AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Cheap and Cheerful HiFi => Topic started by: witchdoctor on 27 Feb 2019, 07:01 pm
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The Powergate integrated amp can be connected to your system via RCA inputs, digital optical inputs, USB, bluetooth or via an app that runs on your network. The network can be connected via wireless or ethernet.
I am using this amp in my desktop system in a 2.1 setup with Boston Acoustics Soundware speakers and ASW250 sub.
BTW, it also has a headphone input and a remote control. The remote not only lets you select a source but has a volume control for both the speakers AND the sub! First time I have had a volume on the remote for the sub and it is a handy feature. The retail for this amp is $499 and I scored it for $150 on Amazon.
I find the amp is very powerful and extends a wall to wall soundstage in my small office space. My previous office system was separates from the Parasound Z components, a Zpre, Zdac and a Zamp.
The Dac in the Powergate is a notch better than the Zdac (Zdac id $500 MSRP by itself). The Zdac sounds great but the Powergate just presnets music in a very analog fashion. Everything sounds like you are in the studio listening to musicians in a live space, not behind the glass looking through a window. In a blind test it would sound more like a turntable than a DAC to my ears.
The amp is rated as a class D but sounds very,very open. More like a tube amp in the midrange and treble and a solid state amp in the bass.
The $150 price is beyond reasonable as the amp bested my Parasound separates which collectively are about $1200 MSRP. The Z compoents sound GREAT until you hear the Powergate. Then I just have 0 desire to change back.
The Powergate is part of the DTS-Playfi ecosystem and the app lets you play any file on your network and stream from pretty much any service out there. The OS is excellent compared to the Bluos system I have also tried.
HIGHLY recommended. Here is a video of the powergate:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ksk1e6lXAU
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This cheap equipment gets better and better. Many audiophiles are missing out because they think good sound costs megabucks.
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BTW, the amp does run a little hot so I have it sitting on this fan which is plugged into the USB port on the back of the amp. I have it on the lowest setting, can't hear it at all, and keeps the amp ice cold.
Fan link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G05A2MU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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This cheap equipment gets better and better. Many audiophiles are missing out because they think good sound costs megabucks.
:oops:, I know, you can count me as one of them. I wouldn't call my previous $1200 desktop system mega bucks, but it is almost 9 times more expensive than the powergate, takes up 3 times as much space, is not networked, has no sub out feature, no bluetooth and no phono input. What can you do? This is what happens when you apply Moores Law to audio.
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Thanks! I've been looking at little amps for my desktop, this looks like a nice all-in-one unit.
I had a Teac AI-D301 a couple of years ago in my home system. That was a great unit but I sold it without thinking that I could have used it at my desk. This Powergate is quite a bit cheaper.
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Thanks! I've been looking at little amps for my desktop, this looks like a nice all-in-one unit.
I had a Teac AI-D301 a couple of years ago in my home system. That was a great unit but I sold it without thinking that I could have used it at my desk. This Powergate is quite a bit cheaper.
Another nice feaure for a desktop is it has an ethernet in and out. You plug one ethernet cable into the amp then run one from the amp to your PC, all connected.
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Does it offer music through Tune-in radio streaming services?
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Does it offer music through Tune-in radio streaming services?
Here is a link to the play-fi list of services:
https://play-fi.com/music-services/
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If I were building a system today I would start by buying this amp and taking the rest of my budget for speakers.
I would NOT recommend separate components when you could take that budget and go nuts with speakers. If you ever needed more power this amp has pre-outs for the L-R channels so you can always add another poweramp.
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It says Tune-in is only available on play fi enabled onkyo and pioneer devices. Thats why I asked. My Bluesound does Tune-in and I can't get by without it
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It says Tune-in is only available on play fi enabled onkyo and pioneer devices. Thats why I asked. My Bluesound does Tune-in and I can't get by without it
I will try it later today on the powergate and confirm it works, NP.
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It says Tune-in is only available on play fi enabled onkyo and pioneer devices. Thats why I asked. My Bluesound does Tune-in and I can't get by without it
Same here. My current favorite station at the moment is ABC Jazz Radio.
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Does it offer music through Tune-in radio streaming services?
Does not have Tunein. BTW I have no affiliation with Klispch or DTS, I'm just a customer.
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Nuts. Sounded like just what I needed
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If anyone else gets a Powergate and decides to post it would be interesting to hear more of how it performs in different setups. I am using it in a 2.1 setup and will compare with my JBL 230 monitors without a sub.
My Reference speakers are active so can't try the amp with them.
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Nuts. Sounded like just what I needed
You do get iheart radio with it.
For $29 (when on sale) you get tunein and iheart with the Amazon Echo Dot. You also get tunein witch Chromecast Audio if you can find one.
There may be some left here.
https://www.mobilefun.com/google-chromecast-audio-black-70476
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duplicate post
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Hey Witchdoctor, do you own an audiophile power cable? If so, buy one of these and you should hear an improvement in the sound of your amp.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IEC-320-C14-Male-to-C7-Female-Power-Adapter-Extension-Travel-Converter-L2J4/253985511006?epid=22026014457&hash=item3b22b7565e:g:ojEAAOSwWH1b75Si:rk:18:pf:0
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Hey Witchdoctor, do you own an audiophile power cable? If so, buy one of these and you should hear an improvement in the sound of your amp.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/IEC-320-C14-Male-to-C7-Female-Power-Adapter-Extension-Travel-Converter-L2J4/253985511006?epid=22026014457&hash=item3b22b7565e:g:ojEAAOSwWH1b75Si:rk:18:pf:0
Thanks, great tip. I can take the Signal Cable power cord I was previously using on my DAC and now use it on the Powergate, great idea, thanks.
