Would like feedback from Emotiva ERT-8.3 owners

[rob69]

Hi,
I'm looking for some feedback / advice / ideas ...

I've had a set of ERT-8.3s for almost 5 years, running with xpa-2,usp-1,erc-2 for music only. I got them on clearance when being phased out, so took a $1200 gamble.
To be honest, after I got them and listened to them for a few weeks, I was equally very impressed and very disappointed, depending on the CD or type of music I played.
I'm not an audiophile, so don't know best way to describe the disappointing things; but I will try >> they sometimes seem very bright, the highs seem metallic and too forward, they seem unforgiving to many recordings, and I guess I get tired or fatigued when listening to some CDs. On the other hand half the CDs are great and clear as a bell, and some sound even better very loud. So it's confusing.

It's been bothering me for years, so I finally thought to write this thread to ask other ERT-8.3 owners what they've experienced, did they have similar issues, what did they do, and any ideas how I might maximize these speakers and/or my system. Just curious what other owners think.

I really like my Emo stuff when it's playing well, and since I invested my life savings when I got this system, I was hoping I could keep it for many years.
So, I'd like to see if I can improve things without replacing the speakers, and was wondering what steps I should/could try.

FYI. I did talk to various nice folks at Emotiva a few times over the years when I got frustrated, and I got the following varying advice each time:

- One guy told me to try the normal stuff: try the speakers in different locations, swap them, toe them in, try the adjustments on the back, etc. Some things were a little better than others, but my main issues remained. He also thought I could try adding a sealed subwoofer such as and SVS or JLAudio. Since then, I've been saving for a subwoofer, but haven't been able yet.

- Another guy advised me to upgrade my xpa-2 because he thought it was too weak for my 30'x14' room. I realized a pair of mono-blocks would be better, but I didn't agree that my xpa-2 was insufficient. I thought since it sometimes sounded great and dynamic, low power didn't seem to be the reason to me. And the cost of 2 xpa-1s was not in my budget at all.

- Another guy told me I should upgrade my USP-1 preamp to the xsp-1. I thought yes maybe it's the pre-amp, but didn't have $1000 to see. I thought the xsp-1's bass and treble adjustments might help a lot until I saw in the manual that they were only +-2db. The +-2db adjustments on the back of the speakers didn't seem to make any difference to me at all, so figured I needed lot more.

- Last week I talked to a very nice guy. He was the first guy that was willing to hear, accept, and agree with me that in my case it seems to definitely be the speakers. So, we talked and he said T1s would be best solution, but I didn't want to replace ert-8.3s unless I have no other choice. I mentioned I wanted to get a PT-100 pre-Amp/DAC for my little living room system and he suggested I try it with my main system, because it has +-10db bass and treble adjustments. So I just ordered one and should get it soon.

I will try the PT-100 & trims in place of the usp-1, and see if that helps. I don't know if my usp-1 is a lot better musically than the PT-100 or not? I imagine the tech has changed in 5yrs.
I'm also hoping I can have enough saved soon to get an SVS SB-1000 or SB-2000 to see if that helps. It seems that those are good steps to begin with, then I'll see where to go from there.

Sorry, I wrote way too much here, but I'd really appreciate any thoughts or advice any of you may have, so I can factor it in.
Thanks for your patience, Rob

[Casey Leedom]

Your electronics are fine. You should start with auditioning speakers. The second order problem may be placement and room issues.

Casey

[vcautokid]

I would attack the things that are free first. As leedom shared, placement and possible room issues might be the culprit here. The ERT-8.3 speakers do best with attention to toe, and room acoustics considerations. If you have wood floors, lots of glass everywhere, you know, windows doors etc. Glass coffee table in front of you, even a hardwood coffee table can cause unwanted reflections. I don't think you need to go after speakers first till you exploited all the room considerations, and your speaker placement. Again, even in audio sometimes, the best things in life are free.

There is no harm auditioning some other speakers in YOUR listening room if possible, and you are curious. Usually doing that is free under a Demo program if you have a dealer close by that does that.

