Emotiva XPA-5

[sedonalar]

Any amplifier is going to need ventilation, but I’ve never had a problem with heat from mine. Also, go to their web site & get the dimensions - it’s a beast. As for receivers, you would do better with a pre-amp, but to get one with all the latest features would be very expensive. If you do go with a receiver, since the amp will be powering your speakers don’t feel like you need to get the beefier receiver. Get the least expensive model that offers pre-outs and gives you the latest surround decoding.

Another option (which is what I do) is buy an older used pre-amp & a Blu-Ray player, like the Panasonic BD80 which decodes everything internally and outputs via RCA analog which you then plug into the pre-amp. This will give you better sound quality than a receiver and still allow for all the surround sound codecs.

Good I dea saving $$ is a good thing. My new console I ordered will be able to handle the size of the XPA-5, plus it has good ventilation.

So all pre-outs on the newer receivers are about the same?
For some reason I thought some brands might have better volume control, or be better designed with there pre-outs in a AVR + AMP set up? I had a killer deal on Pioneer SC-05, but it couldn't power my speakers with it's ice amps, but it ran cool, looked cool, and I liked every thing else about setup. I now I am thinking I shoulda kept it and just bought the XPA-5 to hook up to it? It was still $999 though, on the higher side. Oh well. I think the newer $500-600 Onkyo's, Yamaha's have good enough features. I am pretty open to any good brand, hopefully with two sub outputs? Any thoughts on up coming or new models?

Thanks

 

[funkmeisterbrau]

I read your write up. I have main iq7's nice SVS pci sub and some MB quart dipoles.

Mains about 7' apart. Listener distance about 9'. My cabinet / setup requires that I put center in cabinet - I am not thrilled by that.

I really saw the logic of your setup - especially if it is as good or better than I'll get with an iq6c.

I too would rather spend the 'saved' money on an amp.

DO YOU STILL FEEL THE SAME?

Any other amps you may suggest?

I am concerned about the brightness as my room is kind of reflective. I have a Marantz 5300 now - I think 5 x 90 watts - Marantz figures are supposedly legit.