Emotiva XPA-5 vs. NAD T955 ?

Gulfstrings · February 2010

Currently driving Polk A7s, CSi A6, FXi A6s and PSW111(x2) speaker package with an Onkyo SR707 7.2 receiver. The A7s are bi-amped via two outputs from the Onkyo making this a 5.2 system.

We enjoy both music:
- Onkyo DX755 CDP
- Marantz CD5003 CDP
- Technics SL1301 table (vintage like me)
And movies:
- Pioneer BDP-320
- Panasonic DMR-EZ27 DVD Player/Recorder

I enjoy the Pure Audio feature of the Onkyo and the movie audio is pretty good, but the Polks 'sound' like they could use more horsepower from both source types.

Is adding one of the two products above a workable solution?

Would the two 5 channel amps noted give the Polks what they need to be their best?

Between the two amps - at similar price points - is there a clear choice?

Thanks for the help.

Dave

apphd · February 2010

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Currently driving Polk A7s, CSi A6, FXi A6s and PSW111(x2) speaker package with an Onkyo SR707 7.2 receiver. The A7s are bi-amped via two outputs from the Onkyo making this a 5.2 system.

We enjoy both music:
- Onkyo DX755 CDP
- Marantz CD5003 CDP
- Technics SL1301 table (vintage like me)
And movies:
- Pioneer BDP-320
- Panasonic DMR-EZ27 DVD Player/Recorder

I enjoy the Pure Audio feature of the Onkyo and the movie audio is pretty good, but the Polks 'sound' like they could use more horsepower from both source types.

Is adding one of the two products above a workable solution? Should be. It will depend on your expectations.

Would the two 5 channel amps noted give the Polks what they need to be their best? Same as above.

Between the two amps - at similar price points - is there a clear choice? Some would say "yes", others would say "no" bottom line is, only you can make that call for what's right for you.

Thanks for the help.

Dave

Wish I could say more, but that's the way I see it. Both get good comments from owners, but I think they would have a little different sound from each other. Have you considered any others?

Gulfstrings · February 2010

apphd wrote: »

Wish I could say more, but that's the way I see it. Both get good comments from owners, but I think they would have a little different sound from each other. Have you considered any others?

Thanks for your response. Haven't considered other amps yet ... just beginning this process.

Both Emotiva and NAD seem respected here and being new to 'higher' end equipment I'm trying to absorb as much as possible. The current selling price for either fits comfortably as my last spend for this project, or at least my last 'planned' spend, assuming a power amp is worth it at all.

One thing I find interesting, the NAD amp, at this dollar amount, is advertised as deeply discounted while the Emotiva ads this as their list. Difference in sales and distribution costs? or is the NAD justified at a near $1500 retail?

Appreciate everone's input.

Thanks,

Dave

phipiper10 · February 2010

Ooops, I missed one. We need a Bose, Monster and Emotiva sticky....how could I haved miss Emotiva. It's too early for popcorn too......hmm.

Gulf, it's all up to you. There are some strong opinions here about Emotiva - do another search- or save some time and don't bother. I'll tell you the deal....Some people with "experience" in audio and on this board aren't fond of Emotiva. A lot of people who are in your spot have been VERY Happy with their purchase of Emotiva products and saved some $$ over other brands in the process.

Believe you can get a trial with the Emotiva. Give it a try if it's not what you want no harm no foul.

You'll find there are very few definitive answers here or elsewhere in audio. It's a learning (and FUN) process. Stick around and get your read on.

Good luck with your endeavour.

Rich

cfrizz · February 2010

Emotiva is an internet direct company as is Outlaw Audio, they have no middlemen that have to get paid, so they can offer their products for less money.

If you want a good product new, then Emotiva & Outlaw audio are good choices. Go for it.

Sherardp · February 2010

Definitely power the front soundstage and go for a 3 channel amp at least. +1 on the Outlaw Audio or Emotiva gear. Worth a shot at least, or check out Sunfire on audiogon.Here's a good one

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1272254132&/Sunfire-Cinema-Grand-Signature

Demiurge · February 2010

What is the budget on the amp?

Gulfstrings · February 2010

Demiurge wrote: »

What is the budget on the amp?

Both of these units are priced at $799. That seems consistent with the level of investment spent so far for my new system, Polk, Onkyo, etc, assuming the cost will make a significant difference.

Unfortunately, the Tampa Bay area lost its better electronics outlet (Sound Advice) and there are no comparable stores to do comparos. As such, I find myself relying on the kindness of strangers a/k/a, the good folks here, as well as various net forums.

While I don't want to throw diamond money in to a ruby pond, I'm hopeful that the system I have can be enhanced by one of these - or another - power amp.

