Emotiva XPA-3

BigA524
BigA524 Posts: 63
edited January 2011 in Wanted (WTB) Classifieds
Thanks
Marantz 1607 - Polk S60 - S35 - Emotiva XPA-3 - Polk DSWPRO550wi
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2011
    Try visiting the EMO forum. You might increase your odds there. Also why are you looking for just an EMO. If you are looking to buy used there are plenty of better amps out there in the same price bracket.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,420
    edited January 2011
    ^^^This...
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 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 680d DSD

    “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
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  • BigA524
    BigA524 Posts: 63
    edited January 2011
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Try visiting the EMO forum. You might increase your odds there. Also why are you looking for just an EMO. If you are looking to buy used there are plenty of better amps out there in the same price bracket.

    thanks for the reply. I'm a newb with the amp buying but from what Ive read its seems like a good buy. Can you recommend some similar for my RTi10s.
    Marantz 1607 - Polk S60 - S35 - Emotiva XPA-3 - Polk DSWPRO550wi
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  • angelsfann02
    angelsfann02 Posts: 589
    edited January 2011
    I have the Emo Xpa 5 and I am impressed so far. The Xpa 5 seems to be a good bang for the buck! Good luck, and like Ben said, try the Emotiva Lounge or ebay.
    LIVING ROOM:
    Pioneer PDP-6070HD, Pioneer Elite SC-25, Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD,
    Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva USP-1, Polk LSI15's, Polk LSiC, Velodyne 12", Mirage Nanosat Prestige rears, MIT AVT Speaker Cables, Audioquest King Cobra Interconnects, Panamax M5300pm Surge Protection/ Power Conditioning
    BEDROOM: VIZIO 32" LCD, Pioneer Elite VSX-23txh, Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD, Parasound HCA-2205A, Mirage Nanosat Prestige Speakers 5.1, Mirage S8 Sub, Monoprice cables, APC Surge Protection.
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  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited January 2011
    Go for it. Other than here the reviews are almost always universal in their praise. My own experience (xpa-2) has been fantastic. Selling the NAD C 272 because of it.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
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  • jimmydep
    jimmydep Posts: 1,305
    edited January 2011
    Emo's are a very good Bang for the Buck HT amp. I like my XPA-5, and for HT it mates well with my LSI's.
    If you listen to mostly music there are better choices.
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2011
    Loud & Clear wrote: »
    Go for it. Other than here the reviews are almost always universal in their praise. My own experience (xpa-2) has been fantastic. Selling the NAD C 272 because of it.

    +1 other than here nothing but good things have been said about Emotiva. I would also look a the Rotel RMB-1075.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited January 2011
    They are a great bang for the buck amp for HT, my experience with Music not so good..I am still running the XPA-3 in my HT.

    When I went to the Audio show here in Denver last summer the Emotiva room was the worst sounding room there.. But I really blame the speakers they have the clarity and depth was missing is was really something you would expect at BestBuy, They are not all that and there is better to be had IMO

    By all means try the amp's if that is your budget,and IMO no need to look for a used one as they sell for almost as much as a new one.. Just call Emotiva and ask for a refurb if nothing else..
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  • Kamzu
    Kamzu Posts: 21
    edited January 2011
    Speaking of a pair of UPA-1. There's a pair being sold on Ebay right now. http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-TWO-2-EMOTIVA-UPA-1s-AUDIO-AMPLIFIERS-/110636605358?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item19c2749fae#ht_500wt_945

    Not mine.
    Samsung 52" LCD LN52A850
    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Emotiva XPA-1 (2)
    Emotiva XPA-3
    Sony PS3
    HTPC
    Polk Audio RTi A9
    Polk Audio CSi A6
    Polk Audio FXi A6
    SVS PB13-Ultra
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited January 2011
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    Consider a pair of UPA-1 monoblocks for your RTi10's. I use a pair to drive my RTi12's and another pair with my LSi25's. I think that those mono-block amps are the way to go for two channel separation and performance for music and HT. They also won't break your bank account when buying them or your back when lifting them.:wink:
    BigA524 wrote: »
    I'm also planning on getting a center not sure when though. My space is limited now with my current setup for a center. Wouldnt the xpa-3 still be a better option then the rest and with the pricing its almost the same.

