71cuda
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 7
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Post by 71cuda on Feb 18, 2015 20:28:36 GMT -5
Hello All,
I am new to Emotiva products and have some questions I am hoping you more experienced folks can help me with. My current system has evolved over the years but has not changed much in the last 15 years or so. My current system is (was)
Amps: Carver TFM 15-CB (x1) 125wpc powers RR and LR (surrounds) Carver TFM 15-CB (x1) 300W Bridged, powers center Carver A-760X (x1) 380wpc Powers mains (front right and left)
Preamp: Sony TA-E9000ES (A/V Preamp)
Speakers: Klipsch Epic series CF-4 (Mains) Klipsch KLF-C7 (Center) Klipsch KSP-S6 (Surrounds)
The center channel amp (TFM-15 bridged) has been on its way out for some time and after looking at replacements and being dismayed by the lack of anything out there in a reasonable price range, I stumbled across Emotiva and became interested in what I saw. About a month ago I decided to purchase an XPA-3 to replace both TFM's that drive the centers and surrounds. So far I have been happy with it. I hooked it up to the mains to see how it sounded playing music. Sound quality wise I would not say it sounded any better than the A-760X but I don't think it sounded any worse either. The A-760X has quite a bit more power of course. I only demo'd it for about 20 minutes before I set it up as the driver for my center and surrounds. Seems to be okay so far. I have loved the A-760X and it has been a great sounding and bullet proof amp. I bought it brand new 19 years ago and it still sounds great. It is an old amp though and I think I am ready to replace it. Now comes the dilemma: which amp do I buy? The Carver is rated at 380 wpc and I definitely do not want any less (when I want it loud, I want it LOUD)! I looked at the XPR-2 first but have started thinking mono-blocks might be a lot "cooler". This narrows the choice down to two amps; the XPA-1 Gen 2 and the XPR-1. The XPR is really cool but it will cost $1200 more (per pair) and is considerably larger. I can squeeze two of them in my stand but it will be a tight fit (1 inch of clearance at the top). The XPA-1's will have plenty of room. I am sure these questions and comparisons have been made before on here so forgive me for any redundancy if that is the case:
1) The specs of the two amps are very close, other than power and the class A capability of the XPA-1 (which I am not that interested in). Does anyone here believe that the "family friendly listening level" sound quality of the XPR is going to be any better than the XPA? In other words, besides power, is there any real advantage in sound quality over the XPA?
2) From what I have read, the biggest change internally to the XPA-1 Gen 2 was to add a circuit to generate 60W of Class A power. I have noticed that the power supply is the same in both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 units. Also, there does not seem to be any changes to the amplification parts of the amp, yet the Gen 2 is rated at 600W while the Gen 1 is 500W. I have also read that the Gen 1 was "conservatively rated" at 500W while the Gen 2 is a 600W amp. Is it possible that the Gen 1 put out just as much power as the Gen 2 and the 600W spec is a numbers game?
3) I also read that the XPA-1 Gen 1 put out 10W of class A power but have not been able to confirm that with any Emotiva documents. Did the XPA-1 Gen 1 produce pure Class A power or not?
4) I know the requirement for power for the XPR is a dedicated 20 amp circuit but I am thinking of running a single outlet with 8 gauge wire off of a 40 Amp breaker for both units. My run is around 50 feet. Unless anyone can provide me with a good reason as to why this would be a problem, running this cable will be my Saturday afternoon project this weekend. (I am going to run a dedicated circuit for the amps even if I go with the XPA-1's, Again, I sometimes like it LOUD)!
5) This last question is kind of subjective and open ended but what is the overall consensus of the long term reliability of these amps? As noted above I have had my Carver A-760X for almost 19 years. I don't expect that kind of life from an amp but 10 years would certainly be reasonable I think.
Since the XPA-1's will cost $2200.00 and the XPR's $3400.00 it seems the common sense thing for me to do is buy the XPA's. I just hope that if I do, I am not wondering a year from now what it would have been like to have the XPR's. If the XPA's sound as good as the XPR's do up to 600 watts I think I would be totally happy with them. I know there is a 30 day no questions asked policy but I really do not want to mess with that.
