two monoblocks or one stereo amp??
dfledezma
Posts: 148
Hi everyone.
I´m closer to finally put together a two channel system. For a starter, I want to get Emotiva stuff.
I don´t want to get into a discussion if Emo gear is good or not. My question is, what would be best, to get two UPA-1 monoblocks, or a single XPA-2 to power up a pair of LSi9?
Another question I have: Is it possible to connect the pc line output directly to a power amp, or do I need a preamp. I know a preamp basically outputs line level to feed the power amp, so a pc out is line level, am I correct?
Many thanks
I´m closer to finally put together a two channel system. For a starter, I want to get Emotiva stuff.
I don´t want to get into a discussion if Emo gear is good or not. My question is, what would be best, to get two UPA-1 monoblocks, or a single XPA-2 to power up a pair of LSi9?
Another question I have: Is it possible to connect the pc line output directly to a power amp, or do I need a preamp. I know a preamp basically outputs line level to feed the power amp, so a pc out is line level, am I correct?
Many thanks
Post edited by dfledezma on
Comments
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Go the xpa-2 route as far as using a pc line output not really sure. I would think the output level would be crap though but maybe some sound cards are better than others.
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Hi everyone.
I´m closer to finally put together a two channel system. For a starter, I want to get Emotiva stuff.
I don´t want to get into a discussion if Emo gear is good or not. My question is, what would be best, to get two UPA-1 monoblocks, or a single XPA-2 to power up a pair of LSi9?
Another question I have: Is it possible to connect the pc line output directly to a power amp, or do I need a preamp. I know a preamp basically outputs line level to feed the power amp, so a pc out is line level, am I correct?
Many thanks
What's the rest of your gear? What's your source?Speakers: Polk LSi15
Pre: Adcom GFP-750 with HT Bypass
Amp: Pass Labs X-150
CD/DVD Player: Classe CDP-10
Interconnects: MIT Shortgun S3 Pro XLR
Speaker cables: MIT MH-750 bi-wire
TT:Micro Seiki DD-35
Cartridge:Denon DL-160
Phono Pre:PS Audio GCPH -
So many options....TNRabbit
NO Polk Audio Equipment :eek:
Sunfire TG-IV
Ashly 1001 Active Crossover
Rane PEQ-15 Parametric Equalizers x 2
Sunfire Cinema Grand Signature Seven
Carver AL-III Speakers
Klipsch RT-12d Subwoofer -
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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At the moment my main source is my macbook pro. I know is not the best source and no matter how good the equipment is if I play a crapy source, I will get crappy soun, but I will get something better and dedicated later. I might get a DAC to use the optical output from my mac, or maybe a logitech squeezebox.
About cables, I think I´ll go with signalcable.
I was thinking also in getting a smaller but complete setup, for instance LSi7, UPA-2, USP-1 and a decent CDP. But I think I want to start something a bit bigger but don´t have the money for a complete setup. What I don´t want is to replace my gear soon. So I can get the amps and speakers now and later add the other components.
Or, if you think I´m completely wrong, please put me in the correct direction, I´m new to this.
thanks -
Yes you can use line level from computer's sound card. As to the sound card in the mac that is pretty much as bad as it gets for a source. It's not actually even a sound card just motherboard sound. But as long as you understand that and your not expecting worlds of wonder when it comes to sound then by all means buy your amps it will work fine. Just like you sad look into a good external USB sound card(because its a laptop) and a DAC. Also a pre-amp never really hurt any ones sound from what i have seen on this forum.
I'm not sure but i m guessing because you have a mac, your using Itunes when it comes to a source, thats generally another weak point as most of the time your limited to at best 320kbs Mp3or there proprietary format at best. If you can try and get some lossless compression or just use .wav files.
But as to your question mono blocks or stereo generally mono blocks have a little higher QC and a little more care put into them vs multi channel amps how ever when you buying from the same brand and roughly the same price range I don't think it will matter that much just buy which ever will give you the most power.Monitor 60s, CS10 front
Monitor 40s, back
PSW10:(
H/k AVR 325
Sansui Tape Deck
Pioneer PD-5010 CD player
Sennheiser HD 650s
Maverick Audio Tube Magic D1 DAC
AMD Phenom II 940 @ 3.8 prime stabel
4 gigs 1066, cas 5
XFX 4890 1gig
Seagate 1tb 7200.12
Creative X-fI Titanium Fatal1ty -
Optical out-DAC-Preamp-Amp
or
Optical out-DAC- Integrated Amp
I wouldn't use a computer sound card as a DAC. And especially wouldn't use it was a preamp/volume control directly into an amp. I would be too paranoid about the amp receiving a full signal and possibly blowing out my speakers.
