New to Separates

[nivek]

Hello All,

I just joined the forum, new to separates and the Emotiva brand.  I am considering upgrading my receiver to the new Integra DTR-40.5 that was just announced and expected on the market in July. If I choose to upgrade my receiver, I can get full credit for what I paid and pay the difference for the 40.5, probably around $500.  I am also interested in separates, but have no idea what I would need in order to be comparable or better than the 40.4/5.  I would first have to find someone to purchase the 40.4 before I could buy the separates.

I primarily use it for HT and listening to Pandora (via the 40.4) most of the day.  Any recommendations on what amps/pre/pros, etc I would need in order to make the switch to separates.

My current setup is:
Panasonic TCP55GT30
Integra DTR-40.4
OPPO BDP-103
Monitor Audio RX6 L/R
Monitor Audio RX Centre
Monitor Audio RXFX
SVS SB-12 NSD

Thanks for the help

Kevin

[Deleted]

Why are you upgrading the reciever? Is there anything in particular wanting the upgrade?



I think an all in one xpa-5 would do wonders for you. Using hour integra as a pre and using the pre outs to the xpa

It's the path I went and love it for my first array into separates! Although I am craving and xpa-2 to power my mains now that I listen to 2-channel a lot more now

If your into 2-channel computer driven music I highly suggest adding a external DAC like the XDA-2. I I
Use the earlier xda-1 with pandora and MOG and it has drastically improved the sound. Separates are awesome! I am mad I was always an avr believer. Bt now I will never go back from separates. Each peice makes an improvement to sound!!

[stiehl11]

Generally speaking, well-made separate amplifiers offer better sound quality than AVRs. Most AVRs sound rather anemic compared to well-made separates.

[Deleted]

The main difference I see between the 40.4 and the 40.5 is the addition of Audyssey XT32 and Audyssey XT Pro - and those are significant differences. As for what amp to use? I would suggest you try the Integra's internal amps first, it is not a wimpy receiver (160 watts/ch. 2 channels driven) and may very well have all you need for your system. You can *always* add an outboard amp if you really need it....

-RW-

[nivek]

Jul 3, 2013 11:20:16 GMT -5 @bmoney said:

Why are you upgrading the reciever? Is there anything in particular wanting the upgrade?




I think an all in one xpa-5 would do wonders for you. Using hour integra as a pre and using the pre outs to the xpa

It's the path I went and love it for my first array into separates! Although I am craving and xpa-2 to power my mains now that I listen to 2-channel a lot more now

If your into 2-channel computer driven music I highly suggest adding a external DAC like the XDA-2. I I
Use the earlier xda-1 with pandora and MOG and it has drastically improved the sound. Separates are awesome! I am mad I was always an avr believer. Bt now I will never go back from separates. Each peice makes an improvement to sound!!

I don't think it is lacking anything, within a year, the store I
purchased the 40.4 will give me full credit towards a newer model
receiver and if I am going to spend the money on an upgrade I wanted to
see what my options would be in separates.

So what you are saying is just get an xpa-5 and use that to power my speakers and have the 40.4 do all the processing. What cabling do you need to connect the 40.4 to the xpa-5?

If I wanted to go all separates, what pieces would I need to to accomplish UMC 200 and a XPA-5 or would it be better to get a something like the XPA-200 for the L/R and the XPA-5 to power the center/rears.  What does the sub hook into the system?

[dvcdude]

It appears that you have a 5.1 system. If you add an XPA-5 it will open up the headroom and bring out the subtleties in your music and movies. You can find analog interconnects at a reasonable price on Blue Jeans Cable.

The upgrade of your reciever is your call. If you intend to add a second SW, XT32 will come in handy...

Happy hobbying!

[garbulky]

If you decide to upgrade your integra, then I would reccomend waiting for the XMC-1 which is supposed to come out likely within the next two years...hopefully.
But I agree that an XPA-5 would be a good addition. You could even save a few bucks and get a used gen1 xpa-5 or you could just go for the new gen2. It gets you directly into separates. Remember emotiva amps have a transferrable warranty for their used gear. You can also called emotiva and ask if they have any b-stock xpa-5's. These are returns that will sell with their full 5 year warranty.
Sherbourn - emotiva's sister company offers the twin sister to their XPA-5, which is called the PA5-200 - the main difference being looks and a 10 year warranty which is very nice.
www.sherbourn.com/products/pa5200

[Deleted]

Once again, are you not able to achieve satisfactory volume levels from your receiver right now? If so, then think about getting an XPA-5 to power your speakers. But keep in mind that you will have to bear the cost of this completely because you will not be getting any trade-in value on your 40.4

If you are getting satisfactory volume levels, I see no good reason to start throwing money around. If you simply *must* spend money, put it where it will do you the most good - room treatments. You could probably treat your room quite well for approx. $500. And this will make MUCH more difference than getting a big amp...

-RW-

[creimes]

Nivek has another thread going in which he was asking about MA RX6 with XPA-5, since then he has purchased a Gen2 XPA-5, no need to comment here I'm guessing

[nivek]

Thanks for the replies, but like creimes said I picked up the XPA-5 Gen 2 and couldn't be happier with it. My plan is to pick up the XMC-1 once it comes available and sell the Integra

[emovac]

Good decision buying the XPA-5. That amp should make those silver Monitor Audio speakers sing nicely.