My last question is in regards to the XPA-3 I just purchased. The main power switch is on the back of the unit, and the power switch on the front of the unit cycles the amp between on and stand by (as I am sure you all know). I am thinking that Emotiva engineering did this to keep the excessive on/off power surges from damaging the amp. I currently have my amp plugged into a "switched" outlet on a Panamax surge suppressor. This means that the main power cycles on and off every time I turn my system on. Is this okay or is it not recommended? This might be one for tech support but I thought I would throw it out there anyway.
I hope I am not coming off as rambling and I appreciate the time you all are taking to read this. Any advice y'all can provide will be greatly appreciated. I am really excited about loading my system up with a couple of mono-blocks!
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reaper60
Sensei
Music Makes Me Happy!
Posts: 505
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Post by reaper60 on Feb 18, 2015 20:35:09 GMT -5
I owned the XPA-1's for quite some time with significantly more difficult to drive speakers than yours, they provided far more power than I could ever use and I suspect the same is true for you. The gen 1's produced in the neighborhood of 10-15watts class A before switching to A/B. Can't recall seeing it documented but I got that at an Emo on the road event last year. I enjoyed the amp just the same for 2 years before finding that out! Lol.
I have lined over XPR's but they do not fit my rack, and it is huge overkill for me. I think the same is true for you. I expect XPA's will do everything you want and more. The only question I have is :
1) will you be purchasing speakers any time soon? 2) how big is your space?
I have a room that is 18x12,... If you have a football stadium for a living room then perhaps more power makes sense.
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Post by garbulky on Feb 18, 2015 20:53:45 GMT -5
I don't think you should do any of that. Your upgrade should be your pre-pro. Get an XMC-1. It looks like you are slightly well not thrilled with the sound. That indicates to me...the source. I also tend to reccomend dedicated pre-amps like the XSP-1 but the XMC-1 should get you going REALLY nicely. Now....having said that, personally I would upgrade the speakers instead. But usually I've found that people are reluctant to upgrade the speakers for a long time and would rather spend their money on electronics so I'm just saying...the best upgrade would be to pony up for some better speakers. But if not...the XMC-1 (or the UMC-200) is the next choice. Your amps are already pretty nice, I don't think you need more.
Anyway your questions Yes it is 10 watts class A No I don't think there is a remarkable power difference between gen 1 and 2. But the 60 watts class A is the difference. You can run the dual XPR-1 amps off a 15 amp line I don't think the panamax damages anything. However a surge suppressor can also limit very fast influxes of current to power amps limiting their dynamic capabilities. Even if it is labelled high current or rated to handle tons of power. Or...you know, it may not make a difference but Emotiva reccomends plugging them directly to the wall.
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LCSeminole
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Res firma mitescere nescit.
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Post by LCSeminole on Feb 18, 2015 21:04:09 GMT -5
I've had a Carver AV-705x in the past and was quite pleased with it when I replaced it with an XPA-5. Both the Carver and Emotiva amplifiers are what I consider to be very neutral sounding amps, meaning what goes in comes out just louder without coloring, so I'm guessing this is why you don't hear much of a difference. I've not had any of the Emotiva mono-blocks(just no room in the rack) but have/had any number of the XPA/XPR amplifiers in my setup and while I'd be hard pressed to give up the XPR's at this point, I don't believe you would hear much, if any, difference except for maybe reference levels with your Klipsch Epic/Legend series speakers. I believe I remember Lonnie saying that the XPA-1 gen1 did up to around 15watts in Class A but couldn't swear to it so maybe other XPA-1 owners will chime in hear. As for the difference in the XPA gen1 & XPA gen2, the main difference would be the bal/unbal slide switch to a toggle switch, regular RCA inputs to Tiffany style RCA inputs(much sturdier) the extra Class A watts in the XPA-1 gen2 and the trim pieces on the front for all Gen2 components. I think a 40amp/8guage circuit would certainly be waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than you'd need as I run an XPR-2 and an XPR-5 off of one dedicated 20amp circuit, and there other members that are only using a 15a circuit for their XPR's. I think your time would be better spent running two or three 20amp dedicated circuits with 12/2 Romex for your whole setup, just a thought. As for power cycling, I was in the same boat as you when I had the AV-705x as the Carvers don't have triggers. If you have a pre/pro or receiver with trigger outs, I would certain for-go the switched outlet in favor of the triggers. Hopefully I've added to what "reaper60" has already said above, and others should be right behind in answering what wasn't answered. Oh yeah, welcome to the Lounge family, we're here for you 24/7!!!
