bootman
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Post by bootman on Sept 2, 2012 22:44:47 GMT -5
That class A operation was more in line with what I had understood, and assumed for A/B amps in general. When a company designs an amp to stay in class A operation beyond the first watt or two, then you have something beyond the typical design, or so I'd thought. You are correct in that assumption and if that is what you originally meant, then I stand corrected. Al |
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bootman
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Post by bootman on Sept 2, 2012 22:51:32 GMT -5
The only difference is at what wattage they switch over. Most are only a few watts, those with beefier power supplies are higher. As my post suggests, with transistors based amps this has been going on since the 60s. No childish "see, they are copying someone else"  Everyone has "copied" this design because it is a basic amp design! Now what are the price differences.  Okay, I have to admit to a little ignorance in this area. I didn't know that all A/B designs run the first several watts in class A. I guess that means that my XPA-3 runs in class A too. I still don't care for it though at any price! Too bright with my speakers. You sound like a closet tube guy. (nothing wrong with that. Tubes are great!) Have you given any tube amps a try? You may never go back. |
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Post by wrinklemash on Sept 2, 2012 23:19:35 GMT -5
Just some things to add... XPA-1 runs the first 10 watts in Class A XPA-2 runs the first watt in Class A All the other Emotiva amps run less than a watt in Class A The XPA-1L runs in the first 30 watts until you exceed that or it gets too hot. There are temperature sensors on the heat sink and will draw down the Class A threshold as the amp gets hotter. There is also a switch on the back for those that don't care to listen in Class A. * Per LonnieThe above is also what Lonnie told me today. And as other members have posted, all class A/B amps do indeed run in class A for some portion of their output. I might also add, per Lonnie, that the structure/circuitry that allows the XPA-1L to run in class A up to 30 watts was originally designed for the XPA-1. It did not make it into the XPA-1 because it was - in Lonnie's words - "too powerful." I took this to mean that it produced too much heat. As you may have seen in the pictures posted from Emofest, they had three of the four mono-blocks lined up on a table in the front foyer. Each was plugged in, and even though it was not powering any speakers the XPA-1L was warm to the touch. This is consistent with other amplifiers I have seen or used that had 'extended' class A capabilities. The other mono-block, the XPA-100 was in another room. It was not plugged in. In fact, if you looked through the top cover, it had a plastic ziplock bag with parts inside the case. |
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Post by sharkman on Sept 2, 2012 23:45:56 GMT -5
Okay, I have to admit to a little ignorance in this area. I didn't know that all A/B designs run the first several watts in class A. I guess that means that my XPA-3 runs in class A too. I still don't care for it though at any price! Too bright with my speakers. You sound like a closet tube guy. (nothing wrong with that. Tubes are great!) Have you given any tube amps a try? You may never go back. You've suggested that to me before, and I've been getting curious though I'm not a tube guy at present, closet or otherwise.  I was thinking of my A21 when I made the original comments, and it does 10 watts in class A( I had to look that up!) I guess though that Parasound is not the only company to think of this design, so my copycat comment was off base. |
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stiehl11
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Post by stiehl11 on Sept 3, 2012 1:02:41 GMT -5
Just some things to add... XPA-1 runs the first 10 watts in Class A XPA-2 runs the first watt in Class A All the other Emotiva amps run less than a watt in Class A The XPA-1L runs in the first 30 watts until you exceed that or it gets too hot. There are temperature sensors on the heat sink and will draw down the Class A threshold as the amp gets hotter. There is also a switch on the back for those that don't care to listen in Class A. * Per LonnieThe above is also what Lonnie told me today. And as other members have posted, all class A/B amps do indeed run in class A for some portion of their output. I might also add, per Lonnie, that the structure/circuitry that allows the XPA-1L to run in class A up to 30 watts was originally designed for the XPA-1. It did not make it into the XPA-1 because it was - in Lonnie's words - "too powerful." I took this to mean that it produced too much heat. As you may have seen in the pictures posted from Emofest, they had three of the four mono-blocks lined up on a table in the front foyer. Each was plugged in, and even though it was not powering any speakers the XPA-1L was warm to the touch. This is consistent with other amplifiers I have seen or used that had 'extended' class A capabilities. The other mono-block, the XPA-100 was in another room. It was not plugged in. In fact, if you looked through the top cover, it had a plastic ziplock bag with parts inside the case. When I discussed this with Lonnie his comment concerning the XPA-1 (running first 60 watts in Class A), "it was a small, room heater". |
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Post by paintedklown on Sept 3, 2012 1:35:53 GMT -5
CURSES!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D First the Ncore's and now this.  Just when I thought I was done buying amps (I honestly never thought I would lust after other amps again, at least without winning the lottery) Now I am psyched on these with that 30 watts of class A power. Very intriguing indeed. Big Dan and Lonnie sure know how to keep a guys wallet open. I agree with the sentiment, that these new mono-blocks could very well attract a LOT of new customers to Emotiva. People who may otherwise never have considered the brand. It seems that there are a group of people who put a lot of "stock" into class A power, and this is a VERY nice calling card. Kudos guys, this could be a real winner right here.  |
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Post by kzone on Sept 3, 2012 3:54:54 GMT -5
When I discussed this with Lonnie his comment concerning the XPA-1 (running first 60 watts in Class A), "it was a small, room heater". hmmm... interesting. why would it be too hot for the XPA1 but ok for XPA-1L? For a cost no object system but with no need for anything more than 250@8ohms, which power amp should the XSP1 be paired with? |
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Post by garbulky on Sept 3, 2012 4:02:36 GMT -5
Well the xpa-1 L will give you that probably. There is also the hypex ncore amps as well as some other choices.
