taz69
Minor Hero
Posts: 41
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Post by taz69 on Mar 31, 2015 9:06:05 GMT -5
Hi Everyone! I'm new to Emotiva and this is my first post. Ive been reading the forum for about a month now looking into the XMC 1. I finally made the plunge and purchased it. I'm glad I did. It's a fantastic processor. Now I have the bug and was hoping that some of you may offer some advice on my next purchase. Im considering upgrading my amps and would like some advice on which would sound better. I see the the XPA 7 seems to have lower distortion then the XPA 5 and XPA 2 so my thoughts are to go with the XPA 7, although Ive always preferred separates and have no issue spending a little more and getting the XPA 5 and XPA 2. I currently have 2 Parasound HCA 1200II's and 1 HCA 2003 driving 7 Mirage speakers. I was wondering if anyone has compared the XPA amps to the Parasound amps? Is it really worth spending the money? Is there any sound improvement? Also If anyone could help, would the XPA 7 Or XPA 5 and 2 combo be able to drive my speakers as well or better then my current amps? hca1200llom.pdf (69.96 KB) hca2003om.pdf (71.51 KB) hca2003om.pdf (71.51 KB) mirage.pdf (555.38 KB) Current setup: Runco LS5 100" Grandview Screen Krell Showcase Processor (Recently replaced by XMC 1) Oppo 103D Lumagen Radiance XD Panamax M4300-PM Panamx M5300-EX Parasound HCA 2003 Parasound HCA 1200II Mirage OM 10' (Fronts) Mirage McSi (Center) Mirage OM-R2's (Sides) Mirage- OM 12's (Rears) Thanks
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Mar 31, 2015 9:27:43 GMT -5
taz69 , sorry about that! Talk about multi channel amps just seams to all ways do that to me,,,,he,,,,he,,,,he,,,, ( See MONOBLOCKS Society ) So so happy you've found us. I'm a Coolaid drinking Emotiva fan, that said, for a 7 channel system Id go with the workhorse XPA-5 and a set of MONOBLOCKs for two channel. Especially since the XMC -1 has all of those wonderful balanced out connections. Just my two cents our new friend! Glad your hear ! Chime in anytime! Ill buy the first round!!
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Post by AudioHTIT on Mar 31, 2015 9:31:56 GMT -5
I personally like the XPA-7, it gives seven channels of big power in a single chassis. It's (very robust) power supply also gives excellent two channel power (over 500 WPC). To me this makes the XPA-7 a great choice.
Now, if you really wanted to optimize your two channel system, and minimize you speaker cable interaction by moving your amps close to your speakers, then I might consider an XPA-5 and a pair of XPA-1's. But I'm still planning on the XPA-7 this spring and think it will do a great job.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Mar 31, 2015 9:45:35 GMT -5
I personally like the XPA-7, it gives seven channels of big power in a single chassis. It's (very robust) power supply also gives excellent two channel power (over 500 WPC). To me this makes the XPA-7 a great choice. Now, if you really wanted to optimize your two channel system, and minimize you speaker cable interaction by moving your amps close to your speakers, then I might consider an XPA-5 and a pair of XPA-1's. But I'm still planning on the XPA-7 this spring and think it will do a great job. Could this be a future MONOBLOCK SOCIETY member?? AH! Another prospect!! The Force is strong with this one!!
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Post by garbulky on Mar 31, 2015 9:50:40 GMT -5
Hi there. Parasound makes some nice amps. I wouldn't personally expect a noticeable upgrade moving towards the multichannel XPA line from them. What you may want to do however is invest in a pair of XPA-1 L's for your front two channels. The XMC-1 is fully balanced on its front left and right channels and so is the XPA-1 L's. It's the cheapest fully balanced class A monoblock that I know. This way you have a nice fully balanced signal path and also a fantastic set of monoblocks too! This way you get the quality where it counts. Or even better find a pair of used XPA-1 gen 1's or gen 2 (warranty does transfer). The prices on used gen 1's tend to be very close to the price of new XPA-1 L's. And these used to be emotiva's flagship amps and they are so for a reason. The XPA-1's have a huge transformer (more than double the XPA-1L's and a massive amount of power and capacitance. It can do something like 1800 watts stable into 2 ohm loads. So...nothing to sneeze at! The only thing that may get ya is the shipping on used XPA-1's as they are heavy. You can put a WTB (wanted to buy) ad in the emporium on this forum for them or you can call Emotiva and see if they are selling any of them used. Their ebay page jadedesigns also lists some of these (used) occassionally. With an XM-1, and XPA-1 L or an XPA-1 in your setup, I honestly think you'll be WELL set for the long haul for electronics.
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Post by vcautokid on Mar 31, 2015 9:56:28 GMT -5
The XPA-1L is dynamite, and will give your front stage real punch, and drive you will like allot. I would keep the surround amp the same possibly. The XPA-2 will rock your world too. The Class A selection switch is attractive for those must have nuances you may enjoy with the 1L. If you really want incredible, the Gen 2 XPA-1 is even more ability with the Class A switch for great measure.
The XPA-5 and the XPA-1L would be a sweet combo if your dynamics, and headroom are your priorities too. The XPA-5 is a proven workhorse of the Emotiva line. This would be my combo if it were the ultimate if it makes sense money wise to you.
Just really depends what your power wants, and desires are. There is an X just right for your system.
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taz69
Minor Hero
Posts: 41
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Post by taz69 on Mar 31, 2015 9:57:01 GMT -5
taz69 , sorry about that! Talk about multi channel amps just seams to all ways do that to me,,,,he,,,,he,,,,he,,,, ( See MONOBLOCKS Society ) So so happy you've found us. I'm a Coolaid drinking Emotiva fan, that said, for a 7 channel system Id go with the workhorse XPA-5 and a set of MONOBLOCKs for two channel. Especially since the XMC -1 has all of those wonderful balanced out connections. Just my two cents our new friend! Glad your hear ! Chime in anytime! Ill buy the first round!! novisnick, thanks for the warm welcome, I too am becoming a Koolaid drinking Emotiva fan. After hearing the XMC 1 up against my Krell I have to say I am very impressed. I was really worried that It wouldn't be able to offer equal performance in sound. I would say the XMC 1 is blows the doors off the Krell for movies. Still on the fence with music though, still have to run DIRAC though. I love the mono block idea but don't know if I want to spend the extra $. Also I will have to measure my equipment rack to see if the would all fit in. Thanks
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taz69
Minor Hero
Posts: 41
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Post by taz69 on Mar 31, 2015 9:59:53 GMT -5
I personally like the XPA-7, it gives seven channels of big power in a single chassis. It's (very robust) power supply also gives excellent two channel power (over 500 WPC). To me this makes the XPA-7 a great choice. Now, if you really wanted to optimize your two channel system, and minimize you speaker cable interaction by moving your amps close to your speakers, then I might consider an XPA-5 and a pair of XPA-1's. But I'm still planning on the XPA-7 this spring and think it will do a great job. AudioHTIT, XPA 7 was my first choice then I thought XPA 5 and XPA 2 this way I can listen to 2 channel without all the amps on. The mono blocks would have to go in my Equipment rack which is 27' away from my front speakers. Thanks
