Emotiva Adcom and Parasound

2»

Comments

  • suprafantx
    suprafantx Posts: 249
    edited February 2010
    dfledezma wrote: »
    Another possibility I have in mind is to get Paradigm mini monitors. From what I´ve heard they´re a bit bright. So maybe is a better companion for the parasound, don`t you think?

    Yes, if your speakers in bright side, Parasound will be great amp. I was happy when I have Parasound powerd RTi10 but when I upgraded my speakers to LSi series I had to buy different amps to power LSi speakers. Keep in mind Parasound amp also run extremly hot, at first I thought the amp will not last long but that is the way Parasound works.
    Living room
    Speakers: McIntosh XR100 Fronts, LSIM707 Fronts, LSIM 706 Center, LSIM 703 Surrounds, LSi/FX Surround backs.
    Player: Oppo 95.
    Amps: Bryston 4B SST, B&K Ref 200.7 S2.
    Pres: B&K Ref 50 S2, Paraound P5.
    Subs: Dual Rythmik F15HP subs.

    Man Cave
    Speakers: Martin Logan Vistas.
    Player: OPPO 105.
    Preamp: B&K Ref 50 S2.
    Amp: B&K Ref 125.2 S2
    Sub: Rythmik F12.
    Sub management: SMS-1.
    Headphones: HD800, HD380, RS220, SRH-1840. Headphone amp: Woo WA2.
    Room treatment: GIK Room Kit #1.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • suprafantx
    suprafantx Posts: 249
    edited February 2010
    dekuda wrote: »
    So is Parasound a better amp for taming bright speakers than Carver amps ?Such as my Carver TFM35X :confused:

    I listened to Carver TFM35 before but I never had a chance to compare Parasound and Carver side by side so I have no idea which one will be better for taming bright speakers. I am very sure lot of people in here had those amps will chim in.
    Living room
    Speakers: McIntosh XR100 Fronts, LSIM707 Fronts, LSIM 706 Center, LSIM 703 Surrounds, LSi/FX Surround backs.
    Player: Oppo 95.
    Amps: Bryston 4B SST, B&K Ref 200.7 S2.
    Pres: B&K Ref 50 S2, Paraound P5.
    Subs: Dual Rythmik F15HP subs.

    Man Cave
    Speakers: Martin Logan Vistas.
    Player: OPPO 105.
    Preamp: B&K Ref 50 S2.
    Amp: B&K Ref 125.2 S2
    Sub: Rythmik F12.
    Sub management: SMS-1.
    Headphones: HD800, HD380, RS220, SRH-1840. Headphone amp: Woo WA2.
    Room treatment: GIK Room Kit #1.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,406
    edited February 2010
    dekuda wrote: »
    I see alot of Adcoms for sale on audigon and ebay and wonder why. maybe they just made more.

    That's exactly why. The Adcom GFA555 was the single best selling SS amp in history. That naturally carried over to other models over the years.

    H9
    "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!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,406
    edited February 2010
    If you can stretch your budget the Adcom 5802 is a superb amp. Parasound is excellent as well, not as familiar with which models are the better choices.

    I would stay away from Emo unless you are on a strict lesser budget and have some sort of irrational fear of buying used gear. They can NOT compete musically with the 5802 or mid to higher end Parasounds...........anyone who tells you they can is in complete denial, IMO, of course.

    H9
    "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!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jinjuku
    jinjuku Posts: 1,523
    edited February 2010
    I currently own an Adcom GFA 5503, Parasound HCA100A, Behringer A500. These are my new(er) amps.

    Given that there isn't a night and day difference at normal listening levels (the A500 will start clipping first when pushed but at those levels it's too loud anyways) I think you will be fine with either Adcom/Parasound/Rotel/Emotiva.

    YMMV. I have only heard the XPA-3 with my DC300A and a NAD C272. It was no slouch.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited February 2010
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    Well, that settles it. I'm bringing my Adcom 545 to this Indiana meet, and I'm going to show you how good this little 100 watt "wimp" can make a pair of SDA's sound.;)

    Can i bring my Oinker and we can see how your overpriced boat anchor stacks up? ;):p (I'm playing, don't get mad, or tell Brett.)
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2010
    ;)
    concealer404 wrote: »
    Can i bring my Oinker and we can see how your overpriced boat anchor stacks up? ;):p (I'm playing, don't get mad, or tell Brett.)


