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Post by sesquipedalian on Nov 22, 2013 10:09:09 GMT -5
I am strongly considering moving to a two monoblock setup--either XPA-1 Gen 2s or XPA-1Ls, but I don't necessarily want it to be overkill for my speakers and the volume I generally listen at.
(1) I am mostly interested in them for music listening, and my music preference most often leans to orchestral and chamber music but also includes an occasional mixture of other styles (Folk, bluegrass, pop, rock).
(2) I usually have my preamp volume somewhere between -20 and -35 and rarely go louder (but sometimes quieter later at night).
(3) Currently I sit about 9 feet from my speakers.
(4) My current music setup:
ERC-2 XSP-1 XPA-2
Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower with RAAL ribbons with the following specs:
Typical In-Room Frequency Response = 34Hz - 32kHz ± 3dB In-Room Sensitivity = 93dB @ 2.83v / 1 meter Frequency Response (Anechoic) = 41Hz - 32kHz ± 3dB Sensitivity (Anechoic) = 90dB @ 2.83v / 1 meter Minimum Impedance = 4 ohms Impedance Compatibility = recommended for 8 ohms and lower rated amplifiers Minimum Recommended Power = 25 watts Maximum Continuous Power* = 300 watts Maximum Short Term Peak Power* = 500 watts
*Unclipped peaks
I am also currently using dual F12 Rythmik subwoofers to help with pipe organ music and for times when I watch movies via my UMC-1 (eventually to be XMC-1). With monoblocks, I would either eventually create a 5.2 system or move the XPA-2/UMC-1(XMC-1) to run a pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2 speakers when they are released.
So given my setup and preferences, would XPA-1L or XPA-1 Gen 2 be preferred? What amp would work best for quiet listening?
Thank you all for any recommendations.
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Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 22, 2013 11:14:46 GMT -5
I seems that the XPA-1L's would do a good job with your speaker's efficiency and listening preferences. You could produce over 100 dB SPL without leaving Class A, which sounds like plenty for what you describe. They both have ample Class A and similar noise specs so low volume listening should be pretty close. The 1L would also draw less power and produce less heat at idle, which they would be at most of the time. They're also smaller and lighter, and cost less. Nothing wrong with the 1's but I'd probably go 1L.
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Post by audiobill on Nov 22, 2013 11:18:47 GMT -5
If the speakers were Magneplanar 1.7's, would advice be the same?
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Post by repeetavx on Nov 22, 2013 11:58:46 GMT -5
XPA-1 Gen 2 vs XPA-1L. That's a shootout we're all waiting to hear about. Until someone does a side by side we can only assume that they will sound about the same. Until then, AudioHTIT's is about the best advice I can think of.
A lower efficiency speaker will change the sound some. We know the -1Ls handle it well as did the old -1s. How this new amp with 60 watts of class A pulling on its power supply will act is still unknown. Past history tells us that Emotiva won't produce an amp that isn't very competent.
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Post by pedrocols on Nov 22, 2013 12:03:33 GMT -5
If the speakers were Magneplanar 1.7's, would advice be the same? I think at low to moderate listening levels it would not make a difference based on specs. I used a pair of UPA-1s for my MG12s and the amps could get the speakers louder than I will listen to and remain cool to the touch.
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Post by deltadube on Nov 22, 2013 13:03:08 GMT -5
go for the xpa 1s ... da power bro... is under the hood forever!
the xpa 1s will take care of you good
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Post by audiobill on Nov 22, 2013 13:14:18 GMT -5
At your high speaker efficiency and listening choices, that may be overkill.
You would be happy with the 1L - nothing wrong with your XPA-2 at all, either, and the DC-1 DAC is terrific to boot.
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Post by garbulky on Nov 22, 2013 13:56:21 GMT -5
Honestly - unless the fully differential idea or the class A matters to you I would just stick with what you've got. I would go and get an ERC-3 instead. That would be very worth it.
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Post by Dark Ranger on Nov 22, 2013 14:07:54 GMT -5
Hi sesquipedalian! It's nice to see a fellow Ascend owner. I recognize your name from the AA forum. I've got a pair of XPA-1L amplifiers powering my Sierra-1 (standard tweeter) FL/FR and absolutely love them. I'll also be upgrading the mains to Sierra-2 when available. Although the bookshelf monitors are less sensitive than your Sierra Towers, I've never had an issue powering them to LOUD levels (95 dB+) for occasional demos. I usually sit between 5-6 feet away due to the size and layout of my room. My typical listening levels are between 70-85 dB average. Do you have a SPL meter available to check listening levels at -20 to -35? I'm not sure what that translates to in your room and with your setup. Otherwise--since your listening levels are low-to-moderate, and since the Sierra Towers are reasonably sensitive, I believe the 1L amplifiers will be more than capable without walking far into "overkill" territory. Opting for a pair of XPA-1 Gen2 will guarantee tons of headroom if you ever want to rock it out silly-loud. However, your system probably won't tap into the enormous reserves of the XPA-1 during typical listening. The 1L amplifiers are also smaller and lighter. In my case, I did not (and could not) accommodate the size and weight of the 4RU XPA-1 amps, not to mention stupid power in my bedroom-sized listening room. The 2RU XPA-1Ls were a perfect compromise for me, and I still would have bought them even if they cost the same as the 4RU XPA-1. As far as sound quality comparisons, no one but Emotiva has heard the new XPA-1 Gen2. Hard to say what the outcome will be.
