I Just Can't Win With These Amps!

[metal83]

If you decide to read this, grab a cup of coffee or something so you can stay awake!
Also, i've been drinking, so i hope this is somewhat comprehendible...lol




So a couple weeks ago i bought an XPA-3. Well i had humming/vibration coming directly from my XPA-3 and a hiss coming from my speakers tweeters (no humming in the drivers), so i returned it and got an XPA-5 (XPA-3's were out of stock). Great customer service by Emotiva by the way!

Well i received my XPA-5 today, hooked it up, and now i have an added problem, the drivers in my speakers are now humming along with the hiss in my tweeters. The amp itself is humming as well, but has no vibration like i had with the XPA-3 (so that's a plus).

I just tried pluggin it in by itself to every other outlet in my house. I used a heavy duty construction extension cord to do this so i could reach every outlet without moving the amp. But every outlet produced the same issues.

Now the strange thing is, my left speaker is hissing louder than any other speaker. The other speakers i can barely hear hiss, but my left speaker is much more audible.

Ok, well in regards to the hiss being louder in one speaker, i figured i'd switch channels on the amp to see if that made a difference. So i took my left speaker off of channel 1, and replaced it with my center channel speaker which i had in channel 2 (as well as switching RCA's). When i did this, my center speaker, now in channel 1, is now the one hissing much louder than the rest. I then completey switched around RCA's (on both ends) just to see if it may be a cable, that didn't make a difference though. I tried this with all speakers, and no matter what speaker i hooked up, as long as it's in channel 1 of the XPA-5, the hiss is much louder than all the rest.

And something else i find strange, regarding the speakers drivers humming. When i have nothing else on besides the amp, i can only hear the hiss of my tweeters, and an extremely slight hum in the drivers. But once i power on my AVR (Pioneer Elite 92), the hum in the drivers becomes very audible but the hiss in my tweeters decreases to the point of barely hearing it. Then once i turn off the AVR, the hum goes away within a minute or so, (and/or by restarting the amp), and the hiss starts up again. I can hear this hum all the way from my couch, granted it's not to often i sit here with my AVR muted, but still.


I'm sure part of the problem is my house, like my flourescent lights and electrical work and such, which i haven't messed with yet. But i don't think that i should have more problems with the XPA-5 vs the XPA-3 because of any of that, if anything you'd think it would of just been the same. Could i be that lucky to have 2 faulty amps in a row? haha probably..:eek: I Emailed Emotiva before work today, haven't heard back yet so i guess i have to call them. I wonder if i'll get cut off now. lol :eek:

I love the way these Amps sound, i mean to me it made a big difference, i just want one that freakin works correctly for christ sake! As in no weird loud hissing from one single channel, and no speaker humming. Maybe i outta just keep the XPA-3, save money, and send the XPA-5 back. I could probably deal with the amp humming, at least the speakers were fine, and all channels worked the same. lol

Ahhhh fun fun fun...I guess i just can't win lately, or maybe i'm too damn picky. lol

[comfortablycurt]

It seems like Emo definitely has a lot of QC issues. I keep hearing about more and more of their products developing problems...

Sorry about your bad luck man. I hope you get it sorted out.

[metal83]

It seems like Emo definitely has a lot of QC issues. I keep hearing about more and more of their products developing problems...

Sorry about your bad luck man. I hope you get it sorted out.

Thanks man.

Yeah it actually really sucks, because as far as i'm concerned, these two amps i've tried blow my Pioneer Elite 92 out of the water. But i doubt this company is going to want to send me yet another replacement, i already have two of their amps sitting in my living room..lol

I've heard that they have told people to try different cables, i hope they do not try to tell me this. I laid down as much money as i'm willing too for my 3 MIT AVt-2 speaker cables and my 5 MIT AVt-2 IC's. I'm not about to go buy anymore cables, to hell with that!

[Retro152]

If you decide to read this, grab a cup of coffee or something so you can stay awake! lol





So a couple weeks ago i bought an XPA-3. Well i had humming/vibration coming directly from my XPA-3 and a hiss coming from my speakers tweeters (no humming in the drivers), so i returned it and got an XPA-5 (XPA-3's were out of stock). Great customer service by Emotiva by the way!

Well i received my XPA-5 today, hooked it up, and now i have an added problem, the drivers in my speakers are now humming along with the hiss in my tweeters. The amp itself is humming as well, but has no vibration like i had with the XPA-3 (so that's a plus).

I just tried pluggin it in by itself to every other outlet in my house. I used a heavy duty construction extension cord to do this so i could reach every outlet without moving the amp. But every outlet produced the same issues.

Now the strange thing is, my left speaker is hissing louder than any other speaker. The other speakers i can barely hear hiss, but my left speaker is much more audible.

Ok, well in regards to the hiss being louder in one speaker, i figured i'd switch channels on the amp to see if that made a difference. So i took my left speaker off of channel 1, and replaced it with my center channel speaker which i had in channel 2 (as well as switching RCA's). When i did this, my center speaker, now in channel 1, is now the one hissing much louder than the rest. I then completey switched around RCA's (on both ends) just to see if it may be a cable, that didn't make a difference though. I tried this with all speakers, and no matter what speaker i hooked up, as long as it's in channel 1 of the XPA-5, the hiss is much louder than all the rest.

And something else i find strange, regarding the speakers drivers humming. When i have nothing else on besides the amp, i can only hear the hiss of my tweeters, and an extremely slight hum in the drivers. But once i power on my AVR (Pioneer Elite 92), the hum in the drivers becomes very audible but the hiss in my tweeters decreases to the point of barely hearing it. Then once i turn off the AVR, the hum goes away within a minute or so, (and/or by restarting the amp), and the hiss starts up again. I can hear this hum all the way from my couch, granted it's not to often i sit here with my AVR muted, but still.


