I just added the EMOTIVA HC-1 monoblock for my center channel. It’s a pretty noticeable difference. There is more detail and clarity at lower volumes. When the volume increases during big actions scenes, the dialogue remains clean and clear. Whereas before, I was using a 3 channel amp for the front main stage LCR, the sound from the center seemed less. Next phase for upgrading the home theater is adding 2 more monoblocks to the front left and right speakers.
I am glad to hear that, these really do seem like a great application for the HT side. I wish I would have tested these on my Denon AVR as as well as the 2 channel listening I did.
@@MattCoykendall1 here is my current setup: Denon AVR-X6700H running full preamp mode in a 7.2.6 configuration. I’m using 3 EMOTIVA amps, 1st amp for the front left and right speakers, 2nd amp for the surround left right and rears. 3rd amp for the height channels. I added the EMOTIVA HC-1 just to see if it made any difference. When using the internal amps in the Denon receiver, things got really thin and weak sounding beyond 5 channels, that is why I went full preamp mode.
@@cruzgallegos5071 Same experience I had with my Denon X4400H, I had the Emotiva XPA-3 running the center and surrounds, with the XPA-2 running the L/R. If I were to do it again, three of these mono blocks for the front channels and center, let the Denon do the surrounds. In two channel, the system was rather disappointing. And I have two SVS SB3000 subs, they were in that HT system, I ripped it all out and sold it to my buddy. All SVS Ultra speakers, 5 channel, he is enjoying it. I kept the XPA-2 and the two SB3000 subs. My HT is now a $149 Polk S2 Signa sound bar and the two SB3000 subs. I hooked the subs directly to my 2017 Sony Bravia via the 3.5 mm output using an RCA Y adapter, it goes to a switch and I feed the two subs off of that. I bought a pair of inline crossovers to kill frequencies below 50hz and installed them at the sub. It works! The voicing is incredibly good, and very audible, that sound bar projects right to our listening area. And a little tweaking with the SVS phone ap, it is easy to dial the subs in on the fly when watching a movie. Very happy. ;-)
@@michaelwright1602 Now that's tweaking! Sometimes less is more satisfying in the end? I've went from a big G-9000 160 wpc 8 ohms receiver to 225 wpc Classé integrated amp into 4 ohms, to their 300 wpc 4 ohms Classé separates back to a 130 wpc 8 ohms Sansui AU D11ii integrated amp as listening room conditions changed. What's weird is the AU D11ii Sansui produces a synergy that's more musical & coherent than any other approaches I've had? I've tried several incarnations. The only mod was a power cord change to the amp. All built around big KEF 105/3 4 ohm speakers. That I mod with Titanium tweeters in their Uni-Q drivers!
Hi Matt. It’s so refreshing to see the high level of positivity among your subscriber base, so I joined on. Question: Were you to compare this with the most revealing solid-state Class A amps that you have experienced, how would you say the HC-1 compares in the area of detail retrieval in critical listening? Everything from cymbal decay to being able to separate violins playing simultaneously, to room echoes, to the bite of the bow as it first contacts the cello strings, to vocal breathiness? Thanks for your feedback!
I had a first gen Emotiva XPA-2 in my system, still have that beast, what a back breaker. I also have the Model 5's, the sound with the XPA-2 along with the Schiit Freya S was HUGE! Those mono blocks look tempting... Currently rocking an all Denafrips system, Iris DDC, Ares II, Hades and Thallo amps, which does not have the volume of the Emo/Schiit setup due to zero gain, but has that rich buttery sound of 70's analog. But, I would seriously consider purchasing these mono blocks, and dragging out the old Schiit Freya preamp. Thank you for the review, it echos my experience with the XPA-2 and Model 5's.
I have been tempted to go down the Denafrips path many times, primarily their DAC's. I just keep hearing high praises for the Ares II and the Pontus II. Have you had positive experience with the all Denafrips line up? I am not very well versed in the rest of their offerings. The Model 5's are great also! Thanks for watching, appreciate it.
