mfin
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 8 
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Post by mfin on Jun 26, 2014 22:03:50 GMT -5
Hello, I am currently using XPA-2 amps bi-amping my front speakers, Von Schweikert VR-4 JRs, and an XPA 3 doing center and surround duty. I was wondering if you think upgrading my amps to the XPRs would be a good upgrade? I have issues with mis-matched amps so would have to go full bore and purchase 2 XPR-2s and an XPR-5, hence my concern. I am heavily invested in various gear as it is and just want an opinion so if its not worth the upgrade I can fiinally get it out of my head.
Thanks,
Michael
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Post by garbulky on Jun 26, 2014 22:31:40 GMT -5
I think you may realize better upgrades by investing in a good pre-amp. Try the XSP-1. B'zilla connected an XSP-1 to an oppo 105 and realized improvements - a more dynamic controlled sound using the XSP-1 vs Oppo direct to the amps. It made more of a difference on the larger power amps. The difference was noticeable and clearly audible in his setup. You may have a similar reaction. He had XPR-2's but I've realized similar improvements with the XPA-2. The XSP-1 will also integrate well in HT bypass mode with your surround sound system for movies and is able to integrate your VR sub too.
But having said that - with the class of speakers you are running you may also realize some improvements with a 2 channel DAC. And more importantly - room treatments.
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Post by novisnick on Jun 26, 2014 22:34:57 GMT -5
Hi and welcome to the lounge. So glad your here.
Do you do two channel at all? Just think in most/my case, a pair of XPR-1s would do the job for any set of speakers.
What a great and dynamic amp these are.
Have fun here, there are more opinions then members,,,,,sometimes,,,,,he,,,,he,,,,,,
Nick
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 26, 2014 22:53:14 GMT -5
I'll let those who have actually owned those amps comment on whether they think the upgrade in sound is worth it, though I've read several who claim it was (I would expect it to be subtle but noticeable). I'd also consider whether you would appreciate the build quality, cosmetics, and knowledge that you have Emo's best products. If you can and you can afford it, then I'd say go for it, there are some intangibles in this hobby that can also be enjoyed. This also assumes you have a strong back, good friends, or both.  |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 26, 2014 22:57:16 GMT -5
Hi and welcome to the lounge. So glad your here. Do you do two channel at all? Just think in most/my case, a pair of XPR-1s would do the job for any set of speakers. What a great and dynamic amp these are. Have fun here, there are more opinions then members,,,,,sometimes,,,,,he,,,,he,,,,,, Nick So Nick, a pair of XPR-2's used in a vertical bi-amp wouldn't get him a card in the monoblock society? |
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mfin
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 8
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Post by mfin on Jun 26, 2014 22:59:55 GMT -5
With the way the speakers are designed , they are separate woofer and mid/tweeter cabinets, really the only way to power them is bi-amped. So mono's wouldn't work. I am using a pioneer elite avr for a processor at the moment. I was waiting on the XMC-1 but might just get the UMC-200 for now. I am really cramped on space on my rack to be able to add more. I would post a picture but no clue how to.
Thanks for all your responses
Michael
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mfin
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 8
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Post by mfin on Jun 26, 2014 23:00:42 GMT -5
Damn I wanted a card,
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Post by novisnick on Jun 26, 2014 23:00:50 GMT -5
Hi and welcome to the lounge. So glad your here. Do you do two channel at all? Just think in most/my case, a pair of XPR-1s would do the job for any set of speakers. What a great and dynamic amp these are. Have fun here, there are more opinions then members,,,,,sometimes,,,,,he,,,,he,,,,,, Nick So Nick, a pair of XPR-2's used in a vertical bi-amp wouldn't get him a card in the monoblock society? Great question,,,,,,,NO, but I really would love to hear that side by side comparison. |
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Post by novisnick on Jun 26, 2014 23:06:53 GMT -5
With the way the speakers are designed , they are separate woofer and mid/tweeter cabinets, really the only way to power them is bi-amped. So mono's wouldn't work. I am using a pioneer elite avr for a processor at the moment. I was waiting on the XMC-1 but might just get the UMC-200 for now. I am really cramped on space on my rack to be able to add more. I would post a picture but no clue how to. Thanks for all your responses Michael Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I do think that deltadube could fashion a set of cables to accomplish your task with a set of MONOBLOCKS are they 4 ohms? 1750 wpc,,,,boy oh boy! |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 26, 2014 23:07:35 GMT -5
So Nick, a pair of XPR-2's used in a vertical bi-amp wouldn't get him a card in the monoblock society? Great question,,,,,,,NO, but I really would love to hear that side by side comparison. I think I knew the answer, but I thought I'd lobby for an update in the membership rules. Hey, it might give you more to debate at the meetings besides "Monoblocks Rule", ok meeting adjourned, goodnight everyone ... |
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mfin
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 8
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Post by mfin on Jun 26, 2014 23:09:54 GMT -5
I could use my current harmonic tech magic cables and bi wire the speakers and run mono's might be something to try
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Post by novisnick on Jun 26, 2014 23:13:29 GMT -5
Great question,,,,,,,NO, but I really would love to hear that side by side comparison. I think I knew the answer, but I thought I'd lobby for an update in the membership rules. Hey, it might give you more to debate at the meetings besides "Monoblocks Rule", ok meeting adjourned, goodnight everyone ... Point of order; Roberts Rules of Order states that you can make a motion to adjourn, then the chair must ask for a. second for it to be considered. I have a motion to adjourn, is there a second? |
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Post by novisnick on Jun 26, 2014 23:15:34 GMT -5
I could use my current harmonic tech magic cables and bi wire the speakers and run mono's might be something to try Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk This configuration would grant you consideration to the MONOBLOCK Society |
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mfin
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 8
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Post by mfin on Jun 26, 2014 23:16:23 GMT -5
Mine do have a mono switch, maybe half a card in the mono block club?
