Cool article about Emotiva CEO Dan Laufman

ROHfan
ROHfan Posts: 1,014
edited March 2013 in Electronics
Nice article about a fellow audio lover. Enjoy!

http://www.technologytell.com/hometech/92187/the-man-from-emotiva-a-visit-with-dan-laufman-of-jade-design/
TV: 65" Samsung QLED 4K
Fronts: Energy RC70 --- Center: Energy RC-LCR
Front Heights: Polk RC65i --- Rears: Polk RC85i --- Sub: Power Sound Audio XS15
Pioneer VSX-1120K --- Parasound HCA-1000A --- Oppo BDP-103
Vincent Audio SA31 preamp --- Teac UD301 DAC
AIYIMA Tube T7 preamp --- Nobsound 12AX7 tube preamplifier
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  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,409
    edited February 2013
    Very nice article indeed! Read one similar in Stereophile.

    I think this line sums it up perfectly; "Chinese manufacturing has allowed me to do what I do: make true audiophile gear for the working man. Reviewers may not respect us because we’re not expensive enough, but I’m not trying to change the world here; I’m just trying to do right by my customers.”
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,254
    edited February 2013
    That was a good read indeed!!
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited February 2013
    Very nice article. Pretty good insight into the man & the company. There's a reason Emo has been so successful.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • KellyMic
    KellyMic Posts: 166
    edited February 2013
    I've never used any Emotiva equipment but that was a great read. I am about to order an Emotiva XDA-2 though...
    ---
    Polk Studio Monitor 4.6 Series 2's, Polk RT1000p's, Polk LSi25's, Boston Acoustic VR-975's
    Crown D-75, Crown CE1000, Crown CE2000
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited February 2013
    Outstanding article, it's great to see a business owner who does his best to make money but also offer real value to his customers.
    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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  • Tankman
    Tankman Posts: 419
    edited February 2013
    @cfrizz I agree outstanding article,Dan Laufman work real close with Bob Carver designing some of Bob Carvers amps.Dan Laufman is a cool dude very open and honest.I see in your "signature"You have a Sunfire amp which I find to be one of the best amps out there.wish I could find one for my set up.Cfizz by the way you are one of the Coolest Ole timers in here and I injoy reading you post.You have help lots of us youngsters in here.Thanks!
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited February 2013
    Very cool , Wish there was some place to go to listen to some of his gear.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • ROHfan
    ROHfan Posts: 1,014
    edited February 2013
    mantis wrote: »
    Very cool, Wish there was some place to go to listen to some of his gear.

    Then come over to Long Island and bring some CDs! I just ordered a UPA-200 to power my SDA 2As and it arrives on the 19th. Bring wings, too!
    TV: 65" Samsung QLED 4K
    Fronts: Energy RC70 --- Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Front Heights: Polk RC65i --- Rears: Polk RC85i --- Sub: Power Sound Audio XS15
    Pioneer VSX-1120K --- Parasound HCA-1000A --- Oppo BDP-103
    Vincent Audio SA31 preamp --- Teac UD301 DAC
    AIYIMA Tube T7 preamp --- Nobsound 12AX7 tube preamplifier
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited February 2013
    Thats not a bad plan , Long Island isn't that far from me. let me know when you get everything all set up.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited February 2013
    Thank you Tankman, you have just made my night.

    I love my Sunfire gear, it's not the latest or greatest but it more than gets the job done in great style usually all day long on the weekends.

    I am gratified to hear that you find my posts informative and helpful. I know that I approach this hobby from a totally different direction than most of the guys on here and there isn't a lot of feedback for me to know if I am on target for at least some or not. So you have made me very happy.

    As for getting your hands on Sunfire gear, be patient and stalk Audiogon on a daily basis. I had to wait about a half a year before I scored my Sunfire prepro for considerably less than I was willing to pay!

    Enjoy the tunes Tankman!

    Cathy
    Tankman wrote: »
    @cfrizz I agree outstanding article,Dan Laufman work real close with Bob Carver designing some of Bob Carvers amps.Dan Laufman is a cool dude very open and honest.I see in your "signature"You have a Sunfire amp which I find to be one of the best amps out there.wish I could find one for my set up.Cfizz by the way you are one of the Coolest Ole timers in here and I injoy reading you post.You have help lots of us youngsters in here.Thanks!
    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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  • ROHfan
    ROHfan Posts: 1,014
    edited February 2013
    mantis wrote: »
    Thats not a bad plan , Long Island isn't that far from me. let me know when you get everything all set up.

