What is your opinion on Emotiva quality?

Hawkeye
Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
edited August 2008 in Electronics
Allow me to begin by saying I'm not trying to flame Emotiva products.

I am not a big HT guy. Yes, I enjoy watching movies with what I have, but prefer to dump the cash into the 2 channel system. My B&K Ref 30 has crapped out and have not had surround on for a bit because of it. With winter approaching, it is time to prepare for indoor activities and the fixing of the HT is the to do list.

Emotiva is a highly recommended company here. I've read a lot of threads recommending them for all types of components. I became interested in Emotiva by reading about them here and after looking at their equipment, which looks remarkably like my McIntosh gear.

What gave me pause was reading about some of the issues at the Emotive Lounge that some people are having. Numerous amps having channels burn out and slow to bring product to market to name just two. The customer service appears to be top notch and will replace/repair any piece.

So I ask, what has been your experience with Emotiva? Is there a quality control issue that resulted in repeated returns? Would you purchase next generation pieces when available?

Gordon
2 Channel -
Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • suprafantx
    suprafantx Posts: 249
    edited August 2008
    I had an XPA5 am just for a few months so far there is no issue at all. Customer service was excellent. They have 30 days return if you do not like it. My case I kept them amp. I think it was the best money I spent for my gear. Oh, around 850 bucks I have 5 channels amp rating at 350 wpc with 5 years warranty. I spent few days search for an amp both new and used then end up with XPA5. No regret yet. Hope other people will chim in for info. I plan to buy XPA2 in near future. I read several reviews on XPA2 and it seams like an awesome amp.
    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.
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited August 2008
    I used to have an MPS-1 which is the best amp I ever owned. Not a good match with the RTis but match made in heaven with LSi. I got impulsive, sold it, and replaced it with XPA-5. Hooked it up and it was DOA. Called CS the next day and they immediately shipped me a new one. The new one arrived in 4 days.

    Build quality and customer service are top notch. I'm on the preorder list for their next-gen UMC-1 processor. Buy with confidence, it will be money well spent
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  • BjornB17
    BjornB17 Posts: 752
    edited August 2008
    iskandam wrote: »
    I used to have an MPS-1 which is the best amp I ever owned. Not a good match with the RTis but match made in heaven with LSi. I got impulsive, sold it, and replaced it with XPA-5. Hooked it up and it was DOA. Called CS the next day and they immediately shipped me a new one. The new one arrived in 4 days.

    Build quality and customer service are top notch. I'm on the preorder list for their next-gen UMC-1 processor. Buy with confidence, it will be money well spent

    Could you let me know why it is not a good match for RTi? I'm planning on getting the UPA-7 for my current setup (Polk Monitors) and may upgrade to RTi in a couple years.
    KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited August 2008
    RTis are bright speakers. The MPS-1 (or -2) is a very detailed amp. Bright speakers + bright amp = overkill. Some people at the emotiva forum use the MPS-1 with their Klipsch speakers and have no problems with it. To my ears the combination yields a harsh sound at moderate to high volumes.

    I don't have either the LPA-1 or its successor the UPA-7, but from what I understand they have a similar sound signature as the XPA-5, which is warm. Using it with the RTis will give you a balanced sound

    Of course, all that having been said, it's all about finding the right synergy to get the sound that you enjoy. Since I use my rig for HT 90% of the time, I like my sound detailed and dynamic without being harsh at the same time
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  • xandra
    xandra Posts: 291
    edited August 2008
    RTis are bright speakers. The MPS-1 (or -2) is a very detailed amp. Bright speakers + bright amp = overkill