You indicate some budget considerations as well in your post. New speakers will undoubtedly cost some too. May even exceed the electronics you have possibly in price. So I would go at this slowly, and try one thing at a time with your room treatment, and speaker placement, and see how it all sounds.

[stads77]

I would argue that the xpa-2 and usp-1 can be too forward and/or bright. Having owned them in the past, I would describe that combo as working best with speakers that are more laid back and "warm" sounding.

[geebo]

I've had the 8.3's since the closeout as well. I actually find them to be pretty neutral and way less bright than the Polk RTi's I had before them. It actually took a little getting used to because at first I thought they were a little laid back. My room is fairly dead. They will make poorly recorded material sound like poorly recorded material.
Have you tried adjusting the switches on the back of the cabinet?

[brutiarti]

Part of a good system is that well recorded music will sound amazing and bad recordings will sound bad, so probably your equipment is fine. But you always can play with speaker placement and see if you can get better sound in general. My 2 cents

[creimes]

Hey Rob,

One question I have is do you have room treatments at all, I made acoustic panels with MDF, Roxul SafeNsound and cheap sheets from Walmart, there are many tutorials out there to do so and it's really easy, you can also buy the of course but you can save yourself hundreds of dollars making your own, reflection points can be killer for a good system and good speakers.

I also agree with the noted posts above how I find a good system will make good sounding music good and bad sounding music bad, I purchased a Metallica CD and the mastering or recording they put on the CD was absolutely horrid and I threw it i the garbage as it was that bad.

Chad

[Jean Genie]

Hi Rob, welcome to the lounge.
    I, too, am using the XPA-2 as well as a USP-1 with my Magnepan 1.7 speakers and I must say, I'm thrilled with the sound of most recordings I listen to, be they CD, SACD, DVD-A or hi-def FLAC or WAV files. I do find, however, that poorly (re)mastered recordings can be harsh/bright/fatigue-ing. I hardly consider myself an audiophile and, to be honest, my last hearing test indicated that high frequencies above 14k were pretty much lost on me. 
    From what I understand, my maggies are both notoriously hard to drive and possibly bright to some listeners, so much so that Magnepan includes a pair of HF attenuators that I've never found necessary -YMMV.  That said, the XPA-2 has no problem with these speakers and they can play quite loud.
    My point is (there must be one somewhere, right?), what you may be hearing from your speakers could just be the occasional poor quality recording. When I hear anything harsh and/or distorted I make a mental note of the offending passage, song or album and go back and listen through headphones to double check. It's usually a bad recording, not the speakers. Personally, unless my XPA-2 dies, you'll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. 
    If you're hell bent on trying different speakers, as others have mentioned you should try to listen in your own room whenever possible. One option that I'm well aware of are Maggie MMGs, which can be auditioned for free for 60 days. 
    www.magnepan.com/model_MMG
I believe they also offer a buy back program if you keep/buy the MMGs and decide to
upgrade, they'll offer full value within a year.
Also, consider the source. Some people say  different DACs have varying sound signatures and may affect the quality of some frequencies. So maybe your PT-100 or another cost efficient solution may be had. Perhaps an Ego of one or the other ilk is all you need to achieve audible bliss.
Best of luck, whatever you decide to do and happy listening and Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
- Jorge
        

[copperpipe]

Dec 21, 2016 10:30:19 GMT -5 creimes said:

I purchased a Metallica CD and the mastering or recording music they put on the CD was absolutely horrid and I threw it i the garbage as it was that bad.

Chad

There, fixed that for you

[Deleted]

Hi Rob and welcome to the Lounge!

