Yamaha DSP-A1 and Emotiva LMC-1: What can one expect ?

[PMAS]

Given all the fine reviews over the past 7 or so years that the DSP-A1 has received, I was wondering how many folks still activley use theirs, and if problems are surfacing. I have noticed a couple of display issues: dimmer than it used to be and missing characters. Also, the unit seems to be overheating with the volume at the 50% setting - the it cuts out after approx 30 mins. Powering it up brings it right back.

Meanwhile, it still has excellent music reproduction.

Also, any thoughts on whether the amp is of sufficiently high quality to utilize the output from an Emotiva LMC-1 preamp/processor ? Will there be an audible improvement ?

My primary use for my AV gear is music.

 

[Seth=L]

I would have it cleaned. Try to get any dust out of the thing. Yettitheman (A member here) is the one to talk to about the DSP-A1. He purchased his at a pawn shop for $60 and it needed cleaned before the preamp would even be useful. I will refer him to your thread, he may be able to offer further insight and come up with a solution to your problem.

 

[Nick250]

Given all the fine reviews over the past 7 or so years that the DSP-A1 has received, I was wondering how many folks still activley use theirs, and if problems are surfacing. I have noticed a couple of display issues: dimmer than it used to be and missing characters. Also, the unit seems to be overheating with the volume at the 50% setting - the it cuts out after approx 30 mins. Powering it up brings it right back.

Meanwhile, it still has excellent music reproduction.

Also, any thoughts on whether the amp is of sufficiently high quality to utilize the output from an Emotiva LMC-1 preamp/processor ? Will there be an audible improvement ?

My primary use for my AV gear is music.

Amplification choice depends on the speakers they are asked to drive. What are yous?

Nick

 

[PMAS]

Amplification choice depends on the speakers they are asked to drive. What are yous?

Nick

Nothing too special unfortunately !

Main: Infinity Compositions/Overture 3s
http://www.infinityspeakers.com/home/products/product_detail.aspx?prod=COMPOVTR3BLK&CheckProduct=Y&Language=ENG&Country=US&Region=USA

Center: JBL Studio Series S-CENTER

Rear: Cambridge Soundworks S300 Multipole Surrounds

Front Effect: Cambridge Sounds S300 Multipole Surrounds

 

[Nick250]

Just about any receiver will drive your main speakers since they are very efficent at 94dB spl@ 1m/2.83V. There is no benefit to be gained by adding more amplification. There are two things that will provide you with improved sound IMO. Get a good quality sub (I know, your speakers have built in subs) and room treatments. With a new sub you may want to turn off the subs in your speakers, but I am unsure about that. Perhaps someone can chime in.

I agree with Seth about having your receiver cleaned and checked out. On the other hand you can get very nice new receivers in the four to five hundred dollar price range that will drive your speakers just fine.

Nick

 

[PMAS]

Just about any receiver will drive your main speakers since they are very efficent at 94dB spl@ 1m/2.83V. There is no benefit to be gained by adding more amplification. There are two things that will provide you with improved sound IMO. Get a good quality sub (I know, your speakers have built in subs) and room treatments. With a new sub you may want to turn off the subs in your speakers, but I am unsure about that. Perhaps someone can chime in.

I agree with Seth about having your receiver cleaned and checked out. On the other hand you can get very nice new receivers in the four to five hundred dollar price range that will drive your speakers just fine.

Nick

Thanks for the input Nick. Will work on getting it cleaned. I am definitely looking at a sub and noticed that you have an Hsu. How does it sound and would it be a good match for my setup?

Also, are you indicating that an LMC-1 coupled to the DSP-A1 would not result in much of a sound improvement, as the A1 would be the limiting factor?

 

[Nick250]

Thanks for the input Nick. Will work on getting it cleaned. I am definitely looking at a sub and noticed that you have an Hsu. How does it sound and would it be a good match for my setup?

Also, are you indicating that an LMC-1 coupled to the DSP-A1 would not result in much of a sound improvement, as the A1 would be the limiting factor?

Hsu makes good subs as does SVS, Rocket, Axiom and so forth. In general, a good sub is a good sub and you don't need to match a specific sub to a given set of speakers. It's more about the cubic feet in your room, your budget and your intended use of the sub.

Please refer to post five in this thread to find my opinion on external amplification for your setup.

Nick