@@MattCoykendall1 Well, I just took delivery of their Athena preamp, and I have to say, it was worth the price of entry. Using it with the Venus II 12th DAC and have the XPA-2 sit gen in the system. I am looking at a pair of these mono blocks or the XPA DR2 amplifier. I am running fully balanced with XLR cables and the DR2 is fully balanced. I cannot find any info on the HC-1 units in this regard. As far as the Denafrips DACs, they are pretty hard to beat in my book. And the higher up the ladder you go, the better the sound.
Great review, I am running a similar system with Audiolab 6000 as preamp with Outlaw Audio monoblocks with Buchardt S400ii. You are correct, the sound quality really improved with better power. Wonder how the Outlaw amps compares to Emotiva, from your description i would say similar.
Nice video! I'm thinking of pairing these with the Model 5s. I think hearing more on your subjective opinion on the pairings with more songs and compared to other gear you've passed through your speakers. Great job and keep it up! Subbed
Sir, Thank you for the review! Your presentation was great. Well spoken and the script well written. You told us everything that should be said about audio amplifiers and maybe a little extra. I am praying for the income that will allow me to purchase and install a AV processor and amplifiers in my living room TV 5.1.2 system. I'm thinking Emotiva is the best for me. I can't wait to hear my 4 ohm towers and center speaker on separate amp power. All the very best - Kevin
@@MattCoykendall1 It's a toss-up between an Emotiva BasX 3 channel amp or a kit build for the LCR. Finding a competent DIY kit amp is a struggle because of the lack of high profile reviews. As much as I am a "Fan Boy" of Emotiva, I'm often wondering if a USA designed/made kit wouldn't have more to offer for the price to someone that has the skills and equipment to build it. I'm considering building three or more mono blocks with a large single power supply with multiple fused output connections. Yeah, I know it's a dumb idea.
As crown power amps have been singled out (i often utilize crown amplification and I am often accused to be in the possession of a "good ear" by many in the live music world) What disadvantages does a Crown Amp have in a medium sized room where they are not being driven to any point that approaches their limits?
Hi Matt, great review. Does added clean power actually help add more detail at average listening levels to a speaker? I have Kef Q350 bookshelf speakers. They sound very good at mid to higher levels but details really drop out as you go to lower or background levels. The mono block may be to much for my set up but curious if adding another Emotiva amp, like a BaxX, that has power over the speaker rating would make a difference or is the detail drop just a character of the speakers?
Hey Paul, low volume listening detail can be a bit tricky. I feel that the power does play a strong role in this but equally important is the noise floor and distortion figures, the lower they are, the higher the volume you can comfortably tolerate, therefore perceived loudness will be less. A few suggestions: Make the room as quiet as possible, have the least amount of distortion possible, sit closer to the speakers, protect your hearing outside of listening. Thanks for watching too!
I found that to get that detail at lower volumes, much will depend on the preamp and gain. Problem is, more gain = more distortion. Like Matt said, it is tricky. Have you ever considered a Class D amp? There are many inexpensive ones out there that would be easy to obtain and not break the bank.
@@michaelwright1602 Thanks for the feedback. I know the basics of a class D amp but not enough to even know to consider. I will definitely read up on them.
The 6000a has a great sounding internal amp that can drive most speakers BUT if your in the market for more power or have a difficult to drive speaker its a great addition. I would have no issues suggesting the pairing.
Waqas from pakistan, big fan of yours...i currently have a Krell 3250e to power my 2 x b&w cm9. i am getting 2 NAD C272 amps, i can run them as mono blocks, will they outperform the Krell 3250e? the krell is 250watt p channel i think and the nad is 300watt per channel as monos. thankyou
I was thinking of buying 2 to run 2 Martin Logan motion XT F200 speakers . Do these run quiet no hiss? Does this company offer customer service and is it good ???? I would like to run 2 matins and a center channel I don’t think I need a subwoofer with them as I hear people say the speakers have good base and are a full sounding speaker. I would like to hook up a couple speakers outside on another zone . I am thinking of adding a few ceiling speakers in my house to maybe in the bath on another zone ?? And a few ceiling speakers to the back of the room where the martins will b . Can you give me any feedback on my thinking with your wealth of wisdom over mine . I would prefer a AVR . I c some top models with like 15 channels and some smaller ones with like 9 . I am not sure ast to what I would need channel wise, or power wise as the martins would run on the monobloblocks you are referring to. Any help would b most appreciated . I’m new to your channel and to stereos like this and would like to start off good . Thanks so much
Help , i can't break my attachment to my old polk SDAs and Carver M1 amp . ever since i gave that set up to my son, twenty years ago i've been unable to purchase a new system due to comparing the new with the old . Help, am i doomed ?
Hello My Dear Friend,,, I also want your Help on Emotiva XPA-3. I have watched your this Emotiva XPA HC-1 Review & I liked HC-1 very very much for my Front stage, (Polk Reserve R600 & R400 Center (Both are 4 Ohm's 200w Speaker) so I have to go for 3 HC-1's & that's the problem with Space & Money both so next best choice was Emotiva XPA-3, it's 275w at 8ohm for all three Chennals & maybe 390w at 4 ohm's 3 Channel (490w at 4 ohm's two Channel) what is your suggestion on this...!!! Please Guide me...🙏🏼 Right now I'm using Emotiva BasX A3 for my front stage It's OK's good but not the Best (140w 8ohms 3 Channel, 200w 4 ohms), If I upgrade to XPA I can use BasX A3 for my Surrounds. What is your take on XPA-3...!!! Please reply...🙏🏼
I actually do not have experience with the XPA-3 but it’s an amp I have heard good things about, many have gave it positive reviews though and should be a significant jump in performance over the A3.
@@MattCoykendall1 yes I have watched reviews of XPA & Lot's of good thing about it that's why thinking to upgrade to XPA. Thanks a Ton Matt, for reply...🙏🏼
@@MattCoykendall1 Hello Matt,,, Wish you Happy & Prosperous New Year 2023...🎉🎊✨ Last month I bought Emotiva XPA 3 gen3 amp. It's so powerful Amplifier, I'm very happy with it's performance. Thanks a Lot for your suggestion & opinion about it...👍🏼🙏🏼
I've listened to some products that measured, and reviewed badly, from previous ASR reviews. They sounded awesome to me. Loved them! Other reviews they were spot on with what they stated. Some things they gave glowing reviews too, just didn't impress me at all. Measurements are certainly one thing, like certain levels of recorded distortion. Doesn't always reveal the whole picture though, in my humble opinion. Sure read up, listen and watch as many reviews as possible, but in the end trust your ears. A lot of the ASR forum commentators and members, seem to be the type that pay $5,000 for special speaker cables, and then the extra $1000 for the magical cable holders to keep that same cable off their floors. And the obsession with distortion figures, many below the threshold of the animal worlds best ears, is like a cult. Not all comments but plenty on there. Sure ASR do keep many bad manufacturers honest, but also burn many that dont deserve it. In my opinion. Trust your ears in the end, not what should be better because of some 0.00000034 recorded figure. And certainly never go off just one review.
Good old Amir... The problem with his website and his scientific reviews, is that these guys rarely if ever listen to the products they routinely trash. I take his "reviews" for what they are worth, which is a grain of salt, and I am being generous.
I just added the EMOTIVA HC-1 monoblock for my center channel. It’s a pretty noticeable difference. There is more detail and clarity at lower volumes. When the volume increases during big actions scenes, the dialogue remains clean and clear. Whereas before, I was using a 3 channel amp for the front main stage LCR, the sound from the center seemed less. Next phase for upgrading the home theater is adding 2 more monoblocks to the front left and right speakers.
I am glad to hear that, these really do seem like a great application for the HT side. I wish I would have tested these on my Denon AVR as as well as the 2 channel listening I did.
@@MattCoykendall1 here is my current setup: Denon AVR-X6700H running full preamp mode in a 7.2.6 configuration. I’m using 3 EMOTIVA amps, 1st amp for the front left and right speakers, 2nd amp for the surround left right and rears. 3rd amp for the height channels. I added the EMOTIVA HC-1 just to see if it made any difference. When using the internal amps in the Denon receiver, things got really thin and weak sounding beyond 5 channels, that is why I went full preamp mode.
@@cruzgallegos5071 Same experience I had with my Denon X4400H, I had the Emotiva XPA-3 running the center and surrounds, with the XPA-2 running the L/R. If I were to do it again, three of these mono blocks for the front channels and center, let the Denon do the surrounds. In two channel, the system was rather disappointing. And I have two SVS SB3000 subs, they were in that HT system, I ripped it all out and sold it to my buddy. All SVS Ultra speakers, 5 channel, he is enjoying it. I kept the XPA-2 and the two SB3000 subs. My HT is now a $149 Polk S2 Signa sound bar and the two SB3000 subs. I hooked the subs directly to my 2017 Sony Bravia via the 3.5 mm output using an RCA Y adapter, it goes to a switch and I feed the two subs off of that. I bought a pair of inline crossovers to kill frequencies below 50hz and installed them at the sub. It works! The voicing is incredibly good, and very audible, that sound bar projects right to our listening area. And a little tweaking with the SVS phone ap, it is easy to dial the subs in on the fly when watching a movie. Very happy. ;-)
@@MattCoykendall1 JJ))))$
@@michaelwright1602 Now that's tweaking! Sometimes less is more satisfying in the end?
I've went from a big G-9000 160 wpc 8 ohms receiver to 225 wpc Classé integrated amp into 4 ohms, to their 300 wpc 4 ohms Classé separates back to a 130 wpc 8 ohms Sansui AU D11ii integrated amp as listening room conditions changed. What's weird is the AU D11ii Sansui produces a synergy that's more musical & coherent than any other approaches I've had? I've tried several incarnations. The only mod was a power cord change to the amp. All built around big KEF 105/3 4 ohm speakers. That I mod with Titanium tweeters in their Uni-Q drivers!
Matt, I ran across your channel recently and really appreciate your content. Thanks for the review and please keep them coming.
Thanks for watching!
Hi Matt. It’s so refreshing to see the high level of positivity among your subscriber base, so I joined on.
Question: Were you to compare this with the most revealing solid-state Class A amps that you have experienced, how would you say the HC-1 compares in the area of detail retrieval in critical listening? Everything from cymbal decay to being able to separate violins playing simultaneously, to room echoes, to the bite of the bow as it first contacts the cello strings, to vocal breathiness? Thanks for your feedback!
Define critical listening.....lolol
I had a first gen Emotiva XPA-2 in my system, still have that beast, what a back breaker. I also have the Model 5's, the sound with the XPA-2 along with the Schiit Freya S was HUGE! Those mono blocks look tempting... Currently rocking an all Denafrips system, Iris DDC, Ares II, Hades and Thallo amps, which does not have the volume of the Emo/Schiit setup due to zero gain, but has that rich buttery sound of 70's analog. But, I would seriously consider purchasing these mono blocks, and dragging out the old Schiit Freya preamp. Thank you for the review, it echos my experience with the XPA-2 and Model 5's.
I have been tempted to go down the Denafrips path many times, primarily their DAC's. I just keep hearing high praises for the Ares II and the Pontus II. Have you had positive experience with the all Denafrips line up? I am not very well versed in the rest of their offerings. The Model 5's are great also! Thanks for watching, appreciate it.
@@MattCoykendall1 Well, I just took delivery of their Athena preamp, and I have to say, it was worth the price of entry. Using it with the Venus II 12th DAC and have the XPA-2 sit gen in the system. I am looking at a pair of these mono blocks or the XPA DR2 amplifier. I am running fully balanced with XLR cables and the DR2 is fully balanced. I cannot find any info on the HC-1 units in this regard. As far as the Denafrips DACs, they are pretty hard to beat in my book. And the higher up the ladder you go, the better the sound.
Great review, I am running a similar system with Audiolab 6000 as preamp with Outlaw Audio monoblocks with Buchardt S400ii. You are correct, the sound quality really improved with better power. Wonder how the Outlaw amps compares to Emotiva, from your description i would say similar.
Yeah I think this is going to be a similar sound signature, thanks for the watch!
Helping people, is what I do. A sub for you 🤪
Nice review - thanks.
Would be good to compare the XLR vs the RCA connections to note if there was an audible difference.
That’s a good point. Noted.
Thanks for the review! It will help me make a choice in the near future!
Nice video! I'm thinking of pairing these with the Model 5s.
I think hearing more on your subjective opinion on the pairings with more songs and compared to other gear you've passed through your speakers.
Great job and keep it up! Subbed
Sir, Thank you for the review! Your presentation was great. Well spoken and the script well written. You told us everything that should be said about audio amplifiers and maybe a little extra. I am praying for the income that will allow me to purchase and install a AV processor and amplifiers in my living room TV 5.1.2 system. I'm thinking Emotiva is the best for me. I can't wait to hear my 4 ohm towers and center speaker on separate amp power.
All the very best - Kevin
Glad you enjoyed it! Emotiva offers alot of value for the price, keep them in mind when you get the chance.
@@MattCoykendall1 It's a toss-up between an Emotiva BasX 3 channel amp or a kit build for the LCR. Finding a competent DIY kit amp is a struggle because of the lack of high profile reviews. As much as I am a "Fan Boy" of Emotiva, I'm often wondering if a USA designed/made kit wouldn't have more to offer for the price to someone that has the skills and equipment to build it. I'm considering building three or more mono blocks with a large single power supply with multiple fused output connections. Yeah, I know it's a dumb idea.
As crown power amps have been singled out (i often utilize crown amplification and I am often accused to be in the possession of a "good ear" by many in the live music world) What disadvantages does a Crown Amp have in a medium sized room where they are not being driven to any point that approaches their limits?
Great videos. I hope you get millions of subscribers my friend. I just subscribed to your channel. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for the sub!
Hi Matt, great review. Does added clean power actually help add more detail at average listening levels to a speaker? I have Kef Q350 bookshelf speakers. They sound very good at mid to higher levels but details really drop out as you go to lower or background levels. The mono block may be to much for my set up but curious if adding another Emotiva amp, like a BaxX, that has power over the speaker rating would make a difference or is the detail drop just a character of the speakers?
Hey Paul, low volume listening detail can be a bit tricky. I feel that the power does play a strong role in this but equally important is the noise floor and distortion figures, the lower they are, the higher the volume you can comfortably tolerate, therefore perceived loudness will be less. A few suggestions: Make the room as quiet as possible, have the least amount of distortion possible, sit closer to the speakers, protect your hearing outside of listening. Thanks for watching too!
I found that to get that detail at lower volumes, much will depend on the preamp and gain. Problem is, more gain = more distortion. Like Matt said, it is tricky. Have you ever considered a Class D amp? There are many inexpensive ones out there that would be easy to obtain and not break the bank.
@@michaelwright1602 Thanks for the feedback. I know the basics of a class D amp but not enough to even know to consider. I will definitely read up on them.
Great review Once Again was emotiva monoblocks a good pairing with 6000 a
The 6000a has a great sounding internal amp that can drive most speakers BUT if your in the market for more power or have a difficult to drive speaker its a great addition. I would have no issues suggesting the pairing.
@@MattCoykendall1 thank you have a great day
I want to run the lcr of my theater with 3 of these. That or just use one 3 channel amp. 🤔
Waqas from pakistan, big fan of yours...i currently have a Krell 3250e to power my 2 x b&w cm9. i am getting 2 NAD C272 amps, i can run them as mono blocks, will they outperform the Krell 3250e? the krell is 250watt p channel i think and the nad is 300watt per channel as monos. thankyou
I was thinking of buying 2 to run 2 Martin Logan motion XT F200 speakers . Do these run quiet no hiss? Does this company offer customer service and is it good ???? I would like to run 2 matins and a center channel I don’t think I need a subwoofer with them as I hear people say the speakers have good base and are a full sounding speaker. I would like to hook up a couple speakers outside on another zone . I am thinking of adding a few ceiling speakers in my house to maybe in the bath on another zone ?? And a few ceiling speakers to the back of the room where the martins will b . Can you give me any feedback on my thinking with your wealth of wisdom over mine . I would prefer a AVR . I c some top models with like 15 channels and some smaller ones with like 9 . I am not sure ast to what I would need channel wise, or power wise as the martins would run on the monobloblocks you are referring to. Any help would b most appreciated . I’m new to your channel and to stereos like this and would like to start off good . Thanks so much
Help , i can't break my attachment to my old polk SDAs and Carver M1 amp . ever since i gave that set up to my son, twenty years ago i've been unable to purchase a new system due to comparing the new with the old .
Help, am i doomed ?
And they just look cool...
agreed
is it single ended? or ballanced?
Paul says longer xlrs.
Hello My Dear Friend,,,
I also want your Help on Emotiva XPA-3. I have watched your this Emotiva XPA HC-1 Review & I liked HC-1 very very much for my Front stage, (Polk Reserve R600 & R400 Center (Both are 4 Ohm's 200w Speaker) so I have to go for 3 HC-1's & that's the problem with Space & Money both so next best choice was Emotiva XPA-3, it's 275w at 8ohm for all three Chennals & maybe 390w at 4 ohm's 3 Channel (490w at 4 ohm's two Channel) what is your suggestion on this...!!! Please Guide me...🙏🏼
Right now I'm using Emotiva BasX A3 for my front stage It's OK's good but not the Best (140w 8ohms 3 Channel, 200w 4 ohms),
If I upgrade to XPA I can use BasX A3 for my Surrounds.
What is your take on XPA-3...!!!
Please reply...🙏🏼
I actually do not have experience with the XPA-3 but it’s an amp I have heard good things about, many have gave it positive reviews though and should be a significant jump in performance over the A3.
@@MattCoykendall1 yes I have watched reviews of XPA & Lot's of good thing about it that's why thinking to upgrade to XPA.
Thanks a Ton Matt, for reply...🙏🏼
@@MattCoykendall1 Hello Matt,,, Wish you Happy & Prosperous New Year 2023...🎉🎊✨
Last month I bought Emotiva XPA 3 gen3 amp. It's so powerful Amplifier, I'm very happy with it's performance. Thanks a Lot for your suggestion & opinion about it...👍🏼🙏🏼
Had em hate em, gone!
Why did you “hate them?”
anyone thinking of getting one of these should read the audio science review ..review.. before dropping that much money on a very mediocre amp.
Curios to know why? They are not expensive.
I've listened to some products that measured, and reviewed badly, from previous ASR reviews. They sounded awesome to me. Loved them! Other reviews they were spot on with what they stated. Some things they gave glowing reviews too, just didn't impress me at all. Measurements are certainly one thing, like certain levels of recorded distortion. Doesn't always reveal the whole picture though, in my humble opinion.
Sure read up, listen and watch as many reviews as possible, but in the end trust your ears. A lot of the ASR forum commentators and members, seem to be the type that pay $5,000 for special speaker cables, and then the extra $1000 for the magical cable holders to keep that same cable off their floors. And the obsession with distortion figures, many below the threshold of the animal worlds best ears, is like a cult. Not all comments but plenty on there. Sure ASR do keep many bad manufacturers honest, but also burn many that dont deserve it. In my opinion.
Trust your ears in the end, not what should be better because of some 0.00000034 recorded figure. And certainly never go off just one review.
Good old Amir... The problem with his website and his scientific reviews, is that these guys rarely if ever listen to the products they routinely trash. I take his "reviews" for what they are worth, which is a grain of salt, and I am being generous.
I don't think I've seen any ASR reviews that were positive for many amps.
It's ridiculous really to expect perfection
@@peterprimes497 they sound awesome. And Ive compared them to many amps.
lol monoblocks aren't "2 separate amplifiers" that would be TWO monoblocks. A monoblock is a single channel amplifier.