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LCSeminole
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Res firma mitescere nescit.
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Post by LCSeminole on Feb 18, 2015 21:17:18 GMT -5
While not familiar with the OP's Klipsch CF-4 mains, I am quite familiar with the KLF-C7 center channel and you won't find many center channels in my opinion that sound as good(especially with a Bob Crites crossover). I believe the CF-4's were replaced by the KLF-10/20/30's, so if they are anywhere near as good sounding as the KLF's I would disagree with Garbulky in replacing the speakers but I would talk with Bob Crites in doing crossover/diaphragm replacements on the CF-4's and KLF-C7. Now that I've read the OP's post a bit more closely, I do agree that replacing the Sony TA-E9000ES processor(which was a nice processor in its time) to one that now handles the current codecs, and yes the XMC-1 would be a great upgrade, as long as you aren't looking toward Dolby Atmos/DTS:X.
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Post by vneal on Feb 18, 2015 21:34:20 GMT -5
Speaker upgrade. Speakers make the most difference
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Post by Gary Cook on Feb 18, 2015 21:34:32 GMT -5
+1 with garbulky The usual process in upgrading a system is to start with the weakest link in the chain. With the failing TFM's you have undoubtedly started off at the right place. But I'm not sure that the A760 would be my choice as the next step, if it's still delivering then I'd keep it for a while yet. Power amplifiers typically have the longest life in audio gear, good ones never really go out date technically. However the E9000ES is now several processor generations behind, they have pretty short lives at 3 to 4 years. So that would be my next step and an XMC-1 is obviously the logical extension if you are planning an Emotiva suite. I have absolutely no doubt that you will be amazed at the increase in sound quality from a processor upgrade. Way more than a power amp since the current one is even at ~20 years old still not too shabby at all.
Personally I like to do one upgrade at a time so I can hear the effect of that change alone.
Cheers Gary
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klinemj
Emo VIPs
Honorary Emofest Scribe
Posts: 14,689
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Post by klinemj on Feb 18, 2015 21:39:42 GMT -5
I was just looking at your speakers and their sensitivity is huge...102 db @ 1 watt/1 meter. I would seriously think about XPA-1L's and run them in just class A mode all the time. With those speakers, you should be able to get it way above family friendly and keep it in class A most of the time. And, when you want it LOUD, they will deliver.
Mark
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71cuda
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 7
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Post by 71cuda on Feb 19, 2015 19:22:03 GMT -5
Thanks all for your valuable input.
Seems like the XPA-1's will sound as good as the XPR's, but will take a little longer to turn my woofers into confetti.
I actually love the sound of my system in both 2 channel and 5.1. 2 channel is the ultimate for me of course. I love to listen to music and do all the time. The Sony is actually a great preamp. I know, it's a Sony, but it really sounds great. When I first purchased the Carver A-760X, I also purchased the matching A/V preamp, the CT-26. At first I only listened in 2 channel (up to this point I had never owned anything but 2 channel). Dolby pro logic surround had been out for awhile but I really was not interested since the only surround options were box store dolby prologic 4 channel receivers with no (pardon the expression) balls. When I upgraded from my old Kenwood M2 amp and C2 preamp, I decided I would give it a try. After I added the center and surround amps and speakers, I was really disappointed in the sound. Of course, I was using a VCR with dolby prologic (Oh yeah, I'm "old") for movies. When DVD players became available I ran out and bought one (spent $400.00). It was really tough to find DVD's but I found a hi-fi store that sold them. Hooked it up and loved the picture but still was not happy with the sound. Shortly after this point, the CT-26 just died (it was only 2 or three years old). Turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. There were not too many options back than for audio/video preamps. I remember looking at a Lexicon for $5000.00 and thinking no way! Than I found the Sony, which was not a cheap preamp either. Back than it listed for $1700.00 and did not have a built in Tuner (common for preamps but not on a Sony)? After some negotiating I bought the Sony and matching Tuner for about $1500.00. When I hooked it up it was magic (finally got DTS and 5.1). It completely transformed my system. It has been a fantastic preamp. I know some of the reviews are negative but it has always sounded good to me. Now I know it is dated. It does not have balanced outputs, HDMI inputs etc. but it still sounds great. I will update it eventually but I will have to hear what I buy. As you say in computer programming lingo; garbage in/garbage out. I believe the amps are much less critical components than the preamp.