I'm sure part of the problem is my house, like my flourescent lights and electrical work and such, which i haven't messed with yet. But i don't think that i should have more problems with the XPA-5 vs the XPA-3 because of any of that, if anything you'd think it would of just been the same. Could i be that lucky to have 2 faulty amps in a row? haha probably..:eek: I Emailed Emotiva before work today, haven't heard back yet so i guess i have to call them. I wonder if i'll get cut off now. lol :eek:

I love the way these Amps sound, i mean to me it made a big difference, i just want one that freakin works correctly for christ sake! As in no weird loud hissing from one single channel, and no speaker humming. Maybe i outta just keep the XPA-3, save money, and send the XPA-5 back. I could probably deal with the amp humming, at least the speakers were fine, and all channels worked the same. lol

Ahhhh fun fun fun...I guess i just can't win lately, or maybe i'm too damn picky. lol

Strange! Think you mentioned in your prior thread on getting the Xpa-5, that Emotiva would also do a factory test and breakin, right? Like you said could be your house wiring? Be nice to run a dedicated 20amp circuit for the amp. Havent had any issues with the Xpa-3, (knock on wood).

[megasat16]

1. The power line Filters available from as PS Audio may solve your problem. It might not be the problem with EMO.

2. Try isolating the ground loop problem.

3. Plugs all the components such as AVR, amps, CD players and the TV to a good power strips. While trying to fault finding, do not use the surge protector such as Monster Surge Protectors. Just plug everything into a good power strip and see if it solves any problem.

4. Borrow a good known amp from a friend to try and see if the problem exists with that amp connected to your speakers. If there is no hum or buzz with the loaner amp, the EMO amp you got might be a culprit.

5. IF you have buzz and hums coming from your speakers no matter what you do, you may need to call electrician to check your home wiring.

GOOD LUCK!

[comfortablycurt]

Thanks man.

Yeah it actually really sucks, because as far as i'm concerned, these two amps i've tried blow my Pioneer Elite 92 out of the water. But i doubt this company is going to want to send me yet another replacement, i already have two of their amps sitting in my living room..lol

I've heard that they have told people to try different cables, i hope they do not try to tell me this. I laid down as much money as i'm willing too for my 3 MIT AVt-2 speaker cables and my 5 MIT AVt-2 IC's. I'm not about to go buy anymore cables, to hell with that!

It doesn't sound to me like the cables are the issue. If you've tried different cables and different speakers, and you're still getting the louder noise out of the same channel, the problem is probably within the amp. That would be my guess anyway.

[metal83]

Strange! Think you mentioned in your prior thread on getting the Xpa-5, that Emotiva would also do a factory test and breakin, right? Like you said could be your house wiring? Be nice to run a dedicated 20amp circuit for the amp. Havent had any issues with the Xpa-3, (knock on wood).

That's what they said, whether they did or not i have no clue. I got the box in pretty shady condition though. The outer box was beat to hell and ripped and not taped on one side, and also had a huge chunk of the corner missing like it was dropped and scrapped on the ground or something. And the the white box inside of the other box was also only taped on one side.

I have a hard time believing all these problems are my house, sure some of them might be. But what would my house have to do with 1 channel on the amp making whatever speakers hooked into it hiss like crazy? Sounds like more of an problem with the internals of the amp to me.

And i had no speaker hum, none what so ever with the XPA-3, just the slight hiss which i accepted as normal, or at least could maybe blame on my flourescent lights. And now i do with the XPA-5, and to the point where i can hear it humming from my couch if i mute the tv, seems odd to me.

Like i said i love the way the Amps sound, i wish i didn't have these issues.




It doesn't sound to me like the cables are the issue. If you've tried different cables and different speakers, and you're still getting the louder noise out of the same channel, the problem is probably within the amp. That would be my guess anyway.

That's what i'm thinking. Which is even more irritating, considering who knows how Emotiva will react when i tell them this. I guess i'll find out just how good there customer service is i suppose.

[leroyjr1]

The odds of you getting two bad amps in a row is very slim. I think its something with your setup or house wiring.

[LessisNevermore]

metal, I'm curious why you didn't mention the damage to the box, like you did on the other board. Dropping a heavy amp like that won't do it any favors.

Also, try a cheap set of IC's on it, there might be something with the MIT's.(doubtful, but worth a try)

Eliminate your wiring as the culprit, before you send it back.

[Retro152]

That's what they said, whether they did or not i have no clue. I got the box in pretty shady condition though. The outer box was beat to hell and ripped and not taped on one side, and also had a huge chunk of the corner missing like it was dropped and scrapped on the ground or something. And the the white box inside of the other box was also only taped on one side.

I have a hard time believing all these problems are my house, sure some of them might be. But what would my house have to do with 1 channel on the amp making whatever speakers hooked into it hiss like crazy? Sounds like more of an problem with the internals of the amp to me.

And i had no speaker hum, none what so ever with the XPA-3, just the slight hiss which i accepted as normal, or at least could maybe blame on my flourescent lights. And now i do with the XPA-5, and to the point where i can hear it humming from my couch if i mute the tv, seems odd to me.

Like i said i love the way the Amps sound, i wish i didn't have these issues.

Yeah, does sound like an internal problem. narrowed down to that one channel. Hopefully they will come through again on this issue. Seems like someones not keeping a good eye on the "sweat shop". WTF. Good luck with this.

[metal83]

The odds of you getting two bad amps in a row is very slim. I think its something with your setup or house wiring.

As i've said, my first Amp (the XPA-3) just had a humming/vibration coming directly from the amp. The speakers hissed a tiny bit, which yeah was probably my house. I had no humming in drivers though, and no variance in the volume of hiss by using a certain channel.

With the XPA-5, channel 1 is producing a very loud hiss. This can't be anything to do with my house if it's isolated to 1 channel on the amp. And this amp is making my drivers hum, the other didn't, which is why i don't think all of these issues are my house.