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Post by milsap195 on Nov 22, 2013 14:26:38 GMT -5
Hi sesquipedalian! It's nice to see a fellow Ascend owner. I recognize your name from the AA forum. I've got a pair of XPA-1L amplifiers powering my Sierra-1 (standard tweeter) FL/FR and absolutely love them. I'll also be upgrading the mains to Sierra-2 when available. Although the bookshelf monitors are less sensitive than your Sierra Towers, I've never had an issue powering them to LOUD levels (95 dB+) for occasional demos. I usually sit between 5-6 feet away due to the size and layout of my room. My typical listening levels are between 70-85 dB average. Do you have a SPL meter available to check listening levels at -20 to -35? I'm not sure what that translates to in your room and with your setup. Otherwise--since your listening levels are low-to-moderate, and since the Sierra Towers are reasonably sensitive, I believe the 1L amplifiers will be more than capable without walking far into "overkill" territory. Opting for a pair of XPA-1 Gen2 will guarantee tons of headroom if you ever want to rock it out silly-loud. However, your system probably won't tap into the enormous reserves of the XPA-1 during typical listening. The 1L amplifiers are also smaller and lighter. In my case, I did not (and could not) accommodate the size and weight of the 4RU XPA-1 amps, not to mention stupid power in my bedroom-sized listening room. The 2RU XPA-1Ls were a perfect compromise for me, and I still would have bought them even if they cost the same as the 4RU XPA-1. As far as sound quality comparisons, no one but Emotiva has heard the new XPA-1 Gen2. Hard to say what the outcome will be. I agree with the xpa-1 being over kill if you have efficiant speakers. With my gallo (92 senst.) when I had the 1L's I would have them in class a only and get the db up over a hundred from 15 feet and still had power to spare. Not a whole lot of differnce in watts between 30 and 60. You can buy three 1l's for not much more than you would pay for two xpa-1
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Post by sesquipedalian on Nov 22, 2013 14:59:33 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice/opinions. I suspected that the XPA-1Ls would be okay. I like the XPA-2, but I'm itching to set up a second system using bookshelf speakers. I figured I would invest in monoblocks for the towers and move the XPA-2 to the second system. The newly released XPA flagship, XPA-1 Gen 2, seemed like it was worth considering. However, if there is no particular advantage from a wattage standpoint--both overall and class A, then I would rather save money, get the XPA-1L and see what all the excitement is over monoblocks and class A power. I've read conflicting info on this forum about the potential advantages with monoblocks. I suspect I would only hear subtle differences (if any) between my XPA-2 generation 1 and the XPA-1L.
Ive also considered getting an XPA-5. I could use this for HT and move my XPA-2 to a second system. But I could also keep the XPA-2 in that system and use the XPA-5 for center and rears. The drawback is that I'm not sure if the XPA-5 is as well suited for music listening. Opinions?
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Post by sesquipedalian on Nov 22, 2013 15:09:07 GMT -5
Hi sesquipedalian! It's nice to see a fellow Ascend owner. I recognize your name from the AA forum. I've got a pair of XPA-1L amplifiers powering my Sierra-1 (standard tweeter) FL/FR and absolutely love them. I'll also be upgrading the mains to Sierra-2 when available. Although the bookshelf monitors are less sensitive than your Sierra Towers, I've never had an issue powering them to LOUD levels (95 dB+) for occasional demos. I usually sit between 5-6 feet away due to the size and layout of my room. My typical listening levels are between 70-85 dB average. Do you have a SPL meter available to check listening levels at -20 to -35? I'm not sure what that translates to in your room and with your setup. Otherwise--since your listening levels are low-to-moderate, and since the Sierra Towers are reasonably sensitive, I believe the 1L amplifiers will be more than capable without walking far into "overkill" territory. Opting for a pair of XPA-1 Gen2 will guarantee tons of headroom if you ever want to rock it out silly-loud. However, your system probably won't tap into the enormous reserves of the XPA-1 during typical listening. The 1L amplifiers are also smaller and lighter. In my case, I did not (and could not) accommodate the size and weight of the 4RU XPA-1 amps, not to mention stupid power in my bedroom-sized listening room. The 2RU XPA-1Ls were a perfect compromise for me, and I still would have bought them even if they cost the same as the 4RU XPA-1. As far as sound quality comparisons, no one but Emotiva has heard the new XPA-1 Gen2. Hard to say what the outcome will be. Hi Dark Ranger. I have an SPL meter, and the average dB range at 8-9 feet from the speakers using the mentioned volumes on the XSP-1 with XPA-2 is about 65-88 dB depending on the CD.