    Onkyo sucks:cool:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited February 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Onkyo sucks

    So i'm told.... :p Mine replaced a GFA-545 in my rig, though. ;)
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited February 2010
    concealer404 wrote: »
    So i'm told.... :p Mine replaced a GFA-545 in my rig, though. ;)

    Do you like it better?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2010
    Parasound

    RT1
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited February 2010
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Do you like it better?

    Absolutely! :D Stronger, smoother, warmer, and just as much bass "slam." Not to mention i came out about $75 richer in the process.

    But i recognize the appeal of Adcom, and won't talk down on them or anything, i still recommend them, they just don't sound great in my setup to my ears.

    As for the original question, i'll vote to Parasound. ;)
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dfledezma
    dfledezma Posts: 148
    edited February 2010
    Many thanks!

    with so many options in mind, I´m still thinking....
    yes, the system will be a 2 channel only. Now I´m leaning towards an integrated amp, as some of you have suggested. I considered NAD but I´m worried the entry level models (the ones I can afford) will have not enough power for the LSi7 or 9´s

    Also considered an integrated Marantz, but still think is not powerful enough.

    What do you think of the Cambridge Azur 650. I can get it new for around $600.

    And yes, I have some fear of buying used hehehe
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,545
    edited February 2010
    Parasound. I've owned mine for 8 years and it's not going anywhere.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Source: Rotel CD14MkII CD Player - Speakers: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,406
    edited February 2010
    The Cambridge is nice as well. What will you be running for a pre-amp if you don't go with an integrated, because that makes a difference as well?

    H9
    "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!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shack
    shack Posts: 11,154
    edited February 2010
    dfledezma wrote:
    Many thanks!

    with so many options in mind, I´m still thinking....
    yes, the system will be a 2 channel only. Now I´m leaning towards an integrated amp, as some of you have suggested. I considered NAD but I´m worried the entry level models (the ones I can afford) will have not enough power for the LSi7 or 9´s

    They do. I had a NAD C320BEE (50Wpc) hooked up to a pair of LSi9s and it pushed them easily in a moderately sized room unless one tried to go TOO loud (ear bleed territory). Even so, the NAD has an anti-clipping mechanism that prevents damage to the speaker even if one tries to push too hard.
    dfledezma wrote:
    What do you think of the Cambridge Azur 650. I can get it new for around $600.

    It is a very nice integrated as well.
    "Just because you’re offended doesn’t mean you’re right." - Ricky Gervais

    "For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase

    "Consistency requires you to be as ignorant today as you were a year ago." - Bernard Berenson
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • moodyman
    moodyman Posts: 45
    edited February 2010
    If your willing to risk return shipping charges you should take advantage of Emotiva's 30 day trial offer and give the XPA-2 a shot.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited February 2010
    comfortablycurt wrote: »
    Well, that settles it. I'm bringing my Adcom 545 to this Indiana meet, and I'm going to show you how good this little 100 watt "wimp" can make a pair of SDA's sound.;)

    whats up on indiana meet?im local.......wouldnt mind getting together!
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited February 2010
    +1 on the Parasound.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited February 2010
    after owning Emo and hearing parasound, not on my gear mind you, I would choose the parasound or adcom. For me I feel parasound provided a better tonal quailty than Emo as the Emo colored the music too much, made it more like smack me in the face with a big sloppy noodle, which is ok if you want rock out, but if your more into some instrumental, classical, jazz, stuff I would says the Parasound is a better choice. Adcom is also very good.

    Don't be afraid that adcom has a lot of used gear out there, they have been around a lot longer than Emo, and have a very good rep.

    Also just be smart with use gear. Ask questions, make sure it has insurance when they ship it, and that they have good feedback and you can't really go wrong. I too was afraid at first but then once I started getting into the used gear it does save money, and a lot of times its in great condition and makes me feel like the 1st owner.

