|
|
Post by deviate2112 on Apr 26, 2013 14:01:34 GMT -5
I have a questions for the Emotiva Community Gods.
Current system consists of a Sunfire Theater grand IV pre/pro running balanced out to an Emotiva xpa 5 for center and surrounds (7.2) then going balanced out of the Sunfire to a NHT X1 xover. From the NHT X1 balanced out (Mids & Highs) to an Emotiva xpa 2 and balanced out to a Behringer 150W amp for the lows effectively bi-amping to a pair of NHT Classic 4 speakers.
My question is;
for best SQ, would it be better to run my mains and center off 5 of the channels on the xpa 5 (bi-amping) and use the xpa 2 for two of my surrounds (NHT 2.9) and my Behringer for my other surrounds (NHT Classic 3)
I'm just curious, I don't have issues with the current sound...I love the system...but since I have all this stuff I'd like to get the most out of it.
Thanks
Mike
|
|
hemster
Global Moderator 
Particle Manufacturer
...still listening... still watching
Posts: 51,978
|
Post by hemster on Apr 26, 2013 15:12:35 GMT -5
I'm no God and didn't stay at the Holiday Inn Express last night!  Personally I'd leave things as they are. OTOH since you already have all the 'stuff' you can try it out and see what you prefer. |
|
|
|
Post by indyscammer on Apr 26, 2013 15:20:46 GMT -5
^+1
Experiment. No money spent! The only thing I could think is for the fronts....you have more power to the mids/highs then the lows (if I read that right). That seems backwards to me but play and find out.
|
|
|
|
Post by rtg97229 on Apr 26, 2013 15:25:03 GMT -5
I suspect the way you have it is best. The XPA-2 should be slightly (doubt anyone would notice under normal listening conditions) better than the XPA-5.
|
|
|
|
Post by rtg97229 on Apr 26, 2013 15:29:26 GMT -5
^+1 Experiment. No money spent! The only thing I could think is for the fronts....you have more power to the mids/highs then the lows (if I read that right). That seems backwards to me but play and find out. I don't know what his crossover point is but I think the 50% power point is about 350 Hz. That said distortion in the low end is annoying but distortion in the mid to highs ruins my night. I don't know what the Behringer is but if it is class D is am suspicious of it. |
|
|
|
Post by mgbpuff on Apr 26, 2013 16:09:46 GMT -5
The NHT X1 crossover is not a proper crossover for general purposes - it was designed for NHT Evolution subwoofers and specific Evolution mains speakers. Here is copy from an Audiogon thread where the question was asked of NHT as to whether the X1 was recommended for general crossover duties:
"From what I understand this crossover was designed as a part of a complete system released by NHT years back. While I don't have nht products, I do have a subwoofer in need of external crossover. I just ordered the X1 last night from a fellow audiogoner, however I spoke to a rep from NHT via email and he said that this crossover was designed specifically for the Evolution subs and to be mated with the system it was designed for. Here is a copy of what was written to me....
Dear Sir,
You can use other amplifiers than NHT with X1, but with other than NHT subwoofers you might have some troubles. X1 was designed to match our Evolution-series and in-wall subwoofers, not be used as a generic crossover.
Crossover slopes, boundary EQ’s, pretty much everything in X1 was designed for Evolution-series subwoofers. Evolution subs don’t have passive crossovers inside them, so that is why we designed X1. If you use some other manufacturer’s subs, you may and most probably will face problems in sound, because X1 may lack some features that sub requires. That’s why I either recommend using NHT Evolution-series subs, or using a generic subwoofer crossover instead of X1. "
For general purposes, you should be using the NHT X2 crossover, which is recommended by NHT for the Classic 4 towers.
|
|
|
|
Post by yves on Apr 26, 2013 17:28:23 GMT -5
When bi-amping, it is generally recommended to use identical amps for the high frequencies and the low frequencies. That being said, no offense but... as far as sound quality goes, I am 150 per cent positive my XPA-2 is multiple dozens of miles ahead of anything made by Behringer.
|
|
|
|
Post by mgbpuff on Apr 26, 2013 19:03:47 GMT -5
That would be for passive bi-amping. Using an active equalizer allows for using different amps.
|
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Apr 26, 2013 19:17:38 GMT -5
XPA-2 is better than XPA-5 for the main channels - it's what it was built for.