The Klipsch CF-4's are also great speakers. I bought them 19 years ago for $2000.00. They were around $2500.00 where I live but I found a small hi fi shop in a town outside of Tulsa that gave me a great deal on them. They are only 2-way speakers like most Klipsch but they definitely rock. With dual 12's, a 300W continuous and 1200W peak power rating, they are very capable of taking down the house. They are a little power hungry, (don't let the 102 db at 1W and 1 meter fool you). They are also horn tweeters of course and certain vocals at elevated volumes can be a little harsh. No speaker is perfect though, and they play my Genre (rock) really well. I do like blues as well though, and also any good recording with a lot of detail. The Klipsch love to play with some power but don't perform quite as well at low listening levels. The horns do fine but the 12's don't want to move. I will upgrade my speaker to at least a three way with a ribbon or dome tweeter arrangement in the future, but speakers are tough. The next speakers I purchase are going to have to really crank and yet still have great dynamics at lower volumes which means they will probably be the most expensive component in my system. Because of that and the fact that the CF-4's still sound great I am holding off.
The KLF-C7 has been a great center channel. The KSP-S6's have been great surrounds as well. And you are right, 8/2 romex is way overkill and if I decide to go with the XPA-1's which I am leaning towards now after all this great input, I will probably run 10/3 and two 20 amp breakers (which in all actuality would work fine for the XPR's too). I was originally thinking of running one 40 amp circuit to simplify the wire pull and keep the neutral line the same gauge as the hot, but I think 10/3 will be fine and I will still only need to pull one cable (I have run several circuits at my home over the years and my breaker box is tight). This will give me three dedicated outlets.
After all of this, I may take a more serious look at the XMC-1. I am a little gun shy of preamps, especially ones that I cannot check out in person. I know there is a 30 day guarantee and that may be what I have to try. Perhaps it will transform my system today in much the same way as the Sony did years ago!
By the way, does joining the E-Club get you discounts on your purchases?
Again, thank you all for your input. It has been invaluable.
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Post by teaman on Feb 19, 2015 19:37:37 GMT -5
My buddy owns a pair of Klipsch CF-4's and runs them with a KLF-C7 center as well. I agree with you 71cuda, for whatever reason they are power hungry. I am a big Klipsch fan and I really like that speaker set up. With that kind of sensitivity it should be extremely easy to push them....but it's not. I had a pair of JBL SVA-1800 which are along the same lines as your Klipsch and they took some grunt to get them moving as well. Not sure if it is just the design of the speakers or the speaker materials themselves but unless you pump considerable power through them, the woofers barely get involved.
I don't think you can go wrong with and XPA or XPR model amp. Either should be powerful enough to get your gear...in gear. I would also update your preamp/processor if you can afford to do so though as others have noted. The latest codecs and modes will make a worthwhile investment. Good luck!
With joining the E-Club you will save a minimum of 10% off every purchase for the year. If you are investing in any amps or processors it would definitely be worthwhile. It will pay for itself!
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Post by vcautokid on Feb 19, 2015 20:29:32 GMT -5
I would agree the XMC-1 would be a great idea. I had a Sony TAE-9000es as well. This is a great processor of the day. Maybe a great way to go in another room where current decoding is not really needed.
I think at the end of the day the source is key as was shared in earlier posts.
If you were going to do the XPA-1 gen 2, I think that is a great choice. You want a clean pristine sound with the ability of Mono blocks look no further. With the Class A Bias for the lower power ranges beyond what most amplifiers would do on their own, the XPA-1 Gen 2 gets all the right buttons so far. Power, got you covered there too. When you want to have some fun, and enjoy the great dynamics, and power of your music and movies, the XPA-1 Gen 2 will dance to the tune. You could run the front stage with XPA-1 Gen 2 with great effect, and not need the XPR amps at all. The Klipsch's will not need more to keep happy for a very long time.
Now Emotiva Also sells a smaller Mono block as well, the XPA-1L. These are great. The power, and superior isolation the Mono block faith so much crave. Not my first choice just based on how you may want to listen at higher levels per se. It may leave you wanting. The XPA-1 Gen 2 will leave no doubt. Now the XPR-1 is even a bigger amplifier all together. Do you need that extra power even still. I will be the last person to tell you there is no such thing as too much clean power. It comes down to priorities, and budget, also installation considerations too. 20 amp circuit etc. I don't think that is your best choice either.
