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Post by andrik on Dec 18, 2017 13:24:54 GMT -5
Hello! Advise me please.
My speakers are Paradigm Monitor 11 v5, which of the two amplifiers went up to him optimally?
BasX A-5175 or XPA-5 Gen3? Should I pay more for the XPA-5 Gen3?
Choose from a five-channel amps because I have the rears and the center channel from Paradigm.
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Post by garbulky on Dec 18, 2017 13:34:12 GMT -5
I think you should go for an XPA-5 gen 2 used (can get for about 600-700 by posting on the emporium)or a new XPA-5 gen 3.
However if you can't afford it, the basx will also sound quite nice with it. Not a MASSIVE difference between the two.
Put it another way, the XPA-5 will give you a bit more bass extension and a bit more control vs the basx.
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Post by leonski on Dec 18, 2017 13:43:16 GMT -5
listening tests are in order.
You need to figure out WHAT you want from a system. Just an example? How important is MUSIC to you?
I understand EMO has a very good short-term return policy. You should take advantage of that to help make your choice.
Nobody can tell you what you Will or Will Not like. Or what features or look will catch your fancy.
Paradigm calls out the sensitivity of your speaker high enough that I wouldn't worry too much about How Many 'watts', but rather how GOOD they are.
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Post by andrik on Dec 18, 2017 13:54:47 GMT -5
I think you should go for an XPA-5 gen 2 used (can get for about 600-700 by posting on the emporium)or a new XPA-5 gen 3. However if you can't afford it, the basx will also sound quite nice with it. Not a MASSIVE difference between the two. Put it another way, the XPA-5 will give you a bit more bass extension and a bit more control vs the basx. Thanks for the reply! I understand you. As you think of Emotiva good it will sound with the Paradigms? |
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Post by andrik on Dec 18, 2017 13:57:57 GMT -5
listening tests are in order. You need to figure out WHAT you want from a system. Just an example? How important is MUSIC to you? I understand EMO has a very good short-term return policy. You should take advantage of that to help make your choice. Nobody can tell you what you Will or Will Not like. Or what features or look will catch your fancy. Paradigm calls out the sensitivity of your speaker high enough that I wouldn't worry too much about How Many 'watts', but rather how GOOD they are. For me, music in stereo mode is in the first place! Then a movie with surround sound. |
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Post by garbulky on Dec 18, 2017 13:59:30 GMT -5
I think you should go for an XPA-5 gen 2 used (can get for about 600-700 by posting on the emporium)or a new XPA-5 gen 3. However if you can't afford it, the basx will also sound quite nice with it. Not a MASSIVE difference between the two. Put it another way, the XPA-5 will give you a bit more bass extension and a bit more control vs the basx. Thanks for the reply! I understand you. As you think of Emotiva good it will sound with the Paradigms? Yes. I can no longer reccomend the gen 3 without reservation because of poor performance on Stereophile's review. But Emotiva doesn't make bad amps. Imo the gen 3 is too expensive for what they give you hence my reccomendation of the gen 2 which is a lot cheaper and more desirable. |
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Post by andrik on Dec 18, 2017 14:35:33 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply! I understand you. As you think of Emotiva good it will sound with the Paradigms? Yes. I can no longer reccomend the gen 3 without reservation because of poor performance on Stereophile's review. But Emotiva doesn't make bad amps. Imo the gen 3 is too expensive for what they give you hence my reccomendation of the gen 2 which is a lot cheaper and more desirable. Turns out, it makes no sense to pay more for the XPA-5 Gen3? You suggest for my speakers BasX A-5175 or XPA-5 Gen 2? Can you give me a link to Stereophile''s review? |
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Post by geebo on Dec 18, 2017 15:01:37 GMT -5
Yes. I can no longer reccomend the gen 3 without reservation because of poor performance on Stereophile's review. But Emotiva doesn't make bad amps. Imo the gen 3 is too expensive for what they give you hence my reccomendation of the gen 2 which is a lot cheaper and more desirable. Turns out, it makes no sense to pay more for the XPA-5 Gen3? You suggest for my speakers BasX A-5175 or XPA-5 Gen 2? Can you give me a link to Stereophile''s review? XPA-5 Gen 1 & 2 are great amps but I'll take a Gen 3 any day. I've had an XPA-5 Gen 1, an XPA-2 Gen 1 and now an XPA-2 Gen-3 and believe me the Gen-1/2's have nothing on the Gen 3's other than heat and weight. The Gen-3's also have greater impact with the possible exception of the older XPA-2 which is a completely different animal than the XPA-5 Gen 1/2. Any of them will drive the Paradigms very well. |
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Post by garbulky on Dec 18, 2017 15:02:33 GMT -5
