|
|
Post by whovous on Nov 25, 2012 15:35:39 GMT -5
I am about to pull the trigger on an amp, preamp, and CD player for my vintage Dahlquist DQ-10s speakers which like to be driven with about 200 wpc. I am pretty much settled on the XSP-1 preamp and the ERC-2 CD player.
The amp choice comes down to the XPA-2 or a pair of the XPA-100s. My initial thought was that the XPA-100 is a newer design, and mono-blocs with their separate power supplies should have some advantages over the stereo XPA-2.
But when I compare the specs, I see that the XPA-2 offers more power and less distortion for less money. The choice seems so obvious in favor of the XPA-2 that I feel like I must be missing something. Am I? Why would any person in need of two channels of amplification chose the XPA-100 pair over the XPA-2?
|
|
|
|
Post by garbulky on Nov 25, 2012 15:44:20 GMT -5
The xpa-100 is the old upa-1 slightly redesigned. The XPA-100 has more capacitance and has the monoblock design. However, I agree the XPA-2 appears to be more capable overall. Even though the old UPA-1 was a performer above its price range, bumping up the price I think made it a slightly less great deal especially since all the other emo amps are still priced at the lower price ranges.
This amp is there simply for those that must have monobocks imo. The only other monoblock the XPA-1 is way more expensive.
|
|
|
|
Post by geebo on Nov 25, 2012 16:26:13 GMT -5
The XPA-2 will not disappoint. Ask anyone that owns one.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2012 16:57:49 GMT -5
|
|
ozz
Seeker Of Truth
Posts: 5
|
Post by ozz on Nov 25, 2012 18:32:40 GMT -5
I own several pieces of Acurus gear...an A250, A100, RL-11 (pre), as well as an Aragon 4004MkII and an Aragon 18K pre (Mondial used to own both Acurus (the "value" line) and Aragon).
A friend of mine used to own a stereo store and carried Acurus, so I've heard pretty much all their amps, pre's and a CD player they made for a while. All were quite decent.
I don't want to steer anyone one way or the other....but you definitely wouldn't be making a mistake in picking that up. And the price actually is pretty good.
The stuff was made in the USA and I've never had a problem with anything of theirs. There WAS a "blinking power light" problem on some of the older era amps...(the A250 for example)..but I don't think the A200s were ever cursed with that little issue.
If I didn't need a new CD player, I'd probably jump on that amp myself.
|
|
|
|
Post by Porscheguy on Nov 25, 2012 18:46:14 GMT -5
It really doesn't matter. All Emotiva amps are the same and there are new models because marketing 101 says its time to repackage. All the amps that are similar in power will sound the same. Why? Because they are all the same......... Get what you like and to suit your channel needs..
No kiddin...
People get way too lost in the specs. All Emotiva amps are great performers..
|
|
|
|
Post by whovous on Nov 25, 2012 19:22:25 GMT -5
Now why did you have to go and confuse me like that? I was all set to buy the XPA-2 and have a nicely matched set of blue lights as well as get the chance to use all balanced cables for the first time, and you had to go and throw the A200 into the mix. I remember lusting after Acurus amps back in the day... I think I am going to with the all-Emo rack (well, except for the Linn turntable), but the A200 really is tempting. Thanks for pointing it out. |
|
|
|
Post by sharkman on Nov 25, 2012 19:24:59 GMT -5
Do the dalquist's have 2 tweeters? Tried to find some info on them online. Would you say they sound brighter or warmer?
|
|
|
|
Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 25, 2012 19:50:03 GMT -5
Do the dalquist's have 2 tweeters? Tried to find some info on them online. Would you say they sound brighter or warmer? The DQ-10 was one of the first time aligned speakers, it's a 5-way design with a piezoelectric super tweeter, aesthetically they look like Quad electrostats. They do need some power, at least 150W so either of these would do fine. If you weren't going to put the XPA-100's close to the speakers then the XPA-2 would work well. I sold them and had a pair myself, fond memories, they could get bright with improper placement or electronics (like anything but maybe a little more so). |
|
|
|
Post by whovous on Nov 25, 2012 20:03:04 GMT -5
I like to joke that my system is state of the, circa 1975. It includes a GAS Thalia preamp and an Ampzilla that was updated by James Bongiorno himself. However, the electronics are getting very old, and require more time and attention (i.e., repairs) than I am capable of giving them. I've decided I want to start listening to vinyl again, and that alone will cause me enough problems, without also having to deal with the electronics as well. Hence the decision to go new. I guess wanting new influenced my decision on the A200 as well, although I have no doubt that it is a great amp.
|
|
|
|
Post by AudioHTIT on Nov 25, 2012 20:58:59 GMT -5
I like to joke that my system is state of the, circa 1975. It includes a GAS Thalia preamp and an Ampzilla that was updated by James Bongiorno himself. However, the electronics are getting very old, and require more time and attention (i.e., repairs) than I am capable of giving them. I've decided I want to start listening to vinyl again, and that alone will cause me enough problems, without also having to deal with the electronics as well. Hence the decision to go new. I guess wanting new influenced my decision on the A200 as well, although I have no doubt that it is a great amp. Interesting, I drove my DQ-10's with an SAE MK IIICM which was also designed by James Bongiorno, later upped it to an SAE MK 2500 which was based on his design; I drove my first pair(s) of Maggies with those as well (MGII). The GAS gear was good sounding and well respected. I can understand wanting new, and matched, I think the Emo's will do you well. |
|
|
|
Post by whovous on Nov 25, 2012 23:02:03 GMT -5
Bongo Jim has a new company called Ampzilla 2000. Products make my Ampzilla look pretty. Well reviewed, but out of my price range now.
|
|