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taz69
Minor Hero
Posts: 41
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Post by taz69 on Mar 31, 2015 10:00:56 GMT -5
I personally like the XPA-7, it gives seven channels of big power in a single chassis. It's (very robust) power supply also gives excellent two channel power (over 500 WPC). To me this makes the XPA-7 a great choice. Now, if you really wanted to optimize your two channel system, and minimize you speaker cable interaction by moving your amps close to your speakers, then I might consider an XPA-5 and a pair of XPA-1's. But I'm still planning on the XPA-7 this spring and think it will do a great job. Could this be a future MONOBLOCK SOCIETY member?? AH! Another prospect!! The Force is strong with this one!! You Never know, You have me thinking
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taz69
Minor Hero
Posts: 41
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Post by taz69 on Mar 31, 2015 10:03:59 GMT -5
The XPA-1L is dynamite, and will give your front stage real punch, and drive you will like allot. I would keep the surround amp the same possibly. The XPA-2 will rock your world too. The Class A selection switch is attractive for those must have nuances you may enjoy with the 1L. If you really want incredible, the Gen 2 XPA-1 is even more ability with the Class A switch for great measure. The XPA-5 and the XPA-1L would be a sweet combo if your dynamics, and headroom are your priorities too. The XPA-5 is a proven workhorse of the Emotiva line. This would be my combo if it were the ultimate if it makes sense money wise to you. Just really depends what your power wants, and desires are. There is an X just right for your system. vcautokid, thanks that is helpful
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taz69
Minor Hero
Posts: 41
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Post by taz69 on Mar 31, 2015 10:05:42 GMT -5
Hi there. Parasound makes some nice amps. I wouldn't personally expect a noticeable upgrade moving towards the multichannel XPA line from them. What you may want to do however is invest in a pair of XPA-1 L's for your front two channels. The XMC-1 is fully balanced on its front left and right channels and so is the XPA-1 L's. It's the cheapest fully balanced class A monoblock that I know. This way you have a nice fully balanced signal path and also a fantastic set of monoblocks too! This way you get the quality where it counts. Or even better find a pair of used XPA-1 gen 1's or gen 2 (warranty does transfer). The prices on used gen 1's tend to be very close to the price of new XPA-1 L's. And these used to be emotiva's flagship amps and they are so for a reason. The XPA-1's have a huge transformer (more than double the XPA-1L's and a massive amount of power and capacitance. It can do something like 1800 watts stable into 2 ohm loads. So...nothing to sneeze at! The only thing that may get ya is the shipping on used XPA-1's as they are heavy. You can put a WTB (wanted to buy) ad in the emporium on this forum for them or you can call Emotiva and see if they are selling any of them used. Their ebay page jadedesigns also lists some of these (used) occassionally. With an XM-1, and XPA-1 L or an XPA-1 in your setup, I honestly think you'll be WELL set for the long haul for electronics. garbulky, I never thought to look at the XPA-L's I will have a look. Thank You
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Mar 31, 2015 10:29:56 GMT -5
The XPA-1L is dynamite, and will give your front stage real punch, and drive you will like allot. I would keep the surround amp the same possibly. The XPA-2 will rock your world too. The Class A selection switch is attractive for those must have nuances you may enjoy with the 1L. If you really want incredible, the Gen 2 XPA-1 is even more ability with the Class A switch for great measure. The XPA-5 and the XPA-1L would be a sweet combo if your dynamics, and headroom are your priorities too. The XPA-5 is a proven workhorse of the Emotiva line. This would be my combo if it were the ultimate if it makes sense money wise to you. Just really depends what your power wants, and desires are. There is an X just right for your system. vcautokid, thanks that is helpful These are great MONOBLOCKS as well!! Great sound and plenty of power, these will not diminish your stature in the society in any way.
