Pauly
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Posts: 5,237
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Post by Pauly on Jan 4, 2013 16:33:31 GMT -5
Have you thought about used Bryston or Audio Research? There are some decent deals out there on used Bryston gear, and some of them still have about ten years of warranty left.
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emovac
Emo VIPs
Saeed al-Sahhaf
Posts: 2,456
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Post by emovac on Jan 4, 2013 16:49:11 GMT -5
I had Parasound A23s (2), and an HCA-1205A. They are nice amps. I replaced them with Wyred4Sound Class D amps, and I like the class D better myself from a noise floor, and efficiency standpoint. The noise floor is dead quiet.
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Post by jackfish on Jan 4, 2013 17:34:42 GMT -5
sharkmanThanks for the replay yeah my only complaint on the UPA-1's I had was they were a little noisy at lower volumes and higher volumes. My Parasound dealer just called me and said he has a brand new pair of JC1's that he can give me a great deal on. but I think it would be way out of my price range but will see. No problem. The UPA-1 had the XPA board/module, so you'd probably get similar sound from the XPA-2/3. It sounds like your dealer is willing to deal, I got my A21 for significantly less than retail. Good luck! The UPA-1 has the same amp module as the XPA-3 and XPA-5. The XPA-2 is entirely different. |
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Post by zetec on Jan 4, 2013 18:01:16 GMT -5
I had Parasound A23s (2), and an HCA-1205A. They are nice amps. I replaced them with Wyred4Sound Class D amps, and I like the class D better myself from a noise floor, and efficiency standpoint. The noise floor is dead quiet. That's one thing I do like about the Elite SC-37 that I have, it's dead quiet. It's great for movies but with music the Elite just lacks some mid range and lower range warmth that the UPA-1s had. |
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Post by ocezam on Jan 4, 2013 20:51:30 GMT -5
I would like to try the XPR series if I had 20amp circuits :-) You don't need twenty amp circuits. There's a thread around here somewhere that Dan says it's OK to use a 20 amp to 15 amp adapter on the XPR. I believe Furman makes one for 20 or 30 bucks. And why wouldn't it be OK? Until you run the XPR's to near their max output (doubtful), they won't need anywhere near 20 amps. You don't need to worry about harming anything. If you DO pull too much from the wall (unlikely in the real world) you'll simply trip a circuit breaker. I doubt that'll happen. I agree with one of the above posters... Be smart on this amp purchase (Pair of XPA-1's/XPR-2). Start saving for those Paradigms, or whatever is your dream speaker is in the future. That'll make a lot bigger difference to your sound and enjoyment. ... |
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Post by zetec on Jan 4, 2013 21:03:30 GMT -5
I would like to try the XPR series if I had 20amp circuits :-) You don't need twenty amp circuits. There's a thread around here somewhere that Dan says it's OK to use a 20 amp to 15 amp adapter on the XPR. I believe Furman makes one for 20 or 30 bucks. And why wouldn't it be OK? Until you run the XPR's to near their max output (doubtful), they won't need anywhere near 20 amps. You don't need to worry about harming anything. If you DO pull too much from the wall (unlikely in the real world) you'll simply trip a circuit breaker. I doubt that'll happen. I agree with one of the above posters... Be smart on this amp purchase (Pair of XPA-1's/XPR-2). Start saving for those Paradigms, or whatever is your dream speaker is in the future. That'll make a lot bigger difference to your sound and enjoyment. ... Oh I had no clue I could still just use a 15amp circuit. That might make a big pull towards the XPR amps. |
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Post by sharkman on Jan 4, 2013 21:03:47 GMT -5
That's something I can't quite get around, the XPR's are just way too much amp for the typical situation and it's not the first time I've read that one won't run them to near their max output. So why buy that much amp if you won't be using all of it? They are so massive that they won't fit most furniture and weigh 100 lbs or more. To each their own I guess.
If 250 watts per channel isn't enough for one, doubling to XPR levels only gets you 3 extra db.