Check this out: Peachtree Nova
You would still need an external amp for your LSi9's though."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche -
I would go for the Mono-Bloc.Linn AV5140 fronts
Linn AV5120 Center
Linn AV5140 Rears
M&K MX-70 Sub for Music
Odyssey Mono-Blocs
SVS Ultra-13 Gloss Black:D -
I did the computer output directly into my amps for a short time. I use a PC instead of a mac, so I can't give any valid input on how to adjust the setting on yours. If you do it, make sure you adjust all your sound settings. As Face mentioned, there is a danger of damaging your speakers if you aren't careful. Until I changed my settings, the startup sounds were uncomfortably loud if I had my amps on before I started the computer. I also use Winamp for playing my audio media. The volume control was very touchy and I was concerned someone not familiar with my system would accidently crank the volume to damaging levels. I use an external DAC to a dedicated preamp for the extra piece of mind.
As for the which amp question, go with the XPA-2. The XPA has bigger transformers and more capacitance. -
I would skip Emo altogether and find something better, either used or new. If you have "big" speaker's or one's that are hard to drive a monoblock may be the best choice, if you have the cash that is. Otherwise a quality 2ch amp will work just fine
I think it depend's on the soundcard if you can feed directly to an amp or not, i'm not 100% sure but it wont cost much to find out as a 3.5 > RCA adapter/connector is relatively inexpensive
Media Room 7.1
Sharp lc37d64u | Sanus vmsab-03 | Sonax ZX8680 | Yamaha htr-6290b | Emotiva xpa1 x 2 & xpa5 | RTiA 9 & 7 | CSiA 6 | FXiA 6 | Sanus NF30B-03 | Velodyne dls-3750r | Dual 505-3 m97xe | Monster avs2000/hts5100
HTPC
Intel e5300 | Asus p5q DLX | LG ch08 BD | OCZ 4g reaper2 | WD 1TB | Sapphire 4890 VaporX 1g | Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 | OCZ modXtreme 700w | Antec Fusion remote MAX
A fool and his money are easily parted
I don't drink Koolaid
Need some cable's? Just ask
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Why the change from this...sTiLlLeArNiNg wrote: »Good "bang for buck" product's, work extremely well with Polk's.
My a9's sounded good running off my AVR (same as your's), sounded better when i added an xpa5, and sound even much better since adding a pair of xpa1's!
a6 for center duty is the way to go IMHO, match's beautifully with the a9's.
xpa5 for the front soundstage would be interesting. Use 4ch's for the a9's and the final ch for the a6 I would say that it would sound good, most likely better than the xpa3 alone.
To this....I would skip Emo altogether and find something better, either used or new. If you have "big" speaker's or one's that are hard to drive a monoblock may be the best choice, if you have the cash that is. Otherwise a quality 2ch amp will work just fine
Care to explain? Inquiring minds would like to know...
To the OP... Emo makes decent entry level gear by all accounts. Just enjoy the Music.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 -
nooshinjohn wrote: »Why the change from this.... To this... .Care to explain? Inquiring minds would like to know...
I will elaborate some time in the next couple of day's :cool:Media Room 7.1
Sharp lc37d64u | Sanus vmsab-03 | Sonax ZX8680 | Yamaha htr-6290b | Emotiva xpa1 x 2 & xpa5 | RTiA 9 & 7 | CSiA 6 | FXiA 6 | Sanus NF30B-03 | Velodyne dls-3750r | Dual 505-3 m97xe | Monster avs2000/hts5100
HTPC
Intel e5300 | Asus p5q DLX | LG ch08 BD | OCZ 4g reaper2 | WD 1TB | Sapphire 4890 VaporX 1g | Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 | OCZ modXtreme 700w | Antec Fusion remote MAX
A fool and his money are easily parted
I don't drink Koolaid
Need some cable's? Just ask
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sTiLlLeArNiNg wrote: »I will elaborate some time in the next couple of day's :cool:
you are seriously on crack, aren't you...
