Help me decide XPA5 gen 2 or XPA3 gen 3

[pikkashoe]

I have been toying with the idea of getting an amplifier for a while now, and I am finally ready to pull the trigger. I have two Polk Audio RTI-A9's for my L and R channels, and a CSI-A6 for the center. I am also running FXi-A6's for rear surrounds.  My current receiver is a Denon 4311.  I am set on going with an Emotiva, but here is where my dilemma lies.

I am torn between the two amps I listed.  This is where I need everyone's suggestions.  

I like the idea of running all 5 channels amplified with the xpa5.  That would get me 200 watts per channel from what I am reading.  I do intend to get a set of FXI-A4's for my wide channels, and just have the Denon run those in the future. 

Would I be better served going with the XPA5 and run all 5 channels amplified, or would I be better of going with the XPA3 gen 3, and just run the front 3 channels off the Emotiva XPA3, and let the Denon handle the FXI-A6's?  I like the idea of running 275 watts to the RTI-A9's, but is it necessary, considering the center is only rated to 200 watts, so I would be basically not using that extra wattage for the center channel?

Is the new XPA3 a much better amp then the Xpa5?  I have read several places that its using the XPR technology.  So is it worth jumping to the XPA3.  I have a budget I have to stick to, so I cant opt for the XPA3 gen 3, with 5 channels right now.  Is the XPA3 amp a much better amp than the XPA5 in terms of components it uses, output, etc. If so, that would make my decision much easier.

Any ideas or insight is appreciated to help me decide.

[teaman]

I am using an XPA-2 for the front mains and a XPA-5 for the remainder of the speakers. You can probably get away with using the Denon for the four surround speakers but if it is in your budget I would go the route of the XPA-5.

Don't let the power ratings fool you. Your speakers are not going to blow up if you use higher power amps. I am using JBL 8330 cinema surround speakers that are rated for 100 watts (I think) and I am pumping the 300 watts into them via my XPA-2. Never any worries. If you listen extremely loud and you start hearing your speakers distort I would suggest not pushing them so hard, otherwise you should be fine at any levels reference or under.


Tim

[valgolfs]

A few years back I was in your same situation (Denon X-4000) and I went with XPA-5 and love it.
I felt if I went with the XPA-3 and used the RCVR for the surrounds, I might be missing something.
Then you wonder what a separate pre-pro will do, then mono blocks then...

Good luck

Steve

[smarties]

I would get the XPA-5. Also if you're running a 7 channel, or considering 7 channel soon, I'd get a XPA-2 gen 2, because if you want one later it'll be no longer available.

I'm using a 3 channel and 4 channel from another brand (the amps are available in 2,3,4,5,6,7 versions like the XPA gen 3's) so I guess similar to XPA-2 2nd gen and XPA-5 gen 2, or XPA-3 gen 2 and XPA-5 gen 2 with 1 unused channel.

Yeah you may want to get pre-power later, so you'd need another amp.

I guess you could stick with XPA-3, since your denon isn't a low end model. Course you could get a XPA-5 or XPA-7 gen 3 but that's gonna cost a lot.

[pikkashoe]

Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I don't see the xpa2 on the website anymore, or are you talking about a gen 3? Also no one touched on one of my biggest questions, is there a difference in the two amps in terms of technology used in them? I remember seeing in several places that the xpa gen3 is using xpr tech? I am just curious if that would make a difference on which one to go with. What ever I go will, I am sure will be much better than the receiver.

Smarties, my ultimate plan is to run the 5 mains (LCR and rear surrounds) on the amp, and use the Denon to power the wide's, since my understanding is that the wide channel doesn't really have that much output which would require that much power, the Denon running those two channels should be more than sufficient.

Thanks again for the quick responses everyone, I hope to make a decision by the end of the week.

