B&K 200.5 or Emotiva XPA-5

[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 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.