I would likely keep the Emotiva than go to a pre-amp as old as that Anthem. Just my opinion though.
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Anthem D1 vs Emotiva XSP-1 for 2 channel
I can get an Anthem D1 with ARC (early 2000's unit) or keep my Emotiva XSP-1 2 channel preamp. The Anthem was like a $5000 unit new and received awesome reviews even for 2channel. I wonder if that technology, in your mind would be sub-par to the much newer and dedicated 2channel Emotiva.
I cannot demo the Anthem but can pick one up for around $500.
I cannot demo the Anthem but can pick one up for around $500.
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Thanks! One of the main reasons I was leaning towards the Anthem is because it has ARC and I'm using 3 subwoofers right now and I need help integrating them into the system better.I would likely keep the Emotiva than go to a pre-amp as old as that Anthem. Just my opinion though.
I'm just not sure how the 2ch properties of the Anthem stack up to newer cheaper Emo stuff.
THanks for your input though!
I've owned an XSP-1 before, a gen 2 model. It is as transparent as any 2 channel preamp I've ever owned. I'd probably have one now if I didn't have my Yamaha A-S-1000 integrated amp.
Why do you need 3 subwoofers? Seems like overkill IMO. I usually don't use a sub in 2 channel. Both of my main L/R (I rotate them out) don't require a sub. When I was using bookshelf speakers I used two DIY 12" sealed subs, each speaker sitting on a sub, with an anti vibration absorption pad under each one. I had a Harman Kardon HK-990 integrated amp, at the time, which had room correction built in. That was an amazing setup, I almost wish I still had it. The speakers were Emotiva Reference ERM 6.2's, wonderful sounding setup, the speakers rolled off at 80hz pretty quickly, which is why I used the two subs.
My two main speakers are Salk Song Towers, and Polk LSiM705's. Both are great sounding speakers that sound great without subs. With the right speakers you don't need a sub, IMO. Well, unless you're a bass-head. And I understand that, but I love music that is balanced across the spectrum.
You'll probably need to mess around with the crude sub equalizer on the XSP-1, and then more messing around with the settings on the subs. Not much you can do if you have a low frequency 'house curve'. I have that, it's in the 45-75hz range. Rattles everything in the house that isn't nailed down! But thats only when I have the AVR on and the two subs playing.
Why do you need 3 subwoofers? Seems like overkill IMO. I usually don't use a sub in 2 channel. Both of my main L/R (I rotate them out) don't require a sub. When I was using bookshelf speakers I used two DIY 12" sealed subs, each speaker sitting on a sub, with an anti vibration absorption pad under each one. I had a Harman Kardon HK-990 integrated amp, at the time, which had room correction built in. That was an amazing setup, I almost wish I still had it. The speakers were Emotiva Reference ERM 6.2's, wonderful sounding setup, the speakers rolled off at 80hz pretty quickly, which is why I used the two subs.
My two main speakers are Salk Song Towers, and Polk LSiM705's. Both are great sounding speakers that sound great without subs. With the right speakers you don't need a sub, IMO. Well, unless you're a bass-head. And I understand that, but I love music that is balanced across the spectrum.
You'll probably need to mess around with the crude sub equalizer on the XSP-1, and then more messing around with the settings on the subs. Not much you can do if you have a low frequency 'house curve'. I have that, it's in the 45-75hz range. Rattles everything in the house that isn't nailed down! But thats only when I have the AVR on and the two subs playing.
Not to derail but I had an HK990 as well. Amazing unit, but man did they cheap out on the parts making them extremely unreliable long term.I had a Harman Kardon HK-990 integrated amp, at the time, which had room correction built in. That was an amazing setup, I almost wish I still had it.
Wish I could have kept mind running.The reason I have 3 subs is because finding the 4th is very hard ha. I use the "swarm" effect where you use multiple smaller subs to even out bass response. My room is awful and my two towers provide a bass node right in my listening position.I've owned an XSP-1 before, a gen 2 model. It is as transparent as any 2 channel preamp I've ever owned. I'd probably have one now if I didn't have my Yamaha A-S-1000 integrated amp.
Why do you need 3 subwoofers? Seems like overkill IMO. I usually don't use a sub in 2 channel. Both of my main L/R (I rotate them out) don't require a sub. When I was using bookshelf speakers I used two DIY 12" sealed subs, each speaker sitting on a sub, with an anti vibration absorption pad under each one. I had a Harman Kardon HK-990 integrated amp, at the time, which had room correction built in. That was an amazing setup, I almost wish I still had it. The speakers were Emotiva Reference ERM 6.2's, wonderful sounding setup, the speakers rolled off at 80hz pretty quickly, which is why I used the two subs.
My two main speakers are Salk Song Towers, and Polk LSiM705's. Both are great sounding speakers that sound great without subs. With the right speakers you don't need a sub, IMO. Well, unless you're a bass-head. And I understand that, but I love music that is balanced across the spectrum.
You'll probably need to mess around with the crude sub equalizer on the XSP-1, and then more messing around with the settings on the subs. Not much you can do if you have a low frequency 'house curve'. I have that, it's in the 45-75hz range. Rattles everything in the house that isn't nailed down! But thats only when I have the AVR on and the two subs playing.
The ARC in the Anthem would help blend the subs together and with the mains more. But, it's also very old. It was $5k at its prime and was a tip top unit, but I'm just not sure how it would stack up next to more modern equipment.
If you are already running separates, why not run a beefier minidsp?
Something like the 10x10HD or the dirac 88A could handle 3-4 subwoofer channels.
*or even the 4x10HD
Something like the 10x10HD or the dirac 88A could handle 3-4 subwoofer channels.
*or even the 4x10HD
The reason I have 3 subs is because finding the 4th is very hard ha. I use the "swarm" effect where you use multiple smaller subs to even out bass response. My room is awful and my two towers provide a bass node right in my listening position.
The ARC in the Anthem would help blend the subs together and with the mains more. But, it's also very old. It was $5k at its prime and was a tip top unit, but I'm just not sure how it would stack up next to more modern equipment.
You might be better off with a good AVR. I doubt that Anthem is going to eq 3 subs. Even the latest Audyssey XT32 only eq's 2 subs. Newer AVRs are very good for music these days.
Excellent suggestion!If you are already running separates, why not run a beefier minidsp?
Something like the 10x10HD or the dirac 88A could handle 3-4 subwoofer channels.
*or even the 4x10HD
Why is it I forget these gadgets are available? Perhaps it's because my listening space is so good for sounds. I've haven't heard much of a difference between using Audyssey or YPAO, or using nothing other than setting speaker levels. When I had the HK990 it had four modes of room correction, and no room correction. The only difference was the 'house curve' in the 45-75hz area with a +7db rise. Not that I minded when it comes to movies. Not so good for music though.
I do have a minidsp 2x4 upgraded to the Dirac Live.. I figured i would use two outputs for L & R and the other two for subs. Maybe I should reconsider and just use it for the subs.
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