[teaman]

Apr 20, 2016 15:07:31 GMT -5 pikkashoe said:

Thanks everyone for the quick responses. I don't see the xpa2 on the website anymore, or are you talking about a gen 3? Also no one touched on one of my biggest questions, is there a difference in the two amps in terms of technology used in them? I remember seeing in several places that the xpa gen3 is using xpr tech? I am just curious if that would make a difference on which one to go with. What ever I go will, I am sure will be much better than the receiver.

Smarties, my ultimate plan is to run the 5 mains (LCR and rear surrounds) on the amp, and use the Denon to power the wide's, since my understanding is that the wide channel doesn't really have that much output which would require that much power, the Denon running those two channels should be more than sufficient.

Thanks again for the quick responses everyone, I hope to make a decision by the end of the week.

None of us has any hands on with the Gen 3 amps since they just started taking orders for them last week. Sounds like the tech they offer will be nice amps, but they are priced pretty high compared to the Gen 2. I actually prefer the Gen 1 over the 2 since the gain was 32db vs 29db in the second generation. I don't think you can go wrong with either option so whatever your little heart desires and pocketbook affords!

[pikkashoe]

I think I have decided. I was leaning towards the gen 3's, but I noticed that it says in order to upgrade in the future, emotiva has to install the new modules, which I am guessing means I have to ship the amp in at my cost. I would imagine that will cost and arm and a leg to do. Since I cant afford to swing for the xpa gen 3 and go 5 channel with it, I think I have my answer. I have an email out to Emotiva to confirm the above.

[teaman]

Apr 20, 2016 18:00:01 GMT -5 pikkashoe said:

I think I have decided. I was leaning towards the gen 3's, but I noticed that it says in order to upgrade in the future, emotiva has to install the new modules, which I am guessing means I have to ship the amp in at my cost. I would imagine that will cost and arm and a leg to do. Since I cant afford to swing for the xpa gen 3 and go 5 channel with it, I think I have my answer. I have an email out to Emotiva to confirm the above.

They have already confirmed that in previous posts. You are responsible for return shipping to upgrade modules for the Gen 3. It is a bigger deterrent for foreign customers. Good luck with your purchase!

[pikkashoe]

Any idea how much round trip shipping would be for one of these amps. I am guessing based on the weight, almost half the cost of a module upgrade?

[pikkashoe]

Smarties, where would I be able to find an XPA2 gen 2? I don't see them on the emotiva website anymore for sale?

[teaman]

Apr 20, 2016 21:15:49 GMT -5 pikkashoe said:

Smarties, where would I be able to find an XPA2 gen 2? I don't see them on the emotiva website anymore for sale?

You can call Emotiva directly and ask if they still have them in stock. They also offer factory refreshed with full warranty from time to time that can save you some money. Outside of that you can search under the "Partners" on the Emotiva site as they list licensed dealers that sell the Emotiva gear and may also have some in stock.

HifiHeaven comes to mind as one I have seen listing them after Emotiva was out of stock in recent times. They have them now, here is the link.

hifiheaven.net/shop/index.php?route=product/search&search=emotiva&category_id=108

[creimes]

Apr 20, 2016 21:15:49 GMT -5 pikkashoe said:

Smarties, where would I be able to find an XPA2 gen 2? I don't see them on the emotiva website anymore for sale?

I recommend the XPA-5 over the running just two channels on the XPA-2 anyhow, having all 5 channels powered properly for HT is the best option, my opinion of course, but it is a valid one

Chad

[vcautokid]

Cool. This is fun. If you have a desire to go all the way to 7 channels, you might want the XPA-Gen 3. However, the Mighty good XPA-5 will knock it out of the park with your Polks. Proven combination that will impress as sure as Friday is coming. Although,what I am getting at is it really depends on your future state. I think they will both rock the house. I know more about the XPA-5, but something tells me I won't underestimate what the XPA-Gen 3 will do. I can't wait to hear them in all their splendor. Working on that.

The new Gen 3 is packing some serious firepower. And like the XPA-5 it will score the 10 ring. Just in a different way.

