Emotiva amplifiers review/experience?

even IF Emotiva built from the same schematic as Bryston, they wouldn't sound the same or last as long.
Parts and build quality count for something, but it is up to the buyer to decide.

The problem w/new Emotiva vs used other, is perhaps resale for the person who is a buyer/seller. I wouldn't see a problem buying a used piece only a few years old. Another story with 10yr+ gear. Support reputation counts on used, too.

You can make a few 'assumptions'...dangerous, I know.

First, While even Bryston (just an example) is built to a price point, they spend time voicing and have a higher parts budget, not to mention higher labor costs. Part which effect voicing are chosen by sound, not primarily the price.

Hi MTBF or MilSpec parts are chosen for some locations. Transistors may be more closely matched for gain and threshold. All non-power resistors will be premium 1% film. Binding posts may be WBT or equiv. Caps likewise. At least Solen or Clarity SA level...or better

Bryston uses (or darn well better) hi-end glass epoxy boards with premium plating. I've done some board level repair and working on that type of board is much preferred to one that is made of some mystery material.

Bryston does a full burn-in and offers a 20 year warranty. When you buy Bryston, you are buying down that warranty, in advance.

Worth the extra money? Only you the buyer can decide. Some persons also believe in supporting 'the home team' which would include US or Canadian products. I already know nothing is 'pure' anything, but would like the labor to stay here.

I don't think Emotiva is a mistake. Good value. but I keep equipment for long time periods. I have had some stuff for 20 years. That's all gone now, but what I currently own will be with me for a while. I don't get the upgrade bug all that often.

The last amp I had which needed a fix, had been taken out by a power company ZAP, which they paid for.

The mac will be fixable for at least 2 generations after the Emotiva is recycled.
That is one reason why people buy Mac ....and other 'hi priced brands'. Not that it necessarily sounds better but is hopefully built to a very high standard and will get support far into the future.

I'm not an equipment changer. I like stuff that lasts and is fixable. I know Emotiva doesn't use any (many?) proprietary parts, but I like companies with history and that I know will be there.

Bang for buck? Emotiva, no question it is a decent value and is a high %age of the 'best' at a fraction the price. They'll be around to get to the vintage category.....

I'll try this again.
Quality is not a function of inspection or after the fact.
Quality is built in by design and procedure. Quality is using good parts which can cost more. Assemblers having proper training and working from proper documentation and procedure.
Reworking defective product on a line costs a lot of money. If line yield from beginning to end is in the 98% range, than somebody is still looking for 2%.

Even if emotiva and bryston used the same schematic, bryston would still be worth more. More expensive iron and PS caps. Better matched output devices and say.....5% caps not 10%. Higher spec resistors. Maybe even higher MTBF parts where appropriate. The factory burnin must be worth something, too, since it guarantees zero defect out-the-door. Add in the warranty buy-down which is part of the purchase price and there 'ya go.

I could think of worse amps to clone.......though i don't believe Emotiva is a clone.