jdt
Minor Hero
Posts: 16
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Post by jdt on Dec 11, 2020 20:52:11 GMT -5
Having researched a variety of stereo separates earlier this year, I purchased a XPA-2 gen 2 and a USP-1. Additionally, I’ve added a NAD M51 DAC and a Cambridge CXN V2 streamer. For MQA from Tidal, I use a Pro Ject S2 Digital DAC. They all work great together driving a pair of B&W 683 S2’s.
I’m really pleased with how it all has come together. My next step was to upgrade the preamp. And that’s where I’ve hit the wall with Emotiva. Why doesn’t Emotiva still manufacture a preamp similar to the XSP-1? It appears the company is concentrating on home theater applications more than audiophile equipment. Is this the case? Is the company going to continue manufacturing 2 channel equipment at a variety of price points? I hope to stay with Emotiva, but I really want to find a XSP-1.
I’ve put a wtb listing on the Emporium. Hopefully I can locate one.
Like I said above, I’m really pleased with my system.
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Post by garbulky on Dec 11, 2020 21:56:21 GMT -5
Get a Schiit Freya S if possible - not it has no subwoofer management or phono preamp
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jdt
Minor Hero
Posts: 16
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Post by jdt on Dec 11, 2020 23:35:02 GMT -5
Get a Schiit Freya S if possible - not it has no subwoofer management or phono preamp That’s an alternative. But I’d like the amp and preamp to match. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2020 23:37:23 GMT -5
Having researched a variety of stereo separates earlier this year, I purchased a XPA-2 gen 2 and a USP-1. Additionally, I’ve added a NAD M51 DAC and a Cambridge CXN V2 streamer. For MQA from Tidal, I use a Pro Ject S2 Digital DAC. They all work great together driving a pair of B&W 683 S2’s. I’m really pleased with how it all has come together. My next step was to upgrade the preamp. And that’s where I’ve hit the wall with Emotiva. Why doesn’t Emotiva still manufacture a preamp similar to the XSP-1? It appears the company is concentrating on home theater applications more than audiophile equipment. Is this the case? Is the company going to continue manufacturing 2 channel equipment at a variety of price points? I hope to stay with Emotiva, but I really want to find a XSP-1. I’ve put a wtb listing on the Emporium. Hopefully I can locate one. Like I said above, I’m really pleased with my system. Pictures? And, happy listening! |
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Post by garbulky on Dec 12, 2020 0:43:11 GMT -5
Get a Schiit Freya S if possible - not it has no subwoofer management or phono preamp That’s an alternative. But I’d like the amp and preamp to match. In that case, the XSP-1 is especially nice looking imo. It really does look great in person. |
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Post by doc1963 on Dec 12, 2020 1:02:35 GMT -5
Having researched a variety of stereo separates earlier this year, I purchased a XPA-2 gen 2 and a USP-1. Additionally, I’ve added a NAD M51 DAC and a Cambridge CXN V2 streamer. For MQA from Tidal, I use a Pro Ject S2 Digital DAC. They all work great together driving a pair of B&W 683 S2’s. I’m really pleased with how it all has come together. My next step was to upgrade the preamp. And that’s where I’ve hit the wall with Emotiva. Why doesn’t Emotiva still manufacture a preamp similar to the XSP-1? It appears the company is concentrating on home theater applications more than audiophile equipment. Is this the case? Is the company going to continue manufacturing 2 channel equipment at a variety of price points? I hope to stay with Emotiva, but I really want to find a XSP-1. I’ve put a wtb listing on the Emporium. Hopefully I can locate one. Like I said above, I’m really pleased with my system. In a word... no, that’s not the case. The XSP-1 was the oldest product in Emotiva’s product line. Rather than entering into another product run commitment, they decided to temporarily discontinue the current model and refresh it. There will be an XSP-2, but no timeframe is being specified. Here is a direct quote from another thread... LINK. Since Emotiva will no longer discuss products under development until their release is imminent, I would suggest only two logical options. First, wait for an XSP-1 to become available on the used market or two, move on to a different product if you want something sooner. It may be some time before you see a new reference analog preamp from Emotiva. |
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Post by selind40 on Dec 12, 2020 1:16:02 GMT -5
I've got XSP-1 Gen 2 that I can be talked out of......but I hope you live in a warm, or hot state......unless you have you a blow dryer if you shut it off. Inquiry within......
