I met Lonnie today and bought an XPA2 and UPA1

[ocezam]

I just got home from the Rocky Mountain Audiofest. I met Lonnie there, real nice guy. His eyes light up when he starts to talk about his products. I wish I was half as passionate about my career.

Long story short I pulled the trigger on a couple new amps. Gonna sell my XPA-5 as I just ordered an XPA-2 and a UPA-1. Gonna let my AVR power my surrounds for a while and eventually get a UPA-2 so I can upgrade to a dedicated Pre/Pro.

I'm pretty excited about the XPA2 powering my Magnepan 1.6's. The XPA5 did a great job, but there are a few times when it will hit it's limit. The Maggies are 4 ohm and 86 decibel sensitivity. They can be a little hard on some amps and actually the XPA5 did a pretty good job. The XPA2 shouldn't even break a sweat having 67% more power into 4 ohms. My center is a 4 ohm Martin Logan that should also benefit some from the UPA1's 17% increased power (into 4 ohms) and it's monoblock design.

I briefly discussed with Lonnie the option of going with three UPA-1's but he didn't hesitate to say "go with the extra power" so I stayed with the XPA-2.

Lots of other real cool stuff to see and hear there. Two sets of speakers that blew me away were a pair of Vandersteen 7's approx $45,000 and Nola Viper reference about $12,000 a pair. You could say "they should sound great for that price" but there were a lot of speakers with those kinds of price tags that didn't sound as good as my Magnepans.

If anyone is within driving distance to Denver, 90 minutes for me, it's still going on tomorrow...

[SticknStones]

Nice update and thanks for taking the time to give us a report.

[strindl]

That XPA-2 will sound great on your 1.6's...that's the combination I have in my bedroom. It is a worthwhile upgrade from the XPA-5.

I had a chance to hear the Vandersteen 7's and meet Richard Vandersteen a week or so ago in Milwaukee. Very impressive man and speakers.

I bet those model 7's were the exact same pair that I heard as well. Were they dark blue? The pair that was in Milwaukee were getting shipped out again right after the local demo. That's the pair that has been used by most of the magazines for their reviews.

[NorthStar]

Did you say Hi to Lonnie from me?

[ocezam]

Oct 17, 2010 1:02:53 GMT -5 strindl said:

That XPA-2 will sound great on your 1.6's...that's the combination I have in my bedroom. It is a worthwhile upgrade from the XPA-5.

I had a chance to hear the Vandersteen 7's and meet Richard Vandersteen a week or so ago in Milwaukee. Very impressive man and speakers.

I bet those model 7's were the exact same pair that I heard as well. Were they dark blue? The pair that was in Milwaukee were getting shipped out again right after the local demo. That's the pair that has been used by most of the magazines for their reviews.

No, the Vandersteens were bright red. Just like the ones he has on his website. My wife said she wouldn't have them in her house, but we both LOVED the sound! I didn't talk personally to Richard Vandersteen, but listened as he talked to others.. Like Lonnie, the man is obviously immersed in his work, but he's a lot more animated. I'd describe Lonnie as more of a scientist and Richard as more of an artist. I'd say he's almost eccentric.

I'm glad you think the XPA2 will be worthwhile over the XPA5. The show prices were incredible. About 15% off the XPA2 and 18% off the UPA1. I couldn't resist. If anybody knows anybody... I'll have a great XPA5 for sale in a week or two.

[ocezam]

Oct 17, 2010 1:02:53 GMT -5 strindl said:

That XPA-2 will sound great on your 1.6's...that's the combination I have in my bedroom.

Jeez. I just realized the the system that I am sacrificing to get put together is comparable to your secondary bedroom system. Must be nice.

[strindl]

Oct 17, 2010 9:12:42 GMT -5 ocezam said:

Oct 17, 2010 1:02:53 GMT -5 strindl said:

That XPA-2 will sound great on your 1.6's...that's the combination I have in my bedroom.

Jeez. I just realized the the system that I am sacrificing to get put together is comparable to your secondary bedroom system. Must be nice.

I started 32 years ago..so I may have a head start on you. That's when I bought my first pair of Magnepans. My main system is in my signature, but I have three systems currently.

My living room has a pair of magnepan 1.7's, a CC3 center and a pair of MMG surrounds. I have those powered by a Threshold S500e at 500 watts per channel at 4 ohm..same as the XPA-2.