    You've got it! I've always wanted someone who actually knows what they're doing to come listen to my setup. It seems the more I get into this hobby the less I know. And that's coming from someone who does fiber optic engineering and copper wire certification for a living! Go figure.
    TV: 65" Samsung QLED 4K
    Fronts: Energy RC70 --- Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Front Heights: Polk RC65i --- Rears: Polk RC85i --- Sub: Power Sound Audio XS15
    Pioneer VSX-1120K --- Parasound HCA-1000A --- Oppo BDP-103
    Vincent Audio SA31 preamp --- Teac UD301 DAC
    AIYIMA Tube T7 preamp --- Nobsound 12AX7 tube preamplifier
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  • Daffypuck
    Daffypuck Posts: 17
    edited February 2013
    Very cool read indeed. I recently was bitten by the audio bug again and began my quest for my first power amp. I was considering all sorts of companies but kept seeing the Emotiva name everywhere. So after some poking around and reading I discovered they were right down the road from me. So after some research, I decided to take a chance and purchase the XPA5 for my HT setup. Even though they have free, yes free, shipping, I decided to go to their HQs and pick it up while also checking them out for myself. I wasnt there long while I waited for my amp to be brought out to me before Dan himself came out to greet me and my GF. We mustve stood there and talked for at least 20-25 minutes. The article was spot on, this guy is truly a talker and a passionate audiophile.
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  • kuntasensei
    kuntasensei Posts: 3,263
    edited February 2013
    I wish I had just bought an XPA-3 despite all the Emo haters. I'm now 3 for 3 on bad used amp purchases - an Adcom GFA-5503 from eBay and Parasound HCA2003 and HCA1206 from two Polkies, none of which work right, even after spending months in the shop. I've spent enough at this point that I could've bought two Emo amps to power my whole 9.1 setup. Been very tempted this week to buy the XPA-3 and throw all three of these amps in the Gulf just to purge my soul. :razz:
    Equipment list:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010 9.2 AVR
    Emotiva XPA-3 amp
    Polk RTi70 mains, CSi40 center, RTi38 surrounds, RTi28 rears and heights
    SVS 20-39CS+ subwoofer powered by Crown XLS1500
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player
    DarbeeVision DVP5000 video processor
    Epson 8500UB 1080p projector
    Elite Screens Sable 120" CineWhite screen
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  • Tankman
    Tankman Posts: 419
    edited February 2013
    Thanks, Miss Cathy!..

    Carl
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited February 2013
    ROHfan wrote: »
    Then come over to Long Island and bring some CDs! I just ordered a UPA-200 to power my SDA 2As and it arrives on the 19th. Bring wings, too!

    Just a word of caution, if you haven't already, you might want to check and see if the Emo. amp. you are getting is a Common Ground design. I don't know which models are, but I know some are not.
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  • drumminman
    drumminman Posts: 3,396
    edited February 2013
    Enjoyed reading that. Wish they had showrooms regionally as I'd like to hear some of their stuff demo'd without having to buy.
    "Science is suppose to explain observations not dismiss them as impossible" - Norm on AA; 2.3TL's w/sonicaps/mills/jantzen inductors, Gimpod's boards, Lg Solen SDA inductors, RD-0198's, MW's dynamatted, Armaflex speaker gaskets, H-nuts, brass spikes, Cardas CCGR BP's, upgraded IC Cable, Black Hole Damping Sheet strips, interior of cabinets sealed with Loctite Power Grab, AI-1 interface with 1000VA A-L transformer
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  • ROHfan
    ROHfan Posts: 1,014
    edited February 2013
    Mike Reeter wrote: »
    Just a word of caution, if you haven't already, you might want to check and see if the Emo. amp. you are getting is a Common Ground design. I don't know which models are, but I know some are not.

    It is common ground, but thanks for the heads-up anyways.
    TV: 65" Samsung QLED 4K
    Fronts: Energy RC70 --- Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Front Heights: Polk RC65i --- Rears: Polk RC85i --- Sub: Power Sound Audio XS15
    Pioneer VSX-1120K --- Parasound HCA-1000A --- Oppo BDP-103
    Vincent Audio SA31 preamp --- Teac UD301 DAC
    AIYIMA Tube T7 preamp --- Nobsound 12AX7 tube preamplifier
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  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited February 2013
    ROHfan wrote: »
    It is common ground, but thanks for the heads-up anyways.

    That's great, I thought about a new Emo. a few years ago for driving SDA's and it wasn't Common Ground. Glad your model is.
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  • ROHfan
    ROHfan Posts: 1,014
    edited February 2013
    Finally got delivery on my UPA-200 Tuesday night. I hooked everything up and was really looking forward to hearing what this thing could do but, unfortunately, channel 2 was DOA. I checked all interconnects and speaker wires, swapped things out, did some point-to-point checks with a meter but it's definitely in the amp. There's amplification to Ch. 2 but it's not seeing any input. Probably an issue at the PCB level. Shame. This is one beautiful piece of equipment. Wife was even impressed!

