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Post by ntculenuf on Apr 28, 2016 16:49:42 GMT -5
So I finally got my gen3 Five up and running. WOW! I replaced my Adcom GFA7500 with the Emotiva. I have not had a chance to really get into it with a movie, just listening to it while watching DirecTV. Watched 5 episodes of Shield that I had recorded. There is so much more detail, there seems to be more depth to the speakers. It really makes it sound as if my Adcom was on mute. My wife sat with me last night while we watched a few shows and was even commenting on the background sounds that were more present than before.
After a 5 hour run the amp was warm but nothing to be concerned about. Still may put a fan on it just to help run cooler just cause. Now I got the bug and am looking at interconnects lol
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Post by srpawski on Apr 28, 2016 17:44:03 GMT -5
So, its worth $1,500?
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Post by fastmatt on Apr 28, 2016 20:17:23 GMT -5
Yes
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Post by srpawski on Apr 28, 2016 20:57:41 GMT -5
I still can't get a gen 2 xpa 5 off of my radar and keep bouncing back and forth between the two. Again my first separate amp and first emo product so I don't think either way I can go wrong.
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Post by novisnick on Apr 28, 2016 21:24:19 GMT -5
I still can't get a gen 2 xpa 5 off of my radar and keep bouncing back and forth between the two. Again my first separate amp and first emo product so I don't think either way I can go wrong. XPA-5 gen 2 is the best sounding bang in the universe for the dollars spent!! IMHO  |
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Post by ntculenuf on Apr 30, 2016 8:53:34 GMT -5
YES!  Watched In the Heart of the Sea last night, first movie since I got it hooked up. DETAIL DETAIL DETAIL. Very clean sound and it had no problems delivering power across the channels.
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Post by srpawski on Apr 30, 2016 11:21:13 GMT -5
I've noted a few posters on this thread specific to the gen 3, and many of you in general, like running multiple amps, as in a 2 channel to run the front mains and an additional am for the center and surrounds. Why? Is it really make it sound that much better than what a single 5 channel amp be it an xpa gen 5 or 5 channel gen 3 would sound?
Please enlighten me. I'm new to this whole amp thing and have zero basis for comparison. Learning about this is fun.
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Post by leonski on Apr 30, 2016 12:15:36 GMT -5
I've noted a few posters on this thread specific to the gen 3, and many of you in general, like running multiple amps, as in a 2 channel to run the front mains and an additional am for the center and surrounds. Why? Is it really make it sound that much better than what a single 5 channel amp be it an xpa gen 5 or 5 channel gen 3 would sound? Please enlighten me. I'm new to this whole amp thing and have zero basis for comparison. Learning about this is fun. This is a Real Can-O-Worms. Some people will tell you about seperation or power or whatever. Or talk about damping factor or whatever other 'spec' catches their eye. Ignore most specs. At least until you learn what they can really tell you. Unless you own some speakers of lower than average SENSITIVITY (Note: Not Efficiency. 2 different but related things) you won't miss the power. If you look at amps power ratings for 5 channel amps, you'll see that as the number of channels driven goes UP power goes DOWN. I don't know how this effects 'burst' or more commonly 'dynamic' power. An amp with 100 watts RMS (continuous) and 200 watts of short term power (keep distortion in mind here) is said to have 3db 'headroom'. Keep in mind that ANY doubling of power is ONLY 3db. You can get the same effect as MORE power by owning more sensitive speakers. Power is NOT linear. If you are listening to 'normal' music, it might have peaks 10db or even 20db Above the average level. If you are cruising along at 10 watts per speaker, (pretty loud) the peaks will be at 100 watts or even 200 watts. Normal speakers will take a LOT of that but not too many will like broad spectrum input at100 watts or even 200 watts. Tweeters above say…….10khz use only a Fraction of the Total Power. Less than 10%, for Sure. Most people and ALL who live in apartments are limited to the power they have at the plugs. Homeowners CAN and frequently DO have extra runs of power to the system. This is where you plug in all those additional amps. Some amps like the XPR-1 / 2 Require a 20 amp service. The other issue would be how much SPACE you can devote to your hobby before the wife packs you into the car with your HiFi and gives you the boot? A stack of amps can cook themselves if not properly cooled (another issue) while you are running out of plugs and trying to find a power conditioner you can afford. Many people, myself included, to NOT plug the amps into such a device as it 'sucks the life' out of the amp. All those runs of cables and wires can be distracting AND a source of introduced NOISE into your system. Not to mention that CATS like to CHEW on wires. Abov all? have fun. |
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Post by srpawski on Apr 30, 2016 12:26:47 GMT -5
I ain't go no cats, I ain't got no wife, and I don't live in an apartment. I'm good to go. Lol
So really then as with most things in life it's all about how many benjis you want to spend and there is a diminishing point of return beyond a certain point. I'm over analyzing this since I'm new to it but would like to get it right the first time. I'm going to stick with one amp, pretty sure, even though I have all the necessary resources for more than one.
