XRS 4.1 Advice

[unsound]

Hi,

First time poster here, even though I've read a lot of good advice on Emotiva products in this lounge. I'm hoping I'll have similar results!

I currently have Energy RC 10 L/R and RC LCR center driven by Yamaha RX-v667 for my HT. I plan on upgrading around this time next year. I plan on getting the XMC + XPA5, but have not settled on speakers yet. I was wondering if I should pick up the XRS 4.1 (1 pair) since they are on discount currently. Essentially, I would like to know how critical the matching of the fronts and surrounds is? Is it OK to mix and match (the RCs now and something else later with the XRS)?

Thanks!

[hemster]

Hey there unsound, welcome to the lounge!

The Emo speakers are excellent quality and value and your plan of using them with XMC-1 and XPA-5 will work. As far as matching fronts with surrounds, it likely doesn't matter but make sure that the impedances match. i.e. all 4 ohms or all 8 ohms. Also if you listen to a lot of multi-channel music, then it's best to match the speakers all around.

Good luck and feel free to ask questions!

[roadrunner]

unsound

I assume you are using, or intend to use, a 5.1 speaker system as you mentioned buying one pair of XRS-4.1 surround speakers. If you are looking at going with a 7.1 speaker system you might want to consider getting two pairs of the XRS-4.1 surrounds, if your budget allows... especially with the huge discount with the current sale.

I think you will find the sonic signature of the Energy speakers will be reasonably close to that of the XRS speakers. Also, the XRS speakers will likely have the same sonic signature as the Emotiva Reference Series speakers when they are released later this years. Thus, they would be a good match no matter which Emotiva line of speakers you choose to finish fleshing out your speaker system.

[unsound]

Thanks to the both of you for your responses.

hemster - The impedance matching is an interesting point. Is there more to impedance matching than sound volume? Is that something one could correct with speaker levels? Of course, I do understand that impedance is not a constant and varies with frequency, but there is no guarantee that one 4 ohm speaker will have the same curve as another, is there?

roadrunner - the decision isn't a budget decision at this point, I'll be moving towards the end of the year and I don't yet know where I'll be moving. Currently, I only have room for a 5.1 system (12x12 TV room). So, the question then becomes should I get the extra pair and sell it later if I don't need it. Or, only get 1 pair now and add another when I know I'll have room for it. Do we know if Emotiva will still be selling these around December?

[roadrunner]

unsound

Unless you know you will probably want a 7.1 system after you move, I don't recommend that you buy two XRS speaker pairs at this time. My listening room has far larger dimensions than your's and I only use a 5.1 speaker system. My floor plan just would not need additional speakers; and, there is no telling whether your future listening room would benefit from adding another pair of surround speakers so I would advise you wait and see what you are dealing with after you have moved.

Once you have moved, the XPA-5 power amp will be able to handle practically every speaker in existence. This will free you to search for the speakers that you find most appealing, not needing to worry about their impedance.

[hemster]

May 21, 2012 17:27:36 GMT -5 unsound said:

Thanks to the both of you for your responses.

hemster - The impedance matching is an interesting point. Is there more to impedance matching than sound volume? Is that something one could correct with speaker levels? Of course, I do understand that impedance is not a constant and varies with frequency, but there is no guarantee that one 4 ohm speaker will have the same curve as another, is there?
...

You can find a discussion on 4 ohms vs 8 ohms here.

[unsound]

Thanks again, hemster and roadrunner.

Based on everything I've read and my personal experience with the UPA-2 I bought last year, I have no doubt about the XPA5 capabilities. I'm really looking forward to getting it. For now, I'll just go with 1 pair of the surrounds.

Informative link, hemster, thanks.

[Deleted]

Do yourself a favor and use the same speakers all-around if you can. The quality of the soundfield is greatly improved by doing so. Folks who tell you to mix and match, looking only at the impedance, do not know what they are talking about...And, instead of packing a lot of speakers into your room (7.1, 7.2, 9.1, etc.) , opt instead for higher-quality speakers that have better dispersion characteristics.

Take a look at the Gallo Stradas or Gallo Reference speakers if you can afford them. They are exceptionally well-built, use cutting-edge technology, and have incredible dispersion, ~300 deg: www.RoundSound.com

Good deals on used ones can be found at Audiogon.com. I bought all of mine there for approx. 50% of retail. The sound is superb and I'm running 5.1 in a good-sized room...

-RW-

[unsound]

Hey rlw - Sorry, I didn't see your post until now as I've been traveling around. I haven't purchased the XRS yet, but going from $250/pr to $2000/pr may be stretching it a bit for me. But, thanks for the suggestion, I will certainly read up about the speakers and even try and demo them.

[muzicianx]

I just replaced my Def Tech BPXs with XRS 4.1s for my 7.1 system, and they sound incredibly good. I wanted a smaller profile surround speaker, but didn't want to compromise on sound... and there is no compromise compared to the Def Techs for movies, games, sports, TV, whatever you throw at them. The only compromise might be multichannel audio if that's your thing... I just use them for effects.