emotiva amps

ntculenuff
ntculenuff Posts: 1,146
edited February 2009 in Electronics
reading all this stuff about the emotiva amps, I finally went to there web site and looking at the xpa-5 it has some great looking specs and a hella good price. I have been wanting a new amp been thinkin 250w range
My ? is do you think that the emotiva xpa-5 @200w per chnl would be enough of an improvement over the adcom gfa-7500 @ 150w per chnl.

old vs new??
better sound quality??

opinions appreciated :)
Speakers:
Definitive BP7001sc mains
Definitive C/L/R 3000 center
Polk RT800i's rears
Definitive supercube I Sub
Audio:
Onkyo TX-NR3010
Emotiva XPA five Gen 3
OPPO BDP-103 CD, SACD, DVD-A
Video:
Panasonic TC-P65ZT60
OPPO BDP-103 Bluray
Directv x's 2
Post edited by ntculenuff on
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,144
    edited February 2009
    I'm bad, I'm nationwide.......Tickle my EMO!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited February 2009
    This content has been removed.
  • vonnie123
    vonnie123 Posts: 326
    edited February 2009
    Here's a thought. Stick with your Adcom GFA-7500, and consider adding a strong 2-channel power amp - Emotiva, and Adcom both make good quality ones. I would look at the XPA-2 from Emotiva, or maybe the NEW Adcom GFA-555. If you are listening to 2-channel music, you can keep the GFA-7500 deactivated, and use only the stereo amp. 150 wpc for the surround channels should be sufficient for most users.

    I have a similar setup using an Emotiva pre-pro, and 2 channel and 7 channel Adcom amps. (2-channel 200 wpc and 7-channel 125 wpc)
    [
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited February 2009
    Oh...We have another Emo thread. Way too many EMO going on it CP. It doesn't even tickle anymore to read one now.

    But to answer your question, EMO amps seems to be good design, good priced and good value. You need to listen to them to judge their sound quality is superior to the GFA7500. It's more WATTS with EMO but are they truly worthy WATTS or just more Iron in the ore rather than Gold.

    I think your best bet is to take advantage of EMO 30 Day in home trial program and return it if doesn't sound noticeable better than Adcom.
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • ntculenuff
    ntculenuff Posts: 1,146
    edited February 2009
    Kex wrote: »
    I'm also wondering what's making you think you need an upgrade in the first place, though?

    nothings wrong with my adcom i'm just looking at a bit more head room and cleaner sound (or in i have had the same set up for quite a few years and wanting to tweak some more :) ) mostly want something cleaner and head room. it's only 50 watt difference but the guts are newer and from what i read well built.
    vonnie123 wrote: »
    Here's a thought. Stick with your Adcom GFA-7500, and consider adding a strong 2-channel power amp - Emotiva, and Adcom both make good quality ones. I would look at the XPA-2 from Emotiva, or maybe the NEW Adcom GFA-555. If you are listening to 2-channel music, you can keep the GFA-7500 deactivated, and use only the stereo amp. 150 wpc for the surround channels should be sufficient for most users.

    I have a similar setup using an Emotiva pre-pro, and 2 channel and 7 channel Adcom amps. (2-channel 200 wpc and 7-channel 125 wpc)
    thought this set up over and over too just don't have the room right now and when i get to the point i will build a strong 2 channel rig
    Speakers:
    Definitive BP7001sc mains
    Definitive C/L/R 3000 center
    Polk RT800i's rears
    Definitive supercube I Sub
    Audio:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010
    Emotiva XPA five Gen 3
    OPPO BDP-103 CD, SACD, DVD-A
    Video:
    Panasonic TC-P65ZT60
    OPPO BDP-103 Bluray
    Directv x's 2
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  • ntculenuff
    ntculenuff Posts: 1,146
    edited February 2009
    megasat16 wrote: »
    I think your best bet is to take advantage of EMO 30 Day in home trial program and return it if doesn't sound noticeable better than Adcom.

    didn't know about this...i will definitely have to put some serious thought into it now
    Speakers:
    Definitive BP7001sc mains
    Definitive C/L/R 3000 center
    Polk RT800i's rears
    Definitive supercube I Sub
    Audio:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010
    Emotiva XPA five Gen 3
    OPPO BDP-103 CD, SACD, DVD-A
    Video:
    Panasonic TC-P65ZT60
    OPPO BDP-103 Bluray
    Directv x's 2
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited February 2009
    If the Emo and the Adcom were in prison together, the Adcom would be Emo's ****.

    Just buy the Emo and be done with it. You'll notice a substantial improvement.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
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  • ntculenuff
    ntculenuff Posts: 1,146
    edited February 2009
    Early B. wrote: »
    If the Emo and the Adcom were in prison together, the Adcom would be Emo's ****.