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Post by Jim on Jan 4, 2013 21:13:36 GMT -5
That's something I can't quite get around, the XPR's are just way too much amp for the typical situation and it's not the first time I've read that one won't run them to near their max output. So why buy that much amp if you won't be using all of it? They are so massive that they won't fit most furniture and weigh 100 lbs or more. To each their own I guess. If 250 watts per channel isn't enough for one, doubling to XPR levels only gets you 3 extra db. Biggest reason is for peaks. Nobody runs their amps flat out all the time regardless of wattage. It may be only 3 extra 3db, but that's better than getting 3 db with clipping or distortion. |
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Post by sharkman on Jan 4, 2013 21:19:09 GMT -5
I just can't see that extra 3 db making the difference though that's just me. If someone is cutting it that close that they need every last db from a XPR, they'll clip it anyway sooner or later. a 90db sens. speaker will give you 117 db levels, extremely loud. Is 120 that much louder? Hey, get what you want and good for you, but I just dont' see the point.
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Post by Jim on Jan 4, 2013 21:35:18 GMT -5
I just can't see that extra 3 db making the difference though that's just me. If someone is cutting it that close that they need every last db from a XPR, they'll clip it anyway sooner or later. a 90db sens. speaker will give you 117 db levels, extremely loud. Is 120 that much louder? Hey, get what you want and good for you, but I just dont' see the point. If you're trying to meet THX spec (105 db at seating location) , and the speakers are some distance....... You need a ton of power. That's my thought anyway. Maybe it's overboard, but it's still fun.Lots of debate as to how much distortion is required for audibility... It's not for everybody. This is a fun calculator: myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.htmlThat assumes a -6db drop per meter. Sometimes it's less of a drop w/reflections. At 15 feet (that's assuming a big room), with 90db efficient speakers and 400 watts, it's still possible to not hit 105 db. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jan 4, 2013 22:05:58 GMT -5
Blah, blah, blah, buy a *massive* amp, blah, blah, blah. I see this type of recommendation way too much on this forum. If you can't get the job done in the typical American home with 250 watts/ch., there is something seriously wrong with your equipment choices and/or your hearing. IMHO, of course. And, BTW, 105 db is *loud*...
As I've said countless times before, concentrate more on quality rather than trying to achieve rock concert loud SPLs. Your ears will thank you for it, and, I suspect, so will those with whom you share your home...
-RW-
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Erwin.BE
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It's the room, stupid!
Posts: 2,269
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Post by Erwin.BE on Jan 4, 2013 23:24:34 GMT -5
Blah, blah, blah, buy a *massive* amp, blah, blah, blah. I see this type of recommendation way too much on this forum. If you can't get the job done in the typical American home with 250 watts/ch., there is something seriously wrong with your equipment choices and/or your hearing. IMHO, of course. And, BTW, 105 db is *loud*... 105 dB is indeed loud, but it's peak reference, 85 dB is average level. OP wrote about XPA-2 + XPA-3 or Parasound amps. The XPR-5 is only marginally more $ than XPA-2 + XPA-3. And it is more amp for the money than the Parasound option. So even if 250 Watt would be plenty, 400 doesn't hurt. And upgraditis will be cured for a longer period... |
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Post by creimes on Jan 4, 2013 23:43:49 GMT -5
XPR line doesn't just mean more power, one would have to assume the build quality is at it's utmost here fella's...that's part of the intent as it's their Reference line right...?
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Post by pedrocols on Jan 4, 2013 23:55:47 GMT -5
Maybe I am getting old but I sometimes find 85db at the listening position a little too loud
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Post by derrellb on Jan 5, 2013 0:06:50 GMT -5
I have had bryston and classe in my system in the last 4 months. Bryston 4bsst2 c series 2 channel and bryston 5bst 3 channel. I have had classe ca 151 and classe cav180. I just was never happy with the sound of my system. Long story short, I orded the xpr2 and xpr5 to just try out and was not expecting anything. Actually thought I would ship them back before the 30 days was up. my xpr 5 arrived and and emo will be staying. My system has never sounded better. I am awaiting my xpr2 to ship on the 10th. Was able to sell my bryston for more than it cost for both the xpr2 and xpr 5. If you are interested in parasound, bryston, or whoever, I suggest demoing them in your system. I did. I had all three brands in my house at the same time and when using the emo, I felt it was the best sounding amp for me. I have it paired with an odyssey candela tube preamp for 2 channel playback and its steller. Hearing was believing for me and I am a believer in the xpr series. Can't wait for my xpr2 to ship. here is my system below with the brystons and a pic of the new xpr5. Attachments:
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Post by derrellb on Jan 5, 2013 0:07:50 GMT -5
