tragusa3

This is an older thread, but I'll revive it and stress how important Indy's comments are with this system (just in case anyone is researching with the search function ) I ran the 650's for a month or so with a mid level Denon3300. It sounded really good, but had clipping issues at higher dynamic requests. Added an Emotiva XPA5 and it transformed them into world class home theater! Do not underestimate the value of a good amp on these speakers. PS: I get a kick out of it everytime I read the OP's comment of tough times.....from a guy with the whole THX U2 package.

I knew a guy named PooPoo Boudreaux back in school. He hated his name. When he was old enough he went down to the courthouse and put in an application for a name change. He was surprised at how tough it was to change a name and said it was a stack of papers 3 inches high! In the end though....he got it changed. He's quite happy now as PooPoo Thibadeaux! By the way, I'm from Lousiana. Plaquemines Parish. Welcome to the forum. And keep your Heresies!

I'm sure you're right...don't know what I was thinking. [*-)] Still, I would describe my improvements as slightly higher than "moderate".

Didn't realize that was available....I'm sure that would push it past DM and TR! Can't bring myself to buy another Eagles concert though....I've bought like 4 of them already. LOL

I've enjoyed HFO for many years...then got Melbourne and enjoy it even moreso! However, as many others have said, I recently picked up Dave Mathews and Tim Reynolds at Radio City (on bluray) and it tops both the Eagles discs as an audio demo. Never cared for DM before this, but I'm a new fan now! It's good to see new people continue to discover HFO. Youthman, it takes me back to the excitement I had when I first listened to it. Although, it wasn't on a system as nice as yours.

Thanks for the thorough review Alex! Based On my experience, I would say you are pretty accurate. Although, in my case, I think the KL650's have a bit tougher impedence dip than your 7's. Therefore, at reference volumes my improvement was more than "moderate".

Very much a personal choice. My first row is 12' from a 14' wide scope screen. More than half of our visitors prefer the front row to the middle and rear. Don't let the calculators and rules of thumb choose for you. Experiment.

I was using a Denon3300 to run my KL650's and had clipping issues often. Added an XPA-5 and haven't looked back. Effortlessly play at reference volume with no concerns of clipping.

youthman, did you see the XPA-3 for sale over at AVS classifieds?

Roger, this Emotiva amp is likely the best value purchase I've ever made in electronics. Sorry for the tease. I just didn't feel like going downstairs to take the photos at the time. Got it now. Probably early spring will have the funds saved up to start doing the finishes. Paint, fabrics, carpet, granite bar top......it never ends.

Been running with the Emotiva now for about 2 weeks. Night and Day difference! [] I simply could not ask for anything more out of these speakers. The receiver was clearly being tasked beyond its abilities. Room construction has really come a ways since my last posting as well. All the soffits are now built and the ceiling is sheetrocked! Got all my lights in as well. I'll have to post a new photo when I get a chance to take some.

I just got my XPA-5 a week ago, and have it powering the THX ULTRA2'S . You will have no reasonable need for an upgrade. My head explodes long before the limits of the system. I'm listening to concert DVD's at an average 105db from 20' away in a 5000cf space!!! And it's super clean and effortless. You can get it for bragging rights, but that would be the only logical reason. If that's logical!

I don't remember how much I documented on this thread, but I have been wanting more out of my KL650's since I got them. Pretty sure my receiver (AVR3300) was just not able to perform at the levels I desired. It wasn't so much a "volume" issue, as it is an "authority" and "dynamics" issue. I've calibrated with an SPL and am in fact getting dynamic peaks around 104db. But they just don't happen with the visceral nature I'd like. I've ordered an Emotiva XPA-5 and it should be here on Monday. I'm hoping this helps out, but am fully aware that it may, in fact, not. I'll report my findings after a few days of toying around.

Hey Michael, I've got an XPA5 scheduled to show up at my house Monday! Remember, I'm running the KL650's across the front. I'm hoping to accomplish all the things you listed above. They sound great with my Denon, but I can tell they don't have the authority to live up to all the "over the top" reviews. I'm hoping the amp does that for me!?!

Have an XPA5 on its way!

Viggnesh, you have a fun thread to read! The excitement of choosing and purchasing is a big part of the package, and I can tell you have enthusiasm about it! I just bought the THX U2 front three about two months ago. I'm very pleased and can't wait to get all the other parts of the system. I'm looking forward to detailed impressions and photos of the room. Don't abandon us! Best wishes, Tony

Joe, thanks for your thorough response. I definetely have a processor in my future, if for no other reason than I am missing out on the newer BluRay formats. My Denon is 10 year old technology and about 50% less powerful than yours. So I don't think I will have the same success that you did in using the receiver for amplification. My immediate concern is the safety of my speakers, and if the sounds I've been hearing are in fact "clipping", then I want to address it asap. By the way, my room is 30'x17.5'x9'ht. So 4700cf. Quite large.

Realizing the price of the XPA2 and the XPA5, for another $100 just get two XPA5's and bi-amp the front three?

I've got the THX Ultra2 system with 3 KL650's across the front. I've had them for a little more than a month now running them with my old Denon3300 (105w/5 channels). Although the system sounds really sweet, I must admit it is not living up to some of the rave reviews that I'd read online. In fact, when playing at reference, I notice that the mids get muddy if not downright "splatty". How confident is everyone that power is my issue? I was considering a used MPS2, but am now thinking of doing it a less expensive way with an XPA5 for now and add an XPA2 a year or two from now. Seems like the latter option is preferred by most anyway. I understand that us "nutty" home theater geeks can appreciate the difference in going with an outboard amp, but the true test is whether or not my wife will say, "OH WOW!". If I don't get that sort of response from her then it makes future purchases tougher. So what do you think?

JB, thanks for the extra info. It gives me more confidence in the K120's.

You are right...I'll need to adjust my way of thinking. I just watched my first movie with some guests over, and realized quickly that the volumes were "crazy" loud. I couldn't keep guests in the room at anywhere close to where I was playing it.

jb, did you run 650's for awhile without subs? or with undersized subs? and what did you add, the K120's? a single or a pair? I believe you're right, that the sub is where a large portion of the dynamics come from. I'm just crossing my fingers that I will be impressed. tony

Yes Chris, your K120 is going to work just fine....hahaha I have my 650's hooked up now, and I'm finding that, although it sounds fantastic, I am wanting for more power. It's all a matter of expectations though. It sounds good enough to amaze most anyone, but I'm not most anyone. Hope your Onkyo pleases you in this regard.

Wanted to add ..... I expected it, but am still surprised that the receiver isn't enough. All the talk of efficiency had me believing that they would be so easy on the amps. Again, they would be plenty for 9 out of 10 people with the receiver, but if you truely want to live up to the "unbelievable" description then you have got to have lots of power. Things I've read on the forum, but now I'm understanding first hand.

Thanks Youthman. I'll keep them to 700 wide. dtel, it is reassuring to know that I'm on my way to "unbelievable". For now, it's impressive, but doesn't live up to that big of a word. I knew two things going in. I would need the whole system of speakers and I would not "need", but want to move up to more powerful seperates. I'm thinking the receiver is doing well enough that I can get by with it for a little bit anyway. Now the sub is a different story. I want more sub just as soon as I can swing it.