    iskandam: So what Amp WOULD you use with RTis?
    LR Setup:
    Polk RTi10's, RTi6's, CSiA6 (5 ch setup)
    Onkyo 705 & Denon 3808ci Receiver, Onk 875
    Parasound 2250 Amp
    Sony 26" KDL series Bravia LCD
    Panny DMR-EH75 Recorder
    Panny DVD-F87 (5 disk DVD player)
    NAD T585 (DVD/SACD)
    Yamaha DVD-C961 (5 disk SACD/DVD)
    SciAnt Explorer 8500HD Cable Box
    Orig & 5Gen iPods, , Wii
    Plans/Fantasies:
    • 400 disk player that handles ALL formats, sounds as good as NAD with Panasonic interface & compatability.
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  • BjornB17
    BjornB17 Posts: 752
    edited August 2008
    iskandam wrote: »
    RTis are bright speakers. The MPS-1 (or -2) is a very detailed amp. Bright speakers + bright amp = overkill. Some people at the emotiva forum use the MPS-1 with their Klipsch speakers and have no problems with it. To my ears the combination yields a harsh sound at moderate to high volumes.

    I don't have either the LPA-1 or its successor the UPA-7, but from what I understand they have a similar sound signature as the XPA-5, which is warm. Using it with the RTis will give you a balanced sound

    Of course, all that having been said, it's all about finding the right synergy to get the sound that you enjoy. Since I use my rig for HT 90% of the time, I like my sound detailed and dynamic without being harsh at the same time

    Thanks for the info! So I imagine the UPA-7 would also be good for the monitor 70s since they are failry bright as well...
    KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited August 2008
    The XPA-5 is the perfect match for the RTis. I ran my RTi8s, CSi5 and FXi3s with it briefly with excellent results. Clean, balanced sound with lots of bass impact. You'll never need to upgrade the amp with this set up
    xandra wrote: »
    iskandam: So what Amp WOULD you use with RTis?
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  • LessisNevermore
    LessisNevermore Posts: 1,519
    edited August 2008
    Hawkeye, addressing your two concerns, I have an XPA-5, and absolutely no issues. (well, one, but it was a defective IC, causing the amp to go into protection. Swapped IC's, badda-bing.)

    As for them being slow to market, I only know of three anticipated products that are late. The DZA, which is a class D stereo amp, has yet to meet Emo's expectations for quality of sound. Can't really fault them for that. Their name is on the line. Mention was made of a contingency product, but no specifics yet.

    The other two, are the new pre/pro's that are awaiting the processing chips. Completely out of their hands, as well as the other audio companies waiting for these same chips. They are keeping the customers up to date on the progress, without committing to a date. While that is frustrating for some, IMO, it's better to be honest and not set a date, not knowing if you can meet it.

    I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised with the company and products.

    (p.s., if you do buy Emo, I'd be very curious of your impressions of how it does vs. the Macs....):D
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  • Hawkeye
    Hawkeye Posts: 1,313
    edited August 2008
    Wow, only one person had a DOA amp or any other difficulties. That seems to be pretty good ratio. From research I would have expected more from here. I have to assume that most of the folks over at Emo don't frequent this site.

    Perhaps I shall just wait on them bringing the pre's to market. That is what I'm interested in. I have solid amplification for the HT, just need a pre to replace the Ref 30.

    A comparison between the B&K and Emo sounds like a possibility. I would not consider putting any other pre in my 2 channel kit at this point for two reasons.

    1. I like the way it sounds.

    2. I'd probably vapor lock if the Emo bested my McIntosh pre!!

    Gordon
    2 Channel -
    Martin Logan Spire, 2 JL Audio F112 subs
    McIntosh C1000 Controller with Tube pre amp, 2 MC501 amplifiers, MD1K Transport & DAC, MR-88 Tuner
    WireWorld Eclipse 6.0 speaker wire and jumpers, Eclipse 5^2 Squared Balanced IC's. Silver Eclipse PCs (5)
    Symposium Rollerblocks 2+ (16)Black Diamond Racing Mk 3 pits (8)
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,807
    edited August 2008
    1 in 4 is a good ratio? Just kidding, I don't think enough people here have Emotiva equipment to make any sort quality assessment.
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    Damn this thread to hell!!! Moderators -- sprinkle holy water on the OP. May God save his soul.

