new guy w/questions

[brendelac]

Hi, I recently bought a set of Energy Veritas 2-series (2.3, 2.0C, 2.0R) speakers and while I do like them and plan on keeping them, they don't really impress me as much as I thought they would based on all the shining reviews I read before buying. They are being powered by a Denon AVR-3312 which was also the powerplant for my previous Energy RC-series speakers. I am considering an Emotiva XPA-5 (or 3) but am hesitant to reach even deeper into my wallet for what may or may not give me the wow factor that I was hoping for. Almost all reviews that I have read for the veritas speakers do indicate that they are power hungry and require a separate amp for them to sing properly, but then there are those that say that power amps are nothing more than a placebo. I realize that this question is highly subjective, but will purchasing an amp for my veritas speakers be "worth it?"

Also, with a 5 channel dedicated amp, can 4 channels be used in a bi-amp configuration for 2 channel listening and again, will this be a worthwhile scenario?

There is a used, first-gen XPA-3 for sale semi locally. I've thought about buying it, trying it and then either A) re-selling if I don't like it. B) re-sell if I do like it and buy a new/used XPA-5. C)keep it for center and surround use and add an XPA-2 for the fronts - for this option would it be an issue with 5 channel use that the front speakers would be powered with 300watts while the center would only receive 200watts?

Oh, and one more question - what is the advantage of using monoblock amps rather than 2, 3 or 5 channel amps? I see a lot of high-end setups that seem to opt for monoblocks.

Thanks.

[stiehl11]

Yes, there's not an AVR that can compare to a well-made separate amp in my opinion. Yes, 4 channels can be used to bi-amp. No, it won't be an issue between 300 and 200; however, you may need to use your Denon to level the signal so that they play at the same level (not that hard to do). The advantage of monoblock amplification is mostly for channel separation.

[novisnick]

Welcome and glad to have you stop by.
Placebo? We'll, I've got 2000 watts of that stuff and it's done marvels for my Klipsch front end.
I believe
Dollar for dollar you can't beat the XPA-5 Gen 2 as a starting point no way any AVR can match a separate amp such as the XPA-5 to show you the rite direction to go in.
I personally didn't go for the XPA-2 or XPA-3, but that's just me, I likes my Mono Blocks. Either the XPA-1 Gen 2 at 500 watts and 60 watts of class A when they come out real soon or the XPA-1L which I have owned and are very capable at 250 watts and class A up to 35 Watts .
I digress, the XPA-5 will allow you to upgrade your front L/R speakers later and won't waste an amp you may not need.
Yes you can bi - amp, the amp has know idea what it is powering, been there,,,,,bla, bla, bla, I haven't heard any difference, some say its a myth other say not,
I don't.
Back to your last question, I love Monos. Period ,Peace, Nick

[GreenKiwi]

A few quick notes:

1. I wouldn't bother with bi-amping from the XPA-5, unless you have a crossover in front of the amp. If not, you're just pulling from the same power supply.

2. Monoblocks have two potential benefits: 1. you get a single power supply dedicated to the channel and 2. you can have better channel separation, due to physical distances. There is another benefit, (though it is not really a mono-block feature) as monoblocks are often the higher end models from a particular company, they are often made with better components and have fewer compromises. And they might have other feature, like higher class A bias.

If you can get a really good deal on the XPA-3, I say go for it, you can always use it for surrounds later. If not, look at various other amp options, if money is tight, I'd definitely look used. For instance there was an awesome IPS-1 on ebay that went for $580, shipped.

Depending on how "local" the XPA-3 is, you might be able to get it brought over with the offer of either buying it, or taking the owner out to lunch.

[brendelac]

Oct 14, 2013 23:25:50 GMT -5 GreenKiwi said:

A few quick notes:

1. I wouldn't bother with bi-amping from the XPA-5, unless you have a crossover in front of the amp. If not, you're just pulling from the same power supply.

2. Monoblocks have two potential benefits: 1. you get a single power supply dedicated to the channel and 2. you can have better channel separation, due to physical distances. There is another benefit, (though it is not really a mono-block feature) as monoblocks are often the higher end models from a particular company, they are often made with better components and have fewer compromises. And they might have other feature, like higher class A bias.

If you can get a really good deal on the XPA-3, I say go for it, you can always use it for surrounds later. If not, look at various other amp options, if money is tight, I'd definitely look used. For instance there was an awesome IPS-1 on ebay that went for $580, shipped.

