insightfulman
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Have you seen the 6 fingered man?
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Post by insightfulman on Jul 13, 2014 0:36:44 GMT -5
Hi,
I recently took delivery of Emotiva XPA-2 gen 2, XPA-3 gen 2 and UMC-200.
I am awaiting delivery of Magnepan 1.7 (replacing 1.6). I have a REL Strata 3 sub and Marantz TT-15s1 turntable with Bellari VP130 tube phono stage.
I also have Oppo BDP.
I am not much of a HT guy though I have Magnepan center and surrounds. My primary source is the turntable.
Although the Bellari served me well (telfunken and mullard tubes) I miss not having a volume knob with the UMC200.
Thus, I'm looking into the XSP1. However, since my primary source is the TT that doesn't have balanced output will I benefit from adding XSP1 in the stack? I am curious if the MM phono stage is any better than Bellari (it seems to have 40dbs gain vs 35dbs).
Anyways, let me know your thoughts as I appreciate your opinions.
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Post by frenchyfranky on Jul 13, 2014 9:47:36 GMT -5
I can't talk for the phono comparative between the bellari and the XSP-1 but I can tell you that the XSP have a stunning phono stage. If you decide to buy a XSP-1 it should be very interesting to read your thoughts between the bellari and the XSP.
For your question if you'll benefit in SQ with the XSP-1: The answer is absolutely yes for 2 channels analog listening, it is what I found.
BTW congrats on your new Emo purchase, you'll love them and welcome to the lounge and the Emo junkies club.
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insightfulman
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Have you seen the 6 fingered man?
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Post by insightfulman on Jul 15, 2014 17:32:58 GMT -5
Ok, I couldn't pass up the 20% e-club deal and since I'm getting new speakers too (still waiting for delivery) I wanted my vinyl listening to be as direct as possible so I went and ordered the XSP-1. ☺ Once I get everything setup I'll do a review.
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Post by garbulky on Jul 16, 2014 17:54:32 GMT -5
Yes, if you have an XPA-2 you will benefit for two channel analog listening. The XSP-1 may make the treble slightly laid back which may or may not be what you like. But it's a good upgrade especially for your XPA-2 - imo. We compared the XSP-1 and an OPPO95 to an XPR-2 both dac direct and with the pre-amp. The XSP-1 provided better control and more dynamics in the sound. Though I didn't notice it, the owner mentioned the treble was a little laid back and wished there was a bit more of it.
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insightfulman
Minor Hero
Have you seen the 6 fingered man?
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Post by insightfulman on Oct 20, 2014 23:47:06 GMT -5
Sorry got busy but an update- since I do 90% music and 10% movies I decided to hold off on the XMC1 as I already have XSP1 for music and UMC200 for movies. In the mean time I've been thinking of upgrading to XPR2 from my XPA2 gen2.
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Post by garbulky on Oct 21, 2014 1:12:52 GMT -5
Sorry got busy but an update- since I do 90% music and 10% movies I decided to hold off on the XMC1 as I already have XSP1 for music and UMC200 for movies. In the mean time I've been thinking of upgrading to XPR2 from my XPA2 gen2. Hi insightfulman. First - how did your XSP-1 upgrade fare? Did you find it an improvement? The XPR-2 is a beast and i've heard it. It's very nice. It also runs warm which is indicative of class A power. However, the improvement isn't a stellar jump from an XPA-2. I would say it is a minor change and not necessarily a better one. Well I lie, it does some things better but.... it depends on the sound you like. They are two different types of sound signatures. The XPR-2 is a bit more laidback and has a tiny bit of a 3d effect. The laidback nature is very similar to a UPA-2. Sort of like a UPA-2 perfected. Hope that helps. Instead of an XPR-2, I would consider XPA-1 gen 2 B stock (call emotiva). This way you get 120 watts class A performance in stereo mode but with the advantage of monoblocks. The XPA-1 gen 2 is also ..... fully balanced - just like your XSP-1. Which means from pre-amp to amp your signal will be fully balanced. However you will need a source that is fully balanced to take advantage of the balanced signal path. You may want to consider a DC-1 if you are interested in 2 channel digital music to pare with your XSP-1. (It's also balanced). Also other things that will improve your sound measurably is this: www.atsacoustics.com/item--ATS-Acoustic-Panel-24-x-48-x-2--1001.html |
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insightfulman
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Have you seen the 6 fingered man?
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Post by insightfulman on Oct 22, 2014 16:39:49 GMT -5
garbulky, thanks for the feedback. I am in the process of ordering ATS pannels. I didn't think about pair of xpa1s. I think this may indeed be better option for me than XPR2. As for DC1 I just don't listen to digital files much. Again thanks for feedback I'm going to look at XPA1.
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Post by garbulky on Oct 22, 2014 16:40:48 GMT -5
garbulky, thanks for the feedback. I am in the process of ordering ATS pannels. I didn't think about pair of xpa1s. I think this may indeed be better option for me than XPR2. As for DC1 I just don't listen to digital files much. Again thanks for feedback I'm going to look at XPA1. You';re welcome./ How was the XSP-1 for you? |
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insightfulman
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Have you seen the 6 fingered man?
