Looking to purchase the XPS-1 phono preamp

[asiatic73]

Hi guys, I’m looking for a phone preamp. I considering the Emotiva XPS-1, any reviews on the performance or on the sound improvement from using the receiver phono amp?

Thanks.

[novisnick]

Large step up in SQ vs any AVR
End of Story

[cawgijoe]

I have two of these. Currently only using one. Let me know if interested.

It's a nice unit and a big step up in SQ from the internal preamps on most AVR's/preamps.

[asiatic73]

Jun 15, 2020 10:14:58 GMT -5 novisnick said:

Large step up in SQ vs any AVR
End of Story

Thanks for the info.

[asiatic73]

Jun 15, 2020 10:20:53 GMT -5 cawgijoe said:

I have two of these. Currently only using one. Let me know if interested.

It's a nice unit and a big step up in SQ from the internal preamps on most AVR's/preamps.

I’ll buy them direct from Emotiva. I’m living Singapore so it’ll be easier as they have better shipping rates and I can use emobucks and get it at good price.

Thanks for the offer.

[cawgijoe]

Jun 17, 2020 5:48:09 GMT -5 asiatic73 said:

Jun 15, 2020 10:20:53 GMT -5 cawgijoe said:

I have two of these. Currently only using one. Let me know if interested.

It's a nice unit and a big step up in SQ from the internal preamps on most AVR's/preamps.

I’ll buy them direct from Emotiva. I’m living Singapore so it’ll be easier as they have better shipping rates and I can use emobucks and get it at good price.

Thanks for the offer.

Of course!

I think you will be pleased with it's performance.

[Topend]

I purchased one recently to go with my XMC-2. It is as good if not better than the preamp I had before. You will be pleased with the SQ.

Dave.

[unsound]

I have a brand new one for sale here. $180 shipped to contiguous US.

Edit; never mind, I just saw your response to someone else.

[doc1963]

Jun 15, 2020 9:37:07 GMT -5 asiatic73 said:

Hi guys, I’m looking for a phone preamp. I considering the Emotiva XPS-1, any reviews on the performance or on the sound improvement from using the receiver phono amp?

Thanks.

While you didn't disclose the make/model of your receiver, I'd be willing to bet that almost any outboard phono preamp of decent quality could outperform it. Phono stages in receivers, much like FM tuners, get very little attention.

The XPS-1 is a very good phono preamp, but has risen sharply in price over the years. Nowadays, I'm not so sure that you couldn't get better, for not much more, or equal for less.

While I don't advise against the XPS-1 (I own one myself and do like it quite a bit, but I only paid $129 for it a few years ago), I would suggest looking at the Vincent PHO-8 ($229 in silver - or $249 in black) or the Schiit Mani ($129).

The Vincent is an excellent performer with a very traditional, but highly detailed, sound. The Mani sounds great too, but can be very "hissy" if you need to increase the gain beyond its lowest setting (for cartridges with lower output voltages).

One word of caution, though, if you have never used an outboard phono preamp... Make sure that you either turn it on and leave it on, or turn it on BEFORE the rest of your system. If your amplifier is engaged before you turn on your phono preamp, be prepared for a sudden "pop" from your speakers.

Any of these three are excellent phono preamps and you should be pleased with any of them. But there are many options to be considered...

[leonski]

I just glanced thru this thread and will note in passing that a LOT of phono preamps are or WERE on the market for years.

NAD made a popular one Cost these days Unknown.

But BOTTLEHEAD? These guys may be more than you want to spend, but will give your system some 'Tube Goodness'.

bottlehead.com/product/reduction-1-1-phono-preamplifier-kit/

A more $$$ one is available, but this will get you 95% of the goodness at 1/2 the cost.