onawav

Update: I decided to grab an Emotiva XPA-2 during their holiday sale. Put in an order in early December. Unfortunately, it was out of stock at the time. So the wait began. After a long wait, I finally got the XPA-2 in yesterday. Everything seemed to go smooth and work properly. I didn’t really have time to be listening critically last night, but as I gave it a quick test I soon found myself too involved to leave! The XPA-2 is clearly much more robust than the amps in the Onkyo 809. The biggest difference I noted was in bass reproduction. The Onkyo couldn’t seem to get the woofers in the Klipsch RF-7IIs to really come alive.. no problem with the XPA-2, though. It sounded as if a subwoofer had been added in the mix even though I was in 2-channel “pure audio” mode that does not include the subwoofer. The RF-7IIs seemed a bit more nimble and responsive under the control of the XPA-2. Altogether, it was a noticeable and pleasant change. I look forward to getting more time in front of the speakers and working through some more music for reference.

Well.. I can't say that, I suppose. I've only listened to the from my listening position and in that position have never heard a hum/hiss.

I also have the 809 and RF-7IIs and I haven't noticed any audible hiss.

Debating getting an XPA-2 for Emotiva's holiday sale (when back in stock). I'd appreciate any feedback on the specific pairing of XPA-2 and RF-7II.

If you're getting them new, they'll ship just fine. Well packaged and on a pallet. If you're getting them local, they'll just be shipped to wherever local is, anyway. (Unless local is Hope, AR). If you're getting them used, but the original owner has all the original packaging it shouldn't be a problem either.

Did you end up picking up an amp? I'd like to pick up an XPA-2 with the Emotiva Holiday Sale (when back in stock). I'd pair it to my RF-7IIs. My only concern is that the XPA-2 has a high gain structure (32db) and the RF-7IIs are so efficient. I've heard you run the risk of creating a hissing sound when pairing such a high-gain amp with such high-efficiency speakers. Thoughts?

Anyone know a place to get Fleetwood Mac's Rumours SACD affordably? The best price I've seen is a steep $40.

Thanks StephenM! That is great information. Very insightful and helpful.

I just saw this while searching around on Amazon. I didn't realize it was on SACD. Will have to pick that one up, for sure!

Completely agree! As a side gig, I DJ parties and weddings and my living room also houses my DJ gear for practice. Through used of my Yorkville LS801P (18" 1500 watt sub), I've identified and eliminated plenty of rattles. Still have some room reflection I'd like to tame, though.

Yes, I did re-run Audyssey after I installed the new speakers. I like stereo, too, but I feel the Pure Audio mode is best for critically listening to the RF-7IIs only. The added subwoofer of stereo is nice. I'm playing with all the listening modes. There are so many I'm not yet sure which I prefer.

I sit 10' from the speakers. With the calibrated Onkyo, a volume of 70 is about an loud as I'm comfortable listening at. In terms of something lacking, I'll need to listen more to gain a better feel, but I'd say a bit more bass response would be welcomed. Ultimately, after making a substantial purchase on the speakers, I want to ensure I'm providing a sufficient power source to get all I deserve out of them.

I finally got the RF-7 IIs in yesterday and got them hooked up. My Onkyo TX-NR809 is rated for 135 wpc while driving two channels. I have the RF-7IIs bi-amped so four of the 809's channels are devoted to the RF-7s. I couldn't tell you if bi-amping is helpful, but j figured it couldnt hurt. So far, I can say I really don't have any concern about volume. It gets plenty loud for my needs without even being turned up very high. It's mostly about the "quality of watt" versus the SPLs that makes me interested in amplification. I know many would say the that tubes produce what I'm looking for, but budgetarily that would not be a viable option. I suppose the tubes produce a higher "average power"? The only reason I'm considering 300 watts is to ensure that it has the headroom to produce anything it needs at reasonable volumes. Btw, although the Onkyo units tend to be criticized for being "non-musical", when the "Pure Audio" mode is used, it has a very clean, neutral sound. Some of the other modes that are equalized can be a bit more harsh at times.

Yeah, great feedback folks. Inspired me to start looking at some vintage options. I'm not opposed to doing a little work on a table anyway, so maybe I can find something that only needs a little work.

