XPA-1's first impressions (vs Aleph 5)

[soulrider4ever]

I previously did a review of the Pass Labs Aleph 5 vs. the XPA-2, you can find that review in the XPA-2 section here on the forums. The short version is I sold the XPA-2 as the Aleph just made the speakers ‘disappear’

I was looking on Audiogon and saw a pair of XPA-1’s and worked out a deal so I could ‘demo’ them and compare it to the Aleph 5, then buy one and sell the other.

My setup is simple. Laptop > M2tech hiface BNC > Matrix mini-I DAC > XPA-1’s I am not using a bnc cable, but an adapter – to plug directly into the matrix dac.

I went through my usual regime of music, and heard a difference immediately.

For starters, guitars sounded considerably more realistic. The dynamics and fullness of the full guitar was much more present.
Drums especially just came to life; I realized I was really missing out on the low end with the Aleph. The OpusII-3’s are very power hungry despite their 91db sensitivity rating.

Channel separation and instruments came to life and all had their own space, it was really amazing to hear the same tracks I always listen to produce new low level details the Aleph just missed completely *SHOCKER*

When the volume goes up, it sounds like you are sitting at the concert and listening to live music.

The male vocals carried a bit more depth. Female vocals I would still say the Aleph won out – it’s midrange is to die for with female vocals. However, when you consider the full range speakers being used with 10” woofers, the raw power given to these speakers really allows ALL of the music to come through and come through with full force and effect.

I know the review isn’t as detailed as others, but these amps are just better for my speakers. I would say it's more of a speaker amp mismatch than the Aleph not being good enough.

Either way - I'm selling the Aleph 5 ;D

[Pauly]

Wow, that's great soulrider! Congrats on the XPA-1s you lucky dog. Someday, I shall have a pair as well.

[oppman99]

It's always nice to hear opinions on amp comparisons. I have a pair of XPA-1's myself and would love to do some comparisons to other brands, but I'm happy enough with them that it's not worth the extra money right now (for me anyway). Keep us updated on what you think after you have some more time with the XPA's.

[djoel]

Glad you're loving those XPA-1's Soulrider...I'll definitely will be getting a pair in the near future, I just hope they're not discontinued by then.

Djoel

[richtx6]

Waited a month to get my XPA-1's and they arrived on Monday about noon along with my Ultra sub 12. I had already received my USP-1 and ERC-2 2 weeks earlier. I am replacing one of my first systems which consisted of a Harman Kardon Citation 17s preamp and 2 Citation 19's which I was running in mono. I have had my Martin Logan SL3's since new in 98 and my Dahlquist DQ 10's since new in 85 so very familiar with the sound of each.

I have gone thru several amp preamp system in the past 30 years from big Rotel, Luxman M5000, Audio Research D150, HK Citation 22-23 combo and my old stand by Citation that is now history, not the best but nice stuff.

I first thing I noticed was how hard they were to unpack. Not because of the packing but the sheer weight. Damn these things are HEAVY!! Rolled them around on the carpet to get the plastic off and compress every disc in my back getting them on the rack. Just kidding but be careful.

The binding posts on the back are at opposite sides of the back of the amp and thanks to this forum I learned how to get past this issue. Have to connect the bannana's to the binding post from the sides with the emo speaker cables.

Hooked everything up with all the triggering cables and fired them up. Man they look cool!! Big red LED's light up the front until the amps power up then turn a beautiful blue. Really neat having one remote power up everything and be so simple. Perfect.

I first put on some Sara Evans and she sounded like she was in the room. The ML3's sounded a little bright but I hadn't moved them around yet. I had only 30 mins to listen before I had to leave on a business trip.

I left the amps on for the two days I was gone and came home to a totally new system. I fired up some Acoustic Alchemy and OMG!! I heard things I've never heard. The imaging was amazing and the depth was 20 feet deep. The bass was tighter and more dynamic than ever.

These things never run out of power and when I put on Boston's first album my neighbor came over. He wasn't invited but heard it thru the walls and I live in Texas where it's been 110 degress so the house was closed up. His jaw dropped!!

The thing I noticed the most were the dynamics and how quiet the amps are. Just dead silent between track. Drums just snap and the bass player sounds like he's standing in front of me to the right on those track. Guitar and strings have always sounded wonderful on the Martin Logans and being a guitar player and collector I was just thrilled how the xpa-1 made strings sound.

The USP-1 and ERC-2 work flawlessly and sound great. Very flat. I didn't do any measurment because I just wanted to listen.

After several hours of listening I got up and fixed dinner and wanted to come back for more. No listening fatugue and then put on some classical piano and it was over the top. As if I had a grand piano in the room. My room is 40' long and 18' wide firing the long way. It sounds good.

I have been in this hobby since 71 and have owned 7 mid-fi to highend stores back in the 70 and 80 and have listen to some real nice stuff. Now that I'm 57 I was looking for new stereo equipment and the last I'll buy. When I came across you guys I did a lot of reading and gave Emotiva's best a shot and glad I did.

The power out of the amps is over the top. You never run out.

Without a dought the best sound and value in all the years I have been chasing the perfect sound. No compormise in sound just price. Verrrrryyy CooooooL.

The preamp is a steal at 400.00 and also is so simple and sounds and look great. Perfect remote control also. Not to busy and does everything.

I'm ordering another Ultra sub 12 tomorrow and that's it! Right? Please? Right? We'll see.

Thanks for listening to my rambling.

Rich

[johnigel]

Rich, thanks for the nice write-up. It seems as though you have hit on a great combo. One thing I can suggest is that you add the XDA-1 to your system. I was skeptical at first, but it makes a quite audible improvement to the sound quality, tighter, better defined bass and more detail in the mid-range. Enjoy the music!

-John

[clockwork33]

Rich, thanks for this great review. My XPA-1's will get here next monday. After your review I am even more anxious to get them hooked up. Enjoy!

[normanu]

oh man oh man stop giving such good reviews .... I'm thinking more and more on buying two aswell !!!

[Deleted]

I personally never get bored hearing people's impressions about the XPA-1s. I guess more and more people are finding the rack spaces and the coin for a pair. They have been in mine for a little more than a year and a half and have put them up against many challengers (two-channel and monoblocks). They remain undefeated....

[normanu]

You have the XPA5 aswell I see how do these compare ?

[Deleted]

The XPA-5 versus the XPA-1s for two-channel?

Gosh, where do I begin....Greater depth and sound stage, for sure. The bottom end is tight and distinct. High end has more clarity and the mid range is warmer.

Don't get me wrong: the XPA-5 is one hell of a bargain, most especially if you have space and finances to consider. I've had the XPA-5 since 2008 and I reviewed it when it relieved my integrated pro/pro of power driving duties, and a whole new world was opened for me. I was stunned by this simple act of bypassing the amps in my Yamaha DSP A1 and driving the HT system with the XPA-5. I will never give up this five channel amp, a masterful bargain and strong recommend if you don't have the space or cash for the monoblocks.

But for two channel? Oh my, do the XPA-1s deliver. It should be noted the Mirage feed on power and are a great match for the XPA-1s. If one has efficient speakers or a small room I think you may not need the sheer brute force of the big monoblocks. I have never had the pleasure of hearing them myself but many people I respect have shared glowing reviews of the UPA-1 monoblocks. And there's the ever versatile XPA-5....

Aug 5, 2011 6:38:16 GMT -5 normanu said:

You have the XPA5 aswell I see how do these compare ?

[Deleted]

STOP IT!!!!

All this talk makes me want to get a pair ;D

[normanu]

comparing the XPA-5 to the Rotel RMB-1075, I liked the sound of the Rotel better to be honest ...
But I am wondering what the XPA-1 would be like .............

[monkumonku]

Aug 5, 2011 7:24:58 GMT -5 @kraemerkid2119 said:

STOP IT!!!!

All this talk makes me want to get a pair ;D

Um... let's just understand that history repeats itself so you should realize right now, resistance is futile. ;D

[richtx6]

John, I have a question because I've always just been a simple 2 channel stereo guy. After reading the about the xda-1 and what it does. I'm I correct that this will go in between the usp-1 and my xpa-1's?

Explain a bit more if you would, but now you're going to make me buy more just when I thought I was "about" done!!

Thanks man

By the way spent about 6 more hours last night listening with a gal who came over and these amps have never ending power and we danced to everything from the Eagles to disco and man these things just kept throwing it out and clearer than the day before. Just can't stop listening and smiling. Damn they look good too!!!

Rich

[NorthStar]

I only have one thing to say; if circumstances would have been different in the last few weeks, I would have get a pair of these monoblocks to power my missed opportunity in acquiring a pair of Paradigm Reference Studio 100s v2 full range loudspeakers.

[richtx6]

It's now 3 am and still up listening to my system, by the way had a 32 year old drop dead blond just left after listening and whatever and she couldn't get enough of the sound and other things, but that's beside the point. Of course I loved her sound too! But back on track. She commented on that she had never heard a system sound this good and I have to agree.

The Emo system gets you more than just listening enjoyment. it still puts out as expected! ;D

[Erwin.BE]

Aug 7, 2011 3:46:57 GMT -5 richtx6 said:

It's now 3 am and still up listening to my system, by the way had a 32 year old drop dead blond just left after listening and whatever and she couldn't get enough of the sound and other things, but that's beside the point. Of course I loved her sound! But back on track. She commented on that she had never heard a system sound this good and I have to agree.

The Emo system gets you more than just listening enjoyment. it's still put out as expected!

I'm buying 5 more xpa-1's tomorrow just to have so when I put the new theater room together next month. ;D

Anything to impress the females! ;D