Depending on how "local" the XPA-3 is, you might be able to get it brought over with the offer of either buying it, or taking the owner out to lunch.

Thanks for the responses. The XPA-3 is about a 3.5 hour drive each way, however I might be able to hitch a ride for a few dollars with a coworker so that would negate the cost of fuel pretty much. I could probably pick it up for $560-$600. It is a gen-1 and has 4 years of warranty remaining. I don't have a set budget, but I am a very value-oriented shopper. That kind of money should warrant a significant impact on the sound in my opinion.

I see that Emotiva has their amps on sale and the XPA-5 is down to $900. Is this a typical sale price, or has it gone lower around Christmas in previous years?

Thanks again.

[garbulky]

Acccording to Emo this is the last sale they'll have.

[brendelac]

Oh? Forever or just for the year? Where did you see this?

[Jim]

Oct 15, 2013 20:59:31 GMT -5 brendelac said:

Oh? Forever or just for the year? Where did you see this?

Checkie this out:

emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/32725/emotiva-sales?page=1&scrollTo=561331

[deltadube]

Oct 14, 2013 21:11:18 GMT -5 brendelac said:

Hi, I recently bought a set of Energy Veritas 2-series (2.3, 2.0C, 2.0R) speakers and while I do like them and plan on keeping them, they don't really impress me as much as I thought they would based on all the shining reviews I read before buying. They are being powered by a Denon AVR-3312 which was also the powerplant for my previous Energy RC-series speakers. I am considering an Emotiva XPA-5 (or 3) but am hesitant to reach even deeper into my wallet for what may or may not give me the wow factor that I was hoping for. Almost all reviews that I have read for the veritas speakers do indicate that they are power hungry and require a separate amp for them to sing properly, but then there are those that say that power amps are nothing more than a placebo. I realize that this question is highly subjective, but will purchasing an amp for my veritas speakers be "worth it?"

Also, with a 5 channel dedicated amp, can 4 channels be used in a bi-amp configuration for 2 channel listening and again, will this be a worthwhile scenario?

There is a used, first-gen XPA-3 for sale semi locally. I've thought about buying it, trying it and then either A) re-selling if I don't like it. B) re-sell if I do like it and buy a new/used XPA-5. C)keep it for center and surround use and add an XPA-2 for the fronts - for this option would it be an issue with 5 channel use that the front speakers would be powered with 300watts while the center would only receive 200watts?

Oh, and one more question - what is the advantage of using monoblock amps rather than 2, 3 or 5 channel amps? I see a lot of high-end setups that seem to opt for monoblocks.

Thanks.

Hey welcome to the forum.. i have a denon 3313 ci and added the xpa 3 wow we what a hugh jump in SQ..

but if you just got those energy speakers, you didnt say which ones exactly, i would take them back.. i dont like the sound
of those veritas speakers way to bright and forward for me..

maybe some carver tube amps would help them alot... but your looking at alot more cash and then pre amps, dac, and going all the way!

check out some Paradigms speakers... with emotiva mono blocks sweetness

cheers..

[creimes]

Hey brendelac welcome to the forum.

One thing I would like to say first off is that the biggest step I took in SQ improvement was doing away with the amplifier in my Yamaha RXV-1065, I went to 2 Emotiva UPA-1 monoblocks and haven't looked back since as it was easily the biggest step in improvement in my system, from there I have had multiple different amps and while I find there can be changes they aren't as vast as when I first entered the world of separate amplifiers.

I'm actually going to order a pair of XPA-1L's as I really miss my UPA-1's that I sold a while back, the 1L's are supposed to be a very nice monoblock and the sale price makes it more attractive as well, also this is Emotiva's last sale, Dan has said there will be no more sales as of the new year.

Chad

[dally]

You can get a brand new XPA-3 for 719.00 right now. (Gen 2 as well) Doesn't seem worth driving seven hours for a $600 used gen 1. Also if you don't like it, you can always return it as long as its within 30 days. All you'll be out is shipping. I noticed a huge difference between my XPA-5 and my onkyo reciever. Very clean and dynamic compared to the reciever, especially when turning up the volume. Biamping on a five channel amp can have some benefits. Even though you are sharing the same power supply, using 2 channels per speaker will double the number of output devices you have controlling your drivers. This can also give a bit more headroom for the same reason. There are more transistors sharing the load.

