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Post by sahmen on Jul 12, 2014 3:11:15 GMT -5
Simple question: Would you consider replacing an XPA-2 (Gen 1) with two XPA-1Ls in order to get a fully balanced 2-channel signal path?
This is *the* question I am facing now, given the ongoing sales, taken together with the e-club membership incentives. I have an XPA-2 and XPA-5 both deployed in my main HT/2 channel system. They sound excellent, and I wouldn't dream of changing anything were it not for the ridiculous prices on the XPA-1Ls. Now, since I am planning on getting the XMC-1 down the line (I just reserved mine yesterday, so I do not think I shall be getting my e-mail invitation any time soon, but I shall gladly wait), my "upgraditis muse" whispered this idea into my head: "get a couple of XPA-1Ls so that you can have a fully balanced 2-channel stereo signal path," from pre-amp to amps (I am assuming that the XMC-1 would render both the DC-1 and the XSP-1 redundant in the same signal chain, but this assumption remains to be confirmed)... My sources for 2-channel would be a Mac mini, and most likely, an ERC-3 (which is yet to be acquired), or my Oppo 103. Speakers? - Polk LSIM 703s... The question I have is whether the investment in the XPA-1Ls is really worth it for someone in my position. I have read about most of the logistical and sonic advantages of Monoblocks, but the most important to me also seems the least certain: i.e. improved SQ... As great as the current prices are, the two XPA-1Ls are still going to set me back by a little less than $900, which I could easily save toward something else (such as the XMC-1), so I I'd rather not spend it lightly... If dropping that cash on the monoblocks would ensure that I can get a 2-channel stereo system that is *decidedly superior* in SQ to what I can get with the XMC-1 + XPA-2 combo, then I shall be willing to consider it as a long term investment. The XPA-2 can find a new place in a second system, so it is not as if it is going to become redundant. On the other hand, I would not like to invest in the two monoblocks, if the benefits I shall get in sq are marginal at best,, negligible, or non-existent.
That's where things stand... Any helpful ideas would be welcome. Thanks.
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Post by Porscheguy on Jul 12, 2014 10:23:36 GMT -5
Well you could argue channel separation buts thats a moot point I'm sure. I wouldn't do it..
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Post by briank on Jul 12, 2014 10:32:55 GMT -5
I would do it because I think the XPA-1L sounds better.
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Post by creimes on Jul 12, 2014 12:59:45 GMT -5
The 1L's are my favorite amps to date, would you notice a difference ? really only you could tell yourself that, for the price of the 1L's at the moment and if you would be able to sell your XPA-2 it doesn't hurt having what you desire  , the XPA-2 is an outstanding amplifier as well though. Chad |
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Post by repeetavx on Jul 12, 2014 13:10:04 GMT -5
I would probably do it. Having a fully balanced signal path all the way to the amplifier may or may not improve the sound quality. Putting the amplifier next to the speakers so that the speaker cable is short (really short) definitely will improve the sound quality.
And if you don't have a problem with WAF, and have the real estate available on the floor without causing traffic problems, then there is nothing that says "I'm serious about the sound", to yourself and your guests, more than a pair of amplifiers sitting next to your speakers.
