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Post by goodfellas27 on May 31, 2016 23:06:11 GMT -5
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Post by garbulky on Jun 1, 2016 0:25:03 GMT -5
Looks like a nice amp. Emotiva does have some competition. It is $300 cheaper than Emotiva's offering, made in the US, and has large twin torroidal transformers (albeit two years less warranty). Anyway this reviewer has some doozies. " A great amplifier doesn’t have to perform any special tricks; all it needs to do is remain composed when operating within its specifications and go about its business as transparently as possible" Oh is that IT?  "Right then amp. You run on now and perform PERFECTLY will ya? Be back for tea when you're done (being perfect) will you? Yawn, my Pioneer is just as good. I just play it softer and it's the same exact perfectly transparent quality. Simple logic really. I saved myself a bundle I did." I see AVS is still in fine form! |
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Post by snacker on Jun 1, 2016 2:10:54 GMT -5
Back looks cheap.
Maybe I'm just bias.
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Post by peacock on Jun 1, 2016 2:47:27 GMT -5
its an ATI 1807 at a much lower price. it also has independent PSU (DC bridge and caps) for each channel.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 1, 2016 9:53:32 GMT -5
its an ATI 1807 at a much lower price. it also has independent PSU (DC bridge and caps) for each channel. Right, we discussed this after CES as well ( here), ATI is respectable (I'm an old SAE fan). The differences between the XPA-7 that stick out to me are the Emo's power supply that allows it to produce 500+ WPC driving two channels (though we don't know what the MP will do in this situation). Also the XPA-7 has both balanced and single ended inputs (XLR/RCA), while many don't need this, it's desirable in some situations and to some people – one of the distinguishing features of the XPA series. The Tiffany style RCA's on the Monoprice look decent, but the speaker binding posts don't inspire confidence. Of course one big difference is that the Monolith is available and the XPA-7 isn't. (Full disclosure, I own an XPA-7 and don't plan on selling it)  |
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Post by teaman on Jun 1, 2016 10:39:45 GMT -5
I agree, the speaker binding posts look very cheap and the fact that they don't offer XLR is kind of a let down too. If ATI built this amp though, I would say the performance is nothing to sneeze at.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 1, 2016 11:25:08 GMT -5
Actually thinking about it, the Monolith makes the XPA-7 seem like a pretty good deal. For $100 more we got the things I mentioned above, and most of us payed less – with eClub, warehouse or Christmas sales typical prices were between $1200 and $1440. Also Monoprice charges shipping, for me it's only $28, but it goes up with distance from SoCal (and Cali's pay tax as well).
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Post by goodfellas27 on Jun 1, 2016 12:25:36 GMT -5
XPA7 Gen2 is no longer on sell
Gen3 cost 1899 versus 1499 for Monoprice
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Post by rbk123 on Jun 1, 2016 12:37:18 GMT -5
I'm glad there's competition - that can only benefit the consumer. I do wonder how Monoprice would handle the support/repair work.
No XLR is probably a deal breaker for many (not me but others). However, I personally would pay the premium for the XPR technology in the Gen3.
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Post by eclypse on Jun 1, 2016 14:59:16 GMT -5
I'm glad there's competition - that can only benefit the consumer. I do wonder how Monoprice would handle the support/repair work. No XLR is probably a deal breaker for many (not me but others). However, I personally would pay the premium for the XPR technology in the Gen3. No doubt about it.. if I have the dough I'd easy slap in my order for the 7 channel gen 3 over that. |
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Post by benbvan on Jun 1, 2016 22:46:53 GMT -5
So far as I can tell, I'll also be sticking with Gen3. I've run it for hours at reference level and the thing was practically cold..
