possible UPA-200 issue

[unclebert]

So I just got my new UPA-200 up and running and I've been listening to it on and off since last Friday. What I first perceived as "bright" I am now hearing as "detailed." There are tiny little things going on in the music that I haven't heard before, and that's a good thing! My HK3490 was a little more laid back and warmer but it's kind of exciting hearing things for the first time with the Emo.

Anyway, I'm detecting somewhat of a very soft distortion in the mids. It can almost be described as a graininess. Voices and low bass frequencies don't seem to be affected. Is it possible that the amp is struggling for current? I have it on a 20 amp/12 awg circuit along with the rest of my equipment but it is plugged into a power strip that is plugged into the wall. Would this be an instance where an aftermarket power cord plugged is warranted? If so, what would be recommended under $75? Any input would be suggested as I don't want to have to return this beautiful piece of equipment.

[garbulky]

Did you re-run your room correction after the new amp install?

[unclebert]

Feb 27, 2013 19:58:21 GMT -5 garbulky said:

Did you re-run your room correction after the new amp install?

Not yet, but because I use "pure direct" when doing any critical listening I didn't think it was necessary since it don't use Audessy in that mode. Or am I mistaken?

[Deleted]

Feb 27, 2013 19:49:20 GMT -5 unclebert said:

..... I have it on a 20 amp/12 awg circuit along with the rest of my equipment but it is plugged into a power strip that is plugged into the wall......

Check with Emotiva but they do not recommend using a power strip with any of their amps. Plug the UPA-200 directly into the outlet.

"The UPA-200 is protected against excessive operating temperature, shorted speaker connections, ground faults, and other common fault conditions. If a fault occurs, the UPA-200 will return to Standby mode, the Standby push button will light amber, and the Status LEDs will flash red."

[briank]

^^^ Agree, always plug your amp into the wall.

Most aftermarket power cords that I've tried do more harm then good to the sound. The Emotiva power cable however does not negatively affect your gears sound and its a nice heavy guage shielded cable. It's also affordable so if you want to upgrade your stock cable then this would be a good choice.

[unclebert]

Any other suggestions?

[mickeyharlow]

Check with Emotiva but they do not recommend using a power strip with any of their amps. Plug the UPA-200 directly into the outlet.

Agree, always plug your amp into the wall.

+1 Have you tried it yet directly plugged into the wall socket?

[unclebert]

Mar 5, 2013 18:59:42 GMT -5 mickeyharlow said:

+1 Have you tried it yet directly plugged into the wall socket?

Actually, I spent a lot of time with both the Emo and the HK3490 alternately powering my SDAs today and realized that I don't hear the distortion anymore. It is plugged into the wall now but I was playing around with different configurations and kind of forgot about the issue until it dawned on me.

Anyway, without going into great detail the HK3490 sounds a little fuller with better bottom end but also sounds artificially so. The Emo sounds a little thin but the detail and naturalness (is that a word?) is what I'm hearing and enjoying. If I were to pick the best case scenario I would have a dedicated 2ch system with the HK as my pre and the Emo as the external as it was the best configuration that I tested. I feel that the DAC in the HK is superior to the one in the Marantz SR5004 that I'm using for my AVR. However, the HK has to go because I can't really fit it where it should go and I don't have the room for 2ch AND HT so I have to make a compromise. I know that I'll probably eventually get the UMC-200 because I'm kind of getting hooked on the Emo thing. Solid equipment, great customer service, good looking, great pricing. A home run all around.