I own the Emotiva ERM-1 bookshelf model.  Please note that it has the exact same 3 drivers as the top of your ERT-8.3's (one 1" tweeter and two 5.25" mid/bass drivers, these drivers are very high power handling).  The cabinet it ever so slightly smaller than the top of the 8.3 which in theory might make it sound ever so slightly more defined in the high end, otherwise it should sound almost identical next to the 8.3 except for the bass end of the 8's.  I have been very pleased over  the last 7 years or so.  My ERM-1's when in 2 channel are driven by a Emo XPA-5 with way over 300 watts into 4 ohms, 2 channels.  I have them crossed to a good Outlaw Audio sub, LFM-1 Plus (HSU clone) at 80Hz.  I have owned numerous speakers over the past 48 years.  Many much more expensive and some very dynamic horn speakers.  These ERM-1's IMO are the best bang for the buck speaker ever for me.  They for my ears are very neutral, low distortion, excellent off axis dispersion and extremely non-fatiguing!  I can listen to them for many hours especially with some recorded horns that tend to sound bright with no irritation.  Much of my music I tend listen to in 5.1 sound as I prefer that over 2 ch stereo,  plus they sound great in SACD and Blu-Ray sound tracks.  They are also the L&R speakers along with another ERM-1 as center speaker and two Emo ERD-1's as surrounds and the sub in my 5.1 system.  I also have the ERC-2.  

You seem to have adequate power IMO based on the limited idea of your room.  The XPA-2 is a power house 2 ch amp and was tested put by Audioholics into 4 ohms at 515 watts, 1 ch and 410 watts, 2 ch. and by Secrets (Hi-Fi) with 400 watts (0.07% THD+N), 4 ohms!  That's a lot of very clean power.  Lonnie found the XPA-2 produced in stereo 4 ohm load, both channel driven, 0.1THD: 500.1 WRMS!  Audioholics said:  The XPA-2 is not only the most powerful amplifier that has come across my test bench, but it represents the best value in consumer two-channel amplification that I’ve ever seen.   I don't think you need the mono-blocks unless your room has maybe high ceilings and loads of sound deadening requiring 3-4 dB's of more output on very dynamic sources.

Thoughts and Questions:

..... Make sure you have the XPA-2 amp plugged directly into the power receptacle and not thru any surge protectors, power conditioners, etc.

..... The sound you will hear even thru the finest speakers will be very dependent on the sound source.  Many CD's, and other music sources are dreadfully produced.

..... The placement of the speakers in your room is very important.  They should if possible be 2-3 feet (or even more) from any boundary (wall, corner or near any cabinet or other object).  If they have to for practical reasons be too close to any boundary, try the boundary compensation switch on the back of the 8's, it is very effective in the 100-400Hz range or so and will make vocals seem much cleaner and less bassy sounding.  Also the tweeter level controls and high/low extension as well as the mid controls are subtle but very helpful and you should clearly be able to hear the subtle difference.

..... I think the UPS-1 is fine and doubt very much you would hear any improvement with the PT-100.  Do not use the  +/-10db bass and treble adjustments, they are much too general (not precise enough for your complaints) and only for low cost systems.  Too much on these controls, especially cranking up the bass is a big no-no!  My memory is poor but I think the UPS-1 has no tone controls.  Try the +/- 2 dB controls on the 8.3, that in many case will be enough.  The best way to adjust frequencies to flat at your seating area is with a parametric EQ that comes on many pre-pro's like the Emo UMC-1 or upcoming pre-pro (hard to find on a plain 2 channel preamp).  Like the MC-700, Eleven user-programmable fully parametric equalizers per channel provide exceptional manual control over room acoustics.  Get yourself a frequency test CD and a Radio Shack SPL (sound pressure level) meter.  Do a test from your main seat to see if you have any large variations from flat (About 75dB's is a good sound level to test at and about 500-1000 Hz tone as a reference).  Only reduce peaks above about 4dB's or higher to reduce sound that is peaked.  Raise tones that are below flat only a very slight amount or better yet none at all. 

..... I think your main issues are your sources or your speaker room placement  and not your amp, preamp or speakers!  A HUGE HELP would be to post some photos of your room and how the speakers are placed.  We then can see if you have any boundary issues, sound absorption issues, windows, draperies and so on.  Many photos will help from different angles including your main seat and any openings from your 30 x 14 room to other areas.

