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In Reply to: RE: REVIEW: Emotiva XSP-1 Gen 2 Preamplifier (HT) posted by rkeman on January 18, 2016 at 18:46:10
matched with an XPA-5 amplifier. Like you, I would also say my combination offers great value for the money. I've used this combo for several years.
On the other hand, I tend to dismiss reviews with "Product Weaknesses - none". That suggests you think this unit offers perfect sound reproduction as compared with the very best.
Sorry, but it does not. Nor could the XPA-200 nor your sources ever be able to reveal such.
Follow Ups:
The review is actually of the Emotiva XSP-1 Gen 2 preamplifier and not the UMC-200 preamplifier/processor. The XSP-1 recently replaced a UMC-200 in a bedroom system used predominantly by one of my sons. He has a fairly large collection of vinyl and the XSP-1 offers a good phono preamplifier with both moving magnet and moving coil options. It was on sale over the holidays ($800) and seemed like an ideal gift. The review was motivated by the pleasantly surprising level of performance displayed by the XSP-1 following its installation. The already low noise floor of the system entirely vanished and the phono section was clearly a significant improvement over the previous UMC-200 ($700 when available) and external phono preamplifier ($500 at retail). The difference in clarity and ease was of a magnitude worthy of recognition here. The weeks since then have only reinforced my initial impressions.
Every product has potential downsides. It could be too large or heavy for some, have unsuitable cosmetics, cost too much, etc... The review describes the Emotiva XSP-1 as "very, very good" and it is difficult to find significant fault with it. Perhaps "weaknesses" could be found under different testing conditions. If there is another current preamplifier offering similar features and better performance near the cost of the XSP-1, please enlighten this forum.
The review is actually of the Emotiva XSP-1 Gen 2 preamplifier
Understood. There are, however, more similarities than differences.
the XSP-1 offers a good phono preamplifier with both moving magnet and moving coil options.
I have no doubt that the unit is good. That is what I would expect. To what have you compared it other than another Emotiva unit?
If there is another current preamplifier offering similar features and better performance near the cost of the XSP-1, please enlighten this forum.
I would likely prefer a used Audio Research unit like the one I recently retired for music playback than one that is op amp based.
Perhaps it is a matter of perspective having been around my audio reviewer friends. I tend to judge components against what is available on the market. Do I find that my $9000 preamp is without any weaknesses? No. I can think of at least half a dozen units, albeit pricey ones, that provide a better soundstage and are able to disappear better with superior transparency. I would make the same observation about most all my components.
With merely a "good for the money" approach, one might say that the $30 Dayton Audio T-amp has no *weaknesses*. I purchased one for my sister-in-law driving Radio Shack Minimus 7s for her computer.
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