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Emotiva XPA-5 vs. Parasound A51?

I can get a brand new Emotiva XPA-5 for $850, OR, I can get a used Parasound A51 (without warranty) for $2,200.

Without listening to these amps, I am having a very hard time justifying paying almost 3x more for the used Parasound that just offers 50 watts of additional power per channel, which I frankly don't think I need.

Powering B&W 804s as the main speakers. Upgrading to a B&W center channel, and thinking about using Emotiva for the in-ceiling surrounds.

Will spend time 50/50 for music / movies.

Thanks.
aman4kr4
zstokes
116 posts
 
My old system - JM Labs Chorus 716 mains, Chorus CC and surrounds - were all run from an Emo UPA-5 (200x5 into 8ohms). My speakers are a bit more sensitive than the B&Ws, but the Emo made them come to life.

I don't think you have anything to lose by trying Emotiva, and I think you may be pleased.
runnin
397 posts
 
I've had amps from both companies and concur with the superior midrange/highs detail. Also, the Parasound doesn't have the glare or harsh highs at upper volumes that the Emotiva did with my speakers, I actually got repeatable sibilance.

If the 804's are a forward sounding speaker, and I've heard some B&W products are, it might be a bad mix. Only one way to be sure, but be aware that if you want to return the Emotiva you will lose the shipping costs of a 100 or so.
aman4kr4 OP
25 posts
 
Thanks guys. I decided it spend 2.5x more and get the parasound. It's an investment in high quality gear that will last for a long time.

Emotiva is just too new, focused on competing on price and not quality, plus I've heard their components have had longevity issues.

Thanks again for the commentary.
runnin
397 posts
 
Glad to help out, let us know your impressions on the new amp.
bifwynne
2,069 posts
 
Aman, let me be a spoiler of sorts. There's currently an A'gon auction running for a pair of Paradigm Tributes. The current bid is around $3K+, but the reserve has not been met.

I heard the Tributes last year at a dealer while comparing an A'gon favorite brand (X). The Tributes were being driven by an ARC VS-115 tube amp and sounded SPECTACULAR! They cleaned the floor up with brand X. IMO of course.

I own the Paradigm S8s (v3) and think the Tributes sound almost as good as the S8s. Check Paradigm's web site for a review of the Tributes. I generally agree with the reviewer's comments and observations based on my experiences with the S8s and comparing the Tributes with brand X.

This is a gorgeous++ looking and sounding speaker. Sure wish there were more B&M stores that carried a lot of different speaker brands. Buying expensive gear is a tough job.

Anyway, sorry to shift the discussion, but maybe other members will weigh in with some helpful observations about the Tributes and the Paradigm's Signature line.

Good luck.

Bruce
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