XPA-5 or XPA-2 for 50/50 Home Theater / Music

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  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    I think the Reference 7260 was a 6ch amp... think same chassis? Just seems cheap of them, and I know they're not exactly a brand that veers towards THAT cheap lol.
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited February 2015
    Velocitydreamer wrote: »
    Weird, because everywhere it's advertised as only a 5ch, and I can't find ANY info on the 6th channel, that's why I question it a good bit.

    NO I'm dumb.... I skimmed to much...

    B&K used the same chassis for multiple amps.... so your amp's chassis was for a 7250 (5 channel) and their 6 channel model (cant find the model #). They just left that as a blank in the chassis instead of having chassis for each model.

    My 200.5 is the same. Its the chassis ALSO used for the 7 channel model (200.7). Note the 2 empty channels

    1255477129.jpg
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    LOVE the amp and all, no complaints, but that feels a tad on the cheap side of them :( but meh, who looks at the back of the amp anyways? I think mine still had the volume knob though for the 6th... the manual is for a 7250/7250 series ii, and it shows a subwoofer cable going to it O.o Take a look on this page: http://www.manualslib.com/manual/14245/BAndk-7250.html?page=8#manual
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
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  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    Waaaaaaaaait a sec, it's for the 7250 and 60, nvm... I could have swore I verified it wasn't for multiple models, but alas, I overlooked it -_-
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    Velocitydreamer wrote: »
    and if you look on the back, everything, from input to fuse and terminals looks capped off, almost like it's the same chassis for a 6ch, but they just capped it off and gave it a different model number lol... there IS a level knob though, which is why I was wondering if it just passes through a signal and controls the level or somethin?? Just never found any specs on the 6th channel anywhere, all specs show 5ch. Would never have known it was there cept for looking.
    Velocitydreamer wrote: »
    LOVE the amp and all, no complaints, but that feels a tad on the cheap side of them :( but meh, who looks at the back of the amp anyways? I think mine still had the volume knob though for the 6th... the manual is for a 7250/7250 series ii, and it shows a subwoofer cable going to it O.o Take a look on this page: http://www.manualslib.com/manual/14245/BAndk-7250.html?page=8#manual

    You "could" be right on it passing the signal, but I'm going to weigh more on the side of the fact they used the same parts for both amps... meaning the knobs (which mine doesnt have) are on a circuit board they used for both amps... Likely the same for the RCA's..... the amp channels would be put in individually, hence not being there...

    Or at least thats my thought. And in regards to feeling cheap, I'd totally do what they did. They did across ALL their lines of amps as a way to drive down costs.

    Reference 2220

    B&K-Reference-2220-3.jpg


    AV5000
    1311368459.jpg

    I also stumbled across what the 6th channel (if it was there) was intended for....

    Six-channel amps are a pretty rare breed. Until recently, the main reason you'd need a sixth channel would be to drive a passive subwoofer. Now, with the introduction of Surround EX, which includes a nondiscrete center rear channel, six channels of amplifier power are needed even when a powered subwoofer is used. For those of you not using a passive sub or Surround EX, there's a five-channel version of this amp—the Reference 7250.


    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    Now that I think of it, I remember reading that in a review for the 7260... so what would be your take on my Soundcard vs pre/pro delima? I use JRiver for almost everything, both music (which I let JRiver mix to all channels) and bluray rips, so honestly, I'm wondering why a good sound card with quality shielded interconnects wouldn't be th eway to go?
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    edited February 2015
    Velocitydreamer wrote: »
    Now that I think of it, I remember reading that in a review for the 7260...

    That quote is linked to the review likely the one you read...
    Velocitydreamer wrote: »
    So what would be your take on my Soundcard vs pre/pro delima? I use JRiver for almost everything, both music (which I let JRiver mix to all channels) and bluray rips, so honestly, I'm wondering why a good sound card with quality shielded interconnects wouldn't be th eway to go?

    Well first of all a computer in general is FULL of electrical noise. That noise will be transmitted through the soundcard. Additionally you don't find tons of 3.5mm to RCA cables that are not y cables (for say an iPod) from good manufactures out there because their isnt much of a need.