A kilowatt of power is nothing to sneeze at. With your Klipsch's, and the easy drive they have against an amplifier, the XPA-1 Gen 2 will make great memories for you on your music, and theater with power to spare.
I would use the other amplifiers your have for the rest of the system, and maybe one of the amps could be used with the Sony TAE-9000es you currently have for the other room system.
So in the final analysis, the XPA-1 Gen 2 times 2 or 3 depending on your front stage requirements. I think with the XMC-1, and the XPA-1 Gen 2 amplifiers start maybe 2 then get the 3rd if you need, and want one for the center, you could really be where you want to be for a very long time to come. Happy listening.
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Post by deltadube on Feb 19, 2015 23:20:18 GMT -5
Hello All,
I am new to Emotiva products and have some questions I am hoping you more experienced folks can help me with. My current system has evolved over the years but has not changed much in the last 15 years or so. My current system is (was)
Amps: Carver TFM 15-CB (x1) 125wpc powers RR and LR (surrounds) Carver TFM 15-CB (x1) 300W Bridged, powers center Carver A-760X (x1) 380wpc Powers mains (front right and left)
Preamp: Sony TA-E9000ES (A/V Preamp)
Speakers: Klipsch Epic series CF-4 (Mains) Klipsch KLF-C7 (Center) Klipsch KSP-S6 (Surrounds)
The center channel amp (TFM-15 bridged) has been on its way out for some time and after looking at replacements and being dismayed by the lack of anything out there in a reasonable price range, I stumbled across Emotiva and became interested in what I saw. About a month ago I decided to purchase an XPA-3 to replace both TFM's that drive the centers and surrounds. So far I have been happy with it. I hooked it up to the mains to see how it sounded playing music. Sound quality wise I would not say it sounded any better than the A-760X but I don't think it sounded any worse either. The A-760X has quite a bit more power of course. I only demo'd it for about 20 minutes before I set it up as the driver for my center and surrounds. Seems to be okay so far. I have loved the A-760X and it has been a great sounding and bullet proof amp. I bought it brand new 19 years ago and it still sounds great. It is an old amp though and I think I am ready to replace it. Now comes the dilemma: which amp do I buy? The Carver is rated at 380 wpc and I definitely do not want any less (when I want it loud, I want it LOUD)! I looked at the XPR-2 first but have started thinking mono-blocks might be a lot "cooler". This narrows the choice down to two amps; the XPA-1 Gen 2 and the XPR-1. The XPR is really cool but it will cost $1200 more (per pair) and is considerably larger. I can squeeze two of them in my stand but it will be a tight fit (1 inch of clearance at the top). The XPA-1's will have plenty of room. I am sure these questions and comparisons have been made before on here so forgive me for any redundancy if that is the case:
1) The specs of the two amps are very close, other than power and the class A capability of the XPA-1 (which I am not that interested in). Does anyone here believe that the "family friendly listening level" sound quality of the XPR is going to be any better than the XPA? In other words, besides power, is there any real advantage in sound quality over the XPA?
2) From what I have read, the biggest change internally to the XPA-1 Gen 2 was to add a circuit to generate 60W of Class A power. I have noticed that the power supply is the same in both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 units. Also, there does not seem to be any changes to the amplification parts of the amp, yet the Gen 2 is rated at 600W while the Gen 1 is 500W. I have also read that the Gen 1 was "conservatively rated" at 500W while the Gen 2 is a 600W amp. Is it possible that the Gen 1 put out just as much power as the Gen 2 and the 600W spec is a numbers game?
3) I also read that the XPA-1 Gen 1 put out 10W of class A power but have not been able to confirm that with any Emotiva documents. Did the XPA-1 Gen 1 produce pure Class A power or not?
4) I know the requirement for power for the XPR is a dedicated 20 amp circuit but I am thinking of running a single outlet with 8 gauge wire off of a 40 Amp breaker for both units. My run is around 50 feet. Unless anyone can provide me with a good reason as to why this would be a problem, running this cable will be my Saturday afternoon project this weekend. (I am going to run a dedicated circuit for the amps even if I go with the XPA-1's, Again, I sometimes like it LOUD)!
