NAD T955 vs. Emotiva XPA-5

Gulfstrings
Gulfstrings Posts: 313
edited June 2010 in Electronics
Finger's on the trigger. Sale time at Emotiva and the NAD is deeply discounted at Audio Advisors (and elsewhere). Both are right at my preferred price point and I'm sure I want the 5 channels driven.

Haven't heard either and nowhere to do so here in the electronic wasteland known as Tampa Bay.

The XPA-5 has more horsepower, the NAD is touted as being more refined.

I'll be driving Polk A7s, CSiA6 and FXi6s. The Onkyo 707 will take care of the two subs and I'm counting on its Pure Audio feature to continue pleasing 2 channel listening - but now with more ooomph!

I'm leaning toward the ... but would appreciate some preference opinions between the two.

Thanks,

Dave
Marantz AV7005
Marantz MM7055
Onkyo DX-755 CdP
Oppo BDP-93
Technics SL-1301/Shure M97xE
Polk RTi A7s
Polk CSi A6
Polk FXi A6s
Velodyne VDR10-BV
Panamax M5100-PM
Antec VERIS A/V Cooler x 2
Post edited by Gulfstrings on
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Comments

  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 26,000
    edited June 2010
    Take refinement and Go NAD. The A7's are on the bright side of things and will match up better with the NAD.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton/Typhon Rotel RP9400 Turntable

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,497
    edited June 2010
    Nad........
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited June 2010
    Nad imo
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited June 2010
    That NAD is conservatively rated. While the XPA is a nice amp, I would get the NAD with prices being ~ equal.
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  • Gulfstrings
    Gulfstrings Posts: 313
    edited June 2010
    Oh yeah! Nothing like unanimous support for a decision already made! It was the NAD all along! At least up to about ten minutes ago.

    I'm on the phone with AA salesman Joe (very nice to deal with) and he's just informed me the amp qualifies for free shipping.

    I'm cheap - that's good.

    Then he tells me he's out of stock.

    I'm cheap - that's bad. I had wondered if the amp was possibly discontinued, but he said there was no memo from NAD re same.

    His buyer had left for the day so he's going to call Monday with some news.

    Haven't been this disappointed since that time the girl next door told me her parents were out for the nite and if I came over with something from my dad's liquor cabinet ...
    Marantz AV7005
    Marantz MM7055
    Onkyo DX-755 CdP
    Oppo BDP-93
    Technics SL-1301/Shure M97xE
    Polk RTi A7s
    Polk CSi A6
    Polk FXi A6s
    Velodyne VDR10-BV
    Panamax M5100-PM
    Antec VERIS A/V Cooler x 2
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  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited June 2010
    Well, I was going to say NAD!
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited June 2010
    I know there are a few other NAD units out there if you look around new for a highly discounted price. I don't have time left on break to look around for the site but some good deals and can't remember if free shipping or not. look around.
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,400
    edited June 2010
    Gulfstrings wrote: »
    Haven't been this disappointed since that time the girl next door told me her parents were out for the nite and if I came over with something from my dad's liquor cabinet ...

    So you didn't get a NAD then either:p:D
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited June 2010
    knew everyone would prefer nad...and theyre probably right.just wanted to throw in my 2 cents....i own the emo xpa-2 and for the money have been very pleased w my unit.The build quality is awesome and the amp has plenty of power.If i made more money i woulda went higher up the food chsin...but for an average joe...emo is a good deal.Great customer service and transferable warranty also help...Nad has great rep,either one would power those speaks fine IMO
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,164
    edited June 2010
    Gulfstrings wrote: »
    I'm on the phone with AA salesman Joe (very nice to deal with) and he's just informed me the amp qualifies for free shipping.
    Of course it does! It's easy to ship nothing for free! ;)

    The NAD seems to be a steal at that price - a serious no-brainer. I wonder why it's still on the AA site and you can still add it to your cart? Have you tried to purchase it that way? I hate when companies make you input all of you personal information before telling you the item's not available...
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  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited June 2010
    That NAD will be great for the A7's. Just be the perfect combo. From what I have heard Emo tends to be a little bright, wrong combo for the A7's, unless you like that. I like a little brightness, or lively shall I say! But still want it refined and smooth. It will probably be my next upgrade, same NAD amp.
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
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  • buccidiego
    buccidiego Posts: 75
    edited June 2010
    I would go with the NAD personally...
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited June 2010
    I bought a NAD 370 integrated from the FM several months ago. Paired it with some Vandersteen 2ce's. What a nice, lush sound! I'm looking for another one to put in a bedroom rig. I've heard an EMO and it was excellant for HT, music I thought was uninspiring.

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • Gulfstrings
    Gulfstrings Posts: 313
    edited June 2010
    When on the phone with Joe I did "purchase" the amp with the hope that their PO will be filled by NAD. He thought his buyer could confirm on Monday and he'll give me a call.

    If NAD has discontinued and I missed it, it's on me. I found this pricing weeks agon but have procrastinated as I always do over most purchases.

    I did see a refurbed 955 at another seller at the same new price offered by AA. Amazon sais "Not Available" and that's been the extent of my efforts so far. If AA calls Monday and says it's a "no," I'll restart the hunt.

