Power Amp - B&K Ref 125.7 vs Emotiva XPA5

[Audio2004]

Hi All,

Now I have a chance to upgrade my power amp from Nad stereo amp to multichannel amp. I have a guy to offer me an used B&K reference 125.7 for $700 and a new Emotiva XPA5 is $799 (this is around my budget). However B&K has only 125 watts at 8 ohm and Emotiva has 200 watts. I plan to build home theater system with 5 speakers. My listen will be 70% music and 30% movie. My main front speakers are Von Schweikert VR2. I prefer warm sound and laid back. If you have a chance to hear these two amps, which one do you prefer? Thanks all in advance.

 

[MidnightSensi]

I have not heard either of those amplifiers, but if the amps are in working condition, they should sound the same. Your speakers have an 87db sensitivity, which is fairly low, but they have a minimum impedence of 7-ohms which isn't too hard of a load to drive. I would say it is a toss up, but I'd get higher power amplifier.

I have heard a lot of amplifiers, and the only ones that sound different to be are tube amps. If you like a warmer sound, I would get an effects processor and warm the sound to your liking. It isn't a purist approach, but who care, it is your hobby and you can do what you want with it. There are lots of different options to get that "warm valve" sound.

 

[bandphan]

emotiva... new and more power

 

[Gimpy Ric]

I would go with the Emotiva. Warranty, great customer service, more power (gobs of headroom), excellent build quality, etc.

 

[Audio2004]

Emotiva XPA5

Thanks for your inputs....

It looks like they're having free shipping right now. Let me contact them for more information and I will probably to order one this week.

Sorry one more questions - does this amp run cool?

 

[rnatalli]

What everyone else said. And yes EMO amps run cool. Great stuff.

 

[fmw]

My preference would be the B&K. Not only does B&K have a better reputation for quality, but 125 wpc is plenty for your purposes. Perhaps you can get a discount.

Or better still, go get one of the powerful and quiet pro audio amps from Yamaha. The 2500 has better build quality than anything from Emotiva and only costs $400. I think it exceeds 200 wpc at 8 ohms.

 

[zumbo]

Adcom 7605.

New.(Open box)

Warranty.

Quality.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=89515

 

[Markinct]

Rotel RMB 1075

Hi All,

Now I have a chance to upgrade my power amp from Nad stereo amp to multichannel amp. I have a guy to offer me an used B&K reference 125.7 for $700 and a new Emotiva XPA5 is $799 (this is around my budget). However B&K has only 125 watts at 8 ohm and Emotiva has 200 watts. I plan to build home theater system with 5 speakers. My listen will be 70% music and 30% movie. My main front speakers are Von Schweikert VR2. I prefer warm sound and laid back. If you have a chance to hear these two amps, which one do you prefer? Thanks all in advance.

Here's something else you should consider: ROTEL is having a clearance sale on the RMB 1075 (5 x 125) for $749 (reguilarly $1000). They are offering a new line 1500 series. Rotel is known for its quality and value. Why not take a listen?

 

[zumbo]

Here's something else you should consider: ROTEL is having a clearance sale on the RMB 1075 (5 x 125) for $749 (reguilarly $1000). They are offering a new line 1500 series. Rotel is known for its quality and value. Why not take a listen?

If a 1075 can be had for $749 new from a dealer, I would choose it over the Adcom I linked.

However, I am an Adcom 7605 owner, and I am very pleased with it's performance.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Here's something else you should consider: ROTEL is having a clearance sale on the RMB 1075 (5 x 125) for $749 (reguilarly $1000). They are offering a new line 1500 series. Rotel is known for its quality and value. Why not take a listen?

Yes forget my post ealier also. ROTEL trumps Emotiva.