XPA-5 or XPA-2

[mikec92]

Hello, I'm a new member of the forum seeking advice on the Emotiva XPA-2 vs the XPA-5 for my home theater set up. My current system consists of the following:
Receiver/Pre Pro - Yamaha RX-V765 (95 WPC/7.2/with pre-outs)
Fronts - Paradigm Monitor 7v6
Center - Definitive Technologies Pro Center 1000
Rears - Paradigm Atom Monitors V7
Subwoofer - Definitive Technologies ProSub 1000
TV - 46 Samsung LCD
Sony Blu Ray Player
I've recently acquired a case of upgradeitis, and am interested in an affordable solution to add a separate amplifier. I've been doing some research and am leaning towards an Emotiva XPA-2 as opposed to the XPA-5. My listening habits are 80% two channel music, 20% home theater (concert blu rays, blu ray movies, etc).
From what I can gather the XPA-2 will be much better than the XPA-5 for music. If I purchase the XPA-2 I plan on using it to power the LR Fronts and continue to allow the Yamaha to power the center and rears? Am I on the right track here? I don't want to cause an issue with my 20% HT usage.

The Paradigm Monitor 7s are 94db efficient/130watts max input/suitable amplifier range 15 to 180 watts. Paradigm, however, recommends amplifiers that exceed the power range rating. I'm not going to hurt the Monitor 7s with the XPA-2 am I? I generally listen at moderate levels and am looking for a refined experience with the option to occassionally push the volume.

Thanks to forum member LCSeminole for the advice so far...just trying to gather as much info as possible before I make my choice.

Thanks!

Mike

[stiehl11]

Hi and welcome to the Lounge! My recommendation is for the XPA-2 for 2-channel listening. It's just a bit better, IMO.

[mickeyharlow]

Welcome, Mike.

If you are truly 2 channel, then the XPA-2. However, if you have a family and they are primarily HT, then I would suggest the XPA-5. In either case, you can add the other at a later date.

[geebo]

For 80% two channel? Hands down the XPA-2. Add an XPA-3 later if you choose.

[mikec92]

Thanks for the advice! Given the specs listed on my speakers is the XPA-2 too much amplifier? I'm new to the separates market and don't want to cause damage to the speakers....hopefully this isn't a dumb question....

[geebo]

It's more likely you'll damage speakers with a lower powered amp driven to clipping than a higher power amp delivering an unclipped, clean signal. That's because a clipped waveform is very much like sending DC current thru the voice coils which increases heat and the possibility of permanent damage.

[mikec92]

geebo - Thanks. So as long as I listen for signs of audible distortion I should be ok with the XPA-2? I'm not looking to drive the speakers to ear bleeding levels....but want to enjoy pushing the volume occasionally (and within reason).

FYI...,I've never caused any of my lower powered receiver amps to clip.....even 20 years ago in college when I had an onkyo receiver driving old school Cerwin Vegas : )

My current AVR drives my speakers to satisfying levels, so I would guess that I would come no where near the max input levels of my floor speakers.

[mikec92]

Current AVR is 95 Wpc.

[The Mad Norseman]

Sept 18, 2012 19:51:59 GMT -5 geebo said:

It's more likely you'll damage speakers with a lower powered amp driven to clipping than a higher power amp delivering an unclipped, clean signal. That's because a clipped waveform is very much like sending DC current thru the voice coils which increases heat and the possibility of permanent damage.

geebo is absolutely right about this - clipping can cause more damage to a speaker, and damage it far earlier than delivering A LOT of power to it!

[mikec92]

Thanks! So with my current speakers and listening preferences the XPA-2 is a safe choice? I only get one upgrade shot a year due to the spousal approval process : )

[geebo]

If you're looking for the best two channel setup, yes, the XPA-2. And remember, you'll be taking a considerable load off the Yamaha so it'll have better reserves for the center and surrounds than it has now while running the mains as well.

