B&K 200.5 or Emotiva XPA-5

[JohnBarleycorn]

Hey guys the header says it all. I recently upgraded my front speakers to the Klipsch VF-36's and have moved my VF-35's to my surrounds. I think its a little much to ask my pioneer to power everything so I am looking at getting an amp for the 5.1 portion of my system.

I can get the B&K on clearance for $1300 or the XPA-5 for $799 from Emotiva direct. Obviously the Emotiva is cheaper but I'm curious how it compares from a performance stand point. I would obviously like to spend less money but i don't want to make a compromise on quality and that seems to be a really rockin deal on the B&K.

As always your help and insight is appreciated!

[D_M]

I have not seen better build quality or sound quality than the Emo gear at any price. Go fo it.

[cembros]

forget emo, get the b&k they make some amazing stuff, and thats an awesome price there is no question in my opinion

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by d_m1010

I have not seen better build quality or sound quality than the Emo gear at any price. Go fo it.

Then you haven't looked at many amps...

Originally Posted by cembros

forget emo, get the b&k they make some amazing stuff, and thats an awesome price there is no question in my opinion

I agree 100%..... I'm looking at Emotivas for a good budget solution.... but they don't hold a candle to B&K

[blarneyrubble]

I have never had an emotiva in my hand but the B&k's are seriously solid(and beautiful) and I personally like that they are made in the USA. Does anybody know where the emotivas are made?

[SammyG]

My vote goes to the B&K, I've heard it with Klipsch speakers and it sounded great. I have not heard the Emotiva, so I can't say anything about it. Klipsch pairs well with most amps, so whatever you decide it's gonna be a win-win situation.

[SammyG]

Originally Posted by blarneyrubble

I have never had an emotiva in my hand but the B&k's are seriously solid(and beautiful) and I personally like that they are made in the USA. Does anybody know where the emotivas are made?

I believe they are made in China, they're corporate office is in Tennesee.

[blarneyrubble]

Originally Posted by SammyG

I believe they are made in China, they're corporate office is in Tennesee.

Thought so.

[Drew664]

Does anyone know if when you are only using 2 channels on a 5 channel amp, does the wattage always increase (on the channels being used) or is that just unique to the Emotiva designs?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by Drew664

Does anyone know if when you are only using 2 channels on a 5 channel amp, does the wattage always increase (on the channels being used) or is that just unique to the Emotiva designs?

Drew,

I think that it has to do with the design of the amp. I know in the case of my older upgraded Krell KAV-250a/3 if 2 of the 3 channels are used nothing in the instruction manual indicates that there is more power available to the 2 channels that are being used.

Rich

[KingDeezie]

IMHO, I personally feel that, bigger changes in sound come from sources and even more so from preamps, processors, etc, etc; especially when we are talking about 2-channel audio reproduction.

While it is true that amplifiers can absolutely change the sound, I believe the more noticeable differences come as you move up the chain. In the end, especially when talking about SS amplifiers below the 3K range, I don't feel as if there is much variety in the quality of sound; and as long as quality parts are used, they should perform similarly.

That is not to say that the B&K is not a better amplifier, however, considering its almost twice the price as the Emotiva and you are using it for HT through a Pioneer receiver; I can't say for sure that side by side you could tell the difference.

If, for some reason you would consider getting into more critical two channel applications, its POSSIBLE that the difference might be worth it; but, in the end, if this were the case, you would likely upgrade to something better anyhow. Being an audiophile, and chasing performance for critical listening becomes an awful sickness .

Its my recommendation that you might try the Emotiva and see how you feel about it; and then, perhaps use the 600-700 dollars you saved to buy any necessary accessories, like room treatment, which, IMO, would equate to more of an upgrade in sound then the difference between the Emotiva and the B&K.

[JasonR]

Originally Posted by KingDeezie

IMHO, I personally feel that, bigger changes in sound come from sources and even more so from preamps, processors, etc, etc; especially when we are talking about 2-channel audio reproduction.

While it is true that amplifiers can absolutely change the sound, I believe the more noticeable differences come as you move up the chain. In the end, especially when talking about SS amplifiers below the 3K range, I don't feel as if there is much variety in the quality of sound; and as long as quality parts are used, they should perform similarly.

That is not to say that the B&K is not a better amplifier, however, considering its almost twice the price as the Emotiva and you are using it for HT through a Pioneer receiver; I can't say for sure that side by side you could tell the difference.

If, for some reason you would consider upgrading your speakers and getting into more critical two channel applications, its POSSIBLE that the difference might be worth it; but, in the end, if this were the case, you would likely upgrade to something better anyhow. Being an audiophile, and chasing performance for critical listening becomes an awful sickness .

