NAD or Emotiva?

[mouettus]

I know I never ask for opinions but I couldn't resist on this one as I have no idea.

There is a guy that lives 5 hours away from me selling a NAD T973 1650$ (3000$ new). Hellova deal if you ask me.
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/87368-poweramp_nad_t973/

Should I jump on this occasion (cuz I love NAD) or wait for the Emotiva to come out? I live in Canada so shipping for the Emotiva might be impossible/cost a lot.

What do you guys think? Is 180 watts enough for my speakers? Would it be worth the upgrade from my RX-V1800's amplifier?

 

[mouettus]

actually the amp is 140watts/chan (conservatively rated). 7-ch mono-block design. I only use 5 speakers so I'm gonna be able to spare some juice from the power supply.

http://nadelectronics.com/products/home-theatre-amplifiers/T973-Seven-Channel-Power-Amplifier

 

[GlocksRock]

Why not just go for the Emotiva XPA-5, that would give you plenty of power for your 5 channels, and save you some money.

 

[rnatalli]

Those Polks are 8 ohms and 90+ efficient if I'm not mistaken. I wouldn't think you need anything other than what you already have. It seems a bit much to spend $1,650 on a receiver to power those Polks.

 

[mouettus]

Those Polks are 8 ohms and 90+ efficient if I'm not mistaken. I wouldn't think you need anything other than what you already have. It seems a bit much to spend $1,650 on a receiver to power those Polks.

Well you should've looked a little further in the thread cuz you would have seen that I changed my speakers

Current:
Energy RC-70
Amplifier Power: up to 250 watts RMS
Impedance: 8 ohms nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 ohm
Frequency response: 31Hz-23000Hz +/- 3dB
Anechoic Sensitivity 92dB
2 speakers in a typical room: 95dB
Components: 1" tweeter, 5.25" mid, 2 x 6.5" woofers

Energy RC-LCR
Recommended Amplifier Power: up to 200 watts RMS
Impedance: 8 ohms nominal
Minimum Impedance: 4 ohm
Frequency response: 48Hz-23000Hz +/- 3dB
Anechoic Sensitivity 89dB
Components: 1" tweeter, 2 x 2" mids, 2 x 5.25 woofers

 

[rnatalli]

Well you should've looked a little further in the thread cuz you would have seen that I changed my speakers.

I still don't see any reason to upgrade from your 1800. If you must, I think the XPA-5 would be more than powerful. Having heard NAD and Emotiva amps, the NAD is not twice as good ($1,650 vs. $799) as the Emotiva. You could always grab an MPS-2.

 

[ned]

I would agree, other than brand name recognition emotiva would be more value at your price range MPS-2 would be "Hellova" amp so to speak.

 

[mouettus]

Thanks for the replys so far. I'd have to see how much it would cost for shipping to Canada. Those things are monsters!

**Oh gosh I've used the word monster **

The thing is that I own a 50 wpc NAD C320BEE and I absolutely love the sound that comes out of this box. Now we could discuss that for hours but I still think that different amplifiers carry their own sound signature, as subtle as it can be. Generally, european stuff sounds warmer. So do girls God I was born on the wrong continent! lol

 

[Neht24]

Thanks for the replys so far. I'd have to see how much it would cost for shipping to Canada. Those things are monsters!

**Oh gosh I've used the word monster **

The thing is that I own a 50 wpc NAD C320BEE and I absolutely love the sound that comes out of this box. Now we could discuss that for hours but I still think that different amplifiers carry their own sound signature, as subtle as it can be. Generally, european stuff sounds warmer. So do girls God I was born on the wrong continent! lol

If you're lovin' the sound from your NAD C320BEE Integrated, you will be sorley dissapointed in the cheaper internet Emotiva.

