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Post by garbulky on Dec 13, 2013 15:42:34 GMT -5
It is interesting. Thanks for the impressions. Do you still have the USP-1? Try sticking that in the mix and see how the bass is. You may noticed increase "slam".
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Post by Darksky on Dec 13, 2013 15:51:52 GMT -5
I think it is impressive that you mentioned the same thing that first struck me. You referred to it a a lack of glare. I called it the absence of the slight blaring effect of my tweeters.
The other thing that still stands out to me is the abruptness of the attack of every single note.
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 13, 2013 16:01:33 GMT -5
Good report thus far, Boom. Thank you kindly, PK. As I've stated elsewhere - all this is "with my equipment, in my room, & to my ears." Your mileage may vary... By the way, do you have your XPA there to do some A/B testing? My XPA-2 is boxed & ready to sell. I'm posting it here on the lounge first. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 13, 2013 16:01:58 GMT -5
It is interesting. Thanks for the impressions. Do you still have the USP-1? Try sticking that in the mix and see how the bass is. You may noticed increase "slam". Nope - USP-1 is long gone. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 13, 2013 16:02:51 GMT -5
The other thing that still stands out to me is the abruptness of the attack of every single note. Yes, yes - TRANSIENT RESPONSE is the XPR-2's forte, IMHO. And at all frequencies! |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 13, 2013 16:18:35 GMT -5
When I read you mention sibilance I wondered what speakers you were using, and when you later noted it was w/the Paradigms...I went "yep". I had Studio 100's and that was my take on them also. They are different than your models, but it didn't surprise me to read that's what you were using.
Mark
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 13, 2013 16:21:54 GMT -5
I've heard others say the same thing about Paradigms, Mark - Thanks for confirming it. I'll keep that in mind when writing any more about the amplifier - no sense blaming the speaker's shortcomings on the amp.
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Post by brubacca on Dec 13, 2013 16:24:22 GMT -5
Would probably be very useful to add the Magnepans into the mix. (Easy for me to say)
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Post by Darksky on Dec 13, 2013 16:30:24 GMT -5
The other thing that still stands out to me is the abruptness of the attack of every single note. Yes, yes - TRANSIENT RESPONSE is the XPR-2's forte, IMHO. And at all frequencies! One of the things that struck me was that this is just as apparent at low volumes. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 13, 2013 16:32:07 GMT -5
Would probably be very useful to add the Magnepans into the mix. (Easy for me to say) Sorry, but they're gone too. When I said I was "getting very near the end," I meant it! LOL |
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Post by paintedklown on Dec 13, 2013 17:04:58 GMT -5
When I read you mention sibilance I wondered what speakers you were using, and when you later noted it was w/the Paradigms...I went "yep". I had Studio 100's and that was my take on them also. They are different than your models, but it didn't surprise me to read that's what you were using. Mark Several weeks ago I had an opportunity to audition a full Paradigm Signature HT setup here in Des Moines (Audio Ladbe here in Des Moines if you have a chance to make it up sometime). They have a pretty large HT setup, complete with an Anthem front end and expensive projector. Anyway, the dealer was playing sections from various movies, and live concert clips. Prior to hearing these ultra expensive speakers, I had lusted after them as "stuff to try when I win the lotto". However, after hearing the system fired up, my enthusiasm for these speakers quickly dwindled to nothing. I found that particular series to be too bright/sibilant, and not signifigantly better than my B&W front sound stage (in terms of overall wow factor anyway). I also know that I will not be purchasing any of their subwoofers. For as lud as the sound was, the bass seemed rather weak to my ears. It's not that it wasn't there, but it certainly didn't pressurize the room at all. No "massage effect" or anything. Heck, even my little Emo subs can vibrate the entire house. I would have to say they must have just had the sub set to a low volume or something. Certainly, the sub would be more powerful than what I heard. Of course, I did not have the opportunity to listen critically for an extended amount of time (I was in there about an hour), nor on 2 channel music alone. Also, I am unaware if there was any eq/room correction applied, so that could make huge differences as well. Either way, I know that the Signature series is not for me. Did it sound "good". Absolutely, but I wasn't impressed like I thought I would be, if that makes sense. The reason I mention all of this is because that experience led me to beleive that Paradigm speakers probably all leaned toward the bright side of neutral. However, Boom seems to be happy with the series he has, and hasn't really mentioned having an issue with the highs being too bright. I am assuming, then, that it just might be certain lines from them that exhibit this sound quality. It makes me curious to listen to some other stuff in their lineup. Sorry to get off topic Boom, Marks post just triggered that thought. Lol! |
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Post by deltadube on Dec 13, 2013 17:18:50 GMT -5
hey Boomer congrats on the new xpr 2 amp..
enjoy!
