fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85
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Post by fmzip on Nov 14, 2014 10:02:30 GMT -5
Decisions decision.....
XPA3 across the front or XPA-1L's to begin with......
I'm thinking my first step will be to get the XPA-1L's instead of the XPA-1's. My B&W 703's are for life, I don't ever plan to replace them so the XPA-1s are likely overkill.
I think I will try the XPA-1L's and see how they sound, throw my RMB1077 at the center and rears to see if that sounds ok as the majority of my listening/watching is uneventful Directv.
What I do want is good two channel through my Oppo when I want it. Maybe the next step would then be to get an XSP-1.
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fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85
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Post by fmzip on Nov 14, 2014 10:12:48 GMT -5
Ah okay that's why you were using the avm because you have other sources. That makes sense. Leave that in the loop then. No it's not necessary to buy a new amp JUST to go fully balanced. That shouldn't be the deciding factor. However, the XPA-1's are fully balanced Also the XPA-3 accept XLR inputs Fully balanced does cut down on distortion the whole path. But it's not esential. Some people can't hear a difference. Just desirable. I don't think the oppo is fully balanced though it does have XLR outputs. Thinking ahead more on the XPS-1, aren't all the XPA amps fully balanced? I know you just mentioned a few. Or is is that just because it has XLR's doesn't mean that it is fully balanced? Is my AVM-20 fully balanced? Oppo states this on the BDP-105 XLR's so is it in fact fully balanced?: The stereo output offers both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended connectors. The balanced output features a true differential signal path all the way from the DAC to the 3-pin XLR connector. By transmitting a pair of differential signals, the balanced output provides better common-mode noise rejection and improves signal quality.Trying to configure this as good as it can be the first time around .......
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Post by restless on Nov 14, 2014 11:13:01 GMT -5
fmzip,
I have the XPA-1s for basically 2.1 stereo driven by the XSP-1 (with analog inputs from CD player and turntable). There is also a B&W Subwoofer attached to the XSP-1, so that takes care of the L/R sub connections. Since the XSP-1 also has home theater inputs, the XMC-1 is used for OPPO/DirecTv/home theater inputs connecting to the Sony LCD and Sony Projector for video. This set up allow me to just listen to CD or Turntable without turning on the entire system. The XPA-3 drives the Center and Rear Surround speakers I have changed from an XPA-2 driving my rear channels (Polk LS15 speakers) to having 2 XPA-1's driving those speakers. The XPA-1 really woke up the Polk LS15's, and the subwoofer within those units (non-powered). This all comes into play with the OPPO and DirecTV uses, as well as turntable attached to the XMC-1, that allows for 7 Channel Stereo.
This all started with the want for additional power from a Anthem MRX500, which was a quiet and excellent unit as a preamp, but left something to be desired in the power area! That was about 4 years ago. Once a bit more power was added, then the question of how much is too much power started whispering in my ears, and I found there is never too much power. My rear height speakers are Polk LS7, and they cannot take too much power, so the XPA-3 is fine for now. The center channel is fine on the XPA-3 as well (B&W HTM7).
I am quite satisfied with the 7.1 arrangement now, and the XSP-1 in place for 2.1 listening is a bonus that probably is not necessary, but is very enjoyable. Being able to relax to just the 2.1 environment, without have to have the TV, the XMC-1 and the other AMPS turned on, makes for a more relaxing atmosphere. When the Theater mode strikes, more that well prepared for that.
Enjoy John
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Post by bluemeanies on Nov 14, 2014 11:21:55 GMT -5
Decisions decision..... XPA3 across the front or XPA-1L's to begin with...... I'm thinking my first step will be to get the XPA-1L's instead of the XPA-1's. My B&W 703's are for life, I don't ever plan to replace them so the XPA-1s are likely overkill. I think I will try the XPA-1L's and see how they sound, throw my RMB1077 at the center and rears to see if that sounds ok as the majority of my listening/watching is uneventful Directv. What I do want is good two channel through my Oppo when I want it. Maybe the next step would then be to get an XSP-1. Oh my friend never say never about anything relating to this hobby. I thought that my 804S speakers would be buried with me and yet I am on the hunt to replace them. so far the B&W803D's are in the lead. Things, good things happen in life that someday you may want to step it up a notch...just say'n' you have a nice setup.
