Limited Edition XPA-1 #0009 & #0010

[darkvisions]

I received my Limited Edition XPA-1’s (0009 and 0010) this past Friday at work. They sat in my truck all afternoon and when I got them home I had to carry them into the house. Man these things are heavy. As usual the packing was first rate. The outside boxes showed some wear and a few tears but the inner box was flawless.

I opened the boxes and saw that my amps were wrapped in a black velour type bag, a nice touch. I took them out and put them on the island in my kitchen. These are absolutely gorgeous, stunning actually. The laser etching really give these something special. If they sound anywhere near as good as they look I thought I am in for a treat.

I let them sit in the kitchen overnight as it was snowing and cold on Friday and I didn’t want to take any chances if there was any condensation from being in the cold all afternoon.

I hooked them up Saturday morning and put in Blow By Blow and played my favorite song “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers”. I proceeded to turn everything up and I was blown away. I know this song like the back of my hand and it was like listening to it for the first time again. I thought there was no way this song could sound any better when I listened to it with the XPA-2…boy was I wrong. I kept turning it up louder and louder and it sounded better and better. The power these amps have is unbelievable. I listened to this song about 5 times in a row and was astounded at how this sounded. Powerful, refined and with a sense of openness that has to be experienced. The imaging was out of this world. I could hear every instrument with crystal clear clarity. It literally gave me goose bumps.

I proceeded to play Gates Of Babylon off Holy Diver Live after Jeff Beck as I wanted to get a feel for what these could do with hard rock. The opening keyboard solo gave me chills and when the rest of the band kicked in and Ronnie started singing I was floored. These things can rock. The power of this song came through like never before. Even at insane volume levels these amps delivered. There was no doubt that these will never run out of power.

I only had time to put in Amy Winehouse Live In London before I had to go meet up with my brother and some friends to watch the Bruins game.

Again I was blown away at how effortless these amps sound. Winehouse may be a train wreck but this is one great concert DVD. I like this especially because of her backing band. Every bass line was deep and defined. The horn section is off to the left and that just where they are in the sound stage. And the sound stage that these amps present is enormous. The sound envelopes the room. I can safely say that this is the best sounding system that I have ever had.

Later on Saturday night is when we really put these through a torture test. The following concert DVD’s are what we played and all were done in just two channel;
Thin Lizzy Live and Dangerous
Megadeth – That One Night Live in Buenos Aires
Jeff Beck – Japan 1999
Amy Winehouse – Live In London
Iron Maiden – Live After Death
Dio – Holy Diver Live
Beth Hart – Live At Paradiso
Gov’t Mule – The Deepest End

It didn’t matter what we were listening to or at how loud we were listening these amps just kept on rocking. The sound was flawless. All four of us were in awe at how great everything sounded. As Emotiva states on the XPA-1 product page..effortless. You really have to hear the difference these make to believe it. I thought my system sounded unbelievable with the XPA-2 but it sounds even better with the XPA-1's. Even at ear bleeding levels the sound was amazing. The blue led's didn't even get halfway. I really don't think I could get these to clip...I didn't try. We had it up to 120db on my SPL meter for some songs and it didn't even seem that loud as the sound is that fantastic.

No sign of fatigue whatsoever. Just clean pristine powerful sound at all levels.

Simply put these amps deliver and are definitely reference quality. If you have ever wanted monoblocks buy these right away. You will not be disappointed and will never have to buy another amp again that is how good these are.

And for Bigred...some photos to enjoy...

s497.photobucket.com/albums/rr335/darkvisionsinc/

[Lonnie]

Dec 21, 2008 10:32:59 GMT -5 darkvisions said:

I received my Limited Edition XPA-1’s (0009 and 0010) this past Friday at work. They sat in my truck all afternoon and when I got them home I had to carry them into the house. Man these things are heavy. As usual the packing was first rate. The outside boxes showed some wear and a few tears but the inner box was flawless.

I opened the boxes and saw that my amps were wrapped in a black velour type bag, a nice touch. I took them out and put them on the island in my kitchen. These are absolutely gorgeous, stunning actually. The laser etching really give these something special. If they sound anywhere near as good as they look I thought I am in for a treat.