5) This last question is kind of subjective and open ended but what is the overall consensus of the long term reliability of these amps? As noted above I have had my Carver A-760X for almost 19 years. I don't expect that kind of life from an amp but 10 years would certainly be reasonable I think.
Since the XPA-1's will cost $2200.00 and the XPR's $3400.00 it seems the common sense thing for me to do is buy the XPA's. I just hope that if I do, I am not wondering a year from now what it would have been like to have the XPR's. If the XPA's sound as good as the XPR's do up to 600 watts I think I would be totally happy with them. I know there is a 30 day no questions asked policy but I really do not want to mess with that.
My last question is in regards to the XPA-3 I just purchased. The main power switch is on the back of the unit, and the power switch on the front of the unit cycles the amp between on and stand by (as I am sure you all know). I am thinking that Emotiva engineering did this to keep the excessive on/off power surges from damaging the amp. I currently have my amp plugged into a "switched" outlet on a Panamax surge suppressor. This means that the main power cycles on and off every time I turn my system on. Is this okay or is it not recommended? This might be one for tech support but I thought I would throw it out there anyway.
I hope I am not coming off as rambling and I appreciate the time you all are taking to read this. Any advice y'all can provide will be greatly appreciated. I am really excited about loading my system up with a couple of mono-blocks!
hey welcome to the emo forum... your in trouble already.. yes you will always wonder what if I got the xpr 1's yes they do sound the best from what ive read from people who upgraded .. room treatments , xmc 1 , xsp 1 all good thing too... one day at a time ! cheers..
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KeithL
Administrator
Posts: 9,901
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Post by KeithL on Feb 20, 2015 12:28:47 GMT -5
1) The XPA-1 and the XPR-1 sound pretty similar (both are very neutral sounding). Honestly, while I can hear a tiny difference if I A/B them directly, the difference is pretty slight, and I can't say that I prefer one or the other. I'm inclined to credit most of it to the XPR-1 having more power (which is important with some speakers, and in very large rooms, but is not going to be an issue at "family friendly listening levels"). 2) Specs are always " a numbers game" - because the numbers you get will always vary slightly depending on test conditions, and on how you choose to specify the results. For example, if you look at the AP report for the current XPA-1 Gen2, it shows (THD+N; at 1 kHz; into 8 ohms): about 480 watts at 0.006% over 500 watts at 0.01% 600 watts at 0.1% I don't have a copy of the Gen1 AP report handy, so I can't say whether that's identical, but it was certainly pretty close. 3) Whether an amplifier is operating in Class A or not is a matter of definition - when the signal level is below the idle state bias current of the amp, then both output devices remain on at all times, and the amp is operating in "Pure Class A". Therefore, ALL Class A/B amps operate in Class A for very small signal levels. While, for some Class A/B amps, the "switchover point" may be as low as a fraction of a watt, the original XPA-1 Gen1 was biased so that it stayed in Class A for signals up to approximately 10 watts (it varies as the amp warms up and reaches its steady state operating point). The "Class A" switch on the Gen2 simply raises the bias level so the amp continues to operate in Class A for signals up to 60 watts. (The XPR-1 also operates in Class A for the first 10 watts or so.) 4) That should be just fine. Under normal load conditions, when listening to actual music rather than on a test bench, most amps draw a lot less than their maximum power rating on average - even when you're playing them loud. 40 amps should be fine for both. 5) Nothing lasts forever, but our amps seem to do a bit better than the industry average, which is why we're able to offer one of the best warranties around. 6) Disconnecting the mains power is the same as using the power switch on the back of the amp, and it's perfectly OK to turn the amp on and off that way. (When the amp is in standby, the main power supply is disconnected, and all that stays on is the part that "listens" for the turn-on signal, so the amp doesn't really care either way.) Hello All,
I am new to Emotiva products and have some questions I am hoping you more experienced folks can help me with. My current system has evolved over the years but has not changed much in the last 15 years or so. My current system is (was)
Amps: Carver TFM 15-CB (x1) 125wpc powers RR and LR (surrounds) Carver TFM 15-CB (x1) 300W Bridged, powers center Carver A-760X (x1) 380wpc Powers mains (front right and left)
Preamp: Sony TA-E9000ES (A/V Preamp)
