Can decide which amp/setup !!

Wilbrod

Hi guys, first post on here....been looking and thinking for months now...and couldnt make up my mind on the "right" choice...

So here's the thing:
FR: Rtia7
Ct: Csia4 (A6 was wayyyy too deep)
Surr: Fxia4 (a6 werent available at FS.....)
Velodyne DLS-R4000

All powered by a Yam HTR-6295b (rated at 130w/ch).
Used for 80% music listening.

I know I'm missing something by not properly powering my speakers...
Yeah you saw me comin heh..... I'm lookin at those Emotivas...

At first I was leaning toward the XPA-5, as I like to listen to music.... in 5.1, I just feel it more enveloping...compared to just stereo (maybe that could change with high-powered fronts).

But I'm in a real dilemma here.... of course I could buy the XPA-2, and leave ctr&surr on the avr.....but I'm afraid they just wouldnt keep up to the sound levels achieved by the a7s on the xpa2.

I could also buy an xpa3, and let surrs on the avr.

There's also something I'm wondering.... Does bi-wiring the a7s on an xpa5 give any advantage ??


I just keep thinkin about that...and can't decide !!
Maybe I could just buy an xpa-2, then if I'm not satisfied just buy an xpa-3 for the rest.... but this involves way more $$$.

I've got lots of options, but never heard any of these.... I'm kinda new into those setups, I know lots when it comes to technical.....but lacks ear experience. HELPPP

If you ever had the chance to compare/try any of these setups.... or know anything that can help me make my choice that would be nice ! Otherwise I'll spend many weeks deciding again...

mystik610

Wilbrod wrote: »

Hi guys, first post on here....been looking and thinking for months now...and couldnt make up my mind on the "right" choice...

So here's the thing:
FR: Rtia7
Ct: Csia4 (A6 was wayyyy too deep)
Surr: Fxia4 (a6 werent available at FS.....)
Velodyne DLS-R4000

All powered by a Yam HTR-6295b (rated at 130w/ch).
Used for 80% music listening.

I know I'm missing something by not properly powering my speakers...
Yeah you saw me comin heh..... I'm lookin at those Emotivas...

At first I was leaning toward the XPA-5, as I like to listen to music.... in 5.1, I just feel it more enveloping...compared to just stereo (maybe that could change with high-powered fronts).

But I'm in a real dilemma here.... of course I could buy the XPA-2, and leave ctr&surr on the avr.....but I'm afraid they just wouldnt keep up to the sound levels achieved by the a7s on the xpa2.

I could also buy an xpa3, and let surrs on the avr.

There's also something I'm wondering.... Does bi-wiring the a7s on an xpa5 give any advantage ??


I just keep thinkin about that...and can't decide !!
Maybe I could just buy an xpa-2, then if I'm not satisfied just buy an xpa-3 for the rest.... but this involves way more $$$.

I've got lots of options, but never heard any of these.... I'm kinda new into those setups, I know lots when it comes to technical.....but lacks ear experience. HELPPP

If you ever had the chance to compare/try any of these setups.... or know anything that can help me make my choice that would be nice ! Otherwise I'll spend many weeks deciding again...

I wouldn't pair an EMO amp with the RTi-A's. Bright AMP + Bright speakers = bleeding ears.

Wilbrod

Thanks for the advice..... never heard anything about that before.... is it that bad ?? Like.... can I just adjust the eq on my AVR to compensate for that ??

If I must avoid this at all cost....do you have any recommendations then ??
In the same price range please.... and I'd prefer not going into the used market...
well I could, just don't mention anything vintage !

Geoff4rfc

Wilbrod wrote: »

Thanks for the advice..... never heard anything about that before.... is it that bad ?? Like.... can I just adjust the eq on my AVR to compensate for that ??

If I must avoid this at all cost....do you have any recommendations then ??
In the same price range please.... and I'd prefer not going into the used market...
well I could, just don't mention anything vintage !