    Thanks,

    Dave
    Marantz AV7005
    Marantz MM7055
    Onkyo DX-755 CdP
    Oppo BDP-93
    Technics SL-1301/Shure M97xE
    Polk RTi A7s
    Polk CSi A6
    Polk FXi A6s
    Velodyne VDR10-BV
    Panamax M5100-PM
    Antec VERIS A/V Cooler x 2
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited June 2010
    My experiences with NAD says go with NAD. I've used NAD products in my 2 channel rig in the past and currently use an NAD T765 in my HT rig and couldn't be happier. I have no experience with Emo so I'll keep it shut.

    BTW I believe Steve (Shack) uses an all NAD rig and is very happy with it and he has heard many, many rigs in the mid-fi realm as well as the high end realm . . . that to me speaks volumes.
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  • Gulfstrings
    Gulfstrings Posts: 313
    edited June 2010
    Got some good news from Audio Advisor's Joe today! NAD has shipped AA's order including the T955s! According to Joe, my amp should be here in Fla some time next week.

    He didn't have a reason for the NAD's delay in filling their purchase order, but was able to confirm the shipment.

    I appreciate everyone's input. Better start making a hole where this thing will go ...

    Dave
    Marantz AV7005
    Marantz MM7055
    Onkyo DX-755 CdP
    Oppo BDP-93
    Technics SL-1301/Shure M97xE
    Polk RTi A7s
    Polk CSi A6
    Polk FXi A6s
    Velodyne VDR10-BV
    Panamax M5100-PM
    Antec VERIS A/V Cooler x 2
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  • Ric5811
    Ric5811 Posts: 400
    edited June 2010
    Congrats! I think you will love it!
    Polk RTi A7's FrontPolk CSi A4 CenterPolk Tsi 100's SurroundOnkyo TX-RZ50:)Oppo BDP 83 (Collecting dust)MIT Terminator 3 Speaker CableMIT Terminator 2 IC's (Oppo 2 chan)Signal Cable HT TWOEpson PowerLite Home Cinema 1080Hisense 55 U8GBelkin PF 60 Power Center
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  • texas ed
    texas ed Posts: 139
    edited June 2010
    Good thing I don't have enough posts to list stuff for sell yet........I hear the guys at the Emotive Lounge want to physically debate these comments....Seriously,my B&k amp is glued to it's stand and the Emo knows it has been demoted to the bedroom.:D
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited June 2010
    Enjoy your new amp....I picked up the lower powered NAD integrated a while back....with a pair of Monitor 5s for my office. I expect to hear some nice sounds when I get back to the U.S. in there.

    The Onkyos (I also use a TX-SR805 for HT). Are really nice for the price to feature ratio...should sound good enough. My HT speakers don't need extra power....the 51 pound 805 suffices.

    Good listening

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited June 2010
    after hearing an integrated NAD putting out 40WPC through Rega floorstanders NAD gets my vote. powerful and clarity. For me it was plenty loud to enjoy music and just a fantastic set up that didn't cost and arm and leg to do.
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 26,000
    edited June 2010
    texas ed wrote: »
    Good thing I don't have enough posts to list stuff for sell yet........I hear the guys at the Emotive Lounge want to physically debate these comments....Seriously,my B&k amp is glued to it's stand and the Emo knows it has been demoted to the trashcan.:D

    Fixed.:D
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2800 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon MiND2 Shunyata Triton/Typhon Rotel RP9400 Turntable

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson

    How many flies need to be buzzing a dead horse before you guys stop beating it?
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  • Gulfstrings
    Gulfstrings Posts: 313
    edited June 2010
    Appreciate the comments. Pretty certain the Onkyo 707 will make a great 'switchgear' and that the clean power of an amp will take me to a higher audio place.

    I'm already starting to think about the hookup. Currently, I have the A7s bi-wired from the Onkyo (the jumpers are removed and the front 'outs' are connected to the bottom posts while the front surround 'outs' are connected to the top posts).

    I'm wondering if I should keep the front surround 'outs' from the Onkyo connected to the A7s' top posts and the front 'outs' of the NAD to the bottoms posts.

    Will I have a true bi-amp setup then? or am I better off replacing the jumpers and just letting the NAD power both segments of the A7s?

    Probably should take this up to the Hookup section ...

    Dave
    Marantz AV7005
    Marantz MM7055
    Onkyo DX-755 CdP
    Oppo BDP-93
    Technics SL-1301/Shure M97xE
    Polk RTi A7s
    Polk CSi A6
    Polk FXi A6s
    Velodyne VDR10-BV
    Panamax M5100-PM
    Antec VERIS A/V Cooler x 2
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited June 2010
    Gulfstrings wrote: »
    Appreciate the comments. Pretty certain the Onkyo 707 will make a great 'switchgear' and that the clean power of an amp will take me to a higher audio place.

    I'm already starting to think about the hookup. Currently, I have the A7s bi-wired from the Onkyo (the jumpers are removed and the front 'outs' are connected to the bottom posts while the front surround 'outs' are connected to the top posts).

    I'm wondering if I should keep the front surround 'outs' from the Onkyo connected to the A7s' top posts and the front 'outs' of the NAD to the bottoms posts.

    Will I have a true bi-amp setup then? or am I better off replacing the jumpers and just letting the NAD power both segments of the A7s?

    Probably should take this up to the Hookup section ...

    Dave

    That would be true bi-amping however, there is always the risk that the units won't compliment each other. So I recommend you try the bi-amp and then just the NAD to see which sounds better and gives you the sound you prefer. However being an NAD T765 owner I've found no need to biamp or get outboard amplification. The unit sounds just fine and has the balls to power the double subs in each of my RT2000Ps, enough so that it literally shake the whole house. The sound across my fronts, center and rears sound really good with every DVD I've played.
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