    His space is limited, and since he is planning on getting a center channel in the future, he would be better served by a 3 or 5 channel amp.

    If he wants a lighter weight amp, then he should look into getting a used Sunfire from Audiogon. Five channel 200wpc amp only 43lbs.:biggrin:
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2011
    If you are buying used get a better amp for the same price.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited January 2011
    ben62670 wrote: »
    If you are buying used get a better amp for the same price.

    A better 3-channel amp in that price range? I'm wondering what those might be.

    Do you discourage people from buying Polk speakers in their price range? If someone were looking for a pair of used LSi9's, would you suggest that they're making a mistake? Or if they were looking for a pair of used SDA's, would you tell them to look elsewhere?

    This is the only site I've seen on the Internet that has this peculiar hatred for Emotiva amplifiers. There must be some backstory that I've missed.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2011
    Get a clue L&C. I have heard EMO amps, and many others. My opinions are based on what I have heard. A lot of EMO fans have had little experience with real amps so of coarse they find them much better than a receiver(they are). If someone wants new for HT and don't really care so much for musicality then EMO is your amp. Seriously look at how they rate their amps power wise. I certainly don't just fanboy Polk speakers either. I like vintage Polk's and the LSI's. RTi's are very good for HT, but not a favorite for music. I have not heard many other Polk's, but from past experience Polk has some of the best bang for the buck. That is what I am all about. I want the most I can get per dollar. I try to help others get the most per dollar too. I can see you know very little about me. I love properly implemented SDA's. Some of the gems being the smaller ones. The big ones can be sweet too in the right room. So when you have something intelligent to add I may respond. Again obviously you know very little about me. As for a better 3 channel amp in the price range you can get a 5 channel amp that is better. Even if you do not use the other channels you would still be better off IMHO. Use the search function. The topic of bang for the buck amps has been beaten to death.
    Cheers
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,420
    edited January 2011
    Loud & Clear wrote: »
    This is the only site I've seen on the Internet that has this peculiar hatred for Emotiva amplifiers. There must be some backstory that I've missed.

    There is no hatred of Emo amps here... only a strong animosity towards the Emoette douchebags that seem to think they are the greatest amp ever because they are cheap and are hellbent on convincing the world their amps sound as good as a Krell Evo or a Mcintosh. These are the guys that will come here and tell us that cables make no difference and all gear sounds the same, regardless of cost.

    Emo's are a decent entry level, "bang for the buck" product if one is inclined to buy new rather than pre-owned. There are MUCH BETTER choices out there for the same money in the pre-owned market.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 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 680d DSD

    “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
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited January 2011
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    There is no hatred of Emo amps here... only a strong animosity towards the Emoette douchebags that seem to think they are the greatest amp ever because they are cheap and are hellbent on convincing the world their amps sound as good as a Krell Evo or a Mcintosh. These are the guys that will come here and tell us that cables make no difference and all gear sounds the same, regardless of cost.

    Emo's are a decent entry level, "bang for the buck" product if one is inclined to buy new rather than pre-owned. There are MUCH BETTER choices out there for the same money in the pre-owned market.


    No hatred for Emotiva? Yeah right.
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  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited January 2011
    Emotiva is more akin to SVS, imo. We're talking about back-for-the-buck, no middle man stuff. But by and large folks here love SVS. Not a lot of people suggesting that you shouldn't pursue an SVS because there are "better" subs out there. Certainly not in that price range.

    Ben, you want me to get a clue. What I would like is for you to suggest a better alternative for the gentleman who is looking for a 3-channel amp in that price range with that type of power. Because presumably he's looking for some real power. No?

    So far everything you've had to offer up has been pejorative in nature: "Get a clue," "Something intelligent to add," etc.