Neht24
_________________
HT: Samsung 61" DLP, Arcam AVR250 Receiver, Denon DVD-2910 DVD Player, LG BH100 Blu-ray/HD-DVD Player, Atlantic Technology ICTS-6LCR "Tilting" In-Ceiling Speakers (Left/Right/Center), Atlantic Technology ICTS-8.2e In-Ceiling Speakers (Surrounds), Atlantic Technology 10e CSB Powered Subwoofer, All AudioQuest Cabling, Xbox 360 Elite & Universal Remote MX-700

2-CH: Arcam FMJ C31 Preamplifier, Arcam FMJ P35 2-Channel Amplifier, Arcam DiVA CD192 CD Player, Monitor Audio Platinum 100 Monitors w/Stands, REL C-305 Subwoofer, all AudioQuest Cabling & Universal Remote MX-350

 

[Haoleb]

If you're lovin' the sound from your NAD C320BEE Integrated, you will be sorley dissapointed in the cheaper internet Emotiva.

Neht24

Duck and Cover!

 

[Neht24]

Duck and Cover!

Indeed!

Neht24
_______________
HT: Samsung 61" DLP, Arcam AVR250 Receiver, Denon DVD-2910 DVD Player, LG BH100 Blu-ray/HD-DVD Player, Atlantic Technology ICTS-6LCR "Tilting" In-Ceiling Speakers (Left/Right/Center), Atlantic Technology ICTS-8.2e In-Ceiling Speakers (Surrounds), Atlantic Technology 10e CSB Powered Subwoofer, All AudioQuest Cabling, Xbox 360 Elite & Universal Remote MX-700

2-CH: Arcam FMJ C31 Preamplifier, Arcam FMJ P35 2-Channel Amplifier, Arcam DiVA CD192 CD Player, Monitor Audio Platinum 100 Monitors w/Stands, REL C-305 Subwoofer, all AudioQuest Cabling & Universal Remote MX-350

 

[rnatalli]

If you're lovin' the sound from your NAD C320BEE Integrated, you will be sorley dissapointed in the cheaper internet Emotiva.

Neht24

I hope that's a joke...

 

[egreen1976]

I just purchased an XPA-5. So far I am happy but do wonder if an NAD or Rotel would sound better, and how much better? My XPA-5 was $699 but I would pay more if another sub 2K amp sounded leaps and bounds better. So I guess I am asking the same thing as the original poster, how does Emotiva or Outlaw REALLY compare to the "Staple" names?

Cuz let's face fact this hobby is full of nay sayers and haters. Before my purchase I went to 3 dealers in the same are. I listened to Classe, Parasound, Rotel, Prima Luna (some other tubes also), etc.. Ans of course the NAD/Prima Luna dude HATED Rotel. The Rotel/Mcintosh dealer slaimed NADs quality has slipped from the 70s early 80s. Likewise the site is FULL of Emotiva Fan boys. I also found it suspiciously few reviews of Emotiva's gear outside of this site, I can only say that this site may be biased towards an advertiser. If you even mention tube amps on this site someone will suggest a labotamy. So is there anywhere to get truly unbiased reviews or data?

Auditioning is great but for some its not to practical. 1) These amps are heavy and I like my back 2) I work alot 3) You feel bad returning stuff, poor guys commission!

 

[GlocksRock]

I hope that's a joke...

Me too. These high end electronics should not affect the sound quality, just ask Acudeftechguy who has gone from Acurus amps, to Emotiva Amps, to Denon integrated amps currently, and he claims he can't hear one bit of difference between all his gear changes.

 

[Warpdrv]

Trying out something different is one of the reasons why I bought the IcePower amp, which is considered to some in the upper end arena... who knows... the 1000ASP modules to me sound fantastic...
Anyways I bought it, with an audition period, loved it... but it also allows me to do some comparisons with other products, like my Rotel 1095.

I would surely love to do some simple A/B/C's with an Emotiva product to see if there are some substantial differences. The XPA-5 is built more like the Rotel...

Heck I'm just as interested in throwing in a Tube amp just to see what sonic qualities they have to offer... but I doubt I'll be buying one any time soon...

 

[Neht24]

I just purchased an XPA-5. So far I am happy but do wonder if an NAD or Rotel would sound better, and how much better? My XPA-5 was $699 but I would pay more if another sub 2K amp sounded leaps and bounds better. So I guess I am asking the same thing as the original poster, how does Emotiva or Outlaw REALLY compare to the "Staple" names?