Maybe i should of just kept, or should keep, the XPA-3 since apparently it has far less issues the XPA-5, and the issues it did have, well yeah were probably my house. An extra $300 i paid for this XPA-5, not quite sure it's worth it now just to run all 5 channels.

[metal83]

metal, I'm curious why you didn't mention the damage to the box, like you did on the other board. Dropping a heavy amp like that won't do it any favors.

Also, try a cheap set of IC's on it, there might be something with the MIT's.(doubtful, but worth a try)

Eliminate your wiring as the culprit, before you send it back.

I mentioned it in post #7 (oh i did leave out the part about the FedEx guy dropping it on my porch, he definitely didn't put it down carefully). And i agree, dropping something like this is definitely not a good thing. I was a little nervous when i saw the box to begin with, but was excited at the same time so didn't think much of it at first.

I wonder if Emotiva has some sort of insurance in regards to something happening during shipping, i'd think so, but who knows.

I was hoping that dude Lonnie would read my post over there. I copied and pasted that post to an email and sent it to him as well. I was hoping not to have to explain myself all over again over the phone, but i haven't heard back yet so it looks like i'll have to do that, which is going to be a pain in the ass.

[leroyjr1]

Metal play around with the IC's and see if that eliminates the hum. I had a hum with my system and found out it was because I had my IC's at a angle and not straight.

[Erik Tracy]

I'm sorry if this was mentioned by you before - I've skimmed thru the thread and might have missed it...but...did you try connecting your speakers to JUST the AVR (with the EMO disconnected and not plugged in)?

Do the speakers still hiss in this scenario?

[leroyjr1]

How loud is the hiss and hum. Every speaker will have some kind of hiss especially when using and external amp.

[LessisNevermore]

I mentioned it in post #7 (oh i did leave out the part about the FedEx guy dropping it on my porch, he definitely didn't put it down carefully. And i agree, dropping something like this is definitely not a good thing. I was a little nervous when i saw the box to begin with, but was excited at the same time so didn't think much of it at first.

I am still more suspicious of your wiring, but it's possible a solder joint may have cracked from the rough handling. That's pretty thick cardboard on the outer box. Too late to file a claim?

[metal83]

I'm sorry if this was mentioned by you before - I've skimmed thru the thread and might have missed it...but...did you try connecting your speakers to JUST the AVR (with the EMO disconnected and not plugged in)?

Do the speakers still hiss in this scenario?

I've done this, the speakers have always hissed very slightly through the tweeters, even when hooked up to my AVR. But they have never made a hum. The problem is not so much the hiss, but that 1 single channel on the amp is causing a massive hiss that can be heard from a distance of feet, not inches. And it doesn't matter what cables or what speakers i hooked to that channel, it will do it regardless while the rest of my speakers barely hiss. And the hum in the drivers is a concern because this is the first time i've heard it, no hum with just the AVR, and no hum with the XPA-3 (in regards to the drivers).


How loud is the hiss and hum. Every speaker will have some kind of hiss especially when using and external amp.

The loud hiss coming out of that one channel can be heard from quite a few feet away. All the other speaker i have to be within inches to hear it, basically almost right up against them, so that doesn't concern me.

And the hum can be heard when i'm sitting on my couch about 7 or 8 feet away.

[metal83]

I am still more suspicious of your wiring, but it's possible a solder joint may have cracked from the rough handling. That's pretty thick cardboard on the outer box. Too late to file a claim?

I don't know, i just received it this morning, well technically yesterday i suppose.

[Erik Tracy]

I've done this, the speakers have always hissed very slightly through the tweeters, even when hooked up to my AVR. But they have never made a hum. The problem is not so much the hiss, but that 1 single channel on the amp is causing a massive hiss that can be heard from a distance of feet, not inches. And it doesn't matter what cables or what speakers i hook to that channel, it will do it regardless while the rest of my speaker barely hiss. And the hum in the drivers is a concern because this is the first time i've heard it, no hum with just the AVR, and no hum with the XPA-3 (in regards to the drivers).



The loud hiss coming out of that one channel can be heard from quite a few feet away. All the other speaker i have to be within inches to hear it, basically almost right up against them, so that doesn't concern me.

And the hum can be heard when i'm sitting on my couch about 7 or 8 feet away.

So the speakers hum when connected to the Emo - even with nothing else connected to the Emo, or what outlet you plug the Emo into.....

and....

the speakers do NOT hum when just connected to the avr.

If so, sure sounds like your amp is the culprit - not the wiring in your house.

But - I'm applying "shotgun" logic here. :D

Sorry about your problems - hope you can get them sorted out.

Erik

[leroyjr1]

Give it time I'm sure you'll figure it out.

[metal83]

So the speakers hum when connected to the Emo - even with nothing else connected to the Emo, or what outlet you plug the Emo into.....


and....

the speakers do NOT hum when just connected to the avr.

Exactly!
But the hum is always there regardless, but it increases in the drivers when i turn on my AVR, if that makes a difference. And i do not have this issue with the AVR by itself, or with the XPA-3, just the XPA-5.


If so, sure sounds like your amp is the culprit - not the wiring in your house.

But - I'm applying "shotgun" logic here. :D

Sorry about your problems - hope you can get them sorted out.

Erik

Thanks, i hope so too!

[metal83]

Give it time I'm sure you'll figure it out.

