AVRant #22: "Live" at Clearwater Beach, FL

[admin]

So there we were, "live" at Clearwater Beach for the 2007 Audioholics State of the CE Union Party Event. It was nice, our hotel was thumping with the sounds of over 13 subwoofers all pounding at the same time while we put on a podcast starring J and Dina Clarke, Clint DeBoer and "Sith Lord" Darth (Gene) DellaSala. Where was Tom? Goofing off at his brother’s wedding - as if THAT was important! Anyhow, we talk about the demo rooms (there were four in all and they were pretty impressive), new products, and a mysterious Audioholics announcement that if you weren’t there you will have no idea about until you read it on Audioholics.com later this month.
http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/avrant-22-clearwater-beach/image_thumb

Discuss "AVRant #22: "Live" at Clearwater Beach, FL" here. Read the article (http://www.audioholics.com/news/editorials/avrant-22-clearwater-beach).

[Seth=L]

The cellphone noise had me reaching for mine.:D

I can't wait to see the new Emotiva products.

[Clint DeBoer]

First of all - it was on vibrate... Then, it beeps me that I missed a call... THEN it gives me a musical tone that someone left me a voicemail.

Call me stupid, but I think if a phone is on vibrate it should vibrate for EVERYTHING. I chucked it across the room after the third interruption.

[Seth=L]

First of all - it was on vibrate... Then, it beeps me that I missed a call... THEN it gives me a musical tone that someone left me a voicemail.

Call me stupid, but I think if a phone is on vibrate it should vibrate for EVERYTHING. I chucked it across the room after the third interruption.
I heard you say you chucked it, I laughed. My phone, when set to ring, lets me know I received a call after it was supposed to ring. So instead of ringing it just skips that and beebs randomly after I already missed the call. It does all sorts of random crap, like when I connect it to the charger it changes the ringer setting to some random setting, could set it to vibrate if it as on loud and it may set to loud if it was vibrate.:confused::rolleyes:

[Matt34]

I know what the big announcement is going to be!:p



I think everyone is in for a big surprise...:D:D

[Seth=L]

I know what the big announcement is going to be!:p
*Matt rubs something in my face*

[Davemcc]

One additional comment on the Emotiva subwoofer system, the amp that comes with it also has a built in room correction system with a microphone included. The way Lonnie explained it, it has sliding eq points with variable q and +/-12dB adjustment. I thought it was a tremendous value, so I ordered one. I can't believe my wife agreed to more subwoofers.:D:D:D

[MDS]

I know what the big announcement is going to be!:p

I think everyone is in for a big surprise...:D:D

I've known for months.

[Seth=L]

One additional comment on the Emotiva subwoofer system, the amp that comes with it also has a built in room correction system with a microphone included. The way Lonnie explained it, it has sliding eq points with variable q and +/-12dB adjustment. I thought it was a tremendous value, so I ordered one. I can't believe my wife agreed to more subwoofers.:D:D:D
Any ideas as to when they will be up on their site? Today was the first I had heard of Emotiva making speakers period.

[Davemcc]

The speakers are supposed to ship in December. I suppose they will be on the website before then. I would really like to recieve the new subs ASAP. Waiting on a pre-order is a real buzz-kill.

As I noted in another thread, I really like these Emotiva speakers.

[Seth=L]

The speakers are supposed to ship in December. I suppose they will be on the website before then. I would really like to recieve the new subs ASAP. Waiting on a pre-order is a real buzz-kill.

As I noted in another thread, I really like these Emotiva speakers.
I take it you where at the show?

[birdonthebeach]

First of all - it was on vibrate... Then, it beeps me that I missed a call... THEN it gives me a musical tone that someone left me a voicemail.

Call me stupid, but I think if a phone is on vibrate it should vibrate for EVERYTHING. I chucked it across the room after the third interruption.

of course, if it were an iPhone......

:D

[Davemcc]

I take it you where at the show?

Yes, I went to the show. I've only been home a few hours.

[Matt34]

Yes, I went to the show. I've only been home a few hours.

Belly dancer pics?

;)

[majorloser]

Belly dancer pics?

;)


Maybe :D

I just made it home late Monday night.

[Clint DeBoer]

of course, if it were an iPhone.........it would have made a more satisfying crash when it hit the floor... lol.

[GlocksRock]

I'm glad to hear that things went really well, I did see something about the Emotiva subwoofer system on thier forum, and it looks very nice. I'm waiting on their new 200 x 5 channel amp, and other products to be announced later this year. And now the announcement of a big annoucnement later on this month too... the anticipation is killing me!

[Davemcc]

I'm glad to hear that things went really well, I did see something about the Emotiva subwoofer system on thier forum, and it looks very nice. I'm waiting on their new 200 x 5 channel amp, and other products to be announced later this year. And now the announcement of a big annoucnement later on this month too... the anticipation is killing me!

The announcement has been made. What's with all the cloak and dagger routine?

[GlocksRock]

The announcement has been made. What's with all the cloak and dagger routine?

It's already been made??? Please fill me in.. I want to be in the loop.

[Davemcc]

Audioholics is starting an on-line sales portal for consumer electronics products.

[Seth=L]

Audioholics is starting an on-line sales portal for consumer electronics products.
What is that?:confused:

[Davemcc]

What is that?:confused:

Audioholics will be selling products online. Think - Crutchfield.com

[Seth=L]

Audioholics will be selling products online. Think - Crutchfield.com
Only no catalog, right?

That sounds interesting.

[Davemcc]

My wife and I stepped out of the room toward the end of the presentation. Maybe they swore everybody to secrecy at the end of the presentation, I don't know. Barring that, I don't understand the secrecy and quizzical references to the upcoming online store. Maybe I'm not supposed to be telling you about it.

[GlocksRock]

Interesting... I wonder if there will be any discounts if purchasing via the Audioholics portal vs. buying from anywhere else... this could be very interesting.

[majorloser]

Here's a few Pics from the event:

Emotiva's new speakers

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty005.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty012.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty013.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty006.jpg

[majorloser]

More Emotiva

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty007.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty008.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty010.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty011.jpg

WAKE UP, DUDE!
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty015.jpg

[majorloser]

Here's a few pics from the Dolby and AIX demo room. Let me tell you, though it may not look like much, it blew the socks off of anybody who went in there. It brought some to tears with the audio-only demo of "Pines of Rome" by NJSO.

The masters themselves:
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty023.jpg

And the room (sorry for the lousy pics)
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty021.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty020.jpg

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty024.jpg

[Seth=L]

Emotiva speakers?

[zildjian]

Emotiva speakers?

Look like B&W; hard to tell for sure though.

[majorloser]

Yes, this is Yamaha's new beast, the RX-Z11. That's right, eleven channels of surround and two LFE channels :eek:

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f111/majorloser/AudioholicsParty026.jpg

[MDS]

Will there be floorstanding speakers and a center channel to match? Any color options other than black?

[Seth=L]

I don't know how I missed it, but the Emotiva speakers are in the first set of pictures.

[majorloser]

Look like B&W; hard to tell for sure though.

The Dolby and AIX room was using B&W 800 series speakers.

[majorloser]

Will there be floorstanding speakers and a center channel to match? Any color options other than black?

Not sure about color choices or future options. They are still so new that a release date hasn't been announced. I looked at the pics a little closer and see that the bookshelves are $299 each and the surrounds are $349 per pair. Notice that the cases are CNC machined and the surrounds are polar switchable. The two sub are a 12" sealed box running on the DSR-1 amp(?)

EDIT: Sorry I can't give much info on the Emotiva stuff. It's all new and not yet released.

[adk highlander]

Sorry I can't give much info on the Emotiva stuff. It's all new and not yet released.

Hey don't worry we just thank you for the pics:D I hope you had a good time.

