EMOTIVA Thread Q&A [TECHNICAL TALK ONLY] - Page 101

If you have an rsp-2 coming, you can also just integrate that into your ht. It has "sound sense" turn on right? You can put the pre-outs from your 805 to connect the main channels to the rsp-2. When you onk sends an ht signal the rsp will turn on and you can trigger it to turn on your xpa-2. That way your speakers will be working with HT and the two channel rig.

*
Yup.

New Emotiva owner with a couple of XPA-1s for the front pair, and because the sale was so tempting another for the center.

Going from AVR amplification to dedicated amps I have been thoroughly enjoying the upgrade. Movie soundtracks are the most noticeable difference, the soundstage is bigger, and more engaging (can hear details not audible before). Dynamic moments are fabulous, explosions, crashes etc have detail that was completely smeared before. So far these beauties have brought me closer to truly feeling a part of the experience, complete immersion.

One of the biggest suprises was how the detail and articulation of the surrounds increased so much with the AVR offloaded from the duty of the fronts. An obvious outcome probably, but not one I thought of before hand.

Hello,
New to the thread. I am seriously considering a new Emotiva amp for my setup. I am currently running a Pioneer Elite VSX 49txi into Swans 6.1s (front) and Swans 2.1s (rear), soon to have the matching C3 center channel. I am curious how a XPA-2, XPA-3, or the RPA-2 will incorporate into my system. Anyone have any experience with adding separate amplification to the 49txi? I was considering Adcom, but the Emotiva line seems pretty nice.
Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
John

It's pretty simple, your 49txi has 7.1 channel pre-outs. You'd just run an RCA cable from those to your external amps and then hook your speakers up to those.

Your Swans are relatively easy to drive (8 ohm), but not especially efficient at 88 db. With two 8" woofers, they should go fairly low. So you should benefit a reasonable amount from the external amps. I would however definitely not bother with the 125 wpc emotiva products like the UPA-7 or UPA-2. In fact I would probably only look at the XPA-2 or RPA-2, or maybe the XPA-3 and run the surrounds and/or the center channel off of your Pio, since they just aren't likely to benefit that much.

The XPA-2 has slightly more power than the RPA-2 (250 vs 200), but the RPA-2 is class H, which is somewhat more efficient and has cool power meters.

Anyone have an opinion on H vs. A/B? Posted earlier today and not much comment....

Vongerv:

Are you using balanced connections to your XPA-1's or single ended RCA connections?

I'm wanting to do the same thing that you did for my home theater setup. I originally was going with the XPA-2 for the mains and the XPA-5 for the center and surrounds. However, I want the best quality amp for the center speaker in home theater because I want the ultimate clarity there and clear diaglog, sound effects, bass, etc.

After reading all of these reviews on the different amps from Emotiva, I was not convinced that the XPA-5 was the best amp for the center speaker. I felt the XPA-2 was fine for the mains and thought about just getting another XPA-2 for the center.

But then Emotiva released the XPA-1's and I felt that this might be the perfect amps to run my Paradigm Signature speakers. At this point, I have two options I'm considering: 1. XPA-2 & XPA-1 for left/right and center. 2. (3) XPA-1s for all front 3 speakers. I'd love to have 3 XPA-1's but that's kind of expensive in this economy and the XPA-2/XPA-1 is more cost effective. I'd have the XPA-1 on the center speaker which for me would be ideal and the XPA-2 would be on the left/right speakers and I think that amp would really give life to them and mate well with the Center.

As far as the other surround speakers, right now I'm using a receiver and could use its power for the surrounds or I could get an XPA-2 or XPA-5 for the remaining speakers.

Hope that you're enjoying your new amplifiers! Jimmy

Jimmy,

I am new to the Emo brand, an have no experience with their other products. There are many people here with good insight, that being said here are my thoughts:

I can see your point on center channel importance, and as good as 3 XPA-1s are, using an XPA-2 combined with an XPA-1 would make a sweet front stage at a nice $ reduction. Heard nothing but great comments on the XPA-2. If you listen to lots of music also, stepping up two three 1's across the front seems attractive.

One of the hardest choices and seemingly most asked questions are regarding Emo's huge option capabilities with all of their x-channel amps. Good luck pulling the trigger, really comes down too what you can/want to $$. The Xs are really nice pieces of gear.

And I use RCA connects (as per AVR for now), Slight audible noise from no more than 6" with 92 sensitivity, pretty good if you ask me. Will be buying pre/pro in the future, maybe XMC, or Denon's lesser stand alone (if/when available).
Nathan

I have an XPA-3 and am looking to get a Middle Atlantic rack. Does anyone know if the XPA-3 will fit in a Middle Atlantic Slim 5 rack that is 20" deep? I would like to avoid getting the 26" Slim 5 if possible.

Because of my electrical concerns, before disassembling my equipment, I first turned everything on in my entertainment room and cranked the volume to ref level. I then held my breath and plugged the XPA-3 directly into the socket above my Tripp-Lite - success! What a relief that was.

Sunday I did a SPL check of my speakers (level set to 75dB for movies). This was something I forgot to do last spring when I moved my listening position a foot closer to the TV. There were a couple of minor adjustments, but it needed to be done. With the XPA-3 wired and powered, I did another SPL check. I lowered the 2 fronts and center 1dB. The surrounds remained unchanged.

I didn’t get an opportunity to listen very much last night so I spent 2 hours this morning giving everything a good test by playing CD’s and concert DVDs (I wish the industry would apply one set of standards when producing CD’s. It’s incredibly frustrating that you have to continually adjust the volume every time you insert a different CD into the player. And don’t get me started on the difference in quality of the individual recordings). Anyway...I found a positive difference in my system. I’m into highs, and this brought out the nuances that were previously more subtle and in the background to the forefront. The pinging of the cymbals, the swishing of the brushes, the snapping of the fingers, all add to the overall experience. As I’ve read here before, there is a clarity and brightness that was missing. Everything is more pronounced. It’s also loud without being loud. I didn’t find a “night and day” difference, but enough of a difference that I could easily justify keeping the XPA-3. I’ll be getting my RCA cables from monoprice either today or tomorrow to replace my temporary thread thin cables.

I had a surprising moment this morning before my listening tests. I found it much easier to hear ESPN during my workout. I always pull my NordicTrack skier into the room and typically crank it up the volume, but this morning I found it much easier to hear and yet it wasn’t as loud. I don’t want to sound as though the XPA-3 is the best thing since sliced bread and is a cure-all for everything, but my initial impression is very favorable.


This will be the test I’m looking forward to. New Years day was the last time I’ve had any alcohol, and I have ‘til the 1st of Feb before I have another - just something I do once every year or so. To steal a line from Lloyd Bridges in Airplane, “Looks like I picked the wrong week month to quit drinking.”

Thanks,
Any input on the sonic differences between the RPA-2 and the XPA-2? Will the power make all the difference between the two?
As for the UPA amps, My 49txi already claims a good 130w at 8ohms so they would seem to be pointless. The RPA-2 looks nicer on the outside, but the XPA-2 looks nicer on the inside (I am no engineer though).......?

I'm of the "dubious about differences" school.


Which part will you spend more time looking at...

Aliens, I have been hoping all would go well for you!!
I am personally very glad that everything has worked out in such a positive manner!

I have been reading up on the interconnects as well.

I am currently using my component cables and now understand that the video cables are designed to be low impedance and 75ohm and the audio interconnects do not need low impedance but they need low capacitance and low crossover(shielding).

It seems that the capacitance is measured in terms of picoFarads pF and a high capacitance would be above 27pF/ft. It seems a low capacitance cable is audible when compared to a high capacitance cable. The low crossover is handled by the cable shielding.

So now where I was not really buying into this before am willing to consider the audio interconnects as "not any old cable will do ya".

I have been looking at specs and it is surprising that many of the specs just say low capacitance but do not give a spec rating. Monster, Mono and many others from what I have been able to read do not provide that spec.

What to do??

If I buy the monster series at $50 a cable x 3 I am at $150 (no Specs)
If I buy the Mono cable it is really cheap like pennies (no specs)
If I buy BlueJeans cable it is 5 channel 4 foot flexed and common sheath for $88.50 (specs 12pF/ft and shield as 1.8ohms per 1000 ft)

Okay, so I am drinking a little BlueJeans Koolaid so I called them!

I spoke with one of their reps, described my situation and told them that I was using a 12' component video cable for my interconnects and was interested in their cable at a 4' length. My question to BlueJeans was "Will I really hear a difference"

Drum Roll Please...................................................... ......................

The answer was......................................................... ...................

Er uh "NO" He said unless that cable is bad or has a very high capacitance you will not hear it.

Whoa....get out...I was expecting the hype....He earned my respect and trust because he was truthful.
He went on to say at that short a distance you are outside the hearing range for any difference and that it really begins to matter when you have much longer runs.

This picqued my curiosity on the pF/ft on component video cables and for the Blue Jeans component cables that use Belden 7710A and 7787A. Each of those cables have pF/Ft spec published as 16pF/ft for either model versus 12.2pF/ft on the dedicated audio interconnect based on the Blue Jeans own LC-1 Design.
I can now understand why the Blue Jeans rep said I would not hear the difference as the delta between these two cable is so small. I know that they would not want me to buy and return them so they are better to just level with you if you ask them outright about performance expectations.

I think monocable because of value is as good a choice as any!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And now it seems that "any ol cable will do ya" so for now I am saving my money on that front!

OK.....pulled the trigger and ordered the RPA-2 and RSP-2 for my office listening system. Still need to decide if the Usher Be-718's will perform well with that combination. I still haven't had a chance to hook up the UPA-7 and UPA-2 yet. Notice a trend?

Hey DoingOK,

I think you should consider changing your moniker to DoingFrigginFantastic!

I could not even imagine having that as my office stereo! Nice!

LOL.....thanks but it is nothing compared to others here. I'm just glad I have an understandable girlfriend that deals with my toys. Racing my nearly 600hp Z06 is much more stressful for her than building up some new listening setups. She's happy.

For a very good review of the differences between these two amps, go to the link below.
Its a review by emoblue that is involved and very detailed. The two amp shootout is between the RPA-1 and the XPA-2. The RPA-1 is identical spec wise to the RPA-2. Appearances seem to be the main differences from what I can tell.


http://emotivalounge.proboards54.com...ay&thread=3242

Ok, in that review from your link, was that reviewer saying that for his electrostatic speakers, the RPA was better suited than the XPA-2 and that for cone speakers, the XPA-2 was better suited than the RPA? I wasn't quite sure.

I had thought getting the XPA-2 for my left/right speakers for home theater which is 90% of my use for them. However, If the XPA-2 is not as detailed as the RPA-1, then I'm going to have to refigure this out. I want my center speaker to have the best amp possible and have that extreme clarity for a movie's dialogue and now after reading that post, I'm not quite as sure about the XPA-2 being the best choice.

Anyone have thoughts on this?

That is what I got from his *review*.

EmoBlue prefers the RPA with this Electrostats, he thought it gave an incredible clarity that just wasnt matched by the XPA-2.

He also tried the same test on some polks he had and in that case he greatly preferred the XPA-2 over the RPA-1. So he thought perhaps Coned speakers sound better with XPA's and that maybe electrostats and planars sound better with RPA's.

This just goes to show everyone has different opinions. I prefer my speakers with the RPA over my XPA. There is no right or wrong, only opinion.

Jimmy, you said the VAST majority of your speaker use is HT. In that case i HIGHLY suggest you choose a XPA amp. The RPA's are known for incredible musical performance, not HT.

Good review. Those are always fun to do and provide a lot of enjoyment. I'm always interested in how our subconscious affects our decision-making. Being as he came from a VU meter system, I wonder how much that and those pretty blue lights on his RPA played into it. Those things are rarely known when you are given the visuals. If, however, he walked into a room with two identical systems with the exception of the amps and no visuals, and then listened to each without the added interruption of switching amps, it would be interesting to see what the outcome would be. It may well be the same, but I think it would give a much better unbiased (by the subconscious) result. We do the best we can with what we have when doing these experiments, and I'm not at all disputing what he heard. All I'm saying is as objective as we think we are we're greatly influenced by our subconscious and visual perceptions.

Appearance has a lot to do with the receiver I buy. Yes, I want the technology upgrades, but it also has to look different than my current receiver. The SR5003 would probably suit my purposes, but I'll be darn if I'm going to spend the money on something that looks a lot like my 10 year old when the sleek clutter-free SR6003 is sitting there. I'm willing to pay a few hundred more just for appearance because I don't buy these things but once a decade or so, so I'm going to get something that is pleasing to my eye even if it means the SR5003 sounds identical to the SR6003. YMMV.

*
I also enjoyed his review.

I think you bring up some important points. Certainly it was a subjective review, but I found it interesting and very detailed. But isn't all speaker selection/rejection subjective? His embelishments made it all the more interesting. Not too different than what you'd find in any audio magazine review, IMO. Better written than many I've read in the past 40 years.

The RPA-1 & -2 are known for their musical qualities over HT use. I'm not sure I'd be able to distinguish to the nth degree that EmoBlue does. Some have it some don't. I'm somewhere in the upper middle of that pack, in that I know good sound when I hear it but minor nuances may escape my ears. It wasn't always that way, but hey, I'm 61 years old. When I was 22 and the first Bose 901s hit the streets my friends could not understand how I could not love them.

As for buying for the glitz and glamour, I hear you there. It is why we buy cars the way we do. Sometimes for no more that the looks of the hood ornament or a nice set of rims.

Ive been looking for a good set of amps and i think im gunna pull the trigger on some emotivas. Just wanna see if you guys think its a bit overkill.

I have definitive bp7002's as my front mains and a clr 2300 as my center. I am unsure what reciever to get yet maybe the yamaha 1900 or 3800. Anyway i was thinking of getting 3 xpa-1s to drive my fronts and when i get my surround speakers just run them off the reciever. What do you guys think

*
The first image this conjured up in my mind is that of a boat loaded too heavy up front. But as the old saying goes, 'if it floats your boat', go for it.

Why not try the XPA-3 first and see if that meets your needs? Your speakers aren't all that difficult a load, 92db sensitivity into an 8 ohm load with self powered subs built in. Reminds me somewhat of the Infinity IL50s I sold 2 years ago, they also had the self powered subs built in.

Of course, if you just like overkill........well, I can't think of a rational argument.

Bigred:

I think my last dilema in trying to determine which Emotiva amp to go with is the fact that according to that review, I can see where the reviewer valued the detail and clarity that the RPA-1 gave him in a musical sense.

Of course for me, most of my listening will be at least 90% home theater, however, I think it's extremely important to me that my center speaker have that detail and clarity because it is the "anchor" pretty much of then entire home theater system.

I can use the brute force type of sound that comes with having the XPA series and enjoy the deep bass and dynamics from my mains and to a lesser extent the surrounds. But if the RPA is viewed as being more detailed and clear, that would be a positive for dialog coming out of the center speaker.

Is it possible to use an RPA for the center speaker and use XPA's for the rest of the home theater system? Is the sonice signature close enough that you could mix those two amps together? I have no clue. Any thoughts on this?

My 2nd option would be to try the XPA-1's. I dont' know how they would match up with the RPA's with respect to detail, clarity, musicality and of course, they have massive power output as well.

My original choice for a multi-channel amp was Anthem. I've read great reviews on Anthem and it seems to mate well with Paradigm and it has a sense of detail and musicality along with power and a very low noise floor, etc. Anthem is now my 2nd choice but at least I know Anthem would be a good match to Paradigm Signature speakers. I don't know that about any of the Emotiva amps. Thanks!

I understand your dilema.

And you have several options at your fingertips. Like i said i own a RPA-1 and an XPA-3 that i use in the same system. For HT they integrate just fine.

Remember EmoBlues review is mainly music biased. Which is why he appreciated what the RPA brought to the table. I think your thinking to deeply into the clarity thing for your center channel. Any of the XPA's will be amazing for clarity for HT use. The kind of clarity you need in music and the kind you need in HT are a little different IMO. You want dynamics and power and authority in a HT. Clarity means more in dedicated 2-channel audio setup than it does in a HT setup, but YMMV

But i do enjoy my RPA-1 running my mains for HT. Im watching 300 right now and its pretty amazing

Yup that may be overkill, i just dont know if your speakers would really benefit from it. But if i had the money i would probably do the same thing

If you could use the money for something else, i recommend getting the XPA-2 and XPA-3 combo. That should give you lots of "warm fuzzies".

I emailed Emotiva about getting on their waiting list for the UMC-1, and this is their response.


XXXXX,
The UMC wait list has been closed for roughly two months. Once the units come out, we will ask everyone on the preorder list if they want to purchase. After the list has been gone through, we will then open up sales to everyone. I would guess it will be April before we can open sales up to everyone, but hopefully it will be sooner.

Best Regards,
Nick
Emotiva Audio Corp.


I hope Nick doesn't mind me sharing.

I've only been reading about Emotiva's amps, not their processor at all.\\

I'm still using my Onkyo 805 receiver to power my Paradigms and was going to use the pre-outs of my receiver if I went with the Emotiva amps.

Then I thought I would get either the Integra 9.9 or Onkyo Pr SC886.

Should I hold off on buying either the Integra or Onkyo? I have no idea what type of features that the UMC-1 has to offer and at what price point.

Any suggestions from the guys waiting for Emotiva's UMC-1 where I can find a description of what features are going to be offered on this model. Ideally if I have Emotiva amps, I'd also like to have their best processor as well.

I'm definitely willing to wait and get the amps first, use my receiver's pre-outs and then get the UMC-1 if it's worth the wait. Otherwise, I'd be checking out Integra or Onkyo/

Any thoughts or suggestions on this issue if I go ahead and get Emotiva Amps? Thanks!

http://emotiva.com/news.shtm
Go down about half way. Thu UMC-1 looks great on paper, and the price is great too. I have a LMC-1 with a LPA-2, and I'm very happy with them. I am on the pre-order list for the UMC-1. It's been a long wait, but I know it will be worth it. Also if you buy one of thier processors, you get 40% off the next generation processors (possibly UMC-2 or XMC-2?).