B&K 5 Channel Amp vs. Emotiva 5 Channel Amp
Comments
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JP,
I don't have the XPA but I do have the Emotiva LPA. I also have the B & K 125 S2, Ref 4440 & ST2140. I prefer the sound from the B & K's compared to the Emotiva. Currently, my audio $'s are being saved for a 5 or 7 channel B & K for the HT.
My B & K amps are doing duty in the 2ch system and driving the mains in my HT. For music, the B & K's blow the emotiva out of the water. There is still a difference in HT, but it isn't as drastic as it was for music. The LPA being the XPA's lil brother, I would think that this should be expected.
As mentioned above, you should try both out if you can and hear the difference for yourself. I personally think you will side with B & K. That being said, there is plenty of used B & K equipment around, have you considered buying used?
ScottWithout music to decorate it, time is just a bunch of boring production deadlines or dates by which bills must be paid. ..... Frank Zappa -
I don't have the XPA but I do have the Emotiva LPA. I also have the B & K 125 S2, Ref 4440 & ST2140. I prefer the sound from the B & K's compared to the Emotiva. Currently, my audio $'s are being saved for a 5 or 7 channel B & K for the HT.
Best post of this thread.
Everyone lighten up.Do you hear that buzzing noise?
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I had a bk 125.2 a few years back,a fine amp,my current 125 watt Emotiva sounds just as good imo.I do like that bk is an American product.I've also owned older bk amps that lasted many years,as any good amp should.
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JP,
I don't have the XPA but I do have the Emotiva LPA. I also have the B & K 125 S2, Ref 4440 & ST2140. I prefer the sound from the B & K's compared to the Emotiva. Currently, my audio $'s are being saved for a 5 or 7 channel B & K for the HT.
Scott
Thanks Scott. It's great that you can get quality equipment that is better than most off the shelf stuff at a big box store at both high and low price points.
While I don't like to directly compare a $5000 car to a $15,000 car, if you got the bucks you can indeed get one heck of a car:) That being said, drive both cars, you might find for whatever reason the $5000 car 'is you'. -
lol wow that got heated for a while. i just want to thank everyone for their input. as of now im leaning towards the B&K. but im still going to test both in my HT room.
since i listen to music more often than i watch movies, Scott's info about B&K handling music better than the Emotiva was really helpful. when i do my home test music will be the deciding factor.
feel free to keep posting anything that might be important to my decision.Receiver: Pioneer SC-05
Amplifier: B&K 125.2 S2
Floor Standing: RTi12
Center: LSiC
Front: RT15i
Sub1: PSW1000
Sub2: PSW350
Sub3: PSW505
"Any technology distinguishable from magic is insufficiently advanced." -
And what is your point? Yes Emo is trying to catch up to that. Nothing wrong with it.
Please lets not insult the collective intelligence and try to pass off Emo as an 'Upstart'. It's incorrect and disingenuous to the spirit of these forums. Emo also has a good reputation. Even on the Polk forums. Not sure what your grind is.
I have no horse in Emo / B&K. My simple advice was 'Use ones Ears'. My other advice since experiencing some of the regulars here: 'Use ones Eyes'. Read posts thoroughly.
Ignore list? knock yourself out.
Emo IS upstart and it's beginner level stuff. If you can't see that then you and Emo are a perfect match."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 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul! -
Emo IS upstart and it's beginner level stuff. If you can't see that then you and Emo are a perfect match.
Maybe it would be easier to explain what is NOT "beginner level stuff".I've owned Adcom,BK,Parasound,Rotel,ATI,Outlaw and just about every midfi amp there is.The Emotivas fit very well into this group,a little better than some,not quite as good as some.I'd love to do a blind test and have someone name em',not gonna happen. -
I have solid play time with the XPA-3. Nice amp. I specifically own some Crown and Behringer product. I have hands on NAD when ever I want (a few demo units at the shop along with some Denon). Other product that I have installed: Crest, Rane, Bogen, QMX, BGW (years ago), Alesis... That would be x-overs, sound processors, compressors/limiters, EQ's, mic's
Most of my time is spent in the commercial sector. Installing lighting and A/V control systems. Extron, AMX, Crestron, Bose Commercial etc...
