[rkaufmann]

I'm interested in this amplifier as my first seperate piece. My current set-up is using a Sony ES class receiver, I was thinking of the Earthquake to get more power and then using my Sony as a Pre-Amp until I can afford a nicer Pre. If anyone has experience with the Earthquake I'd love to hear from you.


Thx.



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R.Kaufmann

 

[Nathan Ivey]

I second that!


I am also looking into the earthquake.


Doesn't seem to be very well known and the only reviews I've found are on the professional level.

 

[RickS]

Hi,


I have just added a high powered amp to my system. I am using a Denon 5700 for a processor. The direction you are going I think is a very good choice. Also, I'm not sure how much $$ the EC is but, if you are looking for that kind of power you should take a look at Cinepro 3k6II . I feel that is one of the best component's I have added to my HT. It also has a sixth channel that could power a passive subwoofer. Alan, the owner of the this site is a Cinepro dealer.


------------------

Thanks

Rick & Carey's Home Theater

 

[rkaufmann]

RickS,


I've priced the Cinenova as low as $2400 USD from a online/retailer in California. The list price on this unit is about $4000 so that's an awesome price from what I've seen. Also seen them advertised on EBay but don't know for sure how much they're actually selling for. I'm just skeptical about reliability and warranty issues which is why I'd like to get feedback from actual owners. Compared to others like the Rotel 1050 and Krell 500i it's a great buy and the specs are great it's just those 2 major issues I'd like some feedback on.


Cheer.

RKaufmann


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R.Kaufmann

 

[Nathan Ivey]

Mr. Kaufman,


Could you please Email me and let me know who offers this amp at 2400!

Maybe we can get a group purchase working for an even better price?

Or maybe me and u can buy together.


I talked to Earthquake the other day and was impressed with their CS. Seems they have actually been making amps for around 50 years and have a higher signal to noise ratio than Mark Levinson.


I have only heard positive things about this amp HTmag gave it a 98 in performance. No amp has scored higher than that to my knowledge. Including Krell, Classe, ATI, Rotel, hell all of them!

The only runner up is the EAD PM-1000 which I can get for 2200 plus shipping from an E-dealer.


Please E-mail me [email protected]

I think we may be able to get a better price out of this dealer.


Regards,


Nathan

 

[RickS]

Just a quick note on pricing from the above post. The Cinepro amp's 5 or 6 channel can be purchased in the price ranges you are looking at. I'm not trying to change anyone's mind but, bag for the (street priced dollar) this is one of the best buy's in the HT market. I know because I was were you are a couple of months ago deciding on an amp. Best of luck in your hunting. They are all great amps that you have listed.


------------------

Thanks

Rick & Carey's Home Theater

 

[Nathan Ivey]

How much Rick?


I have been considering Cinepro but they don't seem to offer a great value.


If you have an E-dealer let me know.


My price range is 2000-2500 for at least 200 watts into 8 ohms.


Put up or?

 

[RickS]

Hi, Nathan!


I bought my amp from Alan here at AVS. I have bought a lot of AV equipment here on the forum but, I know that the prices here are the best that I've found anywhere. Please e-mail [email protected] for pricing on Cinepro products.


The Cinepro 3k5 is a five channel amp with 285 wpc into 8 ohms and 500 wpc into 8 ohm on the center channel. Retail is $2795.00. The street price is much better. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/wink.gif


------------------

Thanks

Rick & Carey's Home Theater

 

[Bob Sorel]

When I went shopping for new audio components a few months ago, I heard a Lexicon MC-1/Earthquake Cinenova combo and that was the finest gear I heard of all the stuff I listened to. That combo lists for $10,000 and I could have bought it for about $6000, but even that was too high for my budget. If I had the money to spare, I would have bought that combination without a second thought. I know people around here don't like Home Theater Magazine, but several months ago they gave it one of the highest ratings they have ever given to a power amp, with the scores in the 96 to 98 range, as I recall, with comments to the effect that it could compete effectively with amps costing twice as much. It sure did sound sweet to my ears http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif

 

[RickS]

Boy, I'm just plugging the site tonight because not that long ago Alan gave me an excellent price on a MC-1, since he is also a Lexicon dealer. But, I'm waiting for a couple of upcoming format to shake out before jumping into a pre/pro.


