7.1 Power Amp | Emotiva or Elektra (Aussie)?

[minireza 56]

Funny that you raise the question of going Elektra or Emotiva.

 

I was originally going to buy the Emotiva (as I hadn't heard of Elektra until coming on this forum); but upon reading many favourable review on Stereo.net.au I decided that I wanted to buy the Elektra.

 

If i'm honest, I know very little when it comes to the technical nitty gritty and for me, both amps would be more than overkill, so I had to justify why I went the Elektra;

 

1. How cool is it to buy something from an Australian manufacturer?  (especially when it holds a great reputation)

2. Reasonably priced in the scheme of things; worked out maybe 10-12% more to buy Elektra versus the Emotiva 

3. Reputation of Elektra on here from many reputable forum regulars

 

For some, my reasoning may be silly; but to me, I cannot wait until my unit is ready to get sent to me in Sydney. I went for the 7 Channel, as it will power my Paradigm 7 Ear Level Channels, and i'll let my Yamaha AVR do the 4 Dolby Atmos Height Channels.

I rarely if ever see Elektra amps hit the second hand market, and when they do, they get snapped up quick smart! So that alone speaks volumes for the demand on the product.

 

 

[J5000 6]

I'm in the same predicament as you mate. But I'm only looking at the 3 channel version. I'm leaning towards elektra. I'm big in Aussie made stuff as I work in the manufacturing sector. Just waiting for Melbourne Hifi to put a special on and I'll pull the trigger I think. Aren't Krix going to do power amps? I didn't make it to the hifi show but did see in the photo's they had there own amps.

[Kaynin 3,626]

4 minutes ago, J5000 said:

I'm in the same predicament as you mate. But I'm only looking at the 3 channel version. I'm leaning towards elektra. I'm big in Aussie made stuff as I work in the manufacturing sector. Just waiting for Melbourne Hifi to put a special on and I'll pull the trigger I think. Aren't Krix going to do power amps? I didn't make it to the hifi show but did see in the photo's they had there own amps.

 

Just give them a call now, they're pretty flexible with their pricing.  I've never seen their sale prices on Elektra's go below what I know I can buy them for any other time.

 

[betty boop 15,343]

1 minute ago, J5000 said:

I'm in the same predicament as you mate. But I'm only looking at the 3 channel version. I'm leaning towards elektra. I'm big in Aussie made stuff as I work in the manufacturing sector. Just waiting for Melbourne Hifi to put a special on and I'll pull the trigger I think. Aren't Krix going to do power amps? I didn't make it to the hifi show but did see in the photo's they had there own amps.

Yes Krix announced prior to the show, that they worked with Arthur for him to develop version of his amps for them. They were using krix versions of his amps at the show ...in previous shows I had seen the Elektras driving their flagship heritix series...

https://www.hifishow.com.au/news/krix-reveals-active-passion-at-2017-australian-hifi-show

so only a logical move. Would be a big thing for Arthur I imagine. And good thing for krix to have a a full system.

[Davo1972 289]

I'm probably a little biased, being a big Elektra (and Arthur Rappos) fan, but here goes...

 

I bought an Elektra Theatre 7 channel amp in October 2003, probably one from Arthur's first run of production of multichannel power amplifiers. My dealer hadn't even really tried them out but suggested I give the Elektra a shot, and for what it was at the price it was I was blown away. I still use it now in my home theatre, but I'm upgrading my home theatre to 5.1.4 Atmos, so I'm about to replace it with some new power amplifiers......

 

What did I buy? A brand new Elektra Theatre HD 7 channel amp, and an Elektra Reference HD 2 channel amp. This'll give me the 9 channels I need for my upgrade to 5.1.4 Atmos. I nice little bump in RMS power per channel on the Theatre HD 7 channel amp with a reduction in THD, and some sweet 300W RMS into 8 ohms for my mains (bridegable to mono to give me 1000W into 8 ohms when I decide to get a second Reference HD for 2 channel 😉). Plus I've sold my original Theatre 7 channel for $1K (nothing to turn your nose up at).

 

Seriously - Elektra - Aussie made quality, huge quality toroidal power supply, large caps, clean sound. What more could you want? Plus you get to support an Aussie business!

Edited November 12, 2018 by Davo1972

[Satanica 1,428]

On 11/11/2018 at 5:06 PM, Arcsabre said:

So what do you guys think?

 

Simple, go for the one that is demonstratively superior to the other.

 

Actually, there's no way that would work, forget that. 

Just pick the one you think looks the best and will make you feel the warmest and cuddliest on the inside. 

Edited November 12, 2018 by Satanica

[jdh500 156]

2 hours ago, Davo1972 said:

What did I buy? A brand new Elektra Theatre HD 7 channel amp, and an Elektra Reference HD 2 channel amp.

That’s the combination I also purchased 3 years ago as an upgrade to the earlier series of Elektra amps I’d owned for 10 years without issue. I have my amps connected to Paradigm Signiture series speakers with a Marantz AV8802a AV pre-Amp and Oppo 205, very happy with the combination.

 

JDH

[J5000 6]

E

On 12/11/2018 at 6:00 PM, Kaynin said:

 

Just give them a call now, they're pretty flexible with their pricing.  I've never seen their sale prices on Elektra's go below what I know I can buy them for any other time.

 

Thanks mate will do! Looks like I know what I'm buying myself for xmas!

[Bunno77 1,172]

If you can have a listen to them especially Emotiva before buying and see if you like it.

 

Emotiva is one of the few brands that really disappointed me.

 

Unless your front 3 speakers are demanding I prob wouldn't bother with a power amp. Just get an AVR (especially used if you don't need all the marketing BS) and buy a better 2 channel solution later on and maybe sooner with the money you save

[IMDave 210]

When it comes to amplification,  l feel the more affluent you are, the more you can justify spending larger sums of money on what "might be "...... something significantly better.

Point in case, I had a thread back in the DTV days when I questioned whether I needed a great new power amp for my HT to drive the front LR speakers which were 20 year old Spendor SP2's , or whether it would be better to spend the $4k budget on a new set of LCR speakers for 80%HT/20% two channel.

My local dealer ( nb Iive in Frankston) said to to me , that if I couldn't hear the difference a $4k Elektra HD made to my system, I didn't know what I was talking about .

Well being a scientist by trade, I needed to test the variables. 

I took my AVR, Oppo203( purchased from the same dealer) AND the 20yo Spendors to the store.

Said dealer was very unimpressed when I wanted to A/B the two options.

I set up my system such that it only required 30 seconds work to unplug a couple of components to be able to make an objective comparison. 

Within the same 30 seconds it was exceedingly obvious that a $4000 Elektra amp was never going to make a 20yo pair of speakers,which were always conservative in the <40Hz dept, sound better than a new set of 2017 speakers.

 

Ask yourself what you are try achieve. 

If I had $20k worth of speakers I wouldn't be trying to drive them with a $1000 AVR, but don't get caught up in specs that are impossible to differentiate. 

I have no doubt that Arthur's amps are world class, and value for money........when you're trying to eek the best out of a system that is already the best you can afford. 

YMMV😁😁😁😁😁

[cwt 922]

4 hours ago, IMDave said:

Within the same 30 seconds it was exceedingly obvious that a $4000 Elektra amp was never going to make a 20yo pair of speakers,which were always conservative in the <40Hz dept, sound better than a new set of 2017 speakers.

 

Ask yourself what you are try achieve. 

If I had $20k worth of speakers I wouldn't be trying to drive them with a $1000 AVR, but don't get caught up in specs that are impossible to differentiate. 

Well said Dave ; as the speakers are much more important to sound quality than the power amp ; I would firm up what calibre of speakers you will want 1st before choosing the power amp . Remember too some people love the sound of a tube amp ; even ones with heaps of 2nd order distortion so specs are best taken as an aspect of good design ; not necessarily sound quality . As said ;don't get caught up in specs .

Quote

 

One of the big advantages that tube amps have is in the creation of harmonic distortion. Distortion sounds like a bad thing but for musicians it is something they want to happen. Guitarists early in the 20th century managed to create distortions by turning their amps to their highest volume setting.

Distortions from tube amps are usually second-order. This means it is the same sound, but an octave higher. The result is an interesting musical effect that is actually quite pleasant to the ear.

 

https://toptubeamplifier.com/are-tube-amps-better-the-debate-rages-on/

[Soundfever 93]

Greetings All,

 

Just saw the post today, not sure if OP have made the purchase. I am also a new player in the Stereo game, always been a HT person. I have used both Emotiva XPA 5 Gen3 and Elektra HD amps. I have a dual purpose room and my usage is about 40/60 for movies with a 7.2.4 setup. Here are my humble opinions on the amps. 

 

They are both very capable amps, I personally like the Elektra little more for the dynamic control, openness and a sense of power. The Emotiva is able to give you all the power you need, however in comparison it is little less dynamic and not as clear and clean. The Emotiva is cheaper though, maybe go with a second hand amp. I purchased the Emotiva new, however, was quoted about 2000 to upgrade to a 7 channels amp from a 5. That is when I picked up a used Elektra HD 5 for a similar price of the upgrade. Upgrading the Elektra is so much cheaper, however, like servicing it need to go back to Arthur in Melbourne. Mine is currently with Arthur to convert from a 5 to a 7 channels. Hint: worth contacting Arthur to find out the upgrade price before you purchase the 7 channels amp. While it is at Arthur, I've purchased another used 7 channels Elektra. Don't think the amp can be bridged, maybe Arthur can do his magic and convert of original HD5 into a Reference 3 to power my front 3 speakers. 

 

Another thing is to put into consideration is your speakers. The synergy of it and the amp and pre can make a huge different. Saying that the Emotiva and Elektra have similar profiles and will go well. I have tried my system with a Classe Sigma5 amp, Marantz NA11S1 dac and Elektra Pre, that combination really, open up the sound stage and woken up the lazy B&W Kevlar Mid drivers. 

 

Here is my journey so far.

1. Marantz 7012 + Rotel 1552Mk2 + B&W 805d2 + Htm4s + 705 = great for movie, nice powerful and clean sound, front stage accurate and dynamic. Surrounds okay, can turn up for volume but lacking in details. Music good, but sound stage tight, minimal instruments separation.

 

2.Marantz 7012 + Emotiva XPA 5 gen 3 + BW805d2 + Htm4s + 705= improvement from above: Movie: very dynamic, punchy, like going from Dolby Pro Logic to Dolby Digital, all channels are free and have its own sound, working together to delivery huge movie sound experience. However, the back surround and Atmos speakers are till somewhat lacking. At this time not much dolby atmos content and the back surround isn't as crucial. Music dynamic range expanded, sound stage opens up and becomes clearer, more air in between, stage separation improves.

 

3. Marantz 7012 + Emotiva XPA 5 + Elektra HD 5 + BW803d2 + Htm4s + 705 = Now, everything opens up, movies are coming to live with all channels firing, atmos speakers are still powered by the 7012 as they are tiny ceiling speakers. Music: cleaner, more air, more separation, begins to have more of a 3D effects. However, there are small sound miss matched with the different amps, and short on funds. So sold the Rotel, Emotiva and Htm4s. 

 

4. Marantz 7012 + Elektra HD5 + 803d2 + Htm4d2 + Elktra Pre(HT bypass)+ 705. Movie same, centre channel improves slightly with better highs, better matching of 5 channels, surround back little lacking. Music: 3D sounds, sound stage opens up, instruments can be easily identify and located on the stage. But some how lacking in base in the 60Hz area. So send the Pre and Power amp to Arthur for a check up and upgrade to a 7 channels. 

 

5. Marantz 7012 + Elektra HD7 + 803d2 + Htm2D2 + 705. Movie: much better matching in the front stage LCR are now very smooth, no need to +2 on the centre and the blending is now complete, big smile. All surrounds are matching. Music, without the elektra Pre and a new(used) elektra HD7, gave me back the missing bass however, the sound stage and details have lost for music. Hope to get my amp and pre back soon. 

 

 

Both amps will bring your movie and music to another level, also consider getting some good interconnects and speaker cables too. Get a used one, 1-2 years old unit will save you alot of money. If you are going for the Emotiva, then buy the number of channels you need as upgrading cost too much. If you are going for the Elektra then contact Arthur for the upgrade cost and by the best valued number of channels amp. Sorry, that might sound little cryptic but I don't want to step on anyone's toes. It can take some time though to get the amp back from Arthur, depending on how busy he is. 

 

For a 50/50 use I would go with a good AVR with 13 channels preout, a Pre with HT bypass for music and Elektra (if budget permits), good interconnects and 7 matching speakers and 2 subs. 

 

Source -> DAC -> Pre -> Amp - > speakers = Music

Movie source - >AVR -> HT bypass for LR -> Amp -> Speaker. For other speakers AVR = Amp directly. 

 

Have fun. 

 

 

 

    

Edited November 24, 2018 by sillygogo1

[minireza 56]

My Elektra should arrive this week.

 

Will post my thoughts once I get it up and running.

[minireza 56]

Look what arrived today!! Just got it setup and now watching Wonderwoman. 

 

I made a little unboxing video that I'll link once uploaded to YouTube. 

 

Cheers 

[minireza 56]

 

[Interface 175]

Yes the Elektras certainly are heavy. It was an effort to get mine out of the box when I got it and it was only 5 channel.

Maybe I need to go to the gym 😊

They talk about burn in time of around 100 hours so you're still to hear improvements even though you seem to be happy with it straight out of the box.

I don't know if I was kidding myself but to me I think mine really hit its stride at 300 hours.

Another great Australian made product.👍

[betty boop 15,343]

@minireza  hope dont mine me adding here

 

congrats on the elektra. great video 

 

but one thing stood out to me. actually a couple (will post re the projector screen aspect in the projector thread). one potential thing to sort  out please before you do atmos !!! I see you have your seating a long ways back, not far off back wall. my suggestion. take it for what its worth. do consider sitting at the 2/3rd room depth. two things it will benefit your audio hugely ! will make life very easy to place a full atmos 7.1.4 setup with ease leaving plenty of room for everything to breath and also audio wise for you not adding room gain at the back which will mean in calibration will just have to kill the sub. will also benefit sound stage etc putting you more in the action.

 

anyways congrats again, but I think worth a thought  

[minireza 56]

Doing my best to run in it! Watching ready player one on it. Biggest takeaway is how much headroom I now have. Kinda scary!! 

[minireza 56]

23 minutes ago, betty boop said:

@minireza  hope dont mine me adding here

 

congrats on the elektra. great video 

 

but one thing stood out to me. actually a couple (will post re the projector screen aspect in the projector thread). one potential thing to sort  out please before you do atmos !!! I see you have your seating a long ways back, not far off back wall. my suggestion. take it for what its worth. do consider sitting at the 2/3rd room depth. two things it will benefit your audio hugely ! will make life very easy to place a full atmos 7.1.4 setup with ease leaving plenty of room for everything to breath and also audio wise for you not adding room gain at the back which will mean in calibration will just have to kill the sub. will also benefit sound stage etc putting you more in the action.

 

anyways congrats again, but I think worth a thought  

Thankyou for your message; the wide angle of the camera warps the distance. Room is 8.3 metres long, I'm seated 5.5-6 metres back, so already taking advantage of the 2/3rds rule. Admittedly I'm on the longer end of it. Have a look at my speaker distances below. I like that I am equidistant between side surround and surround back

[Davo1972 289]

On 30/11/2018 at 9:43 PM, minireza said:

Look what arrived today!! Just got it setup and now watching Wonderwoman. 

 

I made a little unboxing video that I'll link once uploaded to YouTube. 

 

Cheers 

My new amps arrived about a week and a half ago 😊

 

[OzJustin 35]

Minireza - Thanks for posting a video on the Elektra amp. There is such little info about them (not even a company website) so it’s great to see/hear one in action first hand. [emoji106]

[minireza 56]

1 hour ago, OzJustin said:

Minireza - Thanks for posting a video on the Elektra amp. There is such little info about them (not even a company website) so it’s great to see/hear one in action first hand.

My pleasure - that's the exact reason why I made the video.

Before I buy something, I want to research as much video and or forum content as possible. Lots of information on this forum, but only few photos here and there plus testimonials on the Elektra products.

I really love video/youtube as as a format because it shows so much more to it.

Having now watched 2 movies on the Elektra; I can say that it's made an incredible difference to my system. I'm purposely upgrading things little bit by little bit; it allows me to test each incremental upgrade so I know what's making the most difference (as opposed to just upgrading 10 things at once and not knowing where the gains really were had).

 

So far, my fantastic subwoofer purchase (Paradigm Sub 2) has made the biggest difference, closely followed by the Elektra. I now understand when people talk about headroom. There is just so much power ready at all times for each individual channel to feed off. Absolutely love that this is Australian too; makes me proud in a weird way! hahah

Can for certain say, that once I get my Dolby Height Channels, I would look to add an Elektra to run them too. Overkill at that point, but justified in performance as far as i'm concerned!

[betty boop 15,343]

2 hours ago, minireza said:

Can for certain say, that once I get my Dolby Height Channels, I would look to add an Elektra to run them too. Overkill at that point, but justified in performance as far as i'm concerned!

What I ended up doing, for the money $/ch was a no brainer...