Advice for the New on emotiva

[GilligansWorld]

I'm contemplating one of three purchases;
Let me preface this by stating how much of a noob I am as this will be the first amplifier I have ever bought.

I'm trying to drive 2 Cerwin Vega VE-15f's

1) XPA-DR2 was initially what I'm looking at. 550 watts per channel is probably way more than I need but it appears as though this is something I can build off of.

2) XPA-2 Gen3 - 150watts per channel but solid class A/B

3) BasX A-300 - 150 watts per channel but I don't understand this one - It says it's class A/b output stage but the price tells me it's got to be something that's not class a/b

Anyhow which one of these would you invest in and why?

My current system is an onkyo two-channel setup with my CV's as the only speakers - I used to mostly listen to this setup on music now it's probably a 50/50 split between music and TV and movies.

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[lovinthehd]

Can your Onkyo provide a pre-out for the amps? With such sensitive speakers what's the goal? Why do you need a power amp and why Emotiva particularly? The XPA2 is 300wpc isn't it? I wouldn't call it an investment particularly, if you're going to sell it it would be at a fraction of its cost I think the newer amps from Emotiva are using switch mode power supplies, fwiw. Personally I'd be looking at class D amps instead (I use Crown XLS, but Hypex or Purifi based power amps look very nice if I wanted to spend more).

I'm contemplating one of three purchases;
Let me preface this by stating how much of a noob I am as this will be the first amplifier I have ever bought.

I'm trying to drive 2 Cerwin Vega VE-15f's

1) XPA-DR2 was initially what I'm looking at. 550 watts per channel is probably way more than I need but it appears as though this is something I can build off of.

2) XPA-2 Gen3 - 150watts per channel but solid class A/B

3) BasX A-300 - 150 watts per channel but I don't understand this one - It says it's class A/b output stage but the price tells me it's got to be something that's not class a/b

Anyhow which one of these would you invest in and why?

My current system is an onkyo two-channel setup with my CV's as the only speakers - I used to mostly listen to this setup on music now it's probably a 50/50 split between music and TV and movies.

Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

 

[M Code]

I'm contemplating one of three purchases;
Let me preface this by stating how much of a noob I am as this will be the first amplifier I have ever bought.

I'm trying to drive 2 Cerwin Vega VE-15f's

1) XPA-DR2 was initially what I'm looking at. 550 watts per channel is probably way more than I need but it appears as though this is something I can build off of.

2) XPA-2 Gen3 - 150watts per channel but solid class A/B

3) BasX A-300 - 150 watts per channel but I don't understand this one - It says it's class A/b output stage but the price tells me it's got to be something that's not class a/b

Anyhow which one of these would you invest in and why?

My current system is an onkyo two-channel setup with my CV's as the only speakers - I used to mostly listen to this setup on music now it's probably a 50/50 split between music and TV and movies.

Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk

I would caution U to do some research about Emotiva, there have been multiple complaints about their customer service and warranty coverage...

Just my $0.02....

 

[MalVeauX]

Heya,

Your speakers are pretty efficient, so really, it comes down to room size and room response. You may find you don't need gobs of current for these and so buying a power amp may provide no benefit from the power stand point except for having purchased a lot of headroom you won't use or need, and instead, simply get a "different" sound strictly from the quality of the amplifer itself (but may or may not be an audible thing where the changes occur for you; as most of what you're actually hearing is the room response, not the quality of the components of your electronics so much).

The A-300 is a solid stereo amp. 150 watts is more than what most people need outside of a huge room for loudspeakers. Their prices are this way due to being an internet direct company. They're not top shelf, they're bargain, but they're better than the cheaper stuff. Nothing wrong with Emotiva. Just be mindful of warranty and all that. A lot of companies are not the same right now as they were pre-2020 if you care about service and all that. Not saying Emotiva is not good in that regard; I enjoy my Emotiva equipment and I've not had a bad experience with service. But this applies to any company.

Any alternatives you're considering?
Budget?
Room size?

Very best,

 

[GilligansWorld]

Heya,......

Any alternatives you're considering?
Budget?
Room size?

Very best,

Just getting into it so no I hadn't had any. My room is about 15x18 so it's not very large, however, I was hoping to have this bee beefy enough to where it would carry throughout the house.

To my knowledge my Onkyo does have one set of channels as pre-outs but I might look at a new stereo too just something simple 2 channel with pre-outs.

My budget's about $500 so if you have any suggestions I've got open ears.

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[Movie2099]

Just getting into it so no I hadn't had any. My room is about 15x18 so it's not very large, however, I was hoping to have this bee beefy enough to where it would carry throughout the house.

To my knowledge my Onkyo does have one set of channels as pre-outs but I might look at a new stereo too just something simple 2 channel with pre-outs.

My budget's about $500 so if you have any suggestions I've got open ears.

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Your budget for an amp is $500? You're going to need to pump those numbers up! That BasX A-500 is really your only option in the $500 range If you're going to stick with Emotiva. Their 3 Ch amp is $1200. You might be able to find a used one on the web for around $700/$800. $500 is just too little to find a decent amp. In my opinion.

 

[lovinthehd]

What Onkyo do you have?

 

[GilligansWorld]

What Onkyo do you have?

Tx-sr373 I think - but the 373 shows 135 watts per channel and I'm pretty sure mine only has 100 maybe even only 80.