------------------

Thanks

Rick & Carey's Home Theater

 

[rkaufmann]

Some have asked where I was quoted such low price on the Earthquake Cinenonva (EC), the site is:
http://www.top7.com/lightning/home/earthMKII/mk2.html


When I spoke to the owner on the phone, he told me he could offer the amp for about $2400. I haven't done business with him so I can't vouch for him but he because I live within about 100 miles he offered to have me come down to pick up the unit if I chose to order. I asked about the warranty and he was up front and told me that Earthquake wasn't clear on mail order or internet purchases but becuase I could drive down to pick it up he was positive they would honor any warranty claims. Because I'm not quite ready to plunk down $2400 still I haven't made a purchase. I'd still like to audition the unit before spending my hard earned cash though.


Cheers to all.

RKaufmann


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R.Kaufmann

 

[TheaterJeff]

Regarding the Cinenova amp, it's a nice amp and has good reviews but there are other things to consider besides the rating. You should look at what it's best used for, that's mainly movies only, and factor in other issues like the lack of balanced inputs. If your processor uses balanced it's a nice improvement over rca un-balanced connects. The amp offers serious power for the dollar, but lacks the refinement in tonal quality of those from Krell and others like them.


It's not a thumbs down rating, but depends upon the gear you are connecting it to and what you want from it that matters most. Also, I can't imagine a dealer willing to go that low on the prices that's not willing to give up their license or ripping you off. Authorized dealers if you ever do call them will force you to go through the closest one if it's within a certain radius and only discount at most 5-10% on gear. That's because companies will pull their sell license if they find out they are doing mail order business, selling on-line, etc. If you find them listed as in authorized dealership on the companies web site then chances are you already know that if you call.


Good luck,


Jeff

 

[Nathan Ivey]

Jeff,


I have heard alot of terrible things about Krell lately and a large number of high end dealers in the DFW area are choosing to let it go.


As far as Balanced goes my single eneded cables cost me too much to throw away. And my Casa Nova does not have a trully balanced output. I have followed several discussions at some length about balanced and have decided it is not necessary if your single ended cables are properly shielded. And I do understand common mode noise rejection but I dont feel I have problem that needs to be fixed.


Seriously have you heard the Cinenova or are you just slipping your two cents so you can mention a Krell product.


As a matter of fact hillcrest is the only shop that carries Krell now and they are they worst retailer in the area.


Truthfully, where did you listen to this amp to say it sounds undetailed on music. I have a little trouble believing that this amp can't compete with the 100 watt multichannel krell. I would bet that it will smoke it hands down. Krells name is not worth what it used to be. Now people are looking past the name to the sound and it seems that in that regard it may not be worth the green.


What multichannel amp would you suggest for around 2500?

 

[TheaterJeff]

Nathan-


I don't want to start a flame war, but do wish to respond to some of your statements and questions. First, let me say I have access to just about anything I want and have heard many of the high-end brands in person. Second, I have heard no better processors than Krell or Meridian. The Theta comes close but the other two still have the edge. Third, Krell is one of the most outstanding companies around and has great customer service. I think what we see on these boards are people that don't truly know about what they are talking about, want to put down gear which they can't buy or have a problem with personally, some are kids here and other issues. None of my comments are a slam to those that own other gear or like other brands. It's no more than someone reading a review or article in a magazine and shouldn't be taken in ways other than what's said.


