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Post by ocezam on Apr 10, 2013 18:58:44 GMT -5
So I mentioned on this forum that I wasn't really satisfied with the XPA-100's I've been using temporarily while I wait for the XPA-1L's to be fixed. The XPA-100's do not have the punch and control on my speakers that my XPA-2 had. With my new rack a traditional 4ru amp wouldn't fit. After some internet research, some of which led me back here to posts by other members, I was introduced to Red Dragon Audio. The info on the net was that class D amps have come a long way in the last 5-6 years. Lots of audiophiles are buying and building their own. NCores, Ice amps, etc. Everything I read about Red Dragon Audio and the owner, Ryan Tew, reminded me of my experiences with Emotiva. Great prices, great products, great service! These new Mark II units have the latest ICE modules. I could only find one review of this specific amp. A couple guys on this forum have owned, or do own, the predecessor. I figured I'd give them a shot while I waited on Emotiva. My M500 mk II's came today. After letting them warm to room temperature, I pulled the XPA-100's from the rack and installed the Red Dragon's. WOW! I listened to three songs over and over with the XPA-100's, about 4 times each song, while the Dragons were warming to room temp. Then I hooked them up and played the same three songs. In just a couple bars the difference was startling. Immediate punch, crystal clarity, pinpoint imaging, bass and treble that my speakers have never had before. During the next few hours I also noticed a greatly expanded sound stage. In fact, the only other time I've heard a stage this wide and deep was back when I was running my Magnepan 1.6's. These Lsi15's never projected sound this wide! I not only got back to where I was with the XPA-2, I went several steps past it. I was hoping the XPA-1L's would give me this kind of a visceral experience. Heck I'm still hoping they will... I'm very anxious to see how the XPA-1L's stack up to these amps. They will have to be very good to beat the Dragons in my system. I believe they might. But at least I've found some amps that will work for me if the 1L's do not for some reason. I'm looking forward to a few weeks with these while I wait on the 1L's. Some pics. the first one obviously is with the XPA-100's:     |
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Post by garbulky on Apr 10, 2013 19:39:50 GMT -5
Very nice! Glad you found a great setup! I don't know if an XPA-1 L will be that significant of a difference that you mentioned. Hope so! I also really like that there's no power light. Where's the switch/indicator?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2013 20:05:38 GMT -5
>> Where's the switch/indicator? <<
It looks to me like the Dragon head itself lights up during power-on. Is this true? If so, it would be waaaayyyy cool to swap in a blue LED to replace the red LED, eh?
The switch is probably located on the back panel...
-RW-
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 10, 2013 20:38:11 GMT -5
Yes the Dragons light up.
Ocezam good to see you like the dragons. Ryan sure is a great guy to deal with. Great products as well.
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Post by creimes on Apr 10, 2013 20:55:38 GMT -5
It's crazy how an amp that weighs a mere 9lbs can crank that kinda power out.....
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2013 0:20:27 GMT -5
It's crazy how an amp that weighs a mere 9lbs can crank that kinda power out..... And those aren't even the big ones... ;D |
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Post by ocezam on Apr 11, 2013 7:05:50 GMT -5
>> Where's the switch/indicator? << It looks to me like the Dragon head itself lights up during power-on. Is this true? If so, it would be waaaayyyy cool to swap in a blue LED to replace the red LED, eh? The switch is probably located on the back panel... -RW- Correct on all accounts. I prefer the red actually. ... |
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Post by ocezam on Apr 11, 2013 7:13:58 GMT -5
Yes the Dragons light up. Ocezam good to see you like the dragons. Ryan sure is a great guy to deal with. Great products as well. Yeah Ryan is a great guy, his service is as good as Emotiva's. I don't know if an XPA-1 L will be that significant of a difference that you mentioned. Hope so! Maybe. Maybe not. I think the 1L will be the most unique amp from Emotiva in a long time. Probably since the RPA-1 & 2. It's crazy how an amp that weighs a mere 9lbs can crank that kinda power out..... And those aren't even the big ones... ;D Yes these amps are rated about the same as the 1L. 250/500 watts. Red Dragon has another one rated 500/1000. They really are pretty incredible. The power is very linear. I really cranked the music after a couple of cocktails. I never ran out of head room. Conversely, the dynamics at lower volumes are still quick and punchy and very engaging. Even my wife, who rarely comments on my audio addiction, other than to periodically roll her eyes, said at the end of the first song, "wow those do sound good. They sound so alive. I can't believe I hear such a big difference" Then she sat down next to me for the next three hours. She rarely does that either. Couldn't have said it better myself... ... ... |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2013 9:34:55 GMT -5
>> Then she sat down next to me for the next three hours. She rarely does that either. <<
Sweeeeeet! Dude, you just found your *keeper* amps...