I tried the Powergate in the Man Cave tonight with my JBL 230 monitors which go low enough that they don't really need a sub for music. I really like this amp, very musical and articulate. When you listen, musical instruments really sound like individual instruments, particularly drums and bass. I find drums can kind of get lost in the bass sometimes, with this amp each drum from a snare, to a floor tom to a kick drum really articulate each brush stroke, stick snap, or kick. Cymbals are crystal clear with the articulate reverberation instead of just a more typical splash. Voices are very natural, I can hear subtle intonations of singers I just never noticed before.
I wish I had a big set of difficult to drive full range speakers to put this amp through the paces but my bigger speakers are active.
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Hello Witchdoctor, thank you for your report about the Powergate,
I've been searching and searching to no avail, about the class D amp used on this amp. There is a review that shows the innards of the system, showing in detail the power section and the amp section, but I cannot locate the amp details.
https://i1.wp.com/blog.son-video.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Powergate-Generale-02.jpg?ssl=1
Do you have an idea of what type of amp is used? It should be a moderately decent chip, based on the $499 initial price tag.
Thank you for your help.
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Hello Witchdoctor, thank you for your report about the Powergate,
I've been searching and searching to no avail, about the class D amp used on this amp. There is a review that shows the innards of the system, showing in detail the power section and the amp section, but I cannot locate the amp details.
https://i1.wp.com/blog.son-video.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Powergate-Generale-02.jpg?ssl=1
Do you have an idea of what type of amp is used? It should be a moderately decent chip, based on the $499 initial price tag.
Thank you for your help.
''I did a little searching to see what we could learn about what class D technology they used; and it looks like the Powergate Max uses Hypex UCD-180 modules'' reddit audiophile forum
I'm guessing this is a possibility :scratch:
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That's the chip used on the Powergate Max. I doubt they used it on the Powergate. But if yes, then the Powergate is the steal of the year.
I also doubt that they used an ICE module, I don't see traces of it on the pic I linked.
I hope somebody can tell us.
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IDK the chip used,if I find out I'll post.
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IDK the chip used,if I find out I'll post.
Based on your comments and appreciation of the sound quality, the Powergate should have decent specs, specially for a $499 list product. The fact that they are selling the Powergate at $150 I suppose is because the problems and returns they probably had with the old firmware.
The same have happened with other products from defunct companies. I appreciate your comments and now I'm looking forward to buy one. If you have more comments about the sound quality, I'd appreciate if you can share them with us.
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Based on your comments and appreciation of the sound quality, the Powergate should have decent specs, specially for a $499 list product. The fact that they are selling the Powergate at $150 I suppose is because the problems and returns they probably had with the old firmware.
The same have happened with other products from defunct companies. I appreciate your comments and now I'm looking forward to buy one. If you have more comments about the sound quality, I'd appreciate if you can share them with us.
You are correct about the software, most reviews that are negative focus on the Play-Fi app. That app has been updated since the 2016 launch many times and works fine for me. I actually prefer it over Bluos, especially when you have multiple zones setup.
I got the Gate before the Powergate. It took me a while to put my finger on the sound signature but after a lot of comparison I think the best I could describe it is very analog like. Sometimes even very good digital equipment sounds slightly compressed, even equipment that upscales the signal. The gate just has a very, very open, uncompressed, natural SQ. In a nutshell you just don't want to stop listening, the SQ just pulls you in. My "light bulb" moment was wehen I deduced this is a "Klipsch" product (my first actually). Klipsch is all about old school "heritage" products, turn tables and there speakers are very "tube" friendly. That is when I figured out the Klipsch engineers must use vinyll as a standard to voice there digital products.
Next up was the Powergate. I have compared it to both of my desktop amps, the Parasound ZAmp v3 (50 WPC), the Paradigm PW Amp (also a DTS Play-Fi friendly product). I have also compared the DAC section to the Bluesound Node, the Paradigm PW Amp's DAC, and the Parasound ZDac. All of those products retail for around $500. The Powergate amp has a very wide soundstage, treats the midrange and high's very natural, no compression or hashy like brightness that I can hear. The BIG surprise was how it treats the bass. There is NO boominess, every drum hit sounds like a real drum, the stick snap, the brush stroke, the kick drum, the pluck of a bass. I have only heard that type of clear articulate bass on $$$ systems.
The remote allows you to have volume controls for both the speakers and the sub. You can connect multiple ways. It is SMALL and once I listen to it I just get sucked into the music (again). In your heart you know there is better SQ to be had (for more $$$), but the desire to pursue it just isn't there because the Powergate is so satisfying. Your brain is saying "this is only $150 amp so it must be for causal listening" your ears are saying "sweeeet, don't stop the music".
The Powergate also has the flexibilty to use an outboard DAC or turntable, you can use the L-R pre-outs to connect another amp (for another zone, bi-amping, or just something with more WPC).
So, I hope that helps, let me know if you have questions.
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I will be getting a PowerGate next week to power a set of Proac Studio 3’s. Same drivers as ATC scm 50’s. I will post my impressions once I spend some time with it.
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I will be getting a PowerGate next week to power a set of Proac Studio 3’s. Same drivers as ATC scm 50’s. I will post my impressions once I spend some time with it.
