• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Emotiva XPS-1: the next great budget phono stage?

rolltide said:
I just switched the XPS-1 over to my Technics 1200MK2/Audio Technica OC9/ii,
Click to expand...

I'd be interested in where you come to rest for settings with the AT cart. I've got the same cart in a Rega P5 and was running through the options today, but haven't found a setting I like the best.
 
dcmfan said:
I'd be interested in where you come to rest for settings with the AT cart. I've got the same cart in a Rega P5 and was running through the options today, but haven't found a setting I like the best.
Click to expand...

I've always run it at 100ohms everywhere I've used it.
 
Many people think the devil is in the details and the wall warts. The SN of MM: > 96 dB MC: > 79 dB seems to be very decent. A 60Hz hum can drive one to drink and is the bane if any external PS. I speak from experience.

I too wonder how it compares to the Hagerman Bugle 2.

The Bugle 2 has an external PS, (I think it's also a wall wart or switching PS) and uses Burr Brown OPA2134 Op amps. I'm wondering what op amps the XPS 1 uses (assuming it uses op amps).

Thanks for your great and insightful review.

Michael
 
MudSlideSlim said:
Many people think the devil is in the details and the wall warts. The SN of MM: > 96 dB MC: > 79 dB seems to be very decent. A 60Hz hum can drive one to drink and is the bane if any external PS. I speak from experience.

I too wonder how it compares to the Hagerman Bugle 2.

The Bugle 2 has an external PS, (I think it's also a wall wart or switching PS) and uses Burr Brown OPA2134 Op amps. I'm wondering what op amps the XPS 1 uses (assuming it uses op amps).

Thanks for your great and insightful review.

Michael
Click to expand...

From the product photos looks like two LT (linear technology) opamps. Can't tell which ones though.
 
I have a battery for my artdj and will see if it is compatible... and compare it to the wall wart when the Emotiva arrives.
 
Today I received my shipping confirmation so it should arrive Thursday. It's a good thing I bought this little guy...I just mounted up a Dynavector 10x5 and I am a little underwhelmed...its nice but not much better then the DL-110 it replaced. Then after some reading I found out the 10x5 prefers 1K ohms to a "stock" 47K ohms of MM stages so this should be interesting ;)
 
Last edited:
Wow this is cheap enough to play with. Might pull the trigger on one and blow the dust off my 1200. Wonder how it would compare to the phono section of my Pio SX-737?
 
Very cool and thanks for this review.I do own on a Clearaudio Maestro V2 with Clearaudio Nano.I just purchased the
XPS-1 Phono Preamp.Will compare the two and report back after breakin.Sounds exciting.The Loading capacitance: is 100 pF
for Maestro so I will try that I suppose.


You've just purchased this


1x XPS-1 Phono Preamp - XPS-1
 
Pio

Should work fine with cartridges in output equal to the DL-301 or AT-OC9. I am using the DL-301 Mk II at 60db gain with the passive Wyred preamp.
 
I need to ask,

Being new to phono preamps, is there a reason some/most small preamps have the inputs and outputs (and sometimes controls) on opposite ends of the unit?
I`m guessing manufacturing efficiency/budget concerns?

Cable routing is a challenge for this.

I just ordered a XPS-1, but for setting this on my display, I sure wish the functions were at one end, and the inputs & outputs were at the other.
 
AudioCzar said:
I need to ask,

Being new to phono preamps, is there a reason some/most small preamps have the inputs and outputs (and sometimes controls) on opposite ends of the unit?
I`m guessing manufacturing efficiency/budget concerns?

Cable routing is a challenge for this.

I just ordered a XPS-1, but for setting this on my display, I sure wish the functions were at one end, and the inputs & outputs were at the other.
Click to expand...

Usually due to board layout and concurrent sensible configuration in the smallest-possible package. There is no reason it can't be done on the same side with board sideways relative to the terminals. The Cambridge Audio phono stage boards are configured to bring the terminals on the same side.
 
Last edited:
The XPS-1 is the same phono pre used in either the X series or the Pro and Reference series, cannot remember which. Emotiva has always been about bringing high quality products to their customers without the high price.

Keep watching Emotiva this year. They will be introducing a new turntable that will be made in the US, and I believe it will be made in TN.
 
4Play said:
The XPS-1 is the same phono pre used in either the X series or the Pro and Reference series, cannot remember which. Emotiva has always been about bringing high quality products to their customers without the high price.

Keep watching Emotiva this year. They will be introducing a new turntable that will be made in the US, and I believe it will be made in TN.
Click to expand...

Now that`s F`n cool.................
 
4Play said:
The XPS-1 is the same phono pre used in either the X series or the Pro and Reference series, cannot remember which. Emotiva has always been about bringing high quality products to their customers without the high price.

Keep watching Emotiva this year. They will be introducing a new turntable that will be made in the US, and I believe it will be made in TN.
Click to expand...

I seen the prototype turntable at Emofest, it looked and sounded nice.

EmotivaTT9-2013_zpsc4ec94fe.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom