klinemj
Emo VIPs
Honorary Emofest Scribe
Posts: 14,689
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Post by klinemj on Apr 8, 2016 14:59:07 GMT -5
DM-600i series 2-way with 8" mid-woofer I know the XPA-1 amp is overkill on those, but I'm looking to the future as well. I've used them on two amps in the past (Nakamichi and Anthem) but the most revealing and dynamic response out of them is on my XPA-5. They are wonderful speakers and have given me a benchmark over the years to judge improvements. BTW: I really don't want this thread to be about the speakers... just the amp decision. I know the XPA-1 is more powerful than the speakers can handle at full tilt. But, I know the limits of those and where I need to stop with the volume level. Speakers are quite relevant as some are easy to drive and some are not. As are listening levels and how this relates to speakers. Some are very efficient and some are not. That is why I asked about those things. Given you like to occasionally crank it up, I would give this a lot of thought as you choose amps and speakers. I am not familiar enough with some of the speakers you mention to advise on them. But I have experienced some B&W's (802d's) which were hard to drive the mids. With the amp my friend used to drive them, they sound very good on some music but on others the mids got sucked lifeless. According to data we saw, the speaker have a huge impedance drop in midrange, so it makes sense that if your amp can't handle that, it won't sound good. And, frankly, they sounded horrid with his Rotel amp. Another friend had the same speakers with a Krell or Classe amp (can't recall which) and they sounded great. I am sure the xpa-1's would handle them fine as well as any speakers you mention. I have Maggies and they seem to really like good clean power. They sounded good in the demo room at the dealer but I felt their amp was weak. Sure enough, they came to life with my old xpa-2 then got even better/more clean with my nCores amps. Good luck with your choice of amp and speakers! Mark
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Post by sockemdog on Apr 8, 2016 15:04:01 GMT -5
DM-600i series 2-way with 8" mid-woofer I know the XPA-1 amp is overkill on those, but I'm looking to the future as well. I've used them on two amps in the past (Nakamichi and Anthem) but the most revealing and dynamic response out of them is on my XPA-5. They are wonderful speakers and have given me a benchmark over the years to judge improvements. BTW: I really don't want this thread to be about the speakers... just the amp decision. I know the XPA-1 is more powerful than the speakers can handle at full tilt. But, I know the limits of those and where I need to stop with the volume level. Speakers are quite relevant as some are easy to drive and some are not. As are listening levels and how this relates to speakers. Some are very efficient and some are not. That is why I asked about those things. Given you like to occasionally crank it up, I would give this a lot of thought as you choose amps and speakers. I am not familiar enough with some of the speakers you mention to advise on them. But I have experienced some B&W's (802d's) which were hard to drive the mids. With the amp my friend used to drive them, they sound very good on some music but on others the mids got sucked lifeless. According to data we saw, the speaker have a huge impedance drop in midrange, so it makes sense that if your amp can't handle that, it won't sound good. And, frankly, they sounded horrid with his Rotel amp. Another friend had the same speakers with a Krell or Classe amp (can't recall which) and they sounded great. I am sure the xpa-1's would handle them fine as well as any speakers you mention. I have Maggies and they seem to really like good clean power. They sounded good in the demo room at the dealer but I felt their amp was weak. Sure enough, they came to life with my old xpa-2 then got even better/more clean with my nCores amps. Good luck with your choice of amp and speakers! Mark Thanks for your insight Mark! Brad
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Post by boomzilla on Apr 8, 2016 15:12:55 GMT -5
Depends on what one wants...
If OMG power is the sole criteria, then buy a Class D "pro" amp and run it bridged. Enough power to launch a mother-in-law to the moon and for chump change too.
On the negative, it'll SOUND like a pro amp - I haven't heard one yet that didn't.
Mark is right that the nCores have a rep for sounding better than the typical pro amps, but I haven't heard them yet. On paper, they're absolutely killer, and Mark is sold on his...
Rogue Audio also has some "upscale" class D stuff that is well reviewed.
If you're into old-school amplification, then the XPR and XPA mono block series are not only excellent-sounding, but also (relatively) inexpensive. You won't find anything near their power for anywhere near their price.
The Odyssey amps have an excellent reputation for sound, but produce nowhere near the power that the Emotivas do. They're also priced quite a bit higher for the power you get.
So for mono blocks, I'd recommend the XPA-1 amps (not so much the XPA-1Ls, though) or the XPR-1 amps (if you can find some). Happy shopping!
Boomzilla
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Post by jdubs on Apr 8, 2016 15:42:03 GMT -5
The Odysseys are also not balanced but have xlr inputs. I compromised on that and also not as much power. However, VERY well reviewed and have a money back guarantee like most internet direct stuff. Probably not a good fit for the OP based on his criteria.
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Post by sockemdog on Apr 8, 2016 19:26:03 GMT -5
Ok y'all. I popped for the XPA-1's this afternoon. My e-club was going to run out and came in handy. Thanks for all of your insights and libations.