I have two Monitor 70's and a CS2 powered with an XPA-3. When I'm playing 2 ch music on Pure Audio, the 70's sound really good.

I have the whole system eq'd with my Onk 807 and run a 7.1 set up. I've yet to experience any brightness or fatiguing.

As far as I know, there's a member here or two that power RTiA9's with an XPA-3.

I've had my speakers since Christmas and my amp for a couple of weeks. I have no regrets and I'm really enjoying my system.

slk55amg

I have an EMOTIVA XPA5 I am very impressed with it, runs cool rock soild, loads of power..........................................................

cnh

I'd give the Emo a listen and see what you think. I'd also suggest looking at a Parasound HCA-2003 on the 'used' market if you find the Emotiva too bright.

Have fun listening.

cnh

dcmartinpc

Parasound! The Parasound HCA-2205A would also be a very nice amp that would run all 5 channels, and give you room to grow in the future. They pop up on eBay and Audiogon pretty frequently. They usually sell for between $800 and $1,000. I know it is used, but they are built like a tank. I have not had one person that I recommended it to that got one tell me they regret it.

220w x 5 - 8 Ohms
300w x 5 - 4 ohms

If you would like some more specs, let me know, but, suffice it to say, it blows the XPA-5 out of the water. I run one in my home theater for all 5 surround channels and it is running a full compliment of LSi's. Not a small feat.....


Don

slk55amg

The Parasound mentioned is also a great amp......................................

Wilbrod

I don't especially like the idea of the HCA-2003.....
but that HCA-2205A..... that thing could be what I'm lookin for....if I can find one cheap enough.....

Wilbrod

If I'm right..... that parasound looks way superior than an xpa-5..... but my only concern is about reliability..... I never owned a power amp.....or "used" equipment like this; what kind of issues can I come up with ?? Because I don't wanna end up in 6 months with a non-working amp.... are these beasts reliable ??

inspiredsports

Music is meant for 2-channel. If you like the Emo, buy it and don't look back.

If you are adventurous, plan on buying/auditioning/reselling 8 or 10 amps/preamps over the next several years and listening with an open mind toward also swapping wires, perhaps even adding a tube component, and rolling tubes.

slk55amg

I cant, speak to the reliability of a Parasound ( probably exellent) My EMOTIVA XPA5 is rock solid.............................................

dcmartinpc

I own 4 Parasound Amps... Never had one of them even blink an eye. I have heard of a couple problems over the years... But nothing on a massive scale and nothing that couldn't be fixed relatively inexpensively. Parasound is built very well and will last many many years. From what I know, the Emo stuff is reliable too. I have nothing against them. They are good entry level new gear, but I tend to buy everything used, and I think there is more value there for the same money.

Don

Wilbrod

Thanks Don, you said they usually sell for 800-1000 ?? I'll start lookin for that.
It's about the same price as the emo.....maybe even cheaper....

But is it superior enough.....to be worth going used?

I'd also like some sites to look for a used one... I already know of audiogon.... ebay(surprising heh?).

If in..... X months I still havent found & bought one, I'll probably end up buying an emotiva.....I beleive they are still great amp too !

slk55amg

Wilbrod wrote: »

Thanks Don, you said they usually sell for 800-1000 ?? I'll start lookin for that.
It's about the same price as the emo.....maybe even cheaper....

But is it superior enough.....to be worth going used?

I'd also like some sites to look for a used one... I already know of audiogon.... ebay(surprising heh?).

If in..... X months I still havent found & bought one, I'll probably end up buying an emotiva.....I beleive they are still great amp too !

You will not be unhappy with the emo, its agreat amp

Geoff4rfc

slk55amg wrote: »

You will not be unhappy with the emo, its agreat amp

Very true. We're treading in dangerous waters here, you really can't say emo to loud around here. I haven't seen any other word on here that can stir up more trouble than emo.

