Emotiva USP-1 or Marantz SR-4023 or HK 3490 - Blu-ray Forum

Emotiva · 12-21-2011, 08:47 PM

Hey Everybody,

I am very confused and need some help as soon as possible

I ordered Emotiva's ERC-2 cdp and should get it next week.
But I don't know if I should order the USP-1 Stereo preamp or get the Marantz SR-4023 or Harman Kardon 3490 as a preamp.

I want to get the UPA-1 mono blocks next spring.
I heard many people say that the preamp from Emotiva is wimpy.
I love their power amps and will get a pair soon but I want to keep my music pure and warm.

I need advice before next Tuesday because I have to make up my mind on what to get, USP-1 or the Marantz or HK stereo receiver with pre outs.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank You and Merry Christmas

Emo

callas01 · 12-25-2011, 04:42 AM

Is this system gonna power the Def Techs you have? Are you needing a HT bypass?

When you say that the preamp is weak, what are you referring to? Cause this doesn't have any binding posts to power any speakers, so you would be forced to use amps with it, when will you be getting the amps?

Emotiva · 12-26-2011, 03:26 PM

Hey,

Well I know this is a pre-amp and I will need the amps with it to use it, but I heard that the pre-amp is not the best you can buy.
I would be using the emotive setup with the Martin Logan Preface speakers.
I am planning on getting a pair of the UPA-1's with this preamp

I did hear from many sources that the Harman Kardon I was looking it at is not worth it at all even at very low prices because Harman Kardon is not as great as it used to be in the 1990's

callas01 · 12-26-2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emotiva

Hey,

Well I know this is a pre-amp and I will need the amps with it to use it, but I heard that the pre-amp is not the best you can buy.
I would be using the emotive setup with the Martin Logan Preface speakers.
I am planning on getting a pair of the UPA-1's with this preamp

I did hear from many sources that the Harman Kardon I was looking it at is not worth it at all even at very low prices because Harman Kardon is not as great as it used to be in the 1990's

IDK about the HKs.

is this solely for music? or does it have to integrate into your HT also????

Emotiva · 12-26-2011, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

IDK about the HKs.

is this solely for music? or does it have to integrate into your HT also????

This is for Music only and the only thing hooked up would be the Martin Logan Preface and REL T3 Subwoofer, plus ERC-2 CD Player and Marantz DV-7001 SACD/DVD Player

callas01 · 12-26-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Emotiva

This is for Music only and the only thing hooked up would be the Martin Logan Preface and REL T3 Subwoofer, plus ERC-2 CD Player and Marantz DV-7001 SACD/DVD Player

Id suggest that you get an Integrated Amp. There are some nice ones on audiogon, new and used.

Im going to guess that you are just going to use this for music, so I would highly suggest that you look at an Integrated Amp.

http://show.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/st....Generubinaudio
That Exposure IA got great reviews. And it has plenty of power to push those speakers. I know a few guys on here have heard it and said its one of the best IAs theyve heard at the price point.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....th-3m-of-naca5

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....Integrated-amp

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....Integrated-Amp

All of these are basically the same as you would spend on the usp/upa combo.

Emotiva · 12-26-2011, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by callas01

Id suggest that you get an Integrated Amp. There are some nice ones on audiogon, new and used.

Im going to guess that you are just going to use this for music, so I would highly suggest that you look at an Integrated Amp.

http://show.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/st....Generubinaudio
That Exposure IA got great reviews. And it has plenty of power to push those speakers. I know a few guys on here have heard it and said its one of the best IAs theyve heard at the price point.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....th-3m-of-naca5

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....Integrated-amp

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....Integrated-Amp

All of these are basically the same as you would spend on the usp/upa combo.

I am using an Integrated Amp right now.

Its the Dussun DS99 which is 100 Watts in 8ohm, and 150 Watts in 4ohm.
I need to replace it because it is getting old, and it blew a few fuses since last year. It is about 8 years old now.
I need to save my money and spend around $1000 to $1500 on an Integrated Amp.

I was thinking the Emotiva would be good enough, but as far as Music goes I need something more detailed and powerful at the same time, like my Dussun.

I had a feeling that separates from Emotiva would not give me what I want to hear. I hope the ERC-2 cdp is a good one, but we will have to wait and see.
I also believe the Emotiva amps and stuff are more for Home Theater and not Music.

FreakyFraser · 01-17-2012, 05:48 PM

The USP-1 has some great reviews/write-ups to be found on the net. I'll be getting one shortly for my music listening (Vinyl/Cassette/CD).

My 2 cents.....

MrFattBill · 01-17-2012, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreakyFraser

The USP-1 has some great reviews/write-ups to be found on the net. I'll be getting one shortly for my music listening (Vinyl/Cassette/CD).

My 2 cents.....

I'm looking forward to checking out the one my buddy bought...as soon as he puts his room back together, lol.

Bill

12-21-2011, 08:47 PM	#1
Emotiva Member Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Southern California Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray collection:294 Blu-ray reviews:4	Emotiva USP-1 or Marantz SR-4023 or HK 3490 Hey Everybody, I am very confused and need some help as soon as possible I ordered Emotiva's ERC-2 cdp and should get it next week. But I don't know if I should order the USP-1 Stereo preamp or get the Marantz SR-4023 or Harman Kardon 3490 as a preamp. I want to get the UPA-1 mono blocks next spring. I heard many people say that the preamp from Emotiva is wimpy. I love their power amps and will get a pair soon but I want to keep my music pure and warm. I need advice before next Tuesday because I have to make up my mind on what to get, USP-1 or the Marantz or HK stereo receiver with pre outs. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank You and Merry Christmas Emo

12-26-2011, 03:26 PM	#3
Emotiva Member Member since:Dec 2009 Location:Southern California Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray collection:294 Blu-ray reviews:4	Would be getting the amps in March Hey, Well I know this is a pre-amp and I will need the amps with it to use it, but I heard that the pre-amp is not the best you can buy. I would be using the emotive setup with the Martin Logan Preface speakers. I am planning on getting a pair of the UPA-1's with this preamp I did hear from many sources that the Harman Kardon I was looking it at is not worth it at all even at very low prices because Harman Kardon is not as great as it used to be in the 1990's

12-25-2011, 04:42 AM	#2
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	Is this system gonna power the Def Techs you have? Are you needing a HT bypass? When you say that the preamp is weak, what are you referring to? Cause this doesn't have any binding posts to power any speakers, so you would be forced to use amps with it, when will you be getting the amps?

01-17-2012, 05:48 PM	#8
FreakyFraser Active Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Feb 2009 Location:Ottawa, Ontario Home Theater Gallery:24 4K collection:28 Blu-ray collection:200	The USP-1 has some great reviews/write-ups to be found on the net. I'll be getting one shortly for my music listening (Vinyl/Cassette/CD). My 2 cents.....

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