The rant said the pair of subs and the 800 watt amp (dsa-1?) were only $999:eek:

[Davemcc]

Hey don't worry we just thank you for the pics:D I hope you had a good time.

The rant said the pair of subs and the 800 watt amp (dsa-1?) were only $999:eek:

That is correct. The DSA-1 lists for $999 as a package with 2 sealed 12" subwoofers and the microphone for it's built in room correction. I saved more than the cost of my ticket to the event with the AH State of the CE Union pre-order discount and free U.S. shipping.

I am going to pre-order the XPA-5 (5x200w amp) tomorrow. Maybe I can still swing a pre-order deal on that, too.

Both are expected to ship for Christmas. I feel like a Chipmunk.
"Christmas, Christmas, don't be late..."

[Matt34]

I am going to pre-order the XPA-5 (5x200w amp) tomorrow. Maybe I can still swing a pre-order deal on that, too.

Both are expected to ship for Christmas. I feel like a Chipmunk.
"Christmas, Christmas, don't be late..."

I'm thinking I may have to give them a call on this also.

[GlocksRock]

How can I preorder a XPA-5? I was talking to Emotiva via email about that amp last week, and when I asked about preordering one, I was told that they didn't think I would be able to... I think I may have to email them back.

Is there any price discount for preordering an XPA-5?

[GlocksRock]

Also, I saw in the pics an LPA-2 Amp, what are the specs on it, and was there any pricing on that?

[Matt34]

How can I preorder a XPA-5? I was talking to Emotiva via email about that amp last week, and when I asked about preordering one, I was told that they didn't think I would be able to... I think I may have to email them back.

Is there any price discount for preordering an XPA-5?

If you do find out how, make sure to pass it along.;)

[Seth=L]

Any news on the Emotiva pre/pros with HDMI 1.3 and all that noise that comes with it?

[GlocksRock]

If you do find out how, make sure to pass it along.;)

I have been emailing back and forth with Emotiva, and I gave my contact info to get on a preorder list... I guess they will call me once they begin taking actual preorders, they don't charge your credit card until they actually ship the item. I also received word that the BPA-1 will drop to a normal price of $149 next month, right now it's on sale for $159.

[Davemcc]

How can I preorder a XPA-5? I was talking to Emotiva via email about that amp last week, and when I asked about preordering one, I was told that they didn't think I would be able to... I think I may have to email them back.

Is there any price discount for preordering an XPA-5?

I phoned Emotiva today and I am on the list for a pre-order. The arrival time of the product is still uncertain, but they will contact me with details as the time gets closer. I forgot to ask about a pre-order discount (DOH) but still, $699 for 5x200w is good enough for me if that's what it is.

[Davemcc]

Any news on the Emotiva pre/pros with HDMI 1.3 and all that noise that comes with it?

I could not get any specific information from them regarding future pre/pros.

I also forgot to ask about their choice of bare wire 12v trigger connection vs. the standard plug connection. I notice the DSA-1 has the bare wire 12v trigger, but also has auto-sensing.

[Matt34]

I have been emailing back and forth with Emotiva, and I gave my contact info to get on a preorder list... I guess they will call me once they begin taking actual preorders, they don't charge your credit card until they actually ship the item. I also received word that the BPA-1 will drop to a normal price of $149 next month, right now it's on sale for $159.

I phoned Emotiva today and I am on the list for a pre-order. The arrival time of the product is still uncertain, but they will contact me with details as the time gets closer. I forgot to ask about a pre-order discount (DOH) but still, $699 for 5x200w is good enough for me if that's what it is.


Good info guys, thanks. Yeah, for $700 that's a great deal!