    No, Ben, I don't know you. But I can't say that I'm all that impressed. You talk smack on a message board about intelligence of all things. Wow. I could return the favor but it just isn't necessary or worth it to me.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2011
    You should be ashamed of comparing EMO to SVS. Another example of ignorance. Again this topic has been beaten to death. Do a search. I am not into hand holding. OK a little hand holding just for you.
    Adcom Great HT/music combo
    Parrasound
    B&K well matched to RTi's
    Rotel
    Others like
    Sunfire
    Outlaw
    There I have repeated myself for the umpteenth time.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • angelsfann02
    angelsfann02 Posts: 589
    edited January 2011
    As an Emo Xpa owner I have to admit that price & warranty were two of the three biggest factors driving my amp purchase. If I had a larger budget I may have purchased a different amp. While I think that its too soon to make a final judgement on my Xpa5, I have been working too much with not enough time to enjoy it, I have been impressed by it so far.
    LIVING ROOM:
    Pioneer PDP-6070HD, Pioneer Elite SC-25, Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD,
    Emotiva XPA-5, Emotiva USP-1, Polk LSI15's, Polk LSiC, Velodyne 12", Mirage Nanosat Prestige rears, MIT AVT Speaker Cables, Audioquest King Cobra Interconnects, Panamax M5300pm Surge Protection/ Power Conditioning
    BEDROOM: VIZIO 32" LCD, Pioneer Elite VSX-23txh, Pioneer Elite BDP-23FD, Parasound HCA-2205A, Mirage Nanosat Prestige Speakers 5.1, Mirage S8 Sub, Monoprice cables, APC Surge Protection.
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  • Polkie2009
    Polkie2009 Posts: 3,834
    edited January 2011
    There was a time when I too_ was looking for an external amp to drive my SDA/SRS2's. I too checked out Emotiva, but they didn't impress me. I did my research and took the sage advice from the truly experienced audiophiles who have been in this hobby for 30 or 40years,been around the block a time or two with lots of equipment. I soon found a nice used Parasound HCA-1200 mkII that a fellow CP member was selling and that baby sounds great:)
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  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited January 2011
    Well Ben I just don't agree with you. I've heard several of the amps you've named. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and figure that you just got caught up in some arguments here on the topic and some name-calling episodes in previous posts. You've probably lost the ability to deal with this subject with any degree of objectivity.

    Now, I've read plenty of your posts and I've always tried to be understanding of the situation you're in and the area you've come from. But for you to call me names having to do with intelligence is QUITE the laugh. I'll leave it at that. Have a good evening.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2011
    I did not call you names. Yes it does get old hat listening to fan boys. Please tell me of a cheaper amp than an EMO that is new.
    BTW I don't know you so I do not know if you are stupid or not. What I do know is you have not provided any reason why the EMO is a better amp than the ones I listed. I don't know, and don't claim to know about a lot of things audio. When I do know something from experience I do post it. The power claims made by EMO are not using the same standards as the amp manufactures of the amps in the first section I listed. They rate their power at near clipping. Kinda reminds me of Sparkomatic. Yeah they made loud amps, and claimed silly amounts of power, but when it comes to SQ they were lacking. Again please list a few amps that are cheaper than the EMO's.
    Thanks
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • kevhed72
    kevhed72 Posts: 5,055
    edited January 2011
    Polkie2009 wrote: »
    There was a time when I too_ was looking for an external amp to drive my SDA/SRS2's. I too checked out Emotiva, but they didn't impress me. I did my research and took the sage advice from the truly experienced audiophiles who have been in this hobby for 30 or 40years,been around the block a time or two with lots of equipment. I soon found a nice used Parasound HCA-1200 mkII that a fellow CP member was selling and that baby sounds great:)

    Agree with this dude...used Parasound is the way to go. I tried 2 newer Adcoms and they were not a good match for my speakers.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2011
    The newer Adcom's are pretty grainy. Like the 78xx series. The 7500 is much better.
    With RTi's the B&K would be my choice or the Parrasound after that.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited January 2011
    ben62670 wrote: »
    If someone wants new for HT and don't really care so much for musicality then EMO is your amp.

