Emotiva UPA-7 - I hate measuring multi channel amps

[gene]

If you look at the pics of my test setup, you will see why I hate measuring multi channel amps, especially when they are 7 channels or more. This requires at least 21 cable connections to the amp, loads and test gear. It sometimes takes me more time to do setup of this test than the actual tests themselves.

The industry should be embarrassed of the Emotiva UPA-7. I almost don't want to write this review. I have never measured an amplifier at even 3X the cost that had a lower noisefloor (95dB @ 1 watt unweighted). It delivers incredibly clean and dynamic power. $600 asking price is insane. I am ashamed for their competitors!

I uploaded SNR measurements and a teaser dynamic power measurement into 4 ohms. Stay tuned for my formal review....

In the meantime, check out their official UPA-7 Spec.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

You tease!

 

[GlocksRock]

The website shows $699 price, but still an excellent amp for the money... makes me want to get one for my bedroom system, even though I don't need one. I'm still loving my IPS-1 though, Emotiva amps are all that and a bag of chips.

 

[Alex2507]

If you look at the pics of my test setup, you will see why I hate measuring multi channel amps, especially when they are 7 channels or more. This requires at least 21 cable connections to the amp, loads and test gear. It sometimes takes me more time to do setup of this test than the actual tests themselves.

Just make Tom do it.

 

[eddie]

You're Killing Me!!!

You and I must have the same taste in audio equipment because you always seem to be about to publish a review of my favorite items. Once again, I can't wait until I read this review. So now, I'm waiting for your full review of the EMP E55Ti speakers and now the UPA-7! Next, you'll be dropping a teaser of your UMC-1 review. You're killing me!!!

 

[highfigh]

If you look at the pics of my test setup, you will see why I hate measuring multi channel amps, especially when they are 7 channels or more. This requires at least 21 cable connections to the amp, loads and test gear. It sometimes takes me more time to do setup of this test than the actual tests themselves.

The industry should be embarrassed of the Emotiva UPA-7. I almost don't want to write this review. I have never measured an amplifier at even 3X the cost that had a lower noisefloor (95dB @ 1 watt unweighted). It delivers incredibly clean and dynamic power. $600 asking price is insane. I am ashamed for their competitors!

I uploaded SNR measurements and a teaser dynamic power measurement into 4 ohms. Stay tuned for my formal review....

In the meantime, check out their official UPA-7 Spec.

Yeah, thanks a lot! Now they're gonna raise the price!

Why don't you hang onto that review until after I buy one, OK? Thanks.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Emotiva amps are all that and a bag of chips.

I don't think I've heard that expression.

I suppose Emotiva is alright, although the Dawg and a few others had issues with Emotiva in the past.

I think Emotiva should make their amps look more like Acurus amps and not try to be too fancy.

They are the best value, though. I will say that.

 

[sholling]

I've been thrilled with my XPA-3. Now if I could afford to rewire my hose (which I probably could if I quite hanging out here) I'd add an XPA2. But my poor house would never take the added load.

 

[GlocksRock]

I suppose Emotiva is alright, although the Dawg and a few others had issues with Emotiva in the past.

I'm sure the same can be said about any company/product... but like you said, the value is incredbile, especially considering amps all sound the same.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

... but like you said, the value is incredbile, especially considering amps all sound the same.

Oh, no, you didn't just say.

I think it's more politically correct to say that they sound very "similar".

 

[avliner]

Guys,

being an UPA-7 owner myself, I can tell you that I'm pretty much satisfied with it's overall performance, so far!

Let's then wait for Gene's review, though

 

[gmichael]

OK, I'm ready for the review now. No need to wait.

 

[j_garcia]

I am a big fan of their amps now. No complaints about mine what-so-ever.

 

[allargon]

Gene, I'm shocked and positively mortified that you just let that wire sit on your carpet bare without some overpriced cable elevators to *enhance* the sound.

 

[vikebrian84]

I cant wait until I can find a good used deal or Christmas for them to be on sale for me to pick one up. My 50 watt /channel avr is choking my sierra - 1's.

 

[son-yah-tive]

Hi Gene, I would hope my XPA-5 measures that well. Thanks

 

[Theresa]

Emotiva amps

I've had no problems with my UPA-2, UPA-5, and XPA-3 (I use active crossovers). The UMC-1 is great sounding but still has some bugs.
Yes, and amps sound extremely similar LOL or amps that test the same, sound the same given modern testing methods.

 

[PENG]

It has a 850 VA transformer so for ACD, each channel has 121.43 VA. That won't translate into much literally continuous output 'Watts' but transformer typically has excellent sustained (to a point) overload capacity. I guess EMO takes advantage that characteristics and go heavy on capacitors and the amp section. That's a smart move because for the money they ask they do have to compromise one way or another. Still, it is truly amazing that they can produce that much clean power with low noise floor.

 

[highfigh]

When did they discontinue this amp? That's a smokin' closeout price.

 

[KEW]

When did they discontinue this amp? That's a smokin' closeout price.

It got discontinued about the same time Audioholics declared it "Product of the Year"