That being said, I also haven't read any place where an emo owner was dissatisfied. Let me make that a little clearer, any emo AMP owners.

cfrizz

Get a XPA-5, Or an Outlaw Model 7500 5 x 200 Watt Balanced Power Amplifier On Sale Now Through April 25th! $1299.00. and be done with this particular upgrade. GREAT price!

I did the whole 2ch, add mono, then finally got my 5 channel Sunfire that is in my signature. Do it once & do it right, then sit back and enjoy.

When I had a receiver I also used to play my music via all 5 channels. Now I use Dolby PL II to utilize all my speakers. If it sounds great to you, then use it. There is no wrong way in this issue.

mystik610

Wilbrod wrote: »

Thanks for the advice..... never heard anything about that before.... is it that bad ?? Like.... can I just adjust the eq on my AVR to compensate for that ??

If I must avoid this at all cost....do you have any recommendations then ??
In the same price range please.... and I'd prefer not going into the used market...
well I could, just don't mention anything vintage !

For the record...I own an EMO amp and am happy with it. For my purposes (HT oriented LSi set-up), the synergy between the LSi's and the EMO works well.

People hate on EMO around here...mostly because a lot of EMO users are pretty smug about their stuff....but their amps are good. They're not the best, but they are extremely well built, and do have a lot of grunt.

Based on other amps I've tried, however, the EMO really is on the bright side. Synergy between components is something I've found to be important. It was important when I paired my RTi8's (bright) with a Harman Kardon Amp (warm). And its important when I pair my LSi's (warm) with the EMO (Bright). Bad things happened when I paired the LSi's with the Harman Kardon, and the RTi's with the EMO.

Wilbrod

mystik610 wrote: »

For the record...I own an EMO amp and am happy with it. For my purposes (HT oriented LSi set-up), the synergy between the LSi's and the EMO works well.

People hate on EMO around here...mostly because a lot of EMO users are pretty smug about their stuff....but their amps are good. They're not the best, but they are extremely well built, and do have a lot of grunt.

Based on other amps I've tried, however, the EMO really is on the bright side. Synergy between components is something I've found to be important. It was important when I paired my RTi8's (bright) with a Harman Kardon Amp (warm). And its important when I pair my LSi's (warm) with the EMO (Bright). Bad things happened when I paired the LSi's with the Harman Kardon, and the RTi's with the EMO.

I Never really expereienved or heard what you're talkin about... the whole idea or bright or warm components..... and I've read alot on forums about the emos, even paired with RtiAs, and you're the first one I see that mentions that... don't get me wrong... I know that if you say that; it's because you got your reasons ! But for me....not even beeing able to tell if a setup sounds warm or bright.... can I be disappointed by the results I'll get by getting an xpa5 ?? I doubt..... but if you guys say that it's gonna be too bright....and that I should consider a warmer amp, then I guess I should listen to you guys (which are probably more ear-experienced than me!)

What about that parasound HCA-2205 mentioned before ?? would it be a good match for my speakers ??

Rodeo0530

I know you're a little leary of buying used, but you can definitely get the most bang for your buck by going that way. I had been in the market for an amp for quite some time, but I didn't want to spend a lot of money on an amp when my setup sounded pretty good already...to me. I just recently purchased a used Parasound HCA-2203 and a bunch of other stuff with it on craigs list for a total of $350. The bunch of other stuff was easily worth a few hundred, so I basically got the amp for nothing. It sounds fantastic now. I can't tell you what it will sound like with your setup because I run Monitor 70's, CS2 and TSI 100's as my HT and I don't like listening to 5 channel for music. If you're willing to go used, don't rush yourslef because there will be good deals to be had. There are usually some nice deals here from some very solid CP members that you will be able to trust. Good luck with your quest!

Joe08867

When I say an amp is bright I mean that after a little while of listening to it my ears get tired. The sound seems to sharp. Like when you go to a concert and the singer has a lot of hiss when they use S's in words.

Warm sound is more rounded, soothing to the ear. Makes you want to listen to it.

I am not a big fan of EMO but that does not mean they suck. I just don't like the sound I have heard from them.