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[GilligansWorld]

Your budget for an amp is $500? You're going to need to pump those numbers up! That BasX A-500 is really your only option in the $500 range If you're going to stick with Emotiva. Their 3 Ch amp is $1200. You might be able to find a used one on the web for around $700/$800. $500 is just too little to find a decent amp. In my opinion.

The emotiva is $399 new or $300 refurbished - and if you buy the refurbished one it comes with the identical warranty and 30-day trial.

I'm not a super hi-fi kind of guy with cerwin Vega speakers let's face it. I just want something that I actually has headroom I'm tired of the stupid system clipping.

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[Gmoney]

The emotiva is $399 new or $300 refurbished - and if you buy the refurbished one it comes with the identical warranty and 30-day trial.

I'm not a super hi-fi kind of guy with cerwin Vega speakers let's face it. I just want something that I actually has headroom I'm tired of the stupid system clipping.

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You need a friendly Dealer! Seek out @AcuDefTechGuy Andrew, aka ADTG, he can get you a much better amp at hundreds less! Parasound 2125v2 can be had close to the price your willing to spend.

 

[lovinthehd]

Tx-sr373 I think - but the 373 shows 135 watts per channel and I'm pretty sure mine only has 100 maybe even only 80.

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Yeah that's not one of the more powerful Onkyos, and is rated at 8 ohm for 80 wpc (20hz-20khz, <.08% thd). However, it only has sub pre-outs, not for the main channels so you'll need a different unit to use power amps with.

 

[GilligansWorld]

Yeah that's not one of the more powerful Onkyos, and is rated at 8 ohm for 80 wpc (20hz-20khz, QUOTE]FFS - Well sounds like I'm going to be in the market for a new stereo perhaps..?

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Sounds like I may be in the market for a new stereo perhaps

 

[GilligansWorld]

You need a friendly Dealer! Seek out @AcuDefTechGuy Andrew, aka ADTG, he can get you a much better amp at hundreds less! Parasound 2125v2 can be had close to the price your willing to spend.

Much obliged I'll look him up

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[lovinthehd]

Sounds like I may be in the market for a new stereo perhaps

Yeah if you want to scratch that itch, might cost more than your budget, tho depending what the goal is. Is it just for 2.0 or surround audio? Do you want to incorporate a sub? Might also want to play around with this too http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html

 

[Verdinut]

Can your Onkyo provide a pre-out for the amps? With such sensitive speakers what's the goal? Why do you need a power amp and why Emotiva particularly? The XPA2 is 300wpc isn't it? I wouldn't call it an investment particularly, if you're going to sell it it would be at a fraction of its cost I think the newer amps from Emotiva are using switch mode power supplies, fwiw. Personally I'd be looking at class D amps instead (I use Crown XLS, but Hypex or Purifi based power amps look very nice if I wanted to spend more).

Lovin, your XLS amps also use a switched-mode power supply, and that's why they only weigh 10 lbs.

Beside that fact, I would also recommend a Crown or a QSC amp because they are renowned for a better reliability than Emotiva's.

 

[lovinthehd]

Lovin, your XLS amps also use a switched-mode power supply, and that's why they only weigh 10 lbs.

Yeah I know . I was pointing it out due his idea of cost for class A/B and a SMPS can be a way companies can cut costs as well as weight. None of my Crowns even hit 12 lbs, tho....four are 8.6 each, one is 10.8 lbs

 

[Bonscott]

Can your Onkyo provide a pre-out for the amps? With such sensitive speakers what's the goal? Why do you need a power amp and why Emotiva particularly? The XPA2 is 300wpc isn't it? I wouldn't call it an investment particularly, if you're going to sell it it would be at a fraction of its cost I think the newer amps from Emotiva are using switch mode power supplies, fwiw. Personally I'd be looking at class D amps instead (I use Crown XLS, but Hypex or Purifi based power amps look very nice if I wanted to spend more).

Class D? Do you have an opinion on the 7 channel NAD M 28

 

[lovinthehd]

Class D? Do you have an opinion on the 7 channel NAD M 28

Not particularly, seems a nice and very competent amp but kinda pricey for my tastes. Especially for the OP's budget of $500 and having an avr without preouts.....

 

[GilligansWorld]

Yeah if you want to scratch that itch, might cost more than your budget, tho depending what the goal is. Is it just for 2.0 or surround audio? Do you want to incorporate a sub? Might also want to play around with this too http://myhometheater.homestead.com/splcalculator.html

Honestly I'm not sure. I'm probably going to stick with a two-channel setup. Those Cerwin Vegas have 15-in subs so I don't think I need a subwoofer.

Just ample headroom to rock the house

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[lovinthehd]

Honestly I'm not sure. I'm probably going to stick with a two-channel setup. Those Cerwin Vegas have 15-in subs so I don't think I need a subwoofer.

Just ample headroom to rock the house

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They're woofers but not subs. They have decent low end response but I wouldn't put them in proper subwoofer territory either. Probably good for most music, tho.

The reason I asked about a sub is a lot of 2ch gear doesn't have much facility for sub integration with speakers. AVRs generally do, but if you want a big honking power amp you'll need an avr with a full set of pre-outs on an avr. If you don't need 4k or Atmos you might find a good deal on a used avr (especially from those who upgraded to 4k/atmos type avrs) with either a better amp section or a full set of pre-outs so you can add a power amp if you want to go that route. An avr in 2 channel mode usually can do quite well, especially if only needing to power two channels, the power supply goes further so to speak, but I do like a full set of pre-outs for flexibility.