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jun 2, 2016 0:41:45 GMT -5
XPA7 Gen2 is no longer on sell Gen3 cost 1899 versus 1499 for Monoprice Right, a better comparison is the XPA seven Gen 3; we know that's $1899 to your door, unless you live in Tennessee and have to pay sales tax. I priced the Monolith from a couple locations to get the details, for those of us in California it's more expensive: Subtotal: $1,499.00 Shipping & handling: $27.79 Tax: $114.51 Order Total : $1,641.30At my Utah address it's probably typical of what most people would pay Subtotal: $1,499.00 Shipping & handling: $55.48 Tax: $0.00 Order Total : $1,554.48So for between $258 and $345 more for the XPA G3 you get: balanced Inputs, better binding posts, and a 2 more years on the warranty (3 vs 5). The ability to reconfigure the G3 is there, but once you've filled all the slots, you're not likely to send it in for a change. Then there's the power supply, for some the G3's SMPS weighing about 40 pounds less would be desirable; but if you're skeptical of SMPS you may like the Monoprice's linear supply (and its 93 pound total weight). Finally there's cosmetics, if you care (I do), you'd probably want whatever matches your other gear best. Choices are good.  |
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Post by goodfellas27 on Jun 2, 2016 9:20:33 GMT -5
XPA7 Gen2 is no longer on sell Gen3 cost 1899 versus 1499 for Monoprice Right, a better comparison is the XPA seven Gen 3; we know that's $1899 to your door, unless you live in Tennessee and have to pay sales tax. I priced the Monolith from a couple locations to get the details, for those of us in California it's more expensive: Subtotal: $1,499.00 Shipping & handling: $27.79 Tax: $114.51 Order Total : $1,641.30At my Utah address it's probably typical of what most people would pay Subtotal: $1,499.00 Shipping & handling: $55.48 Tax: $0.00 Order Total : $1,554.48So for between $258 and $345 more for the XPA G3 you get: balanced Inputs, better binding posts, and a 2 more years on the warranty (3 vs 5). The ability to reconfigure the G3 is there, but once you've filled all the slots, you're not likely to send it in for a change. Then there's the power supply, for some the G3's SMPS weighing about 40 pounds less would be desirable; but if you're skeptical of SMPS you may like the Monoprice's linear supply (and its 93 pound total weight). Finally there's cosmetics, if you care (I do), you'd probably want whatever matches your other gear best. Choices are good. All true and valid points. It's good to have a little competition: ATI, Outlaw, Monoprice & Emotiva. |
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Post by goodfellas27 on Jun 2, 2016 13:59:11 GMT -5
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Post by benbvan on Jun 2, 2016 15:10:44 GMT -5
OK, read the review. I'd like to see what the Gen3 does on the test bench. I'm going to guess the figures will be significantly higher in regards to power output.
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Post by leonski on Jun 4, 2016 17:50:21 GMT -5
OK, read the review. I'd like to see what the Gen3 does on the test bench. I'm going to guess the figures will be significantly higher in regards to power output. 2 issues. DOUBLE the power is only 3db. I have no idea of what is called dynamic headroom of EITHER amp. Also, given PS limitations, 'redline' power drops as the number of Driven Channels increases. It is VERY doubtful that you will Ever Need max power x7 channels. At least for real musical content or even an effects-oriented movie. NOBODY is talking power into real speakers. And NOBODY makes a speaker which is simply resistive. Amps differ in the ability to drive real, reactive loads, even if the are identical into a resistor. |
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Post by benbvan on Jun 4, 2016 17:58:08 GMT -5
I've noticed a huge increase in driver control and dynamics since using the Gen3 vs avr. I would imagine, having heard other amps driving watt puppies in the past (sunfire vs mark levinson no. 33), that more power and more damping factor equals more impactful and cleaner sound at higher listening levels.
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Post by leonski on Jun 4, 2016 20:43:42 GMT -5
BenBvan,
Your observation is Why comparisons of equipment MUST be level matched. People tend in no small degree, to PREFER louder.
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Post by benbvan on Jun 4, 2016 21:09:05 GMT -5
I understand your point. They were level matched at -10db volume pot, and both sounded amazing. Just in different ways. Obviously the no. 33 was more dynamic and authorative over the drivers.
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Post by benbvan on Jun 4, 2016 21:12:25 GMT -5
But regardless, I'd still like to see the figures. That was my original point.
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