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Post by garbulky on Nov 14, 2014 11:58:04 GMT -5
Decisions decision..... XPA3 across the front or XPA-1L's to begin with...... I'm thinking my first step will be to get the XPA-1L's instead of the XPA-1's. My B&W 703's are for life, I don't ever plan to replace them so the XPA-1s are likely overkill. I think I will try the XPA-1L's and see how they sound, throw my RMB1077 at the center and rears to see if that sounds ok as the majority of my listening/watching is uneventful Directv. What I do want is good two channel through my Oppo when I want it. Maybe the next step would then be to get an XSP-1. Oh my friend never say never about anything relating to this hobby. I thought that my 804S speakers would be buried with me and yet I am on the hunt to replace them. so far the B&W803D's are in the lead. Things, good things happen in life that someday you may want to step it up a notch...just say'n' you have a nice setup. bluemeanies. Since you really like the 803, I suspect this was the best you heard correct? That's great. But I have to warn you about incremental upgrades. It leads to more incremental upgrades!
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Post by garbulky on Nov 14, 2014 12:03:04 GMT -5
Ah okay that's why you were using the avm because you have other sources. That makes sense. Leave that in the loop then. No it's not necessary to buy a new amp JUST to go fully balanced. That shouldn't be the deciding factor. However, the XPA-1's are fully balanced Also the XPA-3 accept XLR inputs Fully balanced does cut down on distortion the whole path. But it's not esential. Some people can't hear a difference. Just desirable. I don't think the oppo is fully balanced though it does have XLR outputs. Thinking ahead more on the XPS-1, aren't all the XPA amps fully balanced? I know you just mentioned a few. Or is is that just because it has XLR's doesn't mean that it is fully balanced? Is my AVM-20 fully balanced? Oppo states this on the BDP-105 XLR's so is it in fact fully balanced?: The stereo output offers both XLR balanced and RCA single-ended connectors. The balanced output features a true differential signal path all the way from the DAC to the 3-pin XLR connector. By transmitting a pair of differential signals, the balanced output provides better common-mode noise rejection and improves signal quality.Trying to configure this as good as it can be the first time around ....... My mistake, the oppo is indeed fully balanced. I doubt the anthem is fully balanced. All Emo amps are not balanced. True balanced usually requires duplication of certain parts of the circuit to create two signals inverted to each other. Then these two signals travel through the entire balanced chain. At the end they some how cancel each other out in a way that cancels a certain type of distortion picked up along the way. So they tend to be more expensive due to the circuitry. ATI and Emotiva are the only major companies I know that offer fully balanced amps at prices that are not exhorbitant. Their term for fully balanced is "quad differential". With Emotiva, only the XPA-1, XPA-1 L, and XPR-1 are fully balanced. The others just offer XLR inputs (just like most other brands that offer XLR inputs). Other circuitry of theirs that's balanced is XDA-2, DC-1 (I think), XSP-1 , ERC-2, ERC-3.
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fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85
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Post by fmzip on Nov 14, 2014 13:27:43 GMT -5
Thanks for the info people! It's nice to get feedback from the guys with B&W's as it is making my plunge into the Emotiva pool that much easier. As I said my 703's are for life....... bluemeanies, where do you live and how much would you want for the 804's? That is the most beautiful speaker IMHO. I wanted them so bad when I bought the 703's In all seriousness, as for upgrades I am really trying to be frugal. At 48, I want to retire in 10 years. I used to burn cash like there was no tomorrow. I'm trying to put that behind me but the lounge is drawing me back in!
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Post by moko on Nov 14, 2014 13:29:54 GMT -5
only oppo 105 dedicated stereo channels are balanced. oppo 105 uses 2 sabre dac chip : 1 for 8 channels (7+1) HT and 1 for stereo. each chip can proses 8 channel. for stereo balance output you need 4 channel which you won't get in the HT section of oppo. as for balance dac usually are made of 2 stereo dac chip for dual differential in each channel.