|
|
|
|
Post by deviate2112 on Apr 26, 2013 20:02:18 GMT -5
The NHT X1 crossover is not a proper crossover for general purposes - it was designed for NHT Evolution subwoofers and specific Evolution mains speakers. Here is copy from an Audiogon thread where the question was asked of NHT as to whether the X1 was recommended for general crossover duties: "From what I understand this crossover was designed as a part of a complete system released by NHT years back. While I don't have nht products, I do have a subwoofer in need of external crossover. I just ordered the X1 last night from a fellow audiogoner, however I spoke to a rep from NHT via email and he said that this crossover was designed specifically for the Evolution subs and to be mated with the system it was designed for. Here is a copy of what was written to me.... Dear Sir, You can use other amplifiers than NHT with X1, but with other than NHT subwoofers you might have some troubles. X1 was designed to match our Evolution-series and in-wall subwoofers, not be used as a generic crossover. Crossover slopes, boundary EQ’s, pretty much everything in X1 was designed for Evolution-series subwoofers. Evolution subs don’t have passive crossovers inside them, so that is why we designed X1. If you use some other manufacturer’s subs, you may and most probably will face problems in sound, because X1 may lack some features that sub requires. That’s why I either recommend using NHT Evolution-series subs, or using a generic subwoofer crossover instead of X1. " For general purposes, you should be using the NHT X2 crossover, which is recommended by NHT for the Classic 4 towers. I used to work in the industry and sell NHT, there is so little difference in the X1 compared to the X2...'back in the day' I spoke to the guy who designed the Evo series speakers, the biggest difference is in the boundary control function.. Maybe at some point I'll buy another xpa 2 and replace the Behringer. It's not a bad amp and somewhat of a cult amp in some DIY circles, many folks use them for sub duty. |
|
|
|
Post by mgbpuff on Apr 26, 2013 21:11:32 GMT -5
Evo subs are -3db at 50Hz and roll off at 12db/octave below this frequency. This is a function of the enclosure/driver combination. To force a flat response to 25Hz, there is +13db (also stated as +12db) of boost applied at 26Hz (also stated as 25Hz). The X2 is intended to work with subs that don't require EQ to flatten their frequency response.The X1 is designed to be used with specific NHT subwoofer models. As such it has a narrower range of crossover adjustments and a high Q 2nd order HP on the subwoofer output (about +12dB at 26Hz). You need to change about 12 resistors and caps to modify an X1 into an X2.
Suit yourself, but you asked for opinion. The X1 unmodified is not a proper crossover for the Classic 4s!!!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by deviate2112 on Apr 26, 2013 22:39:28 GMT -5
Evo subs are -3db at 50Hz and roll off at 12db/octave below this frequency. This is a function of the enclosure/driver combination. To force a flat response to 25Hz, there is +13db (also stated as +12db) of boost applied at 26Hz (also stated as 25Hz). The X2 is intended to work with subs that don't require EQ to flatten their frequency response.The X1 is designed to be used with specific NHT subwoofer models. As such it has a narrower range of crossover adjustments and a high Q 2nd order HP on the subwoofer output (about +12dB at 26Hz). You need to change about 12 resistors and caps to modify an X1 into an X2. Suit yourself, but you asked for opinion. The X1 unmodified is not a proper crossover for the Classic 4s!!!!!!! I asked an opinion on amps, not xover...it's all about how it sounds...not what the specs sheets say...it sounds very good, not a whole lot of a difference with xover in the system, just a little more control of the low frequencies |
|
Lsc
Emo VIPs 
Posts: 3,571
|
Post by Lsc on Apr 26, 2013 22:46:11 GMT -5
I'd disconnect the non emo amp. Run the xpa-2 xpa-5 combo for 7 channels. No biamp
|
|
|
|
Post by audiohead on Apr 27, 2013 1:19:18 GMT -5
I'm no God and didn't stay at the Holiday Inn Express last night! Personally I'd leave things as they are. OTOH since you already have all the 'stuff' you can try it out and see what you prefer. +1 Sweet, hemster nice post Bro.  |
|
|
|
Post by mgbpuff on Apr 27, 2013 7:04:07 GMT -5
Look for 2 NHT W1 subs on the used market and use the X1 on them for LFE effects only. Run the Classic 4's full range (non biamped). Next, replace the Carver prepro, it's getting long in the tooth, does not have HDMI and does not have Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD. P.S. Sooner or later some of your 'stuff' has to go, you can't just continue to connect every thing you own together just 'because you have it.' Holiday Inn Expresses are quite comfortable! |
|
|
|
Post by deviate2112 on Apr 29, 2013 20:21:46 GMT -5
Look for 2 NHT W1 subs on the used market and use the X1 on them for LFE effects only. Run the Classic 4's full range (non biamped). Next, replace the Carver prepro, it's getting long in the tooth, does not have HDMI and does not have Dolby TrueHD or DTS HD. P.S. Sooner or later some of your 'stuff' has to go, you can't just continue to connect every thing you own together just 'because you have it.' Holiday Inn Expresses are quite comfortable! Not interested in new subs, I have more then enough as it is. The Sunfire has multi- Analog inputs that I use from my OPPO, so I'm using it to process the latest audio, I will upgrade as soon as something comes out that sounds better in two channel but doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I was hoping for then new Emotiva so I figure if I start saving now...a dollar a day, I'll have enough when it actually hits the market. |
|
|
|
Post by mgbpuff on Apr 29, 2013 21:54:08 GMT -5
O.k. You solved your own problem. Use the XPA-5 on the front / center and the XPA-2 on the NHT-9s. Beringer on the other surround. Chuck the X1!
|
|