WOW!!! I'm impressed with your pro gear resume. :rolleyes: Thanks for the lecture.
Funny how the best systems don't have tone controls(except maybe some tubes/valves) or balance knobs, much less EQs.
I have a feeling that quite a few here can install pretty much any of that gear in most any given setting if they felt like it.
You should spend some time trying to integrate yourself into the CP scene before spewing off at the keyboard and posting your resume, which quite frankly doesn't impress most here."SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE" -
If I recall --
Emotiva started out under the wing of AV123 and several years later went solo...
I dont know any dates or anything though...
I have owned a B&K ST125.2 -- a solid amp that adds nothing and takes away nothing. I would almost classify them as boring personally. I would purchase them for HT or a small secondary 2 ch setup again.
I have alot of experience with Outlaw - which I associate with Emotiva just on the level of gear and design principles -- Emotiva seems to try to gear to 2 ch a little more though, if I ever come across a good deal - I would probally pick them up to give it a try...
But - B&K is solid. For sure.- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
jp4smiles@yahoo wrote: ». info about B&K handling music better than the Emotiva was really helpful. when i do my home test music will be the deciding factor...
Keep in mind, some may form an opinion over an entire product line based on either one persons bad review, or someone's experience with only one particular model. It happens-some tend to generalize or some reading a review on one model will generalize that across an entire brand.
Although you will find mostly praise for Emo at the Emo forums, that would be the best place IMHO to ask any Emo vs other amp comparisons-There are some there that will give honest opinions, good or bad. Of course you have to do more research at other review sites as well as B&K's forums. Just keep in mind that there will be bias one way or another no matter where you go, both for and against a particular model or brand or even audiophile level.
Many of the reviews I've read about the XPA-3 and XPA-5 put them as geared towards home theater but still contenders for music. The XPA-2, while still in the XPA line has a different internal design and its been said many times that it is much better relative to the XPA-3 or XPA-5 esp when music is the priority. Then the XPA-1 is the monoblock version which again is a different design - again geared more for music vs. HT. The RPA series (although currently not avail new) seems to be touted as their best model for music. I never payed any attention to the other lines (LPA, etc). There are several published reviews for all of the lines I mentioned above.
I don't know too much about the claims of many QC issues at least not anything outside the normal ratio of any company dealing in electronics, except that with the internet and all the attention on them, the stories are more exposed. But its been my impression that a lot of issues I have heard about with the XPA line had something to do with a static build-up determined to happen in shipping that had a simple home fix and I believe they were to do a packaging redesign to address it. I'd find it hard to believe that B&K didn't also have its share of QC issues or dissatisfied customers in 22 years.
Dig enough and you'll find QC and CS issues with just about any product/company out there. Unless they have notoriously bad QC, CS reliability or quality--take the bad reviews along with the good reviews. And remember that there is more to one persons review than just the amp--there is the entire system's syergy to consider. I've seen many reviews where somebody says they hated amp A with speaker A but it sounded great with speaker B, and vice-versa.
Concentrate on your budget and your ears. And keep in mind that if you find that you don't like what you bought, new or old, you can always sell it on the used market and break even or close.
-peace____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
I have solid play time with the XPA-3. Nice amp. I specifically own some Crown and Behringer product. I have hands on NAD when ever I want (a few demo units at the shop along with some Denon). Other product that I have installed: Crest, Rane, Bogen, QMX, BGW (years ago), Alesis... That would be x-overs, sound processors, compressors/limiters, EQ's, mic's
Most of my time is spent in the commercial sector. Installing lighting and A/V control systems. Extron, AMX, Crestron, Bose Commercial etc...
