2 channel pre with bass mgmt

kharp1

Am looking at the Emotiva XSP-1 and was wondering if anyone has had any personal experience with this pre? Has most everything I can think that I would need in a pre and the Emotiva equipment that I've been able to listen to has impressed me, especially at the price point. Just curious if anyone here has had any in personal experience with it?

Thanks in advance for any insight offered.

Kerry

kharp1

Thanks, Skip. I did a search on this sight and didn't see Erniejade's post, however, when I did an internet search it brought me back here:http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/163938/emo-xsp1-gen2-vs-parasound-p5

erniejade

What is the rest of the system? What is your preference in sound? ( Full, slightly lean, hotter top, smoother top) ?

gurot1

I have the emotiva xsp-1. I haven't really had a chance to really listen to it (kids, work, etc). Also, I dont have a trained ear to really tell you how it sounds. Also, my room needs a lot of treatment (on the to do list for May, a couple of superchunks in the corner and some panels at first reflection points and behind listener and speakers.
I can however give you details on any features you might be looking for or pics, etc
I was looking at the p5 intially or even the 2100, but this unit came up at a good price range for me.

pongshi

I have both. If you are going to do only vinyl, you might find the emotiva phono stage a little more detailed and forward. It also seems to have a higher output. Yes, some might call it a little bright. The P5 phono stage is a little warmer, actually close to neutral with a lower output.

Where the P5 really shines is that it has a built in DAC. Your digital audio will get better treatment. Obviously, you can do better in the DAC area, but still its pretty good. As far as bang for the buck, definitely P5. I own 1 XSP-1 and 2 P5 (silver and black), so that should tell you my choice. Really, they are both great for the price, but you get more with the P5.

kharp1

Current equipment is Marsh a200s amp, a United Electronics (Cary audio budget line) Hercules tube amp and Constellation tube pre, Carver C19 tube pre, a couple of Hafler 220's, Stella da100 signature dac, Marantz sa14s1 sacd, Klipsch Epic cf1, Vandersteen 2ce signature...that's what's hooked up at the moment. No vinyl any longer.

I prefer a warmer, richer sound, good detailed highs without the sizzle, slightly more forward mids (hence the klipsch) and a soundstage with depth. I'm working on putting together 3 rooms of listening system, with one taking the lions share of budget.

I have PSB images from a surround system collecting dust, 7pt's for the mains. My HT has been mothballed. Have a B&K 5 channel amp with a blown channel collecting dust as well as a couple of Marantz silver faced integrateds. Have a Bryston B60 integrated collecting dust as well.

I have a M&K sub, not sure of the model as it's a little older, with dual 12's that I'm wanting to integrate with the Vandersteens which is why I was looking at a pre with bass management.

I like to listen to ball games at times on the radio and usally use the older silverface units I have for that, or the Dynaco 80/af6 combo.

Just a bunch of random stuff...looking to put the one system together within my budget that will satisfy...if that's possible.

leftwinger57

Kharp, I can't help w/ your pre question. I've gone through 2 Onkyos, a Sony ES-2000, a beloved NAD 1020a and now a Dynaco PAT-4 ss. pre/amp from the mid '70s. What I do like is your taste in speakers. I 've heard both of yours and while I would prefer KLF20s on the Klipsch side Vandersteens for the money I thought could not be beat. I did hear both a used set of 2ce sig and 3a sigs and while there was a clear difference w/ the more expensive and brand new 3a Sig I never thought they needed any help in the bass department. Of course this was in a high end audio store close in playing only music and not a h/t or sub boosted system.

erniejade

Judging by the rest of your gear, I'm with skip on the p5. I think you might find the emo a hair thin sounding for your taste.

kharp1

I appreciate everyones feedback

erniejade

The c19 is a good sounding pre. Why do you need the bass management? You can set a sub to where it just sounds right. Like with the vadies. I would set a sub at 35-40 hz. The c19 also responds well to tube change. I had one a while ago.

kharp1

The C19 has developed issues. It ran great for several years then some noise. Sent it out to Roland and dropped too much on it to refresh and update it. Wasn't too long after putting it back in the system noise started again. Roland seemed to think it was a bad tube. I've cycled several tubes and if the problem goes away it comes back soon. He said send it back, but I'm debating whether I want to spend another 100 to ship it again. I loved that pre.

I've never had much luck with running a sub without an rca output feed.