reye
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Post by reye on Nov 10, 2010 13:36:22 GMT -5
Dear all Emo expert,
I recently purchased the UPA-5. And now the XPA-5 is on sale.
And thinking of getting the X. My setup is not in the high of most people here. My AVR is Onkyo 806 with L/R Polk R50s, center is SC2. I did a comparison in stereo mode with 806. I could hear the UPA-5 give a cleaner sound. And wondering if the XPA-5 will provide a better sound than the U. I would really appreciated if anyone could give feed back. Thanks.
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Nov 10, 2010 14:28:19 GMT -5
You could experience more bass slam with the XPA, and of course you'll have more headroom when you really crank it. During low volume listening and even somewhat loud listening, the two amps will be pretty much identical, as they are very similar designs. Even Emo will tell you that. Some may disagree, and say that the XPA will be better at all volume levels. IMO, it really depends on your speakers, how often you like to crank it, your room size, and if you plan on buying hard to drive speakers in the future. Your Polks would certainly welcome the extra power of the XPA, but the UPA would be more than enough to drive them to very loud levels. If you really like to crank it often, and you have a big room, then I would definitely suggest the XPA. If you normally listen at lower volume levels, have a small/ish room, and don't plan on buying very hard to drive speakers any time soon, then the UPA-5 is all you need. In my case, with my smallish room, and my 100db sensitivity speakers, the UPA-5 is killer. I've had 200 watt, and 300 watt amps before, and I can't really tell a difference between them, except when I really crank it to ear bleeding levels.
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Post by paintedklown on Nov 10, 2010 14:32:38 GMT -5
As I do not own, nor ever heard, the UPA-5 amplifiers I am unable to comment on their sound. What I can tell you is that the XPA-5 amplifier is a true "power house". I have had it hooked up for (today is my third day) just a short while and I am more than impressed with this amplifiers power reserves. I like to listen LOUD and these amplifiers deliver the goods to be sure. I keep turning the volume up, and it keeps getting louder, and with no loss of "composure" or any introduction of distortion or other audio unpleasantness.  I wish I did have a UPA-5 to do an A/B comparison with, I think it would be an interesting experiment for sure. I will say that the XPA-5 vs. a UPA-1 (same power rating) the XPA-5 just seems to have a bit more "gas in the tank". I feel I can push it harder and it doesn't break a sweat doing it. Initially I had wanted to go with a UPA-5 to mate up with my UPA-1s for a 7.2 channel system...I must say that I am NOT at all sorry I went with the bigger brother here. I think I probably could have found the limits to the UPA-5, with the XPA-5 I don't think that will ever be a worry. I am sure others, with more experience, and perhaps experience with both, will be able to chime in and provide you with further assistance/advice. Good luck with whatever you choose. Either amplifier will be a great option.  |
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reye
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Post by reye on Nov 10, 2010 15:46:51 GMT -5
You could experience more bass slam with the XPA, and of course you'll have more headroom when you really crank it. During low volume listening and even somewhat loud listening, the two amps will be pretty much identical, as they are very similar designs. Even Emo will tell you that. Some may disagree, and say that the XPA will be better at all volume levels. IMO, it really depends on your speakers, how often you like to crank it, your room size, and if you plan on buying hard to drive speakers in the future. Your Polks would certainly welcome the extra power of the XPA, but the UPA would be more than enough to drive them to very loud levels. If you really like to crank it often, and you have a big room, then I would definitely suggest the XPA. If you normally listen at lower volume levels, have a small/ish room, and don't plan on buying very hard to drive speakers any time soon, then the UPA-5 is all you need. In my case, with my smallish room, and my 100db sensitivity speakers, the UPA-5 is killer. I've had 200 watt, and 300 watt amps before, and I can't really tell a difference between them, except when I really crank it to ear bleeding levels. Thank you very much for the input. Well, as for more bass slamming. Which I don't think I need. I am running two of the LFM-1 EX from Outlaw audio. Before I got the UPA-5. I was not listening much to music. And ever since I hook up the U. I like to listen more to music at high volume. My living room is an rectangular 15' X 30' open to the kitchen. And I do plan on upgrading to better speakers in two to three from now. So my question is. Would it be wise just to go with the X? Or will I be okay with the U for now? Will my Polk sound any better if I do go with the XPA-5 for now? BTW, I do movie more than music. Will the X give more dynamic with my current speakers? Thanks again. |
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NorthStar
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Post by NorthStar on Nov 10, 2010 16:05:33 GMT -5
Get the XPA-5! * It will provide more slam, more dynamics, and more overall punch in your guts! Besides you have a large room that opens up to your kitchen... - Your Polk speakers won't necessarily sound better, but they'll open up more on the headroom scale! |
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Nov 10, 2010 16:27:14 GMT -5
It does sound like the XPA would be a good fit for you. Whether or not it's worth the extra dough is up to you. But, you have 30 days to decide, so go for it.
BTW, is your 30 days up on your UPA?
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Post by thepcguy on Nov 10, 2010 16:29:40 GMT -5
Just a reminder:
When you double the Amp's power, you only gain +3db
UPA-5 = 125 RMS
XPA-5 = 200 RMS
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NorthStar
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Post by NorthStar on Nov 10, 2010 16:44:37 GMT -5
<<< IMPORTANT CORRECTION >>> Keep your Emo UPA-5! ...The XPA-5 would be simply overkill for your Polk speakers! ...Unless you intend to replace them in the future with bigger & better ones, of course! * Sorry for the small inconvenience!  ...But not really if you have an eye towards the future...  ** Simply put, they are both great, and at their sale prices right now, that makes them even greater! ** |
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reye
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Post by reye on Nov 10, 2010 16:51:39 GMT -5
It does sound like the XPA would be a good fit for you. Whether or not it's worth the extra dough is up to you. But, you have 30 days to decide, so go for it. BTW, is your 30 days up on your UPA? It will be in a few days. What say you? |
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Nov 10, 2010 17:01:54 GMT -5
Oh I just figured that it would be ideal if the UPA is still within the return period. That way if you like the XPA-5 better, then you could just return the UPA, instead of trying to sell it and all.
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reye
Seeker Of Truth
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Post by reye on Nov 11, 2010 12:47:56 GMT -5
Thanks to all of you that took the time to read my post and give feedback.
I am still on the fence of the getting the X. Because of the my speakers not being more efficient. But I do plan on upgrading my speakers sometime in the future. But I just don't know when. So would it be wise just to get the X any way?
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Pauly
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Post by Pauly on Nov 11, 2010 15:03:51 GMT -5
I don't think you'll regret it.
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selkec
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Post by selkec on Nov 11, 2010 17:30:12 GMT -5
Get the Xpa amp. Your not going to hear alot of difference with the polk r50's but if you ever upgrade to like the Polk RtiA or Lsi speakers they love the power. They may still be efficient but trust me. I have them and have powered them from an xpa3 to a xpa5 and xpa-1's and the more power you have the better. Plus you will not ever wonder what if. And its nice to have the extra headroom.
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geebo
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Post by geebo on Nov 11, 2010 21:44:00 GMT -5
I would say that if you are within the 30 day return period, get the XPA. If not, I would upgrade the R50's first.
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reye
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Post by reye on Nov 12, 2010 12:32:00 GMT -5
Does anyone know if the 30days trail. Start from the date you order or the day you receive the item?
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NorthStar
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"And it stoned me to my soul" - Van Morrison
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Post by NorthStar on Nov 12, 2010 13:13:44 GMT -5
Does anyone know if the 30days trail. Start from the date you order or the day you receive the item? Call Emotiva, and tell them you'd like to trade your UPA-5 for the XPA-5. Right now! * Probably starts from the day they have official confirmation that it has reached its final home destination, you! |
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reye
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Post by reye on Nov 12, 2010 13:35:11 GMT -5
Does anyone know if the 30days trail. Start from the date you order or the day you receive the item? Call Emotiva, and tell them you'd like to trade your UPA-5 for the XPA-5. Right now! * Probably starts from the day they have official confirmation that it has reached its final home destination, you! Just PM you. |
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NorthStar
Seeker Of Truth
"And it stoned me to my soul" - Van Morrison
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Post by NorthStar on Nov 12, 2010 14:13:08 GMT -5
Call Emotiva, and tell them you'd like to trade your UPA-5 for the XPA-5. Right now! * Probably starts from the day they have official confirmation that it has reached its final home destination, you! Just PM you. Very well received, and very well replied too. ...With the utmost intelligent & actual perspective that applies to only your particular situation in the now! ...Also with an eye towards the future, as a good dose of your zone's comfort level. .Physical & mental. Best regards, Bob |
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...But not really if you have an eye towards the future... 