That explains alot.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 -
Emo IS upstart and it's beginner level stuff. If you can't see that then you and Emo are a perfect match.
Where do you see me waving the Emotiva banner? I simply suggested that the OP LISTEN.
Are there truly this many idiots at the Polk forums? -
Where do you see me waving the Emotiva banner? I simply suggested that the OP LISTEN.
Are there truly this many idiots at the Polk forums?
Just reaffirming what others have said as you seem to be disputing that fact. As far as your 2nd statement........you're fitting right in."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 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul! -
WOW!!! I'm impressed with your pro gear resume. :rolleyes: Thanks for the lecture.
Funny how the best systems don't have tone controls(except maybe some tubes/valves) or balance knobs, much less EQs.
I have a feeling that quite a few here can install pretty much any of that gear in most any given setting if they felt like it.
You should spend some time trying to integrate yourself into the CP scene before spewing off at the keyboard and posting your resume, which quite frankly doesn't impress most here.
We externally manage all that via x-over and EQ. The XTi amps from Crown are extremely intelligent amps with the integrated DSP.
Funny how it was mentioned that B&K has been around for 22 years, solid rep (yada yada yada). Guess how long Crown has been around.
Someone asked about what I have had hands on with. I simply answered.
Never said that you couldn't configure and hook up pro-gear. You really are coming across as a child. -
Very enlightening. I have learned a lot about horses.
Do you actually have a point? How about the other posts where I pointed out the B&K is really nice stuff, that they are solid and have a solid rep. Any one can quote out of context.
Not the friendliest bunch around here... -
Keep in mind, some may form an opinion over an entire product line based on either one persons bad review, or someone's experience with only one particular model. It happens-some tend to generalize or some reading a review on one model will generalize that across an entire brand.
You're playing with fire in the Polk forums by being even keel about recommendations on what to do. Watch your back.:D -
We externally manage all that via x-over and EQ. The XTi amps from Crown are extremely intelligent amps with the integrated DSP.
Funny how it was mentioned that B&K has been around for 22 years, solid rep (yada yada yada). Guess how long Crown has been around.
Someone asked about what I have had hands on with. I simply answered.
Never said that you couldn't configure and hook up pro-gear. You really are coming across as a child.
But you insist on posting your resume when asked if you have had any hands on with B&K or Emo gear, not Crown, Bogen, etc. and you try to come across as some expert in home audio.
I actually do know quite a bit about Crown's/IREC's history and have had experience with some of the last decently musical amps(D150/DC300) they produced. Sure they still make decent amps for powering stadiums/PA systems and the occasional HT subwoofer, but you won't be seeing any of them in my rig anytime soon. How have I ever gotten along without DSP or an EQ?:(:rolleyes:
I haven't been around much the last two weeks, but the few posts I've read from you, in this and other threads, seem to be Emotiva fanboy crap.
I have a sneaking suspicion that you may very well have an agenda that has something to do with Emo. Maybe they've gotten wind of what some member's have been stating about them. I personally have a whopping ten minutes of Emo listening under my belt, which was all I needed to conclude that it'd be fine for most HTs(I'd stick with something used from Odyssey that has a very generous transferable warranty), but not in my 2-channel.
I now understand, even more, why you may think the Emotiva is the **** after reading a few more of your posts.:rolleyes:
Child, now that's funny. My 11 yr old might know what a good sounding rig sounds like better than you. I'm certain that I did at age 5 in 1972."SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE" -
Very good post MMadden.
Oh, and Welcome to Club Polk JP!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 -
...I'd stick with something used from Odyssey that has a very generous transferable warranty)......
Actually for the record, the warranty on Emotiva amps are transferable-no limit and anytime in the 5 year period.
