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Post by sahmen on Jun 19, 2014 1:53:28 GMT -5
Why is this still a controversial question? : If you replace the USP-1 with the XSP-1 in the same chain of components, will you hear an audible difference in sq? I called Emo technical support and asked the same question and I was told that I would hear no difference-- no kidding. I know some lounge members would disagree, so is there a productive debate to be had about this question? Let me have your thoughts. I seriously want to put this to bed once and for all, so please take this seriously. Any helpful input would be welcome. I've owned basically every Emotiva stereo preamp; the RSP-1, RSP-2, USP-1 & now the XSP-1 gen 1, as well as a Sherbourn PRE-1. I say 'basically' because I have not owned an XSP-1 gen 2, but I doubt there is any difference outside of cosmetics. Let me tell you, if there is any audible difference in any of them, you'd be hard pressed to tell. The biggest difference between the USP-1 and the others, from the standpoint of what you hear, is that it lacks tone controls. So yes, one could play the same material from the same source, and with the use of the tone controls on the other units, alter the sound so that there is an audible difference. Also the linearity of the volume control is better on the RSP and XSP units for sure, however this has no bearing on the audio performance. Outside of that they are all wonderful performing preamps that do exactly as they were intended; pass along a pure, unadulterated analog signal. If they did anything less (or more), they really wouldn't be doing there job very effectively. To summarize, focusing on audio only here and not any other features, if tone controls aren't important to you then the USP-1 is a stalwart performer and will produce your analog source material as well as the XSP. *Disclaimer* I know these comments will be challenged, as placebo can be very convincing. However, I would say in a blind A/B test between any of the aforementioned preamps, no group would be able to tell a difference with any legitimate consistency. Thanks kse: What you say is quite consistent with what I have heard, and expected to hear... The other side of this issue, (and that may be what I am still trying to figure out), is what the appeal of the XSP-1 might consist in, for someone who already owns a USP-1, and a Pre-1 like I do. It's not that I'm dissatisfied with either one, but in case I am considering getting a third stereo pre-amp, what would be the biggest incentive for getting the XSP-1, as supposed to another Pre-1 or USP-1? So far I understand that the XSP-1 would do bass management better than the Pre-1, and tone controls better than the USP-1 (actually the USP-1 has no tone controls, as you correctly mention), and volume control better than both... Is there something else that I am missing? Thanks. |
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Post by brand on Jun 19, 2014 6:17:10 GMT -5
Yeah you're missing something!  Try something new and different (of course do your research first). That way you get to hear new components and you can even switch between systems. Personally I think it's more interesting to run different systems with different components on purpose especially if you're on your third hehe. |
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kse
Emo VIPs 
Hello me, meet the real me.
Posts: 1,947
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Post by kse on Jun 19, 2014 8:44:58 GMT -5
I've owned basically every Emotiva stereo preamp; the RSP-1, RSP-2, USP-1 & now the XSP-1 gen 1, as well as a Sherbourn PRE-1. I say 'basically' because I have not owned an XSP-1 gen 2, but I doubt there is any difference outside of cosmetics. Let me tell you, if there is any audible difference in any of them, you'd be hard pressed to tell. The biggest difference between the USP-1 and the others, from the standpoint of what you hear, is that it lacks tone controls. So yes, one could play the same material from the same source, and with the use of the tone controls on the other units, alter the sound so that there is an audible difference. Also the linearity of the volume control is better on the RSP and XSP units for sure, however this has no bearing on the audio performance. Outside of that they are all wonderful performing preamps that do exactly as they were intended; pass along a pure, unadulterated analog signal. If they did anything less (or more), they really wouldn't be doing there job very effectively. To summarize, focusing on audio only here and not any other features, if tone controls aren't important to you then the USP-1 is a stalwart performer and will produce your analog source material as well as the XSP. *Disclaimer* I know these comments will be