-RW-
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bootman
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Typing useless posts on internet forums....
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Post by bootman on Apr 11, 2013 13:15:52 GMT -5
These use the ICEpower 250ASP modules?
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guitarforlife
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Post by guitarforlife on Apr 11, 2013 13:58:38 GMT -5
Hey thanks for posting this.
I had been looking at these.
Along with the Wyrd4sound and the anthems.
The anthems sound cool also from what I have read.
Cool thanks.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2013 17:51:46 GMT -5
These use the ICEpower 250ASP modules? Nope they use the new ICE ASX2 modules. |
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Post by brubacca on Apr 11, 2013 18:14:19 GMT -5
Even my wife, who rarely comments on my audio addiction, other than to periodically roll her eyes, said at the end of the first song, "wow those do sound good. They sound so alive. I can't believe I hear such a big difference" Then she sat down next to me for the next three hours. She rarely does that either. Couldn't have said it better myself... ... Think that the 1L is going to have a tough act to follow with such high marks from your wife. Good Luck. |
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Post by ocezam on Apr 11, 2013 18:56:55 GMT -5
>> Then she sat down next to me for the next three hours. She rarely does that either. << Sweeeeeet! Dude, you just found your *keeper* amps... -RW- Even my wife, who rarely comments on my audio addiction, other than to periodically roll her eyes, said at the end of the first song, "wow those do sound good. They sound so alive. I can't believe I hear such a big difference" Then she sat down next to me for the next three hours. She rarely does that either. Couldn't have said it better myself... ... Think that the 1L is going to have a tough act to follow with such high marks from your wife. Good Luck. Yeah, but I'll tell you, I am going to give the 1L's a fair shake. Emotiva has treated me VERY WELL during this period. I also believe the 1L's will be a very unique amp. We'll see which way I go, but I am keeping my mind wide open. ... |
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Post by ocezam on Apr 11, 2013 19:03:15 GMT -5
These use the ICEpower 250ASP modules? Nope they use the new ICE ASX2 modules. I believe n8dogg is correct. I'll admit to not knowing a lot about class D amps. And I know from my research n8dogg did a lot of research when he bought the predecessor to this amp ( I believe he got the bigger 500/1000 amp too). In any event, these use the newest ICE module. ... |
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Post by ocezam on Apr 11, 2013 19:17:36 GMT -5
Hey thanks for posting this. I had been looking at these. Along with the Wyrd4sound and the anthems. The anthems sound cool also from what I have read. Cool thanks. Your welcome. Wow those Anthems are pricey, like 7K a pair? I know it's all about the sound, but I also don't want something in my rack that IMHO looks bad. The Wyred4Sound amps are " butt ugly" in my opinion. I concede others may disagree. ... |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2013 20:14:40 GMT -5
Those cases are just SCREAMING at me lol
The things i'd add ;D
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Post by ocezam on Apr 11, 2013 20:20:12 GMT -5
Those cases are just SCREAMING at me lol The things i'd add ;D I hear you man! The thread your doing on your amps is Killer! I doubt I could afford your stuff though. ... |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2013 20:24:18 GMT -5
Those cases are just SCREAMING at me lol The things i'd add ;D I hear you man! The thread your doing on your amps is Killer! I doubt I could afford your stuff though. ... Thanks man! I sure your amps sound wonderful. I've owned a Class D Audio SDS-224 amp and a few ICE 125x2 amps. Very clear sound  |
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Post by pedrocols on Apr 11, 2013 22:33:51 GMT -5
Ocezam when did you get that cabinet...I really like it
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