I have heard demos from the same store that sells the brands of Krell, Meridian, Theta, Linn, Wadia, Classe, Martin Logan, etc. When I heard the amps from Krell it was indeed better than the demo I had from another store that sold the Cinenova. The Krell amps are some of the best made bar none and are great for music and movies like the 250a combo series. The KAV-1500 is more suited twords movies and has slightly less detailed imaging on music compared a/b with the 250a combo. Some companies are not dropping Krell but loosing their license because of various reasons, like selling on-line, mail order, etc. I know the company and know of no one that has a license that has dropped their line. Only one I know of has stopped selling, but that's because they are not a good dealership and will likely soon close. The other dealers are carefully screened just like with Meridian and Theta and are the best ones you can deal with for the most part.


I found the Cinenova to hold help good on movies but lacking in refinement in the upper-mid range and overall imaging on music capability. It's a good amp depending upon the gear you are matching it up with and for movies as the main attraction. But if you use your theater as your listening room and want audiophile quality you won't find it with that amp.


Also, depending upon the gear and processor you have, balanced outputs are indeed better than single end rca connections. If you can a/b them on an amp like Krell, Meridian or Theta Dreadnought then it will be noticable. But you must also remember to use good cables, like Transparent, or else there could be drop off and the rca will sound more or less the same.


The processors from Theta are very good like the Casablanca II and Casanova. I have heard them in person too (beta on the II though) and they were nice. But again, Krell and Meridian do beat them. It's like say they are a 9.5 and Theta is an 8. They are close in some regards but once you have a/b listened to them you will notice the edge. This could change once software is finalized on the Casablanca II though.


Again, this is just a reference like an article or review. I may hear and like some pieces better than others so that's why shopping a demos are important. Hope this helps explain some of what I believe from personal expierence though.


Have fun shopping,


Jeff

 

[Nathan Ivey]

Okay,


That all sounds good. I appreciate your response being more elaborate this time. And I respect your OPINION! I know we all have brands we prefer for one reason or another. I don't believe that a Classe or a THETA falls short of Meridian or the Krell HTS.


Nevertheless apparently you have expereince with alot of gear and may be of great use to me. Here is my question for you...


Are you saying I cannot get five channels of GOOD not great amp for 2500?

I am a college student and to be honest you said something I didn't want to hear so I reacted Ignorantly. I still believe that Krell is not what they used to be and have a feeling they are also seing a drop in sales.

I listen to music a whole lot and would have been buying the Cine Nova on blind faith. So know I will take your word on the lack of musicality. I would like to know what amp you would pair with a Casa Nova.


As for the THETA's chances are the one you heard may not have been crossed over to your own personal taste. If you have heard how much the sound changes with the different crossovers and slopes you may know what I mean. With Krell and Meridian there is no slope adjustment and no choice of different crossovers. I may be young but it sounds like we may both be Ignorant when it comes to some things. Maybe not though it sounds like you may know it all. Right? J/K


Good Luck,


Nathan

 

[Bob Sorel]

Did anyone here ever watch the episode of the original Star Trek series where there were two aliens, both half black and half white, but they were different from each other in that one was black on the right side, while the other was black on the left? They were at war with each other because each thought that the other was an obviously inferior creature, since they had their black and white sides on different halves of their bodies. How did that episode end?


I have heard both the Krell and the Cinenova amps, in the same room, using the same speakers, using the same preamp (Lexicon MC-1), using the same cables, etc. and I am happy to report that they are both very fine amplifiers http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/biggrin.gif


[This message has been edited by Bob Sorel (edited August 11, 2000).]

 

[Jim_S]

I bought the Cinenova about 6 months ago. 95% of its use is for home theater. As advertised in the specs, the frequency response is flat, distortion is low, the amp is fast, which some describe as sounding cold. For music that's a bad thing, but 5 channels amps are not meant for 2 channel (stereo) reproduction. For home theater this thing shines. Movies have a lot more dynamic range (ie the surprise explosion) that require the amp to suddenly produce a lot more power. Having independent power supplies (the Cinenova has 5 mono block amps)and oversized caps allows the amp to produce these sudden surges.