I appreciate all the feedback given and things to take into consideration since "I've not yet been there and done that" with this scope of the hobby this far.
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Post by leonski on Apr 30, 2016 20:44:28 GMT -5
I'll bet you a pair of Benji's and raise you a Queen Elizabeth that while you SAY you are a 'one and done', you reallly AREN'T.
As you learn more about what you like in a presentation, your taste WILL change, at least to the extent you are open to the experience.
You may discover tubes. Or 'slam' or decide you are a slave to PRaT (pace, rhythm and timing). You may want extreme BASS or become a Detail freak.
No matter. YOU have to decide where your values lie. And aim your equipment choice to that end. Go listen to some LIVE MUSIC for a better reference. After all, even the best systems
are simulations of 'real'. Movies are of course, an exception. Nobody knows what a T-Rex sounded like or how it roars. Or how an airplane sounds landing on your ROOF!
Find a listeners group or go to the local hi-end store for a DEMO of stuff a step UP from what you now have.
Happy Listening
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Post by DavidR on Apr 30, 2016 22:57:22 GMT -5
I've noted a few posters on this thread specific to the gen 3, and many of you in general, like running multiple amps, as in a 2 channel to run the front mains and an additional am for the center and surrounds. Why? Is it really make it sound that much better than what a single 5 channel amp be it an xpa gen 5 or 5 channel gen 3 would sound? Please enlighten me. I'm new to this whole amp thing and have zero basis for comparison. Learning about this is fun. Possibly for one or two reasons. Typically fronts and rears are bigger, harder to drive speakers and are more predominant. Therefore a bigger amp is required/desired and the user may also want just a 2-channel system at times. |
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Post by srpawski on May 1, 2016 11:44:49 GMT -5
One thing I know for sure is that I am going to go with Blue Jean multi channel interconnects for the pre outs instead of the Emotiva snake that I was originally going to get, and I am also going to upgrade my connections from my in wall jacks to the actual speakers/receiver to 12 gage wire terminated using Sewell Silverback dual screw locking banana plugs and their Silverback 12 gage cable. I have 14 gage mono price in wall wire and am currently using the same 14 gage wire to the speakers and amp between the wall plates and their cheesy, good enough as it is screw on banana plugs.
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Post by broncsrule21 on May 1, 2016 13:08:43 GMT -5
I've noted a few posters on this thread specific to the gen 3, and many of you in general, like running multiple amps, as in a 2 channel to run the front mains and an additional am for the center and surrounds. Why? Is it really make it sound that much better than what a single 5 channel amp be it an xpa gen 5 or 5 channel gen 3 would sound? Please enlighten me. I'm new to this whole amp thing and have zero basis for comparison. Learning about this is fun. Possibly for one or two reasons. Typically fronts and rears are bigger, harder to drive speakers and are more predominant. Therefore a bigger amp is required/desired and the user may also want just a 2-channel system at times. Or it is just result of the upgrade path they took. In my case I moved from receivers, bought a 2-channel amp to power my fronts, then onto mono blocks, etc. |
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Lsc
Emo VIPs 
Posts: 3,434
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Post by Lsc on May 1, 2016 13:24:07 GMT -5
I've noted a few posters on this thread specific to the gen 3, and many of you in general, like running multiple amps, as in a 2 channel to run the front mains and an additional am for the center and surrounds. Why? Is it really make it sound that much better than what a single 5 channel amp be it an xpa gen 5 or 5 channel gen 3 would sound? Please enlighten me. I'm new to this whole amp thing and have zero basis for comparison. Learning about this is fun. Power handling - the mains are typically larger speakers that go lower in frequency and thus the additional power is helpful - also the mains are used for music so those that really enjoy listening to music will use a more powerful 2 channel amp because it sounds better. I have a 5 channel amp that's more than powerful enough for 2 channels as well as home theater. When I went 7.1, I went with a lower line to power the surround backs. This is also an option. However, I got a chance to get the XPR-2 as a final upgrade to my amps...and to me it was well worth it. I don't even think about upgrading my amps anymore - just will need to add more amps when I go Atmos. The 5 channel gen 3 should be more than sufficient for most IMHO. |
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Post by leonski on May 1, 2016 21:53:14 GMT -5
For movies and HT? Most speakers in that category are in the 'easier to drive' and more sensitive end of the spectrum. I don't know how to do the calculation, but a 5.x or 7.x system can get pretty loud without enough power to dim the lights in the nearest city. Such speakers typically are designed for the awful HT receiver. None of which, IMO have any more than minimal juice.
