Emotiva tid bits from the horses mouth

[Mr Peabody]

Kex, your friend hasn't tried the ERC1?

[kexodusc]

Kex, your friend hasn't tried the ERC1?

Nope, just a few of their amps and the one pre-pro IIRC.
I don't know anyone who's heard the ERC1 off the top of my head...
Say Mr. P...your experience with electronics would make you a great candidate to be the official AR.com guinea pi---err..reviewer....

[RoadRunner6]

So you telling me Marantz who has been making gear for about 60 years and this system costing at about $15.000.00 is no better than Emotiva who has been around less than 10 with this system costing $1.800.00 is better? Yeah right...the repo man came a calling.

Frenchmon, the Marantz company today is no connection whatever, except for the name, to the company that we knew by the name Marantz back in the 60's or even much later. So your argument sounds great on first listen but holds no water. Only the name remains the same. I'm not saying the present Marantz does not make excellent products. I'm just saying this is not the same company.

As far as the cost difference, the Emotiva ERC-1 if sold by a traditional retail audio shop would probably list somewhere about $1200 and up. The $1800 system would cost about $5400 and up. If you don't have experience at the factory, wholesale and retail level you might not realize how this estimate can be accurate

I am in no way saying the Emo is as good as player X or Y. I simply posted these owner comments above to answer the objection that no owners were comparing the ERC-1 to anything but cheap CD players. Then the comments are attacked as too short. Then they are attacked as wild claims. This forum is overcrowded with sharpshooters who cannot change there initial feeling that this is another online to buyer company pushing mediocre products such as Fluance speakers. Now that they realize Emotiva is actually selling high quality products at low prices compared to retail outlets, they just can't admit that these are genuine bargains. Some of the products they sold several years ago and earlier were those modified and sold under several brands. The Emo models of the last several years are exclusively unique Emo design and assembly.

The ERC-1 is not perfect. However, I must say that there is no CD player that I have seen anywhere near this price that matches this build and sound quality. I am a big sceptic of the amazing sound differences that many claim to hear between different CD players. I think the actual blind differences are quite small for most quality players. That said, I cannot afford a CD player costing $1500 and up. So even if a $1500 CD player sounds ever so sightly better, I'll settle for the $399 player by finanacial necessity, while the sharpshooters conitune to attack my player.

This post is for those out there who would also like to buy a very high quality CD player for $399. If you buy it and don't like it you are only out a few dollars to return it. Less return costs than one quality RCA cable.

[manlystanley]

So, I'm doing some trolling, and I find this guy that wants to sell his three (month old) Emotiva Mono block XPA-1's for $625 each.... I gaged when I turned him down. Great stuff, but out of my price range.

[majorloser]

If you guys in the Northwest want to hear some of Emotiva's gear, there is s good opportunity coming in a couple weeks:

Oregon Coast Audio Meet or GTG

We are going to have some of the best gear Emotiva has to offer!!!

• a pair of ERT-8.3 Reference Towers
• a pair of XPA-1 Mono Block Amplifiers
• a USP-1 Stereo Preamplifier
• a ERC-1 Reference CD Player
• a complete set of Emotiva X-Series Cables

This will be the ultimate opportunity to audition Emotiva's gear in the Northwest.

[Mr Peabody]

Man, I'd give an eye tooth to go.

[frenchmon]

Frenchmon, the Marantz company today is no connection whatever, except for the name, to the company that we knew by the name Marantz back in the 60's or even much later. So your argument sounds great on first listen but holds no water. Only the name remains the same. I'm not saying the present Marantz does not make excellent products. I'm just saying this is not the same company.

Man...must have plucked a nerve with you. I think you are wrong here. While the company has been sold a few times, they claim they still build on the traditions that drove Mr. Saul Marantz. This is there own words not mine...so there is a connection.

As far as the cost difference, the Emotiva ERC-1 if sold by a traditional retail audio shop would probably list somewhere about $1200 and up. The $1800 system would cost about $5400 and up. If you don't have experience at the factory, wholesale and retail level you might not realize how this estimate can be accurate

So you think it would be three times what you paid for it? I dont. Its mid fi at best. And believe me...guys who have hi-fi as a hobby would love a bargan on good gear....if what you say is true, why are guys who have hi-fi gear, SUCH AS Carlos getting rid of it a few months later?

I am in no way saying the Emo is as good as player X or Y.
I simply posted these owner comments above to answer the objection that no owners were comparing the ERC-1 to anything but cheap CD players. Then the comments are attacked as too short. Then they are attacked as wild claims. This forum is overcrowded with sharpshooters who cannot change there initial feeling that this is another online to buyer company pushing mediocre products such as Fluance speakers. Now that they realize Emotiva is actually selling high quality products at low prices compared to retail outlets, they just can't admit that these are genuine bargains. Some of the products they sold several years ago and earlier were those modified and sold under several brands. The Emo models of the last several years are exclusively unique Emo design and assembly.

It sounded as if you where agreeing with all these claims. Personally I would love to hear the ERC1 at 399 compared with My Rotel CDP at 699 or my Marantz SACDP at 699. I wonder if it really is that much better than my mid-fi gear. Im on an upgrade path and I want something better than my mid-fi gear....I don't think the ERC1 will satisfy me.

The ERC-1 is not perfect. However, I must say that there is no CD player that I have seen anywhere near this price that matches this build and sound quality

That is a claim that is said of many manufactures gear....its become a common statement. Heck, I could say that about my Canton Speakers.

[quote]. I am a big sceptic of the amazing sound differences that many claim to hear between different CD players. I think the actual blind differences are quite small for most quality players.[/qote]

Shoot RR...you said the something about wire. So I had to see for my self, and found that wires don't all sound the same.

That said, I cannot afford a CD player costing $1500 and up. So even if a $1500 CD player sounds ever so sightly better, I'll settle for the $399 player by finanacial necessity, while the sharpshooters conitune to attack my player.

Look RR....I am not saying that the ERC1 is a bad player. But the facts speak for themselves. Its mid-fi. If it was as good as a 1500 player, I'm sure it would sell for more than $399. last I checked, the CDP's selling for $699 where either sold out or on their way to being sold out with ease.

frenchmon

[Mr Peabody]

Frenchmon, depending on how large a jump you want to take, Audio Advisor has the Creek Evolution regularly $1095.00 for $699/00 and not shown yet but they have Musical Fidelity X-Ray v8 with the power supply for $799.99. If you want SACD and CD the NAD M5 for $999.00 is excellent. The M5 has a sound you just have to hear, I found it very engaging. There are some Cambridge 840's around too like $1599.00.

I think whatever I plan to get I will still bring in an ERC, the best one I will keep, the other goes back.

[frenchmon]

Frenchmon, depending on how large a jump you want to take, Audio Advisor has the Creek Evolution regularly $1095.00 for $699/00 and not shown yet but they have Musical Fidelity X-Ray v8 with the power supply for $799.99. If you want SACD and CD the NAD M5 for $999.00 is excellent. The M5 has a sound you just have to hear, I found it very engaging. There are some Cambridge 840's around too like $1599.00.

I think whatever I plan to get I will still bring in an ERC, the best one I will keep, the other goes back.

Yeah I do want SACD. I have had my eye on the Marantz SA 11S2. I know you where not a fan of the Marantz players, but I have got to hear it first before I buy any other machine, other wise I will regret it. Some of the guys over at Audio Asylum gave it great reviews. Im just waiting till the begining of the year to see if Marantz comes out with a new player hoping that the 11S2 comes down a little bit. I've liked Marantz and Macintosh sense I was a kid. I also want to here the T+A. The Creek Evolution sounds like a deal. I don't know much about Creek. I had a Cambridge D magic DAC hooked up to my Rotel CDP and it didn't sound as well as the DAC's in the Rotel. It gave it a sweeter tone but overall I thought the Rotel was better. I returned it. I say that to say from what I know about the Cambridge 840, it has the same DAC's as the Dmagic

Have you hears about the Gateway Audio Society? Its and high end audio club. They are having a get to gather out in Pacific Mo. this weekend.

[frenchmon]

MrP...Been doing some research on the Musical Fidelity X-Ray v8. Im liking it at the $799 price tag. When will it be avalible?

[Mr Peabody]

It's available now but not yet on the website, you'll have to call Audio Advisor.

[frenchmon]

It's available now but not yet on the website, you'll have to call Audio Advisor.

Thanks Mr.P....Its ordered and on its way. Thanks for the heads up. My beloved Marantz 11S2 will be a while before it comes down in price. IF this player is better than what I have, the Rotel gets sold.

[Mr Peabody]

You'll have to let me know what you think. Did they say anything about inventory? I hate to miss one of those myself.

[RoadRunner6]

they claim they still build on the traditions that drove Mr. Saul Marantz. This is there own words not mine...so there is a connection....frenchmon

Wow, that is amazing Frenchmon. "I had no idea they were still building on the traditions that drove Saul Marantz!" LMAO! I said there is no connection other than the name. Can't you read?

You are a real sucker for marketing hype. Maybe you also believe that the Bose Wave Radio sounds better than systems costing five times as much.

"....It sounded as if you where agreeing with all these claims....." How in hell did you come to that conclusion? Frenchmon, you need to go back to school and take a course in logic.

I suppose the cheapo ripoff artist who bought the KLH name some years back and were peddling budget speakers under the KLH name were building on the traditions that drove Henry Kloss? (Now watch folks, Frenchmon will come back and say that I implied that the current Marantz company peddles cheap equipment)

No wonder most of the members who still hang out here are mostly interested in politics and the latest recipes.

[frenchmon]

You'll have to let me know what you think. Did they say anything about inventory? I hate to miss one of those myself.

