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Post by pedrocols on Jul 23, 2017 10:20:35 GMT -5
So what is the point of this discussion? You like one amp better than other so what. I traded my girlfriend for another one bacause nobody would give me any money for her.
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Post by etc6849 on Jul 23, 2017 12:39:58 GMT -5
Thanks for calling my fact based post (you know with objective measurements and stuff like that) nonsense. Has nothing to do with how they are connected or anything like that. It is about the performance gains that independent reviewers measure wrt all other consumer amps and how this matches my in home use and exceeded my expectations. You should really click the links I posted, cause the measurements are done by reviewers, not me. I even showed a picture of my office setup where I previously used a single XPR-2. It too sounds better with Benchmark gear. I seriously don't think you read any of my four posts in detail or clicked the links before making this unbiased claim. I would ask that if you can't be factual and need to throw snide remarks, you take your discussion elsewhere. |
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Post by etc6849 on Jul 23, 2017 12:42:33 GMT -5
I would ask that if you can't be respectful, please post in another thread. The point is comparing Emotiva amps I have owned to what I have now. Seems relevant to me since it is in the Emotiva amp section and all. So what is the point of this discussion? You like one amp better than other so what. I traded my girlfriend for another one bacause nobody would give me any money for her. |
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DYohn
Emo VIPs 
Posts: 18,489
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Post by DYohn on Jul 23, 2017 12:44:20 GMT -5
I am glad you are happy.
I didn't think any products using the THX AAA design had been released yet, and I recall the only thing they have advertised is a headphone amp? Do you have a link?
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Post by pedrocols on Jul 23, 2017 12:55:25 GMT -5
I would ask that if you can't be respectful, please post in another thread. The point is comparing Emotiva amps I have owned to what I have now. Seems relevant to me since it is in the Emotiva amp section and all. So what is the point of this discussion? You like one amp better than other so what. I traded my girlfriend for another one bacause nobody would give me any money for her. Comparing (very subjectively) an Emotiva amp with another amp. My apologies. I am sorry if I am being subjectively disrespectful. |
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Post by garbulky on Jul 23, 2017 15:29:42 GMT -5
Well when one comes here and says there's something better than Emotiva, people tend to jump on them.  I love the heck out of my XPA-1 gen 2 amps. But I've learned enough to know that there's always better. And also that those differences can be significant. Not the whole "sure it's better but only by like 1%" line I hear a lot. I gotta say I'm a little skeptical of the amp you are talking about. But, so what! You've owned the XPR amps and you find these better. That says a lot for me. Thanks for sharing. What kind of DAC, preamp and speakers are you running it on ? |
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Post by ÈlTwo on Jul 23, 2017 15:44:25 GMT -5
Top 3 reasons.... 1. Performance is not up to par with what is capable with leading edge designs like what THX has done with their achromatic audio amplifier (AAA). It makes no sense to have a monoblock that can do 900 watts peak into speakers that don't need it when distortion is 100 times higher than my new Benchmark AHB2 amps. I'm glad you're happy with your new amps, but you don't seem to be comparing like to like; isn't the AHB2 amp rated at 380 watts in mono bridged mode? What was your initial reasoning for going with the XPR monoblocks? I would ask that if you can't be respectful, please post in another thread. The point is comparing Emotiva amps I have owned to what I have now. Seems relevant to me since it is in the Emotiva amp section and all. pedrocols' post wasn't disrespectful; the title of this thread "Sold all of my Emotiva XPR amps, couldn't be happier  " was disrespectful. There is a difference between having a civil discussion, and sticking the knife in and twisting it; the phrase "couldn't be happier " really only serves one purpose. |
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Post by 405x5 on Jul 23, 2017 16:47:45 GMT -5
What he said
Bill
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Post by rbk123 on Jul 23, 2017 20:17:59 GMT -5
you can hear a difference compared to my old XMC-1 and XPR setup. What did you replace the XMC with? |
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Post by Gary Cook on Jul 23, 2017 21:04:54 GMT -5