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 13, 2013 18:18:34 GMT -5
Several weeks ago I had an opportunity to audition a full Paradigm Signature HT setup...that experience led me to beleive that Paradigm speakers probably all leaned toward the bright side of neutral. However, Boom seems to be happy with the series he has I seriously doubt that my 18-year-old Paradigm Eclipse models sound ANYTHING like Paradigm's current models. They might as well be from another manufacturer for all the commonality. Many like (really like) the current Paradigm speakers. Note that the 100s that Mark mentions may be older models too? I also must wonder if the HT setup at the dealer's where you heard the Paradigms displayed them to their best. Often, showrooms are not acoustically treated, have sloppily applied room correction (if any), and have other speakers in the room that don't play at all but may affect the sound (particularly in the bass). Since the Paradigm speakers & subs seem to get consistently good reviews in the magazines, I'd be inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. On the other hand, if they failed to impress in my own listening room, I'd be disappointed. Cheers - Boom |
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 13, 2013 18:19:26 GMT -5
hey Boomer congrats on the new xpr 2 amp.. enjoy! Thank you kindly, deltadube - I suspect that this one's a keeper from the initial audition. I'll know in a few more days. |
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 13, 2013 19:49:37 GMT -5
My 100's were 2006 models, FYI.
Mark
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Post by brubacca on Dec 13, 2013 20:16:38 GMT -5
Boomzilla,
Congrats on the system coming together.
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Dec 13, 2013 20:17:28 GMT -5
Several weeks ago I had an opportunity to audition a full Paradigm Signature HT setup...that experience led me to beleive that Paradigm speakers probably all leaned toward the bright side of neutral. However, Boom seems to be happy with the series he has I seriously doubt that my 18-year-old Paradigm Eclipse models sound ANYTHING like Paradigm's current models. They might as well be from another manufacturer for all the commonality. Many like (really like) the current Paradigm speakers. Note that the 100s that Mark mentions may be older models too? I also must wonder if the HT setup at the dealer's where you heard the Paradigms displayed them to their best. Often, showrooms are not acoustically treated, have sloppily applied room correction (if any), and have other speakers in the room that don't play at all but may affect the sound (particularly in the bass). Since the Paradigm speakers & subs seem to get consistently good reviews in the magazines, I'd be inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. On the other hand, if they failed to impress in my own listening room, I'd be disappointed. Cheers - Boom FWIW, I love my Paradigms. I certainly don't think they sound bright. Sometimes people hear about metal tweeters and associate that with harshness. This is not the case for me. They sound superb and are a keeper. YMMV of course. |
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Post by paintedklown on Dec 13, 2013 20:56:05 GMT -5
I seriously doubt that my 18-year-old Paradigm Eclipse models sound ANYTHING like Paradigm's current models. They might as well be from another manufacturer for all the commonality. Many like (really like) the current Paradigm speakers. Note that the 100s that Mark mentions may be older models too? I also must wonder if the HT setup at the dealer's where you heard the Paradigms displayed them to their best. Often, showrooms are not acoustically treated, have sloppily applied room correction (if any), and have other speakers in the room that don't play at all but may affect the sound (particularly in the bass). Since the Paradigm speakers & subs seem to get consistently good reviews in the magazines, I'd be inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. On the other hand, if they failed to impress in my own listening room, I'd be disappointed. Cheers - Boom FWIW, I love my Paradigms. I certainly don't think they sound bright. Sometimes people hear about metal tweeters and associate that with harshness. This is not the case for me. They sound superb and are a keeper. YMMV of course. Hemster, I meant no offense to those who own or like Paradigm. I have not listened to the 100 series, they could be the cat's meow for all I know. As stated, there were a lot of variables that came into play when I heard the ones I did. Was there eq applied? If so, who did the adjustments? Too many variables to say anything for certain. I was just "thinking out loud" as Marks comment spurred the memory of actually doing that audition. I was there for another reason altogether, and just happened to stumble into the audition I had (bored salesman on a Saturday afternoon). It didn't cross my mind to ask about the setup, as I wasn't there to audition speakers at all. I had actually went in to see what they had for used gear (I have seen McIntosh pieces pop up there from time to time, and I bought an old Rotel processor there years ago on the cheap) and see if they had any DACs in stock. |
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Post by deltadube on Dec 13, 2013 21:59:14 GMT -5
