Emotiva Amp Owners?

[radridd]

Looking at adding an amp to my system. Had my mind set on either a XPA-2 to run my A9s or the XPA-3 for the R-C-L. Feel the 876 is very capable of running the surrounds. Actually satisfied with HT performance with the 876 running the front 3 and my adcom powering the surrounds. The 2 channel/music mode is what I would like to improve most. Emotiva recommended I go with the XPA-5. They claim I will improve both.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I think Adam is the EMO expert here.

Adam...what do you think?

 

[Nomo]

I think Adam is the EMO expert here.

Adam...what do you think?

Well maybe that'll bring Adam out of retirement.

I'll speak up first, I'm very happy with the performance of my LPA-1.
I've never had a problem with it.
Others here have different stories to tell.

It's always arguable whether or not anyone needs an amp.
But I have nothing bad to say about Emo's amps.

 

[Lordoftherings]

About the XPA-2 for your two front mains, and the XPA-5 for all other channels.

That way, you're a winner all the way...

P.S. By the way, do Emotiva people know the power capability of your Onkyo TX-SR876?

 

[croseiv]

I have a XPA-5 feeding my front LCR. Two thumbs up regarding this amp. Good quality IMO easily worth 2-2.5 X the price really.

 

[radridd]

About the XPA-2 for your two front mains, and the XPA-5 for all other channels.

That way, you're a winner all the way...

P.S. By the way, do Emotiva people know the power capability of your Onkyo TX-SR876?

That would be nice! As for the power capability of the onkyo "they probably don't" as it is a very impressive receiver. Most of the time it exceeds my my needs in 2 channel mode but occasionally I would like a little more headroom. I can swing the XPA-3 now but may hold out a little longer and get the 5.

 

[oppman99]

I've had very good experiences with Emotiva amps. I had been using a Yamaha RXV-2500 orininally to drive a pair of Paradigm Studio 100's. The Yammie has a pretty solid amp section as far as AVR's are concerned. When I added the XPA-2, they really came alive. I've since moved on to the monoblocks, but I consider the XPA series a great value for what they cost. I don't think you can go wrong with anything from that line. My biggest surprise was hooking the XPA-2 up to a pair of 10-15 year old Mitsubishi towers for an outdoor party at the end of the summer. The speakers were free and I figured why not try them out. I'm not saying it was like being at a live concert, but I did not expect them to sound anywhere near as good as they did, especially being outside. Without the amp...Blah! You can always return the Emotiva within 30 days and only be out the shipping charges. One of the least costly chances to take in audio. It would be even better if you could find someone near you to demo one before you buy.

 

[oppman99]

Just noticed you were in TN. Are you close enough to the Emotiva HQ where you could go and audition an XPA? I know they are willing to do that.

 

[radridd]

Just noticed you were in TN. Are you close enough to the Emotiva HQ where you could go and audition an XPA? I know they are willing to do that.

Yes, Emotiva is about a 3 hour drive for me. Thats an idea, then I could bring it home. My location will also add another 9.75 percent for sales tax.

 

[avliner]

Another happy Emo owner here,

a really nice looking product, an excellent performer and one of the best bang for the buck I've seen. In short, I'm extremely happy and would indeed recommend their products to anyone, though.

 

[CraigV]

FWIW, my review of the XPA-5:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54380&highlight=xpa-5

You want your front 3 speakers to receive power from the same amp for consistency of sound, so go for either the 3 or 5. Take a peek at Audiogon, Canuk audio mart or EBay for some good deals on used gear.

 

[Nemo128]

Question regarding Emotiva amps.

I want to go UMC-1/UPA-7 eventually. It would leave the UPA-7 powering 7 speakers, but two will be stereo in another room.

For this kind of setup, should I use two different amps rather than a UPA-7? It looks like seperate 5 and 2 channel amps would cost me more too.

 

[PSWii60]

I have a XPA-5 feeding my front LCR. Two thumbs up regarding this amp. Good quality IMO easily worth 2-2.5 X the price really.

Dido...I run the same set up to my Paradigm Studio 100's and center using an XPA-5. Mains are Bi-Amped (not that it really makes a difference, it may add a little headroom...who knows.) My rears feed straight off the receiver at 140.Which is more than enough for surrounds. My opinion is to get the 5

 

[darien87]

Dido...I run the same set up to my Paradigm Studio 100's and center using an XPA-5.

I love Dido. Great singer.

 

[CraigV]

I love Dido. Great singer.

And as on DJ put it “She’s just one consonant away from having the all time worst nickname in music”

 

[PSWii60]

And as on DJ put it “She’s just one consonant away from having the all time worst nickname in music”

I think she is a LoveLy singer

 

[Adam]

I think Adam is the EMO expert here.

Adam...what do you think?

I think that you're more of an expert than me...you're just lucky enough not to have one anymore.

So as not to give new members the wrong idea - the performance of my amps is fine. Granted, I had to disconnect four of the seven amp modules in the IPS-1 to get the transformer hum down to acceptable levels, but they power my speakers fine. The quality control was pretty bad, at least back in 2007, and the customer service that I received (well, didn't receive) was similar.

I'm not the only one who got lousy quality and service, but there are also plenty of folks who are very happy with Emo. So, my advice to anyone who is ordering from them is this - if your product isn't what you want when you get it (doesn't work, whatever), send it back, get your money back, and move on. If it is what you want, then kudos and enjoy!

 

[Ray in Kingwood]

I have the UPA-7

and just love it.

 

[radridd]

Well, tired of waiting for a sale or coupon code. Ordered this morning for $898 including shipping and sales tax. Appreciate all you guys input. I am sure I will enjoy it.

Adam, please don't think any less of me. Second time I have let you down.
First I sold my NHT's and purchased Polk. Now I am buying Emotiva. I will take your advice and send that puppy back if it isn't right. For what its worth I really miss the 2.5is.

 

[Adam]

It's like I don't know you anymore.

Congrats on the new purchase! My experiences were only intended to give you some more info in deciding on your purchase. I'll be really happy if you get one and love it. Which model did you end up getting?

I'll bet you that they have a Thanksgiving sale. I'd say ask them if you can get a price adjustment if it's within the 30-day (I think that's the duration) return window. I'd think that they'd do that. Never hurts to ask. Well, it usually doesn't.