Thank you, I was wondering how it would sound with a bigger pair of speakers. :)
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Order the Powergate , Will arrive Monday , My uncle ordered one as well . Will report back
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Order the Powergate , Will arrive Monday , My uncle ordered one as well . Will report back
Have fun playing around with the various connections. Remember to download both the Klipsch Stream app AND the Utility app to do updates. Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Eok_GjgfZw
This video will get you up to speed on the Stream app after you do the updates:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqNTCHKiong
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I did an A/B comparison with the dac's of the Gate and Powergate using the Powergates RCA outs into my preamp. It was easy to stream to both units at the same time within the playfi app. I was able to toggle back and forth between both with my remote. Very little difference in the SQ of the dacs streaming Tidal from the app.
I also connected a Bluesound Node to the Powergate using the digital out from the Node to the digital in of the Powergate (the Gate lacks the digital in). The SQ was pretty much the same as streaming Tidal directly from the Powergate. I prefer the SQ of the Powergate to the Node, YMMV.
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My Powergate arrived Friday, within 36 hours of my order - nice.
I am using it at my desk, USB audio via PC with Foobar. Connection and playback was simple. Sound through the speakers is good, nothing spectacular, but more than adequate for the task. Difference between a 24/192 FLAC file and a 320 MP3 file is apparent, but not substantial.
The headphone playback on the unit is nothing special. Fortunately, the Powergate has a pre-out should I decide a separate headphone amp is necessary.
I've failed after an hour of attempts to get the Klipsch App on my Android phone to connect to the unit. Once in a while, it says it connects to the Play-Fi unit, but before I can get the Wi-Fi password entered, it loses the connection. That's happened 5-6 times. The phone will see it, but lose it before the next step. Frustrating. I'll try again later.
Pretty handy little unit. Not an audiophile product, but definitely a nice swiss army knife.
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My Powergate arrived Friday, within 36 hours of my order - nice.
I am using it at my desk, USB audio via PC with Foobar. Connection and playback was simple. Sound through the speakers is good, nothing spectacular, but more than adequate for the task. Difference between a 24/192 FLAC file and a 320 MP3 file is apparent, but not substantial.
The headphone playback on the unit is nothing special. Fortunately, the Powergate has a pre-out should I decide a separate headphone amp is necessary.
I've failed after an hour of attempts to get the Klipsch App on my Android phone to connect to the unit. Once in a while, it says it connects to the Play-Fi unit, but before I can get the Wi-Fi password entered, it loses the connection. That's happened 5-6 times. The phone will see it, but lose it before the next step. Frustrating. I'll try again later.
Pretty handy little unit. Not an audiophile product, but definitely a nice swiss army knife.
Try holding down the wifi button the back for around 8 seconds, the light needs to be pulsing slowly to connect.
Remember to get both the Klipsch stream app and the Utility app to run the firmware updates.
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I am using it at my desk, USB audio via PC with Foobar. Connection and playback was simple. Sound through the speakers is good, nothing spectacular, but more than adequate for the task. Difference between a 24/192 FLAC file and a 320 MP3 file is apparent, but not substantial.
Pretty handy little unit. Not an audiophile product, but definitely a nice swiss army knife.
For me, it is OK. For $150 USD you receive more features and maybe better sound and construction, than a SMSL AD18, at the same price.
I don't have much money to spend, so having an option on a product that differentiates from all the Topping, SMSL and Nubsound products at the same price is a bonus.
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Try holding down the wifi button the back for around 8 seconds, the light needs to be pulsing slowly to connect.
Remember to get both the Klipsch stream app and the Utility app to run the firmware updates.
Thanks, here's what I get....
Power on, hold down Wi-Fi Setup button for 8+ seconds (until I hear 2nd chime). App searches for device. Says 1 Play-Fi found. Click on Set-Up. Enter Wi-Fi password. Says attempting to connect. Says "completed Set-Up"...and then immediately goes into search for device mode again. Comes back with "Devices Not Found".
I have the Utility app as well, but it is not able to connect to anything. It searches...finds nothing.
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You need to move the device next to your wifi router when you are updating firmware with the playfi app. Move it next to the router and try again.
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You need to move the device next to your wifi router when you are updating firmware with the playfi app. Move it next to the router and try again.
I tried that, the green wi-fi setup light never goes solid as Klipsch says is needed. Well, I say never, I quit waiting after 30 minutes of slow blinking. I am thinking it might be an issue with our work wi-fi. We are not supposed to have anything blocked, but maybe something in the router is preventing it.
I may try at home to see, but since this is needed at work, may or may not.
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Just a guess that nothing is being blocked at work but your company does not allow WPS setup. I don't know if an IP address can be manually entered using the Klipsch utility app.
You might also need to register the device with your company network in order for it to be allowed to connect to your company's wifi.
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Thanks, here's what I get....
Power on, hold down Wi-Fi Setup button for 8+ seconds (until I hear 2nd chime). App searches for device. Says 1 Play-Fi found. Click on Set-Up. Enter Wi-Fi password. Says attempting to connect. Says "completed Set-Up"...and then immediately goes into search for device mode again. Comes back with "Devices Not Found".
I am having the same problem with my Bluesound 2i. It will work on Ethernet only.
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Do NOT try to download firmware via wireless on a work network due to firewall precautions from the network administrator.
Do it at home and Ozarktom has a good point, use a wired ethernet connection if possible for the update.
The Gate doesn't have an ethernet port but the Powergate does.
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That's the chip used on the Powergate Max. I doubt they used it on the Powergate. But if yes, then the Powergate is the steal of the year.
I also doubt that they used an ICE module, I don't see traces of it on the pic I linked.
I hope somebody can tell us.
I checked with Klipsch tech support and they told me they don't publish those specs.
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I tried that, the green wi-fi setup light never goes solid as Klipsch says is needed. Well, I say never, I quit waiting after 30 minutes of slow blinking. I am thinking it might be an issue with our work wi-fi. We are not supposed to have anything blocked, but maybe something in the router is preventing it.
