mgs2
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 6
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Post by mgs2 on Jul 19, 2018 10:54:15 GMT -5
Currently using Onkyo RZ730 receiver at 7.1.4 config, the front is pre-out to creek evo 5350 to output. The RZ730 is handling the center (proac studio center), SL & SR( Cambridge minx min 22), front height (klipsch RP-140sa) & rear height(Cambridge minx min 11). SBL & SBR just by a low cost external amp.
Is it worth to add a XPA-5 for the center and the surrounds?
Please advice. Thanks
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Post by creimes on Jul 19, 2018 10:56:09 GMT -5
Currently using Onkyo RZ730 receiver at 7.1.4 config, the front is pre-out to creek evo 5350 to output. The RZ730 is handling the center (proac studio center), SL & SR( Cambridge minx min 22), front height (klipsch RP-140sa) & rear height(Cambridge minx min 11). SBL & SBR just by a low cost external amp. Is it worth to add a XPA-5 for the center and the surrounds? Please advice. Thanks The only one who can give you your answer is you, we all experience different findings so I say take advantage of the 30 day trial and hear for yourself, just my .02  Chad |
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Post by vcautokid on Jul 19, 2018 11:00:59 GMT -5
Absolutely it is worth it. The dynamic headroom you will have will help reproduce the powerful soundtracks Blue Ray and Streamed Content can produce which is huge, so having the additional power always helps. And yes you do have 30 days to try it out. I have experience extensively with Emotiva Amplifiers. I am sure the XPA-5 will delight you for sure.
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Post by davidl81 on Jul 19, 2018 11:01:44 GMT -5
Currently using Onkyo RZ730 receiver at 7.1.4 config, the front is pre-out to creek evo 5350 to output. The RZ730 is handling the center (proac studio center), SL & SR( Cambridge minx min 22), front height (klipsch RP-140sa) & rear height(Cambridge minx min 11). SBL & SBR just by a low cost external amp. Is it worth to add a XPA-5 for the center and the surrounds? Please advice. Thanks What (if anything) do you find lacking in your RZ730? I ask because I think you may get better response (louder, clearer) from the center channel on the XPA-5, but I really don't think you will notice much of a difference on the other surrounds. Most surround speakers just don't get pushed hard enough for an external amp to make that big of a difference. The XPA-5 is a pretty big investment ($1600 new), and I think the only improvement you would see would be from your center speaker. |
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Post by vcautokid on Jul 19, 2018 11:09:10 GMT -5
Good point David. I would make the XPA-5 do the heavy lifting on the front stage and use the other amplification elsewhere in the speaker compliment, or at least experiment to hear what is best.
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mgs2
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 6
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Post by mgs2 on Jul 19, 2018 11:19:36 GMT -5
Currently using Onkyo RZ730 receiver at 7.1.4 config, the front is pre-out to creek evo 5350 to output. The RZ730 is handling the center (proac studio center), SL & SR( Cambridge minx min 22), front height (klipsch RP-140sa) & rear height(Cambridge minx min 11). SBL & SBR just by a low cost external amp. Is it worth to add a XPA-5 for the center and the surrounds? Please advice. Thanks What (if anything) do you find lacking in your RZ730? I ask because I think you may get better response (louder, clearer) from the center channel on the XPA-5, but I really don't think you will notice much of a difference on the other surrounds. Most surround speakers just don't get pushed hard enough for an external amp to make that big of a difference. The XPA-5 is a pretty big investment ($1600 new), and I think the only improvement you would see would be from your center speaker. |
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mgs2
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 6
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Post by mgs2 on Jul 19, 2018 11:20:24 GMT -5
Currently using Onkyo RZ730 receiver at 7.1.4 config, the front is pre-out to creek evo 5350 to output. The RZ730 is handling the center (proac studio center), SL & SR( Cambridge minx min 22), front height (klipsch RP-140sa) & rear height(Cambridge minx min 11). SBL & SBR just by a low cost external amp. Is it worth to add a XPA-5 for the center and the surrounds? Please advice. Thanks What (if anything) do you find lacking in your RZ730? I ask because I think you may get better response (louder, clearer) from the center channel on the XPA-5, but I really don't think you will notice much of a difference on the other surrounds. Most surround speakers just don't get pushed hard enough for an external amp to make that big of a difference. The XPA-5 is a pretty big investment ($1600 new), and I think the only improvement you would see would be from your center speaker. So I also considering add a mono channel amp for the center only |
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223 
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Post by novisnick on Jul 19, 2018 11:22:04 GMT -5
It really depends on weather or not you also use the front L/R speakers for stereo listening. If so I would recommend monoblocks for those speakers and use the XPA-5 for the center and four surrounds.
If you don’t use these speakers for stereo then you should use the XPA-5 for the front three speakers and two surrounds.
The XPA-5 gen 2 that Im familiar with is a very very good amp but its not really on the same plain as a monoblock for stereo listening, not as dynamic or thrilling to hear, but for HT I don’t think theres a better value.
Do you already own the amp or looking to buy one?