[GlocksRock]

Yeah, Here is what I was told by Emotiva:

Hi, Keith,

Well, for starters, the XPA-5 is going to be priced at $699, which is $200 more than the LPA-1, so it's not the cheapest amp we'll have. Secondly, the MPS-1 and IPS-1 are class H amps, with separate power supplies for each amp, which is very expensive to produce.

here's what Gene at Audioholics said about the same question on a thread on their forum:

Very simple, they are using a much LARGER common power supply instead of independent supplies for each channel. I usually prefer this method since it allows for more headroom between channels when they demand that extra power. The only real disadvantage could be a penalty in stereo separation but if designed right it may only be a measurable, not audible difference.

As far as an XPA-7, I am unaware of any plans for that at this time.

-----------------

ha...we've had a lot of questions about that amp...mostly people expressing disbelief. a lot of the price factor for us is that we own our own factory, and sell direct from it...no middle man. most companies pay a company like us to develop a product for them, and then have to pass that cost to the customer.

if you want to preorder, just send me your full name, address and phone, and i'll put you on the waiting list. we won't take credit card numbers yet, since we don't charge unless we actually ship a product.

----------------

well, it's the same chassis as the LPA-1, but a little bit heavier, so I'm gonna estimate about $50 to ship. We may end up doing something special on preorders with shipping, not sure yet.

d.g.

---------------

Keith, the BPA-1s are dropping to a new price of $149 each next month - just so you know...

and yes, the XPA is A/B, with a 12 volt trigger.

d.g.

[Matt34]

Just sent them an email to get on the list.:D

[Lonnie]

Will there be floorstanding speakers and a center channel to match? Any color options other than black?

We have a lot of things in the works right now, but floor standing speakers I am sorry to say is not on the list.......Yet.

Anyway, the speakers have matched polar responses so they will sound the same whether they are horizontally as a center channel or vertically for a left or right channel. We did this so that the timber match and blend across the entire front stage would be perfect.

Also, they will only be offered with a non-reflective satin black laquer finish.

If you want any of the specs, just let me know. :)

[GlocksRock]

All I want to know right now is when the XPA-5 will begin shipping!

[Matt34]

Just got a email back, Emotiva is NOT taking pre-orders on the XPA-5, just the speakers.

[GlocksRock]

I hate when a new product is announced and you can't even place a preorder for it... now I feel anticipation like I felt when I was waiting on my SVS sub to be delivered, and I don't even know when this thing will ship.

[Lonnie]

All I want to know right now is when the XPA-5 will begin shipping!


The XPA-5 is slated for release within the first quarter of next year.

I hope this helps.

[GlocksRock]

The XPA-5 is slated for release within the first quarter of next year.

I hope this helps.

Yes and no lol.

[Davemcc]

I hate when a new product is announced and you can't even place a preorder for it... now I feel anticipation like I felt when I was waiting on my SVS sub to be delivered, and I don't even know when this thing will ship.

Hey, at least we can get on the list to (someday) preorder.

[Dekpm19]

How about the RBH and Yamaha demo anybody hear that.
Allen

[GlocksRock]

Yeah, I really want to hear how the Yamaha RX-Z11 11.2 demo went, and what speakers/subs where being used.

[Davemcc]

How about the RBH and Yamaha demo anybody hear that.
Allen

The video aspect of this demo was the standout experience for me. I found the audio to be not well integrated, i.e. way too much bass. As Gene explained in another thread, this had to do with switching DSP modes and not adjusting between switches.

I think the speakers RBH chose were far too much for the small room they were using. I have trouble with RBH's confusing model numbers, but they were truly monsters. Setup issues aside, I could tell that they were very good speakers. Mids and highs were clear and not strident in any way. Vocals were clear and articulate.

I would have to say the Z-11 performed admirably, although the demo did not seem to be set up to really display the Z-11's potential. The amp section was plenty powerful to drive the RBH's very loud without a hint of distortion, but the poor integration of the subs and mains would be the fault of the Z-11, either by not remembering where the bass was set for each sound mode as they were switched, or at the very least by whoever was controlling the Z-11 for the demo. Plus, the Z-11 was not handling the video as this was done by an outboard HQV processor.

I think this was a demo with far, far more potential that what was actually displayed in the presentation from any aspect that you might consider it.