I may try at home to see, but since this is needed at work, may or may not.
Did you get it to update OK?
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Did you get it to update OK?
Not yet, I'm going to take it home this weekend and try it on my home wi-fi. Our work wi-fi is not supposed to be blocked from music streaming, but our IT person thinks there may be something that is unintentionally being blocked. I can't really ask him to look into it, so I'll try at home this weekend.
But I am really happy with it at the office playing music from my PC. Any of this streaming stuff will just be icing on the cake.
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Does this gadget use Upnp to get connected? Most corporate routers will have that disabled.
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I checked with Klipsch tech support and they told me they don't publish those specs.
Thank you for asking. I believe it's an expected answer. Let's hope some reviewer can decode the innards of the Powergate.
I have another question Witchdoctor: You wrote that you have a Parasound Zamp v.3 and that you prefer the sound from the Powergate. The Parasound Zamp has been well reviewed for many years and I was leaning to purchase one, but then I read your review and stopped from buying it. I know that I won't get audiophile sound from neither of these amps, but in your opinion, which one is the closer to audiophile sound? Not your preference, just the one closer, as I'm guessing you've heard dozens of audiophile amps in your life, and I don't. Thank you.
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Could anyone help with the server aspect . I am a luddite . I have a iTunes library . I would like to access the library through the Powergate . I assume the server is the function to use ? When I click on it it looks for music but does not find any . I have opened my iTunes preferences and clicked on sharing . Still does not work . Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated . Thanks ,mike.
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Could anyone help with the server aspect . I am a luddite . I have a iTunes library . I would like to access the library through the Powergate . I assume the server is the function to use ? When I click on it it looks for music but does not find any . I have opened my iTunes preferences and clicked on sharing . Still does not work . Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated . Thanks ,mike.
These constant problems so many here is having makes me wonder if the design is flawed. People on Amazon is complaining also. Is that why prices have dropped so dramatically?
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Hey Now,
I just a got a Gate and could not get my iTunes library
to be recognized. Read somewhere on the inter webs
that it is not designed for that. I downloaded a program
called Kodi and used that to create a UPnP/DLNA
server. Pretty easy. Download Kodi, launch,
Go to music, go find iTunes music folder, select to ingest music
and then from the Klipsch Streamer app select
Media Server and make sure Kodi is up and running on
your Mac or PC. Streams well and sounds very good
does hirez.
—
Finest kind,
Chris
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So , now it found my Sonyhapzies It shows my albums , I click on one and get a message -No Audio Content Found-
when I click on the Senseme Channels on the hap, it slowly pulls up Elvis 30 #1 hits . I can play those songs !
The Senseme channels are different categories like Morning , Daytime, Night , relax , ect.....
I haven't done the utility update yet though on the Powergate . Hopefully that will help
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Thank you for asking. I believe it's an expected answer. Let's hope some reviewer can decode the innards of the Powergate.
I have another question Witchdoctor: You wrote that you have a Parasound Zamp v.3 and that you prefer the sound from the Powergate. The Parasound Zamp has been well reviewed for many years and I was leaning to purchase one, but then I read your review and stopped from buying it. I know that I won't get audiophile sound from neither of these amps, but in your opinion, which one is the closer to audiophile sound? Not your preference, just the one closer, as I'm guessing you've heard dozens of audiophile amps in your life, and I don't. Thank you.
The Zamp is very smooth and pleasant to listen to. I listened to it primarily in my desktop system driving a pair of JBL 230 speakers. The surprising thing about that amp is it has a good size power supply in a small package and the flexibility of using it as a 2 channel or a mono block. The JBL's are not that efficient and the soundstage of that amp extended a little beyong my desktop. The highs were clean, the bass was clean but the dynamics were what they were for a 40 watt a channel amp. The Parasound PW Amp includes a sub out and can be used as a streamer with the Play-Fi app. The killer feature is the ARC room correction. Even though it is a 50 watt amp the ARC integrates the sub and speakers so tight. Then it just immerses you in a bubble of sound.
The Powergate blows both of those amp away when you compare features. It is a true integrated amp where the others are basically power amps. As for the sound it is just the most natural, relaxing, and clearest of the three. It is articulate without being bright. It does everything the entire Z system I have can do (Zpre/Zdac/Zamp) and then some. The Z system lacked a sub out, an app for streaming, took up 3 times as much space, needed more cables, and cost more. Just the Zdac was 3 times the price of the Powergate. The Z System sounds great and when it came out class D amps and dac/amp/pre integrated amps were just starting to come into their own. Times have changed and now Klipsch can get all of that into one package (and then some).
Hope that helps.
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Could anyone help with the server aspect . I am a luddite . I have a iTunes library . I would like to access the library through the Powergate . I assume the server is the function to use ? When I click on it it looks for music but does not find any . I have opened my iTunes preferences and clicked on sharing . Still does not work . Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated . Thanks ,mike.
Sure, read this:
https://play-fi.com/faq/entry/supported-media-servers
then this:
https://play-fi.com/faq/entry/recommended-media-server-software
and then get plex here:
https://www.plex.tv/
If you want more info on Plex check youtube.
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These constant problems so many here is having makes me wonder if the design is flawed. People on Amazon is complaining also. Is that why prices have dropped so dramatically?
It sounds more like Klipsch design choices and the limitation of technology. The lack of Airplay support IMHO is a fatal design decision which is why it does not work natively with iTunes. Audiophiles aside (which is a TINY market) people want seamless integration with what they have and I am guessing the market leader by far is iTunes libraries.