    Anyhoo, called Emotiva and the replacement comes tomorrow. A big disappointment but at least I got a first hand experience of Emotiva's exceptional customer service. What a pleasure to talk to actual people on the phone who want to help their customers.
    TV: 65" Samsung QLED 4K
    Fronts: Energy RC70 --- Center: Energy RC-LCR
    Front Heights: Polk RC65i --- Rears: Polk RC85i --- Sub: Power Sound Audio XS15
    Pioneer VSX-1120K --- Parasound HCA-1000A --- Oppo BDP-103
    Vincent Audio SA31 preamp --- Teac UD301 DAC
    AIYIMA Tube T7 preamp --- Nobsound 12AX7 tube preamplifier
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  • amgala
    amgala Posts: 111
    edited February 2013
    Thanks for the read! It makes me want an XPA-5 even more!
    Front Speakers: Polk Audio LSi15 x 2
    Center Speaker: Polk Audio LSiC
    Rear Speakers: Polk Audio LSiF/X x 2
    Subwoofers: Polk Audio PSW505 x 2
    AVR: Denon AVR-3313CI
    Amp: Emotiva XPA-5
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  • kuntasensei
    kuntasensei Posts: 3,263
    edited February 2013
    For the record, my XPA-3 arrives today. We'll see how it fares.
    Equipment list:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010 9.2 AVR
    Emotiva XPA-3 amp
    Polk RTi70 mains, CSi40 center, RTi38 surrounds, RTi28 rears and heights
    SVS 20-39CS+ subwoofer powered by Crown XLS1500
    Oppo BDP-93 Blu-ray player
    DarbeeVision DVP5000 video processor
    Epson 8500UB 1080p projector
    Elite Screens Sable 120" CineWhite screen
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  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited February 2013
    It is an Excellent read, he seems really down to earth.
    Making their gear affordable, by manufacturing it in China is a no brainer everybody wins.
    Lots of Big name Amps are made in China, Emo's are designed in the USA.
    Look at Apple it's all made in China and at one of the worst factory's in the world, in regards to treating human beings with dignity.
    I Love my XPA-5.
    kuntasensei I'm sure you will be impressed and I'm looking forward to your thoughts..
    ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
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  • Devlon
    Devlon Posts: 355
    edited February 2013
    I think one thing that is really cool about this Laufman dude is how he is open to talking about other companies gear on his own forumsite! He is even open to criticism on his own gear because he said it helps him and his engineers to make better gear. Wow. He even recently bought a BK Butler Tube Amp off a guy on Emotiva's Forum, again this was off his own Emo site and he was very open about it. Double Wow. This man is really open to trying out other companies gear even though he has his own brand. Triple Wow. This is just not common behavior for CEO of a company to do. I think this dude is just truly that in to audio. He's one of us.
    Living Room: HK AVR 354 as pre/pro, 2 x Polk Audio Micropro 4000, Adcom GFA-7500, 2 x Mirage OMD-15
    2 x Mirage OMD-5, 1 x Mirage OMD-C1, APC H15, Sony S790, Philips 52" LCD, Beogram 3000, FAT (Firestone Audio Tobby DAC), Harmony One

    Den: Sherwood R-972,as pre/pro, 2 x Velodyne SPL-1000R, 3 x Crown Drivecore XLS1500, 2 x Polk Audio Lsi9
    1 x Polk Audio Lsic, 2 x Polk Audio Lsifx, Sony S790, APC H15, Dspeaker Dual Core 2.0, W4S DAC 2, Keces DA-151
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  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited February 2013
    Devlon wrote: »
    I think one thing that is really cool about this Laufman dude is how he is open to talking about other companies gear on his own forumsite! He is even open to criticism on his own gear because he said it helps him and his engineers to make better gear. Wow. He even recently bought a BK Butler Tube Amp off a guy on Emotiva's Forum, again this was off his own Emo site and he was very open about it. Double Wow. This man is really open to trying out other companies gear even though he has his own brand. Triple Wow. This is just not common behavior for CEO of a company to do. I think this dude is just truly that in to audio. He's one of us.

