Post by Gary Cook on Mar 16, 2014 18:20:34 GMT -5
Another monoblocks versus stereo amp comparison, it used to be a pretty easy call, go the monoblocks to avoid the cross talk between the channels in a stereo amp. But that has just about completely disappeared, good quality stereo power amps, which an XPA-2 most definitely is, don't have any measurable cross talk these days. So what's left, once we get past the obvious specifications comparison, is the physical advantages of placing monoblocks close to their respective speaker, keeping the speaker cables as short as possible.
Obviously the XPA-1L has the added advantage of running up to 35 watts in Class A. Keeping in mind the specific requirement mentioned was for "musical finesse and nuance, while also offering a very tangible and authoritative bass response, capable of deep, tactile layering". My experience with Class A is that it will certainly offer superior "finesse and nuance" (compared to Class AB). Particularly in the mid to high frequency range, right hand piano, alto sax, cello, violin etc. But I have yet to hear any discernible difference in "bass response" which is not an often quoted Class A strength (over Class AB). It most certainly won't be any worse (than Class AB), but I doubt that I would be able to hear any benefit in that range.
In summary, if your layout lends itself to taking advantage of the monoblock speaker proximity advantage, then that alone might be sufficient reason for making that choice. If you believe you music listening lends itself to the Class A advantage then a par of XPA-1L's would be an appropriate choice. If you music tastes don't lean towards Class A then a pair of XPA-100's might well be the better choice.
Worth remembering that there are no bad choices in any of the above mentioned Emotiva's power amps, they all offer quality sound at a fantastic price.
Cheers
Gary
Obviously the XPA-1L has the added advantage of running up to 35 watts in Class A. Keeping in mind the specific requirement mentioned was for "musical finesse and nuance, while also offering a very tangible and authoritative bass response, capable of deep, tactile layering". My experience with Class A is that it will certainly offer superior "finesse and nuance" (compared to Class AB). Particularly in the mid to high frequency range, right hand piano, alto sax, cello, violin etc. But I have yet to hear any discernible difference in "bass response" which is not an often quoted Class A strength (over Class AB). It most certainly won't be any worse (than Class AB), but I doubt that I would be able to hear any benefit in that range.
In summary, if your layout lends itself to taking advantage of the monoblock speaker proximity advantage, then that alone might be sufficient reason for making that choice. If you believe you music listening lends itself to the Class A advantage then a par of XPA-1L's would be an appropriate choice. If you music tastes don't lean towards Class A then a pair of XPA-100's might well be the better choice.
Worth remembering that there are no bad choices in any of the above mentioned Emotiva's power amps, they all offer quality sound at a fantastic price.
Cheers
Gary