..... Adding an excellent sub when you get the money might help in several ways.  Crossing over to a sub at about 60-80Hz for the 8.3's (no lower!) will relieve the XPA-2 of driving the 8.3's in the lowest bass below 80-60Hz.  The dedicated amp in the powered sub will do all the hard amplifying down deep.  I doubt if your amp is straining with the 8.3's but it would never hurt to add a top sub.  The sub will actually reproduce the lowest bass below 60-80Hz better than the 8.3.  Note, I am talking about a high quality/performing sub.  I recommend the online subs only.  SVS is fine but their prices are rising slightly now due to dealer sales.  Look to the SB-2000 or up.  Other online dealers are HSU Research, Power Sound Audio, Outlaw Audio and Rythmik.  Sealed sub are maybe best for music only but consider ported subs also if you ever might go to surround sound.

Sorry, I wrote way too much here.   (But hope it might help some.)  

[tchaik]

Dec 21, 2016 13:40:12 GMT -5 @tllfkacn said:

Hi Rob and welcome to the Lounge!

I own the Emotiva ERM-1 bookshelf model.  Please note that it has the exact same 3 drivers as the top of your ERT-8.3's (one 1" tweeter and two 5.25" mid/bass drivers, these drivers are very high power handling).  The cabinet it ever so slightly smaller than the top of the 8.3 which in theory might make it sound ever so slightly more defined in the high end, otherwise it should sound almost identical next to the 8.3 except for the bass end of the 8's.  I have been very pleased over  the last 7 years or so.  My ERM-1's when in 2 channel are driven by a Emo XPA-5 with way over 300 watts into 4 ohms, 2 channels.  I have them crossed to a good Outlaw Audio sub, LFM-1 Plus (HSU clone) at 80Hz.  I have owned numerous speakers over the past 48 years.  Many much more expensive and some very dynamic horn speakers.  These ERM-1's IMO are the best bang for the buck speaker ever for me.  They for my ears are very neutral, low distortion, excellent off axis dispersion and extremely non-fatiguing!  I can listen to them for many hours especially with some recorded horns that tend to sound bright with no irritation.  Much of my music I tend listen to in 5.1 sound as I prefer that over 2 ch stereo,  plus they sound great in SACD and Blu-Ray sound tracks.  They are also the L&R speakers along with another ERM-1 as center speaker and two Emo ERD-1's as surrounds and the sub in my 5.1 system.  I also have the ERC-2.  

You seem to have adequate power IMO based on the limited idea of your room.  The XPA-2 is a power house 2 ch amp and was tested put by Audioholics into 4 ohms at 515 watts, 1 ch and 410 watts, 2 ch. and by Secrets (Hi-Fi) with 400 watts (0.07% THD+N), 4 ohms!  That's a lot of very clean power.  Lonnie found the XPA-2 produced in stereo 4 ohm load, both channel driven, 0.1THD: 500.1 WRMS!  Audioholics said:  The XPA-2 is not only the most powerful amplifier that has come across my test bench, but it represents the best value in consumer two-channel amplification that I’ve ever seen.   I don't think you need the mono-blocks unless your room has maybe high ceilings and loads of sound deadening requiring 3-4 dB's of more output on very dynamic sources.

Thoughts and Questions:

..... Make sure you have the XPA-2 amp plugged directly into the power receptacle and not thru any surge protectors, power conditioners, etc.

..... The sound you will hear even thru the finest speakers will be very dependent on the sound source.  Many CD's, and other music sources are dreadfully produced.

..... The placement of the speakers in your room is very important.  They should if possible be 2-3 feet (or even more) from any boundary (wall, corner or near any cabinet or other object).  If they have to for practical reasons be too close to any boundary, try the boundary compensation switch on the back of the 8's, it is very effective in the 100-400Hz range or so and will make vocals seem much cleaner and less bassy sounding.  Also the tweeter level controls and high/low extension as well as the mid controls are subtle but very helpful and you should clearly be able to hear the subtle difference.