Yes. I can no longer reccomend the gen 3 without reservation because of poor performance on Stereophile's review. But Emotiva doesn't make bad amps. Imo the gen 3 is too expensive for what they give you hence my reccomendation of the gen 2 which is a lot cheaper and more desirable. Turns out, it makes no sense to pay more for the XPA-5 Gen3? You suggest for my speakers BasX A-5175 or XPA-5 Gen 2? Can you give me a link to Stereophile''s review? . I should also preface that I have not heard the gen 3. For other people, maybe they want the gen 3. The website is down for right now. www.stereophile.com/content/emotiva-xpa-gen3-two-channel-power-amplifierThe new gen 3 unit uses a switching power supply about the size of a coin or two. I am not a fan of switching supplies for amps. The gen 2 uses a massive iron torroidal transformer for its power supply. |
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Post by geebo on Dec 18, 2017 15:20:16 GMT -5
Turns out, it makes no sense to pay more for the XPA-5 Gen3? You suggest for my speakers BasX A-5175 or XPA-5 Gen 2? Can you give me a link to Stereophile''s review? . I should also preface that I have not heard the gen 3. For other people, maybe they want the gen 3. The website is down for right now. www.stereophile.com/content/emotiva-xpa-gen3-two-channel-power-amplifierThe new gen 3 unit uses a switching power supply about the size of a coin or two. I am not a fan of switching supplies for amps. The gen 2 uses a massive iron torroidal transformer for its power supply. The size of a coin or two? C'mon now. You know that's not true. It's a 3,000 watt supply that has more instantaneous power capability than the older Gen 1/2 ever had. Simply put, a Gen 3 will sound better than the older but still very capable XPA-5 Gen 1 or 2. "The new XPA Series utilizes a high-current switch mode power supply. It’s a power supply capable of delivering over 3Kw of continuous power with absolute reliability and extremely high efficiency. It shares the dynamic attributes of a classic transformer-based design with none of the downside. It’s lightweight, intelligent, and extremely powerful!"
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klinemj
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Post by klinemj on Dec 18, 2017 15:27:36 GMT -5
Yes. I can no longer reccomend the gen 3 without reservation because of poor performance on Stereophile's review. But Emotiva doesn't make bad amps. Imo the gen 3 is too expensive for what they give you hence my reccomendation of the gen 2 which is a lot cheaper and more desirable. Turns out, it makes no sense to pay more for the XPA-5 Gen3? You suggest for my speakers BasX A-5175 or XPA-5 Gen 2? Can you give me a link to Stereophile''s review? I would not have much faith in the Stereophile review. Reports are that a pre-production model was tested, and Emotiva claims changes were made after that. Also, the only users I know who have them report excellent sound and performance from the Gen 3's. Since you are into music more than theater, I'd suggest going with something you are confident with drive the front right/left well with no hesitations. Then, you can skimp on the rest. As far as Emotiva's lineup, I think all their amps sound very good. my favorites so far at the XPA-1's which drive anything with ease and are dead silent and neutral. I have not doubt this will also be true of the DR-1's and DR-2, but I have not heard them myself as they just came out. Mark |
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Post by andrik on Dec 18, 2017 15:36:20 GMT -5
What can you say about the model BasX A-5175? Worth it to pay attention? How it will sound?
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Post by geebo on Dec 18, 2017 15:43:01 GMT -5
What can you say about the model BasX A-5175? Worth it to pay attention? How it will sound? I've not heard the 5175 so cannot comment as to their sound. But if you put a premium on two channel then I would recommend an XPA-2 Gen 1 2 or 3. The Gen 3 has the added benefit of being able to have more channels added at a later date. And if you buy new from Emotiva you have 30 days to return it for any reason. |
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Post by garbulky on Dec 18, 2017 15:46:51 GMT -5
For me it makes no sense. I should also preface that I have not heard the gen 3. For other people, maybe they want the gen 3. The website is down for right now. www.stereophile.com/content/emotiva-xpa-gen3-two-channel-power-amplifierThe new gen 3 unit uses a switching power supply about the size of a coin or two. I am not a fan of switching supplies for amps. The gen 2 uses a massive iron torroidal transformer for its power supply. The size of a coin or two? C'mon now. You know that's not true. It's a 3,000 watt supply that has more instantaneous power capability than the older Gen 1/2 ever had. Simply put, a Gen 3 will sound better than the older but still very capable XPA-5 Gen 1 or 2. "The new XPA Series utilizes a high-current switch mode power supply. It’s a power supply capable of delivering over 3Kw of continuous power with absolute reliability and extremely high efficiency. It shares the dynamic attributes of a classic transformer-based design with none of the downside. It’s lightweight, intelligent, and extremely powerful!"
By that I meant the size of the transformer on it, the yellow thing. In fairness, I should have mentioned the ginormous rating of the switching supply which IS impressive. |
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LCSeminole
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Res firma mitescere nescit.