challenged, as placebo can be very convincing. However, I would say in a blind A/B test between any of the aforementioned preamps, no group would be able to tell a difference with any legitimate consistency. Thanks kse: What you say is quite consistent with what I have heard, and expected to hear... The other side of this issue, (and that may be what I am still trying to figure out), is what the appeal of the XSP-1 might consist in, for someone who already owns a USP-1, and a Pre-1 like I do. It's not that I'm dissatisfied with either one, but in case I am considering getting a third stereo pre-amp, what would be the biggest incentive for getting the XSP-1, as supposed to another Pre-1 or USP-1? So far I understand that the XSP-1 would do bass management better than the Pre-1, and tone controls better than the USP-1 (actually the USP-1 has no tone controls, as you correctly mention), and volume control better than both... Is there something else that I am missing? Thanks. Honestly, the tone controls, trim controls by their correct name, on the XSP are very slight. The tone controls on the PRE-1 are much more effective. That said, I do still like the ability to make minor adjustments to particular tracks when I feel necessary. One issue I had with the USP before I bought one was its lack of tone controls, but I needed HT-bypass so I had to make the switch from the RSP-series. I will say this, I did not miss them (tone controls) as much as I thought I would. What I like about the XSP over the USP is the ability to dim the display and the ability to do so from the remote, the trim controls, dual sub inputs (although a splitter will solve this), and the volume control. The trim controls being the only audio-related item in the list. One thing I did like about the USP over the XSP is that its remote had controls for the ERC CD players. Hope this insight helped out. |
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Post by sahmen on Jun 19, 2014 19:29:27 GMT -5
Yeah you're missing something! Try something new and different (of course do your research first). That way you get to hear new components and you can even switch between systems. Personally I think it's more interesting to run different systems with different components on purpose especially if you're on your third hehe. Duly noted! As soon as I have got the third HT system completed, the random adventurous experimentations can begin... At the moment, I cannot say I am quite there yet  |
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Post by sahmen on Jun 19, 2014 19:30:31 GMT -5
Thanks kse: What you say is quite consistent with what I have heard, and expected to hear... The other side of this issue, (and that may be what I am still trying to figure out), is what the appeal of the XSP-1 might consist in, for someone who already owns a USP-1, and a Pre-1 like I do. It's not that I'm dissatisfied with either one, but in case I am considering getting a third stereo pre-amp, what would be the biggest incentive for getting the XSP-1, as supposed to another Pre-1 or USP-1? So far I understand that the XSP-1 would do bass management better than the Pre-1, and tone controls better than the USP-1 (actually the USP-1 has no tone controls, as you correctly mention), and volume control better than both... Is there something else that I am missing? Thanks. Honestly, the tone controls, trim controls by their correct name, on the XSP are very slight. The tone controls on the PRE-1 are much more effective. That said, I do still like the ability to make minor adjustments to particular tracks when I feel necessary. One issue I had with the USP before I bought one was its lack of tone controls, but I needed HT-bypass so I had to make the switch from the RSP-series. I will say this, I did not miss them (tone controls) as much as I thought I would. What I like about the XSP over the USP is the ability to dim the display and the ability to do so from the remote, the trim controls, dual sub inputs (although a splitter will solve this), and the volume control. The trim controls being the only audio-related item in the list. One thing I did like about the USP over the XSP is that its remote had controls for the ERC CD players. Hope this insight helped out. Of course it has been very helpful, and is much appreciated. Thanks again. |
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Post by hcsunshine90 on Aug 8, 2014 11:39:41 GMT -5
hi y'all. just wanted to let folks know that i am using balanced (XLR) connections between my XSP-1 gen 2 and my UPA-1's now with $17 per pair monoprice cables. the highs are now more crisp and the bass more thundering. everything is louder now too. meaning -30.0 is louder than it used to be. i wish emotiva could come out with a class A/B amp that is quad differential...
