Vintage HiFi Audio Forum
Audio Discussion => Equipment Reviews => Topic started by: OldiesButGoodies on August 08, 2015, 01:09:41 PM
-
Great sound from this compact phono pre. I bought it during a really good sale aiming to add a second phono input to Emo XSP-1 preamp, which comes with a built-in phono input. As far as I can tell SQ-wise the XPS-1 is the equivalent of the XSP-1's phono input, which is not a bad thing. Adjustable load, a built in step up for MC that works well with the Frog cart (which pumps out 0.65 mV).
The build quality is typical Emotiva - this pre could be used to inflict serious harm if thrown at an attacker at high speed. The wall wart power supply is - well - a wall wart. But it has the advantage of being several feet away from the main pre board.
There is a chance that the XPS-1 beats the Emo XSP-1's built-in phono input, it will require several days/weeks of testing to confirm - but the difference is not night and day. Great pre for the money!
(http://hifiheaven.net/shop/image/cache/catalog/Emotiva/XPS-1-750x750.jpg)
-
I was reading through Emo's site the other day and saw this, looks like a fantastic unit, especially at the price. Thanks for the review!
-
Yeah, it's supposed to be an awesome unit (yeah, I said unit hehe). I remember hearing somewhere that it's the same as the xsp's built in, but I could be wrong. maybe it having a dedicated power supply gives it a small advantage; who knows?