XPA-2 and Sonos or???

[1sideshowbob]

I feel like I'm trying to reinvent the wheel here.  I can't get a straight answer out of anyone that I talk to.
I just ordered a pair of Polk Audio RTi 12 towers that were on sale.  I've read all the reviews and a common comment is that you need big power to drive these speakers properly.  I only want these for 2 channel stereo and I don't want to do anything else except stream music from my ipad/iphone/computer.  I don't really want to spend more than $1,000 but would if I had to.
I think I've narrowed it down to two choices:

1. Emotiva XPA-2 and a Sonos Connect or;
2. Denon avr x3000 and adding an cheaper external pro-amp like a Berginer EP2000

My questions on these two options are:

1. Will the Sonos connect work well just the XPA-2 and no other receiver or pre-amp?
2. Will a pro amp like the Beringer EP2000 work as well as the XPA-2?

I like the idea of the Denon avr x3000 as it has two subwoofer pre-outs with I think would be really cool to add two subs to go along with the RTi12s but I am concerned that the power would be insufficient. - hence my idea of adding the exteral amp. 

Can anyone offer any advice? Please.

[cgolf]

Don't know how the Sonus will work with the XPA-2 but the XPA-2 is a perfect fit for the Polks!!

[brand]

Currently using two Sonos Connects. One of them going into the XSP 1 and one going into the Stealth DC-1 over Coax. Works perfectly. Personally I'd get the Sonos, the UI is not perfect but it's better than anything else out there concering ease of use.

[moko]

1. yes.
2. no. hey.....it's emo forum

[1sideshowbob]

Nov 24, 2014 15:45:27 GMT -5 brand said:

Currently using two Sonos Connects. One of them going into the XSP 1 and one going into the Stealth DC-1 over Coax. Works perfectly. Personally I'd get the Sonos, the UI is not perfect but it's better than anything else out there concering ease of use.

Thanks for the quick replies.
The XSP-1 is a pre-amp, will the Sonos work by just RCA connection into the XPA-2?  Volume and control would then only be via ipad right?  whereas you would have those controls on the XSP-1 right?

[brand]

That should be possible altough I'd like somebody else to confirm. The XDA 2 would just give you some more options, better DAC than the Sonos internal.

[moko]

Nov 24, 2014 16:07:45 GMT -5 brand said:

That should be possible altough I'd like somebody else to confirm. The XDA 2 would just give you some more options, better DAC than the Sonos internal.

yup, iirc sonos don't accept hires music. xpa-2 and xda-2 combo will eliminate digital volume control.

[knecht]

I've used a Sonos Connect directly to an XPR-5 via the RCA's. I have also run it through a DC-1 using a toslink connection. Both worked great.

[1sideshowbob]

I looked at the XDA-2 but wasn't sure if it would do AirPlay/work with iPad & iPhone.

[garbulky]

I'd use your sonos, unless you went for a DC-1. With the DC-1 or XDA-2, you would need some sort of dock that did airplay and then stream the music that way. For instance an apple airport express will do this for you. Couple that to the DC-1 and the sound should be quite nice

[moko]

Nov 24, 2014 16:16:08 GMT -5 1sideshowbob said:

I looked at the XDA-2 but wasn't sure if it would do AirPlay/work with iPad & iPhone.

you still need the sonos. what i mean is : sonos >>>> xda-2 >>>> xpa-2 >>>> speakers

that's what the digital outputs in sonos are made : to connect to external dac so the process of turning digital to analog can be done by better dac. sonos will only act as source.

[1sideshowbob]

Ok, so if I understand correctly, I "can"
1.  Sonos >>>> XPA-2 >>> speakers, or;
2. Sonos >>>> xda-2 >>>> xpa-2 >>>> speakers
Would there be a cheaper alternative than the Sonos under #2?  Someone mentioned Airport Express.  How does that work?

[garbulky]

Airport express via TOSLINK adapter cable->XDA-2 (I reccomend DC-1 instead. The XDA-2 may be a sideways move rather than an upgrade here)->XPA=2->speakers

[audiobill]

Tidal--->ipad---->wireless to airport express----->DC1---->xPA2.



Done, period.

[1sideshowbob]

Nov 25, 2014 12:30:29 GMT -5 garbulky said:

Airport express via TOSLINK adapter cable->XDA-2 (I reccomend DC-1 instead. The XDA-2 may be a sideways move rather than an upgrade here)->XPA=2->speakers

By your comment, "The XDA-2 may be a sideways move" do you mean that the airport express, or a Sonos, could be plugged directly into the XPA and provide the same sound quality as XDA2?

[1sideshowbob]

Nov 25, 2014 15:31:01 GMT -5 audiobill said:

Tidal--->ipad---->wireless to airport express----->DC1---->xPA2.



Done, period.

Thanks, haven't tired Tidal.  How does it compare to premium/paid services like Deezer or Spotify?  

[1sideshowbob]

I just had a quick look on Tidal's site and it says the highest quality is Flac 1411 kbps but I didn't think FLAC was compatible with AirPlay?

[garbulky]

Nov 25, 2014 16:26:20 GMT -5 1sideshowbob said:

Nov 25, 2014 12:30:29 GMT -5 garbulky said:

Airport express via TOSLINK adapter cable->XDA-2 (I reccomend DC-1 instead. The XDA-2 may be a sideways move rather than an upgrade here)->XPA=2->speakers

By your comment, "The XDA-2 may be a sideways move" do you mean that the airport express, or a Sonos, could be plugged directly into the XPA and provide the same sound quality as XDA2?

Though it won't sound THE SAME, essentially the answer is yes. But in more detail, I do believe a DAC ccould improve that sound, just that DAC should be the DC-1

[1sideshowbob]

Uggh, really?  I ordered the XDA-2 last night along with the XPA-2 amp and cables etc.
The DC-1 is $474 plus $100 for Airport Express, plus shipping to Canada. For about the same price, I could get the Denon x3000 that I mentioned in my first post that has Airplay built in and two sub pre-outs.

[garbulky]

Well I don't think you'll be dissapointed....