    Personally I've never dont what your planning on doing so I cant say it as a "been there, done that, sounded bad" thing... but in theory I'd go with the pre-amp as thats what my gut tells me.

    Heck I'm ONLY using my computer for music and I went with this setup:

    Audio portion: Computer (XBMC/MediaMonkey/WMC) -> Coaxial cable -> Cambridge DacMagic -> DIY Pre-amp -> Parasound....

    Video portion: ATI 5450 graphics card HDMI out -> Monitor.

    I could have done what your talking about with a good stereo computer card and just went Computer -> Amp.... but I want to be able to play with different DAC's and upgrade as time goes on without having to modifiy my computer.

    PCI slots have come a long way and who knows how long we will still use them at all.... So that next great soundcard may not work in your computers motherboard... whereas a new DAC is GOING to have coaxial and USB inputs at least.....

    So if your curious, buy the soundcard from a place with a good return policy.... find/buy a nice pre-amp (heck maybe go with a B&K Reference 20 to match) and try em both out.......

    Keep the winner, drop the loser......

    I wouldn't worry about HDMI on the pre-amp. Guessing your computer has a LEAST a coaxial and optical output on the motherboard.....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    So would the main benefit of a pre/pro be removeal of noise? I ask because JRiver's audio mixing is suposed to be really good (from what I've heard at least). Just trying to understand how a pre/pro would benefit me is all. Thanks guys!
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,596
    Velocitydreamer wrote: »
    So would the main benefit of a pre/pro be removeal of noise? I ask because JRiver's audio mixing is suposed to be really good (from what I've heard at least). Just trying to understand how a pre/pro would benefit me is all. Thanks guys!

    That, the ability to add other sources in the future to it and have them level matched as well.....

    Or a different way of looking at it....

    The B&K Tony posted is 100 bucks. Add shipping to have someone snatch it up for you, and your into it for less than your soundcard.....

    And then it opens up your ability to add a outboard DAC if you ever wanted to w/o having to redo anything.....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • Velocitydreamer
    Velocitydreamer Posts: 252
    Being inside a desktop is second nature for me and I'm not too worried about PCIe x1 goin away necessarily anytime soon, and most all of what I do is through the computer, including gaming; however, I see your points, and the OPTION to actually add something else if I needed to is nice... I think I may jump on it, but it'll have to be next check unfortunately. Thanks for all the advice guys, I hope it'll still be available once I get paid -_-
    LivingRoom
    Source: HTPC
    Display: GT720 (on the wall)
    Receiver: HK AVR1700
    L/R: RS850 Signature
    Center: RSC200 Signature
    SS: Onix Rocket ELT DPA
    Sub: SVS PB1-ISD

    2 Channel (in the making)
    Source: TBA
    Amplification: TBA (Integra 2.1 interim)
    Speakers: AV123 Onix Rocket Strata Mini
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,000
    Geoff,

    LOL...hey man, didn't mean it so personally. Just as something of a path to pursue is all. I don't usually beat around the bush so yeah....my tact can be somewhat gruff, no offense meant.

    You've probably also heard me say a million times, " If you like it, who cares". I'm not one to tell you what you like, only offer suggestions to pursue this audio thing further if one likes to. It's only audio gents, the fate of the world doesn't rest on these decisions. ;)
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • ZLTFUL
    ZLTFUL Posts: 5,654
    xcapri79 wrote: »
    I have my pair of RTi12's powered by a pair of XPA-1 amps. If you use Emotiva, I think that is a good combo. The RTi12's bass really comes alive with that amp.
    I have the XPA-2 and XPA-5 amps powering other speakers. I like them with the LSi25's and LSi15's.
    The XPA-5 would power the remaining RTi's fine, but they can sound better with music with other amps. I have several McIntosh amps like the MC162 or MC202 etc. that are a better match especially for the RTi8's in my opinion.

    Had you read more than the first post in this thread, you would have seen this:
    Velocitydreamer wrote: »
    Ended up with a B&K Ref 7250. Great amp! Definitely on the warmer side, which is great for the RTi's. Just posted a question in the Electronics category regarding soundcard vs outboard pre. Any help would be much appreciated! :)

    The discussion has now moved on to pre/pros. Reading comprehension...just sayin'.
    "Some people find it easier to be conceited rather than correct."

    "Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
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