For wireless setup of a device to a network, WPS works great sometimes other times not well at all. It depends upon the quality of your wifi router. And the quality of wifi routers range from total garbage to spectacular. Guess how the Klipsch gets rateds if one has a crappy router and it's not Klipsch fault completely.
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It sounds more like Klipsch design choices and the limitation of technology. The lack of Airplay support IMHO is a fatal design decision which is why it does not work natively with iTunes. Audiophiles aside (which is a TINY market) people want seamless integration with what they have and I am guessing the market leader by far is iTunes libraries.
For wireless setup of a device to a network, WPS works great sometimes other times not well at all. It depends upon the quality of your wifi router. And the quality of wifi routers range from total garbage to spectacular. Guess how the Klipsch gets rateds if one has a crappy router and it's not Klipsch fault completely.
Can you recommend a great router?
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Could anyone help with the server aspect . I am a luddite . I have a iTunes library . I would like to access the library through the Powergate . I assume the server is the function to use ? When I click on it it looks for music but does not find any . I have opened my iTunes preferences and clicked on sharing . Still does not work . Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated . Thanks ,mike.
Here is a FAQ about Play-Fi and Airplay, does this help?
https://play-fi.com/faq/entry/how-do-i-use-airplay-with-a-play-fi-product
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Can you recommend a great router?
IDK if they are great but I really like Netgear.
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BTW, listening to Daft punk Random Access memories album through the Powergate this morning, I love how it controls the bass when you crank it.
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Here is a FAQ about Play-Fi and Airplay, does this help?
https://play-fi.com/faq/entry/how-do-i-use-airplay-with-a-play-fi-product
witchdoctor,
I think this is a brilliant find that may solve the problem. Through the wording is not very clear, if I am interpreting the statement correctly, Play-fi devices will appear as Airplay speakers in iTunes or iOS.
Once the Klipsch device is connected to the network, if one opens iTunes and clicks on the Airplay icon ot the right of the volume slider, one should see the Klipsch Gate or PowerGate and be able to select it, thereby sending the output of iTunes to it. No need for a Plex server or anything else.
It should just work!!! ...and from iTunes on a PC too!
More broadly one should be able to send the audio of any iOS app to the Klipsh.
More detail on Airplay here --> https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202809
If this works it truly is brilliant and one of the most under communicated features of Play-Fi.
Chris, give this a try and let us know how you make out.
Question 2 is can a gate be added to a network without using the WPS button? To do this one would like use something in one of the Klipsch apps to connect the phone or tablet to the Klipsch by selecting it as the wifi network in your phone/tablet wifi settings.
Then one would open the app where it would tell you to enter the network SSID and SSID password that you want the Klipsch to connect to. The app would load that into the Klipsch putting the Klipsch on the network.
Lastly regarding wifi routers, I would look at Ubiquiti, Eero which is being bought by Amazon, and Linksys Velops. The downside is price and if in addition to wireless you want to used wired connections you need to add another box. I'd also look at Asus.
I run a $20 N300 wifi router which totally sucked until I replaced the manufacturer's software with DD-WRT and since then it's been spectacular. Has 4 wired ports too.
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Can you recommend a great router?
I would use a mesh network system, like the google wifi, linksys velop etc.... I switched over my old netgear to the google wifi and have been very pleased with the results. Very easy to setup and manage.
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witchdoctor,
I think this is a brilliant find that may solve the problem. Through the wording is not very clear, if I am interpreting the statement correctly, Play-fi devices will appear as Airplay speakers in iTunes or iOS.
Once the Klipsch device is connected to the network, if one opens iTunes and clicks on the Airplay icon ot the right of the volume slider, one should see the Klipsch Gate or PowerGate and be able to select it, thereby sending the output of iTunes to it. No need for a Plex server or anything else.
It should just work!!! ...and from iTunes on a PC too!
More broadly one should be able to send the audio of any iOS app to the Klipsh.
More detail on Airplay here --> https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202809
If this works it truly is brilliant and one of the most under communicated features of Play-Fi.
Chris, give this a try and let us know how you make out.
Question 2 is can a gate be added to a network without using the WPS button? To do this one would like use something in one of the Klipsch apps to connect the phone or tablet to the Klipsch by selecting it as the wifi network in your phone/tablet wifi settings.
Then one would open the app where it would tell you to enter the network SSID and SSID password that you want the Klipsch to connect to. The app would load that into the Klipsch putting the Klipsch on the network.
Lastly regarding wifi routers, I would look at Ubiquiti, Eero which is being bought by Amazon, and Linksys Velops. The downside is price and if in addition to wireless you want to used wired connections you need to add another box. I'd also look at Asus.
I run a $20 N300 wifi router which totally sucked until I replaced the manufacturer's software with DD-WRT and since then it's been spectacular. Has 4 wired ports too.
Yes, a Gate (or any play-fi product) can be added to a network without a WPS button. The Play-Fi app has a wizard to add a product. Every play-fi product has a wifi button on the back. You hold the button down for around 8 seconds until the wifi light pulses slowly, then walk through the add a product wizard. It will scan your network, find the product, run a software update, have you name it, and add it to the network. When adding a product it is best to do it close to your router. After you update it you can place it where ever. Some products also have a "utility" app to run firmware updates. Make sure to run those too.
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I hate to be the bearer of not so good news, I have 4 Gates, 1 PowerGate and a PR5 none of which show up as Airplay targets on my network. All software has been updated but other than a couple of receivers, Airport Express and a couple of Kodi boxes they just don't show up. I went as far as to swap out my router to see if that made a difference. Play-fi talks about Airplay and Phorus makes mention on their site but I don't remember seeing it on the Klipsch site except in reference to the G-17 speaker.