Its my recommendation that you might try the Emotiva and see how you feel about it; and then, perhaps use the 600-700 dollars you saved to buy any necessary accessories, like room treatment, which, IMO, would equate to more of an upgrade in sound then the difference between the Emotiva and the B&K.

I would also like to hear from someone that owns or has heard both?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I would also like to hear from someone that owns or has heard both?

Jason,

Unfortunately I suspect that those people will be few and far between.

Rich

[Animo]

Originally Posted by d_m1010

I have not seen better build quality or sound quality than the Emo gear at any price. Go fo it.

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Then you haven't looked at many amps...

Whether or not he has looked at many amps has no bearing on his opinion. I have been in this game since the early 70's. I have heard more brands, and types of amps than I can bother to count. Some good. Some great. And some were outright crap. The point is, price has no real relation to the quality of a component. I have heard everything from Dynaco DIYs to Boulder. Bedini to Threshold. Bryston, Krell, M Levinson, Parasound, Carver, Phase Linear, and yes Emotiva. In fact I own an XPA-2 and an XPA-5. I wouldn't say that Emotiva has better build or sound quality than anything at ANY price. But I will say that it is probably better than anything in it's price range and probably more than twice it's price. There have been many a $2000 or $3000 amp that I would rate an Emotiva better than, but that is my opinion, and just like buttholes, everyone has one.

Originally Posted by cembros

forget emo, get the b&k they make some amazing stuff, and thats an awesome price there is no question in my opinion

Again, see my remark regarding personal opinion. Actually, even at $1300, I would still buy the Emotiva. I don't think anyone will be able to tell the difference for double the money, and actual retail for the B&K is more like $2000. Don't get me wrong, I am not knocking B&K one bit, In fact, I love the fact that they are made in the USA. I'm just saying that for the price, I doubt you can tell the difference, all other things being equal. I know I couldn't.

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I agree 100%..... I'm looking at Emotivas for a good budget solution.... but they don't hold a candle to B&K

Have you listened to either of these amps? As I mentioned above, I don't think anything in the Emotiva price range, and possibly up to 3 times it's price range, will have a significant detectable difference that warrants paying that much extra money. I think they are also a great budget solution, but they actually do hold their own when compared to many of the BIG $$$$$$ competition.....including B&K.

[Animo]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I would also like to hear from someone that owns or has heard both?

Check my post above.
My final recommendation for anyone, is to not take personal opinions as fact, but to actually try to demo any and all equipment in your personal listening environment , if at all possible. Emotiva offers a 30 day in home trial period. So do other ID companies. If possible to get the Emo and the B&K together in your own home, that would be the best way to make a decision.

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by Animo

Check my post above.
My final recommendation for anyone, is to not take personal opinions as fact, but to actually try to demo any and all equipment in your personal listening environment , if at all possible. Emotiva offers a 30 day in home trial period. So do other ID companies. If possible to get the Emo and the B&K together in your own home, that would be the best way to make a decision.

Animo,

I love your oldie gear, Congratulations on your new avatar.

I used that Avatar about a year ago because I thought it fits the Big Daddy name. A few people objected to it because they said it freaks them out so I changed it.

[Animo]

Originally Posted by Big Daddy

Animo,

I love your oldie gear, Congratulations on your new avatar.

I used that Avatar about a year ago because I thought it fits the Big Daddy name. A few people objected to it because they said it freaks them out so I changed it.

I use that avatar on just about every forum I belong to , just for that exact reason. If you check my avatar at the Emotiva lounge, you will see, it's an animated gif. Too bad I wasn't allowed to use that here. I was looking for the vintage thread and can't find it. Send me a PM with the link instead of us hijacking this thread.

[D_M]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Then you haven't looked at many amps...

Then we will have to agree to disagree Beta Man, I have been around high-end equipment my entire life.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Jason,

Unfortunately I suspect that those people will be few and far between.

Rich

I listened to the Emotiva recently connected to the B&W 703's (my old 703's as a matter of fact) and also listened to them prior to buying them at the shop with a B&K, and Carver amp...... The Carver was the clear cut winner here, but well outside of my price range.

I listened to all of them in a 2-channel, although the B&K was a 3 or 5 channel amp.... I can't recall which.

[Johk]

I'm not touching that one with a ten foot pole...

Wish we were all in the same room with multiples amps to compare... But then again we could still arrive at different conclusions.

By the way, you seem to have a pretty good deal on the B&K.