I suppose if anything it will be a learning experience, that's just me trying to look on the bright side. ;)

[metal83]

By the way, thanks for all the super fast responses from you guys, i appreciate it.
I needed to vent a little bit, i tried venting to my fiancee, what a waste of time that was, "maybe it's a sign you shouldn't of spent the money" she says, ughh...lol

[leroyjr1]

By the way, thanks for all the super fast responses from you guys, i appreciate it.
I needed to vent a little bit, i tried venting to my fiancee, what a waste of time that was, "maybe it's a sign you shouldn't of spent the money" she says, ughh...lol

Did you check and make sure it wasn't your girlfriends vibrator running in the next room.:D

[comfortablycurt]

Did you check and make sure it wasn't your girlfriends vibrater running in the next room.:D

That has got to be the problem. It's so obvious now...:p

[metal83]

Did you check and make sure it wasn't your girlfriends vibrater running in the next room.:D

:eek:....LMAO....I never thought of that, maybe she dropped it behind my tv while taking a porn out of the PS3...:p

If that things running in the next room, my senses immediately pick up on that and i'm just about diving in the bed......Anyways..... haha lol.

[F1nut]

Did you check and make sure it wasn't your girlfriends vibrator running in the next room.:D

Tickle my EMO!

[metal83]

Tickle my EMO!

If ever there was a perfect time for that, it was then! lol :p

[leroyjr1]

tickle my emo!

:):):):)

[Retro152]

Did you check and make sure it wasn't your girlfriends vibrator running in the next room.:D

The Xpa-5000? LMAO. :p

[moe]

I was just wondering what amp you had before these? Did they have any issues? Did you have an amp before these? There are many reasons for hiss or hum,good luck.

[LessisNevermore]

I believe this is metal's first dip in the separates pond.
Regardless of what some keep repeating here about QC issues, I actually own one, and there is zero hiss, hum, or buzz.
Of the problems I've seen reported, 95% are either cable related, or the owner's house wiring had no ground.

There are a few legit lemons out there, but no more so than other brands.

[TNRabbit]

Just a thought here....do you have cable TV connected to your AVR? Cable/boxes are NOTORIOUS for hum/ground issues. I use an optical connection from my cable box to eliminate this issue...

my $.02...

[apphd]

Sorry to hear this metal. Have you searched Emo's boards? I'm not sure but IIR I've read on a forum somewhere of issues like this on some of their older series amps, that for whatever reason turned out to be the IC's I think. They were good HQ IC's, but for some reason not compatible with the design architecture of the amp. Seems like Lonnie or maybe Dan saw the post and suggested some different cables, with a technical explanation of what he thought was going on, and it took care of the problem. The one ch. being worse could just be a matter of tolerances, (one has to be the worst, one has to be the best, but not a big window) or with the visible damage to the boxes could be shipping damage.

Did you sign for the package? If it is shipping damage, you might be in for a battle if you signed without any comment of the condition of the box. If you ever receive packages like this note somewhere with the shipper of "damaged box, possible internal damage". With the electronic note pads FedX and UPS use these days that's pretty hard, but ask them if they have any paperwork to document this or refuse to accept. Hopefully you did not sign for it.

I'll see if I can find that post, but I do not remember where I saw it so don't hold your breath.

Good luck, we keep hearing about the Emo CS being good so I think you will be taken care of, they all can't be made up posts.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but hope it was helpful in some way.

[Face]

Just a thought here....do you have cable TV connected to your AVR? Cable/boxes are NOTORIOUS for hum/ground issues. I use an optical connection from my cable box to eliminate this issue...

my $.02...
It doesn't have to be connected to the AVR to cause problems. Disconnect your cable line from everything in your rig and see if the noise goes away.

In the EMO's IEC inlet, is there 2 or 3 prongs?

[Murray1]

Any way of checking amp at another location? If so, that should eliminate your "home wiring" variable. Good luck and I am sure things will work out one way or the other.

[LessisNevermore]

In the EMO's IEC inlet, is there 2 or 3 prongs?

3 prong.

[Face]

Thanks LessisNevermore.

It's possible that the receiver has only a two prong cord(my Onkyo does) and the amp has a three prong, which could explain why the receiver alone is quieter than the amp. Have you tried a cheater plug yet?

[tcrossma]

A cheater plug would be my first suggestion as well, and then diagnose from there. Sounds like a ground loop hum on top of normal tweeter hiss.

[metal83]

I've been messing around with these two amps again this morning. I hooked up the XPA-3 again, and no hum from the speakers, with just a slight hiss from the tweeters.

Then i took the XPA-3 out of the lineup and put the XPA-5 back in. Speakers started to hum again, and the hiss is louder than with the XPA-3.

Considering i was having trouble with channel 1 on the XPA-5, i took that channel right out of the equation. So, without channel 1 being used on the XPA-5, all other symptons quiet down considerably and it basically acts like the XPA-3.

And just for the heck of it, i did a little comparing of the two amps. I thought my new XPA-5 sounded better, but upon testing this morning, as far as i can tell, the two amps sound exactly the same, even with 200wpc (XPA-3 all channels) vs 250wpc (XPA-5 3 channels). And the 275wpc on the XPA-5 while listening to 2 channel music, makes no difference vs the 250wpc on the XPA-3 in 2 channel mode. So, you guys are right, an extra 50wpc (and 25wpc in stereo mode) makes no audible difference.

So, all in all, i spent an extra $300 for the XPA-5, it makes no difference, and i can't use all channels on it without causing irritating issues.

[cfrizz]

Have you tried using a 3 prong to 2 prong plug.

[metal83]

Well i just talked to Lonnie, he explained a lot of things to me. He's definitely concered that 1 channel is having an issue and apologized sincerely for my troubles. He just wants to make me happy and doesn't want me to have to fuss with testing everything over and over, so now it's bacially up to me if i want to keep the XPA-3, or send back the XPA-3 and XPA-5 and have him send me another XPA-5.

I'm constantly amazed at with the high level of customer service this company has. Lonnie seems like a very nice guy, and it's comforting to know i can talk to the guy that knows the ins and outs of these products.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions, i'll let you know what happens.