Cuz let's face fact this hobby is full of nay sayers and haters. Before my purchase I went to 3 dealers in the same are. I listened to Classe, Parasound, Rotel, Prima Luna (some other tubes also), etc.. Ans of course the NAD/Prima Luna dude HATED Rotel. The Rotel/Mcintosh dealer slaimed NADs quality has slipped from the 70s early 80s. Likewise the site is FULL of Emotiva Fan boys. I also found it suspiciously few reviews of Emotiva's gear outside of this site, I can only say that this site may be biased towards an advertiser. If you even mention tube amps on this site someone will suggest a labotamy. So is there anywhere to get truly unbiased reviews or data?

Auditioning is great but for some its not to practical. 1) These amps are heavy and I like my back 2) I work alot 3) You feel bad returning stuff, poor guys commission!

There is no such thing as an unbiased opinion.

Neht24

 

[Matt34]

I just purchased an XPA-5. So far I am happy but do wonder if an NAD or Rotel would sound better, and how much better? My XPA-5 was $699 but I would pay more if another sub 2K amp sounded leaps and bounds better. So I guess I am asking the same thing as the original poster, how does Emotiva or Outlaw REALLY compare to the "Staple" names?

Cuz let's face fact this hobby is full of nay sayers and haters. Before my purchase I went to 3 dealers in the same are. I listened to Classe, Parasound, Rotel, Prima Luna (some other tubes also), etc.. Ans of course the NAD/Prima Luna dude HATED Rotel. The Rotel/Mcintosh dealer slaimed NADs quality has slipped from the 70s early 80s. Likewise the site is FULL of Emotiva Fan boys. I also found it suspiciously few reviews of Emotiva's gear outside of this site, I can only say that this site may be biased towards an advertiser. If you even mention tube amps on this site someone will suggest a labotamy. So is there anywhere to get truly unbiased reviews or data?

Auditioning is great but for some its not to practical. 1) These amps are heavy and I like my back 2) I work alot 3) You feel bad returning stuff, poor guys commission!

When it came down to forking over those hard earned dollars who did you end up listening too?

The majority of Emotiva's praise has been from the member here that have made a purchase from them and/or compared them with other amps. We've received both positive and negative feedback on them (off the top of my head I know Adam had issues with his) but general consensus is they are a good buy.

I own three of their little BPA-1 amps but damn if they haven't sent me a commission check for reccomending them.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I say if you love NAD, then there is no wrong in buying this amp.

I think the Emotiva is a better value, but there is no wrong here. There are more things than just "value".

If you prefer the aesthetics and "pride of ownership" of the NAD over Emotiva, then go with the NAD.

 

[egreen1976]

Actually you guys were the reason I went with Emotiva! But I think we have two seperate issues here. I can safely say that Emotiva is an outstanding VALUE. But value aside how does it stack up performance wise with the others. Just on a pure performace basis?

On another note, I plan on getting their high end pre/pro when it is released although after reading post here and on their site it seems they had an issue with their last pre/pro. Another thing I will say Emotiva does get is the feature sets desired by audio enthusiast. It amazes me how many recievers and pre/pros are lacking 2 or 3 features which to me and some others are "deal breakers" such as few or poor hdmi implementation just to name 1.

 

[Warpdrv]

Actually you guys were the reason I went with Emotiva! But I think we have two seperate issues here. I can safely say that Emotiva is an outstanding VALUE. But value aside how does it stack up performance wise with the others. Just on a pure performace basis?

On another note, I plan on getting their high end pre/pro when it is released although after reading post here and on their site it seems they had an issue with their last pre/pro. Another thing I will say Emotiva does get is the feature sets desired by audio enthusiast. It amazes me how many recievers and pre/pros are lacking 2 or 3 features which to me and some others are "deal breakers" such as few or poor hdmi implementation just to name 1.

Agreed, I have been patiently waiting for a decent Pre/Pro to come out with all the features that I would like or need and the choices are slim in that department, so in the end, I'm still waiting.... Very few manufacturers have brought all this HDMI thing together.... sad... I'll just stick with my Pioneer Elite 91's until something better come to fruition.... On the other hand, I had no problem getting external amps which I know I will have for some time to come.