Brad
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,213
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Post by novisnick on Apr 8, 2016 19:28:38 GMT -5
Ok y'all. I popped for the XPA-1's this afternoon. My e-club was going to run out and came in handy. Thanks for all of your insights and libations. Brad Offical notice and instructions will follow for the secret society!!,,,,,shhhh
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Post by qdtjni on Apr 9, 2016 5:24:12 GMT -5
Ok y'all. I popped for the XPA-1's this afternoon. My e-club was going to run out and came in handy. Thanks for all of your insights and libations. Brad I have run different sets of B&Ws, such as CM-9, 804 Diamond and now 804D G3 wish my XPA-1 G2 pair. Earlier, I've had various Krell, Classè & AudioNet mono blocks and stereo amps such as the Classè Omega and AudioNet MAX. From memory, the XPA-1 G2 sounds better than all of them except the Classè Omega. So I'm connvinced, you will be very happy with your XPA-1s!
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Post by audiobill on Apr 9, 2016 10:40:04 GMT -5
Boom, tell us more about the "launching the mother in law to the moon" part....
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Post by boomzilla on Apr 9, 2016 11:08:57 GMT -5
High mass requires high launch energy. 'Nuff said! LOL
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Post by eclypse on Apr 9, 2016 12:30:27 GMT -5
Xpa-1Ls are very nice if you find them for dirt cheap! I got mine for $200 ea. don't ask where.
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Post by sockemdog on Apr 22, 2016 10:58:13 GMT -5
After just a 48 hour burn-in, I wasn't expecting much of a difference between my XPA-5 and the new beasts. The XPA-5 ~was~ the best I'd heard through my speakers thus far. Until the XPA-1's. Ok guys... I'm usually not real big on adjectives. But what comes to mind first-off is outstanding low-level detail and dynamics. I've never heard an amplifier that could provide that level of dynamics at such a low volume level. Next is an almost liquid and relaxed sound. Instrument placement and realism taken to a much higher plane.
What else can I say but: Whoa, great job Emotiva on this one!
Brad Kennedy in South Carolina enjoying these new babies!
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,213
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Post by novisnick on Apr 22, 2016 11:13:09 GMT -5
After just a 48 hour burn-in, I wasn't expecting much of a difference between my XPA-5 and the new beasts. The XPA-5 ~was~ the best I'd heard through my speakers thus far. Until the XPA-1's. Ok guys... I'm usually not real big on adjectives. But what comes to mind first-off is outstanding low-level detail and dynamics. I've never heard an amplifier that could provide that level of dynamics at such a low volume level. Next is an almost liquid and relaxed sound. Instrument placement and realism taken to a much higher plane. What else can I say but: Whoa, great job Emotiva on this one! Brad Kennedy in South Carolina enjoying these new babies! And now you understand what I've been advocating for a long time. Enjoy !!!! We're already reviewing your application to TSMS.
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Post by garbulky on Apr 22, 2016 11:13:17 GMT -5
After just a 48 hour burn-in, I wasn't expecting much of a difference between my XPA-5 and the new beasts. The XPA-5 ~was~ the best I'd heard through my speakers thus far. Until the XPA-1's. Ok guys... I'm usually not real big on adjectives. But what comes to mind first-off is outstanding low-level detail and dynamics. I've never heard an amplifier that could provide that level of dynamics at such a low volume level. Next is an almost liquid and relaxed sound. Instrument placement and realism taken to a much higher plane. What else can I say but: Whoa, great job Emotiva on this one! Brad Kennedy in South Carolina enjoying these new babies! Absolutely! These were my findings as well. The XPA-1 gen 2 is fantastic. I like their class A mode too. Very natural sounding. Though I switch it back to class AB using the front switch to avoid the heat when not in use. I have mine connected DC-1 direct via XLR to the XPA-1s and MAN is it transparent sounding!
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Post by sockemdog on Apr 22, 2016 11:26:12 GMT -5
After just a 48 hour burn-in, I wasn't expecting much of a difference between my XPA-5 and the new beasts. The XPA-5 ~was~ the best I'd heard through my speakers thus far. Until the XPA-1's. Ok guys... I'm usually not real big on adjectives. But what comes to mind first-off is outstanding low-level detail and dynamics. I've never heard an amplifier that could provide that level of dynamics at such a low volume level. Next is an almost liquid and relaxed sound. Instrument placement and realism taken to a much higher plane. What else can I say but: Whoa, great job Emotiva on this one! Brad Kennedy in South Carolina enjoying these new babies! Absolutely! These were my findings as well. The XPA-1 gen 2 is fantastic. I like their class A mode too. Very natural sounding. Though I switch it back to class AB using the front switch to avoid the heat when not in use. I have mine connected DC-1 direct via XLR to the XPA-1s and MAN is it transparent sounding! Yessir... XPA-1 to them with balanced connections with class-A to boot... SUPERB!
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Post by sockemdog on Apr 22, 2016 11:27:43 GMT -5
After just a 48 hour burn-in, I wasn't expecting much of a difference between my XPA-5 and the new beasts. The XPA-5 ~was~ the best I'd heard through my speakers thus far. Until the XPA-1's. Ok guys... I'm usually not real big on adjectives. But what comes to mind first-off is outstanding low-level detail and dynamics. I've never heard an amplifier that could provide that level of dynamics at such a low volume level. Next is an almost liquid and relaxed sound. Instrument placement and realism taken to a much higher plane. What else can I say but: Whoa, great job Emotiva on this one! Brad Kennedy in South Carolina enjoying these new babies! And now you understand what I've been advocating for a long time. Enjoy !!!! We're already reviewing your application to TSMS. Looking forward to being a member!
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