Why don't you just go over to the Emotiva Lounge for reviews by the initial owners. |
The Oppo is a CD/DVD player . Volume CAN BE CONTROLLED with the remote. A sub is connected thru a pre amp not CD player. Learn audio basics |
Wow I learned something new. The sub out on the the oppo does not actually control the sub.... Please ignore ignorance...
Yes, it is possible to run the outputs of the oppo to an amp and use the oppo as a pre. However, I'd recommend a good pre/pro with a decent DAC, like pio or onkyo or better. Run the digital out to that pre/pro and enjoy.
Ignore people on here who know "everything" because they don't. |
@Vernneal. Couple things. The Oppo 103 is a blue ray player, not a DVD player. You can connect a sub through its 5.1/7.1 analogue outs. Read the oppo manual 101 and your basics.....anyhow,
I think anyone wanting to run a high-end 2 or 5.1/7.1 system should not run the oppo 103/105 with any other volume control. This creates an unstable volume setting for the system. Ones system should have one acurate volume control and one only.
I have changed my mind on the Emotiva XMC-1 and awaiting a core audio technology Kryptos music server with a fully digital Kratos amplifier. No more preamp, conversion or DAC. Sounds good doesn't it.......... |
Bacardi, Congrats. It looks like an interesting concept, a bit of all in box like an integrated amp. What I don't get is this from their web-site. We remove the DAC, Preamp, and separate amplifier from the signal path. This not only removes hundreds or thousands of parts that cause sonic degradation, but simplifies your system to just two components. The result is substantially lower distortion. So elimination of components, maybe thousands, should make for a pretty inexpensive component. Also, the Kratos amp is claiming 100W/ch at 8 ohm. I'd confirm what the 4 ohm rating is because that will really show what type of class-d typology they are using. My guess is that they are using the TDA7498 chip which distorts pretty badly (0.1%) at frequencies above 2K. Lastly, Core Audio Tech states that in the future the will be able to do DSD on USB input. Thats good, but it will need to be converted to PWM to be amplified. All class D's have this issue so it is not a true DSD signal you are listening to. I like class D amplifiers and the concept here, but you really need to research and listen to the product before buying. |
Scvan, thx for your input. If your running efficient speakers as I am running Casta model D8's and maybe go to the Model C's in gloss brown grain(beautifful) the ratings will not matter. The DSD issue is something to look at for sure. I will be trying the 2 channel and server in a weeks time. I have heard it is truly a revelation in sound. These are custom pieces and have high grade parts inside. My system now is an Oppo 103(awful but great video) and Darred tube integrated. With two volume controls and imbalance it is just bad. Phase problems are occuring and a narrow sweet spot. This new set-up will solve some or all issues. |
@Scva. one thing, these are not class D amplifiers. They are pure digital. |
It is a class D amp. It just isn't converting the analog to digital before the switching controller. It then converts the PWM signal to analog.
They are just calling it something else, but I assure you it is the same technology as a class-D amp.
I think many class-d integrated amps skip the D to A to PWM conversion and amplify the digital signal directly. This is the way of the future. |
Scvan recommending from Pioneer or Onkyo shows me where you are at audio wise and you therefore loose any credibility |
Vernneal,
Have you listened to any of their new products? Or that last mid-fi product you listened to was in 1985 so therefore they are all bad? The quality of mid-fi today will easily top any hi-fi from the early 80's. Easily... You are welcome to come over and listen to my all Mac '80s gear and compare it to a modern Pio receiver (which I don't own but will get for this demo). When I said they were good, the people were asking if they were OK for their system. Should I have told them, "No! If you want to enjoy music you MUST have a Pass Labs amp?" Of course not that would be foolish!
For example. You are using a $500 blu-ray player and a $50 roku for some of your sources. I would never insult them but are the DCS level? No, but I agree they are good.
It does not need to be esoteric or expensive to be good. To think otherwise is to be snobbish.