Speakers: Klipsch Epic series CF-4 (Mains) Klipsch KLF-C7 (Center) Klipsch KSP-S6 (Surrounds)
The center channel amp (TFM-15 bridged) has been on its way out for some time and after looking at replacements and being dismayed by the lack of anything out there in a reasonable price range, I stumbled across Emotiva and became interested in what I saw. About a month ago I decided to purchase an XPA-3 to replace both TFM's that drive the centers and surrounds. So far I have been happy with it. I hooked it up to the mains to see how it sounded playing music. Sound quality wise I would not say it sounded any better than the A-760X but I don't think it sounded any worse either. The A-760X has quite a bit more power of course. I only demo'd it for about 20 minutes before I set it up as the driver for my center and surrounds. Seems to be okay so far. I have loved the A-760X and it has been a great sounding and bullet proof amp. I bought it brand new 19 years ago and it still sounds great. It is an old amp though and I think I am ready to replace it. Now comes the dilemma: which amp do I buy? The Carver is rated at 380 wpc and I definitely do not want any less (when I want it loud, I want it LOUD)! I looked at the XPR-2 first but have started thinking mono-blocks might be a lot "cooler". This narrows the choice down to two amps; the XPA-1 Gen 2 and the XPR-1. The XPR is really cool but it will cost $1200 more (per pair) and is considerably larger. I can squeeze two of them in my stand but it will be a tight fit (1 inch of clearance at the top). The XPA-1's will have plenty of room. I am sure these questions and comparisons have been made before on here so forgive me for any redundancy if that is the case:
1) The specs of the two amps are very close, other than power and the class A capability of the XPA-1 (which I am not that interested in). Does anyone here believe that the "family friendly listening level" sound quality of the XPR is going to be any better than the XPA? In other words, besides power, is there any real advantage in sound quality over the XPA?
2) From what I have read, the biggest change internally to the XPA-1 Gen 2 was to add a circuit to generate 60W of Class A power. I have noticed that the power supply is the same in both the Gen 1 and Gen 2 units. Also, there does not seem to be any changes to the amplification parts of the amp, yet the Gen 2 is rated at 600W while the Gen 1 is 500W. I have also read that the Gen 1 was "conservatively rated" at 500W while the Gen 2 is a 600W amp. Is it possible that the Gen 1 put out just as much power as the Gen 2 and the 600W spec is a numbers game?
3) I also read that the XPA-1 Gen 1 put out 10W of class A power but have not been able to confirm that with any Emotiva documents. Did the XPA-1 Gen 1 produce pure Class A power or not?
4) I know the requirement for power for the XPR is a dedicated 20 amp circuit but I am thinking of running a single outlet with 8 gauge wire off of a 40 Amp breaker for both units. My run is around 50 feet. Unless anyone can provide me with a good reason as to why this would be a problem, running this cable will be my Saturday afternoon project this weekend. (I am going to run a dedicated circuit for the amps even if I go with the XPA-1's, Again, I sometimes like it LOUD)!
5) This last question is kind of subjective and open ended but what is the overall consensus of the long term reliability of these amps? As noted above I have had my Carver A-760X for almost 19 years. I don't expect that kind of life from an amp but 10 years would certainly be reasonable I think.
Since the XPA-1's will cost $2200.00 and the XPR's $3400.00 it seems the common sense thing for me to do is buy the XPA's. I just hope that if I do, I am not wondering a year from now what it would have been like to have the XPR's. If the XPA's sound as good as the XPR's do up to 600 watts I think I would be totally happy with them. I know there is a 30 day no questions asked policy but I really do not want to mess with that.
My last question is in regards to the XPA-3 I just purchased. The main power switch is on the back of the unit, and the power switch on the front of the unit cycles the amp between on and stand by (as I am sure you all know). I am thinking that Emotiva engineering did this to keep the excessive on/off power surges from damaging the amp. I currently have my amp plugged into a "switched" outlet on a Panamax surge suppressor. This means that the main power cycles on and off every time I turn my system on. Is this okay or is it not recommended? This might be one for tech support but I thought I would throw it out there anyway.
I hope I am not coming off as rambling and I appreciate the time you all are taking to read this. Any advice y'all can provide will be greatly appreciated. I am really excited about loading my system up with a couple of mono-blocks!
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