And the new xpr5 that will be staying. Attachments:
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Post by zetec on Jan 5, 2013 0:25:13 GMT -5
XPR line doesn't just mean more power, one would have to assume the build quality is at it's utmost here fella's...that's part of the intent as it's their Reference line right...? I totally agree I could care less about having the huge amount of power in the XPR I'm more hoping it has the best sound and build quality. |
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Post by sharkman on Jan 5, 2013 1:33:06 GMT -5
I have had bryston and classe in my system in the last 4 months. Bryston 4bsst2 c series 2 channel and bryston 5bst 3 channel. I have had classe ca 151 and classe cav180. I just was never happy with the sound of my system. Long story short, I orded the xpr2 and xpr5 to just try out and was not expecting anything. Actually thought I would ship them back before the 30 days was up. my xpr 5 arrived and and emo will be staying. My system has never sounded better. I am awaiting my xpr2 to ship on the 10th. Was able to sell my bryston for more than it cost for both the xpr2 and xpr 5. If you are interested in parasound, bryston, or whoever, I suggest demoing them in your system. I did. I had all three brands in my house at the same time and when using the emo, I felt it was the best sounding amp for me. I have it paired with an odyssey candela tube preamp for 2 channel playback and its steller. Hearing was believing for me and I am a believer in the xpr series. Can't wait for my xpr2 to ship. here is my system below with the brystons and a pic of the new xpr5. And another guy will compare several high end amps with the XPR series and prefer something else. It's why there are so many brands out there I suppose, and why I love this hobby! If people want to hit peaks of 105db at their seating area, then do what you gotta do. I find 90db pretty loud and 100 uncomfortable with my system. It saves me money and space in my rack too, so what do I know.  |
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Post by Dan Laufman on Jan 5, 2013 1:50:59 GMT -5
XPR line doesn't just mean more power, one would have to assume the build quality is at it's utmost here fella's...that's part of the intent as it's their Reference line right...? I totally agree I could care less about having the huge amount of power in the XPR I'm more hoping it has the best sound and build quality. We believe that the XPR series amplifiers set a new benchmark in SQ, technical performance, power, reliability, and of course... Value. And may I respectfully disagree with you (RW) on the subject of power. With high quality, minimally compressed program material, you will be astounded by how much peak power your speakers can really utilize, and by the transformational nature of the listening experience that ensues when your system in no longer constrained by limited dynamic headroom. We welcome comparison with other hi end products. Take the top off of an XPR and directly compare its build quality and attention to detail with any comparable product that costs 2-4 times its price. Set aside your prejudices and pre-conceived notions of hi end value and performance. We believe you'll be convinced. Happy listening, Big Dan |
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Post by derrellb on Jan 5, 2013 1:58:43 GMT -5
I have had bryston and classe in my system in the last 4 months. Bryston 4bsst2 c series 2 channel and bryston 5bst 3 channel. I have had classe ca 151 and classe cav180. I just was never happy with the sound of my system. Long story short, I orded the xpr2 and xpr5 to just try out and was not expecting anything. Actually thought I would ship them back before the 30 days was up. my xpr 5 arrived and and emo will be staying. My system has never sounded better. I am awaiting my xpr2 to ship on the 10th. Was able to sell my bryston for more than it cost for both the xpr2 and xpr 5. If you are interested in parasound, bryston, or whoever, I suggest demoing them in your system. I did. I had all three brands in my house at the same time and when using the emo, I felt it was the best sounding amp for me. I have it paired with an odyssey candela tube preamp for 2 channel playback and its steller. Hearing was believing for me and I am a believer in the xpr series. Can't wait for my xpr2 to ship. here is my system below with the brystons and a pic of the new xpr5. And another guy will compare several high end amps with the XPR series and prefer something else. It's why there are so many brands out there I suppose, and why I love this hobby! If people want to hit peaks of 105db at their seating area, then do what you gotta do. I find 90db pretty loud and 100 uncomfortable with my system. It saves me money and space in my rack too, so what do I know. In my post I mentioned it was the best sounding amp for my system in my opinion. Everyone has different listening taste. I could care less about spls, it was about sound quality. If you know anything about speakers, its not about watts, its about current. Alot of speakers can demand alot of current on transient peaks. An XPA2 could drive a pair of 802 diamonds just fine. The xpr2 would do a better job of it because it can provide more current when that speaker impedence drop to 3 ohms during transit peaks. Thats when you will hear the different between the 2 amps. |
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