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Post by sahmen on Aug 8, 2014 12:34:02 GMT -5
i wish emotiva could come out with a class A/B amp that is quad differential... What about the XPA-1L,s, the XPA- 1s, and the XPR-1s? The first two are Class A, A/B, and the third is A/B.... As far as I know, they're all fully balanced and "quad" differential. Of course, they are all monoblocks too, so might you be referring to a quad differential stereo or multichannel amp? |
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Post by novisnick on Aug 8, 2014 13:09:35 GMT -5
i wish emotiva could come out with a class A/B amp that is quad differential... What about the XPA-1L,s, the XPA- 1s, and the XPR-1s? The first two are Class A, A/B, and the third is A/B.... As far as I know, they're all fully balanced and "quad" differential. Of course, they are all monoblocks too, so might you be referring to a quad differential stereo or multichannel amp? The XPR-1 Has Class A up to 30watts according to what I've been told from Emotiva staff. |
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Post by sahmen on Aug 8, 2014 13:17:48 GMT -5
The XPR-1 Has Class A up to 30watts according to what I've been told from Emotiva staff. Nick: I wondered about that, but I was not too sure, so thanks for the correction |
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Post by novisnick on Aug 8, 2014 22:41:24 GMT -5
Hi ya'll I've heard a few pieces of Emo gear. First I started with the Pre-1, love that unit a lot. I will not go int the tone controls and the other obvious things mentioned by our capable other posters and observers. After spending much time with the Pre-1 I purchased the XSP-1 that is truly differential and a great piece of engineering. What a great unblemished sound it presents to the listener. Delicate and not coloring would be just a couple of the assets. Love the duel bass management as well as an excellent phono pre, I do think it excels over the pre-1 in this area as well. The XSP-1 also exceeds the Pre in it's control of the volume. Incrementally perfect in my opinion.smooth and graceful. Then, I went and sold the dang thing!!!! WHAT?  ? Well, I thought the XMC-1 would cover all my bases but after it's release and new information I'm thinking that I may need more then one balanced input as well as the Phono pre amp. I'm not one that is much for dongles ( XPS-1 ) in my opinion. So, do I really need the XMC-1? I'm not sure I do. I really am happy with my set up, except for the fact that I sold my XSP-1. The Yamaha with it's 11.4 theater suits me just fine for the number of movies I watch. So, WHAT TO DO? Yep, before the sale ended and realizing that even if I wanted the XMC-1 that would not come till next year I'm assuming ( for me on the list ) that I had get the full 20% discount and purchase a new IMPROVED XSP-1. In my opinion YES! It is better! How much you ask??? Well, I spent a lot of time with the Pre-1 and then a lot of time with the XSP-1 gen 1 and now,,,,,,,,,,,,,the XSP-1 gen 2! Yep, I think it is a better pre amp to be honest. Just the very little things do stick out in my mind ( careful now,,,,,,,,your in MY mind,,,,he,,,,he,,,,,) A little crisper high along with a little deeper low and a midrange that's almost the exact same as the gen 1 . I'm really nit picking but with all my toys my ears have gotten really spoiled and that's a two sided blade. It's great when I have time to enjoy such great sound and it's sometimes absolutely terrible having to tolerate a mass of noise. Told ya I was spoiled. And to make matter worse ( MUCH BETTER) I have my new speakers in route to me for next week ,,,,,I hope. I took a little hit selling the gen 1 but I do think the gen 2 is better. If the XMC-1 sounds better as a pre then I'll be doubly blessed with my setup or I'll move the XSP-1 gen2 to a greatful second system Well , that's my review of all three pre amps I've heard from Emotiva. If you have any questions I'll be glad to respond the best I can. Nick |
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Post by frenchyfranky on Aug 9, 2014 11:12:12 GMT -5
Well, Nick it seems like you change your preamp as fast as Monku change his speakers. |
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Post by novisnick on Aug 9, 2014 13:21:07 GMT -5
I'm in search of an Emo Blu tube pre now!  |
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Post by hcsunshine90 on Aug 9, 2014 15:25:25 GMT -5
i wish emotiva could come out with a class A/B amp that is quad differential... What about the XPA-1L,s, the XPA- 1s, and the XPR-1s? The first two are Class A, A/B, and the third is A/B.... As far as I know, they're all fully balanced and "quad" differential. Of course, they are all monoblocks too, so might you be referring to a quad differential stereo or multichannel amp? yeah, i want an amp that is just class A/B and quad differential and is about 250 watts. the only one on this list that is just class A/B is the XPR-1 and it's 1,000 watts. i didn't want to say this, but it's the heat that people talk about with the class A amps that is scaring me away from the XPA-1L. |
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Post by sahmen on Aug 9, 2014 15:35:55 GMT -5
What about the XPA-1L,s, the XPA- 1s, and the XPR-1s? The first two are Class A, A/B, and the third is A/B.... As far as I know, they're all fully balanced and "quad" differential. Of course, they are all monoblocks too, so might you be referring to a quad differential stereo or multichannel amp? yeah, i want an amp that is just class A/B and quad differential and is about 250 watts. the only one on this list that is just class A/B is the XPR-1 and it's 1,000 watts. i didn't want to say this, but it's the heat that people talk about with the class A amps that is scaring me away from the XPA-1L. Understood... For what its worth, though, I have been playing my XPA-1Ls for several hours a day in class A/B mode since they arrived, and I have not really noticed any overheating issues... They do get *very slightly* warm to the touch in class A/B mode, but not any warmer than my XPA-5, in my opinion, and nowhere near alarming. I have never tried playing them in class A mode so far, because I have not needed to yet. Just saying . |