Yeah he said they had a lots of them and that I was one of the first to get one. They had not time to put it up on the site yet. He said the two pieces retailed for about $3000. but is now discounted because they stopped production. If I like it, I might get theMusical Fidelity X-DAC v8 that can be added as well. And there's also an integrated amp that goes with it, but I think my 2 hundred watt per channel Rotel amp will do good. The only problem I can see is that the units look a little small in size. But every consumer review I read gave this thing very positive and good high marks.

frenchmon

[frenchmon]

Wow, that is amazing Frenchmon. "I had no idea they were still building on the traditions that drove Saul Marantz!" LMAO! I said there is no connection other than the name. Can't you read?

You are a real sucker for marketing hype. Maybe you also believe that the Bose Wave Radio sounds better than systems costing five times as much.

"....It sounded as if you where agreeing with all these claims....." How in hell did you come to that conclusion? Frenchmon, you need to go back to school and take a course in logic.

I suppose the cheapo ripoff artist who bought the KLH name some years back and were peddling budget speakers under the KLH name were building on the traditions that drove Henry Kloss? (Now watch folks, Frenchmon will come back and say that I implied that the current Marantz company peddles cheap equipment)

No wonder most of the members who still hang out here are mostly interested in politics and the latest recipes.

Something is wrong with you. You complain like a woman. let it go please. Its not that big a deal. I've moved on can't you. Like I tell my wife....act like a duck with water on the back.

frenchmon.

[Mr Peabody]

True, these MF pieces were designed to have smaller chasis. It may be redundant to get the DAC. Stereophile did a positive review on the DAC. I couldn't find an actual review on just the X-ray though.

[frenchmon]

True, these MF pieces were designed to have smaller chasis. It may be redundant to get the DAC. Stereophile did a positive review on the DAC. I couldn't find an actual review on just the X-ray though.

I think the DAC has a tube output stage. Not the same dac in the CDP.

[Mr Peabody]

That's right! it's the one with the switchable output stage.

[frenchmon]

Heres one pro review of the players.

http://www.audioenz.co.nz/2007/mf_xt100-xray.shtml

Heres another.

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/revie...hifichoice.pdf




Heres what one guy had to say who was selling his. But of course if one is selling his player he is going to say good things.

http://trade.audioasylum.com/ca/list...r-supply/17464


Heres one guy selling his X-DAC V8 and His X-Ray V8. With the prices over at AA he maynever sell it.


http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....-X-dac-V8---X-


-frenchmon

[frenchmon]

MrP....The player came today. Hooked it up, pushed the power and nothing. The display came on for a second and then went out. I called and they are going to send me a return label. When they get the player back, they send another player. I was thinking they would send another unit right away, but no such luck.


frenchmon

[Mr Peabody]

That sucks. They could have shipped another even if they had to bill and credit it back when the first one was received. Sometimes these places don't use their head. I guess there's always the fluke but bad out of the box isn't a good sign. I emailed AA a question about the CD players I received an out of office reply, I waited until the time frame elapsed and sent another email. I got two responses the same day. The original guy I didn't like his responses very well and I had to email back for basic info like his hours and he didn't tell me what time zone etc., the second guy was nice and gave good info on the actual sound quality. So I wanted to deal with the second guy but since they are on commission I guess the first guy must have found out and said I was his customer or something. So unless I'm swayed to buy the X-Ray I won't deal with them.

I have a plan though, I am going to order an ERC-1, when I get it in listen and give it some time I will borrow a NAD c545 to see which is best. If all this stuff about cutting out the middle man etc holds true the ERC should win. Frenchmon, if you had a free Saturday or Sunday afternoon you could bring the X-ray over for the fight. If not, I will have the c545 and my CJ and AN DAC's. I have my Krell integrated out and using it in my second system, I could hook it up for the shoot out then we could have 3 players plugged in set levels with my SPL and either take turns switching or have some one else do it. The ERC should have a pretty hot output with a peak voltage of 9v.

[Mr Peabody]

I placed the order today for the ERC.

RR6, is Fedex the only shipping service Emotiva uses? On shipping options I didn't see any choices I eventually hit "calculate shipping" and it gave shipping with Fedex and I couldn't figure out any way to change it. Fedex was the only choice in the pull down box.

Confirmed the c545 was on display. It won't be a problem to borrow it.

[JoeE SP9]

I'm looking forward to your comments about the ERC.

[RoadRunner6]

I placed the order today for the ERC....RR6, is Fedex the only shipping service Emotiva uses?.....

I think that is their default shipping and they have been receiving great service and prices from Fed EX. Usually it is shipped out the same day. I'm not too fond of Fed Ex myself but with the Emotiva gear they have been extremely fast and no damage. If you want to ship it USPS or UPS then you could call and request it, However the shipping charge might be significantly more.

Look forward to your feedback. I think you will find the slot feed a little tight feeling at first. I now like it since I have become used to it. If you have any questions after you start your testing call and ask to speak to Lonnie (head design engineer), Big Dan (president) or Dann Gunn. One of them are usually in.

If you want to try out any of their interconnects, you would now (being an established customer) get 25% off thru the end of October. Shipping is free on all cables.