• 03-04-2010, 04:52 PM
    frenchmon
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ajani
    I hope I end up as happy with my purchase as this guy:

    http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/i...ay&thread=9036



    I rather doubt the Emotiva would be the equal of a Krell (I'm hoping it will be up to Rotel Level - it should be based on direct sales) but I would love to be as happy with my purchase as that guy...

    Well lets just hope the Emotiva has some emotion and tonal abilities....if not then the Benchmark may do the job.

    frenchmon
  • 03-04-2010, 05:16 PM
    frenchmon
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tarheel_
    My Revel dealer has the Concerta line paired with a nice big Marantz AVR in their demo room. Something with a 8 in the model name.

    They really sound nice with that setup. Not sure you need a ton of watts to get good sound from the Revels.

    From experience the Rotels mate very well with the Revel sound as i've owned a few. Revels are very revealing speakers so it makes finding a good amp match difficult.

    I've used everything from a huge NAD amp to $100 AVRs and each sound totally different with my F30s.

    Good luck on your search.


    Is your dealer over in Cary at Advanced Audio? When I Lived in Durham/Raleigh/Cary I use to visit Advance Audio. That's where I listened to the Revels pared with Marantz Reference. I also use to love to go over to Audio Advice....man they had some stuff....I loved the Wilson Watt Puppies. And then there was Audio Design and Expert Audio off of Glennwood who had all the Krell, Dali, and Cary Audio you could handle...Don't remember any Hi Fi shops down in Chapel Hill, besides, that's where you went to go girl looking over at UNC....oh how I miss North Carolina.

    frenchmon
  • 03-04-2010, 05:38 PM
    frenchmon
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ajani
    Dayuuuum.... A setup this puuurty almost tempts me to toss the Computer Audio and start listening to CDs again:

    http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o...MG_00091-1.jpg


    How about this one?

    http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/2782/glow3031420.jpg

    And using Usher B-718 Tiny dancers.

    http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6475/...nt13653855.jpg

    I betcha those Dancers got the sound nice and warm.
  • 03-04-2010, 06:09 PM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmon
    How about this one?

    http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/2782/glow3031420.jpg

    And using Usher B-718 Tiny dancers.

    http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/6475/...nt13653855.jpg

    I betcha those Dancers got the sound nice and warm.

    Why do I suspect that the most expensive component in that setup is the electronics stand?

    Looks Sweet though!!!
  • 03-04-2010, 06:36 PM
    frenchmon
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ajani
    Why do I suspect that the most expensive component in the setup is the stand?

    Looks Sweet though!!!

    Close but I think its the Dancers...then the stand.


    frenchmon
  • 03-04-2010, 07:40 PM
    winston
    Ajani" I think the UPA-2 maybe out of stock until late this march" which could be April??!!
    so there is some waiting
  • 03-04-2010, 07:47 PM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by winston
    Ajani" I think the UPA-2 maybe out of stock until late this march" which could be April??!!
    so there is some waiting

    Yeah, that's what's on the site, but the Emotiva rep I placed my order with (via e-mail) says they'll be back in stock and shipping early next week... So hopefully I won't have too long a wait...
  • 03-04-2010, 08:40 PM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmon
    I think you would like Paradigm Studio or Signature series if you like Monitor Audio.


    frenchie

    I always imagined I might (the descriptions of their sound seems like what I'd like)... But since I can get one of my 2 favorite brands here, I'd rather play it safe than risk ordering the Paradigms and not being happy with the sound (we generally don't get the same wonderful return policies here as in the US - especially if I special order items)...

    Besides, the Concerta F12s will be the best choice for my listening room (even if they are the least stylish looking) and I worry that pairing potentially bright Paradigms with potentially bright Emotiva might be too much...
  • 03-04-2010, 08:45 PM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmon
    Well lets just hope the Emotiva has some emotion and tonal abilities....if not then the Benchmark may do the job.

    frenchmon

    Hopefully it does, if not I may go back to what I was initially thinking of ordering:

    http://grantfidelity.com/site/Grant_...ocessor_buffer

    A Grant Fidelity Tube Buffer... I actually got a quote for shipping (3 KG) on that one yesterday (sadly their express shipping fees are higher than the ones for the 40LB Emotiva Amp - they really should switch to FedEx)
  • 03-05-2010, 02:25 AM
    dr bud
    Sweet!
    That looks awsome!I don't know how emotiva stuff sounds but i personally love the blue lights!Don't know why so many people don't like the looks.
  • 03-05-2010, 03:18 AM
    poppachubby
    Did you contact Grant personally? I'm sure they would try and find a cheaper rate if one exists.
  • 03-05-2010, 05:42 AM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by poppachubby
    Did you contact Grant personally? I'm sure they would try and find a cheaper rate if one exists.

