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Emotiva equipmet, how good is it?

I don’t have a big budget but need to start making a decent listening system. I have a couple of options open to me for some equipment. All used since I seem to be able to get a better bang for my buck. Wanted to know what people thought, but of course I know opinions don’t matter as much as my ears so just let me know if you have used or heard either of these pieces. Or if you think something is similar toss it out there.
XPA-100. I have a chance to get 2 for just over $500PT-100. Around $200
Someone also suggested I simplify and just buy a new Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier
Looking at using my current speakers which are Dali Ikon6 and I also have Totem Dreamcatchers. Oh and the room is about a 11 x 16. And yes I saw the opps in the title but it won’t let me fix the spelling of Equipment.

Thanks for your thoughts.
schwantner
64 responses Add your response
pc997
50 posts
 
Emotiva makes very good amps. Can’t beat them for their price. I have been to couple of Emofests they have at their Franklin, TN HQ.
Give them a try.
bestbud1426
4 posts
 
Outlaw Audio is Emotiva main competitor. Check out their 2 channel receivers (2150 old/2160 new). Add external amps later if you like.
lordrootman's avatar
lordrootman
379 posts
 
I was using one of their amps I think XPA 5 gen 1 returned it and buy a vintage Harman Kardon signature 1.5 $250 and PA2400 $240 never looks back 
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,169 posts
 
It is decent entry level amplifiers not much more grounding is not tops vs a good multi-way star grounding system can hear hum on certain systems. , their $4k processor is very good though , good for the money .their processor is more upper end .

Post removed 
johnto
1,026 posts
 
I think the older Emo stuff is from China most of the new line is at least assembled here  according to their web page.
Post removed 
skoczylas's avatar
skoczylas
240 posts
 
Definitely consider used equipment. Your price range would have some very good options. I would recommend the Hegel h80 or h90. They would match well to your speakers and have a very nice natural sound. Bargain with sellers - it’s a buyers market. 
johnto
1,026 posts
 
You can probably find a used Parasound integrated for about $1300 , I don’t think you’ll be able to beat it for sound and function at that price. I owned Emos and the difference was night and day.
big_greg
6,641 posts
 
I had a pair of XPA-100 Gen 2 that I used as surround amps for a while.  I also have an XPA-5 driving the surround speakers in my bedroom system.  See a pattern here?  They are OK amps, but I wouldn't use them for critical two channel listening.  I think you could find a nice used integrated amp at your budget.  The Heed Elixir is a very nice unit, just a little over your budget.  Looks like they just bumped the price $200 or it would have fit in your budget.
schwantner OP
42 posts
 
Thank you.  My budget is around $1,000 to $1,200.  I know I won't be going true hi-end but you have to start somewhere so my expectations are not super high, but I do want to hear more than what you get on a Dewalt work radio so to speak.  I used to have the old Advents that half the world owned and up until recently was using a standard dime a dozen system of components that probably was worth $500 new, so going up should be easy. I have been starting to work on building and this is step 2. Step 3 good stands for the Totem, Step 4 upgrade the cables and Step 5 start the cycle again. Main sources will be LP, and online music sources, and the occasional CD ;)
erik_squires
16,120 posts
 
My experience with their processor / pre was poor. Same for Onkyo.

I'd go with NAD instead.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,405 posts
 
Emotiva is a lot of amp for the money but it is lower mid fi at best.  What do you expect for something made in the US for 500 bucks?  If you are going new, go with the Yamaha or better yet, look for something used or save a little more money and get something that won't make your ears bleed.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
Used NAD like you were considering before or something new-direct from Schiit Audio are going to sound worlds better than the Emotiva or Yamaha IMHE. 
What exactly is your budget. Are you looking for an integrated amp?

Your speakers both are promising and will easily let you hear the benefits of higher quality amplification.
Hopefully, your speakers are on decent stands with spikes, are off the wall behind them and you are giving some thought to basic room acoustic issues(e.g. thick curtains over windows, and a thick rug over hard flooring) if not yet investing in any real room treatment panels, etc.
Cheers,
Spencer
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