Post by ssvhd on Sept 27, 2010 19:45:35 GMT -5
Just got an XPA-5 a few days ago for my home theater.
My mid-80's PS Audio 200C 2x200w amp started a loud buzz in the left channel after a power outage. It was time to do what I'd been wanting for awhile--change out the PS 200 driving B&W 802's L+R, Hafler 120 for B&W THX center, NAD 2100 for 803 sides, NAD 902 backs for an XPA-5.
The NAD's were underpowered for the sides and backs, using the Audyssey in my Onkyo 886 processor, I couldn't go any higher than -3db max volume.
I installed the XPA-5 and the front L+R went from -6db down to -12db, center from +8.5db down to -12db, side channels went from +12 down to -11db, due to having to match to the backs, going from +12 to around 0, now that they are powered by the two NAD's, bridged. This gave me +5.5db for Onkyo processor max volume. The XPA-5 clearly gave me much more gain to 5 channels, allowed me to dedicate an amp. per back channel, and I don't expect that I'll be struggling for gain on some HD DVD's and Blu Rays anymore.
Additionally, I'm using balanced Canare/Neutrik XLR cables from the Onkyo 886 to the XPA-5 and it's powering on the trigger(I used to leave all the amps on 24/7/365.
Sound wise, I'm not one to wax eloquently about the different characteristics of an amp. My PS Audio was a great amp with plenty of power and served me for 25 years. I don't hear much difference from the L and R channels, but the center and sides finally have the power they need and I'm very happy with how seamless the 7.2 channel system sounds, all B&W, except two Velodyne subs(and two Buttkickers for the sofa).
Now I'm wondering how an XPA-2 would sound for the L+R channels, and use the XPA-5 for center, sides and back.......
My mid-80's PS Audio 200C 2x200w amp started a loud buzz in the left channel after a power outage. It was time to do what I'd been wanting for awhile--change out the PS 200 driving B&W 802's L+R, Hafler 120 for B&W THX center, NAD 2100 for 803 sides, NAD 902 backs for an XPA-5.
The NAD's were underpowered for the sides and backs, using the Audyssey in my Onkyo 886 processor, I couldn't go any higher than -3db max volume.
I installed the XPA-5 and the front L+R went from -6db down to -12db, center from +8.5db down to -12db, side channels went from +12 down to -11db, due to having to match to the backs, going from +12 to around 0, now that they are powered by the two NAD's, bridged. This gave me +5.5db for Onkyo processor max volume. The XPA-5 clearly gave me much more gain to 5 channels, allowed me to dedicate an amp. per back channel, and I don't expect that I'll be struggling for gain on some HD DVD's and Blu Rays anymore.
Additionally, I'm using balanced Canare/Neutrik XLR cables from the Onkyo 886 to the XPA-5 and it's powering on the trigger(I used to leave all the amps on 24/7/365.
Sound wise, I'm not one to wax eloquently about the different characteristics of an amp. My PS Audio was a great amp with plenty of power and served me for 25 years. I don't hear much difference from the L and R channels, but the center and sides finally have the power they need and I'm very happy with how seamless the 7.2 channel system sounds, all B&W, except two Velodyne subs(and two Buttkickers for the sofa).
Now I'm wondering how an XPA-2 would sound for the L+R channels, and use the XPA-5 for center, sides and back.......