[metal83]

Have you tried using a 3 prong to 2 prong plug.

No i haven't tried using one of those.

I'm now just trying to decide what i want to do. In regards to which amp i'm going to stick with. The XPA-3 i have seems to be fine, Lonnie explained to me that what i was experiencing was normal with it was normal because of the magnetic field inside the amp. But he's basically willing to let me do whatever i want at this point. Keep the XPA-3 (or get another XPA-3), send me another XPA-5 and return the two amps i currently have, etc etc.

I think part of me wants to just stick with the XPA-3, and save $300 since it appears the XPA-5 really didn't make a difference in sound. Ahhh decisions decision, i'm just very happy Emotiva is working with me here, it's a relief.

[tcrossma]

No i haven't tried using one of those.

I'm now just trying to decide what i want to do. In regards to which amp i'm going to stick with. The XPA-3 i have seems to be fine, Lonnie explained to me that what i was experiencing was normal with it was normal because of the magnetic field inside the amp. But he's basically willing to let me do whatever i want at this point. Keep the XPA-3 (or get another XPA-3), send me another XPA-5 and return the two amps i currently have, etc etc.

A cheater plug (3 to 2 prong) has been mentioned several times already, and my suggestion would be to try one before you make any decisions. They are cheap, it's an easy test, and it will narrow down one very common and specific cause of what you're experiencing.

[cfrizz]

Metal I wouldn't expect the 5 to sound different from the 3. The big question is does it give a nice boost to your back speakers. It should from just running off of the receiver. If it does, then keep the 5.

[reeltrouble1]

I would thank the Lonnie fellow and get my money back if possible, sometimes things just do not work out.

RT1

[metal83]

A cheater plug (3 to 2 prong) has been mentioned several times already, and my suggestion would be to try one before you make any decisions. They are cheap, it's an easy test, and it will narrow down one very common and specific cause of what you're experiencing.

I have one of those floating around here somewhere, i'll definitely give it a shot no matter what i decide. Though i'm sure it won't help with the channel 1 issue on the XPA-5, Lonnie agrees with me that something might be wrong in the amp.


Metal I wouldn't expect the 5 to sound different from the 3. The big question is does it give a nice boost to your back speakers. It should from just running off of the receiver. If it does, then keep the 5.

I'm testing out some scenes from movies with active surround fields now.


I would thank the Lonnie fellow and get my money back if possible, sometimes things just do not work out.

RT1

I appreciate the suggestion.
But i'm not giving up easily, i want one of these amps, and i'll jump through hoops if i have too.

[WilliamM2]

Have you hooked up just the amp and speakers without anything else connected? If it still hums or hisses at that point, it's definetely an amp problem. If that turns out to be the case, I would take reeltrouble1's advice, and get a refund. I read too many stories of people who went through 2-3 or more Emotiva amps before getting one that worked right. Not worth the bother in my opinion.

[metal83]

Metal I wouldn't expect the 5 to sound different from the 3. The big question is does it give a nice boost to your back speakers. It should from just running off of the receiver. If it does, then keep the 5.

So i've tested out the Dark knight on blu ray, i went back and fourth through the big chase scene a couple of times. I can't really hear much of a difference in my surrounds whether they are hooked up to the Amp or to my Pioneer Elite 92. I have a pretty good AVR though, so maybe that's why.

Anyways i was only able to go back and fourth twice and with one movie. I'm running out of time since i have to leave for work soon, but i'll try to compare some more when i get home.


Have you hooked up just the amp and speakers without anything else connected? If it still hums or hisses at that point, it's definetely an amp problem. If that turns out to be the case, I would take reeltrouble1's advice, and get a refund. I read too many stories of people who went through 2-3 or more Emotiva amps before getting one that worked right. Not worth the bother in my opinion.

I'm pretty sure it's the amp having the problem, at least with the XPA-5. The XPA-3 may just be something with my house or many of the other things you guys have said. At least that amp doesn't produce a hum from my speakers, and all the channels work the same.

I'm definitely going to try and stick with one of these amps, whether i keep the XPA-3 or the XPA-5. If i decide to keep the XPA-5, having to exchange it for another because of the channel 1 issue won't bother me all that much much, at least i know Emotiva is willing make this right for me. These are the amps i can afford, and they sound great, and i personally love the style of them as well. I know there are better ones out there, but i can't afford them, and i don't wanna buy a used amp simply because i want something brand new and with a warranty.

Anyways, i'll figure it this mess out one way or another.

[metal83]

In regards to using a cheater plug.

Considering i have the amp hooked up to my HTS 1600 (makes no difference if hooked to the wall outlets, i tried them all), should i put the cheater plug on the HTS's cord, or use it on the amp and then plug it into the HTS?

Just curious.

[apphd]

Good to hear you've had a chance to talk with CS, and it sounds like things are moving in a good direction on that end. Not sure on the XPA but on the LPA the power cord is 3 prong, but the IEC inlet in the amp itself is only 2 so the ground is already lifted. You may want to take a look in the receptacle in the back of the amp before looking for your cheater plug, it may be a waste of time.


Have you hooked up just the amp and speakers without anything else connected? If it still hums or hisses at that point, it's definetely an amp problem......... (edited by me)
+1 This would eliminate any noise from the AVR pre outs or IC's. That brings it down to the amp or house wiring as it is unlikely the speakers or speaker wire IMHO.

I think I would go with the XPA5. Just leaves more things open for the future, ether way hope you get things straightened out so you can start enjoying things ASAP.

[tcrossma]

In regards to using a cheater plug.

Considering i have the amp hooked up to my HTS 1600 (makes no difference if hooked to the wall outlets, i tried them all), should i put the cheater plug on the HTS's cord, or use it on the amp and then plug it into the HTS?

Just curious.

Plug the amp directly into the wall using the cheater plug.