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Post by novisnick on Aug 9, 2014 15:36:00 GMT -5
What about the XPA-1L,s, the XPA- 1s, and the XPR-1s? The first two are Class A, A/B, and the third is A/B.... As far as I know, they're all fully balanced and "quad" differential. Of course, they are all monoblocks too, so might you be referring to a quad differential stereo or multichannel amp? yeah, i want an amp that is just class A/B and quad differential and is about 250 watts. the only one on this list that is just class A/B is the XPR-1 and it's 1,000 watts. i didn't want to say this, but it's the heat that people talk about with the class A amps that is scaring me away from the XPA-1L. The heat is not a problem realy, you just have to make sure the amp can breath, just like any other living creature,,,,he,,,,he,,,,, But really, not a problem, |
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Post by hcsunshine90 on Aug 9, 2014 15:54:14 GMT -5
yeah, i want an amp that is just class A/B and quad differential and is about 250 watts. the only one on this list that is just class A/B is the XPR-1 and it's 1,000 watts. i didn't want to say this, but it's the heat that people talk about with the class A amps that is scaring me away from the XPA-1L. Understood... For what its worth, though, I have been playing my XPA-1Ls for several hours a day in class A/B mode since they arrived, and I have not really noticed any overheating issues... They do get *very slightly* warm to the touch in class A/B mode, but not any warmer than my XPA-5, in my opinion, and nowhere near alarming. I have never tried playing them in class A mode so far, because I have not needed to yet. Just saying . ok...thanks for your input sahmen...good to know that the XPA-1L's only get "very slightly" warm to the touch when in class A/B mode. i may give the XPA-1L gen 2 a try when they come out. i think they would be a good match for my XSP-1 gen 2. |
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Post by hcsunshine90 on Aug 9, 2014 15:57:32 GMT -5
yeah, i want an amp that is just class A/B and quad differential and is about 250 watts. the only one on this list that is just class A/B is the XPR-1 and it's 1,000 watts. i didn't want to say this, but it's the heat that people talk about with the class A amps that is scaring me away from the XPA-1L. The heat is not a problem realy, you just have to make sure the amp can breath, just like any other living creature,,,,he,,,,he,,,,, But really, not a problem, ok...thanks for your input novisnick...maybe just put a couple spacers in between the amps when they are stacked on top of one another? (i won't be putting them in between the speakers and the rack cause i don't want that kind of footprint)... |
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Post by novisnick on Aug 9, 2014 16:14:11 GMT -5
I wouldn't stack ANY amp!
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Post by flatpicker on Aug 9, 2014 16:15:52 GMT -5
Understood... For what its worth, though, I have been playing my XPA-1Ls for several hours a day in class A/B mode since they arrived, and I have not really noticed any overheating issues... They do get *very slightly* warm to the touch in class A/B mode, but not any warmer than my XPA-5, in my opinion, and nowhere near alarming. I have never tried playing them in class A mode so far, because I have not needed to yet. Just saying . ok...thanks for your input sahmen...good to know that the XPA-1L's only get "very slightly" warm to the touch when in class A/B mode. i may give the XPA-1L gen 2 a try when they come out. i think they would be a good match for my XSP-1 gen 2. I've sometimes wondered and almost gotten to the point of asking if maybe my XPA-1L is not right. Mine gets too hot to touch, and this is when it's in A/B mode. It troubles me a bit. My XPA-2, to the side of it, is way, way cooler. I thought I might search to see what others have found. The XPA-2 is driving Maggie 1.7's and the XPA-1L is driving the Maggie center channel CC5. I used to leave the main audio setup on to soothe the dogs with laid back directv "new age" music... but since creating this setup, I don't feel comfortable, leaving home with the XPA-1L turned on. I wish mine only got "very slightly warm" like the XPA-2's... maybe mine has a bad circuit? |
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Post by deltadube on Aug 9, 2014 16:24:16 GMT -5
What about the XPA-1L,s, the XPA- 1s, and the XPR-1s? The first two are Class A, A/B, and the third is A/B.... As far as I know, they're all fully balanced and "quad" differential. Of course, they are all monoblocks too, so might you be referring to a quad differential stereo or multichannel amp? yeah, i want an amp that is just class A/B and quad differential and is about 250 watts. the only one on this list that is just class A/B is the XPR-1 and it's 1,000 watts. i didn't want to say this, but it's the heat that people talk about with the class A amps that is scaring me away from the XPA-1L. get a set of xpa 1s... and be happy no heat... |
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Try something new and different (of course do your research first). That way you get to hear new components and you can even switch between systems. Personally I think it's more interesting to run different systems with different components on purpose especially if you're on your third hehe.
