My XPA-5, best of both worlds!

[scottnv]

I just got my XPA-5 two days ago so I would like to post my impressions. Let me state that I have been into Audio and Home Theater equipment for 30 years now and have had and used alot of equipment over those years, in all kinds of price ranges.

First off - WOW what fast shipping! I ordered online on Monday 12/22 at 9pm, it was processed by Emotiva Tuesday in the am and I received it on my doorstep Wednesday 12/24 at 9:30am!!! 36 hours from order time to doorstep!!!

I am using this amp in both my stereo setup and my home theater to give me the best of both worlds - let me explain.

For stereo, I have a pair of Magnepan 1.6QR's that I run thru a Cambridge Audio 540A preamp. I use a Rotel RCC-1055 CD changer for my source. For stereo I use channels 1 & 5 of the XPA-5 to power the Maggie's - it provides 450 wpc to the 4 ohm Magnepan 1.6's!!!

For Home Theater I have a Blue Ray player and a 1080P projector. I have a Denon AVR-988 that I use for Dolby True HD and DTS Master Audio. I have a set of Mordaunt Short 500THX system speakers in a 6.1 setup. For this setup, I use the middle channels 2,3 & 4 to power my Left, Right and Center speakers of the Home Theater. I let the Denon power the Surround Left, Right and Surround Back. This way the XPA-5 puts out 250 watts into the 3 channels at 8 ohms.

Finally the sound - In a word AWESOME. My Magnepan 1.6QR's have never sounded so full of life and dynamics since the XPA-5 has powered them. The 450 watts into each of the 2 channels gives me almost unlimited dynamics - no strain or harshness at any volume. Very smooth and clear sounding setup. My CD's have never sounded better.

For Home Theater - again excellent. Freeing up the amp duties from the Denon for the front 3 channels to the XPA-5 has made the Dolby True soundtracks explosive! Again so clear, crystal and effortless sounding.

So in conclusion using the XPA-5 in dual purpose, 2 channels for my stereo listening and 3 channels for my Home Theater has not only made everything sound mutiples times better but for $699 shipped, I have taken my system(s) to another level for a fraction of the cost of other amps (and I have tried a few pricier ones out)

If you have both Stereo and Home Theater like I do try my idea of using 2 channels for stereo and 3 channels in combination with a good preamp and home theater AVR and you to will discover what INCREDIBLE sound you can have without spending a fortune!

I highly recommend this product!!!

[jmilton]

...now don't hold back! What do you really think about the XPA-5?

Welcome to the family and thanks for the review! ;D



PS- You have some great equipment, too!

[jons]

I am going to use mine for dual duty as well... can't wait till it arrives on Monday! thanks for the review!

[carbonsummit]

You mentioned you hooked the left and right fronts to 1 and 5. Is there an power advantage in that? I know the less speakers you hook up the more power you get but I don't really know what goes on under the cover of my XPA-5 to know if where you hook the front two matters!

[chuck97]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first time on the Emo website. I am interested in the multichanned amplifier. If anyone in the Bay Area owns one, I would consider it a privilege to stop by for a listening session. Let me know if you are open to the idea, and we can coordinate schedules.

Cheers,

Chuck

[hemster]

Hi chuck, welcome to the forum and the Emo family..

I live in the Tampa Bay area but I bet you were asking about the other coast weren't you?

Please post some details of your current/proposed setup, components, room, listening/viewing preference etc.. so we can provide feedback.

[bfisher]

Mar 13, 2009 15:33:32 GMT -5 carbonsummit said:

You mentioned you hooked the left and right fronts to 1 and 5. Is there an power advantage in that? I know the less speakers you hook up the more power you get but I don't really know what goes on under the cover of my XPA-5 to know if where you hook the front two matters!

There is no power advantage... however by separating the two channels in the chassis - you reduce the heat. The XPA-5 runs quite cool anyways, but every little bit helps.