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Post by hdroadking on Jan 13, 2012 10:00:14 GMT -5
While waiting for my XPA-2 to arrive, I read many of the posted reviews on this site. More often than not, I came away a little down. I purchased this amp to take my system to a new and possibly better level of listening, but read many reviewers with qualifier issues of the amp being "forward" or "harsh" and negative comparisions to other name brands. After initial set-up, and with no burn-in, I now believe there are many pseudo-audiophiles who believe they may be in line for a reviewing position with the Absolute Sound or Stereophile.
I own some gear for listening to music. Currently, I have Magnepans MMG, Tannoy R7's, Monitor Audio Silver 8's, Bowers and Wilkens CDM 7NT's, as well as some good amps - Audio Research, Parasound. And for vinyl playback, a Project Xperience turntable with Grado MC, and even a decent AVR for movies - Pioneer Elite SC-25. Anyway, I am very pleased to report that the XPA-2 coupled with my USP-1 and married with the Monitor Audio's, sounded outstanding last night. I did not get to vinyl playback last night, but I was able to listen to the Eric Clapton - Blues CD through my Denon 2800. I heard new levels of clarity and a soundstage that was larger than previously experienced. The lows were clear and involving, the mids were distinctive with punch, and the highs were clean and crisp with a decay that I was hoping for. Again, I have not yet burned this amp in.
Anyway, for those who are reading the many subjective reviews, please be assured, at least from this subjective new owner, that this amp is all I had hoped for, and more. I am very pleased to know that a value such as this, does in fact exist!
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Post by monkumonku on Jan 13, 2012 10:18:49 GMT -5
I had an XPA-2 and I thought it was wonderful. The only reason I don't have it any more is because I am power hungry and bought a pair of XPA-1's even though they probably aren't necessary. ;D
The way I look at it, if you give someone a black box amp (one of decent quality) with absolutely no clue as to who makes it or the specs and ask them to review it by merely listening to it, the review will come out WAY differently than if the reviewer knew the manufacturer and the specs. And if the reviewer knew that this review would be published, he or she would be suffering from a great deal of anxiety because they had nothing to lean on, no comfort zone as it were (say for example, if you knew it was a McIntosh amp then even if you thought it sounded horrible you would be safe to say it was superb; if you knew it was an Emotiva amp and it sounded better than any other amp you ever heard including $50,000 amps, you would be better off writing that this amp performs admirably for one that is in the "affordable" category).
Same thing with wine - give nearly everyone a glass of wine that they have no idea who the producer is, what grape was used, etc., and blindfold them, their review will be completely different than if they were able to see the wine, knew the producer and its composition. Most would not even be able to tell you if it was a red or a white wine.
Most reviews are performed with preconceived notions, despite how objective the reviewer may believe he or she is.
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Post by House on Jan 13, 2012 11:27:44 GMT -5
Most reviews are performed with preconceived notions, despite how objective the reviewer may believe he or she is. +1000^10 <----power |
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Post by roadrunner on Jan 13, 2012 14:37:54 GMT -5
HDRoadKing
Congrats on your USP-1 and XPA-2 power amp. I think the XPA-2 is an exceptional power amp and the vast majority of owner reviews on this forum rave about how wonderful this amp is. I normally refer people to the reviews of the XPA-2 done by Audioholics and Secrets of Home Theater and HiFi. Both of these A/V Review Sites were so impressed with the XPA-2 that they each awarded the XPA-2 "Product of the Year" type of recognition after reviewing it.
Yes, there are a few people who do not share this high level of recognition, but they are definitely in the minority. My only memory of Lounge members calling the XPA-2 as forward, bright or harsh in significant numbers was on threads comparing the sound quality between the XPA-2 and the UPA-1 mono blocks; and this was an exercise where members were struggling to find words to differentiate these two amps from one another. These two amps were very, very similar in their performance so people exaggerated the subtle differences in order to justify choosing one over the other.
Since its introduction, the XPA-2 has been one of Emotiva's best selling amps, for good reason. You have discovered just how good it is on your own. In my personal experience, I think the USP-1 is one of Emotiva's most outstanding performers and has a huge "Bang For the Buck." You have the makings of an outstanding audio system -- enjoy. Welcome to the Emotiva Lounge.
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Post by audiofile on Jan 13, 2012 16:02:28 GMT -5
I don't think you need to put too much stock into reviews on the XPA-2. You have to understand that the setups it performs in for the reviews vary and obviously, we all hear thing differently.
If your speakers match up well, spec-wise, with the XPA-2, then give it a chance. I think all this "forward thinking" could ruin things for you as soon you'll expect it to not sound good. The anxiety is normal, just don't over think this or worry so much.
Relax. Take a deep breath. Do a little Zen humming and let go....
All will be well.
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Post by dwilli852 on Jan 13, 2012 16:39:27 GMT -5
Also consider how publications like audio review magazines and web sites make their money. Would you spend money to advertise with someone that published an unfavorable review.
An unbiased review?
Don't really think so.
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Post by House on Jan 13, 2012 16:42:58 GMT -5
read unbiased reviews by real world people, make your decision, give the amp a try and if you arent happy, send it back.....
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Post by hdroadking on Jan 13, 2012 16:49:15 GMT -5
As stated, so far I'm elated! Thanks for your input.
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Post by earwaxxer on Jan 27, 2012 12:18:03 GMT -5
I just got the XPA-2 about a month ago. I find it spot on consistent with the online magazine reviews. Very agreeable and subtle for such a powerful amp. No faults that stand out. It drives my MMG's perfectly (and they reveal it all in the highs and mids). I had been listening to high power T amps and thought that the next step would be tube power amp. Nope.
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