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Post by sesquipedalian on Nov 22, 2013 15:20:34 GMT -5
Honestly - unless the fully differential idea or the class A matters to you I would just stick with what you've got. I would go and get an ERC-3 instead. That would be very worth it. Is the DAC in the ERC-3 and DC-1 significantly better than the ERC-2? Could I use the DC-1 with the ERC-2?
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Post by garbulky on Nov 22, 2013 16:45:16 GMT -5
Honestly - unless the fully differential idea or the class A matters to you I would just stick with what you've got. I would go and get an ERC-3 instead. That would be very worth it. Is the DAC in the ERC-3 and DC-1 significantly better than the ERC-2? Could I use the DC-1 with the ERC-2? I haven't heard the ERC-2. But the ERC-2 has the same architecture as the XDA-1. And the DC=1 is significantly superior to the XDA-1 IMO. (I've heard them both). You can use the DC-1 connected to the ERC-2 and reap all the benefits of the DC-1. The DC-1 has two DAC chips in it. The ERC-3 has one, but uses the same analog stage of the DC-1. The ERC-3 does not have a volume control and therefore bypasses the resistor ladder analog attenuation that the DC-1 has. So the ERC-3 has no volume control in its signal path. This may be a good thing. So here you will be considering between two dac chips vs one. And no volume control (possibly good) vs a volume control. Neither are critical decisions and I think you will be happy with either.
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Post by linvincible on Dec 3, 2013 5:31:01 GMT -5
Has anyone listened to the XPA-1 Gen 2 yet? compared it to something?
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Post by creimes on Dec 3, 2013 10:29:51 GMT -5
I myself am also a XPA-1L owner and I must say they are really great amplifiers, my RX6's are 90db efficient and the amp is way more than I can use and I listen loud at times, 35watts class A would be plenty for your speakers at your listening levels. I would suggest a pair of 1L's and the DC-1 for your ERC-2 and any other digital sources you may have or get in the future and it's still less than 2 XPA-1 gen 2's, I have a large library on my Mac Mini and connect it to the DC-1 through asynchronous USB and it sounds wonderful.
Chad
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Post by tme110 on Dec 3, 2013 11:03:57 GMT -5
for an example, I have the sierra towers and horizon all with RAAL. The towers are connected to the XPA-2 which has that LED output meeter on the front - I have never once seen even a single LED light up on my XPA-2 (except during a ridiculously loud 'experiment' to see if they even worked). I'm pretty sure the -1's are over kill.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,213
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Post by novisnick on Dec 3, 2013 11:24:36 GMT -5
for an example, I have the sierra towers and horizon all with RAAL. The towers are connected to the XPA-2 which has that LED output meeter on the front - I have never once seen even a single LED light up on my XPA-2 (except during a ridiculously loud 'experiment' to see if they even worked). I'm pretty sure the -1's are over kill. Don't be so sure if you haven't heard them Nick
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Post by sesquipedalian on Dec 3, 2013 12:16:14 GMT -5
XPA-1L FTW. The XPA-1 is definitely more amp than I will need (as if the XPA-2 isn't already more than I need).
Okay, now I just have to save for a pair of XPA-1Ls after having just purchased a DC-1 a few days ago. Too bad the sale will be over by then.
BTW, the DC-1 is a noticeable improvement (to my ears) over the DAC in the ERC-2. Well-recorded classical CDs seem to exhibit cleaner separation of the instruments, and the distortion (if that's the right word) seems toned down. I'm not sure if I would notice any improvement from the 1Ls beyond what the DC-1 fed into the XSP-1 is giving me...but monoblocks in a balanced set-up still sounds appealing.
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Post by creimes on Dec 3, 2013 13:08:41 GMT -5
XPA-1L FTW. The XPA-1 is definitely more amp than I will need (as if the XPA-2 isn't already more than I need). Okay, now I just have to save for a pair of XPA-1Ls after having just purchased a DC-1 a few days ago. Too bad the sale will be over by then. BTW, the DC-1 is a noticeable improvement (to my ears) over the DAC in the ERC-2. Well-recorded classical CDs seem to exhibit cleaner separation of the instruments, and the distortion (if that's the right word) seems toned down. I'm not sure if I would notice any improvement from the 1Ls beyond what the DC-1 fed into the XSP-1 is giving me...but monoblocks in a balanced set-up still sounds appealing. You can also purchase Emotiva gear on amazon.com, I think they have some sort of payment options if I remember correctly from what I have heard here around the lounge, maybe call Emotiva and ask them as they should know more on that. Chad
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