So, I remembered where I had heard about the Benchmark amp, what prompted me back then was the use of SMPS in power amplifiers, which wasn't exactly common at the time. I dug up my old notes and I noted that the AHB2 was based on designs by Benchmark's founder, Allen H. Burdick, that's where the AHB comes from. Burdick actually retired from Benchmark in 2006 and unfortunately passed away in 2013, if I remember rightly. The design of using an SMPS together with a Class AB amplifier maybe familiar, hint XPA Gen 3. So the AHB2 is not only not a new design but it isn't exactly unique either. Back to my notes, the SMPS in the AHB2 is regulated (deliberately limited) such that the amplifier stays within its sweat zone for distortion. Whilst maintaining the good distortion numbers this does affect its headroom (dynamics), it doesn't allow instantaneous volume peaks that exceed the predetermined limits. This is unlike, say, a "normal" linear power supplied Class AB amplifier. They do allow for much higher volume peaks than their continuous power rating would indicate, and sacrifice a small amount of distortion as a result. Most consider this a non issue due to the overall loudness and the fact that the duration is so short that any additional distortion is inaudible. Of course they save a lot of weight but I personally still have my doubts about SMPS in power amplifiers, including longevity and the frequency of switching effects. As a result, using the AHB2 for HT would not seem desirable to me due to its inability to handle very short, high volume sound effects. I would also suspect that for the 1812 Overture there might only be half a canon available, depending on listening volume of course. In summary, there is no such thing as a free lunch in power amplifiers. The various designs, advantages and shortcomings are all very well known. My view is that the OP has chosen the amp based on his requirements. Which is obviously his decision to make, but his requirements are polar opposites of mine. Which may well be a good thing.  Cheers Gary |
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Post by novisnick on Jul 23, 2017 21:30:29 GMT -5
Ok,,,,,Ok,,,,,,Ok,,,,,,,,, you've convinced me that you like the Benchmark. Doesn't mean any more then that to me. Im thrilled for you almost as much as I love what my XPR-1's do for me. Same happy face! Same thrill of the song. Neither of us could ask for more.
Isn't it wonderful! I have read all youve posted and I can read specs, BUT I listen to my music. HAPPY! Done!
Variety is the spice of life and when I want it, I change out speakers and or amps, my VTA-120 by Bob Latino is my next amp, not a monoblock but maybe some day. Untill then I'll also enjoy my set of XPA-1Ls which some say are an acquired taste, yummy to me.
God bless and play some tunes.
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Post by adaboy on Jul 23, 2017 21:35:42 GMT -5
Top 3 reasons.... 1. Performance is not up to par with what is capable with leading edge designs like what THX has done with their achromatic audio amplifier (AAA). It makes no sense to have a monoblock that can do 900 watts peak into speakers that don't need it when distortion is 100 times higher than my new Benchmark AHB2 amps. I'm glad you're happy with your new amps, but you don't seem to be comparing like to like; isn't the AHB2 amp rated at 380 watts in mono bridged mode? What was your initial reasoning for going with the XPR monoblocks? I would ask that if you can't be respectful, please post in another thread. The point is comparing Emotiva amps I have owned to what I have now. Seems relevant to me since it is in the Emotiva amp section and all. pedrocols' post wasn't disrespectful; the title of this thread "Sold all of my Emotiva XPR amps, couldn't be happier " was disrespectful. There is a difference between having a civil discussion, and sticking the knife in and twisting it; the phrase "couldn't be happier " really only serves one purpose. I don't have a dog in this hunt, but wanted to say if someone anyone would have posted saying they sold all there old whatever equipment and went with emotiva with backup explaining why they did most if not all of the people here would be falling over themselves to pat him on the back. The fact this guy did so in a none flaming way to say hey guys there are better amps should, should have opened up discussion to try to get better products from Emotiva, hell the prices went up why not the quality? I read in this thread that some don't mention the new stuff as flagship compared to the old discontinued products. In my opinion we need to as a forum be open to negative opinions comments and feedback and not allow pack mentality to quell civility. Emotiva is just grinning all the way to the bank with less quality less bang for the buck and we should be able to call them on it and expect more to rethink high-end. Rant over |
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Post by socketman on Jul 23, 2017 22:00:40 GMT -5
With all due respect adaboy i would not sell my Chevy and buy a Ford then run to the Chevy dealership to tell them all about how happy i am. The OP imho is coming off as wanting to bash Emotiva with the title alone, who is he trying to convince anyway, us or himself. I am truly glad he has found audio nirvana that we all seek but it helps no one to come to this forum and attack the product everyone here loves, what would you expect the response to be. To me with that title his motives were quite clear, unsolicited info helps no one.
