Vortex vs. ClearOne

[ksisneros]

Any thoughts as to preference of an audio processor? I am looking at the Polycom Vortex EF2280, and the ClearOne XAP800 with the XAPTH2 noise cancellor. I plan to connect one of these systems to the Polycom VSX 8000. Anyone have any experience with either system? Pro's or Con's?

[kliman]

I dont have experience with ClearOne, but i have some with Vortex. I would say Vortex because you will connect to Polycom system. More info you can find here:
http://www.polycom.com/products_services/1,,pw-7334,FF.html

[tom9933]

We demoed both products and they both had their pros and cons, overall though I would say they are very comparable. While either system will connect to the codec, using a VSX 8000 and a Vortex makes sense because you get some extra features like being able to send Vortex commands through the VSX. We are in the process of moving to this as a standard solution and so far have been very happy with the results.

[Morgan81]

I agree with Tom, when trying to decide between two products that are that similar, to use the Vortex would really make sense.

I have had my fair share of problems with both systems to the point now where we recommend having the most basic and seperate setup as possible.
Tandberg 880 codec on a monitor, Polycom VXT 1000 conference phone and a simple Extron control system that switches DVD, VCR and laptop images is our usual setup. Simple, cheep and effective. It isn't the best at anything but it in general doesn't have many problems.

[ksisneros]

Thanks to all of your for your input in regards to this question. You have been very helpful!

[mjrtoo]

The biggest difference between these two units is the bussing. The XAP product seems a bit more flexible in matrixing signals, where the Vortex line is probably a better AEC.

[carolyn]

Te majority of our integrated rooms use the xap 800. I am having a new room installed that will have the Vortex in it. I can tell you that I highly recommend the 800 for rooms that are an acoustical challenge..but more importantly is to have it installed by an experienced, certified tech because of its programming....as we found out the hard way...Since we got the right vendors in anmd fixed our nightmare lecthall..it has been fantastic and without any problems..same goes for the 3 other integrated rooms we had put in late last year...the product is onlty as good as its programmer!!

[vctexas]

Good advice Carolyn. We are definately having the installation done by professionals. We have learned these things the hard way too!

[kingovid]

Unless you NEED the comm between the Pcom and Vortex boxes, the XAP has a bulletproof algorithm and processor. I integrate C1, Vortex, SCT and BiAmp (the last 3 at client direction). The Vortex is actually more sophisticated in setup capability, but the processing is what counts. Done some way cool XAP macros between units tied together in multiple rooms. Presets are flrexible, too.