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Post by brubacca on Sept 3, 2012 6:05:55 GMT -5
Are class a amps more (pick an adjective ) musical, refined, detailed , powerful, smoother, tube - like? I understand that it is different, but why would I pony up almost double a XPA-100 to get one ( or two) ?
Please don't repy and tell me that all amps sound the same. To me that statement is just not true. I have 5 amps between receivers and actual amps and they do not soud the same. (anybody want to buy some old gear?)
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Post by briank on Sept 3, 2012 6:29:50 GMT -5
Are class a amps more (pick an adjective ) musical, refined, detailed , powerful, smoother, tube - like? I understand that it is different, but why would I pony up almost double a XPA-100 to get one ( or two) ? To me class A amps just sound more "pure" , more "right". I can't wait to hear what Lonnie's new creation sounds like. Some better parts are included over the XPA-100. The 100 had the cheaper binding post while the XPA-1L has the better X-series binding posts. Even the Bal-UnBal switch was the higher quality metal toggle. Plus the XPA-1L is a fully balanced design so the noise floor should be lower as well. |
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Post by weird23 on Sept 3, 2012 6:54:55 GMT -5
I really like the concept of this amp.
It's too bad they weren't available when I was shopping for amps, I'd have bought three of them. Not sure I'd really hear enough of an improvement to switch out my XPA-1's for these.
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Post by pkelly1504 on Sept 3, 2012 9:04:40 GMT -5
Does anyone know when the XPA 1L will be available?
I am getting close to upgrading my amp for the mains and possible the center and this looks like a great option to consider.
Currently choosing between the XPA 1's and the higher end brands. Not sure which way to go.
Thanks
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LCSeminole
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Post by LCSeminole on Sept 3, 2012 9:40:32 GMT -5
Does anyone know when the XPA 1L will be available? I am getting close to upgrading my amp for the mains and possible the center and this looks like a great option to consider. Currently choosing between the XPA 1's and the higher end brands. Not sure which way to go. Thanks Big Dan told that the plans are a January release, but he emphasized as always that this is a tentative date and could slip a little. |
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stiehl11
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Post by stiehl11 on Sept 3, 2012 10:08:43 GMT -5
When I discussed this with Lonnie his comment concerning the XPA-1 (running first 60 watts in Class A), "it was a small, room heater". hmmm... interesting. why would it be too hot for the XPA1 but ok for XPA-1L? For a cost no object system but with no need for anything more than 250@8ohms, which power amp should the XSP1 be paired with? More power = more heat. If the XPA-1L ran 60 watts in Class A it would be the same heat output. |
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Post by kellys on Sept 3, 2012 11:10:03 GMT -5
I took pics of the back of the XPA-1L and will post them when I get back home tomorrow. Very impressive. Gain is 29 db. Amp does get hot to the touch so proper ventilation a must. This was Lonnie's pet project and his response to our requests in the lounge. We didn't get a chance to listen to it but Lonnie said it sounds awesome! Thanks Lonnie!!! +1 Thanks Lonnie!!! |
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Sept 3, 2012 11:15:30 GMT -5
When I discussed this with Lonnie his comment concerning the XPA-1 (running first 60 watts in Class A), "it was a small, room heater". hmmm... interesting. why would it be too hot for the XPA1 but ok for XPA-1L? Better (or different) thermal management, like I mentioned initially. Higher power output in pure Class A means the system is designed to handle that heat. |
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Post by MukAudio on Sept 3, 2012 12:18:40 GMT -5
Very interesting indeed. I had been intrigued by the Nelson Pass amps, but wasn't going to spend that kind of coin anytime soon, especially before I get my speakers.
Given Emo's 30 day return policy, i might have to audition these against my regular XPA-1s. The Ls take up less space than my big boys and depending on resale value at the time, I might be able to trade straight across.
Mark
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Post by lar on Sept 3, 2012 15:50:07 GMT -5
I took pics of the back of the XPA-1L and will post them when I get back home tomorrow. Very impressive. Gain is 29 db. Amp does get hot to the touch so proper ventilation a must. This was Lonnie's pet project and his response to our requests in the lounge. We didn't get a chance to listen to it but Lonnie said it sounds awesome! Thanks Lonnie!!! is that gain with RCA? or XLR? |
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Post by wrinklemash on Sept 3, 2012 17:11:15 GMT -5
When I discussed this with Lonnie his comment concerning the XPA-1 (running first 60 watts in Class A), "it was a small, room heater". hmmm... interesting. why would it be too hot for the XPA1 but ok for XPA-1L? For a cost no object system but with no need for anything more than 250@8ohms, which power amp should the XSP1 be paired with? The XPA-1L is basically 1/2 the output power of the XPA-1. The XPA-1L was said to have 250w into 8 ohms, and 500w (or very close to it) into 4 ohms at Emofest. I read somewhere on this board, maybe this thread, that the target price is $699. I was under the impression this weekend that was less than that - $550 to $599. |
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stiehl11
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Post by stiehl11 on Sept 3, 2012 17:27:51 GMT -5
hmmm... interesting. why would it be too hot for the XPA1 but ok for XPA-1L? For a cost no object system but with no need for anything more than 250@8ohms, which power amp should the XSP1 be paired with? The XPA-1L is basically 1/2 the output power of the XPA-1. The XPA-1L was said to have 250w into 8 ohms, and 500w (or very close to it) into 4 ohms at Emofest. I read somewhere on this board, maybe this thread, that the target price is $699. I was under the impression this weekend that was less than that - $550 to $599. And to clarify my statement at 60 watts the XPA-1 was a lot hotter than the XPA-1L. 60 watts of heat is 60 watts of heat. 30 watts of heat is 30 watts of heat. It's analogous, not exactly, to a light bulb. |
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