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 26, 2014 23:24:59 GMT -5
Mine do have a mono switch, maybe half a card in the mono block club? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk For the record I'm a fan of vertical bi-amping (and hence a good lobbyist in their favor), however I'm currently using monoblocks. Hey, there's something else I can lobby for - non-Emotiva monoblocks in the club! Stirring up trouble tonight. |
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Post by novisnick on Jun 26, 2014 23:25:17 GMT -5
Mine do have a mono switch, maybe half a card in the mono block club? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Club,,,,,,,oh,,,,your funny,,,,,,,,,,,,he,,,,he,,,,he,,,,,, We ain't no stinking club,,,,,,,, . . he,,,,,he,,,,,, switch on a MONOBLOCK stays in the balanced position! PERIOD! I'm so sorry, I must be over medicated,,,,,,,,,,,he,,,,,he,,,,,hic,,,,,,,,he,,,,,,,,,, |
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Post by novisnick on Jun 26, 2014 23:33:31 GMT -5
Mine do have a mono switch, maybe half a card in the mono block club? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk For the record I'm a fan of vertical bi-amping (and hence a good lobbyist in their favor), however I'm currently using monoblocks. Hey, there's something else I can lobby for - non-Emotiva monoblocks in the club! Stirring up trouble tonight. While we are a non discriminatory society and do tolerate, I mean invite, any manufacturer of MONOBLOCKS we do give special access and privilege to Emotiva owners. Anyone showing up at the door bearing surf and turf will immediately gain entry and consideration to membership.,,,,,,,,,, |
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Post by Gary Cook on Jun 26, 2014 23:56:17 GMT -5
So Nick, a pair of XPR-2's used in a vertical bi-amp wouldn't get him a card in the monoblock society? Great question,,,,,,,NO, but I really would love to hear that side by side comparison. Harsh......come on .......they are really dual in line monoblocks, the DOHC of monoblocks so to speak  In fact the pair is more like QOHC  Cheers Gary |
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Post by novisnick on Jun 27, 2014 0:11:51 GMT -5
This is new business and shall be tabled until the next meeting when it can be discussed. ie Roberts Rules,,,,,,,thanks. CEO NICK |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jun 27, 2014 0:31:35 GMT -5
I currently have an XPR-2. I've owned XPA models previously (and currently have an XPA-5).
To address the issues of the OP:
I've tried vertical bi-amplification. I've tried mono blocks. In my opinion, vertical bi-amplification provides just as good (or in some cases, better) sound than mono blocks. Either vertical bi-amplification OR mono blocks provide better sound that a stereo amp used for two channels.
I've tried short interconnects/long speaker wires and vice versa. In my opinion, the short speaker wires ALWAYS sound better.
Do the XPR-series amps sound "better" than the XPA-series? Too close to call. There are subtleties between the two. If you need the power, then possibly go XPR. If I had to characterize the differences, I'd say that the XPA-series amps sound more dynamic, but the XPR-series amps have a wider and deeper soundstage, and thus better imaging. This may be an artifact of the speakers I've tried them with, so don't take this as gospel. The difference (dynamics vs. imaging) has held true in my room, though, with more than three good sets of speakers.
Since Emotiva allows return if you don't like them, I'd encourage you to at least try the XPRs. Keep in mind, however, that the XPRs, unlike the XPAs, require a 20-ampere circuit. You can get around this if you don't use all the power that the amps deliver, but does the sound change? I can't say because I'm running (and have always run) my XPR on a 15 amp circuit.
Although I might consider upgrading the XPA-2pair to an XPR-2 or XPR-1 pair, I wouldn't touch that XPA-3 for the center/surrounds. I wouldn't expect any significant difference there. Those Von Schwiekerts, though, from what I read, are power hogs. They might well like the XPRs audibly better.
As always, take my opinion with the requisite grain of salt. My impressions are from my room, with my equipment, and to my ears.
Boomzilla
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