 2 cents as well.
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Post by ripcordaff on Apr 23, 2011 9:27:18 GMT -5
The P3 does not have a crossover to take the bass load off the mains correct?
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 23, 2011 10:35:25 GMT -5
This is true, P-3=no bass management. The "classic series" 2100 would be the way to go if Bass Management is needed. Although I've never heard the 2100, it was recommended to me several times while I was shopping. Has anyone here ever had/heard one?
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Post by roadrunner on Apr 23, 2011 15:19:28 GMT -5
This is true, P-3=no bass management. The "classic series" 2100 would be the way to go if Bass Management is needed. Although I've never heard the 2100, it was recommended to me several times while I was shopping. Has anyone here ever had/heard one? I have listened to the Parasound P3, 2100, and the Emotiva USP-1. All three of these pre-amps have the goods to provide audiophile grade performance. The P3 has better sonic performance than the 2100 but lacks bass management. The 2100 offers fixed 80 Hz crossover; and the Emotiva USP-1 offers adjustable crossovers for High Pass and Low Pass, and also gives the user the option of choosing 12dB or 24dB slope. Sound quality between the P3 and the USP-1 are both excellent. Depending on your preferences, your speakers and the synergy with source components you are likely to find a fairly even split between the Parasound P3 and the Emotiva USP-1 when choosing the top performer. I could not find fault with anyone choosing either pre-amp -- they are both that good. You will need to audition them with your own gear in your listening room to see (or should I say "hear") which is a better fit for you. You will end up with a superb experience whichever one you pick. |
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flyhigh
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Post by flyhigh on Apr 23, 2011 20:42:11 GMT -5
Emotiva USP-1 offers adjustable crossovers for High Pass and Low Pass, and also gives the user the option of choosing 12dB or 24dB slope. The USP-1's bass management was THE deal maker for me. I liked the adjustability, and this made the USP-1 a no-brainer for my my second music system. I seriously considered the Parasound 2100, but went with the Emo instead. No reasons aside from that the Emo offered an adjustable corner frequency which is precisely what I wanted. Roadrunner...The 12/24db slope option appears to be a feature of the forthcoming XSP-1, but is this available on the USP-1? I thought my pre-amp was fixed at 12db/oct? If 24db/oct is lurking somewhere inside...I want to know! Happy Easter to all.... -Fly |
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Post by roadrunner on Apr 23, 2011 21:31:22 GMT -5
Emotiva USP-1 offers adjustable crossovers for High Pass and Low Pass, and also gives the user the option of choosing 12dB or 24dB slope. The USP-1's bass management was THE deal maker for me. I liked the adjustability, and this made the USP-1 a no-brainer for my my second music system. I seriously considered the Parasound 2100, but went with the Emo instead. No reasons aside from that the Emo offered an adjustable corner frequency which is precisely what I wanted. Roadrunner...The 12/24db slope option appears to be a feature of the forthcoming XSP-1, but is this available on the USP-1? I thought my pre-amp was fixed at 12db/oct? If 24db/oct is lurking somewhere inside...I want to know! Happy Easter to all.... -Fly Oops. You are absolutely correct. The USP's slope is 12dB and it is the XSP that offers you the choice of slope settings. Sorry to have mixed up the slope options. I guess that shows the XSP is on my mind more than I realized.  Lonnie, hurry up and ship my XSP-1 to me so I can keep the details straight. ;D Happy Birthday, Lonnie. Happy Easter, everybody. |
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 28, 2011 3:30:10 GMT -5
well I got the wyred4sound pre today!! All I can say so far is.....I CAN'T BELIEVE MY EARS! This thing is sonically incredible! The man I bought it from included a pair of Zu Gede XLRs as well as a pair of COBALT XLRs. The oppo 95 is running balanced directly into the STP-se and the XDA is running balanced out into the STP-se as well. I can honestly say I have never heard the things I am hearing as of now. Absolutely amazing imaging, depth and width. The detail is just rediculous! And I swear to you it is warm and smooth as well. Hands down the best upgrade I have made to date.
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Post by thomasd92 on Apr 28, 2011 5:49:09 GMT -5
I am glad you like your STP-SE. I have about 50 hours on mine and it gets better every time I turn it on. It needs 200 hours of break in according to Wyred 4Sound. Yours should be broke in. Now if you want to try vinyl get the PS Audio GCPH phono preamp and you won't believe how good vinyl can sound through the STP-SE.
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 29, 2011 2:11:00 GMT -5
Thanks thomas, I don't just like it...I absolutely love it! It's just incredible. I truly can't believe what this thing has done to my system. I'm floored!
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Post by rclark on Apr 29, 2011 2:41:31 GMT -5
It's better than the XDA to amps alone?
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myryse
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Post by myryse on Apr 30, 2011 0:50:56 GMT -5
rclark
in all honesty...yes it is better sounding than the XDA straight to amps. The sound is so much more detailed, yet warm and smooth. The soundstage is much wider/deeper than the XDA alone. Don't get me wrong, the XDA is great sounding by itself, but this honestly takes it up several notches. My B&Ws have never sounded better...period! I seriously can't believe what a difference this pre has made. I never thought it would do what it is doing. It makes me want to look into other DACs just to see how much better my set-up can get.
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Post by rclark on May 1, 2011 0:43:16 GMT -5
You know what? Hat's off to Emotiva and their XDA-1... but I think I might go ahead and get my system built and then look at upgrading my DAC. I'll keep my ERC-2 as a transport, it's a hell of a transport, but I think that with the components I have coming, I am going to want something uber-badass to match it.
I will have extremely nice speakers and amplification and it will gnaw on me that my dac isn't quite the world beater the rest of the Emotiva range is.
I think I will keep the XDA-1 for a second, office system later, but I think I'm going to want something super nice for my main system.
Hey MYRSE, do you think you will audition the XSP-1 when it comes out later this year?
And can you describe your new preamp a little more?
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Post by rclark on May 1, 2011 1:16:36 GMT -5
fyi, the owner of GR Research (I'm building a spec'd out set of his N3 monitors), who is also an industry consultant and designer for several hi end speaker manufacturers, recommends the Tranquility DAC as pretty much where it's at: www.dbaudiolabs.com/ They are out of my price range but as soon as I can I think that's my choice for next DAC. Maybe I can snag a deal on the 'Gon. |
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Lonnie, hurry up and ship my XSP-1 to me so I can keep the details straight. ;D