    Just buy the Emo and be done with it. You'll notice a substantial improvement.

    put like that how can one argue :D
    Speakers:
    Definitive BP7001sc mains
    Definitive C/L/R 3000 center
    Polk RT800i's rears
    Definitive supercube I Sub
    Audio:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010
    Emotiva XPA five Gen 3
    OPPO BDP-103 CD, SACD, DVD-A
    Video:
    Panasonic TC-P65ZT60
    OPPO BDP-103 Bluray
    Directv x's 2
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  • Retro152
    Retro152 Posts: 985
    edited February 2009
    Early B. wrote: »
    If the Emo and the Adcom were in prison together, the Adcom would be Emo's ****.

    Just buy the Emo and be done with it. You'll notice a substantial improvement.

    "Would you mind picking that soap up, Mr. Adcom?" LOL. I have the Xpa-3, and cant say enough good thing's about it! Ton's of headroom, and you cant go wrong with the 30 day in house demo.:D
    Receiver: Pioneer Elite SC-05
    Amp: Emotiva Xpa-3
    Front L/R: POLK Rti-a9s':D
    Center:POLK Csi-a6
    Rear surround's:POLK Rti-a1s'
    Sub: Klipsch Synergy sub-12
    Sony Kdl-46w4100 46" LCD
    PS3
    Audioquest type 4 wiring.
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  • bigred7078
    bigred7078 Posts: 477
    edited February 2009
    F1nut wrote: »
    I'm bad, I'm nationwide.......Tickle my EMO!

    im cool, i think im hilarious....Bow down to me im F1nut
    Pro-ject RM-9.1 w/ Grado Sonata 1 -> USP-1 -> RPA-1 -> Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands
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  • maxima
    maxima Posts: 143
    edited February 2009
    I had an Adcom GFA-545 which is rated at 150W/ch into 4 ohms. Then I had an Emotiva LPA-1 which is rated at 225W/ch into 4 ohms. The LPA-1 owned the Adcom. I have an XPA-5 being delivered Thursday. I can only imagine what the XPA-5 would do to the Adcom. I think Early's description is about right...
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,144
    edited February 2009
    bigred7078 wrote: »
    im cool, i think im hilarious....Bow down to me im F1nut

    Jealously and envy don't become you.

    XOXO
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • bigred7078
    bigred7078 Posts: 477
    edited February 2009
    F1nut wrote: »
    Jealously and envy don't become you.

    XOXO

    i could only hope to one day attain your "awesome" status, but alas....im only lowly emotiva owner
    Pro-ject RM-9.1 w/ Grado Sonata 1 -> USP-1 -> RPA-1 -> Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,599
    edited February 2009
    when does hunting season open on Emos... I need to clean my rifle and get my hunting license in order?
    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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  • bigred7078
    bigred7078 Posts: 477
    edited February 2009
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    when does hunting season open on Emos... I need to clean my rifle and get my hunting license in order?

    lol...umm next thursday?
    Pro-ject RM-9.1 w/ Grado Sonata 1 -> USP-1 -> RPA-1 -> Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grands
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  • Unknown
    Unknown
    edited February 2009
    This content has been removed.
  • vonnie123
    vonnie123 Posts: 326
    edited February 2009
    Emos and Adcom are both good products. My GFA-555 has been in service over 20 years and still sounds great.
    [
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited February 2009
    Early B. wrote: »
    If the Emo and the Adcom were in prison together, the Adcom would be Emo's ****.

    Just buy the Emo and be done with it. You'll notice a substantial improvement.

    Early,

    I think it's a little over statement. :D

    Here is something from my collection to make your EMO **** sick! :p

    attachment.php?attachmentid=37515&d=1231395776
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • LessisNevermore
    LessisNevermore Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2009
    megasat16 wrote: »
    Early,

    I think it's a little over statement. :D

    Here is something from my collection to make your EMO **** sick! :p

    attachment.php?attachmentid=37515&d=1231395776

    Are those foot rests/running boards?
    Looks kinda like a fancy heated butt dryer for bidet users.:p:D

    (but seriously, what amp is that?)
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited February 2009
    LessisNevermore wrote: »
    Are those foot rests/running boards?
    Looks kinda like a fancy heated butt dryer for bidet users.:p:D

    (but seriously, what amp is that?)

    :o

    I sat the amp on the plastic cart to dust when that picture was taken. The picture shows the inners of the Adcom GFA-7807 amp and I took that picture when I dusted her. I don't use it anymore but it's 300WPC x 7 @ 8 ohms and can drive most speaker load for HT use. It weights 140LBs alone. :D
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • LessisNevermore
    LessisNevermore Posts: 1,519
    edited February 2009
    megasat16 wrote: »
    :o

    I sat the amp on the plastic cart to dust when that picture was taken. The picture shows the inners of the Adcom GFA-7807 amp and I took that picture when I dusted her. I don't use it anymore but it's 300WPC x 7 @ 8 ohms and can drive most speaker load for HT use. It weights 140LBs alone. :D

