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Post by GalvatronType_R on Oct 7, 2014 21:17:01 GMT -5
-I currently have an Onkyo TX-NR3008 running 7.2 B&W speakers that I'm very happy with (the two extra channels are for front heights not back channels)
-The Onkyo is rated at 140w with 2 channels driven at 8 ohms so with 7 channels, it probably runs 90-100w per channel
-My HT is in a small living room roughly 12 feet wide by 10 feet long with 9 foot ceilings
-The XPA-7 outputs 200w with all 7 channels driven into 8 ohms and it will be used to drive all 7 speakers using the RCA-unbalanced outputs from the Onkyo (leaving the Onkyo to drive the two subs) so theoretically, I will double the power sent to my HT
So will this make a noticeable aural difference? I know that it will play louder but will I get more detail? Is it worthwhile at all to buy the upgrade?
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reaper60
Sensei
Music Makes Me Happy!
Posts: 505
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Post by reaper60 on Oct 7, 2014 21:22:52 GMT -5
Yes! Moving to separates should make a big difference. As with all receivers, compromises have to be made as to where to spend chassis space and money. In most cases the amp is an afterthought and has poor performance compared to even the most basic separates. It's kind if like asking if you think seafood tastes better from an American restaurant that serves everything (chili's, Applebee's, etc) or at a seafood specific restaurant where it's their specialty. Don't get me wrong, with the advent of ice power amps and other technologies receivers have made jumps in quality, but nothing compare to an amp that is purpose built with one thing in mind.
Buy it and don't look back!
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Post by AudioHTIT on Oct 7, 2014 21:29:28 GMT -5
I moved from an Onkyo TX-NR3008 to a UMC-1 and UPA-700, even though the power seems about equal, the quality was noticeably improved, I'm also using B&W's. I plan on getting the XPA-7 in the spring when I return from my 'winter vacation' (I've been looking forward to this amp), I expect it will be a perfect match for my speakers.
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Post by geebo on Oct 7, 2014 21:49:40 GMT -5
I moved from an Onkyo 807 to an XPA-5 and the difference was immediately noticeable. But be ready, once you go separates you'll never go back.
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Post by Tony_Rocky_Hara on Oct 7, 2014 22:20:14 GMT -5
I agree with the other responses, the difference I would even say would be night and day. The Onkyo at close to max volume is probably putting out 80-90 watts per channel, which won't sound that great anyway. I use B&W Speakers as well and using separates make such a huge difference at low and high volume listening.
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Post by paintedklown on Oct 7, 2014 23:38:56 GMT -5
Another B&W guy (for L-C-R) here. I moved to an XPA-5 and was blown away vs. my old receiver. IMO the difference really was night & day. It sounded like I bought new (better) speakers. I imagine that you would be quite pleased with the XPA-7. What I especially like about the XPA-7, it seems to be designed with an extra emphasis on it's multichannel prowess. What I mean by that, is it seems to allow more power to travel to where it's needed in a more efficient way than even the XPA-5 does. I say that not having heard an XPA-7, but if you look at the specs into 2 channel, it blows the XPA-5 way out of the water. The XPA-5 is no slouch either, I love mine... Good luck.  |
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Post by GalvatronType_R on Oct 7, 2014 23:47:30 GMT -5
Excellent, thanks for the replies. I am convinced.
Looks like Emo has gotten a new customer. Now the only issue is where to put that 96 lbs. beast in my already crowded HT. First world problems, I know.
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Post by dally on Oct 8, 2014 7:06:15 GMT -5
-I currently have an Onkyo TX-NR3008 running 7.2 B&W speakers that I'm very happy with (the two extra channels are for front heights not back channels) -The Onkyo is rated at 140w with 2 channels driven at 8 ohms so with 7 channels, it probably runs 90-100w per channel -My HT is in a small living room roughly 12 feet wide by 10 feet long with 9 foot ceilings -The XPA-7 outputs 200w with all 7 channels driven into 8 ohms and it will be used to drive all 7 speakers using the RCA-unbalanced outputs from the Onkyo (leaving the Onkyo to drive the two subs) so theoretically, I will double the power sent to my HT So will this make a noticeable aural difference? I know that it will play louder but will I get more detail? Is it worthwhile at all to buy the upgrade? 90-100 watts is VERY optimistic, probably more lke 45-50 watts all channels driven. Plus look at the two channel specs: onkyo 140 x 2 XPA-7 520 x 2. Quite a difference! And, don't forget the ability to drive 4 ohm loads at full power. Your onkyo can drive 4 ohms, but only by using a current limiter. |
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Post by sct on Oct 8, 2014 8:01:15 GMT -5
Dally speaks the truth. The XPA-7 will be a big step up from the Onk's amps. You should mainly notice an improvement in the bass response, even at lower volumes...
SCT
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Post by drtrey3 on Oct 8, 2014 12:02:56 GMT -5
-The Onkyo is rated at 140w with 2 channels driven at 8 ohms so with 7 channels, it probably runs 90-100w per channel
I don't think the Onkyo will do that with all channels driven. I don't think it will come close.
I made the same type upgrade, from a Denon I was using to power the speakers besides the front pair, to a XPA-5. It made a good difference for me because I was increasing the power to the other speakers. What I noticed was improved treble, which surprised me. The other improvement was in the dynamics, that I expected. It was a good upgrade for me, and I think it will be so for you as well. And you have 30 days to see if you agree, so you got that going for you. Which is nice.
Trey
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Post by paintedklown on Oct 8, 2014 12:13:33 GMT -5
The other improvement was in the dynamics This. I was stunned at the vast improvement in dynamics and headroom. The XPA-5 was so good in this area, that it make me upgrade my UPA-1s to XPA-1s. Once you experience those dynamics and headroom, you will be hooked!  |
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Post by GalvatronType_R on Oct 8, 2014 19:40:34 GMT -5
Thanks for the further replies. I was already assuming higher volume but I'm looking mainly for more detail (especially in the midrange and mid-bass) and it seems that's pretty much confirmed.
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bootman
Emo VIPs 
Typing useless posts on internet forums....
Posts: 9,358
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Post by bootman on Oct 8, 2014 19:42:51 GMT -5
I think users that delete their account shortly after posting should have their threads deleted. Good thing I'm not a mod.  |
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Post by GalvatronType_R on Oct 8, 2014 19:46:02 GMT -5
-The Onkyo is rated at 140w with 2 channels driven at 8 ohms so with 7 channels, it probably runs 90-100w per channel I don't think the Onkyo will do that with all channels driven. I don't think it will come close. I made the same type upgrade, from a Denon I was using to power the speakers besides the front pair, to a XPA-5. It made a good difference for me because I was increasing the power to the other speakers. What I noticed was improved treble, which surprised me. The other improvement was in the dynamics, that I expected. It was a good upgrade for me, and I think it will be so for you as well. And you have 30 days to see if you agree, so you got that going for you. Which is nice. Trey Actually, I may have been conservative in the 3008's 7 channel power output. According to S&V's review of the 3010 below (which has the same amps as the 3008 IIRC), they found that the 3010 outputs 114.1w with .1% distortion and 7 channels driven which is pretty impressive for a preamp by itself. But I acknowledge that with the XPA-7's power, it should return better audio that the 3008. |
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Post by GalvatronType_R on Oct 8, 2014 19:47:04 GMT -5
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Post by novisnick on Oct 8, 2014 19:54:42 GMT -5
I think users that delete their account shortly after posting should have their threads deleted. Good thing I'm not a mod. True! Nobody likes to be USED! |
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Post by knucklehead on Oct 8, 2014 19:57:27 GMT -5
-My HT is in a small living room roughly 12 feet wide by 10 feet long with 9 foot ceilings I wonder if any of you bothered to read the room size the OP has. In a room that size an XPA-7 isn't going to make much if any difference unless the OP is set on destroying his/her hearing. A UPA-700 might be a better choice IF he/she even needs an amp. Do you all own Emotiva stock? |
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Post by dally on Oct 8, 2014 19:58:54 GMT -5
Wow ! I stand corrected. That's a nice AVR! I see the 3008 has nearly identical specs. 3010 must be based off of it. |
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Post by GalvatronType_R on Oct 8, 2014 20:19:21 GMT -5
True, the room is small now but I'm going to move into a 2200 square foot townhouse in a month or two and the HT room in that one will be approx. 17x13 with vaulted ceiling. I'm guessing I'll need the extra headroom once I go to the bigger house.
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Post by vcautokid on Oct 8, 2014 20:27:42 GMT -5
Sure the 3010 is respectable, but for how much? Also with a Receiver like this, it is kind of well, big. So if you decided to go with a separate power amplifier, and the 3010, you need some space for both, vs. a 2 RU Pre pro that is smaller, and lighter, and without the redundant amplifier stages that are still producing heat even at idle. Separates are always better for flexibility, and logistics too sometimes.
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