rc2776
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 8 
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Post by rc2776 on May 11, 2016 20:02:15 GMT -5
Hello Lounge Members, I am an Audio enthusiast for the past couple of decades and had been sitting on the fence regarding adding XPA-5 for the past few years and finally took the plunge. I am very excited yet want to proceed with caution. What should I expect ? I have an 11.1 (soon to be 11.2) Setup with Aperion Verus Grand Towers, VG Center, VG Book shelves for the side surrounds and 6 ceiling speakers for Front Height, Front Wide / Atmos Middle and Rear Surround, and Dual Seaton Submersives (the new Submersive hasn't been commissioned yet) in a rather large space (36' X 18' X 9') open to the rest of the house (Approximately 20000 cu ft total). My setup is on the Den half of the Kitchen / Den combo, the Towers are 10' apart and the MLP is 17' from the Center Speaker. I have the Denon AVR-4311 for the past few years and recently experimented with a Pioneer Elite SC-95 (yes ...for $999 from Best Buy). Over all I have very rich and powerful sound and Home Theater simply rocks and Dolby Atmos takes it to the next level ! However, 2 Channel or All Channel Stereo leaves a lot to be desired. I feel I never reached the Audio Nirvana that other Aperion and Submersive owners seem to have achieved. As you can tell I am no audiophile and don't have the right words to describe what I am missing but I will try - I don't hear the clear separation of instruments - Music doesn't sound live or "Airy" ... I don't visualize "the musician to be in the room" with my eyes open or closed  - The kick drum doesn't have the smack - it doesn't kick in the chest - The high frequency sounds are more mellow than what I would like Most of my above observations were with the AVR-4311. Recently I "temprarily" replaced it with the Pioneer SC-95 to try out ATMOS. Atmos encoded content sounds amazing, but I prefer everything else about the Denon sound. Since my Theater Room is in the middle of everything I do not have the option to add any room treatments and do not have many subwoofer or speaker placement options. I also haven't had the opportunity to do proper measurements yet. Since the SC-95 music performance did not wow me, and Dolby Atmos content still limited and me not going the 4K route for at least another 2-3 years, I decided to return the Pioneer and get the XPA-5 instead. What should I expect from the new beast in my arsenal ? Any tips, advice, or reality check directives would be greatly appreciated. Much thanks in advance. |
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Post by novisnick on May 11, 2016 20:34:25 GMT -5
Hellomand welcome to your/our nuthouse!!  So glad you found us, there're alot of wonderful and helpful friends to be made here!  Try to post all of your gear please, it'll help us help you. If the AVR is powering your surround speakers, your in for a little surprise! Action mobies will have greater impact and realism in them. Authority comes to mind. Theres always room for some kind of treatment! Trust me on this one. The XPA-5 is a must have IMHO in every HT setup. Steady as a rock and just as dependable.  To the  House!  |
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Post by cobra5wood on May 11, 2016 20:40:49 GMT -5
I migrated from my Denon 4311's amp section to an XPA-5 3 years ago and noticed greater "clarity" out of my venerable old Definitive Technology speakers primarily in the middle and upper ranges. Then I added an XPA-2 2 years ago for my fronts and noticed even more detail in the lower and middle ranges. I am running a 7.2 system in a room similar to yours for volume. It is 20' by 26' with 3 walls sloping upward to a 16' peak. The Audyssey XT32 has tamed my room pretty well. If I were ever to replace my speakers yours are currently at the top of my list.
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Post by teaman on May 11, 2016 21:15:35 GMT -5
Congrats on your purchase. Nothing but praise for the XPA-5. I hope you love yours as much as I love mine!
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Post by 509Paul on May 11, 2016 21:46:19 GMT -5
You are a lucky soul! I love mine!!
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Post by Wideawake on May 11, 2016 22:21:02 GMT -5
Another one bites the dust - ding-tang, ding-tang - another one bites the dust! Congratulations & Welcome! Once you go the separates route there is no going back. You will be hooked. I remember my first experience with separates - my jaw hit the floor and I could not move for some time. You will love it! Why are you posting in the forum if your amp has been delivered? Go hook it up and get your wife to take a picture of the stupid grin that will certainly form on your face. Enjoy! |
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rc2776
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 8
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Post by rc2776 on May 11, 2016 23:48:29 GMT -5
Thank you guys (and gals ... if there are any nutty girls ...not sure whether they exist) ... I already feel so damn welcome during my first few hours of membership. You guys are truly awesome and I feel great to be part of your brotherhood.
We recently underwent a mini re-model of our home ... and as luck (or stupidity) would have it mini became mega ... and 3 week project didn't finish in 3 months and the contractor bailed. So last 2 months have been stressful while I am trying finish up the remaining 10% work. Trying to wrap up as much as possible before my uncle arrives from overseas next Tuesday.
Can you guys believe it that the Sealed Submersive HP+ is still sitting in the garage for the past two weeks ? I simply can't ...but that is the sad truth.
While I gear up for the exciting weekend ... can you guys educate me on what is the scoop on the Oppo Blu Ray players ? Why do people go nuts about it ? Most of my content is Airplay from Pandora App, FLAC from my PC and DTS-HD MA, ATMOS encoded MKV files and occasionally Blu Rays. I do not have any SACDs or DVD-A media.