    Veddy Niiiice.:D
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited February 2009
    I own an Adcom GFA 545 and 555 and the Emotiva XPA-3. IMHO, the XPA is far superior in every audio performance category I can think off. Don't get me wrong, I love my Adcoms, but the XPA-3 easily sounds better, at least to my ears with my setup. The beauty of the Adcoms though is longevity. Only time will tell if the Emotiva will be as reliable as Adcom.
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  • TG Meat
    TG Meat Posts: 159
    edited February 2009
    I would live to demo one of these, I have been curious since they came out.
    Anthem D2v
    NAD M50 Music Server
    B & K Reference 200.5
    Parasound A21
    B & W 804 (Mains)
    B & W HTM1 (Center)
    Polk Rti4 (Surrounds)
    PS3
    Seaton Submersive HP
    Pioneer PDP 6010FD Kuro
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  • ntculenuff
    ntculenuff Posts: 1,146
    edited February 2009
    i'll just have to make the decision. like i said before my adcom works great i just think i'm bored with my system :)
    it's just one of those thoughts, while your cleaning and admiring your stuff, you just want a little more
    i stumbled across that 7807 online the other day while looking at amps the inside is way more impressive looking than the casing i would want a clear top if i owned just to look at :)
    thanks for all the opinions
    Speakers:
    Definitive BP7001sc mains
    Definitive C/L/R 3000 center
    Polk RT800i's rears
    Definitive supercube I Sub
    Audio:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010
    Emotiva XPA five Gen 3
    OPPO BDP-103 CD, SACD, DVD-A
    Video:
    Panasonic TC-P65ZT60
    OPPO BDP-103 Bluray
    Directv x's 2
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited February 2009
    ntcluenuff,

    Thanks for the kind words about GFA-7807. I don't mean to show off or anything but I just want to throw a jab at Early. It's an impressive amp (at least the size and weight is). It also sounds good for HT.

    But seriously, I don't want to leave any possibility that EMO has better sound than Adcom. If I am in need of amp, I would seriously take advantage of their 30 days trial and only have to waste the shipping fee if I don't like it. In audio, price or manufacturer is no not a key factor for good sound so your ears be the judge.

    Best of Luck in your quest!
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,264
    edited February 2009
    Kex wrote: »
    Also remember: as H9 would say (IIRC, from his Nelson Pass quote in his sig.), specifications on paper (or on screen) do not tell the whole story.

    Too funny! :p

    This is very true. My new amp a measly 30wpc is a monster. Easily outperforming amps rated much, much higher and having better "measurements" on paper.
    Early B. wrote: »
    If the Emo and the Adcom were in prison together, the Adcom would be Emo's ****.

    Just buy the Emo and be done with it. You'll notice a substantial improvement.

    Just one person's opinion. I have the Marsh here that you gushed over before Emo came along and that was supposed to make the Adcom it's **** too.............well I prefer the Adcom over the Marsh as it's much less analytical and mechanical sounding. So while you are entitled to your opinion and I respect that.......I had to find out for myself and I coudn't disagree more. But hey, that's what makes the world go round.....right :)..

    BTW, the Aleph makes everyone it's ****. This thing is an 'effing phenomenal amp in tone, resolution, pitch, dynamics, sound stage, timbre, decay, micro and macro dynamics. I can't get this thing to run out of steam and it's a measly 30 wpc. My SDA's have never in their life had this kind of solid, pitch perfect bass and resolution. The dynamics are off the charts.....

    I hooked the Marsh and Adcom up and they sounded like transistor radios :D. Well maybe not that deficient, but you get the idea. I'll be playing around more with these 3 amps and start a thread.

    Anyways I'm getting off topic as I will be starting a different thread discussing my new audio purchase.

    My point is there is no way to know until you try stuff out. I use EB as an example just because our individual opinions are at opposite ends while I think our audio goals are similar. And while you can take my opinion just as strongly or weakly as EB's, there isn't any substitute for trying something out and figuring it out for yourself.

    H9

    P.s. And specs don't mean a damn thing.....PERIOD! (that includes rated wpc) Look at the specs for the Aleph and on paper it looks very average. Get into the design philosophy and that's a whole other ball game. :)
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,264
    edited February 2009
    Since we're taking our tops off......:):D

    PassAleph30amp.jpg
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Puritan Audio PSM136 Pwr Condtioner & Classic PC's | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • ntculenuff
    ntculenuff Posts: 1,146
    edited February 2009
    price was definitely the key interest here and all the buzz on this site about the emo's. i have been looking at different amps and always looking for a deal. the ati amp i got for a friend from dholmes awhile back was a monster and sounded great still kicking myself for not purchasing the 2nd one he had
    Speakers:
    Definitive BP7001sc mains
    Definitive C/L/R 3000 center
    Polk RT800i's rears
    Definitive supercube I Sub
    Audio:
    Onkyo TX-NR3010
    Emotiva XPA five Gen 3
    OPPO BDP-103 CD, SACD, DVD-A
    Video:
    Panasonic TC-P65ZT60
    OPPO BDP-103 Bluray
    Directv x's 2
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2009
    I never take myself seriously, accordingly, I have never lost a debate with myself, however, at times I lose control and entirely stop talking to myself.

    If there ain't no tubes then all you got is sand and drool.

    I am RT1.
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  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    edited February 2009
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Since we're taking our tops off......:):D

    PassAleph30amp.jpg

    Very Nice, H9. Very Nice! It's a small wonder itself. ;)
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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