..... I think the UPS-1 is fine and doubt very much you would hear any improvement with the PT-100.  Do not use the  +/-10db bass and treble adjustments, they are much too general (not precise enough for your complaints) and only for low cost systems.  Too much on these controls, especially cranking up the bass is a big no-no!  My memory is poor but I think the UPS-1 has no tone controls.  Try the +/- 2 dB controls on the 8.3, that in many case will be enough.  The best way to adjust frequencies to flat at your seating area is with a parametric EQ that comes on many pre-pro's like the Emo UMC-1 or upcoming pre-pro (hard to find on a plain 2 channel preamp).  Like the MC-700, Eleven user-programmable fully parametric equalizers per channel provide exceptional manual control over room acoustics.  Get yourself a frequency test CD and a Radio Shack SPL (sound pressure level) meter.  Do a test from your main seat to see if you have any large variations from flat (About 75dB's is a good sound level to test at and about 500-1000 Hz tone as a reference).  Only reduce peaks above about 4dB's or higher to reduce sound that is peaked.  Raise tones that are below flat only a very slight amount or better yet none at all. 

..... I think your main issues are your sources or your speaker room placement  and not your amp, preamp or speakers!  A HUGE HELP would be to post some photos of your room and how the speakers are placed.  We then can see if you have any boundary issues, sound absorption issues, windows, draperies and so on.  Many photos will help from different angles including your main seat and any openings from your 30 x 14 room to other areas.

..... Adding an excellent sub when you get the money might help in several ways.  Crossing over to a sub at about 60-80Hz for the 8.3's (no lower!) will relieve the XPA-2 of driving the 8.3's in the lowest bass below 80-60Hz.  The dedicated amp in the powered sub will do all the hard amplifying down deep.  I doubt if your amp is straining with the 8.3's but it would never hurt to add a top sub.  The sub will actually reproduce the lowest bass below 60-80Hz better than the 8.3.  Note, I am talking about a high quality/performing sub.  I recommend the online subs only.  SVS is fine but their prices are rising slightly now due to dealer sales.  Look to the SB-2000 or up.  Other online dealers are HSU Research, Power Sound Audio, Outlaw Audio and Rythmik.  Sealed sub are maybe best for music only but consider ported subs also if you ever might go to surround sound.

Sorry, I wrote way too much here.   (But hope it might help some.)  

i agree with chuckienut's assessment of the situation. room placement and live/dead acoustics as well as boundary issues can be devastating to the sound of an otherwise excellent system. go for the no-cost solution first. as for changing out the pre-amp, the XSP-1/XPR-2 combination is absolutely stunning. if that is not in the budget see if someone in the emporium is selling an XSP-1 at a price of your liking. if you choose not to change your pre-amp, then after you solve some of your problems consider one of the emo-subs considering the cost during the holidays is ridiculously low. good luck.


tchaik……………

[garbulky]

Hey there
First Room treatments! Get some! Totally worth it.
Second: If you are looking for reccomendations on gear.
SUBS. These warm things up and give you more solidity.
Third: Electronics: DC-1 + XPA-1 gen 2. Match made in heaven. Especially if you are not using subs.
Fourth: The XSP-1 is no longer my recommendation. But if you do get an XSP-1 know that it scales very well when you increase the volume. Things that are loud sound better. It is an improvement over the USP-1.

[panterapunch]

I have owned the 8.3 for a long time and i can tell you the are very good speakers, but maybe your "ears" you prefer another type of sound some of us like more dynamic sound like horns, another like more precise, or warm speakers thats the opinion u can only solve and not trough the ears of somebody else.

after saying that. I think the best option its what the guys here have said experiment with toe position, cheap room treatments, before go buying something else especially if the budget its short, and maybe in your case you like some coloration in the sound and a equaliser can help you to get there, sometimes the audiophile sound its not the best for all and a little coloration can help u get the sound you like.

good luck in your search.