[comfortablycurt]

I know you said it's not what you want to do, but I'd get a refund and go with something else myself. I've been hearing to many stories lately about people having to return their Emotiva amps 4-5 times before getting one that actually works right.

You said you didn't want to buy used, but personally I'd look into a used Adcom, Rotel, Parasound...or something equivalent. You could get something in the same price range, that would likely sound even better and wouldn't have these problems. Just my .02 cents though.

[cfrizz]

Don't forget to recalibrate all the speakers with the amp in place.


So i've tested out the Dark knight on blu ray, i went back and fourth through the big chase scene a couple of times. I can't really hear much of a difference in my surrounds whether they are hooked up to the Amp or to my Pioneer Elite 92. I have a pretty good AVR though, so maybe that's why.

Anyways i was only able to go back and fourth twice and with one movie. I'm running out of time since i have to leave for work soon, but i'll try to compare some more when i get home.

[metal83]

Good to hear you've had a chance to talk with CS, and it sounds like things are moving in a good direction on that end. Not sure on the XPA but on the LPA the power cord is 3 prong, but the IEC inlet in the amp itself is only 2 so the ground is already lifted. You may want to take a look in the receptacle in the back of the amp before looking for your cheater plug, it may be a waste of time.


The XPA's are the same way, the power cords are 3 prong but the inlets themselves are only 2.

[metal83]

I know you said it's not what you want to do, but I'd get a refund and go with something else myself. I've been hearing to many stories lately about people having to return their Emotiva amps 4-5 times before getting one that actually works right.

You said you didn't want to buy used, but personally I'd look into a used Adcom, Rotel, Parasound...or something equivalent. You could get something in the same price range, that would likely sound even better and wouldn't have these problems. Just my .02 cents though.

I'm still probably going to keep trying Emotiva until i get it all worked out, i'll have a 5yr warranty if i stick with them and can get past all this so that's why.

But just out of curiosity i'll take a look, where do you buy used amps? Audiogon? Any other good places?

[Dennis Gardner]

From your own experience, it sounds like Emotiva carries used amps........;)

[danger boy]

My suggestion... drink more! ;)

sorry.. that was to easy.

send them back if they don't meet your requirements.

Hiss and buzz would kill my enjoyment if it was to loud.

how loud are we talking about? Only if you crank it without anything playing type of hiss or what?

Check all of your interconnects.. one may be bad... are they shielded interconnects? What is you take the amp out and run it from your receiver, is there still hum?

[megasat16]

From your own experience, it sounds like Emotiva carries used amps........;)

+1. It is the undeniable truth that EMO now has many used amps lying around from customer returns. EMO got to do something about these True Reference Amplifier design or sell many B stocks. I hope a Dollar Store carries them soon when EMO cleared them out.

[danger boy]

My suggestion... drink more! ;)

sorry.. that was to easy.

send them back if they don't meet your requirements.

Hiss and buzz would kill my enjoyment if it was to loud.

how loud are we talking about? Only if you crank it without anything playing type of hiss or what?

Check all of your interconnects.. one may be bad... are they shielded interconnects? What is you take the amp out and run it from your receiver, is there still hum?

Are any of your interconnects crossing over power cords?

[metal83]

My suggestion... drink more! ;)

sorry.. that was to easy.

send them back if they don't meet your requirements.

Hiss and buzz would kill my enjoyment if it was to loud.

how loud are we talking about? Only if you crank it without anything playing type of hiss or what?

Check all of your interconnects.. one may be bad... are they shielded interconnects? What is you take the amp out and run it from your receiver, is there still hum?

Are any of your interconnects crossing over power cords?

I will drink more! Thanks!:rolleyes::p

I've already gone over most of this in previous posts.
No, my IC's are not over power cords.
And yes, they are shielded.

[metal83]

I'm not in the mood to mess with these amps tonight, so i'm just surfing the net.
What are some good used amps to look at, Adcom, Rotel...etc....but what model numbers?

[Hawkeye]

B&K. Ref 7250. Buy it and be done! Nice product which I've had in my HT for about 9 or 10 years. Never a lick of trouble since the day I bought it.

Gordon

[metal83]

Thanks Hawkeye.

Anyone else have any used amp suggestions for me to look at. I've looked on Audiogon and have not heard of any of those amps..lol :o

[F1nut]

Time to get your research on.

[metal83]

Well in my defense, maybe i shouldn't of said "any". I have heard of a few of them, like Krell, Mcintosh, Rotel, and NAD.

And i've heard of Adcom, but they don't have any listed.

I suppose if i decided to get a used amp, yeah i'd better do some research. I was just looking to be pointed in the right direction in regards to specific models.

[F1nut]

What's your budget? 2 channel or multi?

[metal83]

What's your budget? 2 channel or multi?

If i were to buy a used amp, my budget would be around $500, $800 max (what i paid for the Emo amps). And i'd want something with at least 3 channels for my front stage.

I figure i might as well weigh all my options and browse around before i decide what i'm doing with these Emotiva amps.

[Toolfan66]

Dude this NEWS SUCKS, I have not had one issue with the XPA-3. you,and me got them about the same time frame as well. Glad to hear they will take care of it but it would drive me nuts as well. Hope it all works out in the end.

[HB27]

could be something as a gain issue between amps and avr. you might want to let Emotiva know what you're running
hb

[thsmith]

Carver TFM-42, 45, 55, 75

[metal83]

So i've spent the morning messing around with both of these amps. And everything seems to be straightened out.

I talked to Lonnie from Emotiva again today, he explained everything to me in great detail. The XPA-5 is going back because of the hum, excessive hiss, and the channel 1 issue. The first amp i had was fine, and i feel i got nervous because of lack of knowledge, i'll admit that. :o

My XPA-3 is working just how it should, i'm keeping it, and i'm now happy! :D

Thank you everyone for contributing to this thread. It's nice to know you guys are so willing to help people out, even when sometimes it's like beating a dead horse. Thank you all very much!


