[Toka]

I'm in the market for a new preamp, and while I would strongly prefer to get an Van Alstine T8+ I do have some budget considerations to attend to (my only option with this unit would be used, and according to Frank they don't come back his way very often). I absolutely, positvely need to have the remote/phono/buffered tape options, which would be pushing my limits unless I get a screaming deal. Not holding my breath. I can wait a while, but not forever.

That said, another option on my radar is the Emotiva XSP-1. It has all the features I need, and honestly some that would put it above the AVA (full function remote, trigger in/out). Again, I'd prefer the AVA and would be willing to pay a (small) premium for that, but if it gets to the point where I could get the Emotiva and, say, a new Oppo Blu-Ray player for the same price I'd start to question my choice. At the end of the day it is all about bang for the buck so I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the Emotiva unit. Basically looking for any dealbreakers/makers. Link below for those who are curious:

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/processors/products/xsp1

Any input would be greatly appreciated! 

[Mr Peabody]

Both companies offer a 30 day return..  I bought the ERC-1 and USP-1, for a cheap 2nd system, the sound stage was big and had the feel of a higher end product but the sound was void of musicality.  It's hard to put into words, you just don't get a sense of rhythm or pace and no tonal textures.  Emotiva is usually pretty good about service but I have seen reliability issues from others on different forums plus I had a bad run on their subwoofers.  The built in crossovers can be fun if you have other amps laying around and your speakers are bi-ampable.

The only AVA preamp I've tried was the Fet Valve which in my opinion performed beyond it's price range.  I preferred it over a Conrad Johnson CT-6 due to it's better transparency and detail, also more nimble.  The CT-6 cost about $2k more.  The Fet Valve also gave a good showing against a Pass Labs XP-10 preamp.

The XSP-1 says to be truly balanced which would be an advantage if any of your other gear is balanced.  Even though Frank may add an XLR in or out doesn't make his preamp balanced.

Have you thought about a used preamp?  AVA does have occasional trades on their website for sale, and there's Audiogon but I don't usually see a lot of AVA on there.  AudioCircle shows a used AVA piece for sale as well under their sale listings.

What power amp and other components do you have?

[Toka]

Thanks for your input! As far as AVA goes it will have to be used due to my budget.  The T8 doesn't seem to appear very often but I can wait a bit. I'm currently using an older AVA amp (Omega III) that I would look to either trade in/upgrade to the current AVA offerings or I will replace it with a complimentary device from another manufacturer if I go that route. I'm also currently using an Emotiva DAC that I do enjoy (got it for $200 new as a closeout, can't beat that) so I'm a bit in between I guess.

As a wildcard alternative I'm considering a Nakamichi CA-7A (always liked Nak gear of that vintage), as it does have the phono and remote options I need and will probably come in cheaper than the others.

[Mr Peabody]

You could check for a used Adcom gfp-750, this piece can be either passive or active and received a Class A rating in Stereophile, used is around $700.00.  I can't remember if it included a phono stage.

You might also want to take a look at Vincent Audio for something in your price range, they typically offer a good value.  I believe Audio Advisor carries some of their gear if you wanted to buy with a return policy.

I have seen used older model Conrad Johnson preamps in your budget but it may be tough to find one with a remote and phono in your range.  The CJ gear is very warm with a nice midrange.  Some call it "romantic" sounding but I enjoyed their sense of musicality, being able to pick up on the rhythm and pace of the music.

Happy hunting

[Mr Peabody]

I forgot to ask how you liked the Emo DAC?  If you are satisfied with it's sound you may enjoy the XSP-1 and you can always return it if not happy.

[Toka]

I forgot to ask how you liked the Emo DAC?  If you are satisfied with it's sound you may enjoy the XSP-1 and you can always return it if not happy.

My apologies for not responding earlier...I somehow missed your reply. I do enjoy the Emo DAC but I don't LOVE it, if that makes sense. It does what I need but I have heard better DAC's...however they were much more expensive so in that regard the Emotiva is great. Tremendous value.

Just as an update to my first post, I managed to score a very nice Van Alstine T8+ off Audiogon yesterday and will hopefully have it some time next week. It is what I wanted originally and from reading some posts on the Emo forum about various problems with the XSP-1 I don't have even the slightest tinge of regret.

[Mr Peabody]

I know what you mean regarding the Emo sound.  If they are having issues with a product it's not the first time, I wonder if they lost control over the quality.

[ricardojoa]

i used to own the erc1 from emo that crap it on me. The unit will shut down on its own and emo didnt offer any support. i was out of the states so i wouldnt pay high shipping cost to have it service.
In all honesty, the player was built like a tank, heavy and sturdy, but it sounded just like my 50 dollars sony player. imo, big waste of money.
I would choose ava over emo, but of course you will pay more. Just to know that you are comparing china product vs american products.

[Mr Peabody]

To be fair I have had an ERC-1 for a couple years now and it has worked fine, I compared it to the NAD, I think 545, I remember it was a bit more money and received great reviews when it first came out, I did prefer the ERC-1, the ERC-1 had a nice large sound stage and overall more balanced response.  The ERC-1 was good for the money but fell short in providing musicality, it's like the sound was void of textures and rhythm.  Sorry yours was a problem.  A friend of mine in Jammaica had the same situation when his XPA-2 had issues, it would have cost him a small fortune to ship it back for repair.

I began to have issues when I bought the Ultra subwoofer.  From what I saw on their website the subs should be avoided.  I've seen some of the DAC's and amps had issues as well.