That being said, the discussion topic makes more sense for MUSIC which sounds like something. NOBODY knows what most of the wacky sound effects in modern movies actually SOUND like. And most people are reasonably concerned with Listenable dialogue from the center / front speakers.
So, before going ahead one needs to determine End Use. My system is biased for MUSIC but is great for movies. It is 'only' a 2.1 system. But when the Dinosaur walks, stuff on the walls rattles. After listening to plenty of live music, I can say my system does a reasonable job of reproduction.
Besides sheer power, when assembling a SYSTEM for HT Use, other things become more important. Matching Timbre of speakers. Reasonable power allocation. Proper sub placements. Room modifiers, perhaps diffusion or absorption. Plenty of power TO the equipment is frequentyly overlooked.
Lots of ways this can go!
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Post by srpawski on May 2, 2016 9:24:47 GMT -5
All of my stuff is voice matched in the same family. I made sure of that when I bought it when I laid down the money for the fronts to get the rest matched. I want a killer music system which means my HT will also be killer. It sounds good now just needs the right power.
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Post by repeetavx on May 2, 2016 10:34:18 GMT -5
Hi srpawski,
I see that you're a Definitive man like me. Excellent!
Yes, you have a killer system. Definitive speakers don't get the respect that they deserve. They are too "honest" for most audiophiles. Yet there is nothing better for home theater than "honest" speakers.
Another area we agree on is Blue Jeans Cables. Great technology, good quality and a sensible price.
You really deserve to get external amps for yourself. Once you do, you'll never go back to integrated for your "reference" system. And if you get Gen. 3, then you'll have gotten "the cream of the crop".
Me, I'm waiting for the "balanced" blades to come out.
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Post by ntculenuf on May 2, 2016 11:04:57 GMT -5
Repeetavx & Srpawski
My system consist of the following
Definitive Technology
BP7001sc (L&R)
CLR 3000 (center)
Supercube I (LFE)
Polk Audio RT800I (L&R Surround)
As previously stated I just installed the XPA five gen 3 and WOW. The Emotiva mates well with my speakers. They have a presence I have not heard with my Adcom amp.
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Post by HTfanHungary on May 2, 2016 11:33:10 GMT -5
Repeetavx & Srpawski My system consist of the following Definitive Technology BP7001sc (L&R) CLR 3000 (center) Supercube I (LFE) Polk Audio RT800I (L&R Surround) As previously stated I just installed the XPA five gen 3 and WOW. The Emotiva mates well with my speakers. They have a presence I have not heard with my Adcom amp. The XPA range of amps is getting better and better as it was promised. My XPA-5 gen2 is 6 months old already and I am completely happy with it (with HER, maybe)!  )))))) My price was USD 799,- back in November which was also a strong argument. Finally it cost me an equivalent of USD 1.200,- due to taxes and transportation costs overseas (I live in Hungary/Europe). The gen3 would cost me approx. USD 2.400....  |
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Post by ntculenuf on May 2, 2016 11:51:02 GMT -5
Repeetavx & Srpawski My system consist of the following Definitive Technology BP7001sc (L&R) CLR 3000 (center) Supercube I (LFE) Polk Audio RT800I (L&R Surround) As previously stated I just installed the XPA five gen 3 and WOW. The Emotiva mates well with my speakers. They have a presence I have not heard with my Adcom amp. The XPA range of amps is getting better and better as it was promised. My XPA-5 gen2 is 6 months old already and I am completely happy with it (with HER, maybe)! )))))) My price was USD 799,- back in November which was also a strong argument. Finally it cost me an equivalent of USD 1.200,- due to taxes and transportation costs overseas (I live in Hungary/Europe). The gen3 would cost me approx. USD 2.400.... Boy those taxes get you over seas guys. I suppose it would be the same for us in the states ordering from another country. Even at the $1500 for the XPA 5 gen 3 it is still better pricing than 5 channel amps with less power from other companies. When I first started following Emotiva I wanted the XPR 5 and just could never commit to the buy. When I was finally ready it was discontinued and the XPA gen 3 was coming out. Would have I liked to have the beast of wattage that the XPR 5 had yes but I am extremely happy with my XPA 5 Gen 3 |
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))))))
