I've read a lot about the Axiom amp and my curiosity has been dangerously stoked. Just curious as to anyone's opinion if I'd get that much of an upgrade over my current Emotiva IPS-1 amp. I currently have 2 M80s and a v150 with two cheapo JBL shelf speakers in the rear.
Thanks in advance.
Perhaps the first upgrade you should consider is to some QS8's?
I've read a lot about the Axiom amp and my curiosity has been dangerously stoked. Just curious as to anyone's opinion if I'd get that much of an upgrade over my current Emotiva IPS-1 amp. I currently have 2 M80s and a v150 with two cheapo JBL shelf speakers in the rear.
Thanks in advance.
I don't believe that you would get "that much of an upgrade" by replacing your IPS-1 with the A1400-8 unless you are unhappy with your amp's performance. I agree with David that getting better surround speakers may be the more logical next upgrade as it will allow you to make better use of the remaining four channels in your amp.
From a quick look at some reviews on the IPS-1 and the measured power output, (188 watts x2 channels into 4-ohms at 0.1% THD), I think you'd have to either have a big room or listen at insanely loud levels (or listen at moderately loud levels to classical music with a large dynamic range) to really notice the additional power available from the A1400.
For a lot less money and more noticeable impact, I'd put up QS8s as well and save the rest of your cash.
Jason
The 1400 is in a different league by design compared to the IPS-1. What are you trying to achieve by getting a different amp?
Thanks for the opinions. I'm probably going to save the cash.
Sirquack,
I'm looking to improve my music listening.....seeking a more involving and engaging sound. Who isn't, right?
I currently run an Anthem pre-pro to the Emo amp and was wondering if the added power/efficiency/design of the axiom amp would improve overall sq. I've added a SVS sub, which really helped the overall performance of my system. I realize some view 2.1 listening for stereo as heresy. However, prior to integrating the sub, I was slightly disappointed with the stereo sound (esp in the low end, which was almost absent on concert dvd's and some of my more aggressive rock cd's).
Thanks again. -Lennie
Listening in 2.1 is my favorite way to listen. Unless you are running that amp into clipping you would be better off with going with the QS8s as was previously stated.
How loud do you listen?
However, prior to integrating the sub, I was slightly disappointed with the stereo sound (esp in the low end, which was almost absent on concert dvd's and some of my more aggressive rock cd's).
I'm wondering if there just wasn't something wrong in your setup, because that's the first time I've ever heard of the 80s having an "absent" lower end....
However, prior to integrating the sub, I was slightly disappointed with the stereo sound (esp in the low end, which was almost absent on concert dvd's and some of my more aggressive rock cd's).
I'm wondering if there just wasn't something wrong in your setup, because that's the first time I've ever heard of the 80s having an "absent" lower end....
Not if you compare the M80s to other speakers. I've found the Axiom lineup in general has a leaner bass presence when compared to some of the other brands i've heard.
Lennie, welcome. No, still more maximum power capacity in an amplifier can't improve the sound if you're not even using the maximum capacity of what you already have(highly probable). Unused headroom is simply that: unused. As suggested, better surrounds, such as the QS8s, will improve your sound. Also, listening to better quality program material certainly will also sound better.
I tried searching this question but didn't fined a match.
The question is: I am interested in getting a processor that has Audyssey. Are there still issues with running Audyssey with the A-1400? I believe I saw this subject shortly after the amp was released. thanks.
You may find some answers in
this thread.