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Post by frenchyfranky on Jul 12, 2014 13:26:43 GMT -5
The only way I think it's to try it and make the comparaison between them and make your own opinion based on what you heard. I know, it's not what you want to read here but again IMO it's the only way...  |
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Post by sahmen on Jul 12, 2014 14:48:33 GMT -5
Well you could argue channel separation buts thats a moot point I'm sure. I wouldn't do it.. Porsche: Yes, you have pretty much spelled out my current mental predisposition, except that I have a nagging temptation to try the 1Ls, which I am not finding too easy to shake... Thanks for your input, though. |
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Post by sahmen on Jul 12, 2014 14:55:12 GMT -5
I would do it because I think the XPA-1L sounds better. Great, but I wish the "it sounds better" part would be more universally and unanimously acknowledged and recognized, in the Emo and wider audiophile community. Unfortunately, I'm seeing no such unanimity in my research... Still, you have stated your conviction in an earnest manner, and I welcome that  |
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Post by sahmen on Jul 12, 2014 15:02:34 GMT -5
The 1L's are my favorite amps to date, would you notice a difference ? really only you could tell yourself that, for the price of the 1L's at the moment and if you would be able to sell your XPA-2 it doesn't hurt having what you desire , the XPA-2 is an outstanding amplifier as well though. Chad Chad: Thanks for your input... Now I need to say that it is exactly "what I desire" that I am trying to sort out now, because it is really not that clear to me myself, if I may say so. You could say I am looking for "clarity": I really wish there was some brick and mortar store in which I can audition an XPA-2 stereo rig and an XPA-1L monoblock stereo rig side by side. Thanks again, |
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Post by sahmen on Jul 12, 2014 15:08:32 GMT -5
I would probably do it. Having a fully balanced signal path all the way to the amplifier may or may not improve the sound quality. Putting the amplifier next to the speakers so that the speaker cable is short (really short) definitely will improve the sound quality. And if you don't have a problem with WAF, and have the real estate available on the floor without causing traffic problems, then there is nothing that says "I'm serious about the sound", to yourself and your guests, more than a pair of amplifiers sitting next to your speakers. repeetavx: Yes, bringing in 2 1Ls is definitely going to create "real estate" issues... to the point where I shall need to reconfigure my entire racking system, which is already somewhat overcrowded at the moment. That is why I need to be sure that I really want this change. Thanks. |
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Post by AudioHTIT on Jul 12, 2014 15:11:54 GMT -5
Well you could argue channel separation buts thats a moot point I'm sure. I wouldn't do it.. Porsche: Yes, you have pretty much spelled out my current mental predisposition, except that I have a nagging temptation to try the 1Ls, which I am not finding too easy to shake... Thanks for your input, though. That XPA-IL sale price has me thinking as well. I probably would do it (though knowing the XMC-1 G2 was coming I'd probably also consider the alternative of a new G2 XPA-5 and XPA-2, but that's just me thinking from an appearance sake - and much more expensive). Going for the XPA-1L you have: * 35 Watts Class A (and almost as much A/B as the XPA-2) * Fully balanced/differential L/R signal path (from in to out with the XMC-1) * Monoblock potential advantage of short L/R speaker cables (and separation) * Very reasonable net cost ($880 - Used XPA-2 (~$550)) =~ $330 Sounds pretty good to me. |
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Post by Bonzo on Jul 12, 2014 15:25:40 GMT -5
My quick answer is, I don't know. But from everything I've read from what I consider to be reading between everyone's lines, and listening to people who have had multiple Emotiva amps, I doubt you will hear any real sound quality difference. Maybe a hair, but not much unless you are really doing some super critical listening. Of course that's just a guess on my part.
But I'm actually considering another leap further. Going from the XPA-2 to having (2) XPA-1 Gen 2s. I honestly don't think I'll get much if any difference in sound, but having all those horses under the hood can't hurt. 60 watts of Class A will be a nice option. It would also basically hold me over for like forever when it comes to amps. No speaker I could ever afford will need more the the 600 watts. I made room on my new cabinets for them, and with 20% off, and the free return shipping $350 trade in on the XPA-2, I'm thinking this might be the time.
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Post by sahmen on Jul 12, 2014 15:27:17 GMT -5
The only way I think it's to try it and make the comparaison between them and make your own opinion based on what you heard. I know, it's not what you want to read here but again IMO it's the only way... frenchy: D'accord, mais ce n'est pas très pratique en ce moment... I travel around a lot in the Summer, so this time is not ideal for a patient 30-day evaluation period, that would involve the swapping and critical auditioning of heavy components and things like that...Besides, I am normally a "buy-it, set it, and forget it" kind of guy... Ideally, what you're proposing is right, but given existing time-constraints (July 31st deadline, and 30-day trial period) and my own Summer schedule, I do not think I have the mental predisposition and the patience to go through with it. I'd rather decide one way or the other, take appropriate action, and then live with the consequences... It is what I did when I decided to go the "separates" route. No prior experimentations... I just made the purchases, liked what I heard, and never looked back.... I wish things were as simple now, as they were then... Thanks for the input. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2014 15:40:28 GMT -5
Sahmen, FYI, there is no 30-day evaluation for the XPA-1Ls: "All sales final. The 30-day, in-home trial does not apply." I'm going through the same decision process re my UPA-1s.