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Hey Now,
I bought a Powergate (at $149.99 a real audio bargain), so now I have a Gate and Powergate. I still cannot get them to work with AirPlay . . . . I have tried all the suggestions. I would really like to know if anyone has connected their Gate or Powergate to use AirPlay????? I don't see anyway it can. Even though it is on my only network, it never appears in iTunes or Sound Preferences for selection or Roon (automatically connects to all AirPlay devices). When I run LANScan, it appears with an IP address. Go figure.
Sure wish it had a Roon Endpoint or even work with AirPlay. I set Kodi up as a UPnP/DLNA server and I can stream from my music library HD, but it is cumbersome at best (Kodi interface is rather inelegant ). Some have suggested using PLEX, but I just used a Raspberry Pi 3 I had laying around with Ropieee as an Roon Endpoint and connect to the USB input. I am able to upsample my files to 192kHz from Roon and use it's interface. Works and sounds good.
This thing sounds crazy good for the $$$, true cheap and cheerful. I am just using it in the kitchen for background music, but it sounds very good and the remote works well for me. I have a tuner connected to the phono input, the Bluetooth streaming Tidal from my iPhone sounds better than I thought it would, USB is my RPi3, the Aux in is my Walkman ZX2 through an iFi iTube to increase gain by 6db and for some tubey goodness for Tidal offline downloaded files, and I am thinking of a way to use the optical for the TV. All in all this is very versatile and great sounding for the money spent on it at Amazon. I tried the Ethernet input and output, but it caused a bit of buzziness, so I nixed that. I am also using the subwoofer out to a Crown XLS-1500 in bridged mode into a DIY sub. I am driving a pair of Role Audio Kayak speakers. And did I mention it has a remote, that doesn't need to be line of sight 8). I'm liking it.
--
Finest kind,
Chris
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the Bluetooth streaming Tidal from my iPhone sounds better than I thought it would
Hey Chris
Are you saying the only way for you to stream Tidal with your iphone is to use bluetooth? For some reason I was under the impression we could use the Play-fi app for that with the option of simply running the app in the background and use the actual Tidal app and its user friendly interface in order to search for songs?
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Hey Chris
Are you saying the only way for you to stream Tidal with your iphone is to use bluetooth? For some reason I was under the impression we could use the Play-fi app for that with the option of simply running the app in the background and use the actual Tidal app and its user friendly interface in order to search for songs?
Hey Now,
Nope, not saying that at all. That is how I do it due to my circumstance. I can stream Tidal through the Powergate just fine.
You see, I live out in the countryside away from easy broadband access. I have to use satellite internet and there is a data allowance cap each month. If I stream Tidal through my satellite internet, I go through the data pretty quick. The way I stream Tidal is to use my iPhone via LTE then connect via Bluetooth to manage my data allowance. If I stay up late (I mean real late) I have a bonus period for additional download allowance, I have streamed some MQA for comparison, but upsampling regular FLAC to DSD256 uses less data and better hours, it is hard to tell which is better. MQA seems to go through my data allowance pretty quickly. My speeds are not that fast with satellite, I can stream FLACs okay, but video is real tough to watch, especially HD video. I wouldn't mind trying Qobuz, but I doubt I can stream hirez content.
I also had to change my wireless network recently because if I used my iPhone as a hotspot, my iMac disconnected from the network completely. I now use GoogleWifi and I can use the iPhone as a hotspot via LTE and maintain my network and use Roon in the house along with my KEF LS50Ws networked. Things are working pretty good now-a-days.
--
Finest kind,
Chris
p.s. I was unable to get the Gate or Powergate to recognize my iPhone hotspot as a legitimate network.
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Ok thanks for explaining how it works for you taking into account your restrictions.
Can you please confirm that it is possible to use the actual Tidal app with your iphone if running the play-fi app in the background? (as opposed to having to deal with the play-fi interface)
Regards,
David
Hey Now,
Nope, not saying that at all. That is how I do it due to my circumstance. I can stream Tidal through the Powergate just fine.
You see, I live out in the countryside away from easy broadband access. I have to use satellite internet and there is a data allowance cap each month. If I stream Tidal through my satellite internet, I go through the data pretty quick. The way I stream Tidal is to use my iPhone via LTE then connect via Bluetooth to manage my data allowance. If I stay up late (I mean real late) I have a bonus period for additional download allowance, I have streamed some MQA for comparison, but upsampling regular FLAC to DSD256 uses less data and better hours, it is hard to tell which is better. MQA seems to go through my data allowance pretty quickly. My speeds are not that fast with satellite, I can stream FLACs okay, but video is real tough to watch, especially HD video. I wouldn't mind trying Qobuz, but I doubt I can stream hirez content.
I also had to change my wireless network recently because if I used my iPhone as a hotspot, my iMac disconnected from the network completely. I now use GoogleWifi and I can use the iPhone as a hotspot via LTE and maintain my network and use Roon in the house along with my KEF LS50Ws networked. Things are working pretty good now-a-days.
--
Finest kind,
Chris
p.s. I was unable to get the Gate or Powergate to recognize my iPhone hotspot as a legitimate network.
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I’ve had the Gate for a few weeks and just took possession of the Powergate a few days ago. I too could not get Airplay to work but for me that’s not a deal breaker. Using the Powergate as a streamer into my integrated sounds as good as the Gate does. I also like the fact that I can use regular rca’s vs the 3.5mm to rca cablle. It also has usb and optical input, 2 aux inputs as well as bluetooth capability and Subwoofer output.
Having bluetooth is especially nice for the times like this winter when my internet went out during a blizzard but I had cell service. I have an ipad that has it’s own data plan so I used that to stream music to my node 2i, very handy.
