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Post by ocezam on Apr 12, 2013 7:21:00 GMT -5
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Post by pedrocols on Apr 12, 2013 12:35:16 GMT -5
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Post by Dark Ranger on Apr 12, 2013 12:36:16 GMT -5
Hi ocezam, I'm late to your thread, but I wanted to say thanks for the pics and feedback about your new mono-blocks. Gotta say I like the minimalistic approach. I'd say these have a high WAF due to size and the rather unassuming appearance (I like the optional black aluminum version of these amps, too). However, one must be cautious of the raw power lurking inside (much like a real dragon). ;D I've heard about Red Dragon Audio, but have never evaluated their products before. It's curious that you noticed such a difference between the XPA-100s, especially since the (former) UPA-1s have received such acclaim over the years. However, I've also read very positive reviews about ICEpower and remember Virtue Audio offered some superb-sounding amplifiers with Class D/ICEpower in the past. Class D is a technology that, sadly, I don't have much experience with. It's certainly come a long way from what I've read and (now) levels the playing field regarding traditional Class A or A/B designs, not to mention incredible efficiency and negligible weight. I mean, those M500 mkII amps are only 9 pounds each! That's just mind-boggling when I consider the power plant lurking beneath. The XPA-1L may have tough competition based on your feedback of the sound quality improvements provided by the Red Dragons. I remain curious of who will win the final round in your setup and will keep an eye for your comparison of the 1L if you choose to do so. If for some reason the 1L does not measure up to your expectations, you at least have a contingency plan and know that the Red Dragons can deliver. Enjoy!!  |
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DYohn
Emo VIPs 
Posts: 18,485
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Post by DYohn on Apr 12, 2013 12:37:09 GMT -5
I got to audition a set of the first Red Dragon amps and they are outstanding. Good choice!
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Post by ocezam on Apr 13, 2013 8:06:33 GMT -5
It's curious that you noticed such a difference between the XPA-100s, especially since the (former) UPA-1s have received such acclaim over the years. However, I've also read very positive reviews about ICEpower The XPA-100's have been completely flat in my system. I found the XPA-2 to be a much better amp. I could go on, but it wouldn't matter. These are only my opinions. But in this case, they are strong opinions. I've also read very positive reviews about ICEpower and remember Virtue Audio offered some superb-sounding amplifiers with Class D/ICEpower in the past. Class D is a technology that, sadly, I don't have much experience with. It's certainly come a long way from what I've read and (now) levels the playing field regarding traditional Class A or A/B designs, not to mention incredible efficiency and negligible weight. I agree, and this is my first personal experience with class D. It's almost imposible to find bad reviews of the technology. There are a couple people on this board who own the predecessor of this amp and love it. The people here with Ncores love them. the Wyred4Sound guys are rabid in their enthusiasm for their amps. There is clearly something going on here... The XPA-1L may have tough competition based on your feedback of the sound quality improvements provided by the Red Dragons. I remain curious of who will win the final round in your setup and will keep an eye for your comparison of the 1L if you choose to do so. The 1L's do indeed have serious competition. I have considered simply canceling my order. But I do believe the 1L will be the most unique amp offered by Emotiva, and have a good chance of being their best amp. I want to audition it, and truth be told, emotionally, I'd rather own the Emotiva. Emotiva has always treated me well. I think the 1L looks better. I'm an old fashioned guy and the A-A/B design appeals to me. The other two main features, monoblock and fully balanced circuits, are duplicated in the Dragons. We'll see which way I go, I doubt it will be an easy decision. If for some reason the 1L does not measure up to your expectations, you at least have a contingency plan and know that the Red Dragons can deliver. Yep. Every time I listen to these (about 12 hours so far) I am impressed. ... |
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Post by ocezam on Apr 24, 2013 14:50:18 GMT -5
Just an update For What It's Worth...
In the two weeks I've had these amps I've become more and more impressed. In the back of my mind the prospect of getting rid of them has grown dimmer and dimmer. They do so many things incredibly well, and do NOTHING poorly. All of my positive feelings on these amps has been magnified daily.
Two weeks ago, I would have not thought this possible. I'm a 51 year old man whose been an audio enthusiast for over 30 years. I didn't see myself embracing, let alone falling in love with, new fangled tech such as class D amps. Never the less, these amps are KEEPERS!
Given my state of mind, I thought it rude for me to have Emotiva send the 1L's, with a high probability of me sending them back. I've cancelled my order. Who knows what the future will bring? Perhaps one day I'll own a pair, but now isn't the time.
This kind of puts me in a weird situation. Although I cruise several audio forums (and Harley forums, and Hot Rod forums, etc.), this is my favorite forum and I spend more time here than elsewhere. I won't be the kind of guy to constantly advocate other companies products on this forum. But to not mention the attributes of these amps now and then wouldn't be right either, would it? I've seen others put forth their endorsements of other brands, and I'm still a card carrying Emotiva owner and fanboy.
Peace out....
....
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bootman
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Typing useless posts on internet forums....
Posts: 9,358
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Post by bootman on Apr 24, 2013 15:22:13 GMT -5
I wouldn't sweat it. Not everyone that hangs out here regularly currently owns Emotiva gear.  |
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Post by GreenKiwi on Apr 24, 2013 15:38:45 GMT -5
Ditto... I think that providing reviews and comments about other gear is A OK. Now, if you were posting in every thread where someone was looking to buy an emo product, saying "Hey... you should by X Y or Z (non emo product)", that it wouldn't be kosher.
Btw, thanks for the additional writeup, it's always great to see someone enjoying what they have.
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Post by ocezam on Apr 24, 2013 15:49:53 GMT -5
I wouldn't sweat it. Not everyone that hangs out here regularly currently owns Emotiva gear. Ditto... I think that providing reviews and comments about other gear is A OK. Now, if you were posting in every thread saying "Hey... you should by X Y or Z (non emo product)", that it wouldn't be kosher. Btw, thanks for the additional writeup, it's always great to see someone enjoying what they have. Thanks Guys! These amps are really worth a listen, and I do still own a couple Emotiva products I am VERY happy with. Take care! .... |
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Post by TUGA Audiophile on Apr 24, 2013 15:58:23 GMT -5
Well, I just do not think the comparison between the XPA-100 and this BOYS is fair, because the championship of this RED DRAGON are the XPA-1 and XPA-1L. In terms of building the current XPA are much better.   - Then where are the photos of the interior build? |
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Post by ocezam on Apr 24, 2013 16:35:09 GMT -5
Well, I just do not think the comparison between the XPA-100 and this BOYS is fair, because the championship of this RED DRAGON are the XPA-1 and XPA-1L. In terms of building the current XPA are much better. - Then where are the photos of the interior build? I'm sorry. I have NO IDEA what you mean with this post... But, sorry I offended you... ... |
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Post by TUGA Audiophile on Apr 24, 2013 16:45:51 GMT -5
Well, I just do not think the comparison between the XPA-100 and this BOYS is fair, because the championship of this RED DRAGON are the XPA-1 and XPA-1L. In terms of building the current XPA are much better. - Then where are the photos of the interior build? I'm sorry. I have NO IDEA what you mean with this post... But, sorry I offended you... ... I listened to three songs over and over with the XPA-100's, about 4 times each song, while the Dragons were warming to room temp. Then I hooked them up and played the same three songs. In just a couple bars the difference was startling. Immediate punch, crystal clarity, pinpoint imaging, bass and treble that my speakers have never had before. Do not worry, I do not take this the wrong way. - It's just my opinion ... Thank's |
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Post by Dark Ranger on Apr 24, 2013 16:53:50 GMT -5
I wouldn't sweat it. Not everyone that hangs out here regularly currently owns Emotiva gear. What?! That's outrageous. Please identify this person so we can all point fingers and laugh amongst ourselves. Burning at the steak sounds like a fitting punishment for this hideous crime. Just an update For What It's Worth... In the two weeks I've had these amps I've become more and more impressed. In the back of my mind the prospect of getting rid of them has grown dimmer and dimmer. They do so many things incredibly well, and do NOTHING poorly. All of my positive feelings on these amps has been magnified daily. Two weeks ago, I would have not thought this possible. I'm a 51 year old man whose been an audio enthusiast for over 30 years. I didn't see myself embracing, let alone falling in love with, new fangled tech such as class D amps. Never the less, these amps are KEEPERS!Given my state of mind, I thought it rude for me to have Emotiva send the 1L's, with a high probability of me sending them back. I've cancelled my order. Who knows what the future will bring? Perhaps one day I'll own a pair, but now isn't the time. This kind of puts me in a weird situation. Although I cruise several audio forums (and Harley forums, and Hot Rod forums, etc.), this is my favorite forum and I spend more time here than elsewhere. I won't be the kind of guy to constantly advocate other companies products on this forum. But to not mention the attributes of these amps now and then wouldn't be right either, would it? I've seen others put forth their endorsements of other brands, and I'm still a card carrying Emotiva owner and fanboy. Peace out.... .... ocezam, I think most some of us here are mature enough to realize that Emotiva isn't the only game in town. There's absolutely nothing wrong with finding contentment in other brands. What