You have done a complete reversal on yourself. How about giving us the short version. Did they ban you over there?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 -
nooshinjohn wrote: »you are seriously on crack, aren't you...
You have done a complete reversal on yourself. How about giving us the short version. Did they ban you over there?
LOL I'm DEFINATELY NOT on crack, but i know someone who might be! lol
I didn't get banned, check my username if ya like as i use the same handle over there as i do here. They sound "OK" but Emotiva suck's.
That's the short version
Remember i NEVER claimed Emotiva to be the "be all, end all" so don't get yourself all misconstrued
Media Room 7.1
Sharp lc37d64u | Sanus vmsab-03 | Sonax ZX8680 | Yamaha htr-6290b | Emotiva xpa1 x 2 & xpa5 | RTiA 9 & 7 | CSiA 6 | FXiA 6 | Sanus NF30B-03 | Velodyne dls-3750r | Dual 505-3 m97xe | Monster avs2000/hts5100
HTPC
Intel e5300 | Asus p5q DLX | LG ch08 BD | OCZ 4g reaper2 | WD 1TB | Sapphire 4890 VaporX 1g | Asus Xonar HDAV 1.3 | OCZ modXtreme 700w | Antec Fusion remote MAX
A fool and his money are easily parted
I don't drink Koolaid
Need some cable's? Just ask
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thanks again for all the suggestions
But know I´m more confused...so many options.
I was thinking in getting the XPA2 and use my Denon AVR790 as pre-pro using zone 2 and the external amp. Do you think it will made a big difference than getting for example the emotiva USP1 as pre?
In this way I can get a decent CDP instead of the preamp.
What do you think? -
sTiLlLeArNiNg wrote: »LOL I'm DEFINATELY NOT on crack, but i know someone who might be! lol
I didn't get banned, check my username if ya like as i use the same handle over there as i do here. They sound "OK" but Emotiva suck's.
That's the short version
Remember i NEVER claimed Emotiva to be the "be all, end all" so don't get yourself all misconstrued
Why is this person still here????????
Really????
Needs to be out on the ocean trolling for fish and not here stirring the pot..... -
What do you think?
Since it appears that you don't have really good source, I would suggest you start there. Garbage in, garbage out.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 -
Since it appears that you don't have really good source, I would suggest you start there. Garbage in, garbage out.
Thats why I'm considering this option,I think a good source will be better as starter and then i can get a dedicated preamp.
Any suggestions for a good entry level CDP? -
No, I mean forget the amp for now, put your money into a really good source.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 -
sTiLlLeArNiNg wrote: »I will elaborate some time in the next couple of day's :cool:
Send me a PM when that happens, i want to see this.
Nevermind, can't wait. Sending you a PM.I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.
Living Room: B&K Reference 5 S2 / Parasound HCA-1000A / Emotiva XDA-2 / Pioneer BDP-51FD / Paradigm 11se MKiii
Desk: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / ISK HD9999
Office: Schiit Magni 2 Uber / Schiit Modi 2 Uber / Dynaco SCA-80Q / Paradigm Legend V.3
HT: Denon AVR-X3400H / Sony UBP-X700 / RT16 / CS350LS / RT7 / SVS PB1000 -
I'm using my Mac Mini as a source for my Logitech Transporter (in another room) and couldn't be happier. A lot has to do with the quality level you're ripping at and, naturally, how much storage you have. Don't give up on digital since it will play a huge role in the future.McIntosh MA-7000 Integrated
Cambridge Audio Azur 840C CD
B&W 805s
Logitech Transporter Wireless Link
Mac Mini Music Server
Furman Elite Power Conditioning
Signal Cable, Magic Power Cables
Signal Cable, Silver Resolution Balanced Interconnects -
Ranger0912 wrote: »I'm using my Mac Mini as a source for my Logitech Transporter (in another room) and couldn't be happier. A lot has to do with the quality level you're ripping at and, naturally, how much storage you have. Don't give up on digital since it will play a huge role in the future.
Did you post this in the wrong section?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
