XPR-1 vs XPR-2 vs XPA-1L vs XPA-2 Impressions

[brutiarti]

I wanna share my experience with all those emo amps, maybe it can be useful information for some members:

I'm just gonna put my findings in a really practical way. I think that the differences between the amps are releated to what speakers are you using and what type of sound you like.

Speakers: DALI Helicon 300 bookshelfs 4 ohms 86db . These speakers can be considered a little forward for some listeners mainly becuase they use a hybrid tweeter ribbon plus soft dome.

Source: Oppo Bdp-105 Cd's only

Preamp: XSP-1 gen1, Cary Audio SS and Primaluna Tube

Sound i like: On the analitical side but not too much

Amps:

XPA-2: My least favorite. Tons of power, no problem drivig the speakers. The highs are edgy and is emphasized by the hybrid tweeter

XPA-1L: Even though they are monoblocks i found them a little boring, especially a low volumes. Higher volumes require turning the knob way higher then the XPR-2

XPR-2: My favorite amp till i got the 1's. The highs are a little soft and it can get a little congested but the XSP-1 gen1 took care of pulling all the detail and i think that is a fantastic combination.

XPR-1: These amps are wonderful. The separation and headroom are great. But for my speakers the XSP-1 as pre made the sound too analytical for my taste and some can call it "thin" but remember that my spakers are in the bright side. Switching preamp to a more warm presentation made the trick. They are keepers.

Conclusion: Synergy is everything.

[lehighvalleyjeff]

System looks great! I have to agree with you on synergy between xsp-1 and XPR-1. Life is good with them!!! Enjoy

[brutiarti]

Oct 21, 2015 17:04:52 GMT -5 lehighvalleyjeff said:

System looks great! I have to agree with you on synergy between xsp-1 and XPR-1. Life is good with them!!! Enjoy

Thanks Jeff, it was nice that you hooked up me up with one at that great price.

[lehighvalleyjeff]

My pleasure! if you ever decide you don't like it, I'm always willing to buy em back. Lol. Been wondering about boating with 4 of em! Haha!!!

[lehighvalleyjeff]

BiAmping not boating. Spellcheck. Sorry

[brutiarti]

Haha, i'm biwiring right now. Probably if i have towers i will be thinking about that. Lol

[cgolf]

Oct 21, 2015 16:44:05 GMT -5 brutiarti said:

I wanna share my experience with all those emo amps, maybe it can be useful information for some members:

I'm just gonna put my findings in a really practical way. I think that the differences between the amps are releated to what speakers are you using and what type of sound you like.

Speakers: DALI Helicon 300 bookshelfs 4 ohms 86db . These speakers can be considered a little forward for some listeners mainly becuase they use a hybrid tweeter ribbon plus soft dome.

Source: Oppo Bdp-105 Cd's only

Preamp: XSP-1 gen1, Cary Audio SS and Primaluna Tube

Sound i like: On the analitical side but not too much

Amps:

XPA-2: My least favorite. Tons of power, no problem drivig the speakers. The highs are edgy and is emphasized by the hybrid tweeter

XPA-1L: Even though they are monoblocks i found them a little boring, especially a low volumes. Higher volumes require turning the knob way higher then the XPR-2

XPR-2: My favorite amp till i got the 1's. The highs are a little soft and it can get a little congested but the XSP-1 gen1 took care of pulling all the detail and i think that is a fantastic combination.

XPR-1: These amps are wonderful. The separation and headroom are great. But for my speakers the XSP-1 as pre made the sound too analytical for my taste and some can call it "thin" but remember that my spakers are in the bright side. Switching preamp to a more warm presentation made the trick. They are keepers.Conclusion: Synergy is everything. View Attachment

Help me understand some of your wording.

1. What do you mean by the 1Ls were boring?
2. XPR-2. Soft highs?? and what does it mean "it gets a little congested"?

Just trying to understand your perspective. Thanks.

[novisnick]

Oct 21, 2015 16:44:05 GMT -5 brutiarti said:

I wanna share my experience with all those emo amps, maybe it can be useful information for some members:

I'm just gonna put my findings in a really practical way. I think that the differences between the amps are releated to what speakers are you using and what type of sound you like.

Speakers: DALI Helicon 300 bookshelfs 4 ohms 86db . These speakers can be considered a little forward for some listeners mainly becuase they use a hybrid tweeter ribbon plus soft dome.