Will I benefit from a player that has a price tag almost 10X a standard Blu Ray player ?
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Post by sahmen on May 12, 2016 0:00:57 GMT -5
One missing link in the two-channel set up is a great Stereo preamp... A used USP-1, or, if you can afford it, an XSP-1 would do wonders for your two channel listening. Also, if the budget is available, I would add a great DAC to the XSP-1, and those two will take your two-channel listening to new places.
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Post by teaman on May 12, 2016 0:09:28 GMT -5
Great bunch of people here in the forum, welcome aboard. I hope everything comes together for you. Nothing worse than unfinished business, especially when it comes to remodels.
I still use Panasonic Bluray players so I cannot comment on the Oppo's either. I guess if you don't know what you are missing and you enjoy what you have all is good.
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Post by JKCashin on May 12, 2016 1:49:44 GMT -5
What was the retail on the XPA-5? I am considering a used one
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Post by eclypse on May 12, 2016 13:27:12 GMT -5
What was the retail on the XPA-5? I am considering a used one Last of them sold for $899. |
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Post by eclypse on May 12, 2016 13:30:16 GMT -5
See how it sounds first.. if ya want more go used xpa-1l and a xsp-1 for 2 channel stereo.. that will also help with the built in ht bypass on the xsp-1.
Mono blocks is what you want for what your describing.. that's everything I got going from a xpa-2 to a xpa-1l. Also got even better by amping the Mains with the xpa-2 hehe..
So in the end grab a pair of xpa-1 with the massive extra wattage and call it done.
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rc2776
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 8
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Post by rc2776 on May 12, 2016 13:34:47 GMT -5
What was the retail on the XPA-5? I am considering a used one The retail price was $999 for the past couple of years but they had knocked it down to $899 in recent times. The Gen 2 XPA-5 are sold out and no more are expected to be available. The Gen 3 has several improvements and are made in USA and are for $1499. emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/xpa-gen3Since the Gen-2 is sold out it may be hard to get a relative new one for a bargain. Many buyers would be interested in buying a slightly used one for say $750 or $800 than pay $1499 for a new one. Just my 2 cents. |
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Post by dougport on May 12, 2016 13:43:59 GMT -5
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Post by srpawski on May 14, 2016 21:08:34 GMT -5
Stupid question time -
Does the same Emotiva warranty apply to products purchased from their resellers?
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LCSeminole
Global Moderator 
Res firma mitescere nescit.
Posts: 20,849
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Post by LCSeminole on May 14, 2016 22:39:38 GMT -5
Stupid question time - Does the same Emotiva warranty apply to products purchased from their resellers? I would think the same warranty would apply, but I would also think that this question would be best answered by the re-seller that you are considering a purchase from or Emotiva sales. |
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Post by playitloud on May 15, 2016 13:02:29 GMT -5
Well...finally got my xpa5 and all I can say is wow! My speakers are Axioms m80's that were powered by denon 3308 (old staff). I have never heard those speakers sound so loud and clear. I did not know those speakers could produce bass until yesterday. I must have gotten the last one, because they disappeared from the website a day after I ordered mine...some how feel lucky. Right now I am thinking I need an xpa2 for 2 ch music, but I am little late for that. In all I am very happy with it.
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Post by Wideawake on May 15, 2016 13:13:27 GMT -5
Very cool! For 2 channel music, I suggest you get the XPA Gen-3 amp. Are you planning on using the Axioms for 2 channel also or are you looking to buy new speakers for music? I just noticed that there are XPA-2's for sale in the lounge. You can pick one up for < $500 shipped. emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/46887/fs-2-pcs-xpa-genWell...finally got my xpa5 and all I can say is wow! My speakers are Axioms m80's that were powered by denon 3308 (old staff). I have never heard those speakers sound so loud and clear. I did not know those speakers could produce bass until yesterday. I must have gotten the last one, because they disappeared from the website a day after I ordered mine...some how feel lucky. Right now I am thinking I need an xpa2 for 2 ch music, but I am little late for that. In all I am very happy with it. |
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Post by HTfanHungary on May 15, 2016 14:32:19 GMT -5
Well...finally got my xpa5 and all I can say is wow! My speakers are Axioms m80's that were powered by denon 3308 (old staff). I have never heard those speakers sound so loud and clear. I did not know those speakers could produce bass until yesterday. I must have gotten the last one, because they disappeared from the website a day after I ordered mine...some how feel lucky. Right now I am thinking I need an xpa2 for 2 ch music, but I am little late for that. In all I am very happy with it. Welcome to the Emotiva nuthouse, mate! |
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Post by novisnick on May 15, 2016 14:38:01 GMT -5
Well...finally got my xpa5 and all I can say is wow! My speakers are Axioms m80's that were powered by denon 3308 (old staff). I have never heard those speakers sound so loud and clear. I did not know those speakers could produce bass until yesterday. I must have gotten the last one, because they disappeared from the website a day after I ordered mine...some how feel lucky. Right now I am thinking I need an xpa2 for 2 ch music, but I am little late for that. In all I am very happy with it. Welcome to the Emotiva nuthouse, mate! ^^ What he said!!
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So glad you found us, there're alot of wonderful and helpful friends to be made here! 
Try to post all of your gear please, it'll help us help you.