[miata57]

Rob69

I can sure relate to what you said. I now use the Emotiva's T1's speakers but I used to have MMGs as my main speakers. Some of my CDs sound amazing, others have that super over bright sound that I just cannot bare.
(not to mention a big lack of bass) This happened with my MMGs and the T1s. On a positive note, I would like to think that our equipment is just revealing poor production regarding the bright CDs and/or vinyl.

I have not really solved the problem, but did reduce the toe-in of my speakers and that helped a lot. Just to conclude, my T1s are far more fatiguing after long listening compared to my MMGs but my MMGs lacked the detail of the T1s. So, IMO it is a combination the speaker and the source. What CDs are giving that extra bright sound? I'm curious.

Cheers
Howie

[rob69]

Hi all,

Don't mean to side-track, and I know this is not normal, but I just wanted to say:

Thank you all very very much!!! I logged in and was so happily shocked to see so many great replies to my post.
I sat down last night after a hard day and spent 3 or 4 hours writing that post, which I've been procrastinating about for so many years.
I was trying to put down what was rolling around in my head, but it's very difficult because I'm disabled and have some heavy physical and mental health issues.
I finally sent the post, then thought >> OH No, what did I do? What did I say? After reading it over six times, I was worried it sounded too negative or I gave the wrong impression. (Yes, I worry way too much.) I really love my Emo stuff, and when a good tune plays I just float away from reality for a while. And most tunes play well on my equipment. So, I am very grateful. These problems have just been nagging at me and bugging me, always lurking in the background, and disappointing me a little. Part of the problem has been that I never seemed to be able to make the proper time and muster the necessary energy to gather more knowledge and deal with it better.

Seeing all your nice replies, reminded me why I originally decided to take a risk and buy my Emotiva stuff. The people at Emotiva were very nice and knowledgeable and patient when I was learning and trying to figure out what to buy. And the owners and perspective-owners who discussed things on this forum were passionate and were helping each other get up the "good audio" ladder and helping each other have fun. Then, the equipment I got was well made and a good value and sounded better than anything I ever thought I could ever afford. Now, it's almost 5 years later, and I'm reminded of how important the people side of things is. Sounds dumb, but my music sounds better when I imagine all my fellow Emo owners cranking their tunes and enjoying the moments like me.

I'm sorry for writing a bunch of stupid stuff that has no place in a forum post. I guess I'm not doing well, and seeing all these replies just meant a lot to me.
I think this is the 3rd or 4th post I wrote in my life, so I am a real virgin when it comes to forums. I usually read a lot, but never write. In any case I definitely need to go and read the Help section and the rules, because I'm not even sure how to send this reply to all of you. Pitiful I know!

Regarding the original topic - I read all your replies and really agree with everything that was said. I need to reread and think about and digest all the info, and will reply more with some comments and questions in the next few days. I need to figure out how to learn all these basic & system improvement topics in greater depth and detail, while making some plans for short-term and long-term progress. Thanks for helping me out!

I look forward to talking to you all further soon,
Goodnight,
Rob

[monkumonku]

Dec 22, 2016 0:10:40 GMT -5 rob69 said:

Hi all,

Don't mean to side-track, and I know this is not normal, but I just wanted to say:

Thank you all very very much!!! I logged in and was so happily shocked to see so many great replies to my post.
I sat down last night after a hard day and spent 3 or 4 hours writing that post, which I've been procrastinating about for so many years.
I was trying to put down what was rolling around in my head, but it's very difficult because I'm disabled and have some heavy physical and mental health issues.
I finally sent the post, then thought >> OH No, what did I do? What did I say? After reading it over six times, I was worried it sounded too negative or I gave the wrong impression. (Yes, I worry way too much.) I really love my Emo stuff, and when a good tune plays I just float away from reality for a while. And most tunes play well on my equipment. So, I am very grateful. These problems have just been nagging at me and bugging me, always lurking in the background, and disappointing me a little. Part of the problem has been that I never seemed to be able to make the proper time and muster the necessary energy to gather more knowledge and deal with it better.