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Post by bluemeanies on Nov 15, 2014 8:03:21 GMT -5
Thanks for the info people! It's nice to get feedback from the guys with B&W's as it is making my plunge into the Emotiva pool that much easier. As I said my 703's are for life....... bluemeanies, where do you live and how much would you want for the 804's? That is the most beautiful speaker IMHO. I wanted them so bad when I bought the 703's ;) In all seriousness, as for upgrades I am really trying to be frugal. At 48, I want to retire in 10 years. I used to burn cash like there was no tomorrow. I'm trying to put that behind me but the lounge is drawing me back in! ;) fmzip I live in a suburb just outside Philadelphia twenty minutes pass the International Airport. The 804S speakers are in excellent condition. Rosewood. I am not being a salesman here but I take excellent care of my equipment. Smoke free environment. One cat in the house that enjoys the music as much as I do, however she never has gone near any of my equipment and I leave the grill covers off. I have seen these speakers on Audiogon for $2200-$2400 respectively over the year. I have the orginal packaging and I am pretty sure I have manuals. I cannot take less then $2100.00. That is what I was offered at an audio store for a trade. Shipping and insurance paid by buyer. I would accept a certified check so to avoid cost from PayPal which would be another 3%. Better yet cash if you picked them up if you lived nearby. I am going to guess that you are not close BUT if you are and you are interested maybe we can work something out regardless of distance. You could PM me. Thanks, Frank
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Post by bluemeanies on Nov 15, 2014 8:52:46 GMT -5
Oh my friend never say never about anything relating to this hobby. I thought that my 804S speakers would be buried with me and yet I am on the hunt to replace them. so far the B&W803D's are in the lead. Things, good things happen in life that someday you may want to step it up a notch...just say'n' you have a nice setup. bluemeanies. Since you really like the 803, I suspect this was the best you heard correct? That's great. But I have to warn you about incremental upgrades. It leads to more incremental upgrades! ;) Already thinking about a preamp.
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Post by jking on Nov 15, 2014 18:09:23 GMT -5
Thanks for the explanation Garbulky... JKing, what amp/amps are you using to power your B&W's? I have one of the Sherbourn PA 7-350 that I bought last summer before Emotiva decided to rebadge them. I said 450 watts on the post but it is 350 RMS per channel which gives me 700 total to each speaker. I had a full B&W XT series with the fronts XT4,center XTC and the rears XT2. The old amp an older AT1505 150 RMS never really had the power to drive the fronts very well. With the larger amp they really came alive and when I found the Dark cherry 804s speakers it has enough to really make them sing. I need another AMP to biamp the HTM4s center speaker when I find one. I have found you can mostly never have to much power as long as you don't go crazy with the Volume OR Eq controls. TO little power kills more speakers then to much.
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Post by jking on Nov 15, 2014 18:24:24 GMT -5
fmzip I live in a suburb just outside Philadelphia twenty minutes pass the International Airport. The 804S speakers are in excellent condition. Rosewood. I am not being a salesman here but I take excellent care of my equipment. Smoke free environment. One cat in the house that enjoys the music as much as I do, however she never has gone near any of my equipment and I leave the grill covers off. I have seen these speakers on Audiogon for $2200-$2400 respectively over the year. I have the orginal packaging and I am pretty sure I have manuals. I cannot take less then $2100.00. That is what I was offered at an audio store for a trade. Shipping and insurance paid by buyer. I would accept a certified check so to avoid cost from PayPal which would be another 3%. Better yet cash if you picked them up if you lived nearby. I am going to guess that you are not close BUT if you are and you are interested maybe we can work something out regardless of distance. You could PM me.
Thanks, Frank
That's a great price on a set of 804s B&W. I paid a bit more then that last summer on AudiogoN, Never buy speakes over Ebay again. I had been looking for a nice pair of the Rosewood which is what mine are some say dark cherry and they were hard to find under 3000$ and I ended up paying 2500$ shipped from MN. I could have picked them up from bluemeanies as I live about 200 miles from him. One thing that is really true is never say never, hopefully at 62 I have what I think will keep me happy a long long time.
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Post by solidstate on Nov 15, 2014 19:21:59 GMT -5
I'd buy a stack of XPA-1Ls !!!
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Post by solidstate on Nov 15, 2014 19:24:30 GMT -5
Decisions decision..... XPA3 across the front or XPA-1L's to begin with...... I'm thinking my first step will be to get the XPA-1L's instead of the XPA-1's. My B&W 703's are for life, I don't ever plan to replace them so the XPA-1s are likely overkill. I think I will try the XPA-1L's and see how they sound, throw my RMB1077 at the center and rears to see if that sounds ok as the majority of my listening/watching is uneventful Directv. What I do want is good two channel through my Oppo when I want it. Maybe the next step would then be to get an XSP-1. The XPA-1s are ridiculous IMHO and you don't need that much power. In fact an amp when it's underdriven has a higher noise floor and worse performance. Go XPA-1Ls and never look back! BTW if you need XLR hookups look at this cable from DH Labs. www.silversonic.com/docs/products/D110.htmlIf you are returning the Classe preamp I'd take a long serious hard look at the XMC-1. In terms of sound quality, and that's what we're all after, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better setup than a XMC-1 with five XPA-1Ls connected with D-110 at any price point. Round it out with some T-14 speaker cables and you're there! BTW nice loudspeakers! If I was to go brand name that's one of the sets I'd go with vs. DIY or custom design ID.