Source: Oppo Bdp-105 Cd's only

Preamp: XSP-1 gen1, Cary Audio SS and Primaluna Tube

Sound i like: On the analitical side but not too much

Amps:

XPA-2: My least favorite. Tons of power, no problem drivig the speakers. The highs are edgy and is emphasized by the hybrid tweeter

XPA-1L: Even though they are monoblocks i found them a little boring, especially a low volumes. Higher volumes require turning the knob way higher then the XPR-2

XPR-2: My favorite amp till i got the 1's. The highs are a little soft and it can get a little congested but the XSP-1 gen1 took care of pulling all the detail and i think that is a fantastic combination.

XPR-1: These amps are wonderful. The separation and headroom are great. But for my speakers the XSP-1 as pre made the sound too analytical for my taste and some can call it "thin" but remember that my spakers are in the bright side. Switching preamp to a more warm presentation made the trick. They are keepers.

Conclusion: Synergy is everything.

Very sweet and clean set up. I really love that look and feel. XPR-1s are Da Beast!!

[lehighvalleyjeff]

I am considering 4 XPR-1's to biamp my towers. Audiophillia is a serious illness. Lol. There is no cure!!! But I'm enjoying every minute!!!

[hemster]

Oct 21, 2015 17:22:05 GMT -5 lehighvalleyjeff said:

My pleasure! if you ever decide you don't like it, I'm always willing to buy em back. Lol. Been wondering about boating with 4 of em! Haha!!!

I know you corrected that typo but I couldn't help getting a visual of you in a boat with 4 humongous amps... wouldn't need boat anchors!    

[brutiarti]

Oct 21, 2015 17:47:38 GMT -5 cgolf said:

Help me understand some of your wording.

1. What do you mean by the 1Ls were boring?
2. XPR-2. Soft highs?? and what does it mean "it gets a little congested"?

Just trying to understand your perspective. Thanks.

No problem!
1. The dynamics weren't as exciting as the xpa-2 or xpr-2
2. A tiny recessed treble and the instrument separation is not as clear as the xpr-1's, but you wont notice until you compare side by side

Hope this helps myself explain better

[lehighvalleyjeff]

Oct 21, 2015 17:58:06 GMT -5 hemster said:

Oct 21, 2015 17:22:05 GMT -5 lehighvalleyjeff said:

My pleasure! if you ever decide you don't like it, I'm always willing to buy em back. Lol. Been wondering about boating with 4 of em! Haha!!!

I know you corrected that typo but I couldn't help getting a visual of you in a boat with 4 humongous amps... wouldn't need boat anchors!    

Boat wouldn't float with 4 of those. LOL!!!

[brutiarti]

Oct 21, 2015 17:58:08 GMT -5 lehighvalleyjeff said:

I am considering 4 XPR-1's to biamp my towers. Audiophillia is a serious illness. Lol. There is no cure!!! But I'm enjoying every minute!!!

Indeed, we are sick individuals,lol. At those sale prices is really hard not to think in getting more of those puppies

[novisnick]

Oct 21, 2015 18:01:25 GMT -5 brutiarti said:

Oct 21, 2015 17:58:08 GMT -5 lehighvalleyjeff said:

I am considering 4 XPR-1's to biamp my towers. Audiophillia is a serious illness. Lol. There is no cure!!! But I'm enjoying every minute!!!

Indeed, we are sick individuals,lol. At those sale prices is really hard not to think in getting more of those puppies

We are sick! Sick! Sick!,,,,,,,I was thinking the exact same thing,,,,,,,,so I'm not crazy then,,,,,,,,,,,,,,or am I??? MooHahahahahaha!

                                                              

[lehighvalleyjeff]

Oct 21, 2015 18:35:44 GMT -5 novisnick said:

Oct 21, 2015 18:01:25 GMT -5 brutiarti said:

Indeed, we are sick individuals,lol. At those sale prices is really hard not to think in getting more of those puppies

We are sick! Sick! Sick!,,,,,,,I was thinking the exact same thing,,,,,,,,so I'm not crazy then,,,,,,,,,,,,,,or am I??? MooHahahahahaha!

                                                              View Attachment

I'm sick sick sick!!!! Crazy as a bedbug but thinking 4 XPR-1s just might be my next move. Lol. My girlfriend thinks I'm insane but she loved how the XPR-1s sounded straight outta the box so maybe I'm not as crazy as I think!!!

[wilburthegoose]

XPR-1 to power my center?