Thanks,
Dan

[Face]

Well, what happened? You're not getting off that easy.

[apphd]

Good news glad to hear every thing is squared away.

But yeh what he said;)


Well, what happened? You're not getting off that easy.

[metal83]

Well, what happened? You're not getting off that easy.

Well the XPA-5, according to Lonnie from Emotiva, definitely has something strange going on with it considering the issues i was having. He's sending me a call tag and covering the shipping for me. And they still haven't charged me the additional $300 for the XPA-5, so of course i don't have to worry about that as they aren't going to charge me now.

Since my XPA-3 does not produce a hum from the drivers in my speakers, and i can only hear a slight hiss from the tweeters no more than a couple inches away, he said (as well as some of you have) that it's normal. My XPA-3 is hooked back up now, and running practically silent. I have to put my ear right up to the amp to hear any sort of noise at all. Unlike the XPA-5 where i could hear it, and my drivers, humming from my couch.

I'm still going to look into the electrical work here in my apt, and try to deal with the flourescent lights in my bedroom ceiling, just for piece of mind.

But regardless i feel a lot better now. I'm currently sitting on my couch with the volume muted, and i can't hear a thing. The XPA-5 was really bothering me because i could hear everything when sitting on my couch. I honestly feel like my lack of knowledge on amplifiers, was a big culprit in me thinking something may have been wrong with the XPA-3.

So i did not get unlucky getting two bum amps, i did get one bum amp though which happend to be the second one. Maybe it was a sign that i should save the $300 and keep the XPA-3...lol :p

At least i've learned a little bit, and at the very least i got to compare the XPA-3 and XPA-5 sound wise, so that's a plus. I've literally unhooked everything from my system and started from scratch. I tried it out all three ways, with the XPA-3, XPA-5, and just using my AVR, and of course i ran and saved three different MCACC files (one for each setup). I switched everything back and fourth a few times, comparing them all and using different sources. Given my setup, the XPA-5 made no difference compared to the XPA-3. And i couldn't really hear much of a difference at with having my surround speakers hooked up to an external amp. I think my Pio Elite 92 is perfectly capable of powering my surrounds just fine. However, i certainly noticed the difference, and a big one at that, running my fronts through either of these amps, vs my AVR.

Maybe sometime though i'll grab a 2 channel amp for 2 channel listening, and use the XPA-3 for my center and surrounds. But for now, i'm happy, and relieved that i can just sit back and enjoy, and stop worrying.

[reeltrouble1]

It's nice to know you guys are so willing to help people out, even when sometimes it's like beating a dead horse.

Or Emu............

Glad it worked out.

RT1

[cnh]

Well the XPA-5, according to Lonnie from Emotiva, definitely has something strange going on with it considering the issues i was having. He's sending me a call tag and covering the shipping for me. And they still haven't charged me the additional $300 for the XPA-5, so of course i don't have to worry about that as they aren't going to charge me now.

Since my XPA-3 does not produce a hum from the drivers in my speakers, and i can only hear a slight hiss from the tweeters no more than a couple inches away, he said (as well as some of you have) that it's normal. My XPA-3 is hooked back up now, and running practically silent. I have to put my ear right up to the amp to hear any sort of noise at all. Unlike the XPA-5 where i could hear it, and my drivers, humming from my couch.

I'm still going to look into the electrical work here in my apt, and try to deal with the flourescent lights in my bedroom ceiling, just for piece of mind.

But regardless i feel a lot better now. I'm currently sitting on my couch with the volume muted, and i can't hear a thing. The XPA-5 was really bothering me because i could hear everything when sitting on my couch. I honestly feel like my lack of knowledge on amplifiers, was a big culprit in me thinking something may have been wrong with the XPA-3.

So i did not get unlucky getting two bum amps, i did get one bum amp though which happend to be the second one. Maybe it was a sign that i should save the $300 and keep the XPA-3...lol :p

At least i've learned a little bit, and at the very least i got to compare the XPA-3 and XPA-5 sound wise, so that's a plus. I've literally unhooked everything from my system and started from scratch. I tried it out all three ways, with the XPA-3, XPA-5, and just using my AVR, and of course i ran and saved three different MCACC files (one for each setup). I switched everything back and fourth a few times, comparing them all and using different sources. Given my setup, the XPA-5 made no difference compared to the XPA-3. And i couldn't really hear much of a difference at with having my surround speakers hooked up to an external amp. I think my Pio Elite 92 is perfectly capable of powering my surrounds just fine. However, i certainly noticed the difference, and a big one at that, running my fronts through either of these amps, vs my AVR.

Maybe sometime though i'll grab a 2 channel amp for 2 channel listening, and use the XPA-3 for my center and surrounds. But for now, i'm happy, and relieved that i can just sit back and enjoy, and stop worrying.


Good news. I agree with you at the end. I'm not even going to bother with a 3 channel amp. Going directly to two--so I can use one rig for STEREO and HT. For me, the fronts are all that matter--2 channel. Powering surrounds not as big a deal, again IMHO.

cnh

[cfrizz]

Glad you're happy Metal. Enjoy.

[Retro152]

Well the XPA-5, according to Lonnie from Emotiva, definitely has something strange going on with it considering the issues i was having. He's sending me a call tag and covering the shipping for me. And they still haven't charged me the additional $300 for the XPA-5, so of course i don't have to worry about that as they aren't going to charge me now.

Since my XPA-3 does not produce a hum from the drivers in my speakers, and i can only hear a slight hiss from the tweeters no more than a couple inches away, he said (as well as some of you have) that it's normal. My XPA-3 is hooked back up now, and running practically silent. I have to put my ear right up to the amp to hear any sort of noise at all. Unlike the XPA-5 where i could hear it, and my drivers, humming from my couch.