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Post by ÈlTwo on Jul 23, 2017 22:40:31 GMT -5
The fact this guy did so in a none flaming way to say hey guys there are better amps should, should have opened up discussion to try to get better products from Emotiva . . . My point is that we disagree. I thought had the OP only titled the thread "Sold all of my Emotive XPR amps" it would have been civil, the matter after the comma changed that; perhaps I read it one way and you read it another. |
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Post by novisnick on Jul 23, 2017 22:51:25 GMT -5
The fact this guy did so in a none flaming way to say hey guys there are better amps should, should have opened up discussion to try to get better products from Emotiva . . . My point is that we disagree. I thought had the OP only titled the thread "Sold all of my Emotive XPR amps" it would have been civil, the matter after the comma changed that; perhaps I read it one way and you read it another. You read it just the way I did. Civility was lost in the title. IM humble O. |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jul 23, 2017 23:00:18 GMT -5
All that said, Benchmark DOES have a reputation for making some pretty good stuff! Wish I could hear them.
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Post by novisnick on Jul 23, 2017 23:13:24 GMT -5
All that said, Benchmark DOES have a reputation for making some pretty good stuff! Wish I could hear them. In all honesty Boomzilla I think you would be a happy man running almost every amp, preamp, speaker, DAC, TT and anything else someone would send you through your system!(ears) I digress, yes they do. |
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Post by socketman on Jul 23, 2017 23:42:51 GMT -5
It definitely looks the part, pretty sexy. How much did the XPR's retail for out of curiosity. This stuff is so out of my league financially plus my hearing is trash ,sadly i didnt take care of my hearing and im off to metallica in 2 weeks .
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Post by novisnick on Jul 23, 2017 23:56:53 GMT -5
It definitely looks the part, pretty sexy. How much did the XPR's retail for out of curiosity. This stuff is so out of my league financially plus my hearing is trash ,sadly i didnt take care of my hearing and im off to metallica in 2 weeks . Earplugs are your friend! XPR-1's went for $1300 to $1500 a piece I think, a memory Ive tried to erase, God forbid I mumble in my sleep about what ive spent, I may not get to wake up! 😋 Mrs is a light sleeper. 😋 |
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Post by adaboy on Jul 24, 2017 0:10:23 GMT -5
With all due respect adaboy i would not sell my Chevy and buy a Ford then run to the Chevy dealership to tell them all about how happy i am. The OP imho is coming off as wanting to bash Emotiva with the title alone, who is he trying to convince anyway, us or himself. I am truly glad he has found audio nirvana that we all seek but it helps no one to come to this forum and attack the product everyone here loves, what would you expect the response to be. To me with that title his motives were quite clear, unsolicited info helps no one. No disrespect taken👍. I actually had to do the same at my Nissan dealership yesterday as there service is subpar at best compared to the service I get with my Mini Cooper dealership which just so happens to be across the street. I made every service comparison and complained to the Nissan service manager. After that conversation the service manager made every effort to meet my expectations. The point is sometimes you do have to make direct comparisons to the competition to key things square. If the words couldn't be happier is an attack then our feelings are indeed on our sleeves. Now this would definitely be inflammatory "sold all of my gear, f-emotiva, or couldn't wait to get rid of that trash etc etc". I know that he is making a point of dissatisfaction but when you step away and look at it for what it is and take his thought process into account. A reasonable person would assume that he meant no disrespect to the lounge members or Emotiva. When something is better do you have to apologize to or for the inferior one? At least the guy was looking for dialog not a bash and run kind of guy, some of the remarks in response were down right rude to the poor guy. I'm no policeman as I've entertained as much as the next guy here, but from my view he wanted to use facts (debatable) to have a discussion or just make a statement. Edit: this is all my opinion thanks for the discussion guys. |
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I love the heck out of my XPA-1 gen 2 amps. But I've learned enough to know that there's always better. And also that those differences can be significant. Not the whole "sure it's better but only by like 1%" line I hear a lot. 
" was disrespectful. There is a difference between having a civil discussion, and sticking the knife in and twisting it; the phrase "couldn't be happier 