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mgs2
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 6
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Post by mgs2 on Jul 19, 2018 11:26:57 GMT -5
It really depends on weather or not you also use the front L/R speakers for stereo listening. If so I would recommend monoblocks for those speakers and use the XPA-5 for the center and four surrounds. If you don’t use these speakers for stereo then you should use the XPA-5 for the front three speakers and two surrounds. The XPA-5 gen 2 that Im familiar with is a very very good amp but its not really on the same plain as a monoblock for stereo listening, not as dynamic or thrilling to hear, but for HT I don’t think theres a better value. Do you already own the amp or looking to buy one? I will keep using my existing creek evo 5350 for music by the front, so I just consider to add a power amp for center and 4 surrounds. As I am not sure if there any improvement for the surrounds by the XPA-5, not sure go ahead or not P.S someone are selling used XPA-5 gen 2, thus 30 days trial may not applicable |
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Jul 19, 2018 11:28:29 GMT -5
I just realized that you’re a new member here at the Emotiva Lounge, Id like to welcome you to our little family. Theres a wealth of knowledge and wonderful friends here. Please feel at home. Id also like to pour you your first cup of EmoBlue cool-aid (friendship).
 
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Jul 19, 2018 11:30:03 GMT -5
It really depends on weather or not you also use the front L/R speakers for stereo listening. If so I would recommend monoblocks for those speakers and use the XPA-5 for the center and four surrounds. If you don’t use these speakers for stereo then you should use the XPA-5 for the front three speakers and two surrounds. The XPA-5 gen 2 that Im familiar with is a very very good amp but its not really on the same plain as a monoblock for stereo listening, not as dynamic or thrilling to hear, but for HT I don’t think theres a better value. Do you already own the amp or looking to buy one? I will keep using my existing creek evo 5350 for music by the front, so I just consider to add a power amp for center and 4 surrounds. As I am not sure if there any improvement for the surrounds by the XPA-5, not sure go ahead or not P.S someone are selling used XPA-5 gen 2, thus 30 days trial may not applicable If you can get it for a reasonable price I would jump on it as these are very desirable amps IMHO 🎶🎶🎶🎶 Addendum; these units came with a 5 year transferable warranty, ask if they can/will call Emotiva to transfer that warranty. |
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Post by davidl81 on Jul 19, 2018 11:33:41 GMT -5
It really depends on weather or not you also use the front L/R speakers for stereo listening. If so I would recommend monoblocks for those speakers and use the XPA-5 for the center and four surrounds. If you don’t use these speakers for stereo then you should use the XPA-5 for the front three speakers and two surrounds. The XPA-5 gen 2 that Im familiar with is a very very good amp but its not really on the same plain as a monoblock for stereo listening, not as dynamic or thrilling to hear, but for HT I don’t think theres a better value. Do you already own the amp or looking to buy one? I will keep using my existing creek evo 5350 for music by the front, so I just consider to add a power amp for center and 4 surrounds. As I am not sure if there any improvement for the surrounds by the XPA-5, not sure go ahead or not P.S someone are selling used XPA-5 gen 2, thus 30 days trial may not applicable It would depend to me on the cost of the used XPA-5. I have one (Gen 2) and it is a great amp, but honestly I think if I just had a mono block on my center (XPA-1L etc) and ran my surrounds from the AVR that I would never notice the difference. The amplification on your center channel will make the largest difference in a HT setup. I do agree with Nov though, if its a good deal on the XPA-5 just get it. The resale market for the G2 is high and I can sell mine used for a good bit more than I paid for it brand new. |
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mgs2
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 6
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Post by mgs2 on Jul 19, 2018 11:39:14 GMT -5
In fact I am in HK, the seller offered around $700 USD , is it a great deal?
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Post by davidl81 on Jul 19, 2018 11:42:55 GMT -5
In fact I am in HK, the seller offered around $700 USD , is it a great deal? Gen 1 (Silver trim on sides) or G2 (black trim on sides)? If it is a generation 2 then I would jump on it. And $700 is still a very fair price for a G1 |
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mgs2
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 6
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Post by mgs2 on Jul 19, 2018 11:43:54 GMT -5
In fact I am in HK, the seller offered around $700 USD , is it a great deal? Gen 1 (Silver trim on sides) or G2 (black trim on sides)? If it is a generation 2 then I would jump on it. And $700 is still a very fair price for a G1 Gen 2 |
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Post by macromicroman on Jul 19, 2018 14:06:19 GMT -5
Don't rely on the trim color only. The trim can be changed from one color to the other. I think the Gen2 says so on the front panel.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,223
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Post by novisnick on Jul 19, 2018 14:13:55 GMT -5
Don't rely on the trim color only. The trim can be changed from one color to the other. I think the Gen2 says so on the front panel. Yes it does, just below the “XPA-5” is “gen 2” |
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Post by pedrocols on Jul 19, 2018 14:18:58 GMT -5
Yes it says Gen 2 on it.
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Post by leonski on Sept 11, 2018 18:34:50 GMT -5
Since HT amps are notoriously feeble, the qustion becomes not if' but 'how' to use the new amp.
The XPA-5 is best used on those channels needing the the power. That would be the Center, both Fronts and 2 other demanding speakers.
It moght even be possible to delete the Creek. Unless you need some specific function of that piece.
Make sure the new amp is locatd in a place where Ample cooling is available.
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