Good responces, all. I agree that I probably won't be feeding them 300 watts often/ever, but felt that the extra headroom might help to ensure a clean signal and power reserve for the impedence dips I keep hearing the RF-7s like to do. And I do have room treatments in the plan. I have about an 800 sq ft capet-floored room with cathedral ceilings. It opens into a dining room and hallway. It is almost square, which I understand can also present some sound problems. We plan to add some heavy drapes for the windows and a couple acoustic panels in strategic places to help slow reflection and echo.

My point was if $100 was the budget and he couldn't test the table, buying a table from the 70s that may require new parts or maintenence may mean well exceeding the budget before the unit even works. Edit: Of course, a new $100 turntable that sounds like crap also doesn't meet the goal, even if it meets the budget.

So, let's say you have a budget of $100 and want to test out vinyl. I wonder if you might not be better off just grabbing a consumer entry-level Sony or Pioneer or something new. At least that way you know you'll start with a cart/needle in working condition and you can get enough of a taste to know if you'd like to dip your foot further in the water? BTW, I'm debating going this way myself. At least I know I'll have a working table and if I upgrade, this could be used in another room or something.

As is my modus operadi, when I get into an interest, I want to gobble up as much knowledge as possible about the topic, spent goofy amounts of cash, and then kinda cool off on it a bit. Well, my mind is all on home audio right now. Do ya'll have any recommendations on good podcasts on home audio, critical music listening or home theater? I love the podcast format to play while I'm working. I've checked out "Home Theater Geeks" on the TWiT network and found that to be really cool, but figured y'all may have some other recommendations.

I should be getting my RF-7 IIs delivered within the next few days. Quite exciting. You can read my system in my sig. Onkyo TX-NR809 AVR, an old Klipsch RC-25 center and some Klipsch Synergies that will pull surround duty. Anyway, I'm trying to build the system to have two faces: a decent HT and a quality 2-channel system. I anticipate adding an amplifier in the coming months to provide dedicated power and richness to the RF-7 IIs. I like what I've heard about Emotiva and I like their value proposition. I think the XPA-3 and XPA-2 are both great looking amps I'm considering adding to my system. If I selected the XPA-2, I would have a dedicated 300 watts to each of the mains, but the center would still have to run off the AVR. It could provide the most benefit to 2-channel listening. If I went with the XPA-3, I could dedicate 200 watts to each of my LCR speakers and save around $100 over the XPA-2 and provide extra benefits to multi-channel listening. What difference would that extra 100 makes to normal (slightly below reference) listening volumes? Would I be missing out on any dynamics or bass while listening in 2-channel?

I'll be interested to hear what people say as I'm in a similar position myself. I'd like to get a turnable, but since I only have maybe 15 records and don't know how many I'll buy in the future, investing $100s seems potentially wasteful. Folks tend to recommend things like the Pro-Ject Debut III at around $380 as a great "entry-level" turntable with nice sound, but at nearly $400, that's quite a commitment! There are quite a few at the $100-$150 price point, but I have no idea which are viable or useless! I'll be tuned in too!

I need to add Jeff Beck's "Blow by Blow" to my must-buy list. Surely there are some other SACD fans out there? What are you listening to?

The Onkyo TX-NR809 arrived yesterday and I set it up with my old speakers. It is clearly on a different level than my old entry-level Sony AVR. The clarity and power were substatial. I look forward to getting the RF-7 IIs next week and seeing what it can do with those.

A couple up to add to my collection are: Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Fleetwood Mac - Rumors (I can't seem to find "Rumors" other than stupid-pricey Japanese exports. Any thoughts?) Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms Steely Dan - Gaucho Death Cab for Cutie - Transatlaticism Can - Tago Mago Jeff Beck - Blow by Blow

I personally love the sound and richness of SACDs. I do wish they were more popular so more would be released. What are your favorite SACD recommendations? A couple of my favorites are Miles Davis - Live-Evil and Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon.

Thanks. I built the HT furniture by hand, so I could build a new one. It's just that this one has only been in service for a couple months! I wasn't able to find anything that got my 65" Panasonic plasma up where I wanted it and also hold my components. In my next revision I'll clearly need to add more space for the speaker and probably add another shelf for additional gear. The RF-7 IIs will be fine anyway for 2-channel listening even if they are loafing along in HT useage for now. At least until I can upgrade the funiture/center.