Post by michaeljhuman on Jul 22, 2010 23:36:00 GMT -5
I won't repeat the usually general stuff.
I do have to note the first XPA-3 failed dramatically. It was replaced. Annoying, but handled quickly by Emotiva.
I have it connected to a Yamaha RX-Z7. It's powering B&W 684 L/R with the cheaper 600 series center. I was encouraged to buy the XPA-3 due to the excellent price along with the fact that my center channel has a horrible sensitivity of 85 dB or something like that.
I have to admit I am not sure how the XPA-3 can manage 200x3 watts continuous With a 850 VA transformer. My math does not add up. Emotiva shows an audio analyzer output that seems to back their rating up though.
The executive summary is that the XPA-3 has not made much of a difference in my setup.
I would generally watch movies below -10 dB on the volume. Assuming a movie following the THX standard, and assuming -15 dB listening level, I only need 90 dB peaks. Let's call it 95 dB.
For the more efficient left/right speakers, I need under 30 watts. For the less efficient center channel speaker, I need only 75 watts.
In spite of the likely scenario that the XPA-3 would not improve my music/games/movies, I like amps. They are cool to have aroundl. So given the price, I had no problem spending the money to ensure I had enough front stage power.
Honestly, I hear no difference. I had hoped the amp might help with music. Some songs sound harsh to me. The amp does not help here. So, the problem is elsewhere (the songs themselves are harsh, the room accoustics need taming, or my B&W 674's are a bit harsh...)
I should note that the Z7 was rated with two channels driven into 8 ohms at at least 170 watts. So I would not expect a huge gain from the XPA-3. But the XPA-3 can supposedly push 200x3 watts continuous. Or close to it, anyways. The Z7 can't do that while driving seven speakers.
In no way is this a negative review. The amp performs as designed. I can turn it up, and it sounds fine. 850 VA is a better power supply than my receiver, I am pretty sure. It's backed by plenty of filter caps, so it's dynamic handling should be solid. And dynamics is what uses up power. You figure you need 100 times the power for peak needs in movies as you do for average needs.
It seems very feasible that the XPA-3 can drive my speakers to near reference level without clipping. The center channel may prevent reference level as it requires over 700 watts to hit 105 dB. Dynamic power capability via the large cap banks may allow me to get close. But I don't worry about reference level, as I
don't want to listen to it that loud.
The XPA-3 seems to work well just driving two channels. This is important for people who listen to two channel music. Music needs a lot of power. For one thing, you will probably notice distortion more with music. Music has less separation between peak level and average level. Today's over compressed songs, need even more average power.
So while I don't think I need this amp, others may benefit much more from it. A lot of receivers out there have power supplies which can't even manage to drive 50 watts / channel, with all channels driven. The XPA-3 should provide a nice upgrade for people wanting more front stage power.
It's hard to beat the price. I looked at various options, and I did not see anything new which could beat the power of the XPA-3 for the price tag.
I do have to note the first XPA-3 failed dramatically. It was replaced. Annoying, but handled quickly by Emotiva.
I have it connected to a Yamaha RX-Z7. It's powering B&W 684 L/R with the cheaper 600 series center. I was encouraged to buy the XPA-3 due to the excellent price along with the fact that my center channel has a horrible sensitivity of 85 dB or something like that.
I have to admit I am not sure how the XPA-3 can manage 200x3 watts continuous With a 850 VA transformer. My math does not add up. Emotiva shows an audio analyzer output that seems to back their rating up though.
The executive summary is that the XPA-3 has not made much of a difference in my setup.
I would generally watch movies below -10 dB on the volume. Assuming a movie following the THX standard, and assuming -15 dB listening level, I only need 90 dB peaks. Let's call it 95 dB.
For the more efficient left/right speakers, I need under 30 watts. For the less efficient center channel speaker, I need only 75 watts.
In spite of the likely scenario that the XPA-3 would not improve my music/games/movies, I like amps. They are cool to have aroundl. So given the price, I had no problem spending the money to ensure I had enough front stage power.
Honestly, I hear no difference. I had hoped the amp might help with music. Some songs sound harsh to me. The amp does not help here. So, the problem is elsewhere (the songs themselves are harsh, the room accoustics need taming, or my B&W 674's are a bit harsh...)
I should note that the Z7 was rated with two channels driven into 8 ohms at at least 170 watts. So I would not expect a huge gain from the XPA-3. But the XPA-3 can supposedly push 200x3 watts continuous. Or close to it, anyways. The Z7 can't do that while driving seven speakers.
In no way is this a negative review. The amp performs as designed. I can turn it up, and it sounds fine. 850 VA is a better power supply than my receiver, I am pretty sure. It's backed by plenty of filter caps, so it's dynamic handling should be solid. And dynamics is what uses up power. You figure you need 100 times the power for peak needs in movies as you do for average needs.
It seems very feasible that the XPA-3 can drive my speakers to near reference level without clipping. The center channel may prevent reference level as it requires over 700 watts to hit 105 dB. Dynamic power capability via the large cap banks may allow me to get close. But I don't worry about reference level, as I
don't want to listen to it that loud.
The XPA-3 seems to work well just driving two channels. This is important for people who listen to two channel music. Music needs a lot of power. For one thing, you will probably notice distortion more with music. Music has less separation between peak level and average level. Today's over compressed songs, need even more average power.
So while I don't think I need this amp, others may benefit much more from it. A lot of receivers out there have power supplies which can't even manage to drive 50 watts / channel, with all channels driven. The XPA-3 should provide a nice upgrade for people wanting more front stage power.
It's hard to beat the price. I looked at various options, and I did not see anything new which could beat the power of the XPA-3 for the price tag.