    Yep, I contacted them by e-mail, which is how I got the quote... They have a much cheaper option (which is what they initially offered me) but that one has no tracking... I'd never order an item without a tracking number....
  • 03-05-2010, 05:56 AM
    poppachubby
    No, I agree. If you have a cheaper method, call Ian or Racheal and let them know.


    BTW, havee you givenanyy thought to analoogg forr you new system?? I really eenjoy my comps TT, what bbrands aareee avaiable lcallyy? Sorry, keyyboaard isssuess.
  • 03-05-2010, 06:34 AM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by poppachubby
    No, I agree. If you have a cheaper method, call Ian or Racheal and let them know.


    BTW, havee you givenanyy thought to analoogg forr you new system?? I really eenjoy my comps TT, what bbrands aareee avaiable lcallyy? Sorry, keyyboaard isssuess.

    I'm not considering analog.... For practical considerations and not sound quality . Though, I'd be interested to see how a comparable priced TT rig compares to my Benchmark, I'm not willing to deal with the inconvenience involved in Vinyl (it's hard to go from playlists and my entire music library accessible by remote, to getting up and changing records or individual tracks).... + I don't own any LPs (which I don't think they sell locally anymore).... So lots of cost and hassle involved...
  • 03-05-2010, 06:57 AM
    poppachubby
    1 Attachment(s)
    Well, no LP's available for purchase is a big hassle. I was referring to inputting the TT preamp into the Benchmark, and integrating it into your system. It's not 100% true analog to a purist, but it's indeed analog. Much more convenient than my main system in terms of changing sides or LP's. I literally sit next to it. Check it out...
  • 03-05-2010, 07:23 AM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by poppachubby
    Well, no LP's available for purchase is a big hassle. I was referring to inputting the TT preamp into the Benchmark, and integrating it into your system. It's not 100% true analog to a purist, but it's indeed analog. Much more convenient than my main system in terms of changing sides or LP's. I literally sit next to it. Check it out...

    Nice setup!!! That's actually the best use of a TT for a lazy person (like myself)... I never thought of hooking one up next to my computer.... I wouldn't get up from my listening chair to flip albums, but if they were within arm's reach... hmmm...

    Sadly, the lack of LPs for sale would still be the killer (in addition to having to spend more money for a TT)...
  • 03-05-2010, 09:07 AM
    frenchmon
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ajani
    I always imagined I might (the descriptions of their sound seems like what I'd like)... But since I can get one of my 2 favorite brands here, I'd rather play it safe than risk ordering the Paradigms and not being happy with the sound (we generally don't get the same wonderful return policies here as in the US - especially if I special order items)...

    Besides, the Concerta F12s will be the best choice for my listening room (even if they are the least stylish looking) and I worry that pairing potentially bright Paradigms with potentially bright Emotiva might be too much...

    I've listened to both Paradigm and Revel and the Paradigms are a more lively speaker( not saying the Revels are boring...just not as much sparkle as the Paradigms...the signatures as witnessed by myself and MrP have an outstanding mid section sound that gives off some of the best imaging you will hear in a speaker in that price class..at least to my thinking...I've heard others say the Studios are not that far off of the Signatures but I don't know if they can match the imaging in the mids of the Sigs.) ...so If Emotiva is a very etched amp they might not pair well with the Digms and may be more suited for the Revels which have a very balanced, clear sound but more subdued with a little less intensity in the mids than the Digms but a more natural robust bottom end than the Digms. The Revels are a very musical speaker. I betcha that Benchmark is going to do the trick with the Emotiva and the Revels...should be a very nice and interesting combination. Let us all know asap what its like.

    frenchmon
  • 03-05-2010, 09:10 AM
    frenchmon
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by dr bud
    That looks awsome!I don't know how emotiva stuff sounds but i personally love the blue lights!Don't know why so many people don't like the looks.

    Actually, I've seen MrP's Emotiva and I can tell you the pictures don't do it much justice....they dont look bad at all in person.
  • 03-05-2010, 09:34 AM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmon
    I've listened to both Paradigm and Revel and the Paradigms are a more lively speaker( not saying the Revels are boring...just not as much sparkle as the Paradigms...the signatures as witnessed by myself and MrP have an outstanding mid section sound that gives off some of the best imaging you will hear in a speaker in that price class..at least to my thinking...I've heard others say the Studios are not that far off of the Signatures but I don't know if they can match the imaging in the mids of the Sigs.) ...so If Emotiva is a very etched amp they might not pair well with the Digms and may be more suited for the Revels which have a very balanced, clear sound but more subdued with a little less intensity in the mids than the Digms but a more natural robust bottom end than the Digms. The Revels are a very musical speaker. I betcha that Benchmark is going to do the trick with the Emotiva and the Revels...should be a very nice and interesting combination. Let us all know asap what its like.

    frenchmon

    Yep your Revel/Paradigm comparison sounds exactly like how I'd expect the 2 to compare, based on my experience with Revel and the descriptions of Paradigm...