hey Boomer congrats on the new xpr 2 amp.. enjoy! Thank you kindly, deltadube - I suspect that this one's a keeper from the initial audition. I'll know in a few more days. when i heard my amp took me 3 seconds to decide.. enjoy... |
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Post by Boomzilla on Dec 13, 2013 22:00:13 GMT -5
OK - Having spent an evening listening to a warmed up XPR-2 I've a few more comments. First, tonight was mostly "pop music night" at chez Boom. The following playlist was listened to in full or in part:
Anour Brahem - Dance With Waves
Ricky Skaggs - Highway 40 Blues
Armik - Ritmos Flamenco
Balkan Beat Box - Dancing With The Moon
Asleep At The Wheel - Chattanooga Choo Choo
Don Dorsey - Toccata & Fugue in D Minor (Bach)
Blood, Sweat, & Tears - God Bless The Child
Madonna - Express Yourself
The Buena Vista Social Club - Pueblo Nuevo
Jennifer Warnes - Somewhere, Somebody
The Dave Brubeck Quintet - Blue Rondo ala Turk
Us3 - Cantaloop
David Allan Coe - If That Ain't Country
A Passion for Tango - Ojos Negros
Frank Sinatra - Fly Me To The Moon
Steve Forbert - Don't Talk to Me
Herbie Hancock - Dis is da Drum
Reverend Horton Heat - Beer
The Crescent City All Stars - Funky Saints
Pink - So What
Kristi Stassinopoulau - Sol Invictus
Luther Kent - Bye Bye Blackbird
Lou Bega - Ice Cream
Results:
The amp is showing me both the strengths and weaknesses of the Paradigm Eclipse speakers very starkly. My speakers are "laid back" sounding by nature. The XPR-2 (hence, the "R"), adds some light and crispness badly needed by the speakers. That said, the sound is still on the easy side of neutral. This is a speaker issue - not the R's fault. How do I know? Other amps sounded the same on these speakers.
The speakers have extension as deep as my former B&W subwoofer to my ears (actually not if one was to measure with a sweep tone, but on most music sans subsonics, the speakers are equivalent). The speakers also require a "threshold volume" before they begin sounding dynamic. The threshold isn't as loud as it was for the Magnepan 1.6s, for example, but it is still slightly above my preferred volume. Below the threshold, the speakers' laid-back qualities become more prominent. Above the threshold, the speakers sound significantly more dynamic.
Despite the tweeter repairs that I've done, the speakers still sound slightly reticent in the treble. I can hear delicate sounds but slightly reduced in amplitude. This is not an artifact of the R, because I heard the same issue with previous amplifiers. The R doesn't add or subtract in the treble - what is there is what is there. Compared to other amps on the same speakers - no difference. This is a good thing - Although a treble emphasis would probably benefit these particular speakers, it would be a flaw on most. Therefore, in my opinion, the R is neutral in the treble.
The midrange one area where the R is superior to my previous amps. There is detail without harshness, and a clear and focused center image. Since the speakers are bi-polar, radiating both front and rear, the center image has been very diffuse with previous amps. I thought it was an artifact of the speakers themselves, but the R seems to have brought some extra focus here. On the Stereophile test disc #1, for example, on the phase test, our cat jumped when the recorded dog's bark came from the center of the speakers. Later, I may hook up my older Definitive Technology SM65 speakers just to see what the amp can do with forward-radiating speakers. I haven't done it yet, though.
The bass is another area where the R has made a difference. With previous amps, as the frequency decreased, so did the definition. In other words (with previous amps) the leading edge transients of a string bass would blur as the frequencies descended. With the R, even the lowest frequencies' percussive sounds are well-defined. Kick drum heads sound so tactile that you can hear the tuning. Also at those lowest frequencies, the R seems to have better pitch definition. The pitch of the note isn't lost in rumble, as it sometimes was with previous amps.
So how does the R compare to previous amplifiers that I've owned (Bryston, Classe, McIntosh, VTL, Rogue, etc.)? I rate the R from slightly to much better than any of the amps mentioned with the possible exception of the McIntosh MC352 that I once owned. Since I don't have them to compare side-by-side, take this evaluation with a grain of salt.
Over the weekend, I'll listen to primarily classical music & a movie & then post any additional comments. Next week, I'll pull out my DefTech monitors and see what the amp can do with those.
In summary (to date), I consider the XPR-2 a strong success with my equipment. It's an incremental improvement over my former XPA-2 and Crown PS-400 amps, to be sure, but a large enough increment to easily justify the additional expense. Further, by buying directly from Emotiva, rather than purchasing used from eBay, I now have a full five-year warranty. The purchasing experience was pleasant, the shipping was immediate, and for the amount of money spent, I'm a VERY happy customer.
Kudos to Emotiva. Their design, construction, sales, and shipping departments all did a wonderful job on this product. Highly recommended.
Boomzilla
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