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Post by Canuck_fr on Mar 31, 2015 10:31:54 GMT -5
taz69 , sorry about that! Talk about multi channel amps just seams to all ways do that to me,,,,he,,,,he,,,,he,,,, ( See MONOBLOCKS Society ) So so happy you've found us. I'm a Coolaid drinking Emotiva fan, that said, for a 7 channel system Id go with the workhorse XPA-5 and a set of MONOBLOCKs for two channel. Especially since the XMC -1 has all of those wonderful balanced out connections. Just my two cents our new friend! Glad your hear ! Chime in anytime! Ill buy the first round!! View AttachmentChoice #1 : 7 x XPA-1L Choice #2 : 2 x XPA-1L + XPA-5 Choice #3 : XPA-2 + XPA-5 Choice #4 : XPA-7 Remember channel seperation is important and monoblocs will definately have a big impact on 2 channel sound because of the fully discreet topology. Novisnick's suggestion is only bettered by 7 x XPA-1L.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Mar 31, 2015 11:00:21 GMT -5
I personally like the XPA-7, it gives seven channels of big power in a single chassis. It's (very robust) power supply also gives excellent two channel power (over 500 WPC). To me this makes the XPA-7 a great choice. Now, if you really wanted to optimize your two channel system, and minimize you speaker cable interaction by moving your amps close to your speakers, then I might consider an XPA-5 and a pair of XPA-1's. But I'm still planning on the XPA-7 this spring and think it will do a great job. AudioHTIT, XPA 7 was my first choice then I thought XPA 5 and XPA 2 this way I can listen to 2 channel without all the amps on. The mono blocks would have to go in my Equipment rack which is 27' away from my front speakers. Thanks If your thoughts are that the XPA-2 idling would use less power than an XPA-7 idling, I doubt the difference is significant. On this note it would be nice if Emo included the idle wattage or current for their amps (just send one each to Dark Ranger, he does an excellent job of measuring amp temps and current draw ) If you can find his write up on the XPA-1L it's very good and includes these measurements. Now I'm sure a pair of XPA-1's or 1L's in class A mode would draw more at idle than the XPA-7, but again I'm unsure in A/B mode (I'd suspect it's close). One of the things I like about Monoblocks is the ability to get them close to my speakers, without that they are less attractive to me. I'm still in the XPA-7 camp.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Mar 31, 2015 11:30:32 GMT -5
vcautokid, thanks that is helpful These are great MONOBLOCKS as well!! Great sound and plenty of power, these will not diminish your stature in the society in any way. Real world implementation. Also see Yamaha RX V773 for sale.
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Post by repeetavx on Mar 31, 2015 11:58:59 GMT -5
Place me in the XPA-7 camp. When using just two channels, it will drive your speakers with more authority than any other choice except a pair of XPA-1s, (or XPR-?s).
My experience, on the other hand, has discovered that amps placed close to your speakers, with speaker cables less than three feet long, result in the best sound and control of your speakers. Therefore a pair of XPA-1Ls placed next to your speakers with short speaker cables will result in even better sound.
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taz69
Minor Hero
Posts: 41
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Post by taz69 on Mar 31, 2015 12:53:36 GMT -5
Thanks guys. I like the idea of 7 XPA L,s. Looks like there would be plenty of power to drive my speakers. Although cost is higher. I can't get the amps next to my speakers as my room is a dedicated Theater and all the wiring is in wall. My equipment rack is in the back of the room about 27 feet from the mains. Would love to hear from someone who may have used Parasound amps and compared the to the XPA,s. Here is what my room looks like you can see the there is really room to place amps upfront and if I tried my wife would kill me and my 4 yr old would be using them as stepping stones Thanks Attachment DeletedAttachment Deleted
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dkami712
Sensei
Overkill is Underrated
Posts: 128
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Post by dkami712 on Mar 31, 2015 12:57:28 GMT -5
Cool room! I will be going with an XPA-5 and a pair of 1L's. Then in the future upgrade to XPA-1's or XPR-1's However, the 7 may be easier in the long run for your setup.
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taz69
Minor Hero
Posts: 41
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Post by taz69 on Mar 31, 2015 13:16:01 GMT -5
Cool room! I will be going with an XPA-5 and a pair of 1L's. Then in the future upgrade to XPA-1's or XPR-1's However, the 7 may be easier in the long run for your setup. That's what I was thinking but just wondering if I would be compromising sound qaulity with comparison to my Parasound amps
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Post by AudioHTIT on Mar 31, 2015 13:24:19 GMT -5
Cool room! I will be going with an XPA-5 and a pair of 1L's. Then in the future upgrade to XPA-1's or XPR-1's However, the 7 may be easier in the long run for your setup. That's what I was thinking but just wondering if I would be compromising sound qaulity with comparison to my Parasound amps I don't think you would be compromising, but as garbulky noted you may not get a big improvement (other than power).
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