I'm still going to look into the electrical work here in my apt, and try to deal with the flourescent lights in my bedroom ceiling, just for piece of mind.

But regardless i feel a lot better now. I'm currently sitting on my couch with the volume muted, and i can't hear a thing. The XPA-5 was really bothering me because i could hear everything when sitting on my couch. I honestly feel like my lack of knowledge on amplifiers, was a big culprit in me thinking something may have been wrong with the XPA-3.

So i did not get unlucky getting two bum amps, i did get one bum amp though which happend to be the second one. Maybe it was a sign that i should save the $300 and keep the XPA-3...lol :p

At least i've learned a little bit, and at the very least i got to compare the XPA-3 and XPA-5 sound wise, so that's a plus. I've literally unhooked everything from my system and started from scratch. I tried it out all three ways, with the XPA-3, XPA-5, and just using my AVR, and of course i ran and saved three different MCACC files (one for each setup). I switched everything back and fourth a few times, comparing them all and using different sources. Given my setup, the XPA-5 made no difference compared to the XPA-3. And i couldn't really hear much of a difference at with having my surround speakers hooked up to an external amp. I think my Pio Elite 92 is perfectly capable of powering my surrounds just fine. However, i certainly noticed the difference, and a big one at that, running my fronts through either of these amps, vs my AVR.

Maybe sometime though i'll grab a 2 channel amp for 2 channel listening, and use the XPA-3 for my center and surrounds. But for now, i'm happy, and relieved that i can just sit back and enjoy, and stop worrying.

Great news' Metal. Hope this works out. The Xpa-3 has performed like a champ for me, and TOOL seconds that in his post.:D

[metal83]

Thanks! :D

It's working out great now that i have learned a bit more about it all. Talking to the dude that designed this thing has provided some real comfort. I'm loving this freakin thing, and i'm honestly glad the XPA-5 had issues, after comparing them i realized it wasn't worth spending the extra $300 on, especially considering i got the XPA-3 on sale for $500.

It feels damn good to have this sh*t behind me lol..:p

[Retro152]

Thanks! :D

It's working out great now that i have learned a bit more about it all. Talking to the dude that designed this thing has provided some real comfort. I'm loving this freakin thing, and i'm honestly glad the XPA-5 had issues, after comparing them i realized it wasn't worth spending the extra $300 on, especially considering i got the XPA-3 on sale for $500.

It feels damn good to have this sh*t behind me lol..:p

I know. You TOOL and myself all purchased these amps within a 2 week period together. Was very disconcerting hearing your troubles. I have been paranoid about mine since your first post regarding your problems. Nice to hear it seems to be working out. Wanna see someone with the same gear do well also.:)

[metal83]

I know. You TOOL and myself all purchased these amps within a 2 week period together. Was very disconcerting hearing your troubles. I have been paranoid about mine since your first post regarding your problems. Nice to hear it seems to be working out. Wanna see someone with the same gear do well also.:)

Yeah i hear ya man, i'd be the same way if you two all of sudden had issues. Luckily i just made mountains out of mole hills because i didnt' know any better..lol :p

And now that i've had the XPA-5 as well, i know i made the right decision buying and keeping the XPA-3.
When i was complaining to my fiancee, she had said it was a sign that i shouldn't of spent my money (to hell with that lol). But, maybe she was right in a sense, i shouldn't of bothered with the XPA-5 at least.

[Retro152]

Yeah i hear ya man, i'd be the same way if you two all of sudden had issues. Luckily i just made mountains out of mole hills because i didnt' know any better..lol :p

And now that i've had the XPA-5 as well, i know i made the right decision buying and keeping the XPA-3.
When i was complaining to my fiancee, she had said it was a sign that i shouldn't of spent my money (to hell with that lol). But, maybe she was right in a sense, i shouldn't of bothered with the XPA-5 at least.

LOL, I cant bitch to my wife about any audio trouble. They love to throw it back in your face. Would have reacted the same way with my limited knowledge. Anyway, good luck with it.:D


Pat.

[metal83]

LOL, I cant bitch to my wife about any audio trouble. They love to throw it back in your face. Would have reacted the same way with my limited knowledge. Anyway, good luck with it.:D


Pat.

I actually didn't even tell her i bought it at first, but she noticed 5 blue lights instead of 3, and made a comment about it...Then she said, "were you ever going to tell me you bought that". I told her no, not if you didn't notice. Probably shouldn't of said that, but i like to push her buttons... haha..:p

Anyways, thanks man, good luck with your gear as well! :)

[cfrizz]

You're right you shouldn't have said that, because now you have put it into her head what else will you be dishonest about! I'd be thinking twice that's for sure!



I actually didn't even tell her i bought it at first, but she noticed 5 blue lights instead of 3, and made a comment about it...Then she said, "were you ever going to tell me you bought that". I told her no, not if you didn't notice. Probably shouldn't of said that, but i like to push her buttons... haha..:p

Anyways, thanks man, good luck with your gear as well! :)

[metal83]

You're right you shouldn't have said that, because now you have put it into her head what else will you be dishonest about! I'd be thinking twice that's for sure!

I was joking around with her, and she knows that, she knows how i am.
We've been together for 7yrs, the girl can read me like a book. We love pushing each others buttons. ;)


Anyways, back to Audio! lol

[hearingimpared]

I'm glad everything worked out. This is nothing worse than an unexplained hiss or hum.

[BjornB17]

i had a bad hissing problem with my UPA-7...i almost called to exchange it but i ended up discovering that it was my pre-amp.... now that i got a new receiver (HK AVR-254) to do the processing, things have been great. UPA-7 rocks!

[metal83]

Now i need to go look around at home depot or something for a power cord, so i can plug this thing directly into the wall instead of using my Monster Power Center.