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jdt
Minor Hero
Posts: 16
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Post by jdt on Dec 12, 2020 9:24:41 GMT -5
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. To me, if Emotiva doesn’t offer a reference level preamp for several years, they are ignoring a vital segment of their product line. The USP-1 has done a nice job, however, it’s time for me to move up to a reference level preamp and I’m forced to find a preowned one or go to another manufacturer. The goal of every company is to keep customers. Hard to do that if you don’t have the products that give them the opportunity to move to the next level of equipment. So I hope I can find a used one at a reasonable price. That might be the one mentioned here. Nice looking Road King. I had one for several years and did quite a bit of touring with it. I am very interested in finding a XSP in very good condition at a reasonable price. I’d appreciate it if you’d send me some pictures and what you would sell it for. Thank you all again for your suggestions and the information you’ve provided me with.   |
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Post by doc1963 on Dec 12, 2020 10:31:42 GMT -5
jdt... there may be one more option. Call Emotiva during normal business hours and ask if there are any “B Stock” or “Factory Refurbished” units available. These units are typically not put on their website except for the occasional “Factory Refurbished” sale where they have an abundance of product to clear out of the warehouse. May be worth your time and effort... 
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cawgijoe
Emo VIPs 
"We made too many of the wrong mistakes." - Yogi Berra
Posts: 4,904
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Post by cawgijoe on Dec 12, 2020 10:37:49 GMT -5
I've got XSP-1 Gen 2 that I can be talked out of......but I hope you live in a warm, or hot state......unless you have you a blow dryer if you shut it off. Inquiry within...... It’s called patience, which most don’t have. Rather than speculate, you have three choices.....buy a used Emotiva XSP-1......buy a new or used preamp from another manufacturer.....or wait till 2021 to see if an XSP-2 comes out. I understand Emohiva’s policy now of not talking about upcoming product since they were fried for it when release dates were not met. It’s a double edge sword though for people who may want a new product and have no real clue whether it’s in the works. Hard decisions. See Doc’s suggestion for a fourth option...... |
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klinemj
Emo VIPs
Honorary Emofest Scribe
Posts: 14,744
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Post by klinemj on Dec 12, 2020 12:51:39 GMT -5
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. To me, if Emotiva doesn’t offer a reference level preamp for several years, they are ignoring a vital segment of their product line. The USP-1 has done a nice job, however, it’s time for me to move up to a reference level preamp and I’m forced to find a preowned one or go to another manufacturer. The goal of every company is to keep customers. Hard to do that if you don’t have the products that give them the opportunity to move to the next level of equipment. So I hope I can find a used one at a reasonable price. That might be the one mentioned here. Nice looking Road King. I had one for several years and did quite a bit of touring with it. I am very interested in finding a XSP in very good condition at a reasonable price. I’d appreciate it if you’d send me some pictures and what you would sell it for. Thank you all again for your suggestions and the information you’ve provided me with. View AttachmentView AttachmentOne option nobody has mentioned is to buy a used or factory renewed XMC-1. I used to have a UMC-1 and XSP-1, but once I upgraded the pre/pro to an XMC-1 - I found I didn't need the XSP-1 so I sold it. The XMC-1 is actually that good as a preamp that its performance matched the XSP-1. Mark |
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Post by bluemeanies on Dec 13, 2020 11:45:47 GMT -5
Having researched a variety of stereo separates earlier this year, I purchased a XPA-2 gen 2 and a USP-1. Additionally, I’ve added a NAD M51 DAC and a Cambridge CXN V2 streamer. For MQA from Tidal, I use a Pro Ject S2 Digital DAC. They all work great together driving a pair of B&W 683 S2’s. I’m really pleased with how it all has come together. My next step was to upgrade the preamp. And that’s where I’ve hit the wall with Emotiva. Why doesn’t Emotiva still manufacture a preamp similar to the XSP-1? It appears the company is concentrating on home theater applications more than audiophile equipment. Is this the case? Is the company going to continue manufacturing 2 channel equipment at a variety of price points? I hope to stay with Emotiva, but I really want to find a XSP-1. I’ve put a wtb listing on the Emporium. Hopefully I can locate one. Like I said above, I’m really pleased with my system. If you are interested in something new in a preamp I am considering selling my custom SP14. This thing sings. Clear and lifelike. |
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Post by brubacca on Dec 13, 2020 19:44:54 GMT -5
Its been several years since they have focused on serious 2ch audio. They supposedly had a midrange line of gear called Emersa at least 3 years ago. The 2 channel stuff was done, but they paused release until the HT pre was ready.