Thanks,

Dave

Gulfstrings · February 2010

xcapri79 wrote: »

You might consider saving some money and going with a three channel amp.
Most of the power goes to the front three speakers. You can leave the FXiA6 surrounds to the Onkyo.
The XPA-3 would be a good choice to consider for powering your RTiA7's and CSiA6.

Definitely thought about this when exploring Emotiva's site. But the price difference between the 3 and the 5 may be worth admission if the same 'boost' is realized across all speakers.

Thanks,

Dave

Gulfstrings · February 2010

All -

Pardon another noob question ... but with either amp it looks like the subs (PSW111 x2)wiill continue to be powered by the Onkyo only. Does this mean the subs will be 'short changed' in any way?

Thanks,

Dave

Demiurge · February 2010

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Both of these units are priced at $799. That seems consistent with the level of investment spent so far for my new system, Polk, Onkyo, etc, assuming the cost will make a significant difference.

Unfortunately, the Tampa Bay area lost its better electronics outlet (Sound Advice) and there are no comparable stores to do comparos. As such, I find myself relying on the kindness of strangers a/k/a, the good folks here, as well as various net forums.

While I don't want to throw diamond money in to a ruby pond, I'm hopeful that the system I have can be enhanced by one of these - or another - power amp.

Thanks,

Dave

An amp is certainly going to improve your system.

I don't have any in-home experience with the NAD or Emotiva gear, so I won't comment on these units, but you might want to look at some of the used gear that crops up here and places like Audiogon before making a purchase.

Outlaw, B & K, Parasound...would all be good options to consider as well. I have experience with all of those brands and recommend them.

Demiurge · February 2010

Gulfstrings wrote: »

All -

Pardon another noob question ... but with either amp it looks like the subs (PSW111 x2)wiill continue to be powered by the Onkyo only. Does this mean the subs will be 'short changed' in any way?

Thanks,

Dave

No, your subwoofers are powered by their own amps.

elton1955 · February 2010

With Onkyo 707 you have enough Power to Drive your Polk Speakers Adding Power Amps would increase your Power but would not neccesarily improve sounds. What you probably is to buy better speakers eg Polk LS1 series

Gulfstrings wrote: »

Currently driving Polk A7s, CSi A6, FXi A6s and PSW111(x2) speaker package with an Onkyo SR707 7.2 receiver. The A7s are bi-amped via two outputs from the Onkyo making this a 5.2 system.

We enjoy both music:
- Onkyo DX755 CDP
- Marantz CD5003 CDP
- Technics SL1301 table (vintage like me)
And movies:
- Pioneer BDP-320
- Panasonic DMR-EZ27 DVD Player/Recorder

I enjoy the Pure Audio feature of the Onkyo and the movie audio is pretty good, but the Polks 'sound' like they could use more horsepower from both source types.

Is adding one of the two products above a workable solution?

Would the two 5 channel amps noted give the Polks what they need to be their best?

Between the two amps - at similar price points - is there a clear choice?

Thanks for the help.

Dave

Gulfstrings · February 2010

Demiurge wrote: »

No, your subwoofers are powered by their own amps.

Whoa, I hate it when to noob bone sticks out like this. Still, if you don't ask ...

BTW, I did take a look at the Outlaw amps. Appear too pricey (new) for this project.

Thanks,

Dave

concealer404 · February 2010

elton1955 wrote: »

With Onkyo 707 you have enough Power to Drive your Polk Speakers Adding Power Amps would increase your Power but would not neccesarily improve sounds. What you probably is to buy better speakers eg Polk LS1 series

Uh... the 707 will absolutely not power LSi series to satisfaction for various reasons.

Dedicated power amps will improve sound, give much more headroom, and let the receiver do what it was really designed to do, that being process a signal. RTi series love power. Give it to them.

cfrizz · February 2010

Gulfstrings wrote: »

All -

Pardon another noob question ... but with either amp it looks like the subs (PSW111 x2)wiill continue to be powered by the Onkyo only. Does this mean the subs will be 'short changed' in any way?

Thanks,

Dave

The vast majority of subs are self powered, they just need to be hooked up to the receiver in order to know WHEN to go thump.:)

cfrizz · February 2010

elton1955 wrote: »

With Onkyo 707 you have enough Power to Drive your Polk Speakers Adding Power Amps would increase your Power but would not neccesarily improve sounds. What you probably is to buy better speakers eg Polk LS1 series

Welcome to Club Polk Elton.

Adding separate amplification is almost always an improvement to the system. It allows ANY speaker to operate to their full potential. Which is something most receivers can't do.

It's always better to make sure you are getting the best out of the equipment you already have rather than getting new equipment that will sound different but not necessarily better.

This would be true of getting the LSI's which DEFINATELY need more power to sound their best! They will not only sound better but operate better.

Emotiva XPA-5 vs. NAD T955 ?

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