    False.
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  • Devlon
    Devlon Posts: 355
    edited February 2013
    cstmar01, not False. My profile name on the emo forum site is "islandman". What's yours? Also, how many times have you spoken tothis man in person? I have been fortunate enough to have 3 times so far.
    Living Room: HK AVR 354 as pre/pro, 2 x Polk Audio Micropro 4000, Adcom GFA-7500, 2 x Mirage OMD-15
    2 x Mirage OMD-5, 1 x Mirage OMD-C1, APC H15, Sony S790, Philips 52" LCD, Beogram 3000, FAT (Firestone Audio Tobby DAC), Harmony One

    Den: Sherwood R-972,as pre/pro, 2 x Velodyne SPL-1000R, 3 x Crown Drivecore XLS1500, 2 x Polk Audio Lsi9
    1 x Polk Audio Lsic, 2 x Polk Audio Lsifx, Sony S790, APC H15, Dspeaker Dual Core 2.0, W4S DAC 2, Keces DA-151
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  • naturallight
    naturallight Posts: 689
    edited February 2013
    Yes..it's a nice read. The guy is trying to make "affordable" amps for people. Yes there all made in China..which in today's world, what is not. But i also think it comes down to..you get what you pay for... Now i have never heard an Emo amp....I can't say if they sound good or bad.



    All i can say is, i have an Onkyo M-504 bought in the early 90's or so. I have moved that amp into a dozen houses over the years. Played a bunch of different speakers on it. If the speakers were bad..the amp goes into protect mode...it never blows up speakers, and protects itself.

    It never fails to work, and will power any decent speaker to massive volume if needed.

    Granted at this point..it needs some new caps..LOL But it still plays music extremely well even with the old caps in it. Yes i paid more money for it back then then an Emo amp....but it still works fine.

    Would i trade this in for an Emo amp..NO.....but that doesn't mean Emo amps are not good.

    I only play 2 channel music..Emo offers a lot of amp for the HT group..which i think is fine.



    Do i have a problem with Emo amps..NO....I think it just comes down to the point of..you get what you pay for. Nothing more. If you bought them and they work fine for you..great. If you bought one and it blew up your speakers..well then not so great.
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  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited February 2013
    So what your saying is that if you also listen to 2 channel then you're out of luck...does the amp know???? Maybe they're "Smart Amps"
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
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  • naturallight
    naturallight Posts: 689
    edited February 2013
    NOPE....I said "I" listen to 2 channel only..I don't have an HT set up. So i'm sure any Emo amp will work fine for 2 channel. I did not say they were bad.
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  • Jhayman
    Jhayman Posts: 1,548
    edited February 2013
    First off It's still not proven that the Amp was the cause as Emo tested it and apparently it's fine..
    Second "ou get what you pay" You really believe that?are you really going to tell me that certain speaker cable is not OUTRAGEOUSLY over priced, marked up by 100's of percent.
    That is a very naive way of thinking, so I guess you have never paid more for something than it's worth.
    Do you own Polk speakers, knowing that they have a bad resistor in them, yet still sell to customers.
    FYI sometimes electronics do break down, just ask Kuntasensei.
    I guess you have never had a car issue, house, computer, TT, or anything..
    naturallight wrote: »
    Yes..it's a nice read. The guy is trying to make "affordable" amps for people. Yes there all made in China..which in today's world, what is not. But i also think it comes down to..you get what you pay for... Now i have never heard an Emo amp....I can't say if they sound good or bad.



    All i can say is, i have an Onkyo M-504 bought in the early 90's or so. I have moved that amp into a dozen houses over the years. Played a bunch of different speakers on it. If the speakers were bad..the amp goes into protect mode...it never blows up speakers, and protects itself.

    It never fails to work, and will power any decent speaker to massive volume if needed.

    Granted at this point..it needs some new caps..LOL But it still plays music extremely well even with the old caps in it. Yes i paid more money for it back then then an Emo amp....but it still works fine.

    Would i trade this in for an Emo amp..NO.....but that doesn't mean Emo amps are not good.

    I only play 2 channel music..Emo offers a lot of amp for the HT group..which i think is fine.



    Do i have a problem with Emo amps..NO....I think it just comes down to the point of..you get what you pay for. Nothing more. If you bought them and they work fine for you..great. If you bought one and it blew up your speakers..well then not so great.
    ATC SCM40's,VTL TL 2.5 Preamp,PSB Stratus Goldi's,McCormack DNA 500,McCormack MAP-1 Preamp,Pro-Ject Xtension 10 TT,Ortofon Cadenza Red/Nordost RedDawn LS Speaker cables, Bryston BDP-2, Bryston BDA-2,PS Audio AC-3 power cables
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  • naturallight
    naturallight Posts: 689
    edited February 2013
    NOPE..didn't say that either..anything about speaker cables..and will not go into that can of worms as i think a set 100buck Blue Jean cables works fine. What i did say pertained to power amps..were i do think...sometimes money talks in that area. I did not say that THE Emo amp blew up that speaker that your referring too. But i have seen other posts on this sight that would point to that fact in other cases.



    I did NOT say Emo amps were bad..they seem to be good for the buck. Just depends on what your looking for, and how much you want to spend. Nothing more.
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