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Post by LCSeminole on Dec 18, 2017 16:12:49 GMT -5
I should also preface that I have not heard the gen 3. Don't take this the wrong way as I'm not meaning it to sound harsh, but you admit you haven't heard the Gen 3, I have. You also say you won't recommend it because of the Stereophile Review(this isn't the only write up by legit reviewers) while those that actually OWN a Gen 3 and listen to it on a daily basis are quite happy with their XPA Gen 3 units. Personally I would recommend it, and I would be taking the word of those that actually have it in their systems before I gave any credence to ANY review and that includes Stereophile. To the OP, read the review by HomeTheaterHiFi, bench tests and all. Link below: hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/power-amplifier/emotiva-xpa-gen3-power-amplifier-review/ |
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Post by garbulky on Dec 18, 2017 16:18:19 GMT -5
I should also preface that I have not heard the gen 3. Don't take this the wrong way as I'm not meaning it to sound harsh, but you admit you haven't heard the Gen 3, I have. You also say you won't recommend it because of the Stereophile Review(this isn't the only write up by legit reviewers) while those that actually OWN a Gen 3 and listen to it on a daily basis are quite happy with their XPA Gen 3 units. Personally I would recommend it, and I would be taking the word of those that actually have it in their systems before I gave any credence to ANY review and that includes Stereophile. To the OP, read the review by HomeTheaterHiFi, bench tests and all. Link below: hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/power-amplifier/emotiva-xpa-gen3-power-amplifier-review/I agree, my opinion is definitely biased about a unit I haven't heard. Therefore, it's not really worth much compared to somebody that has heard it. |
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guitarforlife
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Post by guitarforlife on Dec 18, 2017 17:35:06 GMT -5
I should also preface that I have not heard the gen 3. Don't take this the wrong way as I'm not meaning it to sound harsh, but you admit you haven't heard the Gen 3, I have. You also say you won't recommend it because of the Stereophile Review(this isn't the only write up by legit reviewers) while those that actually OWN a Gen 3 and listen to it on a daily basis are quite happy with their XPA Gen 3 units. Personally I would recommend it, and I would be taking the word of those that actually have it in their systems before I gave any credence to ANY review and that includes Stereophile. To the OP, read the review by HomeTheaterHiFi, bench tests and all. Link below: hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/power-amplifier/emotiva-xpa-gen3-power-amplifier-review/Totally agree with you LCS. Reviews are nothing more then opinions. The only ears , eyes and mouth I trust are my own. I never buy on others "reviews/Opinions" and I dine where I like. A bunch of know it alls on yelp never deter me. The OP has to hear for himself to make his own likes and dislikes. |
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Post by 2001passvar on Dec 18, 2017 17:40:54 GMT -5
I think I’m somewhat qualified to respond to this. I’ve owned an XPA 3 an XPA 2 and XPA 1 monoblocks to replace the XPA 2, all generation 1. I recently purchased a Gen 3 XPA 3 to replace the Gen 1 XPA 3 after one of the channels kept going into protect mode (sold it to a guy who only needed 2 channels). I’ve been comparing the Gen 3 to the monoblocks because I am interested in what the sonic differences between generations might be. Not a fair comparison since we are talking different configs, but here’s what I have found. The monoblocks are somewhat brighter with more slam when really pushed. The Gen 3 sounds warmer to me, but missing some of the impact of the monoblocks as might be expected given the power differences. It’s not a large difference, but noticeable. I have to say I really like the gen 3 sound, especially for music, enough so I might purchase an XPA DR 2 to replace the monoblocks. I think the takeaway here is the the gen 3 amps are just fine with the switching power supply. I did have reservations before purchase, but not anymore after listening for a few months. They sound great and image like crazy in my setup. Now as to the long term reliability of the power supply, who knows. I am hoping it’s a non issue.
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Dec 18, 2017 17:44:13 GMT -5
Reviews are nothing more then opinions. The only ears , eyes and mouth I trust are my own. I never buy on others "reviews/Opinions" and I dine where I like. A bunch of know it alls on yelp never deter me. The OP has to hear for himself to make his own likes and dislikes. As you say, hearing for yourself is by far the most important factor, especially if a potential customer can demo it in-home. In the absence of being able to demo, I prefer finding owners I trust to give me a fair assessment, and I must confess, I do give credence to reviews, but only those with true bench test specs. I also tend to discount those specs when they aren't in my audible range of hearing. I attribute this audible quote to member "Dyohn" as it's in his signature: "Inaudible is inaudible and you don't get extra brownie points for making it twice as inaudible as another solution. - Kevin Haskins" |
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Dec 18, 2017 17:48:51 GMT -5
Don't take this the wrong way as I'm not meaning it to sound harsh, but you admit you haven't heard the Gen 3, I have. You also say you won't recommend it because of the Stereophile Review(this isn't the only write up by legit reviewers) while those that actually OWN a Gen 3 and listen to it on a daily basis are quite happy with their XPA Gen 3 units. Personally I would recommend it, and I would be taking the word of those that actually have it in their systems before I gave any credence to ANY review and that includes Stereophile. To the OP, read the review by HomeTheaterHiFi, bench tests and all. Link below: hometheaterhifi.com/reviews/amplifier/power-amplifier/emotiva-xpa-gen3-power-amplifier-review/I agree, my opinion is definitely biased about a unit I haven't heard. Therefore, it's not really worth much compared to somebody that has heard it. I would be quite interested to hear your thoughts, when/if you get to hear/demo an XPA Gen3 amp. I've enjoyed reading your personal reviews in the past and will continue to do so in the future!  |
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