Post by Deleted on Jun 9, 2013 9:29:55 GMT -5
So here goes part one.
Music used are my typical rotation discs for evaluation as I am very familiar with them.
I know many will wonder what improvements does the XPA 1L bring over the XPA-2 or what have you. The results came to me over many months of listening, and at times they were sublte, and other times they were inspiring.
Pink Floyd's track "Wish You were Here" was detailed, powerful and immediate. With the XPA-1L in AB mode, the slam in bass is very similar to the XPA-2, I could not tell a difference. In class A mode, the XPA-1L is smoother and still highly detailed. It sounded to me that there was less transistor glare. Very smooth and enjoyable. This is where the XPA-2 never gave me that quality. I guess this is where class A flexes its muscle. For speakers with high sensitivity, these amps in class A mode would be amazing. My Magnepans sang nicely in class A mode, but when I wanted to push things, AB mode gave more grunt at higher listening volumes. Even in Class A mode switching to AB above 35 watts, I still preferred AB because it sounded more potent.
On the Ultimate Demo Disc, Rebbecca Pigeon's "Rose in Spanish Harlem" details the accuracy of sibilances of "s" in particular. The XPA-1L produces it faithfully without being harsh or overpowering. A good amp should be neutral and not add or detract from the original source. I feel the XPA-1L has succeeded in that. It's more resolving than the XPA-2 by a margin and matches it in dynamics.
Mighty Sam McClain's "Give it up to Love" is a fantastically recorded cd and the title song is full of great guitar riffs and powerful bass. The XPA-1L delivered this song in exquisite grace and impact. The combination of separation of instruments, detailed vocals and effortless power gave the impression of a costlier unit. I've had other Emo amps, and this is the best of them so far. I've owned the XPA-2, XPA-200,XPA-3,UPA-500, LPA-1, XPA-5.
Anyone who has the Doug McLeod disc, "Come to find" should audition the XPA-1L with that title song. After listening to this song, I came away thinking "this is what my Magnepan 1.7's should sound like". Even at high levels, the XPA-1L's were composed and dealt out the power without running out of steam or getting edgy.
I'll report long term listening results as I get a better handle of the XPA-1L's, but so far it's a great unit for the price. For those who can appreciate and distinguish the articulation in improvements it provides over the units I mentioned earlier, they will be delighted. I am anxiously waiting for the XMC-1 to replace the UMC-200 to go along with my Oppo 95 so I can go fully balanced.
Short answer, the XPA-1L is a fantastic ampilfier !
Music used are my typical rotation discs for evaluation as I am very familiar with them.
I know many will wonder what improvements does the XPA 1L bring over the XPA-2 or what have you. The results came to me over many months of listening, and at times they were sublte, and other times they were inspiring.
Pink Floyd's track "Wish You were Here" was detailed, powerful and immediate. With the XPA-1L in AB mode, the slam in bass is very similar to the XPA-2, I could not tell a difference. In class A mode, the XPA-1L is smoother and still highly detailed. It sounded to me that there was less transistor glare. Very smooth and enjoyable. This is where the XPA-2 never gave me that quality. I guess this is where class A flexes its muscle. For speakers with high sensitivity, these amps in class A mode would be amazing. My Magnepans sang nicely in class A mode, but when I wanted to push things, AB mode gave more grunt at higher listening volumes. Even in Class A mode switching to AB above 35 watts, I still preferred AB because it sounded more potent.
On the Ultimate Demo Disc, Rebbecca Pigeon's "Rose in Spanish Harlem" details the accuracy of sibilances of "s" in particular. The XPA-1L produces it faithfully without being harsh or overpowering. A good amp should be neutral and not add or detract from the original source. I feel the XPA-1L has succeeded in that. It's more resolving than the XPA-2 by a margin and matches it in dynamics.
Mighty Sam McClain's "Give it up to Love" is a fantastically recorded cd and the title song is full of great guitar riffs and powerful bass. The XPA-1L delivered this song in exquisite grace and impact. The combination of separation of instruments, detailed vocals and effortless power gave the impression of a costlier unit. I've had other Emo amps, and this is the best of them so far. I've owned the XPA-2, XPA-200,XPA-3,UPA-500, LPA-1, XPA-5.
Anyone who has the Doug McLeod disc, "Come to find" should audition the XPA-1L with that title song. After listening to this song, I came away thinking "this is what my Magnepan 1.7's should sound like". Even at high levels, the XPA-1L's were composed and dealt out the power without running out of steam or getting edgy.
I'll report long term listening results as I get a better handle of the XPA-1L's, but so far it's a great unit for the price. For those who can appreciate and distinguish the articulation in improvements it provides over the units I mentioned earlier, they will be delighted. I am anxiously waiting for the XMC-1 to replace the UMC-200 to go along with my Oppo 95 so I can go fully balanced.
Short answer, the XPA-1L is a fantastic ampilfier !