The amp section in the Powergate sounds pretty good. I used it with a pair of Proac Studio 3’s that can sound thin on some amps and the little Powergate does a pretty job with those 10” ATC drivers and packs a pretty good punch if it is in the recording. Perhaps a wee bit thick in the lower midrange and not as well defined as my much more expensive amps but for the price its rather amazing actually.
Soundstaging is another area where the Powergate falls a tad short in comparison to my much more expensive amps but that is obviously not an apples to apples comparison. One person I know that bought the Powergate mentioned to me he thought the sound was a bit homogenized. I would tend to agree with that assessment my initial impression was “relaxed” and may not necessarily be a bad thing depending on your choice of speakers.
Perhaps voicing the amp as such may have been intentional to compliment some of the speaker offerings from Klipsch? At any rate the Powergate is quite a bargain even without the amp section. I plan on keeping mine, for the streaming features and flexibility alone make it worth more than the paltry asking price imho.
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Can you please confirm that it is possible to use the actual Tidal app with your iphone if running the play-fi app in the background? (as opposed to having to deal with the play-fi interface)
Regards,
David
Hey Now David,
I just tried using Tidal app once I was streaming Tidal from the PlayFi app with my iPhone. The Tidal app just played through the phone's speakers. I could only use the Tidal app within PlayFi to stream to the Powergate. It is very similar and had all my music available with the same search function I believe. Easy enough to use.
--
Finest kind,
Chris
p.s. I did discover I had to go into the settings of the Tidal app within PlayFi to select the streaming to be HIFI. The default appears to be NORMAL.
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Hey Now,
I bought a Powergate (at $149.99 a real audio bargain), so now I have a Gate and Powergate. I still cannot get them to work with AirPlay . . . . I have tried all the suggestions. I would really like to know if anyone has connected their Gate or Powergate to use AirPlay????? I don't see anyway it can. Even though it is on my only network, it never appears in iTunes or Sound Preferences for selection or Roon (automatically connects to all AirPlay devices). When I run LANScan, it appears with an IP address. Go figure.
Sure wish it had a Roon Endpoint or even work with AirPlay. I set Kodi up as a UPnP/DLNA server and I can stream from my music library HD, but it is cumbersome at best (Kodi interface is rather inelegant ). Some have suggested using PLEX, but I just used a Raspberry Pi 3 I had laying around with Ropieee as an Roon Endpoint and connect to the USB input. I am able to upsample my files to 192kHz from Roon and use it's interface. Works and sounds good.
This thing sounds crazy good for the $$$, true cheap and cheerful. I am just using it in the kitchen for background music, but it sounds very good and the remote works well for me. I have a tuner connected to the phono input, the Bluetooth streaming Tidal from my iPhone sounds better than I thought it would, USB is my RPi3, the Aux in is my Walkman ZX2 through an iFi iTube to increase gain by 6db and for some tubey goodness for Tidal offline downloaded files, and I am thinking of a way to use the optical for the TV. All in all this is very versatile and great sounding for the money spent on it at Amazon. I tried the Ethernet input and output, but it caused a bit of buzziness, so I nixed that. I am also using the subwoofer out to a Crown XLS-1500 in bridged mode into a DIY sub. I am driving a pair of Role Audio Kayak speakers. And did I mention it has a remote, that doesn't need to be line of sight 8). I'm liking it.
--
Finest kind,
Chris
It seems you put it through the paces and still have room for a TV yet, all good. What is your opinion about adding the itube?
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Thanks Chris!! I should be getting mine fairly soon and now feel like I have all the info I need... well almost :green:
How do you like the iTube with the Powergate if you don't mind me asking? I posted one for sale a few days ago and also have a Dodd Audio tube buffer in the main system... I guess we can say I'm a fan lol.
Cheers,
David
Hey Now David,
I just tried using Tidal app once I was streaming Tidal from the PlayFi app with my iPhone. The Tidal app just played through the phone's speakers. I could only use the Tidal app within PlayFi to stream to the Powergate. It is very similar and had all my music available with the same search function I believe. Easy enough to use.
--
Finest kind,
Chris
p.s. I did discover I had to go into the settings of the Tidal app within PlayFi to select the streaming to be HIFI. The default appears to be NORMAL.
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Has anyone asked Klipsch about Airplay? I am wondering what their response is/will be.
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Hey Now,
I am using the iFi iTube to increase the gain primarily, the tubey goodness is a bonus. Although the Walkman ZX2 is a terrific sounding DAP, the analog line out is very low output and needs a boost. I will say that the sound from the Walkman ZX2 is the best sound out of the Powergate through the iTube. The ZX2 has a DAC that is no slouch, does hirez up to DSD and has 128GB of storage for Tidal offline files! In my other system I use the digital out from the ZX2, so no concern with the low volume of the line out.
@ David - I was tempted to put an offer on your iTube, I think they are good pieces of kit Wink2. GLWTS.
--
Finest kind,
Chris
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Hi, Long time lurker, first time poster here.
I just got the Powergate, and for the price I really enjoy it.
One question, not sure if you guys could help, I noticed when using the Sub Out, my subwoofer has to be on a very high gain. Using a Rythmik L12 at the moment :)
I have a Yamaha AS-300 that I use too, and with that Sub Out, my gain is very little on my subwoofer for it to be audible and pleasant.
Is this normal? And is there adjust ability either through the Klipsch Powergate or the Stream App?
Thanks!
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Hi, Long time lurker, first time poster here.
I just got the Powergate, and for the price I really enjoy it.