    Also the intergrated is a good way to go as well, however there I have no experience.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • acmf74
    acmf74 Posts: 937
    edited February 2010
    I can't comment on Parasound but I have a Adcom AVR with LSI 15s. It never fails to impress me and friends who hear it. Adcom is excellent sound/quality for the price.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dfledezma
    dfledezma Posts: 148
    edited February 2010
    Thanks again!

    One of my doubts about the Cambridge 650A is about the ohms rating, the specs doesn't mention anything about 4 ohms speakers. Does someone knows if its 4 ohm stable?

    I think at the end I will go for an integrated, unless I can save a bit more for the separate preamp-source.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,406
    edited February 2010
    dfledezma wrote: »
    Thanks again!

    One of my doubts about the Cambridge 650A is about the ohms rating, the specs doesn't mention anything about 4 ohms speakers. Does someone knows if its 4 ohm stable?

    I think at the end I will go for an integrated, unless I can save a bit more for the separate preamp-source.

    With dual rectifers a dual secondaries I doubt very much you'll have any kind of issue, unless your room is very large. Cambridge units tend to be over-built like NAD units.

    I've heard Cambridge has great customer service, shoot 'em an e-mail and discuss it with them.

    These specs here, it seems it has a beefy output section

    Twin rectifiers and separate power supplies
    Oversize toroidal transformer and custom heatsink
    Revised output stage using new high current Sanken output transistors

    A big plus here

    Pre-out for connection to external power amp / active sub


    H9
    "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!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mopar paul
    mopar paul Posts: 277
    edited February 2010
    rcrook317 wrote: »
    whats up on indiana meet?im local.......wouldnt mind getting together!

    Check the other site link on GATHERINGS-post up there. Should be a good time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shamsuthbegum
    shamsuthbegum Posts: 1
    edited March 2010
    Thanks for the posting.
    ..........
    http://www.texashealthinsurancenow.com
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cstmar01
    cstmar01 Posts: 4,424
    edited March 2010
    reported spam
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dudeinaroom
    dudeinaroom Posts: 3,609
    edited March 2010
    Another vote for parasound. I have had an Adcom GFA-555 and now havr a Parasound HCA-1000(Thanks snow). 5 years ago I would have taken the Adcom for the bass slam alone. Parasound, I feel, still has strong bass that is more detailed and realistic than the Adcom. The Parasound can also resolve bass detail in a way the Adcom just can not. If you go with Parasound, at first listen you may think it is a little bright( I did) but after a little time listening I realized that it was not brightness, but just a lot of detail. I feel this amp is over all a better amp for stereo than the Adcom. If you want an in your face bass Adcom is the way to go. I have never heard an EMO, so I can not comment. All I know is I like my Parasound more than the Adcom I had. Parasound just seems more realistic, detailed, and open.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited March 2010
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    Parasound is the best of the 3, but the XPA-2 is an excellent amp.

    i love mine.paired w rti12s.....sounds amazing.granted i havent owned dozens of amps.only 2 kenwoods and a adcom.
    Ive owned denon hk and sony recievers fyi
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rcrook317
    rcrook317 Posts: 280
    edited March 2010
    TOOLFORLIFEFAN wrote: »


    Changing speaker cables made the best improvment for me with the RTi's.

    I added maestro cables(700) and aq diamondback ics(150)
    i noticed a more mellow sound,definitely tamed the sound
    fronts=rti12s(cherry)
    center=csi3(cherry)
    sub=psw125(cherry)
    emotiva xpa-2
    harmon kardon 354
    sony cdp
    ipod 8gb
    audioquest diamondback 1m
    "Maesto" straightwire cables
    pangea ac-9
    playstation3/120gb=blu-ray/media server
    monitor=lg 55inch lcd(1080p)
    TT Set-up=Pro-Ject RM 1.3
    Kenwood Phono
    bren1 Clamp
    Herbies Slipmat

    "It doesnt mean that much to me,to mean that much to you"
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter