Rockin' the Emotiva XPA gen 3 for front three and Emotiva BasX 4 channel for surrounds and atmos. Emotiva has amps for every config and they sound great.
I have the Outlaw 5000x, and it performs beyond spec, which outlaw is known for. Great value, and mine don't hiss nearly that loud. I have a more expensive Anthem MCA525 and B&K ref 125.7, which was expensive at the time. I'm a believer in headroom and getting the amp heat out of the processor. Outlaw and Emotiva are a quality way to get into separates without breaking the bank.
I had the Basx A2 for my L/R channels. Then replaced it with the 7000x to drive all my channels. I have no noise from my outlaw. Only difference I noticed was the emotiva had rolled off highs compared to the outlaw. I got more sparkle in two channel listening with the outlaw. Both amps are silent. I still use the emotiva in my gym. Don’t think there’s a wrong answer here.
A3 for my SVS Ultra center and SVS Prime Towers and my Yamaha RX-A1030 Can take car of the rest of my Prime Elevation and Dual PB-1000 Pro and SV-2000 Pro behind my couch 🛋️. I don’t like to hear any type of hissing. Thanks great information. 🔊🔊👏🏼
Your content just keeps getting better and better! Great job comparing both amps with real world applications. I personally have the EMOTIVA base X7 and I'm very happy with it. It also helps that its paired with B&W606 which are 8ohms.
Mr Osborne, you need to retest the 7000x. That buzz is a ground loop. The unit has a chassis ground screw on the back next to the power switch. Get a wire and connect the ground from the Amp to your AVR/Process. I had an issue with a used Anthem AVM60 is recently purchased. I used balanced cables to my Crown CT4150 amp. There was buzzing and hissing from my speakers. After connecting the chassis ground from the AVM60 to my Crown amp, the buzz and hissing went away. The speakers are super quiet.
@@ealanosborne Good video 👍. I've been leaning towards the 7000x but after seeing this I am questioning. Really interested to hear if the ground wire helps.
@@jaredtubaugh3119 It really does. I just tested it myself. It's not an issue if you happen to use XLR cables, but that's only if you have an AVR or preamp with XLR outputs. But yeah - the grounding wire eliminated the buzz when I had RCA cables plugged in. I'm gonna make a follow-up RU-vid Short to clear up any confusion or fear that everyone will get buzzing if they use RCA cables.
@@ealanosborne AWESOME!!! Thank you for testing so quickly. I'm waiting on my Anthem MRX1140 so no XLR and I'm in need an amp to power a couple channels on my forthcoming 9.2.4 (subs are powered) Triad + RSL (Atmos) HT system. I've had my eyes on the OA 5000x and 7000x for quite some time but there are very few video reviews. This really helps. Thanks again!
Zero, Ziltch, Nada 7000x buzz/hiss with a x3700h in pre-amp mode (via 1.5' BJC RCAs) in a 7.2.0 B&W 600/SVS SB-3000 x2 system, no power conditioning - YES, I gounded the 7000x to the x3700h - ALWAYS with RCA connects... WOW, just WOW, 7000x freaking drives the B&Ws soooo much better than the x3700h (no schite)! The difference in headroom is simply astounding. Best $ spent on sound quality ever! Demo Rush's Clockwork Angels or Moving Pictures multi-channel releases - OMG, died and gone to heaven with Neil...
Enjoyed the review! I went with Emotiva BASX A3 and A4 over two Outlaw amps mainly because they're on tempered glass shelves; did not want to take the chance. There's a slight hum on power up but it's gone once they're online, and sound great with the Emotiva T1+, B1+, A1 pairs and the C2+ center.
Yeah! After watching Scott Pilgrim vs The World (which has so much music and SFX action throughout), I put my hand on the A7 and it was just a tad warm on the ends (where the L & R speakers were connected). I was impressed! 🤘
For LCR its better to use more powerful 200-250 w amp and any of these for rest surround and /or atmos. Good combo would be XPA 3 and BasX 4/6/8 from Emotiva.
I’m thinking you need too reevaluate the word “budget” because I’m not sure who has the type of budget to be just randomly considered a amplifier for $700 for the emotive and 1k for the outlaw these are not budget amplifier’s they are mid tear a budget amp would be the monolith 7100x at $450 although maybe not as clean of a single which is debatable but still a actual budget option
You’re entitled to interpret “budget” how you wish, this is true. But since I started running this channel, I’ve come to realize anything ~$1,000 and under is budget (especially when the Outlaw Model 7000x gives you 7 channels of amplification), considering there are 2-channel amps that range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. 🤷♂️
Nice video Ealan, ive been waiting for this one to see how they stack up. Im particularly sensitive to hiss or noise from quiet scenes, and that would do my head in and be a deal breaker for me... my A700 (basically identical) amp is completely silent and even at the rated 80w gets my 180w 6ohm 89db rated Jamo towers really cranking, id never go back to receiver power... I cant wait to add an A3 to the front stage in the future. Keep up the good work 👍
Actually the Monolith is made by ATI which also makes Outlaw Audio amps. I have an Outlaw Audio 7200 which is the same as the original Monolith. It does lack XLR connections of the newer Monolith. It has performed flawlessly for over 10 years.
My Outlaw 7125 is dead silent. You might have a power source hum coming from who knows what?!? Dimmer switches are notoriously bad sources of noise, among a million other things.
See his update video. He tested wrong and had a ground loop issue, incorrectly causing the hum from the Outlaws. He hasn’t bothered to correct this video, sadly.
If you connect the Outlaw's built-in ground post to a screw or phono ground on your preamp or processor, you'll have no ground loop hum. That's what the ground post is for.
I think I have my decision made and thank you for the great video! It's always good to hear a review not just from a technical aspect but also from a real world listening perspective. Thank you for your insight. However I wish you did a comparison of the outlaw with emotiva xpa series.
Yep! Outlaw contacted me and had some advice, including the grounding pin. XLR has no issues, only RCA. But once I grounded the chassis, no hum even with RCA. Curious why the A7 didn’t have any hum and only having RCA inputs… 🤷♂️
unlike emotiva outlaw does processor class connection meaning xlr connection only as a connection .. It is almost like emo replaced the upa line with the basx with a note that emo doesn't cover xlr in their basx line, I suspect if they were to offer a xlr solution they would likely sell a lot more amps..
I try and sneak in Jurassic Park clips whenever I can. Such a staple from our childhood! 😄 I use a Sony A7 II mirrorless camera. Although it’s not ideal for RU-vid all that much since it doesn’t have a flip out screen. I’m wanting to replace it with a Sony A7C one of these days, but you know…money. 😭😄
If your having issues with buzzing, use the ground on the back on the amp. It will fix the issue. I kind of wished you would have fixed it before you done this review kind of makes Outlaw look bad now 😔. I would edit the video 📹 to explain the fix. Yes the Outlaw cost a little more but 10 times better if you ask me. Also I have owned this amp and it was flawless! I purchased bigger speakers and needed a little bit more power. So got the Monolith 7X, a much better amp than the comparable Emotiva XPA-7. Ever since Emotiva moved away from there Gen 2, (great amp) to the new ones the Gen 3. Which don't sound as good as the Gen 2 plus they have problems. But I see why they done it, they can have a much lighter amp, and more channels, smaller power supplys. Having Toroidal Transformers is very heavy slicing the white in half. People look at that when they're buying stuff they don't want a 100 lb amp when they going to have a 40 lb amp instead. In most cases.
@@shaolin95 Have to agree. I’ve been doing this a while and didn’t know how to fix a grounding hum until now, but I’m not making videos and influencing buying decisions. I love youtube for the comments that either validate or debunk the creator, but not everyone reads them. A remake would be the best idea, or edit the title at the very least.
anyone have a sudden power amp failure from outlaw 7000x ? I had mine 3 weeks and failed. connected directly to a Furman power conditioner and an greenwave line noise filter using banana plug connectors. ?? signal being fed by an Onkyo txrz50.
I have Emotiva Bass X 5 channel power amp IF I got two channel Bass X power amp for my left and right speakers and they are 4 ohms and other speakers the 5 channel amp would run them would I hear the difference? Cheers
@@gary4593 NICE! I’m jealous of anyone down under with Krix in their system. 😄 Yeah, having a more powerful amp for your L/R will probably be more noticeable with music, and music in movies/TV. Dialog is definitely more noticeable with a 4 ohm center channel, but I think you’ll notice a little more clarity and detail with 4 ohm Krix speakers, especially if they can handle up to 300 watts, for example.
I wonder if your Aperions can stretch their potential even more with a beefier amp, say 200-250watts @8ohms, which would be 350-400w @4ohms. Some speakers just love power. They can become warmer and fuller with their bass performance optimized.
I have Klipsch r625fa speakers as mains and r26fa as surrounds in my 5.2.4 set up. I'm considering these 2 amps so I can make my set up 7.2.4 because my Denon x3800 needs to extra power for the other speakers. I'm not sure if the wattage difference is worth the cost. May I ask your thoughts?
For sure! It’s normally $699. That’s a deal! Amps are amps, so they don’t really go “bad” unless the previous owner ran it at obscene volume levels for long periods of time.
Nice review, I was looking forward for this comparison. A while ago I checked out the hiss and on mine it had very minimal on the tweeter that was audible only from a few inches with the ear right by the tweeter, yes it is there. Although it has zero impact in my case, I wonder if with balanced connection it goes away. Have you tested balanced connection? The sound is superb with movies and music, however I would like to test a 200W amp per channel to see if it makes a difference with my power hungry B&W700s. Regarding distortion it may become more apparent at higher volumes when watching movies with high impact. Have you compared high volume listening? Could it be wiring or grounding issue? Emotiva makes great products for the money and in my opinion the cost benefit and choices are unbeatable, even with their higher end line. Outlaw has dramatically been cutting back their line, while Emotiva expanded, still find the build quality of the 7000x unbeatable for the price.
Yes, using XLR cables, there was no buzz. But it turns out the grounding pin on the 7000x is there for a reason 😬 I tested it out this morning - running a copper wire from it to the chassis of the AVX17 and the grounding buzz stopped. Still, though, why did the A7 not need a grounding pin and not make a buzz? 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne the basx may have attenuators, which does the same as grounding. How do they compare against each other when playing really loud in stereo and surround?
It does. And there’s a grounding pin on the rear where - if you connect it to your AVR/preamp’s chassis using a metal wire - it also eliminates the ground buzz. I’m gonna make a RU-vid Short addressing the issue, just to clear any confusion or hesitation about going with the Outlaw. 👍
Shocking the Outlaw has any noise they usually produce flawless amps. The noise is a deal breaker for me. The A7 has fans that under load spin up fairly loud.
Nice info. Learned that the 7000x would drive me insane. That 200 all channels seven was attractive. Currently have an SR8015 which is quiet. Looks like I will need to stay high end if I want to get more power where I hear an improvement. Rears are typically pretty close. Sucks when you know better.
You can also try running a ground wire from your preamp or receiver to the amp. The two will be grounded to each other this way and that can also knock out any hum or hissing.
I have an a3 and 2 a4s, and I use a Denon x4700h,and they are more than enough for most system, that been said,I would like more power for the fronts, emotiva have that xpa dr3
I’ve owned the Emotiva BasX A7 for 8 months now, zero complaints and I absolutely love it. Early evening movies on our 9.3.4 system get played loudly as everyone is awake and watching. After the little one goes to sleep, late night screenings are played at a much lower volume. I’ve never heard any hissing or humming sounds which is great because if it did I would definitely notice it and it would drive me crazy. I’m not concerned about bass and booms necessarily coming from a speaker because the 3 subwoofers definitely have that covered. I haven’t noticed any heat issues either. Great video, knowing about that hissing sound in the Outlaw, even after the fact, is still good to know.
That’s awesome! The BasX line really are great amps. FYI, it was the IOTA AVX17 preamp that was the actual source of the buzz. I made a follow-up video about it. So the Outlaw actually is a stellar (and quiet) amp after all. 🤷♂️
The hum/hiss is an absolute deal breaker for me. While watching movies that hiss would be in the back of my mind. Not to mention movies like a quiet place. Basx for me.
I’m gonna make a follow-up Short about it, but there is a grounding wire pin on the back of the 7000x that I tested this morning, taking a copper wire from the 7000x and grounding it to the chassis of the preamp. Buzz was gone! But it is still interesting that the A7 had no buzz even with RCA cables connected. 🤷♂️
@@ealanosborne the outlaws have problem with ground loop interference etc you have to plug them directly into the wall and make sure you don’t have a cable box or coax cable around it and even use a ground loop isolator my 5000x is dead silent no hiss from speakers or the amp itself even putting your ear directly to the amp and speakers nothing no noise anymore emotiva sucks I went from a a3 to the outlaw and it’s leagues better than the emotiva
I have 2x 7000X and a 2220 Monoblock. In the past they were hooked up to a Marantz SR5010 via RCA, a JBL SDP-55 via RCA, and now with XLR. I have JBL Studio 590s. I have to put my ear within 1ft of the tweeter to here the “white noise” noise floor, but it sounds nothing like what you played here. It sounds like there was a grounding or interference issue. I don’t have my ground wires in use at all, but you may have wanted to try messing with them.
@@larrywe3320 Haven’t heard those yet. But since I love my Model 7000x and still have it connected to my existing system, I imagine they’re just as good! So there’s that! 🤘
I have the 5000x and I have absolutely no complaints about my purchase of this power amp . It met my expectations and then some . Thank you Outlaw Audio.
Choosing between these two amps is a very common topic on the forums, but I never really see it as much of a decision. Objectively I think the Outlaw is the clear choice every time. However, if you like the look of the Emotiva or need a lighter and/or smaller component then there’s no issue with choosing the Emotiva. More power, balanced outputs, and solid specs makes it a great choice. I’ve been sitting on a Outlaw 5000 for a while also. I bought it before they released the new version 5000x so it doesn’t have the balanced outputs, but for what it cost I can’t bring myself to sell it. So, I keep it lying around until I can find a good use for it.
I have the Denon x4700 and i just bought the 7000x and i use the rca and i grounded it and i don’t hear a hum until i get to reference level but i would never watch a movie at that volume. I think i would wake up the dead
Correct. I’m in the process of making a follow-up video, since I failed to mention the grounding pin on the back. Buzz was gone once I properly set that up! Duh! 😄
I am really looking forward to actually using my Basx A7. I will be using it to power my ear level speakers and my bipole side surrounds in a 7.2.4 configuration. I will be using a Pioneer Elite VSX LX505 to power only the Atmos layer... when it arrives, hopefully sooner than later.
I have that exact setup right now, the A7 powering my seven Klipsch bed layer speakers, then the LX505 built in amp powering the four Atmos speakers for a 7.1.4 setup. I will say it sounds fantastic, I love them and hopefully you will too!
@@rayking507 with all 11 channels connected, I could tell a difference in clarity for sure. Just sounded like a more full and complete sound with the amp. The sound seemed a bit more muddied just on the receiver in scenes where there was a lot of action and sound. That's when you could really tell. And that was just with 9 channels connected to the receiver which is all it supports without an external amp. So gaining 2 channels and getting better defined sound, definitely worth it.
@@Cyclone311 this is exactly why I am running this setup. Take the load off the 505 so it doesn't have to work hard. Let the A7 handle the ear levels and the 505 do it's magic on the four Atmos channels. I would actually like to thank @ealanosborne for helping me decide on the A7, because his review was great. By the way, did you know your boom mic was in the shot?
I use Monolith 5 for my bed layer (MartinLogan electrostats) and Outlaw 7000x for Atmos (ML Motion4). Speakers range from 4-6 ohm impedance, so the extra power really opens up the dynamics of the speakers compared to Anthem MXR-1120 internal amps.
The Monolith 7 is made by ATI, the same company that makes Outlaw Audio amps. The original Monolith 7 is the exact same amp as the old Outlaw Audio model 7200. I have the Outlaw 7200 driving early 90s JBL L series speakers which are 6 ohms and have a built in passive subwoofer. I biamp my fronts. My ears will ring long before any distortion occurs.
This was the absolute worst video ever made... oh wait. Oops, I forgot you wanted us to be kind. =) Actually, thanks for this review. I have the Emo BasX 3 and I keep wondering if the Outlaw would be better. But after further review (yours), I won't upgrade. Keep up the great vids! P.S. I may have missed a few details because as I was watching, I was also searching on Amazon for your Fathor shirt. Haha. You should also drop a link for that.
Ha! In my feed, your comment was cut off and looked like this: Andy Chang - “This was the absolute worst vid…” so I was like, “Oh man, here we go…” 🤣 Thanks for keepin’ it kind! 😁 And yeah, my wife got that shirt for me for Father’s Day. Here’s the link! www.etsy.com/listing/1178819955/