By the way, you can tame some brightness with EQ, but it may make the system sound muddy overall when you are countering the effects of a speaker and amp that are both on the bright side of things.

dcmartinpc

Joe08867 wrote: »

When I say an amp is bright I mean that after a little while of listening to it my ears get tired. The sound seems to sharp. Like when you go to a concert and the singer has a lot of hiss when they use S's in words.

Warm sound is more rounded, soothing to the ear. Makes you want to listen to it.

I am not a big fan of EMO but that does not mean they suck. I just don't like the sound I have heard from them.

By the way, you can tame some brightness with EQ, but it may make the system sound muddy overall when you are countering the effects of a speaker and amp that are both on the bright side of things.

Spot on. Said well.

In regards to the Parasound being warm or bright, I would say the Parasound is a very neutral amp. There is not a speaker that I have hooked up to it that I didn't like the sound. I have run SDAs, Monitors, LSi and loved them all. The Parasound is a good all around amp that does a LOT of things well. It is great for 2 Channel also! Running in 2 channel and leaving all other channels unused, you have a 2 kVA transformer and 150,000 uF of capacitance at your disposal! Nothing to slouch at!!!

Don

Joe08867

dcmartinpc wrote: »

Spot on. Said well.

Thanks,

I agree with your assessment of the Parasound sound. I would also drop Rotel into that category of neutral sound.

dcmartinpc

Joe08867 wrote: »

Thanks,

I agree with your assessment of the Parasound sound. I would also drop Rotel into that category of neutral sound.

Agreed, I looked hard at Rotel when I was picking my amps... I tend to be pretty brand loyal though As you can see by my signature! I think I might like Polk and Parasound!

Don

Wilbrod

Okay guys you just convinced me....I'll try to get a good used HCA-2205 somewhere...
I'll try lookin at audiogon....ebay, are there others websites I should watch ??
Preferably canadian ones...that'll save me customs...

If I can't find one...any other good amps I should consider ?? 5 ch, 200-250w/ch
In the 1000$ range..... wouldnt want to go over 1200$ w/ shipping.

Joe08867

dcmartinpc wrote: »

Agreed, I looked hard at Rotel when I was picking my amps... I tend to be pretty brand loyal though As you can see by my signature! I think I might like Polk and Parasound!

Don

Yeah, I noticed some loyalty there. I feel the same about B&K myself.

Wilbrod

I think I'll add the rmb-1095 to my watch list..... I know rotel looks like they have a solid reputation in the market.... and that thing looks huuuuuge !

leftwinger57

I to was leary at getting used stuff.I always wanted new to call my own so you know what I got a used Adcomgfa555 for $300and never looked back EVER. Now I just checked and at Audiogon they do have a HC 3500 FOR $1200, and moved out many more units.It's your cash but when you get to a crtain level people usually know how to take care of their gear...LW

Wilbrod

For 300 bucks.... looks like you got a great deal ! I tried to look for that.... HC 3500 you talked about, but found nothing... what brand is that ?? and is this spelled right ??

This afternoon I just found a nice classified site in canada.... canucks audio mart, and saw an xpa-5 for sale at 775$(can) (+ about 100shipping costs). Directly from emo, the xpa5 costs me about 1100 us..... was a great deal, but someone was quicker than me !! DAmn !!!

After thinkin about it a bit.... I'd say I'm not afraid to go in the used market anymore.... after all, it's just electronics ! no moving parts... and they all have overheat protect.....nothing can burn in there !! And it's a power amp....there are no features that I can miss by getting an older one... I'll probably get more for my bucks by going used, and spotting a good deal.

So if you guys still have suggestions, I'm, lookin for a 5channel 200-300w in the 1000$ price range....

dcmartinpc

The HCA-3500 is a parasound. There are 2 of them on audiogon. I have one of them and they are probably in the top 3 amps that parasound ever made. But.... It is only a 2 channel amp. If you go to www.parasound.com on the left is a link to discontinued products and they list all the specs of their old lamps.

Don