[CowboyZ37]

I've recently just installed my new speakers and am now looking at a seperate combination to power them.


I'm currently using a Pioneer Elite VSX-37TX, but it lacks DTS-MA and DD-HD capability as well as HDMI I/O.


My budget for the combination will be $2500-$3000 and as these will be my first seperates, I'm wondering what the best cost ratio would work the best. I was inches away from purchasing an Integra DHC-9.9 but reconsidered thinking it wouldn't leave me much in the budget for the amplifier.


Now I'm looking at either an Emotiva XPA-5, Parasound 5125 orParasound Halo A52 Amp, which again, doesn't leave a lot of room for a pre/pro. The Parasound products have the edge right now based soley on the fact that my wife likes the way the look and my assurance that, "they're good".


Going this route, the Emotiva UMC-1 and Outlaw 997 both look attractive based on price, however neither is available yet.


Other options?

 

[Cattledog]

Look for used on Audiogon or ebay.

 

[DougWinsor]

Don't worry about the amp, stick with emotiva/outlaw and go from there.

 

[CowboyZ37]

That's sort of what I was wondering. I've never heard a Parasound amp, but I know I would be happy with it from reputation.


The question I had was, can an Emotiva amp compete with a Parasound at half the price? I suppose there's no reason it couldn't, Emotiva just doesn't have the reputation that Parasound does, at least with me.


And I'd rather not go used. I always prefer buying brand new equipment even if it costs more.

 

[DougWinsor]



Quote:
The question I had was, can an Emotiva amp compete with a Parasound at half the price?

Yes, the reviews of emotiva amps are good and the tests show very impressive performance. An amp will either be able to drive the speaker load or not, do not worry about sound quality.

 

[Pure-Evil]

i have had a number of amps, carver, sansui, adcom etc..and the emotiva lpa-1 i picked up is by far and away the best amp i have ever owned....for sure

 

[poopiehead]

I think there are really deals on the Rotel 1085 amp or buy the newer rotel 1575


street prices should keep you in budget after you get the Onkyo


Emotiva is solid value and most people have commented it's a great amp. I looked and looked for a used piece in Canada (too expensive to ship cross border), but in the end found an older parasound on audiogon. But think of the electricity and space you use too. The emotiva is huge.


curious which blu-ray you use now? does it have analogue out?


you can always upgrade piece by piece if your player decodes internally.


get the amp first and then look for the pre/pro

 

[rottenkid]

If you can wait, the UMC-1, XPA-5 combo will be hard to beat for the money. Plus the 40% off deal Emotiva has with thier processors makes it much easier to upgrade down the road.