[dally]

Also as long as your amps all have the same gain, they should be level matched. Wattage has nothing to do with channel leveling.

[brendelac]

Oct 15, 2013 21:29:44 GMT -5 dally said:

You can get a brand new XPA-3 for 719.00 right now. (Gen 2 as well) Doesn't seem worth driving seven hours for a $600 used gen 1. Also if you don't like it, you can always return it as long as its within 30 days. All you'll be out is shipping. .

I am in Canada, so I have to factor in the exchange rate, 12% tax, extra shipping cost, possible brokerage/duty. $719 will probably equal more than $900 once all the dust settles. Return shipping from Canada would be $$$$$.

[brendelac]

Oct 15, 2013 21:18:00 GMT -5 deltadube said:

Oct 14, 2013 21:11:18 GMT -5 brendelac said:

Hey welcome to the forum.. i have a denon 3313 ci and added the xpa 3 wow we what a hugh jump in SQ..

but if you just got those energy speakers, you didnt say which ones exactly, i would take them back.. i dont like the sound
of those veritas speakers way to bright and forward for me..

maybe some carver tube amps would help them alot... but your looking at alot more cash and then pre amps, dac, and going all the way!

check out some Paradigms speakers... with emotiva mono blocks sweetness

cheers..

I did say exactly which speakers and how can you comment that you don't like them if you don't know which ones I'm talking about?

[flamingeye]

call Emotiva and ask if they have some B-stock xpa-5 that should save you some money and they still have the 5 year warranty , B-stock is ether refurbished, open box and or may have miner blemishes , I got a IPS-1 that was B-stock and it's flawless mechanically and cosmetically

[brendelac]

Oct 15, 2013 22:19:28 GMT -5 flamingeye said:

call Emotiva and ask if they have some B-stock xpa-5 that should save you some money and they still have the 5 year warranty , B-stock is ether refurbished, open box and or may have miner blemishes , I got a IPS-1 that was B-stock and it's flawless mechanically and cosmetically

I called during their previous secret sale and they said they could not (or would not) ship B-stock items out of the USA.

[deltadube]

Oct 15, 2013 22:19:28 GMT -5 flamingeye said:

call Emotiva and ask if they have some B-stock xpa-5 that should save you some money and they still have the 5 year warranty , B-stock is ether refurbished, open box and or may have miner blemishes , I got a IPS-1 that was B-stock and it's flawless mechanically and cosmetically

i had the veritas line in my home on a try out.. but i sent em back... to bright for me and gave me ear fatigue..
some people like bright i dont.. also the source material type of music makes a difference as well..

i dont know the numbers you put out.. put i tired out the 6.3 and 5.2 and and the veritas sub..

cheers..

[dally]

Oct 15, 2013 22:06:45 GMT -5 brendelac said:

Oct 15, 2013 21:29:44 GMT -5 dally said:

You can get a brand new XPA-3 for 719.00 right now. (Gen 2 as well) Doesn't seem worth driving seven hours for a $600 used gen 1. Also if you don't like it, you can always return it as long as its within 30 days. All you'll be out is shipping. .

I am in Canada, so I have to factor in the exchange rate, 12% tax, extra shipping cost, possible brokerage/duty. $719 will probably equal more than $900 once all the dust settles. Return shipping from Canada would be $$$$$.

Sorry, didn't realize you were in Canada. In any case,I don't think you would have too difficult a time selling an Amp if you weren't happy with it. I know I'll never go back to a reciever after using separates. My speakers really came alive when driving them from a separate amplifier. Whichever way you decide to go, you have a nice new speaker system to enjoy. Good luck

[stsandhu]

Brendelac, I sent you a private message.

[Deleted]

Oct 15, 2013 22:22:30 GMT -5 brendelac said:

Oct 15, 2013 22:19:28 GMT -5 flamingeye said:

call Emotiva and ask if they have some B-stock xpa-5 that should save you some money and they still have the 5 year warranty , B-stock is ether refurbished, open box and or may have miner blemishes , I got a IPS-1 that was B-stock and it's flawless mechanically and cosmetically

I called during their previous secret sale and they said they could not (or would not) ship B-stock items out of the USA.

I'm pretty sure they said no only because of the sale going on at the moment you could give them another call and ask again now that the secret sale is over