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fmzip
Minor Hero
Posts: 85
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Post by fmzip on Nov 15, 2014 20:45:55 GMT -5
Those 803's are nice but I think i'll stick with my 703's I ordered the two XPA-1Ls Which means that I had to add on to my rack. Wife is not happy, cutting up the wall and sheetrocking but when I am done it will be perfect!
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Post by solidstate on Nov 15, 2014 21:05:42 GMT -5
Those 803's are nice but I think i'll stick with my 703's I ordered the two XPA-1Ls Which means that I had to add on to my rack. Wife is not happy, cutting up the wall and sheetrocking but when I am done it will be perfect! WAY TO GO BROTHER AUDIO NUT! Now you just need great XLR hookups to feed those amps a differential signal. www.silversonic.com/docs/products/D110.htmlI can attest to this!
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Nov 15, 2014 21:34:49 GMT -5
Those 803's are nice but I think i'll stick with my 703's I ordered the two XPA-1Ls Which means that I had to add on to my rack. Wife is not happy, cutting up the wall and sheetrocking but when I am done it will be perfect! WAY TO GO BROTHER AUDIO NUT! Now you just need great XLR hookups to feed those amps a differential signal. www.silversonic.com/docs/products/D110.htmlI can attest to this! Wow!! Just fell out of my chair!!!! Anybody need to buy a kidney? Too rich for me!!! Solidstate,,,,,,REALLY? ? Wow,,,,,,,, I've led a sheltered life I guess,,,,,,,,,,,,
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Post by solidstate on Nov 15, 2014 21:37:50 GMT -5
Wow!! Just fell out of my chair!!!! Anybody need to buy a kidney? Too rich for me!!! Solidstate,,,,,,REALLY? ? Wow,,,,,,,, I've led a sheltered life I guess,,,,,,,,,,,, The D-110 is seven dollars a foot and you think that's expensive for a Teflon insulated silver plated ohno cc cable? huh I have to admit their linecard does have snake oil but the D-110 and T-14 cables BULK are about the best cables you can buy at any price. D-110 $7 foot for XLR or RCA analog audio connections even though it's a "digital" cable T-14 $9 foot speaker level cable Expensive? Yeah I guess but that's what the BEST costs. Talk to Redco as they might bring in a spool of each if enough people request it. Terminate them with the top of the line switchcraft XLRs. www.redco.com/To match DH Labs termination with copper pin XLRs find a source for the Vampire Wire XLRs as they are the same product from the same factory just a different stencil. You can find those for 10-$20 bucks each online. Honestly though I think the Switchcraft AAA3BAUZ is just as good even if the pin isn't OFC or ohno or whatever and they cost about $5 bucks each if not less.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Nov 15, 2014 21:56:29 GMT -5
Ok, I get it now, I was looking at some of their pricier XLR finished product,,,,Wow!
But done by bulk, yep, I could swing that.
Gad I didn't over medicate myself when I climbed back into my chair,,,,he,,,,he,,,,he,,,,,, Two foot from one amp and four from the other for XLR termination and the three foot each amp to speaker.
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Post by solidstate on Nov 15, 2014 22:04:35 GMT -5
Yeah I would have the same reaction if I just glanced at the line card as there are some really stupid snake oil boutique BS on there.
BUT
If you buy T-14 and D-110 bulk you are getting the same quality cable stock that a lot of very expensive boutique brands use.
It can't be argued that top quality materials are used it's just the prices that are insane on the finished assemblies and the flagship fluff.
Not that it matters, if I was ordering a stereo pair I'd get each in the same length. It's a bad idea to ever order a cable that's just one length if you intend to resale them as a pair and you pretty much have to sell them as a stereo pair.
These cables are very low cap so I'd add a couple extra feet just to be sure.
This is another reason to go DIY as you just buy one long length and make each segment to your own needs.
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