I let them sit in the kitchen overnight as it was snowing and cold on Friday and I didn’t want to take any chances if there was any condensation from being in the cold all afternoon.

I hooked them up Saturday morning and put in Blow By Blow and played my favorite song “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers”. I proceeded to turn everything up and I was blown away. I know this song like the back of my hand and it was like listening to it for the first time again. I thought there was no way this song could sound any better when I listened to it with the XPA-2…boy was I wrong. I kept turning it up louder and louder and it sounded better and better. The power these amps have is unbelievable. I listened to this song about 5 times in a row and was astounded at how this sounded. Powerful, refined and with a sense of openness that has to be experienced. The imaging was out of this world. I could hear every instrument with crystal clear clarity. It literally gave me goose bumps.

I proceeded to play Gates Of Babylon off Holy Diver Live after Jeff Beck as I wanted to get a feel for what these could do with hard rock. The opening keyboard solo gave me chills and when the rest of the band kicked in and Ronnie started singing I was floored. These things can rock. The power of this song came through like never before. Even at insane volume levels these amps delivered. There was no doubt that these will never run out of power.

I only had time to put in Amy Winehouse Live In London before I had to go meet up with my brother and some friends to watch the Bruins game.

Again I was blown away at how effortless these amps sound. Winehouse may be a train wreck but this is one great concert DVD. I like this especially because of her backing band. Every bass line was deep and defined. The horn section is off to the left and that just where they are in the sound stage. And the sound stage that these amps present is enormous. The sound envelopes the room. I can safely say that this is the best sounding system that I have ever had.

Later on Saturday night is when we really put these through a torture test. The following concert DVD’s are what we played and all were done in just two channel;
Thin Lizzy Live and Dangerous
Megadeth – That One Night Live in Buenos Aires
Jeff Beck – Japan 1999
Amy Winehouse – Live In London
Iron Maiden – Live After Death
Dio – Holy Diver Live
Beth Hart – Live At Paradiso
Gov’t Mule – The Deepest End

It didn’t matter what we were listening to or at how loud we were listening these amps just kept on rocking. The sound was flawless. All four of us were in awe at how great everything sounded. As Emotiva states on the XPA-1 product page..effortless. You really have to hear the difference these make to believe it. I thought my system sounded unbelievable with the XPA-2 but it sounds even better with the XPA-1's. Even at ear bleeding levels the sound was amazing. The blue led's didn't even get halfway. I really don't think I could get these to clip...I didn't try. We had it up to 120db on my SPL meter for some songs and it didn't even seem that loud as the sound is that fantastic.

No sign of fatigue whatsoever. Just clean pristine powerful sound at all levels.

Simply put these amps deliver and are definitely reference quality. If you have ever wanted monoblocks buy these right away. You will not be disappointed and will never have to buy another amp again that is how good these are.

And for Bigred...some photos to enjoy...

s497.photobucket.com/albums/rr335/darkvisionsinc/

;D

[bigred7078]

awesome write up darkvisions!!!!! thats awesome they are every bit as good as you hoped! Im jealous! and holy crap 120db's haha NICE! And thanks for the picture porn! They look gorgeous!!!

[jmilton]

Those amps are gorgeous! That and Amy "the rednosed" Winehouse...you have one rockin' mortuary! What's to become of your XPA-2?

[darkvisions]

Dec 21, 2008 11:07:17 GMT -5 jmilton said:

Those amps are gorgeous! That and Amy "the rednosed" Winehouse...you have one rockin' mortuary! What's to become of your XPA-2?

Will be selling it after the holidays

[akbungle]

Dec 21, 2008 10:32:59 GMT -5 darkvisions said:

I only had time to put in Amy Winehouse Live In London before I had to go meet up with my brother and some friends to watch the Bruins game.

Winehouse may be a train wreck but this is one great concert DVD. I like this especially because of her backing band. Every bass line was deep and defined. The horn section is off to the left and that just where they are in the sound stage. And the sound stage that these amps present is enormous. The sound envelopes the room. I can safely say that this is the best sounding system that I have ever had.

I was looking around for the Amy Winehouse disc you were referring to and found this:
www.amazon.com/Winehouse-Told-Trouble-London-Blu-ray/dp/B001CJJWWA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1229885574&sr=8-2

Thought you may be interested. It's a import but Blu-ray none the less.