    The XPA-2 seems well reviewed for being a musical amp. Even by some here when compared to the well received Sunfire.
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Seriously look at how they rate their amps power wise.

    There are 3rd party credible measurements that show that Emotiva's power ratings are credible.

    But there are certainly high quality used alternatives if you're the type that doesn't have to have new and a warranty.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2011
    Not to call anybody's baby ugly. IMHO I don't care for the sunfire sound either.

    As for power ratings they are a 1% 1 channel and at 1khz IIRC. Other manufactures that I have listed are at all channels driven, much lower distortion, and 20-20khz. Also the OP is looking for a used EMO. If you are buying used it should make the desision very easy. Again I ask what new amp is cheaper than the EMO?
    Take care.
    Ben
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited January 2011
    ben62670 wrote: »
    The newer Adcom's are pretty grainy. Like the 78xx series. The 7500 is much better.
    With RTi's the B&K would be my choice or the Parrasound after that.
    Ben

    Years ago there were a few times that I had the chance to at length A/B Hafler and Adcom. ALWAYS seemed to come down to having a preference for the Hafler. The Adcom's (545/535's) seemed to have a bit more grain. Some people liked to call it warmth. Neither were bad, just a preference.

    FF to today, I own Adcom and not Hafler for one reason: Hafler is out of business. Same as B&K is (not sure what the status with ATI and the service channel is) so if B&K is going to be recommended (especially to a newb) it wouldn't be a disservice IMO to let them know. Just saying. I think 9 out of 10 times the B&K will be fine but it can add weight to a decision.
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  • ben62670
    ben62670 Posts: 15,969
    edited January 2011
    Even if a company is out of business they 3rd party the repair work to smaller shops around the country. The B&K has a stellar reputation for reliability. The parts are not model specific and are easily available. Usually if there is a problem it is operator error not equipment failure. I wouldn't call the Adcom's warm. I would say they are revealing. Sometimes to a fault. Good recordings sound good. Bad recordings sound Bad.
    Please. Please contact me a ben62670 @ yahoo.com. Make sure to include who you are, and you are from Polk so I don't delete your email. Also I am now physically unable to work on any projects. If you need help let these guys know. There are many people who will help if you let them know where you are.
    Thanks
    Ben
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited January 2011
    ben62670 wrote: »
    Even if a company is out of business they 3rd party the repair work to smaller shops around the country. The B&K has a stellar reputation for reliability. The parts are not model specific and are easily available.

    I know that B&K is a reliable amp. The point I am trying to get across is, just like Hafler(reliable also), knowing that they were under can be a factor of many that go into the purchase decision. If I were to recommend either Hafler or B&K I would also let the person know the status of the company behind it.

    I believe with ATI that the support net (especially for warrantied items) will still be there in form of a dealer network when it is all said and done. At least that is my hope.
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,243
    edited January 2011
    jinjuku wrote: »
    The XPA-2 seems well reviewed for being a musical amp.

    Thats why I only had it a week and it was out the door???

    Musical???? Hummm NOT!!!! Out of all the amps I have tried this was the worst, a complete waste of time,and i had high hopes when I got it built like a tank,I will give them credit they are built solid but inside it failed big time. I was just glad I was able to sell it fast and move on..
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  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited January 2011
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »
    Thats why I only had it a week and it was out the door???

    Musical???? Hummm NOT!!!! Out of all the amps I have tried this was the worst a complete waste of time. I was just glad I was able to sell it fast and move on..

    Opinion as fact is still just so much opinion. You didn't like it, we 'get it'. Others thought (and we are talking multiple people here) it sounded exactly like a Sunfire. Although the point was made w/o so much venom and exclamation points.

    Maybe the synergy of amp, cables, and speakers just wasn't right for you. Who knows.
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