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Post by rbk123 on Oct 9, 2014 8:37:51 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. It's more about sound quality vs. volume, although that might not be obvious by the focus on watts in the replies. The amp will sound better than the receiver, but unless the receiver has pre-outs it will be an apples/oranges comparison after getting a processor, so it'll be tough to tell which is giving the bigger improvement. It also depends on the quality of the OP's speakers - if they are revealing enough to be able to discern between quality electronics. And then the quality of the source as well. Separates should outperform the Onkyo, but they may not and room size would be the least important part of the equation. All imo.
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Post by drtrey3 on Oct 9, 2014 10:14:16 GMT -5
I stand corrected about the Onkyo. That is a beast of an amplifier in that receiver. My Denon did not have that kind of power.
I don't think that the primary upgrade is in terms of loudness but clarity and dynamics, the jump factor. More difficult speaker loads also really appreciate a beefier amp. But given the specs, I would certainly appreciate the 30 day return policy just in case the difference was negligible or no difference at all.
Trey
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Post by sct on Oct 9, 2014 11:08:50 GMT -5
I, too, stand corrected, sorry for my misinformed post. That Onkyo has a pretty substantial amp section, much better than most multichannel receivers I've seen. Based upon the Sound & Vision review, I'd say there is no need for an outboard amp, even when he moves into the larger space...
SCT
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Post by broncsrule21 on Oct 9, 2014 11:55:07 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! Can you expand on this....Sorry, I don't understand the part about the XPA-5. I get the UPA-1 to XPA-1, that is a clear upgrade. I'm curious because I am considering parting with my 3xUPA-1 front stage and going with this XPA-7 beast. Seeing the 2 channel specs tell me this is as a no brainer, but that is a lot of dough.... Also, remember, back in the day, I think it was Lonnie that said something along the lines..."we cant build a XPA-7 because it would have too much current". I'm sure others remember the exact quote. What has changed?
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Post by paintedklown on Oct 9, 2014 12:20:10 GMT -5
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! Can you expand on this....Sorry, I don't understand the part about the XPA-5. I get the UPA-1 to XPA-1, that is a clear upgrade. I'm curious because I am considering parting with my 3xUPA-1 front stage and going with this XPA-7 beast. Seeing the 2 channel specs tell me this is as a no brainer, but that is a lot of dough.... Also, remember, back in the day, I think it was Lonnie that said something along the lines..."we cant build a XPA-7 because it would have too much current". I'm sure others remember the exact quote. What has changed? I had originally planned to buy dual UPA-1s and then get an UPA-5. I had the UPA-1s, but was unable to get the UPA-5 as it was discontinued and Emo had a blowout sale that moved all of them out the door before I was able to get one. I decided to just get an XPA-5 instead, and did some comparos between it and my UPA-1s, and the XPA-5 was better IMO. I could push my UPA-1s hard enough to find their limits (run them out of gas so-to-speak), but with the XPA-5 running two channels, my ears and speakers began to protest before I could make the amp sweat. Additionally, I just felt the XPA-5 sounded more dynamic, as if I could "sense" that extra headroom on tap or something. Placebo effect? Who knows, but I decided right then to sell my UPA-1s and get the XPA-1s. No regrets. I think the XPA-7 will be an even better beast than the venerable XPA-5, due to it's design and specs into two channels. It almost eliminates the need for XPA-1s (in a way), but I like having my two mains being fully balanced. Having said that, I LOVED my UPA-1s and miss them dearly. They are great amps IMO, but I just found the X series amps met my need for ear bleeding levels better. IMO, YMMV, etc.
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Post by broncsrule21 on Oct 9, 2014 12:33:11 GMT -5
Awesome, thanks for the clarity. Looks like I will be saving for the XPA-7 at some point. Also will reduce clutter. as I am running four power amps right now.
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Post by GalvatronType_R on Oct 10, 2014 19:13:27 GMT -5
I too was shocked by how much power the Onkyo 3008 outputs by itself to 7 speakers that are 8 ohms.
Considering the stock 114w I'm getting and that my HT is a loft upstairs and considering the XPA-7's weight (96lbs. which I am not looking forward to dragging upstairs), I may have to do some further research prior to pulling the trigger.
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Post by novisnick on Oct 10, 2014 19:42:15 GMT -5
I too was shocked by how much power the Onkyo 3008 outputs by itself to 7 speakers that are 8 ohms. Considering the stock 114w I'm getting and that my HT is a loft upstairs and considering the XPA-7's weight (96lbs. which I am not looking forward to dragging upstairs), I may have to do some further research prior to pulling the trigger. I have a pair of XPR-1s that are on the second floor. There are two ways besides killing yourself walking a box of that size up the stairs. 1) hand truck,,,,,,,,,, strap the box to the hand truck!! 2) those large boxes roll nicely up the stairs, not a. Problem!! once up up the stairs,,,,,,I don't think you'll ever have to worry about anyone stealing them,,,,he,,,,he,,,,,,, FEEL THE POWER!!!!!!!
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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 10, 2014 19:47:36 GMT -5
I too was shocked by how much power the Onkyo 3008 outputs by itself to 7 speakers that are 8 ohms. Considering the stock 114w I'm getting and that my HT is a loft upstairs and considering the XPA-7's weight (96lbs. which I am not looking forward to dragging upstairs), I may have to do some further research prior to pulling the trigger. last of the great Onkyos. BTW how are you posting as guest?
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Post by AudioHTIT on Oct 10, 2014 22:33:58 GMT -5
last of the great Onkyos. Except almost all of them needed HDMI board replacements, I was lucky to be just under warranty when mine went out (my friend was a few weeks too late). While the 3008 was decent, my Anthem / B&K before it and Emotiva after it both sounded better. I did love the ORemote IP App however.
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Post by broncsrule21 on Oct 11, 2014 2:03:32 GMT -5
I too was shocked by how much power the Onkyo 3008 outputs by itself to 7 speakers that are 8 ohms. Considering the stock 114w I'm getting and that my HT is a loft upstairs and considering the XPA-7's weight (96lbs. which I am not looking forward to dragging upstairs), I may have to do some further research prior to pulling the trigger. I have a pair of XPR-1s that are on the second floor. There are two ways besides killing yourself walking a box of that size up the stairs. 1) hand truck,,,,,,,,,, strap the box to the hand truck!! 2) those large boxes roll nicely up the stairs, not a. Problem!! once up up the stairs,,,,,,I don't think you'll ever have to worry about anyone stealing them,,,,he,,,,he,,,,,,, FEEL THE POWER!!!!!!! Yes, this. ^^^ I just recently rolled a (almost) 100lb subwoofer to my 2nd floor no problem. Wondering if my av/shelves will support this bad boy though......
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 11, 2014 7:36:45 GMT -5
At OP, adding a EMO amp = outstanding "Value" think lots of headroom its like going from a car with a 4 banger to a V8. lots of power to spare killer soundstage for moves and your music CD's will love you for it. Plus your speakers will open up much better low end and the mids and highs will sound sweeter. Best of luck with your system.
Mike
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Post by bub on Oct 11, 2014 8:20:18 GMT -5
I normally stay mum on these horsepower comparisons. But the dogma sure does get old. I'm glad to see you have done your due diligence with your amp. And yes I have a dog in this race. Actually two. Onkyo 818 ( now as a pre-pro ) and the Sherbourn PA-7 350..
My personnel feeling is that those that are enthusiastic about Emotiva do a disservice to the company they love when instead of praising their choice they prefer to discredit other companies. All these bench test are readily available
Having said that, I've very glad I made the move to Emotiva-Sherbourn.
I'm not looking back. Emotiva makes great amps . This Forum has loads of good tech information. And as you've done. Sometimes you have to separate the wheat from the chaff..
You're on the right track. Good luck.
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