@1618 Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 Hey guys I recently purchased a Marantz av8003 preamp (used) to power Klipsch klf30's for fronts and a klf c-7 center, a Velodyne sub and some Klipsch rears. My question is which power amp would sound better, the Marantz mm8077 150wpc, or the Emotiva xpa-5 with 200wpc? Would the Marantz match better with the av8003 because of the same make or the Emotiva because of it's 200wpc? The Marantz is $1299 (refurbished) and the Emotiva $999 new. Thanks for any help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 (edited) ... Edited May 11, 2014 by Schu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 I can't answer your question directly but I use the Emotiva XPA-5 with my Marantz AV-8801 pre/pro and had it with my now defunct Onkyo PR-SC5507 with Belles and like it just fine in HT mode. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappydue Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 Xpa-5 gen 2 allllll day! All channels driven. Is the marantz 150 with all driven? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 My question is which power amp would sound better, the Marantz mm8077 150wpc, or the Emotiva xpa-5 with 200wpc? The Emo is clearly more powerful but does it sound better? Only your ears can honestly answer that question. Would the Marantz match better with the av8003 because of the same make or the Emotiva because of it's 200wpc? Visually, the Marantz will "match" better. Synergy wise, only way to know is test and decide. If you wanted to drive an all Heritage HT setup, then I would definitely go with the Marantz. With that said, the Emo most likely will drive your KLF system better(more bass drive, better detail) but will it sound better, I can't say without testing. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
derrickdj1 Posted May 11, 2014 Share Posted May 11, 2014 Not a lot of difference going from 150 to 200 watts with efficient speakers. I have not looked up the Marantz but, is it 150 watts, all channels driven? This will be important for HT more tha music. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted May 12, 2014 Moderators Share Posted May 12, 2014 I've owned a Parasound HCA2205a (220 x 5), a B&K 200.5 (200 x 5) and now a Sherbourn 72100a (200 x 7) and to my ears, I'm not sure I could tell a difference between the three. If it were me, I would opt for the Emotiva XPA-5 since it is cheaper, it's been known as a great amp with very good build quality and it has more power. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A1UC Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 (edited) nevermind Edited May 12, 2014 by A1UC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willland Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 Emotiva Sucks Sorry I would not put it that way but I was not too impressed with the UPA-2 that I owned briefly. I demoed it head to head with an Acurus A150 and IMO, the Acurus won hands down. Now the XPA-5 G1 and G2 are different animals that can hold their own pretty well against more expensive competitors. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scrappydue Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 nevermindwow really? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Youthman Posted May 12, 2014 Moderators Share Posted May 12, 2014 We all have our own opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChuckAb3 Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 My experience with Marantz is that it will provide better sound quality with Klipsch than most alternatives. I've used Marantz integrateds with 2 ch Klipsch systems and currently use Marantz separates (7055 and 7005) in my all KLF home theater. The sound quality is fantastic. I don't have a personal basis for comparrison, but I've seen many comments on Emo over time and most of the praise seems to be with regard to price and power, not sound quality. My choices came down to Marantz and Emo at upgrade time and sound quality (based on prior experience) with a Marantz/Klipsch combination drove my decision. Oh yeah, Marantz (at least my power amp) is all channels driven. I have plenty of headroom. Again, I don't have personal experience with Emo but I don't regret my decision at all based on the results i've gotten. Good luck and cheers to all !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHASLS2 Posted May 13, 2014 Share Posted May 13, 2014 Emotiva Sucks Sorry I would not put it that way but I was not too impressed with the UPA-2 that I owned briefly. I demoed it head to head with an Acurus A150 and IMO, the Acurus won hands down. Now the XPA-5 G1 and G2 are different animals that can hold their own pretty well against more expensive competitors. Bill Both of the Acurus amps i got from you have been great with my Paradigm Signature 2's. Seems the Acurus just keeps on going and going and stays cool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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