[remo]

I was in a similar spot as you. The choice between the XPA2 or XPA-5. My music to HT use is around 60 music 40 HT. I was dead set on the Xpa-2 when a great deal on XPA-5 crossed my path, I now own the XPA-5 and couldn't be happier with it. I'm sure ill add a Xpa-2 in the future. .... darn upgraditus.... when I goto 7 channel surround sound.

[AudioHTIT]

I agree with everything that's been said, for what you've stated the XPA-2 is a great choice, and don't worry about too much power. But ... are you sure your "upgradeitis" is going to be cured with just a single dose of XPA? This disease has often been misdiagnosed, and a second dose of UMC or XMC may be needed to quell your symptoms. Should this be a more accurate diagnosis of your case, the XPA-5 would set you up perfectly for a UMC-200/500 or XMC-1. And you'd still have plenty of power as your 2 channel listening would leave reserve in the power supply. Just wanted to have a second opinion on your (healthy) malady.

[LCSeminole]

Hey Mike, great to see you posting. Your worries on over-powering your Monitor 7's are definitely not an issue. I bet if we had a poll on the Lounge of how many members have speakers that handle less watts than their given power amplifiers can put out, I'd guess at least a third, if not more. Personally I'm one of those. My Klipsch Legend series speakers can handle up to 200watts max continuous and I'm driving them with an XPR-5, that is 400w x 5.

Anyhow, it sounds like you have a choice to make between the XPA-2 & XPA-5. Do let us know whatever road you end up taking!

[mikec92]

LCSeminole - Great to hear from you! I think I'll be ordering the XPA-2 in the next couple of days. I want to take advantage of the 10% off sale. I'm looking forward to getting it set up in my system.

Thank you all for the advice. It is great to talk with people who actually have experience with the products!

I'll post my impressions once I get it set up....

[Erwin.BE]

Both XPA-2 and XPA-5 are great and well designed amps. While the XPA-2 is superior, it remains to be heard if it's better than the XPA-5 with your L/R speakers. Also maybe the XPA-5 could make a better overall upgrade to your system.

Also don't rule out the XPA-200 if you want great value for money. This IMO is the best value for money stereo amp Emotiva (and therefore any other brand) offers. IMO, this is all you need for your L/R speaker specs.

I have none of these amps. But I do have the XPA-1 and XPR-5. So I know very high power doesn't hurt one bit... And I am experienced (old) enough to admit emotion plays a decisive role in long term satisfaction with a purchase. So it can be "wise" to give in to your urge to get the XPA-2 if this means you will not ask yourself "What if" sooner or later. I tend to get the best I can afford to avoid What-if's gnawing at the back of my brain...

So, it's up to you!

[mikec92]

Just a quick update....I finally made a decision and ordered the XPA-2. Must be a hot item since it isn't scheduled to ship until 09/25! I'm looking forward to getting it setup. I'm really looking forward to seeing what it will do for my system. I was almost sold on the XPA-100 mono blocks, but since they are so new there was no review material on them. Figured I couldn't go wrong with a proven commodity like the XPA-2.

Once these ship, how long are they usually in transit?

[mikec92]

Question....my speakers allow for bi-amp/biwiring. Any recommendations/experiences with bi-wiring from the xpa-2?

[knucklehead]

Bi-wiring is good - for the wire companies. They sell lots of wire when you do that. Think about it - your speakers have a shorting bar that feeds the signal from your amp/avr to the low/mid/high circuit inside your speakers. By removing the shorting bar and connecting two pairs of wires to the amp and then to the two sets of connections on the speakers all you've done is move the 'short' up the path a few feet. There is little or nothing to be gained by doing this. If you already have the wire give it a try. I suspect you'll find the same gains most of us have - nothing.

Bi-amping is a whole nother story altogether.

[mikec92]

Thanks! I currently have them bi-amped via my AVR. I'll likely reinstall the jumper bars to keep it simple.

I get how bi amping makes a difference, but just don't understand the whole bi-wiring theory....