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Post by insightfulman on Oct 22, 2014 16:54:39 GMT -5
garbulky- the XSP-1 is fantastic! Even the phono amp is great- so much so that I have stopped using my Bellari VP130 tube phono amp. My only reason for potential upgarde of my XPA-2 is that on Sundays when kids and wifey go their classes I sm home really cranking up the volume listening to my vinyls and I've noticed the XPA-2 indicators are almost at max and I feel as if the maggies would love it if the amp had more breathing room.
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Post by garbulky on Oct 22, 2014 17:40:51 GMT -5
garbulky- the XSP-1 is fantastic! Even the phono amp is great- so much so that I have stopped using my Bellari VP130 tube phono amp. My only reason for potential upgarde of my XPA-2 is that on Sundays when kids and wifey go their classes I sm home really cranking up the volume listening to my vinyls and I've noticed the XPA-2 indicators are almost at max and I feel as if the maggies would love it if the amp had more breathing room. So glad to hear that! I really enjoyed my time with the XSP-1. It's fine unit  The XPA-1's are also bound to be very good amps. Just so you know if the XPA-2's are not at max, they aren't necessarily VERY close to max because of the way amp power scales. But I doubt you'd be unhappy with the XPA-1 gen 2's |
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insightfulman
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Have you seen the 6 fingered man?
Posts: 48
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Post by insightfulman on Oct 22, 2014 18:05:37 GMT -5
Actually I didnt know that- I thought because the LEDs were maxing out that I should back off hence my desire for more power :-) Ok, let me try it out this Sunday with the LEDs off and see if the volume level I want can be sustainable without any signs of stress. Thanks again.
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Post by brand on Oct 22, 2014 18:17:23 GMT -5
No expert but if you're concerned about power in relation to max volume level doesn't the whole "double watt = only +3db" come into play? What db levels do you like to listen to at your listening position (SPL metered at that position ofc)? Edit: So going from XPA 2 to XPR 2 would cost you 1800 (minus E-club, sale discount, sale of XPA 2) and you'd get an additional 3db correct? Or 2 XPR 1 that would give you less than +6db though. Personally I think you already have enough power to make your ears bleed but Maggies might need the power. At least I've heard that from my local Maggie salesman who demoed 1.7s with 400W monoblocks. Edit2: For me there's only one set of speakers that I can imagine getting an XPR hehe. But at that point it's probably better to go the Behringer route. jtrspeakers.com/home-audio/noesis-215rt/ |
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novisnick
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Post by novisnick on Oct 22, 2014 18:45:09 GMT -5
No expert but if you're concerned about power in relation to max volume level doesn't the whole "double watt = only +3db" come into play? What db levels do you like to listen to at your listening position (SPL metered at that position ofc)? Edit: So going from XPA 2 to XPR 2 would cost you 1800 (minus E-club, sale discount, sale of XPA 2) and you'd get an additional 3db correct? Or 2 XPR 1 that would give you less than +6db though. Personally I think you already have enough power to make your ears bleed but Maggies might need the power. At least I've heard that from my local Maggie salesman who demoed 1.7s with 400W monoblocks. Edit2: For me there's only one set of speakers that I can imagine getting an XPR hehe. But at that point it's probably better to go the Behringer route. jtrspeakers.com/home-audio/noesis-215rt/Have you heard them? If so, how do they sound? That's some needy speaks!! |
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Post by brand on Oct 22, 2014 18:56:20 GMT -5
He used two Burmester monoblocks, might have been 350Watt each not sure. He said you could run them with 1000W monoblocks even the 1.7 and def the 20s. I had never heard Maggie before and I loved it. It's the type of speaker I see myself getting in 5-10 years when I've calmed down a bit hehe. There is no other speaker out there that's as immersive as Maggies or similar speakers I think.
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insightfulman
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Have you seen the 6 fingered man?
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Post by insightfulman on Oct 28, 2014 11:11:42 GMT -5
Had chance over the weekend to really listen to the XPA2 at high volume and I must must admit my fears were unfounded. I was able to turn up the volume to high levels without any noticeable stress on the amp or the speakers. Thus, I think for now I'm good to go. I also picked up another matching REL subwoofer this weekend so I'm really happy with my setup now.
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Post by garbulky on Oct 28, 2014 11:18:34 GMT -5
Had chance over the weekend to really listen to the XPA2 at high volume and I must must admit my fears were unfounded. I was able to turn up the volume to high levels without any noticeable stress on the amp or the speakers. Thus, I think for now I'm good to go. I also picked up another matching REL subwoofer this weekend so I'm really happy with my setup now. Glad to hear |
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The XPA-1's are also bound to be very good amps. Just so you know if the XPA-2's are not at max, they aren't necessarily VERY close to max because of the way amp power scales. But I doubt you'd be unhappy with the XPA-1 gen 2's 
