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The Emotiva Lounge :: Emotiva Products :: Amplifiers :: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER?????
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AuthorTopic: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????? (Read 511 times)
cgolf
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RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER?????
« Thread Started on Jun 10, 2011, 9:42am »
Both have the same power specs and both are mono's. One was reference and the other is entry. Both look great. One with the meters and the others stacked.

I've had them both and quite honestly, can't tell much if any difference. Maybe if I know which is playing but if I just walked into the room, can't tell a difference.

Any other thoughts. Anyone else have them both and have different thoughts??

Just curious....... ;D

I really want another pair of UPA-1s to drive my fronts but I'm having heartburn about selling the RPA-2. Gotta make a decision....... :P
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #1 on Jun 10, 2011, 10:04am »
Dibs ;D
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #2 on Jun 10, 2011, 10:10am »
if you can't tell a difference in audio quality i'd say keep the RPA-2 for the simple fact that it only requires 1 outlet.
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #3 on Jun 10, 2011, 10:24am »
Just my 2 cents but I have a feeling that the RPA-2 will retain a higher resale value. I could be wrong, but just try to buy a used RPA-1 or RPA-2. They are few and far between and have been out longer than the UPA series.



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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #4 on Jun 10, 2011, 10:31am »
No difference=no sell. I always try to not buy new gear, unless it actually makes a big improvement over my current gear. Or if I can get the same performance for less, or in smaller form. I say keep the RPA. It's a great unique amp, and the type of amp that you can hang onto for a long time.
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cgolf
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #5 on Jun 10, 2011, 10:35am »
All truth I know. That RPA-2 is one sweet sounding amp and the separation is awesome.

I'll probably end up finding another pair of used UPA-1s if I stay patient!!!! ;D :P
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Media Room -- Samsung 58" Plasma; XPA-2; XPA-3; Onkyo 807; OPPO 95; RSP-2; RPA-2; Axiom M80s; ERD-1s; Outlaw LFM-1+

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Marantz 2270 and a pair of Baby Advent speakers sitting on the floor with nowhere to go!!
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #6 on Jun 10, 2011, 12:40pm »
Emotiva Amps...money in the Bank!...i would keep the RPA-2..+1 for Pauly...
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #7 on Jun 10, 2011, 12:41pm »
villock...nice!..
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #8 on Jun 10, 2011, 3:17pm »
I have spent many hours listening to music with RPA-2 power amps and what separates it from the XPA/UPA series amps is it sounds more refined. The differences as very subtle and requires critical listening. It is all a matter of nuance. In addition to having a slight edge in sonic performance, the RPA-2 uses premium quality build components inside and out. It would be like taking the UPA-1 and modding it with top quality resistors and capacitors; using matched, enhanced power modules; and using premium, tiffany style XLR, RCA connections and upgraded speaker binding posts. Top drawer all the way.

During critical listening with very high quality media the things that stood out to me was with difficult to reproduce musical instruments which sounded more natural. The speed of the attack and the accuracy of the decay was more convincing. For 2-channel listening, you would be hard pushed to find any amplifier that would best it -- without spending a small fortune.

Keep the RPA-2. If for no other reason, it will hold its value longer and has higher quality build. This is a music lover's dream amp.
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #9 on Jun 10, 2011, 3:28pm »
I can't say enough about my RPA-1. I agree with roadrunner that it is definitely "a music lover's dream amp."
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #10 on Jun 10, 2011, 3:36pm »
I agree. When I get to thinking that I might sell it, I hook it up and listen for awhile. Recently, I was listening to 2 channel one morning and noticed that the separation was better than it had been in awhile. That's when I realized that I had swapped out the XPA-2 for the RPA-2 a few days earlier.

There really is a difference when you're paying attention. The channel separation with this amp is outstanding!!! ;D
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Media Room -- Samsung 58" Plasma; XPA-2; XPA-3; Onkyo 807; OPPO 95; RSP-2; RPA-2; Axiom M80s; ERD-1s; Outlaw LFM-1+

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Marantz 2270 and a pair of Baby Advent speakers sitting on the floor with nowhere to go!!
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #11 on Jun 10, 2011, 3:47pm »
To be fair, I've never heard the UPA series amps but I can truly say that since I purchased the RPA-1 a few years ago I have had no urge to upgrade in the amplifier department. My brain and ears are definitely telling me something.
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #12 on Jun 12, 2011, 2:35am »
I wont sell my RPA-1. Its going down with the ship. I do love my UPA-1s also......
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Re: RPA-2 vs. 2-UPA-1s -- Is this a NO BRAINER????
« Reply #13 on Jun 12, 2011, 11:06am »
I always wanted an RPA-1 or RPA-2. I watch for used ones to show up.
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