One question, not sure if you guys could help, I noticed when using the Sub Out, my subwoofer has to be on a very high gain. Using a Rythmik L12 at the moment :)
I have a Yamaha AS-300 that I use too, and with that Sub Out, my gain is very little on my subwoofer for it to be audible and pleasant.
Is this normal? And is there adjust ability either through the Klipsch Powergate or the Stream App?
Thanks!
Cornpop, the remote control has volume control for the sub, did you try turning it up?
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For guys who have this amp, what is the sound signature like? Warm, flat, open, how is soundstage and imaging?
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For guys who have this amp, what is the sound signature like? Warm, flat, open, how is soundstage and imaging?
It sounds better than $1500 of Parasound Z component separates in my office system. If you want to hear the sound signature of the DAC order a $30 Klipsch Gate, that will give you an idea. The amp has excellent control on the bass, a wide soundstage but to say more than that will depend on what speakers you are using. If I were to describe in one word it would be "sweet".
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Witchdoctor,
One more question. I appreciate all the time that you're taking answering them.
I see that you are also recommending the Paradigm PW Amp, but I haven't read a comparison from you about the two amps. My guess is that you prefer the Powergate, but I'm really intrigued about the ARC system included with the Paradigm. I don't have a subwoofer on my listening room because it's a small one, but I've never used an audio correction system before and maybe the PW is the better option.
I don't have enough money to buy the two at the same time, so I have to choose one and your input is crucial to let me decide which I buy first.
Thank you for your help.
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Witchdoctor,
One more question. I appreciate all the time that you're taking answering them.
I see that you are also recommending the Paradigm PW Amp, but I haven't read a comparison from you about the two amps. My guess is that you prefer the Powergate, but I'm really intrigued about the ARC system included with the Paradigm. I don't have a subwoofer on my listening room because it's a small one, but I've never used an audio correction system before and maybe the PW is the better option.
I don't have enough money to buy the two at the same time, so I have to choose one and your input is crucial to let me decide which I buy first.
Thank you for your help.
The Paradigm Amp is more of a power amp, it lacks the features of the Powergate. I found it integrates subwoofer and satellites so good you are wrapped in a bubble of sound. The DAC was a little grainy compared to the powergate. If you already have a nice preamp and dac use the Paradigm. If you want a true integrated amp with the remote, the connectivity features and a better dac IMO choose the powergate.
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Here is the the Klipsch Powergate put on a test bench and reviewed by a respected independent enthusiast, amirm.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-klipsch-powergate-dac-amp.7376/
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Nice review.
I will add that I had an operation question that I sent to Klipsch. In the response, they specifically stated that the units being sold for $149 on Amazon are NOT sold by an authorized dealer and therefore do not have warranty status through Klipsch.
Luckily, mine is working great, and I did buy the $9 SquareTrade 4-year warranty on it through Amazon (although it looks like the current SquareTrade offering is $21.99 for 3 years).
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I just got a subscription to Roon and enabled MQA unfolding to the Powergate so it is now MQA enabled WOW! I am listening to a Masters Playlist of electronic music and the room is rocking. This device keeps getting better and better. The Playfi app feeds it hirez tracks from amazon NP. Now roon feeds it fully unfolded MQA tracks and the sound is stellar. This now sounds more like a $1500 integrated than a $150 integrated. I'm going to add an upgraded power plug next and lets see what that does,
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The Powergate and Amazon Ultra HD is a wonderful team. I stream either from the amazon app on my PC or the DTS Playfi app on my tablet. Sounds like $$$ rather than the $ cost of this setup, almost shocking.
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Hi Guys, Just bumping this topic up to see what the best 2020 thinking is. I'm looking for a C&C integrated and leaning towards a Powergate. Couple questions:
1. Lowest I have seen is $199. Is that the best price in May 2020? I haven't been able to find the $149.99 referenced in the thread earlier.
2. I'm looking for: Remote, wireless streaming & MM vinyl preamp built-in. For $200 has anything eclipsed the Powergate I should consider?
Thanks!
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I have a love hate relationship with my powergate amp. I have been unsuccessful trying to get the last update to stick. It worked OK previous to this but about 2 or 3 months ago it wanted an update and since I was unable to get that to work I can no longer get it to function properly. I have basically gone to using the BT feature to stream services. It's OK but annoys me since I no longer get Hi-Res. I'll try again in a few days when I'm having a good day, less chance of me throwing it out a window...
It's a solid unit if you can get the updates to work and add a small pair of fans to keep it cool.
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I have a love hate relationship with my powergate amp. I have been unsuccessful trying to get the last update to stick. It worked OK previous to this but about 2 or 3 months ago it wanted an update and since I was unable to get that to work I can no longer get it to function properly. I have basically gone to using the BT feature to stream services. It's OK but annoys me since I no longer get Hi-Res. I'll try again in a few days when I'm having a good day, less chance of me throwing it out a window...
It's a solid unit if you can get the updates to work and add a small pair of fans to keep it cool.
Before you throw it out the window, will it be thrown from the first or second story? And if I catch it can I have it?! Seriously though, I’d wait to see if Witchdoctor can help before you give up on it.
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It's class D. It is supposed to run cool, no?
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It's class D. It is supposed to run cool, no?
mine runs hotish, even just powered & not outputting ... did not expect that :-(
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Any impressions on the Powergate used as a phono pre-amp?
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Just an update: Klipsch is selling some factory refurb Powergates on its website for $199.
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BTW, the amp does run a little hot so I have it sitting on this fan which is plugged into the USB port on the back of the amp. I have it on the lowest setting, can't hear it at all, and keeps the amp ice cold.
Good idea! I thought class D amps don'r run that hot but I think I'm mistaken. Or is this Klipsch an exception?