[darkvisions]

Dec 21, 2008 14:01:36 GMT -5 akbungle said:

Dec 21, 2008 10:32:59 GMT -5 darkvisions said:

I only had time to put in Amy Winehouse Live In London before I had to go meet up with my brother and some friends to watch the Bruins game.

Winehouse may be a train wreck but this is one great concert DVD. I like this especially because of her backing band. Every bass line was deep and defined. The horn section is off to the left and that just where they are in the sound stage. And the sound stage that these amps present is enormous. The sound envelopes the room. I can safely say that this is the best sounding system that I have ever had.

I was looking around for the Amy Winehouse disc you were referring to and found this:
www.amazon.com/Winehouse-Told-Trouble-London-Blu-ray/dp/B001CJJWWA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1229885574&sr=8-2

Thought you may be interested. It's a import but Blu-ray none the less.

Thanks Man....just put it in my shopping cart and hopefully the price will drop a little....

[arctikdeth]

as soon as i get some descent speakers, ill get em hot......im notorious for seeing what amps are made of. must....wait......til....summer. oh well, the wait will be worth it im sure. enjoy your new amps, they are nice arent they!!!?

[RPA-1 man]

Congrats on your new baby's. They are something else.

[lonnie]

Dec 21, 2008 10:32:59 GMT -5 darkvisions said:

I received my Limited Edition XPA-1’s (0009 and 0010) this past Friday at work. They sat in my truck all afternoon and when I got them home I had to carry them into the house. Man these things are heavy. As usual the packing was first rate. The outside boxes showed some wear and a few tears but the inner box was flawless.

I opened the boxes and saw that my amps were wrapped in a black velour type bag, a nice touch. I took them out and put them on the island in my kitchen. These are absolutely gorgeous, stunning actually. The laser etching really give these something special. If they sound anywhere near as good as they look I thought I am in for a treat.

I let them sit in the kitchen overnight as it was snowing and cold on Friday and I didn’t want to take any chances if there was any condensation from being in the cold all afternoon.

I hooked them up Saturday morning and put in Blow By Blow and played my favorite song “Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers”. I proceeded to turn everything up and I was blown away. I know this song like the back of my hand and it was like listening to it for the first time again. I thought there was no way this song could sound any better when I listened to it with the XPA-2…boy was I wrong. I kept turning it up louder and louder and it sounded better and better. The power these amps have is unbelievable. I listened to this song about 5 times in a row and was astounded at how this sounded. Powerful, refined and with a sense of openness that has to be experienced. The imaging was out of this world. I could hear every instrument with crystal clear clarity. It literally gave me goose bumps.

I proceeded to play Gates Of Babylon off Holy Diver Live after Jeff Beck as I wanted to get a feel for what these could do with hard rock. The opening keyboard solo gave me chills and when the rest of the band kicked in and Ronnie started singing I was floored. These things can rock. The power of this song came through like never before. Even at insane volume levels these amps delivered. There was no doubt that these will never run out of power.

I only had time to put in Amy Winehouse Live In London before I had to go meet up with my brother and some friends to watch the Bruins game.

Again I was blown away at how effortless these amps sound. Winehouse may be a train wreck but this is one great concert DVD. I like this especially because of her backing band. Every bass line was deep and defined. The horn section is off to the left and that just where they are in the sound stage. And the sound stage that these amps present is enormous. The sound envelopes the room. I can safely say that this is the best sounding system that I have ever had.

Later on Saturday night is when we really put these through a torture test. The following concert DVD’s are what we played and all were done in just two channel;
Thin Lizzy Live and Dangerous
Megadeth – That One Night Live in Buenos Aires
Jeff Beck – Japan 1999
Amy Winehouse – Live In London
Iron Maiden – Live After Death
Dio – Holy Diver Live
Beth Hart – Live At Paradiso
Gov’t Mule – The Deepest End

It didn’t matter what we were listening to or at how loud we were listening these amps just kept on rocking. The sound was flawless. All four of us were in awe at how great everything sounded. As Emotiva states on the XPA-1 product page..effortless. You really have to hear the difference these make to believe it. I thought my system sounded unbelievable with the XPA-2 but it sounds even better with the XPA-1's. Even at ear bleeding levels the sound was amazing. The blue led's didn't even get halfway. I really don't think I could get these to clip...I didn't try. We had it up to 120db on my SPL meter for some songs and it didn't even seem that loud as the sound is that fantastic.

No sign of fatigue whatsoever. Just clean pristine powerful sound at all levels.

Simply put these amps deliver and are definitely reference quality. If you have ever wanted monoblocks buy these right away. You will not be disappointed and will never have to buy another amp again that is how good these are.

And for Bigred...some photos to enjoy...

s497.photobucket.com/albums/rr335/darkvisionsinc/

Loved the review ;D and more importantly I am glad to hear you love the amps ;D

[dougie085]

As much as I want to finish up my 5.1 setup....I feel like I have to buy these instead of the XPA-2 ..... I wish I could afford them now while they are 100 bucks cheaper haha...unfortunately I have to wait until tax returns.

[darkvisions]

Dec 21, 2008 23:58:40 GMT -5 dougie085 said:

As much as I want to finish up my 5.1 setup....I feel like I have to buy these instead of the XPA-2 ..... I wish I could afford them now while they are 100 bucks cheaper haha...unfortunately I have to wait until tax returns.

The XPA-2 is an amazing amp but the XPA-1's are just something special....they will be worth the wait in my opinion...

[darkvisions]

Just wanted to add a quick note. Just listened to Al DiMeola Elegant Gypsy last night. Mediterranean Sundance with Paco DeLucia was totally amazing. I must have listened to that 10 times in a row last night. The separation between the two acoustic guitars was mind boggling.

I sat back and closed my eyes, it was like Al and Paco were playing in my living room. I heard individual notes and strums on this song that I didn't even know were there before. Simply stunning. It was lifelike...simply put the XPA-1's allow you to hear music the way it was supposed to be heard

[arctikdeth]

DAMNET I wish i had speakers!!!!!! these old RCAs' just dont do it, there so thin & tinny sounding,..unless thats the amps? but i doubt it. they have a very high spl midrange compared to the woofer & tweeter which seem to blend nicely, but the midrange is so high pitched and tinny. i hate it, must wait til summer if work picks up to get descent speakers. maybe ill save for the Vienna this time, and not get the axioms', then again i could get the polk rti a9s' from the polk b-stock for a fraction of the cost of new. decisions. im not sure which speaker is best suited for LOUD METAL and rock & roll. AND some folk acoustic spakers, i need a FULL spectrum speaker, which can play Slayers Hell awaits loud and clear as well as dog & butterfly by heart and john denver. among others. from ac/dc to zappa, anyone know which of these would be better suited for my m,usical listening?? no klipsch-to tinny. no bose-there cheap and build quality is crappy

[flamingeye]

You think the klipsch`s RF 7 with dual 10" woofer`s are tinny ?You know there great with the kind of music your talking about & loud as hell

[arctikdeth]

Dec 28, 2008 15:10:02 GMT -5 flamingeye said:

You think the klipsch`s RF 7 with dual 10" woofer`s are tinny ?You know there great with the kind of music your talking about & loud as hell

mostly talking about the corner horns, the horns are very thin and have way to much treble for my taste.

[flamingeye]

Well I agree with you on the being bright but thin I have not experienced & I have had lots of klipsch`s but emotiva`s class H amp has taken care of the bright problem, for me anyway , I do like the loud in your face thou that klipsch can give you & still be mellow when need be at least that has been my experience

[arctikdeth]

Dec 28, 2008 16:16:46 GMT -5 flamingeye said:

Well I agree with you on the being bright but thin I have not experienced & I have had lots of klipsch`s but emotiva`s class H amp has taken care of the bright problem, for me anyway , I do like the loud in your face thou that klipsch can give you & still be mellow when need be at least that has been my experience

when driven hard Klipsch will do justoice to any metal album! i agree on that!!

[sid]

IS the XPA-1 Biwirable

thanks
sis

[soulrider4ever]

Jun 2, 2010 10:07:56 GMT -5 sid said:

IS the XPA-1 Biwirable

thanks
sis

yes