I'm not even sure where your attack came from. I stated a fact. The "digital amp" in the Kratos is a variation of a class-D amp. They even compare it to one on their web page. Class-D amplifiers amplify a PCM signal exactly what the Kratos does. Exactly the same... |
Scvan, you need to look at the video on the web-site. You will need to correct yourself in your statements........ |
From the website.... As a PWM, the signal is reclocked, amplified in the digital domain, reclocked again, and then demodulated to drive a speaker directly. From international rectifier... A Class D audio amplifier is basically a switch-
ing amplifier or PWM amplifier. And then from wikipedia... Home Theatre systems. In particular the economical "home theatre in a box" systems are almost universally equipped with class-D amplifiers. On account of modest performance requirements and straightforward design, [B]direct conversion from digital audio to PWM [/B]without feedback is most common. I'm sure you will enjoy your Kratos, but it is not new technology. It is quite commonly used. I was just curious what class-D (switching amp) chip they were using because there are only a couple in that power range. |
From the website.... As a PWM, the signal is reclocked, amplified in the digital domain, reclocked again, and then demodulated to drive a speaker directly. From international rectifier... A Class D audio amplifier is basically a switch-
ing amplifier or PWM amplifier. And then from wikipedia... Home Theatre systems. In particular the economical "home theatre in a box" systems are almost universally equipped with class-D amplifiers. On account of modest performance requirements and straightforward design, direct conversion from digital audio to PWM without feedback is most common. I'm sure you will enjoy your Kratos, but it is not new technology. It is quite commonly used. I was just curious what class-D (switching amp) chip they were using because there are only a couple in that power range. |
I think what makes them unique is the caps and custom power supply. Which makes a huge difference in any component if the parts are quality and how they are wired/configured. Then as a whole could create amazing quality, lowest distortion, higher resolution and dynamics. |
I concur.... It seems that the linear PS that they are using is quite HQ from what I have read. |
Yes, I'm hoping to get my 2 channel Kratos amp very soon. My setup now is not good at all. |
"recommending from Pioneer or Onkyo shows me where you are at audio wise and you therefore loose any credibility"
The subjectivity of most all aspects of audio puts credibility in the lap of the owner and nobody else.
With most manufactures their methods and materials are an open book. but there is one that feels the less you know the cheaper they can offer their products. With most customers the thought of questionable manufacturing and materials raise a red flag while other simply can't resist the unexplained savings.
How's this for credibility?
http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/33613/emotiva-manufacturing-practices |
I am a proud new owner of the emc-1 .i do not have Diric running yet but I must say the sound is very clean it reminds me of a Rotel or class's processor. However if you are into apps this is probably not the processor for you the sound is great I can't wait to get it up and running with Diric.😍if you own the Oppo105 please check your HDMI settings otherwise you will have some issues. |
Jon, how many Rotels and Classe's have you owned? Did you compare the sound directly or are you comparing from years old memory? The reason I ask is, most people do exactly that, using memory and not considering the effect of new purchase bias.
Anyway, I'm sure the $2000 XMC sounds good. But so do many $1000-1200 AVRs. I got a Denon AVR 4520 for 1200 and it astounds me at the improvement in sound quality over my old Flagship Onkyo. Plus it has may bells and whistles that the XMC doesn't have and I don't need an amp as it has 150 watts for each of 9 channels.
And Denon's sibling, Marantz, has a processor for the same price as the Emotiva, and again, twice the features including 11.2 channels and Atmos, plus a dealer network if you ever need service instead of spending large dollars to ship it to Emotiva for service. Your choice of course. |
Runnin
What exactly did Emotiva do to you,to dislike them so much.
No I don't own the XMC-1, I am not into home theater much,but I got two XPR-2 amps in a second system and have nothing but good things to say.
I have noticed your negative comments against Emotiva.
Let them be,this,that or any other audio manufacturer,in the grand scheme of things,they also are needed to produce products for us hobbyists to be able to enjoy.
It's a good thing.
Peace,out
George |
They make cheap entry level gear and claim it's as good as anything out there. I've tried several of their products and researched others. They're nothing special at the prices charged.
No manufacturer is "needed". They either get people to buy their stuff or they don't. |
Runnin
All manufacturers claim they make the best gear,you know that!
Why would Emotiva be or act any different. Their reason for existence as a company is to make profit.Now they do so by producing a good product without overcharging the customer.
For example looking at my XPR amps,I can tell you that they did cut costs on the chassis by using thinner metal on the case ONLY at top,rear panels. The front is all the business with nice thick one inch aluminum faceplate.
Inside the unit there is nothing missing in parts quality that you wouldn't see in say a MAC amp or Bryston.
Only those makers charge 3 and 4 times up.
Cheers
George |
All manufacturers do not claim they make the best gear, and that is not what I said. But if you think that they don't make a big margin off of each sale, you are mistaken. Their products are built to a price point, just like any other maker. They use budget parts to meet that low price, don't kid yourself.
Which is why they don't come close to a Mac or Bryston. Besides which they don't have the knowledge, people or organization behind them to build some of the best gear out there. They are a small minded company that can't keep up with demand during promotions. Lonnie? He's a figurehead, not a John Curl. Big Dan is a businessman with electronics connections in China.
I'm sure they do a tidy business and that's fine. But I get a kick out of Emo fanboy owners who say it's as good as the big boys. |
Hey runnin
I will leave you it.
All the best
George |
Kratos amp sounded ok but going another route. Combatability and too many issues definitely. I need to figure out which 2 channel amplifier I should use. |
I am going another route to try an Audiozen Noah reference dual mono power amplifier with seperate dual mono power supply. I think looking at this piece and its quality parts it may mate well with my Casta Model C's. |
I am interested on Emotiva XMC-1. I am interested the sound like ARCAM. Please let me know what's you guys thinking out there. I am really appreciate for your thought.
Thanks,
Bruce |