Earthquake has been around for a while, mainly in the car audio market. They do manufacture upper end amps for other companies, but it is a mystery who. Anyone know?


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Nothing difficult ever turns out to be easy

 

[TheaterJeff]

Nathan-


After reading your comments on the post, I do have a slightly better understanding of what you are after. Just to let you know, I have a degree in computer science and do most of my setup and calibration myself (like Meridian, Crestron, etc.) To answer the question on the Theta processor, yes I did know about the cross overs and played around with the tweaking for a while. It got close, but still not as good when compared to the Krell or Meridian music modes. The new Casablanca II may be equal or perhaps better, I haven't heard the final code yet on it like I said. Again, like anything else you read be it an article or review, that's still how strong I feel about the Krell and Meridian gear. A personal opinion after hearing, testing and owning. Don't get me wrong, like I said Theta is a great company and has great customer service just like the other two and you may like them just as good sonically too.


Next, to be just totally honest with you, if you want audiophile quality and five channels to boot it will be a lot more than $2,500. You used the word "good" and to one person what will be acceptable may not be to someone else. This again is a personal choice and without actually knowing what you like it's hard to discuss like this. Also, I really feel strongly about getting at least an in store demo of the gear too. This may not be possible and I certainly can relate to that issue.


The Cinenova is not a bad amp like you may think on music, just not one I would call on an audiophile level quality. I would try to save for a better amp or combo amps. Also, you can find some amps from good sellers with great feedback ratings on e-bay too. Since you asked for my opinion on what amp I would pair up with the Casanova I would lean twords the following (in no certain order):


Krell 250a and the 250a/3 3 channel

Meridian 558

Classe (just about any of their top end will do very well)

B&K


You know, I haven't heard the B&K for awhile since last year and I just thought of that new amp. It's certainly something to check into and I do think they are pretty good on music which may be ok with what you want. If cost was no object then that would be different, but since I know it is you may want to check Classe for ads or demo the B&K.


Hope this helps your shopping, have fun.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------


Yes, saw that Star Trek episode several times now. I really don't think we have gone that far. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif Like I said, no more than reading an article in a book you may not agree with, but then again you may. Heck, anyone that likes Star Trek isn't bad. http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/biggrin.gif


Jeff

 

[Nathan Ivey]

SFB!


[This message has been edited by Nathan Ivey (edited August 15, 2000).]

 

[TheaterJeff]

Nathan-


I'm not that up on EAD or the amp you mentioned for $1,100. If I don't know or haven't heard it then I feel safer not to comment. I would jump on the price you mentioned for the Theta amp at that cost. It's un-heard of for an authorized Theta dealer to discount that much, so investigate it carefully. Can you do balanced inputs on the Casanova processor? Right now I can't recall and if you can then this will be a plus too. You can start out with good single end rca connections like Monster cable then slowly upgrade to balanced since your amp and processor can use it. The center channel matters most so you should start there for the front channels. Remember, the cables do matter and if doing balanced you will want to go with Transparent Premium or better. Yes, they are better than MIT or any other brand out there and they cost but it will make a difference. If you can't do balanced then just stick with good rca single end connect cables.


In regards to an amp to use right now, I can't think of a single five channel amp. I can come up with 4 channel amps but not 5. The Citation 5.1 amp is good, not THX (which you want if you are doing both music and movies) and has 4 channels. That would leave you one short still. Right now I have one for sell at the price you mentioned. Note, I didn't suggest this because I'm selling. Just something you should check out if you can find them elsewhere too. I like the non-THX amps they have, just don't do the THX ones. They certainly will give you the power you need to drive just about any speaker. Try to check them out if you get the chance.


You asked me also about re-sell and that is a tough question. I can think of no gear that will yield a great return if used from something you buy new. Expect to take a hit when you sell any gear, keep it clean and mint with the box and manual and that will net you more when selling though. It really depends upon what you are selling, condition, etc.


Hope this helps some.


Jeff