The Odyssey amps are transferable only once from the original owner to the 2nd owner-if it's any more it would be at the discretion of Krause. What is impressive about the Odyssey warranty however is that it's 20 years.____________________
This post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
HT:Onkyo 805, Emotiva XPA-5, Mitsu 52" 1080p DLP / polkaudio RTi12, CSIa6, FXi3, uPro4K
2-chnl : Pio DV-46AV (SACD), Dodd ELP, Emotiva XPA-1s, XPA-2, Odyssey Khartago, LSi9, SDA-SRS 2 :cool:, SB Duet, MSB & Monarchy DACs, Yamaha PX3 TT, SAE Tuner...
Pool: Atrium 60's/45's -
Emo IS upstart and it's beginner level stuff. If you can't see that then you and Emo are a perfect match.
IS NOT
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But you insist on posting your resume when asked if you have had any hands on with B&K or Emo gear, not Crown, Bogen, etc. and you try to come across as some expert in home audio.
I actually do know quite a bit about Crown's/IREC's history and have had experience with some of the last decently musical amps(D150/DC300) they produced. Sure they still make decent amps for powering stadiums/PA systems and the occasional HT subwoofer, but you won't be seeing any of them in my rig anytime soon. How have I ever gotten along without DSP or an EQ?:(:rolleyes:
Yep, I still have my DC300A. Also had the DC150A and IC150. If some one wonders what I have experience with, I put it out there. I wish Crown was still doing the 300/150 or their 'Classic' line. The D series stuff they have is ok.
I sure hope you aren't getting along w/o an eq'd system.
I was impressed with the XPA 3 given it's price point. What hell do you want?
Are you normally this big of an a-hole?I haven't been around much the last two weeks, but the few posts I've read from you, in this and other threads, seem to be Emotiva fanboy crap.
I have a sneaking suspicion that you may very well have an agenda that has something to do with Emo. Maybe they've gotten wind of what some member's have been stating about them. I personally have a whopping ten minutes of Emo listening under my belt, which was all I needed to conclude that it'd be fine for most HTs(I'd stick with something used from Odyssey that has a very generous transferable warranty), but not in my 2-channel.
:eek: What? if you can find ANY thread here where I am going bonkers over Emotiva, KNOCK YOURSELF THE F' OUT.I now understand, even more, why you may think the Emotiva is the **** after reading a few more of your posts.:rolleyes:
Child, now that's funny. My 11 yr old might know what a good sounding rig sounds like better than you. I'm certain that I did at age 5 in 1972.
Yep you know me, just banging the Emotiva Drum every chance I get. Looking back at your posts it is easy to see your bias. Your welcome to it. At least others will be able to make a choice about spending $800 on an amp or $3-4K. Nothing wrong with either.
AGAIN, use your ears. Buy your preference. It's real simple. -
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This is getting WAY past stupid! First off, I love Polk speakers. We all know that they are NOT high end speakers, but offer great bang for the buck. Bang for the buck, yeah, that's what Polk is all about. So the OP asked why the huge difference in price between the amps.... sounds reasonable, right? Apparently not to you snobby **** **** bags who put down Emotiva as just not good enough. He asked why he should spend thousands more for an amp, and you pretty much told him that he's looking at "beginner" CRAP, and that shouldn't be taken seriously. You Polk "masters" and "gurus", who aren't "masters" or "gurus" of anything, with the exception of talking crap, should probably do everyone else here a favor and STFU!!! Emotiva is a very good match to Polk speakers, as MANY polkies here will testify. Go away elitist snobs, we don't want you here!!!!!!!!!!!!"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Benjamin Franklin, February 17th, 1775.
