Emotiva

**bwinders** · **04-23-08, 09:12 AM**

Not trying to be a fanboy for Emotiva but has anyone in the audioworld really looking at them as a serious contender in the realm of pre/pro and amps? I have to say I have been impressed so far with this company right now they are able to keep prices low, offer great customer service and kranking out products that not only meet today's ht/music demands but tomorrows as well. Most budget friendly company I have dealt with to date!

**lcaillo** · **04-23-08, 11:59 AM**

Do you own any of their equipment or are you looking seriously at a particular piece?

**nova** · **04-23-08, 12:38 PM**

I'd also like to know how they stack up. Seem to have a pretty big internet following, but ...???

I've really been considering the XPA-2 myself.

**bwinders** · **04-24-08, 09:07 AM**

I was very skeptical at 1st but realized that I am not a fan of all the flashy advertising, middle man, and low quality mass-produced gear you SOMETIMES get. So I decided to pull the trigger on the lpa-1 to see what the fuss is all about.
It really makes me angry to compare this amps performance per dollar to the rest of my system equipment. I realize everyone has to get paid and that's not a problem but I always feel I'm getting ripped off by at least half of the total cost of the product in regards to performance.
As you know, unless you are not the average joe its possible for you to go the separates route and pay $5000 for an amp but for me this was a no brainer.
I know of a thread where someone spilled a coke down in their amp and emotiva replaced it for free! Where have you ever heard of that happening!!!!!
Sorry to for the rant

but I just believe this company actually is on the customer's side for a change.

**superchad** · **04-25-08, 10:05 PM**

Emotiva is the Walmart of Home Theater selling what seems to be a decent value for a fair price and is made in China which pays little money and keeps cost down. The real test is time so lets see what happens in 5 years to see how the gear holds up but for now I am not going to gamble. Many hate China and its products and also hate Walmart for its relationship with China but I am not one of them, if I can get a good product at a fair price that is safe and reliable I am all in no matter where it is made but HT and Audio gear is alot different than buying a file cabinet or pair of Shoes. Time after time it is proven over and over that here is always some issue that comes up with products from China so I need more time to decide for myself if its all it touts itself to be.

**Sonnie** · **04-26-08, 12:07 AM**

Emotiva has been around now for about 5 years and their products have faired very well thus far. I have been very impressed with their offerings. I don't think they have too many issue or unhappy customers. Their service and support has also been excellent. I recommend giving them consideration. If I had room for separates, I would probably own the UMC-1 (when available) and the XPA-5.

**SteveB** · **04-26-08, 12:23 AM**

I bought a LPA-1 a few months ago and am completely satisfied. Good clean sound, seems to be made like a tank and priced well.As I understand it they own a portion of the factory in China and the owner goes there periodically to check on things. It's not like they just farm out the work to China, they have a vested interest in it being done correctly. Hey, they give you a 30 day money back guarantee, how could you go wrong? These guys remind me of the Oppo and Hsu companies.
I have a UMC-1 on pre-order so I can hopefully get in on the first shipment.

**jr1414** · **04-26-08, 06:55 AM**

As an emotiva owner, I can assure you that you can't go wrong with Emotiva. They are building superior quality products. You really need to see/hear them for yourself, I promise you you will be impressed.

As with most things sound related, whether you like the sound is completely subjective. But there will be no doubt regarding build quality and the quality of the components. For the record, I find my LMC-1/LPA-1 combo to be very transparent, not apparently adding to or subtracting from the sound at all. I'm most impressed with the pinpoint imaging and tight, controlled sound these produce. My soundstage seemed to get both deeper and much, much wider.

I recently upgraded the amp to the IPS-1 (purchased used) and all the same qualities were there with a bit more revealing detail. On a good recording you can hear the singer's breath and you can hear the wood in a wood instrument and the brass in the horns. It's that good where it can transcend the media and put a band right there in YOUR room!!!

With a 30 day trial, you've got nothing to lose. Give them a try! If you're local to Westchester County, NY I'd be happy to let anyone come and have a listen.

**Steve.** · **05-01-08, 11:40 PM**

Quote:

superchad wrote:

Emotiva is the Walmart of Home Theater selling what seems to be a decent value for a fair price and is made in China which pays little money and keeps cost down. The real test is time so lets see what happens in 5 years to see how the gear holds up but for now I am not going to gamble. Many hate China and its products and also hate Walmart for its relationship with China but I am not one of them, if I can get a good product at a fair price that is safe and reliable I am all in no matter where it is made but HT and Audio gear is alot different than buying a file cabinet or pair of Shoes. Time after time it is proven over and over that here is always some issue that comes up with products from China so I need more time to decide for myself if its all it touts itself to be.

That's a little harsh don't you think ? Not the best analogy since ALL internet direct companies manufacture most if not all of their products in China or elsewhere in Asia. Some companies like AV123 and Emo do own a stake and have a vested interest in operations and manufacturing while others are simply the "middle man" for lack of a better word and have a large OEM make their product. The only exceptions are some smaller subwoofer companies that do virtually everything in house. My friend owns an IPS 1 and I've had it in my system. It's a great amp for the money and while it would never replace my core 2 channel system the Emo gear is at the top of my list when I make use of my pre-amp's Theater Bypass mode in the near future. My entire system is made in the US or Canada but that comes at a premium, the Emo gear is excellent for the money and I wouldn't hesitate integrating their receivers or pre-pros in my system to expand to 5.1.

**superchad** · **05-02-08, 12:52 AM**

I said it looked like a decent value at a fair price so that doesnt sound harsh to me.....that is what Wallmart is famous for..... for the most part decent products at a fair price.

**Brian Bennett** · **05-20-08, 10:58 AM**

I own the MMC-1 preamp/processor and the XPA-5.
If you stuck a "Krell" label on the front your guest HT enthusiast would be excited about the "new line".

They are audiophile components, not Circuit City stock. My XPA-5 AB Amp weighs ca 70lbs (if mass is a quality measure), has milled Al chasis components and very clean layout. The 200 WPC x 5 rating speaks for itself. I find the sound is top notch and the their prices speak for themselves. I encourage anyone shopping for 2 channel or HT components to have a looksee. I will likely buy their 2 channel amp for another system. The MMC-1 is intuitive to setup and operate, also has milled Al chasis components, and is very flexible. Even the included remote which is built like a tank has milled Al components. Looking under the hood they did not skimp on circuit components. The DSP when active is a bit noisy. For all but the most critical listening this is a non-issue. There is a very transparent direct signal 2 channel mode which I really like. The 2 channel amp has received great reviews but I have not seen one in person. The switches feel solid and the i/o terminals are what you would expect from the best.

As far as the China issue, all the big IC Fabs are within their borders or moving there. When another country surfaces with lower labor, it will all move there.

As soon as I have the time, I hope to post a review with pics.

**jr1414** · **05-20-08, 11:20 AM**

When you can find Emotiva gear at Walmart, let me know....

In all seriousness, how many of us were at one time hung up on the "more expensive = better" belief system. After trying many, many thousands of dollars worth of equipment in my system, I've come to the realization that all audio gear needs to be heard in YOUR room, will all of YOUR associated equipment. So much is dependant on synergy between the components from the source all the way to the speakers. Not to mention that sound is a very subjective thing. What sounds good to me might sound horrible to you and vice versa. And I've been pleasantly surprised to find , from time to time, that it wasn't always the most expensive equipment that sounded the best to me.

What I look for in equipment is equipment that sounds like "the real thing". The closer something sounds to the original (pianos sound like real pianos, horns sound like real horns, percussion sounds and feels like percussion, vocals sound like humans), the better for me.

I suggest before you comment on a manufacturer or their products, you actually see, touch and hear them for yourself. Otherwise you are speaking from a lack of information, and purely on speculation. It's generalizations like these that make a person seem uneducated and leads to inflamatory exchanges.

In the case of Emotiva, I'd say they perform (for me, at least) at a level that far exceeds their price point. But I suggest that anyone interested in their gear or a competitors gear try the equipment in their home, in thier setup without any influence from peers, salespeople, etc. to determine what sounds best to your ears.

Ultimately, we're in this hobby for our own pleasure, so try/buy what sounds best to YOU and fits your budget.

**David Forbes** · **05-27-08, 09:29 AM**

Aren't they working on a new processor to replace/enhance the MMC-1 processor? Right now I'm leaning toward an Integra DTC-9.8, but if Emotiva comes out with something in the next few months that decodes all of the advances codecs, provides video upscaling, and is as good as their other products from a quality and competitive standpoint, I'd definitely be interested.

**Brian Bennett** · **05-27-08, 10:44 AM**

There is a new processor , they are expecting to release oa new unit this summer. The MMC-1 has the option to upload new firmare via serial port so I am not sure that the ever-changing tide of new codecs is too big of a concern. The new processor will have he 1.3 HDMI which handles the sound as well as the picture. I don't have any other details. I have the 40% buy back option with my MMC-1 so this may be an option if I feel the need, though I doubt I will. I prefer direct access buttons, but the next prep/pro appears it will have less of these. I run RCA and Digi so the the 1.3 HDMI sound doesn't factor into my needs. I have read that 1.3 has an improved color management, but don't know the details.

B

**David Forbes** · **05-27-08, 12:41 PM**

Thanks, Brian. I'm not buying until the summer at least (need to finish the basement first), so I'll definitely be checking this out.

Dave

**superchad** · **05-27-08, 01:00 PM**

it has been pushed back to fall now, a friend called them and I think he said they are behind schedule with some chip for it so that could mean just this side of Christmas.....so far.

**SteveB** · **05-27-08, 11:09 PM**

I don't think they have a date set yet. This is the last thing Dan said about delivery on their forum.

Honestly, we're getting closer. Our biggest concern is built around the fact that the chips may be somewhat different than what we expected, and that we will need to compensate for that. 'Compensating' could mean a lot of things, and we are just hesitant to make any promises until the real deal is in our hands and we know for sure.

The UMC-1 is coming. It's a real thing. The XMC-1, too. It's taking much longer than anyone dreamed, but when it's all said and done, you'll all be gloriously happy watching and listening with your new gear.

It's that much more important to us, too.

I have one on preorder so I hope it's not too long.

**intelonetwo** · **06-03-08, 11:17 PM**

I've owned the LMC-1/LPA-1 combo in the past. It was a nice combo, sure the LMC-1 had it's problems functionaly, but you learned to work around them. Would I recommend them to someone, HECK YES. The LPA-1 is hands down the best deal in audio (for an amplifier) at $499.

**xcapri79** · **06-07-08, 06:13 PM**

Quote:

intelonetwo wrote:

I've owned the LMC-1/LPA-1 combo in the past. It was a nice combo, sure the LMC-1 had it's problems functionaly, but you learned to work around them. Would I recommend them to someone, HECK YES. The LPA-1 is hands down the best deal in audio (for an amplifier) at $499.

I researched the market and I agree with that assessment. I'm expecting to receive the LPA-1 on Monday to power my Polk Audio LSi system. I'll let you know how it sounds next week.

**intelonetwo** · **06-07-08, 06:33 PM**

Sweet. Good to hear. Good luck with the LPA-1. The only deal I know of better than the LPA is going to be one of those Samsung, Panasonic, Teac, Sony, etc, etc, digital receivers with 7 channels of amplification. Where you can use all the channels as a power to your receiver or processor.

**xcapri79** · **06-07-08, 07:42 PM**

Quote:

intelonetwo wrote:

Sweet. Good to hear. Good luck with the LPA-1. The only deal I know of better than the LPA is going to be one of those Samsung, Panasonic, Teac, Sony, etc, etc, digital receivers with 7 channels of amplification. Where you can use all the channels as a power to your receiver or processor.

From a total technology point of view, I think that the modern receivers receivers you mentioned are great deals but in terms of low distortion amplification I haven't seen them rated for 4 ohm speakers, and rated as high as the amps are for all channels at once.

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