matters at day's end is that we're satisfied with our purchase and the performance it gives (excluding the ever-present and incurable upgrade-itis). I believe you made a good decision. Based on what I've learned so far about the Red Dragon amps, they're pretty incredible and I'm not surprised you like 'em. Who knows, your recommendation and discussion of this product might plant a seed for another enthusiast. It might be just what they're looking for. Now that you're no longer part of the exclusive XPA-1L club, please hand over your magnetic access card, photo ID, and the token for the all-expenses-paid trip to The French Riviera later this year. Oh, and the coffee cup too, please. ;D Well, I just do not think the comparison between the XPA-100 and this BOYS is fair, because the championship of this RED DRAGON are the XPA-1 and XPA-1L. In terms of building the current XPA are much better. - Then where are the photos of the interior build? Well, it may not be a completely fair comparison, but it did highlight some differences in his system. Actually, the XPA-100 amplifiers were loaners from Emotiva while the XPA-1L issues were being investigated. For whatever reason, the -100s did not offer synergy with the rest of his system. Perhaps they would be just right in someone else's system. EDIT: fixed silly typo. |
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Post by Dark Ranger on Apr 24, 2013 17:09:51 GMT -5
Well, I just do not think the comparison between the XPA-100 and this BOYS is fair, because the championship of this RED DRAGON are the XPA-1 and XPA-1L. In terms of building the current XPA are much better. - Then where are the photos of the interior build? I'm sorry. I have NO IDEA what you mean with this post... But, sorry I offended you... ... I noticed he's from Portugal. I can try to reword. ;D Well, I just do not think the comparison between the XPA-100 and this BOYS is fair, because the championship of this RED DRAGON are the XPA-1 and XPA-1L. In terms of building the current XPA are much better. - Then where are the photos of the interior build?
In terms of build quality, the current XPA amps are much better. Where are the photos of the amplifier's interior (like what Emotiva provides us)?-- I was curious and tried to find some internal shots of the M500 mkII, but haven't found any yet. However, while Googling, I found the photos that ocezam posted on the first page.  If you get around to it, I'd be interested to see the inside of one of these bad boys. Otherwise, enjoy the music! |
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Post by TUGA Audiophile on Apr 24, 2013 17:22:16 GMT -5
I noticed he's from Portugal. I can try to reword. ;D
_________________________________________
- OK.
THANK YOU.
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Post by ocezam on Apr 24, 2013 17:30:57 GMT -5
If you get around to it, I'd be interested to see the inside of one of these bad boys. Otherwise, enjoy the music! Well, I have no intention of taking these amps apart for photos. Class A-A/B amps and class D amps have NOTHING in common. Class D amps are quite bare inside, hence the small size and weight. To compare the two visually would be a complete waste of time. I did it the old fashioned way, I let my ears decide. [Now that you're no longer part of the exclusive XPA-1L club, please hand over your magnetic access card, photo ID, and the token for the all-expenses-paid trip to The French Riviera later this year. Oh, and the coffee cup too, please. ;D I already returned my 1L owner's club credential's to the Emotiva front office. I never received the token for the French Riviera trip. Story of my life... ... |
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Post by Dark Ranger on Apr 24, 2013 17:38:41 GMT -5
It's cool, no pressure on those photos. My intention wasn't to compare Emotiva vs Red Dragon based on how many components were stuffed into the chassis (I'm aware of the differences between Class A/B and Class D), but my request was just based on curiosity of that particular model. Like many enthusiasts here, I enjoy seeing the beating heart of amps, DACs, and processors. I'll keep looking for photos online. |
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Post by ocezam on Apr 24, 2013 17:52:01 GMT -5
I'll keep looking for photos online. I've seen a number of class D interior photos online. Including a few of the builds by members here. They aren't much to look at. That's maybe one of the reasons I wasn't interested in class D until AFTER I heard them. Remember, I wasn't looking for these as the possible latest and greatest thing. I was looking for small scale options with big sound. These amps provide for that in spades!!! ... |
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Post by garbulky on Apr 24, 2013 18:05:49 GMT -5
Yes class D amps can be very spartan in look. But that doesn't necessarily speak to their sound quality. For instance the hypex ncore's if you look at them are tiny and seemingly not packed with a whole lot (when compared to a heavy duty class A/B like an XPA-1 or XPR-1). But that doesn't stop the ncores from hanging with some of the best of the non-class D amps and I'm talking about amps costing waayyyyy more than the hypex class D's.
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Post by ocezam on Apr 24, 2013 18:06:57 GMT -5
Burning at the steak sounds like a fitting punishment for this hideous crime. You probably mean "burning at the stake". Burning a "steak" is an even more hideous crime as I like mine rare! ... |
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