    On the day this thread began, my LMC-1 gave out. Sent it back today. Software glitch, I think. No worries. Emo's customer service is legendary.
    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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  • LessisNevermore
    LessisNevermore Posts: 1,519
    edited August 2008
    Hawkeye wrote: »
    Wow, only one person had a DOA amp or any other difficulties. That seems to be pretty good ratio. From research I would have expected more from here. I have to assume that most of the folks over at Emo don't frequent this site.

    Perhaps I shall just wait on them bringing the pre's to market. That is what I'm interested in. I have solid amplification for the HT, just need a pre to replace the Ref 30.

    A comparison between the B&K and Emo sounds like a possibility. I would not consider putting any other pre in my 2 channel kit at this point for two reasons.

    1. I like the way it sounds.

    2. I'd probably vapor lock if the Emo bested my McIntosh pre!!

    Gordon

    But, but....it's for science! lol
    Comparisons vs. B&K have been made at the Lounge, but I'd definitely read it, if you type it. I'm sure you probably peeked at a couple of the threads.

    I (and I don't think I'm alone here..) would very much like to read your findings compared to a Mac. (You know curiosity will eventually get the best of you, anyway......):D:p


    BTW, if you do happen to vapor lock, pull the spark plugs.:D
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  • mhartman29
    mhartman29 Posts: 257
    edited August 2008
    Well, I have the lpa-1 and am picking up a B&K 7250 in a week or so. My setup is in storage right now since I'm temporarily living in an apartment. Hopefully, slowcar and I can compare the two (and his amp as well) on his gear sometime in the future.
    Emotiva LMC pre/pro
    Emotiva LPA amp
    Fronts LSI15
    Center LSIC
    Rears LSI7s
    Dual MFW-15s
    Oppo 980H
    Signal Analog II ICs
    Signal Ultra speaker cables
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  • ESavinon
    ESavinon Posts: 3,067
    edited August 2008
    I have a emotiva mps-2 amplifier connected to a Onkyo pro pr-sc885.
    This combo is driving a set polkaudio rt5000 system.
    The emotiva amp drives the rt5000 effortlessly.
    It's a great amp that has not given me any issues at all.
    SRT For Life; SDA Forever!

    The SRT SEISMIC System:
    Four main satellite speakers, six powered subs, two dedicated for LFE channel, two center speakers for over/under screen placement and three Control Centers. Amaze your friends, terrorize your neighbors, seize the audio bragging rights for your state. Go ahead, buy it; you only go around once.
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  • mmadden28
    mmadden28 Posts: 4,283
    edited August 2008
    Hawkeye wrote: »
    Wow, only one person had a DOA amp or any other difficulties. That seems to be pretty good ratio. From research I would have expected more from here. I have to assume that most of the folks over at Emo don't frequent this site.
    ....

    I believe Dann G mentioned in some thread that returns were about about 1%, not sure if that also included the 30 day returns or just ones with issues, but you have to also consider that they are quicker to say send it back and we'll send you a new one when there is a problem with the unit, so that is likely to infalte the return rate.

    Oh an I love my XPA-5, no problems, and an XPA-2 on the way :cool:
    ____________________
    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
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  • nebborjk
    nebborjk Posts: 425
    edited August 2008
    I have the LMC-1 and LPA-1 combo. No complaints with the quality, though I do at times find my RTi's a tad too bright when listening to music, but then again I always have regardless of what was driving them. I'm on the pre-order list for the new UMC-1 processor.
    Proud SOPA Member since 2005!
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  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited August 2008
    Early B. wrote: »
    On the day this thread began, my LMC-1 gave out. Sent it back today. Software glitch, I think. No worries. Emo's customer service is legendary.

    Here's a lesson in customer service:

    I sent my LMC-1 to Emotiva to be repaired on Monday. It arrived back to me today. Four day turnaround.:D
    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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