need help with new amp purchase

[ilikerush81]

Hi
I'm new to emotiva and pretty new to audio in general.
I've got Klipsch RF-3 for my fronts 
also have a def tech center cir 2300 and a def tech super cube.
my interest is primarily 2 channel stereo and listening to vinyl in future.
I'm looking for guidance as to best way to power these.
should I be looking at the xpa 3 or use xpa 2 for the klipsch and xpa 1 for center.

also the umc 200 in addition?

again thanks for any help in this
 

[mshump]

The XPA 3 would give you more power then you should ever need with the high sensitivity of those speakers. I have never listened to the UMC 200 so I cannot comment on how it does for 2 channel

[repeetavx]

I wouldn't use an XPA-1 for center if your using an XPA-2 for the Mains. It's way overkill. On the other hand an XPA-100 would be just right. They're on sale for $349 right now. As a matter of fact, three XPA-100s would give you the monoblock advantage.

[garbulky]

Welcome You mentioned you are new to audio. What is your source? You may not realize this but a good source (DAC) and in some cases a good pre-amp can help as much as amps do.
Also room treatments are surprisingly helpful in creating good sound and preventing muddiness. Even one panel does a lot I put mine behind the couch at head level.
www.atsacoustics.com/item--ATS-Acoustic-Panel-24-x-48-x-2--1001.html

And not to be ignored speaker placement makes a significant difference. If you happened to place the speakers where you thought they fit in the room and pointed them in the general direction towards you, there's a good chance you haven;t placed your speakers right,
You can post a picture of your room showing the speakers and the couch (like taken at couch position) so that we can give you some advice. Good news - it doesn't cost any money to re-arrange speakers or the room
I found adjusting my speaker placement and objects in the room that interfered with the sound made as much difference as a good equipment change and the same went for that $50 room panel.

[audiofile]

I'd also go with 3 XPA-100's. They have all the power you will need for your current setup.

Then, if you decide to add two surrounds, a nice Emotiva 2-channel will work for those.

[ilikerush81]

Thanks for insight.
Currently I've got no source.
I was using a Dennon avr receiver.
Like I said I'm new .
Would it make sense to go with an xpa 5 (to grow into,when and if I want to add surrounds)
and the umc 200 (the umc would be considered my source?)
and could someone explain the advantage of going with 3 xpa 100's
and thanks again for all the replies ...you are good people

[Boomzilla]

As efficient as your Klipsches are, you could run a Mini-X and have all the volume you could stand.

Moving up the food chain, yes, the UPA or XPA series amps DO have more horsepower (normally manifesting itself as better bass control). If you are using a subwoofer, though, then that isn't a concern.

As to the "mono-block mania" that infests this board - the theoretical advantage is that you may get (slightly) better separation by using independent amplifiers (each with its own power supply) for each of the channels. In practice, most probably couldn't hear the difference between a good multi-channel amplifier and mono-blocks.

Were I in your shoes, I'd vote by budget. ANY dedicated power amplifier will probably audibly out-perform the AVR's internal amps.

Don't fret over it too much. You have a 30-day return on Emotiva gear, and if you start at the bottom, you can hear a BUNCH of stuff before you decide. Who knows - You might just fall in love with XPA-1Ls (I did)...

Boomzilla

[novisnick]

Hi, welcome to our little corner of the Internet! So glad you found us.
Where are you planning to go with a system. This is most important.
Are you going for:
two channel? 2.0
Two plus a sub? 2.1
Soround:
5.1? 5.2?
7.1? 7.2?
More channels?

Where do you want to end up?

I have a pair of mono locks for two Chanel that incorporates into my HT, home theater via pre amp.

Where do you want to go? And what is the room like?
As always, the room is also part of the equation so treatment will be necessary as well.

We're here to help you! Keep the questions coming.

[repeetavx]

Since you stated that your emphasis is on two channel, the formation of the stereo image will be paramount.

The highest quality DAC and preamp that you can afford will determine the quality of your system. Also the XPA-2 has a measured crosstalk that is inaudible. A monoblock amp will make crosstalk nonexistent.

[novisnick]

Oct 13, 2014 13:44:58 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

As efficient as your Klipsches are, you could run a Mini-X and have all the volume you could stand.

Moving up the food chain, yes, the UPA or XPA series amps DO have more horsepower (normally manifesting itself as better bass control). If you are using a subwoofer, though, then that isn't a concern.

As to the "mono-block mania" that infests this board - the theoretical advantage is that you may get (slightly) better separation by using independent amplifiers (each with its own power supply) for each of the channels. In practice, most probably couldn't hear the difference between a good multi-channel amplifier and mono-blocks.

Were I in your shoes, I'd vote by budget. ANY dedicated power amplifier will probably audibly out-perform the AVR's internal amps.

Don't fret over it too much. You have a 30-day return on Emotiva gear, and if you start at the bottom, you can hear a BUNCH of stuff before you decide. Who knows - You might just fall in love with XPA-1Ls (I did)...

Boomzilla

Ah Ha! How do you NOT fall in love with a set of XPA-1Ls??
 
Love um! Love um! Love um!
Love um! Love um! Love um!
Love um! Love um! Love um!

[dally]

Oct 13, 2014 13:35:44 GMT -5 ilikerush81 said:

Thanks for insight.
Currently I've got no source.
I was using a Dennon avr receiver.
Like I said I'm new .
Would it make sense to go with an xpa 5 (to grow into,when and if I want to add surrounds)
and the umc 200 (the umc would be considered my source?)
and could someone explain the advantage of going with 3 xpa 100's
and thanks again for all the replies ...you are good people

Sounds like you're interested in both stereo and home theater. If this is the case I would look into an XPA-5 or an XPA-7. The XPA-5 still sounds great for stereo listening with the advantage of being able to handle power your center and surrounds as well. Your "source" is whatever your downstream component is that is providing what you are listening too. (CD player, turntable, etc.) the umc would be your processor or preamp.

[Gary Cook]

+1 for XPA-5

Cheers
Gary

[cawgijoe]

+2 for XPA-5.

[ilikerush81]

as for for my room,currently its not set for 5 channel 
I do have the def tec center and a def tech supercube.
my interest is primarily 2ch stereo.
I also have a marantz cd and will be adding pro ject turntable
I thinking I will grow into xpa 5(sounds like you are all fans )
and pairing it with the umc 200
I think this is where I will start.
again I'm grateful for all of your knowledge and insight 
glad I found such a cool spot

[Davecski65]

would def look at xpl-1s
I have heard these connected to pendragons,these sounded awesome!
Pendragons very efficent speakers.

There is another way also,if you thought about new speakers you could go with stealth 6s,these combine amps in the speakers

The sounds awesome!

where are you located! As many lounge members all over the place,you may be able the have a listen first hand if there is a lounge member near you?

[ilikerush81]

Hi
I'm located in Ma. just north of Boston

[Davecski65]

Oct 13, 2014 16:28:36 GMT -5 ilikerush81 said:

Hi
I'm located in Ma. just north of Boston

Unfortunatly in am in New Jersey

Maybe someone in the lounge may be in your area and are willing to give you a demo?

Never hurts to ask.
If you were in my area I would offer a demo to you.