Emersa has never seen the light of day. Its a shame as the 2ch stuff looked really cool including a stereo digital amp. They never said another word and its GONE. Just like Emotiva Glass (tube audio line).
They are pushing their multi-thousand dollar HT pre-amps. Great for them, It's no interest to me. I've literally spent thousands of dollars of 2ch stuff and Emotiva hasn't seen a dime. Honestly I found the USP-1 to sound good with $600 speakers, but it didn't scale well for me with more serious gear.
Look to Schiit Audio as they focus on headphone and speaker based 2ch systems. Freya+ is supposedly very good and less expensive than XSP-1, but no phono, Ht Bypass or Subwoofer out.
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Post by leonski on Dec 16, 2020 17:30:22 GMT -5
I've got XSP-1 Gen 2 that I can be talked out of......but I hope you live in a warm, or hot state......unless you have you a blow dryer if you shut it off. Inquiry within...... It’s called patience, which most don’t have. Rather than speculate, you have three choices.....buy a used Emotiva XSP-1......buy a new or used preamp from another manufacturer.....or wait till 2021 to see if an XSP-2 comes out. I understand Emohiva’s policy now of not talking about upcoming product since they were fried for it when release dates were not met. It’s a double edge sword though for people who may want a new product and have no real clue whether it’s in the works. Hard decisions. See Doc’s suggestion for a fourth option...... CAMERA manufacturers Routinely publish a 'roadmap' of future lenses. And DO get blasted when schedules are not met. Nikon was recently at least 6 months Late to market with a lens that was Eagerly Awaited....to say the least. But did issue other glass on-time and a few surprises, too boot. Canon and Sony play at this same game but I've not looked into other lens builders. But these are unique times. And publishing such a roadmap for electronics should NOT be an end-all situation. And if you are patient, you will at least see what is coming if not the Exact date when it'll happen. As for a preamp? For a few $$$ more? Parasound P6 is a wonderful piece. THIS is one of the targets that EMO must meet or exceed to succeed in that space. hometheaterreview.com/parasound-halo-p-6-preamplifier-dac-reviewed/ |
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Post by housetech on Dec 16, 2020 19:30:27 GMT -5
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Post by leonski on Dec 17, 2020 0:45:05 GMT -5
Keep straight the diff between HT and Home Audio.......HT stuff will have HDMI while home audio NOT. It is just a few years since the latest generation of STEREO preamps include goodies like Bass Management and a reasonable DAC section. My P5 covers both while the P6 improves the DAC section and includes a small display. It even has Tone Controls and a sub output level control on the front panel. If you want HDMI? I don't think the XSP in either G1 or G2 models will have HDMI....or does it? |
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Post by Radblue on Dec 20, 2020 9:46:04 GMT -5
Thank you all for your comments and suggestions. To me, if Emotiva doesn’t offer a reference level preamp for several years, they are ignoring a vital segment of their product line. The USP-1 has done a nice job, however, it’s time for me to move up to a reference level preamp and I’m forced to find a preowned one or go to another manufacturer. The goal of every company is to keep customers. Hard to do that if you don’t have the products that give them the opportunity to move to the next level of equipment. So I hope I can find a used one at a reasonable price. That might be the one mentioned here. Nice looking Road King. I had one for several years and did quite a bit of touring with it. I am very interested in finding a XSP in very good condition at a reasonable price. I’d appreciate it if you’d send me some pictures and what you would sell it for. Thank you all again for your suggestions and the information you’ve provided me with. View AttachmentView AttachmentOne option nobody has mentioned is to buy a used or factory renewed XMC-1. I used to have a UMC-1 and XSP-1, but once I upgraded the pre/pro to an XMC-1 - I found I didn't need the XSP-1 so I sold it. The XMC-1 is actually that good as a preamp that its performance matched the XSP-1. Mark I'll chime in with an agreement to this option, I have XPS,DC-1 and XMC-1 and the XMC can replace them, It really sounds good and factory refurbs are still pooping us as ppl still doing the upgrade program. |
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Post by cheapthryl on Dec 20, 2020 10:11:17 GMT -5
I have an old classé ssp25 5.1 processor. It has,is an outstanding 2 channel pure analog preamplifier. This is what I purchased it for. I paid under $400 for it 9 years ago.
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