XPR-2 With High Efficiency Speakers, (Klipsch RF7 II's)

[tasdom]

I've been running a pair of XPA-5's with my RF7IIs for a few years now. I've never had any hiss, hum, static, etc.. ZERO background noise. Very pleased with the XPA-5's

I also run a mini-x via Oppo with a pair of Klipsch Belle's which are extremely efficient (103 db)and also dead quiet when idle.

[garbulky]

You want to get loud you should look at the JTR Noeiss. They are DESIGNED for loud party levels. Also of interest will be high efficiency setups like the tekton Pendragon which would probably knock you to the ground ! Both are very efficient. The Noesis is designed for 130 db peaks at -3db compression! Whee!

[Lsc]

Jun 29, 2015 14:34:58 GMT -5 merlin74 said:

Guys, has anybody heard an XPR-2 Klipsch RF7 II combo?

I am well aware that the XPR-2 provides more power than the speaks need.  I'm looking for an upgrade on my current 2 channel system and I listen to my music very loud at times.  I was thinking about a Revel F208 XPR-2 Combo but I'm worried the Revel's won't go loud enough and I'm tired of blowing speakers.  My concern with the XPR-2/Klipsch combo is the hiss factor.  I've heard highly efficient speakers don't play well with high power amps because of the ever present hiss.  The xpr-2 in particular has been called out for hissing at times, seems like not everybody has it but more than a few do.

Looking for opinions on this subject. Forgot to mention using a XMC-1 as the pre-amp. 

The Revel F208 / XPR-2 combo is nothing short of outstanding...and I'm not just saying that because that's my system (along with the XMC-1).

I know what you mean about not wanting to blow your speakers. I blew both the midranges off of my F208 at -10 dB which by the way was deafening. Also, I heard rumors about the F208 mids being defective when they were originally released (I bought them right away). Now I keep it max -15dB during certain parts and usually listen around -20dB or so.

I also have a pair of Klipsch Forte II which are rated at 99dB but from the reviews measured around 95dB. Now with these indestructible speakers, they play louder than I can ever handle, especially with the XPR-2. Also, the sound is as good as I've ever heard those Forte II since I bought them 20 years ago (quality wise).

The accuracy and the "high end sound" of the F208 easily beats the Forte II for critical listening but the Klipsches are such fun speakers. They rock the house like no other and also do a great job on strings. You really feel the music with the Forte IIs.

The level of hiss you get from the XPR-2 and F208 is literally next to nothing and the little hiss you hear from less than a foot away is a very "pure" hiss. But I haven't tried it with the Forte II (my now surround back speakers).

[merlin74]

Thanks Thatcher, this is all very good info.

[jlamo]

Jun 29, 2015 20:08:59 GMT -5 merlin74 said:

Let me fill you guys in on some more info.  One of the reasons I'm looking at the XPR line vs the other lines is I'd like to have a nice amp that can drive a variety of speakers that I won't need to upgrade for a while.  Currently, I have Aperion Grand Verus Towers powered by Emo XPA 100's. which are spec'd at 250W into 8.  It's not enough power.


To poster brutirati, I understand your math, but trust me, you're not appreciating the volume nor the headroom I need. I'm not saying I listen at these level often, probably like 4 or 5 times a year, but when the wife and I start drinking or we throw a party, the system gets loud, around 107 db on my radio shack meter for whatever that's worth.  Several salesman and audio friends of mine were also underestimating the volume I'm talking about until they came over for a "dinner party", lol.  Now they get it.  Hence their recommendation to look at the Klipsch speaker line. I have not heard them yet, but they are on my list.  I'm aware it's usually either a love them or hate them sound.  

Another reason I was looking at the XPR line was I heard it's smoother than the other emo amps, which the Klipsch can typically benefit from.  I was hoping to hear from some people with this combo, but it looks like there aren't too many out there, and then it itself speaks volumes. 

Trying to buy one amplifier to accommodate a wide variety of speaker designs may not be prudent. I understand blowing drivers when turning volume up to loud also. I bought the Tektons and love the sound and I don't think it's possible to blow these things. The xpa1l seem to be on par with the xpr sound quality and may work better with high efficiency speakers than the xpr lineup and I'd guess they can drive most real world inefficient speakers with ease.

[vneal]

Jun 29, 2015 20:08:59 GMT -5 merlin74 said:

Let me fill you guys in on some more info.  One of the reasons I'm looking at the XPR line vs the other lines is I'd like to have a nice amp that can drive a variety of speakers that I won't need to upgrade for a while.  Currently, I have Aperion Grand Verus Towers powered by Emo XPA 100's. which are spec'd at 250W into 8.  It's not enough power.


To poster brutirati, I understand your math, but trust me, you're not appreciating the volume nor the headroom I need. I'm not saying I listen at these level often, probably like 4 or 5 times a year, but when the wife and I start drinking or we throw a party, the system gets loud, around 107 db on my radio shack meter for whatever that's worth.  Several salesman and audio friends of mine were also underestimating the volume I'm talking about until they came over for a "dinner party", lol.  Now they get it.  Hence their recommendation to look at the Klipsch speaker line. I have not heard them yet, but they are on my list.  I'm aware it's usually either a love them or hate them sound.  

Another reason I was looking at the XPR line was I heard it's smoother than the other emo amps, which the Klipsch can typically benefit from.  I was hoping to hear from some people with this combo, but it looks like there aren't too many out there, and then it itself speaks volumes. 

I too am not a fan of the Klipsch sound. Just as many are not fans of B&W. Speakers are subjective and we have a very accurate set of listening devices on our head. Our ears.

[pedrocols]

Why not get pro audio speakers with a pair of pro crown amps?

[Lsc]

Jun 29, 2015 20:08:59 GMT -5 merlin74 said:

 Hence their recommendation to look at the Klipsch speaker line. I have not heard them yet, but they are on my list.  I'm aware it's usually either a love them or hate them sound.  

Another reason I was looking at the XPR line was I heard it's smoother than the other emo amps, which the Klipsch can typically benefit from.  I was hoping to hear from some people with this combo, but it looks like there aren't too many out there, and then it itself speaks volumes. 

The Revel speakers will serve you well, hopefully they can take your "abuse" . They are quite capable of playing loud and dynamic.

I know the Klipsches are polarizing but the dynamics of the Klipsch Forte II are superior.

The XPR-2 is a little smoother than the XPA-2...I agree with this as I have both amps.

If you are playing loud music at deafening levels at a dinner party, accuracy is less important.

Maybe you need 2 sets of speakers .

[merlin74]

I looked into the pro audio market but my speakers still have have to go in my living room. Big black boxes just aren't what I'm looking for, but don't think I haven't thought about it! I wish I could just buy the Revel's and Xpr and be done with it. But I know no matter what I tell myself once the next party comes around and the volume creeps up I'll be worried about blowing the speakers. Obviously you can blow any speakers if trying, I just need one more step up in the amount of abuse my speakers can take and I think I'll be fine.

The last time I blew my tweeters we were almost ready to turn it down and I think it was just too loud for too long because they just blew after about 30 minutes at a pretty high volume. The wife and I try to be mindful of the volume but nothing kills the party like having to turn down the stereo during one of your favorite songs from high school, lol.

[Lsc]

If you buy the Revel F208 and XPR-2 and also a subwoofer, you'll be all set. Unless you have a giant room.