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Post by sahmen on Jul 12, 2014 15:54:17 GMT -5
Sahmen, FYI, there is no 30-day evaluation for the XPA-1Ls: "All sales final. The 30-day, in-home trial does not apply." I'm going through the same decision process re my UPA-1s. Wow! I can't believe I overlooked that. Thanks for setting me straight. |
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Post by knucklehead on Jul 12, 2014 16:04:16 GMT -5
Simple question: Would you consider replacing an XPA-2 (Gen 1) with two XPA-1Ls in order to get a fully balanced 2-channel signal path? Emotiva would be the main beneficiary - and whomever bought your XPA-2. I don't understand the idea of getting a fully balanced signal path unless your current path is noisy. If its less than 10-15' with single ended RCA cables of decent quality you won't hear a difference - PERIOD. Balanced (fully or not) was almost the exclusive domain of pro audio for a very long time until someone got the idea of putting it in home audio equipment. Now it seems everyone is wanting fully balanced everything. Its your money... But you won't hear a difference no matter how many posters here tell you what a difference it makes - how many 'veils' were lifted etc etc. If you can't hear a difference then you've wasted your money. Read the first paragraph of this article: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_audio |
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Post by spacemonkey on Jul 12, 2014 16:24:40 GMT -5
I have an xsp-1 gen 2 coupled with a pair of XPA-1l's myself and the sound is magical!
I haven't tried out xpa-2 but I did own an xpa-3 for three years and its been gathering dust since I got my monoblocks there current sale price is a steal and if your a clubber and get an extra 20% off then its a no brainer!
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Post by sahmen on Jul 12, 2014 16:57:36 GMT -5
Simple question: Would you consider replacing an XPA-2 (Gen 1) with two XPA-1Ls in order to get a fully balanced 2-channel signal path? Emotiva would be the main beneficiary - and whomever bought your XPA-2. I don't understand the idea of getting a fully balanced signal path unless your current path is noisy. If its less than 10-15' with single ended RCA cables of decent quality you won't hear a difference - PERIOD. Balanced (fully or not) was almost the exclusive domain of pro audio for a very long time until someone got the idea of putting it in home audio equipment. Now it seems everyone is wanting fully balanced everything. Its your money... But you won't hear a difference no matter how many posters here tell you what a difference it makes - how many 'veils' were lifted etc etc. If you can't hear a difference then you've wasted your money. Read the first paragraph of this article: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_audioKnucklehead: I hear zero noise or "crosstalk" in my existing signal path : literally zero, although I have no idea what some mechanical measuring device might discover... I still think my ears are the most important "measuring device" in this particular case. So if there is no noise or crosstalk, then why get two monoblocks and a fully balanced signal path in order to "cure" problems that do not exist..? Well these thoughts have crossed my mind-- more than once. I think the mistake I have been making since I started thinking of the 1Ls is to see them as replacements for the XPA-2, as opposed to being set up as components in a freshly conceived XMC-1-centered 2-channel/HT system. My plan has never been to sell the XPA-2, because, as I mentioned in my first post, the XPA-2 can serve 2-channel duties in a second system in my bedroom, a system which could use a stereo amp. If I should get the 1Ls, they'd be serving two channel duties in my main-living-room system (soon to become an XMC-1 centered system, hopefully), where they'll also combine with my existing XPA-5 for HT duties. Now, given that the XPA-5 can already do both 2-channel and 5.1 Ht without breaking a sweat, the benefit of the two 1Ls would only be to upgrade 5.1 to 7.1, and also to provide the much vaunted Monoblock option for two-channel stereo. What I really need to ponder in the next couple of weeks is whether I need this kind of "upgrade" at all, and whether adding the two 1Ls is the best, and best-value way to go from 5.1 to 7.1 under my circumstances. I appreciate your great input. Thanks. |
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Post by danny01 on Jul 12, 2014 21:41:18 GMT -5
I had XPA1-L's in a fully balanced system and have heard an XPA-2. I thought the XPA-2 sounded better. The XPA-2 has 1/3 larger transformer than a pair of 1L's combined. If you're after the fully balanced thing, my system sounded exactly the same whether it was hooked up with XLR or RCA
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using proboards
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, the XPA-2 is an outstanding amplifier as well though.