    With the Revel I know that I won't need as careful matching of electronics and I can more easily change the sound by switching amp and/or pre.... Plus I really want the full range extension of the Revels... My Active monitors are very nice (especially when used on my computer desk), but I want much 'bigger' sound for my listening room... I want variety between my headphones, active speakers and main system....
  • 03-05-2010, 09:36 AM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmon
    Actually, I've seen MrP's Emotiva and I can tell you the pictures don't do it much justice....they dont look bad at all in person.

    Mr P, needs to pull the trigger on an Emotiva amp!!!! I'd love to see how he thinks it compares to his Krell and Conrad Johnson gear... I certainly wouldn't expect him to toss the Krell and CJ as a result, but it would be interesting to see how close the Emotiva comes to genuine high end gear...
  • 03-07-2010, 05:21 PM
    errol van
    emotiva xpa-2 amp and upa-1 preamp
    I read the review about these items and and at about $1300 delivered I will replace my twenty something year old receiver for two channel music listening. EMOTIVA seems to be a good company and I look forward to the change!
  • 03-08-2010, 04:55 PM
    frenchmon
    Ajani...looks like you got some Revels in you avatar?

    frenchmon
  • 03-08-2010, 05:15 PM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by frenchmon
    Ajani...looks like you got some Revels in you avatar?

    frenchmon

    Looks is the right word... I haven't ordered mine yet... But I'm going to get the black versions like in my avatar...
  • 03-08-2010, 06:21 PM
    Tarheel_
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ajani
    Yep your Revel/Paradigm comparison sounds exactly like how I'd expect the 2 to compare, based on my experience with Revel and the descriptions of Paradigm...

    With the Revel I know that I won't need as careful matching of electronics and I can more easily change the sound by switching amp and/or pre.... Plus I really want the full range extension of the Revels... My Active monitors are very nice (especially when used on my computer desk), but I want much 'bigger' sound for my listening room... I want variety between my headphones, active speakers and main system....


    Revels spit out what they receive...i think that is a good thing , but others don't. They will give you the upper/ mid/ low range as they are feed, but they are not forgiving...meaning once you chance a piece of the puzzle, they change with it. The right combo is tough because you upgrade a DVD player or even Directv receiver (analog vs digital) they sound different.
    Once you find something they play nicely with, your in heaven, but if your buying online stuff it can be frustrating. I know as I tend to buy used. It's taken me close to 6 years to find the right combo for my HT room.
    The good part is...it doesn't take expensive equipment (what reviewer say) to find the right pieces.
  • 03-08-2010, 06:50 PM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Tarheel_
    Revels spit out what they receive...i think that is a good thing , but others don't. They will give you the upper/ mid/ low range as they are feed, but they are not forgiving...meaning once you chance a piece of the puzzle, they change with it. The right combo is tough because you upgrade a DVD player or even Directv receiver (analog vs digital) they sound different.
    Once you find something they play nicely with, your in heaven, but if your buying online stuff it can be frustrating. I know as I tend to buy used. It's taken me close to 6 years to find the right combo for my HT room.
    The good part is...it doesn't take expensive equipment (what reviewer say) to find the right pieces.

    I agree... That's part of why Revel is one of my favourite brands... In addition to the Emotiva for (Hopefully) good affordable SS sound, I eventually want to add a low powered Tube/Class A Integrated (with headphone out) that I can alternate as headphone amp or for use with the Revels...

    The Concerta F12s have 2 advantages over the Performa and Ultima lines:

    1) Much cheaper - I think that requires no explanation :)

    2) Higher sensitivity - so I can hook up some 5 watt sets and still get some volume out of them...

    I can't wait to join the Revel owners' club... :biggrin5:
  • 03-09-2010, 09:44 AM
    Ajani
    Got an e-mail from Emotiva, looks like I won't get the UPA-2 before next week... (no big deal, since I haven't bought speakers yet)...

    Got to admit that when I see the equipment some persons have paired their Emotiva gear with, it really makes me anxious to know how good Emotiva really is...