Seeing all your nice replies, reminded me why I originally decided to take a risk and buy my Emotiva stuff. The people at Emotiva were very nice and knowledgeable and patient when I was learning and trying to figure out what to buy. And the owners and perspective-owners who discussed things on this forum were passionate and were helping each other get up the "good audio" ladder and helping each other have fun. Then, the equipment I got was well made and a good value and sounded better than anything I ever thought I could ever afford. Now, it's almost 5 years later, and I'm reminded of how important the people side of things is. Sounds dumb, but my music sounds better when I imagine all my fellow Emo owners cranking their tunes and enjoying the moments like me.

I'm sorry for writing a bunch of stupid stuff that has no place in a forum post. I guess I'm not doing well, and seeing all these replies just meant a lot to me.
I think this is the 3rd or 4th post I wrote in my life, so I am a real virgin when it comes to forums. I usually read a lot, but never write. In any case I definitely need to go and read the Help section and the rules, because I'm not even sure how to send this reply to all of you. Pitiful I know!

Regarding the original topic - I read all your replies and really agree with everything that was said. I need to reread and think about and digest all the info, and will reply more with some comments and questions in the next few days. I need to figure out how to learn all these basic & system improvement topics in greater depth and detail, while making some plans for short-term and long-term progress. Thanks for helping me out!

I look forward to talking to you all further soon,
Goodnight,
Rob

Your post was NOT in any way "stupid stuff." Everything you wrote was legit and very well put. My two cents - a lot depends on the recording itself. There's no such thing as the perfect speaker on which everything will sound good because regardless of the speaker, the recording will make a difference. Some recordings sound good on one speaker and not as good on another, and vice versa because not only the way the recording was engineered will lend itself to the character of one speaker over another, but also because we all have differing opinions on what sounds "good" to us.

If most of your stuff sounds good then that's something to be thankful for. There's just some recordings that were poorly made and no speaker can make up for that.

And stop lurking around, post whenever you feel like chiming in!

[garbulky]

Dec 22, 2016 0:10:40 GMT -5 rob69 said:

Hi all,

Don't mean to side-track, and I know this is not normal, but I just wanted to say:

Thank you all very very much!!! I logged in and was so happily shocked to see so many great replies to my post.
I sat down last night after a hard day and spent 3 or 4 hours writing that post, which I've been procrastinating about for so many years.
I was trying to put down what was rolling around in my head, but it's very difficult because I'm disabled and have some heavy physical and mental health issues.
I finally sent the post, then thought >> OH No, what did I do? What did I say? After reading it over six times, I was worried it sounded too negative or I gave the wrong impression. (Yes, I worry way too much.) I really love my Emo stuff, and when a good tune plays I just float away from reality for a while. And most tunes play well on my equipment. So, I am very grateful. These problems have just been nagging at me and bugging me, always lurking in the background, and disappointing me a little. Part of the problem has been that I never seemed to be able to make the proper time and muster the necessary energy to gather more knowledge and deal with it better.

Seeing all your nice replies, reminded me why I originally decided to take a risk and buy my Emotiva stuff. The people at Emotiva were very nice and knowledgeable and patient when I was learning and trying to figure out what to buy. And the owners and perspective-owners who discussed things on this forum were passionate and were helping each other get up the "good audio" ladder and helping each other have fun. Then, the equipment I got was well made and a good value and sounded better than anything I ever thought I could ever afford. Now, it's almost 5 years later, and I'm reminded of how important the people side of things is. Sounds dumb, but my music sounds better when I imagine all my fellow Emo owners cranking their tunes and enjoying the moments like me.

I'm sorry for writing a bunch of stupid stuff that has no place in a forum post. I guess I'm not doing well, and seeing all these replies just meant a lot to me.
I think this is the 3rd or 4th post I wrote in my life, so I am a real virgin when it comes to forums. I usually read a lot, but never write. In any case I definitely need to go and read the Help section and the rules, because I'm not even sure how to send this reply to all of you. Pitiful I know!

Regarding the original topic - I read all your replies and really agree with everything that was said. I need to reread and think about and digest all the info, and will reply more with some comments and questions in the next few days. I need to figure out how to learn all these basic & system improvement topics in greater depth and detail, while making some plans for short-term and long-term progress. Thanks for helping me out!