[pikkashoe]

Thanks for the quick link. Looks like the price for the xpa 2 gen2 is the same price as the xpa2 gen 3? Am i missing something? For the same price, I would imagine I should go for the gen3?

I think for now, I will just order the xpa5. I don't even have the 7.1 wides yet, and when I do get them I will just run them off the Denon. The receiver should be able to handle those two wide speakers with no issue.

Thanks for all the help everyone. XPA5 here I come.
I will post my thoughts once I have it and its all hooked up.

Now on to room treatments, thats my next project.

VCautokid, I can always get the xpa5 now, and if the gen3's are that awesome, i can pick one up in the future to run my RTI-a9's and then use the xpa5 for the rest of the cast.  Now I'm getting carried away. . . .

[pikkashoe]

One last question for all you Emotiva Pro's. Ive never had an amplifier set up for my home theatre so I am not sure which route to go.
I noticed the amp has balanced and unbalanced inputs. I am assuming I want to go with the balanced one's? What is the advantage of going with XLR vs RCA?
I believe my Denon 4311 has XLR outputs. So if I go this route, what XLR cables should I go with? I have always gone with Monoprice for cables, and I am guessing they sell XLR cables as well.

[teaman]

I don't think you can go wrong with the XPA-5, I have two of them and they are really nice. Emotiva offers some nice XLR cables, and Monoprice offers nice ones as well. I prefer the XLR over RCA just for the simple fact that they fit snug and lock in.

[novisnick]

Apr 20, 2016 22:22:33 GMT -5 teaman said:

I don't think you can go wrong with the XPA-5, I have two of them and they are really nice. Emotiva offers some nice XLR cables, and Monoprice offers nice ones as well. I prefer the XLR over RCA just for the simple fact that they fit snug and lock in.

+1 

[creimes]

Apr 20, 2016 22:11:20 GMT -5 pikkashoe said:

One last question for all you Emotiva Pro's. Ive never had an amplifier set up for my home theatre so I am not sure which route to go.
I noticed the amp has balanced and unbalanced inputs. I am assuming I want to go with the balanced one's? What is the advantage of going with XLR vs RCA?
I believe my Denon 4311 has XLR outputs. So if I go this route, what XLR cables should I go with? I have always gone with Monoprice for cables, and I am guessing they sell XLR cables as well.

The Denon 4311 seems to only have RCA outs so you will have to use them

These are the ones I have but I have 1 meter lengths which they have'nt had in stock for some time now but they do have the X DRCA which are essentially Digital cables but may work for analog signals as well and they have 1 meter length in stock, a call to them would be best or check out Blue Jeans Cable as well

emotiva.com/products/interconnects/x-rca

www.bluejeanscable.com/store/audio/

[smarties]

Apr 20, 2016 21:39:22 GMT -5 creimes said:

Apr 20, 2016 21:15:49 GMT -5 pikkashoe said:

Smarties, where would I be able to find an XPA2 gen 2? I don't see them on the emotiva website anymore for sale?

I recommend the XPA-5 over the running just two channels on the XPA-2 anyhow, having all 5 channels powered properly for HT is the best option, my opinion of course, but it is a valid one

Chad

The XPA-2 is superior to the XPA-3, XPA-5.

I'd choose the 2+5, rather than a 7. If you do choose to have a 5, leaving the Denon to power, that means when you decide to go av pre-power, you will need 2 more channels.

You've probably left it a bit late for the gen 2's, if you want a 2+5. A 3+5 is another option. For stereo that isn't quite as good, but like me for movies (older movies) just having a 3 channel powered up is good idea as I use a front three speaker DSP mode for older mono/badly mixed 5.1 movies (downmix to front three)

[srpawski]

I am thinking of going with the Emotiva 7 channel cable snake myself for cables. Looks like a nice, neat interface, plus the cable ends are labeled even though you will only use 5 of them as will I since I don't have 7 channels.

emotiva.com/products/interconnects/mrca-7-1-meter