"The day that I have to give up my constitutional rights AND let some dude rub my junk...well, let's just say that it's gonna be a real bad day for the dude trying to rub my junk!!"
messiah, November 23rd, 2010 -
This is getting WAY past stupid! First off, I love Polk speakers. We all know that they are NOT high end speakers, but offer great bang for the buck. Bang for the buck, yeah, that's what Polk is all about. So the OP asked why the huge difference in price between the amps.... sounds reasonable, right? Apparently not to you snobby **** **** bags who put down Emotiva as just not good enough. He asked why he should spend thousands more for an amp, and you pretty much told him that he's looking at "beginner" CRAP, and that shouldn't be taken seriously. You Polk "masters" and "gurus", who aren't "masters" or "gurus" of anything, with the exception of talking crap, should probably do everyone else here a favor and STFU!!! Emotiva is a very good match to Polk speakers, as MANY polkies here will testify. Go away elitist snobs, we don't want you here!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's hilarious when they go postal.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 -
Geez, I had to edit in a "Welcome to CP" Sorryjp4smiles@yahoo wrote: »im wondering what amp you guys recommend. the five channel will power the surround speakers, the rear speakers, and the center channel. both amps have very similar specifications. so if someone could explain the reason price difference, that would be awesome. and let me know if and why it's worth it to spring for the B&K.
B&K:
$2350
http://www.bkcomp.com/products/amplifiers/?tx_ttproducts_pi1%5BbackPID%5D=14&tx_ttproducts_pi1%5Bproduct%5D=9&cHash=eb183f4201
Emotiva:
$799
http://emotiva.com/xpa5.shtm
Price differences?
I work on a lot of gear for a couple of different companies in the area and just an observation that may well explain the differences.
In the past 2 years alone I've seen more Emo gear come across my bench than B&K in the past 15.
The build quality is obvious and distinguishable between the two.
The B&K stuff is built to last. Emo stuff I've seen is questionable for durability.
The price differences fade fast when comparing longevity, resale value, vs initial investment.
From a personal tech standpoint I'd go with B&K due mainly to the fact I hate working on my own gear.
Your money, your ears, your preferences and needs for your system.
JMHO and a buck will get you a cup of coffee.
Good Luck and hope you're happy with your choice.
Harry -
I belive HIFI / or HIGH END Equipment is in the eye of the beholder or in the eye of there budget. If someone really has no clue as to what is out there and they find there way into something better like a higher end Denon,Oynko,Pioneer or Yamaha and they stretched their funds to make it happen and say they stretched to having even the RTiA5's They will feel or even belive they are in the HIFI / HIGH END ZONE.
Just because one can't spend or would even want to spend 20-30-50-100 thousand dollars on audio/video equipment. should not make them feel like they are the underdogs.
LIVE LIFE!!! original OP wether you get the B&K or Emotiva,Rotel,Carver,ETC-ETC. its all better then not having one at all. go within your means (budget)
Has anybody here asked you about the rest of your system? what speakers? reciever/pre-pro? do you have? what is your budget? this will help a bunch in these guys helping you make a right choice.
Peace!!!
Larry. -
Y'all mind if I step in? If not I'll step away.
Cathy, close your ears. I have respect for you. -
Geez, I had to edit in a "Welcome to CP" Sorry
Price differences?
I work on a lot of gear for a couple of different companies in the area and just an observation that may well explain the differences.
In the past 2 years alone I've seen more Emo gear come across my bench than B&K in the past 15.
The build quality is obvious and distinguishable between the two.
The B&K stuff is built to last. Emo stuff I've seen is questionable for durability.
The price differences fade fast when comparing longevity, resale value, vs initial investment.
From a personal tech standpoint I'd go with B&K due mainly to the fact I hate working on my own gear.
Your money, your ears, your preferences and needs for your system.
JMHO and a buck will get you a cup of coffee.
Good Luck and hope you're happy with your choice.
Harry
Interesting,could you tell us which Emotiva amp you've had come across your bench most often? -
thank you for trying to get back to OT....idiots are restless..can't let it goVideo: LG 55LN5100/Samsung LNT4065F
Receiver: HK AVR445
Source: OPPO BDP-93
HT: POLK SPEAKERS RTi6, FXi3, CSi5, VTF-3 MK2
2Ch system: MC2105, AR-XA, AR-2A, AR9, BX-300, OPPO BDP-83 -
"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 | Roon Nucleus 1 w/LPS - Tubes add soul!
Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! 
