two monoblocks or one stereo amp??

[dfledezma]

Hi everyone.

I´m closer to finally put together a two channel system. For a starter, I want to get Emotiva stuff.

I don´t want to get into a discussion if Emo gear is good or not. My question is, what would be best, to get two UPA-1 monoblocks, or a single XPA-2 to power up a pair of LSi9?

Another question I have: Is it possible to connect the pc line output directly to a power amp, or do I need a preamp. I know a preamp basically outputs line level to feed the power amp, so a pc out is line level, am I correct?

Many thanks

[Montoya]

Go the xpa-2 route as far as using a pc line output not really sure. I would think the output level would be crap though but maybe some sound cards are better than others.

[Lasareath]

I have two stereo amps bi-amped

[tcrossma]

Hi everyone.

I´m closer to finally put together a two channel system. For a starter, I want to get Emotiva stuff.

I don´t want to get into a discussion if Emo gear is good or not. My question is, what would be best, to get two UPA-1 monoblocks, or a single XPA-2 to power up a pair of LSi9?

Another question I have: Is it possible to connect the pc line output directly to a power amp, or do I need a preamp. I know a preamp basically outputs line level to feed the power amp, so a pc out is line level, am I correct?

Many thanks

What's the rest of your gear? What's your source?

[TNRabbit]

So many options....

[F1nut]

So many options....

Seriously.

[Toolfan66]

seriously.

lol ..

[dfledezma]

At the moment my main source is my macbook pro. I know is not the best source and no matter how good the equipment is if I play a crapy source, I will get crappy soun, but I will get something better and dedicated later. I might get a DAC to use the optical output from my mac, or maybe a logitech squeezebox.

About cables, I think I´ll go with signalcable.

I was thinking also in getting a smaller but complete setup, for instance LSi7, UPA-2, USP-1 and a decent CDP. But I think I want to start something a bit bigger but don´t have the money for a complete setup. What I don´t want is to replace my gear soon. So I can get the amps and speakers now and later add the other components.

Or, if you think I´m completely wrong, please put me in the correct direction, I´m new to this.

thanks

[MANSKITO]

Yes you can use line level from computer's sound card. As to the sound card in the mac that is pretty much as bad as it gets for a source. It's not actually even a sound card just motherboard sound. But as long as you understand that and your not expecting worlds of wonder when it comes to sound then by all means buy your amps it will work fine. Just like you sad look into a good external USB sound card(because its a laptop) and a DAC. Also a pre-amp never really hurt any ones sound from what i have seen on this forum.

I'm not sure but i m guessing because you have a mac, your using Itunes when it comes to a source, thats generally another weak point as most of the time your limited to at best 320kbs Mp3or there proprietary format at best. If you can try and get some lossless compression or just use .wav files.

But as to your question mono blocks or stereo generally mono blocks have a little higher QC and a little more care put into them vs multi channel amps how ever when you buying from the same brand and roughly the same price range I don't think it will matter that much just buy which ever will give you the most power.

[Face]

Optical out-DAC-Preamp-Amp

or

Optical out-DAC- Integrated Amp

I wouldn't use a computer sound card as a DAC. And especially wouldn't use it was a preamp/volume control directly into an amp. I would be too paranoid about the amp receiving a full signal and possibly blowing out my speakers.

Check this out: Peachtree Nova
You would still need an external amp for your LSi9's though.

[xcapri79]

Hi everyone.

I´m closer to finally put together a two channel system. For a starter, I want to get Emotiva stuff.

I don´t want to get into a discussion if Emo gear is good or not. My question is, what would be best, to get two UPA-1 monoblocks, or a single XPA-2 to power up a pair of LSi9?

Another question I have: Is it possible to connect the pc line output directly to a power amp, or do I need a preamp. I know a preamp basically outputs line level to feed the power amp, so a pc out is line level, am I correct?

Many thanks

The XPA-2 is a better amp compared with two UPA-1's.

[danz1906]

I would go for the Mono-Bloc.

[98Badger]

I did the computer output directly into my amps for a short time. I use a PC instead of a mac, so I can't give any valid input on how to adjust the setting on yours. If you do it, make sure you adjust all your sound settings. As Face mentioned, there is a danger of damaging your speakers if you aren't careful. Until I changed my settings, the startup sounds were uncomfortably loud if I had my amps on before I started the computer. I also use Winamp for playing my audio media. The volume control was very touchy and I was concerned someone not familiar with my system would accidently crank the volume to damaging levels. I use an external DAC to a dedicated preamp for the extra piece of mind.

As for the which amp question, go with the XPA-2. The XPA has bigger transformers and more capacitance.

[sTiLlLeArNiNg]

I would skip Emo altogether and find something better, either used or new. If you have "big" speaker's or one's that are hard to drive a monoblock may be the best choice, if you have the cash that is. Otherwise a quality 2ch amp will work just fine :)

I think it depend's on the soundcard if you can feed directly to an amp or not, i'm not 100% sure but it wont cost much to find out as a 3.5 > RCA adapter/connector is relatively inexpensive :o

[nooshinjohn]

Why the change from this...

Good "bang for buck" product's, work extremely well with Polk's.

My a9's sounded good running off my AVR (same as your's), sounded better when i added an xpa5, and sound even much better since adding a pair of xpa1's! :D

a6 for center duty is the way to go IMHO, match's beautifully with the a9's.

xpa5 for the front soundstage would be interesting. Use 4ch's for the a9's and the final ch for the a6 :) I would say that it would sound good, most likely better than the xpa3 alone.

To this....

I would skip Emo altogether and find something better, either used or new. If you have "big" speaker's or one's that are hard to drive a monoblock may be the best choice, if you have the cash that is. Otherwise a quality 2ch amp will work just fine

Care to explain? Inquiring minds would like to know...

To the OP... Emo makes decent entry level gear by all accounts. Just enjoy the Music.

[sTiLlLeArNiNg]

Why the change from this.... To this... .Care to explain? Inquiring minds would like to know...

I will elaborate some time in the next couple of day's

[nooshinjohn]

I will elaborate some time in the next couple of day's

you are seriously on crack, aren't you...

You have done a complete reversal on yourself. How about giving us the short version. Did they ban you over there?

[sTiLlLeArNiNg]

you are seriously on crack, aren't you...

You have done a complete reversal on yourself. How about giving us the short version. Did they ban you over there?

LOL I'm DEFINATELY NOT on crack, but i know someone who might be! lol

I didn't get banned, check my username if ya like as i use the same handle over there as i do here. They sound "OK" but Emotiva suck's.

That's the short version :)

Remember i NEVER claimed Emotiva to be the "be all, end all" so don't get yourself all misconstrued ;)

[dfledezma]

thanks again for all the suggestions

But know I´m more confused...so many options.

I was thinking in getting the XPA2 and use my Denon AVR790 as pre-pro using zone 2 and the external amp. Do you think it will made a big difference than getting for example the emotiva USP1 as pre?

In this way I can get a decent CDP instead of the preamp.

What do you think?

[NotaSuv]

LOL I'm DEFINATELY NOT on crack, but i know someone who might be! lol

I didn't get banned, check my username if ya like as i use the same handle over there as i do here. They sound "OK" but Emotiva suck's.

That's the short version :)

Remember i NEVER claimed Emotiva to be the "be all, end all" so don't get yourself all misconstrued ;)

Why is this person still here????????

Really????

Needs to be out on the ocean trolling for fish and not here stirring the pot.....

[F1nut]

What do you think?

Since it appears that you don't have really good source, I would suggest you start there. Garbage in, garbage out.

[dfledezma]

Since it appears that you don't have really good source, I would suggest you start there. Garbage in, garbage out.

Thats why I'm considering this option,I think a good source will be better as starter and then i can get a dedicated preamp.

Any suggestions for a good entry level CDP?

[F1nut]

No, I mean forget the amp for now, put your money into a really good source.

[concealer404]

I will elaborate some time in the next couple of day's

Send me a PM when that happens, i want to see this. :p


Nevermind, can't wait. Sending you a PM.

[Ranger0912]

I'm using my Mac Mini as a source for my Logitech Transporter (in another room) and couldn't be happier. A lot has to do with the quality level you're ripping at and, naturally, how much storage you have. Don't give up on digital since it will play a huge role in the future.

[F1nut]

I'm using my Mac Mini as a source for my Logitech Transporter (in another room) and couldn't be happier. A lot has to do with the quality level you're ripping at and, naturally, how much storage you have. Don't give up on digital since it will play a huge role in the future.

Did you post this in the wrong section?