    One I saw today had a USP-1 Pre / UPA-2 Amp with a Marantz Reference SACD Player and Focal Electra 1000Be Speakers... That's some quality gear being used with very inexpensive amplification...
  • 03-09-2010, 02:41 PM
    manlystanley
    If the Emotiva is a bright amp and the Revel's are revealing speakers, wouldn't that be a bad match? Is your room well dampened with carpet, curtains, etc??

    Best Regards,
    Stan
  • 03-09-2010, 02:49 PM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by manlystanley
    If the Emotiva is a bright amp and the Revel's are revealing speakers, wouldn't that be a bad match? Is your room well dampened with carpet, curtains, etc??

    Best Regards,
    Stan

    Even if the Emotiva leans towards the bright side, that won't be an issue... As I like neutral to bright sounding gear (not excessively bright)... I generally don't like warm or rolled off gear...
  • 03-11-2010, 01:00 PM
    rob_a
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ajani
    Even if the Emotiva leans towards the bright side, that won't be an issue... As I like neutral to bright sounding gear (not excessively bright)... I generally don't like warm or rolled off gear...

    I am using the UPA-2 with PSB image T5's. The sound I get is very neutral and not bright at all. good luck with your new amp.
  • 03-11-2010, 08:03 PM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by rob_a
    I am using the UPA-2 with PSB image T5's. The sound I get is very neutral and not bright at all. good luck with your new amp.

    Thanks Rob, that's good to hear...
  • 03-11-2010, 08:41 PM
    Well you could get adventuresome and move the VA innards into your own emotiva-like box and change out the red LEDs for blue ones.

    Come to think of it, if VA would outsource that....
  • 03-12-2010, 07:13 AM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by nightflier
    Well you could get adventuresome and move the VA innards into your own emotiva-like box and change out the red LEDs for blue ones.

    Come to think of it, if VA would outsource that....

    Interesting point: Since the chassis is often the most expensive portion of a component, why don't more manufacturers just outsource that part to China? Do all the design and assembly of the internal components locally, but let the Chinese build a beautiful luxury chassis for less than it would cost to produce some handmade ugly chassis locally...
  • 03-12-2010, 02:59 PM
    rob_a
    Don't forget to pick up some Oracle MA-X Speaker Cables for your new amp. :3:
  • 03-13-2010, 09:09 AM
    Sir Terrence the Terrible
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Ajani
    Interesting point: Since the chassis is often the most expensive portion of a component, why don't more manufacturers just outsource that part to China? Do all the design and assembly of the internal components locally, but let the Chinese build a beautiful luxury chassis for less than it would cost to produce some handmade ugly chassis locally...

    This my friend is a brilliant idea!
  • 03-16-2010, 07:19 AM
    Ajani
    Shipping is a funny thing, it doesn't cost "too much more" in shipping costs to upgrade my order from a UPA-2 to an XPA-2... So with payday around the corner and that in mind, I upgraded my order. So late next week an XPA-2, should be responsible for giving me a bad back...

    Anway, I figured if I'm going to buy a solid state amp I might as well go big or go home... So far the only amps I've really liked are either low powered tube hybrids or really balls out, powerful SS...

    (Maybe I'll add a low powered SET amp later as an alternative - who knows?)
  • 03-16-2010, 07:38 AM
    Mr Peabody
    That should rock, looking forward to hearing your impressions.
  • 03-16-2010, 07:42 AM
    audio amateur
    Cool dude! What's the ETA? and when are you buying the Revel's?

    With that combo, I reckon you could play somes tunes at serious party levels!
  • 03-16-2010, 10:13 AM
    rob_a
    The XPA-2 is a great amp. You should not have any problems! :thumbsup:
  • 03-16-2010, 02:48 PM
    Yeah thanks...
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Sir Terrence the Terrible
    This my friend is a brilliant idea!

    ...for acknowledging the source.
  • 03-18-2010, 09:32 PM
    Ajani
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by audio amateur
    Cool dude! What's the ETA? and when are you buying the Revel's?

    With that combo, I reckon you could play somes tunes at serious party levels!

    ETA is around next Friday (since apparently neither the UPA-2 nor the XPA-2 are in stock until Tuesday).

    The Revels won't be purchased for at least 2 months (since I want to pay cash and not on credit + the decision to upgrade from the UPA-2 to XPA-2 meant using some of the Revel cash)... So I'll have to use some 'other' speakers I have (that I won't mention out of audiophile shame) with the XPA-2 until I get the Revels...

    EDIT: Of course this assumes Revel won't release a replacement for the F12 in the next 2 months (which is quite possible since they are 5 years old now)....

    I should be able to thoroughly p!ss off all my neighbors with that combo... :devil: