Emotiva vs. Integra, Sony ES, Marantz, Denon

[Audiophilehi]

How does Emotiva stack up against Integra, Sony ES, Marantz, Denon, and Onkyo overall?

In a previous post I was trying to compare the B&K reference 70 and the Integra DHC-9.9.

Now looking at the Emotiva amps and pre/pro.

So many choices.

Thanks

[crazyBLUE]

I just bought A emotiva UPA-7 ! had onkyo 606 & changed that out for YAMMY 663 for it's pre-outs . Would have bought emotiva - UMC-1 but thats taking forever to get here (could'nt wait !!!) IMO-- it's like I just bought A system that is 10 times better just from that emotiva purchase

[red_5ive]

I've auditioned all those brands except for Integra amps, and IMO only the Marantz 8002 came the closest to separates. Not even the Yamaha and Denon Flagship AVRs I've owned sound as clean as my Emo amps, especially with 2 channel music. You should really be comparing Emo gear to other separates.

[Ben]

I'll have a review of some Emotiva gear up on the site in the next month or so.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by Ben

I'll have a review of some Emotiva gear up on the site in the next month or so.

Cool. I'd guess you'd already have some gear in your possession? Can I ask which?

[Ben]

Nothing yet, but I should be receiving their soon to be released new processor, the UMC-1, and the XPA-5.

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by Ben

Nothing yet, but I should be receiving their soon to be released new processor, the UMC-1, and the XPA-5.

Cool. I'm on the UMC-1 preorder list. I'm waiting patiently.

[Ben]

It is bound to be a killer product. How do you like your LPA-1?

[red_5ive]

Originally Posted by Ben

It is bound to be a killer product. How do you like your LPA-1?

Like anyone shopping for an amp, I was interested in Emo due to all the positive reviews, but naturally I was skeptical because of the pricing compared to other separates. Nevertheless, I was completely surprised and blown away by it. So much so that I bought a 2nd LPA to biamp. It is unquestionably the most significant performance improvement that I've added to my setup. I admit that's more to do with the simple fact that I've added separate/dedicated amplification, but it still speaks volumes of the quality Emo is able to deliver at their price point.

Even coming from a $3k AVR that I initially had my first LPA connected to, the AVR was no comparison running solo. The LPA provided a much more open sound stage, better separation/detail/imaging, richer yet tighter bass, highs were smoother and no longer harsh, and best of all I REALLY heard the aerogel midrange drivers on my speakers for the first time. The LPA IMO is easily in the same class as other entry level separates I've auditioned at 4 times the price.

[Audiophilehi]

Thanks so much for the replies!

[Intamin]

I'd say the emotiva will be the best bang for the buck eventually, but I would give them time to get all the bugs worked out first. I know when their first processor was released it had quite a few bugs and took around 6 months to a year to get that all sorted out. Given that it is a smaller company, I would personally wait on the emotiva until there have been quite a few units made and sold and people can report back on them.

[nezff]

I dont see how sony even can compare to anything from emotiva

[coolmilo]

If you are going for a good but not top of the line AMP, why don't you add Rotel, Sunfire, and wyred4sound to the mix? These are all upgrades to your list and I bet they are all close in price.

[sheedoe]

So far I'm loving all specs of the UMC-1, except I'm not familiar with the Automatic Emo-Q multi-channel calibration. I wonder how it will hold up against the popular audyssey mulitiEQ and audyssey DynamicEQ.

[Opips2]

I can't wait to see your reviewer about Emotiva 7 Channel Audio
Power Amplifier.
who can afford it that cheap price?

Other Separates Amplifier Power, Rotel and Outlaw are not bad price.
Outlaw audio cost $1000 to $4000
Rotel cost $1200 to $3400

[hagar852]

Originally Posted by nezff

I dont see how sony even can compare to anything from emotiva

cant see how onkyo can either. I can make empty statements too

[sokrman14]

Originally Posted by Audiophilehi

How does Emotiva stack up against Integra, Sony ES, Marantz, Denon, and Onkyo overall?

In a previous post I was trying to compare the B&K reference 70 and the Integra DHC-9.9.

Now looking at the Emotiva amps and pre/pro.

So many choices.

Thanks

Onkyo, although good for their prices, is the lowest end of them all. I am not personally a fan of any Sony audio, including their ES. Marantz is better than Denon for audio, although I would give Denon the upper hand on video. And I would compare Integra with Denon. Emotiva would fit in that Denon/Integra spot for me. If you can afford B&K, I would stick with it. They are superior to all of the brands you mentioned. I am actually interested in that same B&K reference 70 as well.

[primaz]

Originally Posted by sokrman14

Onkyo, although good for their prices, is the lowest end of them all. I am not personally a fan of any Sony audio, including their ES. Marantz is better than Denon for audio, although I would give Denon the upper hand on video. And I would compare Integra with Denon. Emotiva would fit in that Denon/Integra spot for me. If you can afford B&K, I would stick with it. They are superior to all of the brands you mentioned. I am actually interested in that same B&K reference 70 as well.

I like my B & K but think going direct to Outlaw Audio with their new Outlaw Audio 997 I might get a better processor and save some money in the process.

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/997.html

The 997 has superb audio performance, Trinnov Optimizer, video section designed around Silicon Optix’s Reon circuitry, multiple HDMI 1.3a and component video inputs, an XM-Ready tuner, multi-room capability, with a a low price of $1399!!

[sokrman14]

I have looked at that as well, but I am still not convinced that the outlaw, although amazing for their price, will outshine the B&K. A lot of what goes into the price are those amazing convenience features and ease of use features. I convinced a friend of mine to purchase an outlaw receiver, and although it sounds good, it was the most difficult receiver that I have ever installed (which is quite a few). The menu was not easy to navigate, there was a cheesy/poor on screen display, etc. I just feel those are some things that I would rather pay for. I do understand that outlaw is internet direct, cutting out a chunk of change, but I try to remember that when I justify price-to-performance.

[Uberbot]

I've had some decent experience with Onkyo, Denon and Sony. I am currently running my fronts through an Emotiva MPA-3 and the rest of my 7.2 system through an Onkyo 805. The Emotiva made a huge difference in SQ on my LSi's. For the first time in a while I stay up late on my couch and listen to music. I like the Emotiva enough that I am prepping to purchase their MPA-5 for the rest of my speakers.

With Emotiva you are getting excellent quality both in sound and construction at an excellent price.