I look forward to talking to you all further soon,
Goodnight,
Rob

Your questions are welcome! If you feel your question is stupid, no worries for that either. There is actually a stupid question section of the forum!
But your questions aren't stupid. you seem like a pretty cool guy. Music can really soothe a troubled soul. I know from experience. It's one of my happy escapes when I'm feeling anxious or depressed or what have you! Feel free to keep posting!

The biggest differences to the sound are placement and room treatment. Spend time with speaker placement. It will reward you. Things like toe in and how much matters. How far apart the speakers are etc.

[rob69]

Thanks for the nice thoughts.

All the info is still trying to sink into my subconscious, and I have a pile of questions rolling around.
I will try to sit down on Saturday morning and see what best to start with.
I guess I need to read the forum's Help section first, because I only know how to send a quick reply at this point.

I ordered a PT-100 and BTM-1 apt-x adapter to hook my wife's kitchen PC to my little mini-x a-100 amp in the living room for her Christmas present.
UPS should deliver it tomorrow, so I'll have to get that hooked up on Saturday. I put a separate post on that in the Pre-Amp/PT-100 section.

Anyway, at some point I will try swapping the USP-1 in my main system with the PT-100 to see if any difference.
I assume the USP-1 is a much better Pre-amp than the PT-100, but I really have no idea. The Emo support guy told me they should be similar sounding and I could try the +-10db bass & treble trims for whatever that's worth. So, I'll check it out next week and let you know what I think. I hope that either the PT-100 is a lot warmer sounding, or that it sounds identical. That way I could rule the pre-amp in or out of the problem equation.

If I can rule out the USP-1, then I understand the idea that the source material, placement, and room are probably the most important factors in the speakers sounding well.
So, I'll get some thoughts together on those areas first.

Someone mentioned that a Radioshack SPL Meter would be a good thing to get. I have no idea what they are or how to use them, but if I wanted to try and get an adequate one while the holiday sales are going on, what type/brands/models would be good to look for and where?
I saw one on RadioShack.com (#3300099 for about $59), but it looked like it was out of stock for a while and the local store here said they do not sell them in the store - maybe they were discontinued, because they closed all but one store here in town? I took quick look on Amazon and they had a million different kinds. I saw a review that said two popular selling ones are: Extech 407730 Digital Sound Level Meter ~$59 , or two from BAFX Products an Advanced dB decibel reader / Sound Level meter ~$59 or a simpler one for ~$18.
I also saw a couple on the B&H Photo site, but not sure if any good. How can I best find out if any of these are any good, or if there are other ones I could better look for?
Or is it better to wait till I actually learn what they are for to get one?

I put a couple books on hold at the library that looked like they might be helpful to learn more about everything:
The complete guide to high-end audio by Robert Harley and Get better sound : the reference set-up manual that guarantees better sound from any home audio system! by Jim Smith.
Anybody familiar with them? I figured it wouldn't hurt to take a look.

So much for my "quick reply", it's 2am again.
Take care and Merry Christmas to everybody! I'm turning 56 on Christmas day, so will be a lot older in a couple of days!!! Rob

[hemster]

rob69 , get an SPL meter with 'C weighting'. I prefer analog but they're hard to come by and digital are just as good. RadioShack ones can be bought on ebay still.

Here are a couple for $20-$25. link and link

I have the book by Robert Harley. He did a seminar in Nashua, NH a long time ago and I got him to sign the book. Jim Smith's book is legend. You have chosen wisely!

Don't forget there is a plethora of information available here on the lounge. Most of the loungers here are very knowledgeable and eager to help, so ask away.  

[rbk123]

I highly doubt the T1's are an upgrade over the ERT's but it is something you can try for free (and probably would be an entertaining little project).

Can you listen to any of the systems from your recommending friends? If so, bring a few good and a few bad over and see if they are similar. You'll know it's the source material (or not) then.